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

GIVEAWAY! Great Children's Books from Publisher Simon and Schuster

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 12/07/2011 - 1:00pm

I was lucky enough to attend the Book Preview “Simon and Schuster celebrates Moms & Blogs & Books!” (courtesy of the Buzzing Bloggers) It was, indeed, a celebration of all things Mom and all things Books and now our readers have cause to celebrate too--we are giving away four gift packs of Simon and Schuster Children’s books! To win these incredible books just in time for holiday gifts by such celebrated children’s/young adult authors as Matthew Van Fleet (“Moo”), Rachel Renee Russell (“Dork Diaries”) and James Howe (“Bunnicula”), read on!

GIVEAWAY! "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play": Review and Free Tickets

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 6:00am

For many of us, watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” is as much a holiday tradition as hanging stockings or baking cookies for the full-figured man in red. I have seen the film many times and consider myself a “IAWL” purist, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a different version. Happy to report that the consistently excellent Mile Square Theater won me over with their charming “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”. Read on for my review and a chance to win tickets to this Wonderful show.

Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey: “The Toymaker’s Apprentice”.

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 11/16/2011 - 5:36pm

Yes, we’ve been wearing t-shirts, but it’s officially the holidays, nonetheless. Make special memories with your kids by taking them to a holiday show in NJ! Nutcrackers and Christmas Carols abound, but there are other options as well, and we will do our best to find the fun ones out there, starting with “The Toymaker’s Apprentice” at Hudson Theater Ensemble’s Children’s Series “Silly on Sixth”.

GIVEAWAY! Tickets to "The Nutcracker" at South Orange Performing Arts Center

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 6:00am

The holiday season without a performance of "The Nutcracker" would be very sad indeed--you might as well forget the tree and the decorations and tell your kids the real deal about you-know-who. That's why we'd like to make sure that two of our readers' families get a chance to see this very special show at one of our favorite venues--South Orange Performing Arts Center. Read on to find out how to enter to win one of two family 4-packs of tickets!

Things To Do With Kids In New Jersey This Weekend November 11-13: Dinosaur Fest, Cider Making, and iPlay America!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 6:00am

If you’ve made it to the weekend, that means you survived the NJ school break—we salute you! Reward yourself with lots of fun this Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to pay homage to our Veterans on Veteran's Day (11/11), then take your pick from this weekend's fun activities which include dinosaurs, amusement parks, and rampant pajama-wearing in museums.

Fun Things To Do With Kids During Fall Break in New Jersey November 9-11

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 6:00am

Well, our kids’ teachers (a.k.a., our saviors) are off to the NJEA Convention for a couple of days this week, leaving us with bored children at home. Sure, they could watch TV for 72 straight hours or force you to do glue-y and paint-y crafts, but we’d like to give you a few more options. Try a camp or see a play or head out to the grand opening of an indoor amusement park. But whatever you do, savor the moments—you know, because we only have about ninety more school days off coming up.

Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend November 4-6: Smash Your Pumpkins, Wear Pajamas, or Take In a Family Fest!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 11/03/2011 - 9:14am

What is up with our wonky weather? We're hoping that everyone has electricity again and is ready to enjoy a great weekend. Yeah, October ended with snow (!), but before the cold (and hibernation) settles in for good, there are still pumpkins to be smashed, pajamas to be worn, clay to be made and lots of concerts to enjoy. Stay warm, New Jersey.

Writers Needed for New Jersey Mommy Poppins!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 7:00am

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed, but New Jersey is a big state. BIG. And as Mommy Poppins expands to cover more of this BIG place, we find ourselves in need of more writers who want to help us create the best content for local parents. We're looking for freelance bloggers to write reviews of local venues and events, as well as well-researched roundups of the top activities, classes and experiences for kids. Read on for additional information and instructions on how to apply.