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

Mommy Poppins Guide to Holiday Activities in NJ

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 11/20/2012 - 1:21pm

Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, your holiday head can spin like a sparkly top. That's where we come in! Check out our Holiday Fun Guide for the best activities in caroling, gingerbreading, menorah-ing, and all those other holiday "ing" words. We'll be adding new events daily so check back often for what's awesome in NJ during the happiest time of the year. And don't forget to check out Mommy Poppins NYC's Guide for NY fun. Happy holidays!

Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Nov. 10-11: Pinkalicious,Train Festival, Free Day at National Parks!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 11/06/2012 - 10:38pm

We're keeping an eye on the nor'easter, but provided that we make it through, there are a number of fun events that might just rejuvenate our spirits. Maybe you'd like Pinkalicious and her pink cupcakes, or you'd rather spend some time outdoors on a free admission day to NJ's gorgeous national parks. However you slice it, we're all trying to rebuild and enjoy, and hopefully the weather will cooperate. And remember, you can always find a full selection of activities in our Event calendar.

What's Open in NJ Today

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Sun, 11/04/2012 - 11:40pm

As our state struggles to recover from the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, it can be very difficult to think about having fun with your kids--it feels almost like an insult to those who are suffering in so many areas. But for those who have children who need a much-deserved distraction and for those businesses and venues that we love to regain their footing, it feels important to try. Although Governor Christie originally designated today as the "make-up" Halloween, many towns are not nearly ready, so we're left, once again, with kids that have no school and nothing to do. So if you have the desire--and the gas--here are a few of MP's favorite venues that are open Monday, November 5.

Our thoughts & prayers are with you, NJ

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 11/01/2012 - 10:40am

I am writing this from a friend's home in Weehawken after having evacuated our home in Hoboken. I know that many of you are in a similar position and some, much worse. All the Mommy Poppins family send their thoughts and prayers to our readers and our entire state. Obviously, there are very few venues that are even open this weekend, so we will not be posting our weekend events, but here is one of our most popular articles for stuck-in-the-house craziness, 99 Sensory Activities for Kids. For those who wanted to enter our Barefoot Books giveaway, we will extend the deadline to subscribe for another week. Please check our Facebook page for updates and we'll see you soon. You know we love you, NJ.

Fun Stuff To Do Indoors During Hurricane Sandy

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Sun, 10/28/2012 - 3:44pm

Well, NJ, for the second year in a row, we’re facing a whole lot of “indoor time” with our kids due to freakish weather. We will say nothing about global warming in this post (ahem), only give you some great ideas for fun stuff to do inside while Sandy rages outside. Check out the tips from our own NJ writers, or hope over to NYC Mommy Poppins for a more extensive list of don’t-go-crazy ideas. Stay safe, NJ!

Join Mommy Poppins NJ at Metro Moms' Healthy and Green Halloween Bash (with a great GIVEAWAY)!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:05pm

We love "green" and we love rhyming, so you bet we’re loving Green Halloween! Mommy Poppins NJ is excited to be participating in the Healthy and Green Halloween Bash with our pals, the Metro Moms. Dress the kids in costume for a weekend afternoon of healthy trick-or-treating, dancing, playing, games, natural organic products and treats, facepainting, arts & crafts and a super special secret GIVEAWAY just for MP NJ fans (read on for the super special secret details)!

Go, Dog, Go! at the Mile Square Theater

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 09/27/2012 - 5:42pm

When you can capture the imaginations of a theater full of children with only a few actors, a few props and very few words, it seems that your play may be a hit. This is the case with MP fave Mile Square Theater's "Go, Dog, Go!" Gentle and unhurried, with bold colors, striking images, catchy music and tons of physical humor, "Go, Dog, Go!" is a breath of fresh air for our (not yours, of course, but somebody's) screen-obsessed kids.

Classes and Extracurricular Activities in NJ: The Mommy Poppins Guide

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 10:55am

It's that special time of year when school is on the brain and we're all thinking about great classes and activities in which we can involve our kids (and ourselves). So we at Mommy Poppins NJ are delighted and pumped and excited and all those happy -ed words, to introduce our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide for New Jersey! Check out our ever-growing list of great classes in our fair state, complete with general listings and full articles about our faves. Classy!