Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson has Anna Fader and Mommy Poppins to thank for learning to appreciate her own state. Before she started editing Mommy Poppins NJ, Shari dragged her spawn into NYC for any type of "culture"; now she knows all the good stuff to be had in New Jersey and is not so fast to hop on that PATH train. In her other life, Shari is a comedic playwright ("Maybe Baby, It's You", Dramatic Publishing, Inc.), a humor blogger ("Earth Mother just means I'm dusty"), and a freelance writer. She is mother to four (two human, two pug) and resides in Hoboken, where she can be found jogging along the waterfront or dragging her Brownie troop of 30 crazy little girls around town.
You can also follow Shari on Google+.

Latest posts by Shari

New Jersey Weekend Events November 13 &14: Gingerbread Houses, Teddy Bears, Geocaching and the NY Chocolate Show!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 11/11/2010 - 8:36pm

I have one word for you people: CHOCOLATE. Do you really need to read any further? Well, if the thought of the 13th Annual New York Chocolate Show does not send shivers down your spine like it does mine and force you to haul yourself into Manhattan for the day, there are other fun and free events in New Jersey this weekend. Gingerbread House making, teddy bear picnics and geocaching round out our favorites list, but hey… you know where you’ll find me. See you by the truffles!

NJ Weekend Events October 30-31: Things to Do on Halloween plus Sugarloaf Crafts Festival and Day of the Dead!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 10/28/2010 - 2:34pm

What could be more fun than making Bread of the Dead? Not much, right? In New Jersey this weekend you can celebrate some fine American ghouls and goblins, or join in a Latino Heritage Festival and celebrate Day of the Dead with sugar skulls, Mexican hot chocolate and Pan de Muertos. Or you can party in a non-Halloween fashion and go to the huge Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. Whatever you choose, have a fun, only mildly scary weekend! (And check our Halloween Guide for more Halloween thrills.)

New Jersey Weekend Events October 16-17: Halloween Fun, FREE Truck-Touching, Swap Your Stuff, and They Might Be Giants!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 9:45am

Yes, it’s October and Halloween is always the star, but even if you’re not into fun frights, there’s still plenty to do in New Jersey this weekend. Six Flags is continuing their “Thrills by Day, Fright by Night” weekend parties and you can “Boo” at the Zoo with Scooby Doo, but you can also make your own scarecrow, get up close and personal with fire trucks and bulldozers, and see one of our absolute favorite kids’ groups, They Might Be Giants, in concert. Have fun!

Weekend Events in NJ October 2-3: Kidstock, Bedstock, a FREE Applefest and the Ultimate Block Party!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 09/30/2010 - 11:59am

So similar and yet so different… NJ has two tea parties (American Girl and Grandma and Granddaughter) and two ‘stock' events this weekend, not to mention a fitness fair, a self-portrait painting workshop for kids and something marvy called The Ultimate Block Party, which just might make a trip into the Big Apple necessary. Good times, folks, good times…

Weekend events in NJ September 18-19! FREE Clown Shows, Back to School Bashes, Oktoberfest, and a Hairspray Party!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 9:10pm

There’s a crazy amount of fun happening in Jersey this weekend, so much that we could only bring you the highlights. Lots of end of summer/back to school partying with Barista Kids and Duke Farms, a weekend of wackiness called Clownfest, and you can even shave your noggin bald for a good cause. The kids deserve some fun for surviving the first full week of school, so take them out to one of these events and have a blast!

Sneak Peak: Turtle Back Zoo's New Aquarium Exhibit

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 09/07/2010 - 10:36pm

There’s something new at the zoo! (Besides the new face painting and glitter tattoo artist, of course). The charming Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange has been around since 1963, but it’s always re-inventing itself. In late September (date to be determined) Turtle Back will open its newest exhibit, “Worlds of Water” aquarium. Here I'll share details with you about the aquarium that will definitely be on your must visit list.

Labor Day Events in New Jersey!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 08/31/2010 - 10:00am

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, an excuse for a big barbecue party, and the day you stop wearing white. But originally it was a creation of the labor movement and dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers who have contributed to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. However you wish to honor it, we’ve got some suggestions on how to spend your first Monday of September. Have fun and Hello, Fall!

NJ Weekend Events August 28-29: OMG Glam Tea Party, Rockit! Live, Yo Gabba Gabba! and FREE Back to School Healthy Goodies!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 11:20am

If you’re looking for some NJ-centric activities this weekend, rumor has it that Miss New Jersey and Miss Teen New Jersey 2010 are going to be at the OMG! Glam Tea Party. Beauty contestants and Glam tea? Can’t get much more Jersey than that. If this is just too girly for your almost-last weekend of summer, Rockit! Live will have plenty of teenaged boys playing electric guitars, and the St. Sebastian Feast statue will definitely be male. Or just go unisex and enjoy chocolate and vanilla treats at Camden Children’s Garden or haul bootie all the way down to Philly to see the immensely popular Yo Gabba Gabba Live. However you slice it, enjoy your last weekend of August!