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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!