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

Halloween Weekend in New Jersey October 28-31

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 11:39pm

We’ve haled the haunted houses, prattled on about the parades and listed Halloween events until we’re Wicked-Witch-green in the face. But guess what? The main event is Monday so there’s more; more screams, more squeals, more spooky happenings, all weekend long. Creative Jack-o-lanterns on display, haunted hayrides, pet parades, and a freaky funeral reenactment celebrate this weekend's tricks and treats. Have fun and don't eat too much candy!

10/28 Update: It's supposed to rain and SNOW this weekend in NJ, so make sure to double-check that your weekend event is still happening!

Halloween Day Parades and Events in New Jersey

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 12:33am

Can you imagine telling your kids to throw on their fairy costumes and run around the neighborhood in the dark ringing strangers’ doorbells and asking for candy? Ahhh...the good old days. But while door-to-door trick-or-treating seems to be quickly becoming a tradition of the past, Halloween remains a children’s holiday to be enjoyed with great gusto–so grab those costumes and celebrate the ghoulish fest with a slew of October 31st events sure to raise everyone’s spirits!

Your NJ Weekend October 22-23: Halloween Fun, Hula, A Rodeo and Some Scrabble, mostly FREE!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 9:25am

This weekend's bounty of events involves a myriad of Halloween festivities, harvest festivals, hayrides and even a hula. But if the hula or hauntings don't excite you, then there's a rodeo, a greenmarket or some competitive Scrabble. And we do love Scrabble here at Mommy Poppins. Yes, we're geeky that way. Have a great weekend!

More Fun Halloween Events in New Jersey

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:55am

It's all Halloween all the time here in New Jersey and the events are flying fast and furious (on brooms, even.) Here are a few more haunted houses, a haunted firehouse, a few haunted towns, a scary aquarium and even a frightening cake contest. I'm terrified. Especially of the baked goods.

Your NJ Weekend October 15-16: National Grouch Day, Latino Heritage Day, Harvest Festivals, Happy Dogs and More, Mostly FREE!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:01am

Let’s see, what weird holidays can we celebrate in October, besides the one where you wear scary masks so people will give you sugary items? How about a holiday for grumps? This weekend not only sports National Grouch Day, but a Latino Heritage Day, a Basset Hound Day, and a few fun Harvest Days. Yep, we try to give you a few choices other than Halloween stuff. You’re welcome.

“Treetop Adventure Course” at Turtle Back Zoo

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 10/11/2011 - 9:19pm

Not that we need another reason to love Turtle Back Zoo, but we were given one anyway. It’s called “The Treetop Adventure Course”, an awesomely challenging obstacle/ropes course set 35 feet above ground. This is serious exercise and serious fun for the whole family. You want to make a memory with your kids? Strap on a harness and climb through the trees together.

“Math Midway” at Liberty Science Center

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Sat, 10/08/2011 - 6:04pm

I know that for some people, mathematics is the supreme beauty of the universe; let me just say that I am not one of these people. However, the new carnival-themed “Math Midway” exhibit at Liberty Science Center came very close to making me a believer. Colorful, marvelously interactive and just plain fun, Math Midway will appeal to all ages, with different levels of appreciation and comprehension.

“God of Carnage” at Mile Square Theater: Review and TICKET GIVEAWAY

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 10/05/2011 - 9:49am

If you’re wondering why the word “carnage” is popping up on your happy family go-to site, it’s because this carnage is a very profound and very funny play about parenting. (Or lack thereof.) Tagged as “A Comedy of Bad Manners”, the Mile Square Theater and director Chris O’Connor do an excellent job of bringing to life two sets of parents who attempt to have a civil discussion about their children’s recent altercation. The result is disastrous, hilarious, and nearly as bloody as the title suggests.