Jody Mercier

When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Jody Mercier

Spring Deals: Save Big on Gardening & Music Lessons, Kids' Shows, Parties & More

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 10:00am

The sun is shining, the snow has melted and New York City finally seems to be easing into spring. All of this warm weather has got us thinking about getting outside for some fun, like working in a garden or enjoying a round of tennis. Happily, our sponsors are offering great deals for both! And when the inevitable April showers cloud the horizon, take advantage of these deals on indoor music lessons, live theater, birthday parties and more.

Soho Kids' Stores: Cool Clothes, Quirky Toys, Children's Books & High-Tech Workshops

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 03/12/2015 - 10:00am

Soho is famous for its high-end shopping. And even though its highest profile children's shop, the Scholastic Store, has closed, there are still some great places in the neighborhood to pick up cool kids' clothes and toys, and enjoy storytime or a high-tech children's workshop. So go beyond the outposts of national chains like Joe Fresh Kids and Diesel Kids, and check out these (mostly) independent small retailers.

Free Pre-K for NYC Kids: How to Apply for Pre-Kindergarten in 2015

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 02/16/2015 - 10:00am

If you have a child born in 2011 listen up! The NYC Department of Education just released info about how to apply to free pre-k for fall 2015, and there are some really promising changes. For the first time, there will be one application for pre-k programs in both public schools and community-based early education centers, which means less paperwork and (hopefully) less confusion. Even better, schools chancellor Carmen Fariña has promised that there will be a seat for every age-eligible child.

Of course, you'll still want to do your research before you hand in that application. Here's everything you need to know about applying to free pre-k this fall.

Save Big on Test Prep, Music Lessons, Tutoring, Parent-and-Me Classes & More

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 01/18/2015 - 10:00am

The New Year ushers in new dreams and goals for families. Whether your kids are begging to learn to play a new instrument or see a new show, or you're concerned about getting them ready for the upcoming state tests, we've got a deal for you.

Our sponsors are offering deep discounts on their enriching offerings, all great ways to beat the winter blues.

6 NYC Services that Make Parents' Lives Easier: Shopping, Laundry & Odd Jobs Help

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 1:30pm

Ever since welcoming my third child last year, I feel as though I've been treading water. I'm never quite able to get ahead of the mountain of chores at home. So one of my New Year's resolutions is to climb out from under my pile of to-dos by doing a little outsourcing. Of course, NYC is filled with services that make people's lives easier—and some are even worth the money, especially since your time is truly valuable. Here are six that are helping make 2015 the year I finally find a little me (not just Mommy & Me) time.

Help Redesign NYC Playgrounds at Parks Department Community Meetings

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 01/04/2015 - 10:00am

Like most NYC parents with young kids, I've logged so many hours at our local parks and playgrounds, I feel like I've become an expert on which design elements work, and which totally fail. If you've always wanted to share your playground opinions, now's the time because the Parks Department is listening. Thanks to its Community Parks Initiative, $130 million will be used to redesign and rebuild 35 debilitated NYC green spaces. But before the renovations begin, the Parks Department is holding a series of Community Input Meetings where families can offer their ideas and hopes for these parks.

Catching the Pinstripe Bowl & Other College Football Fun for NYC Kids Over the Holidays

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 11:30am

To say my family loves college football is an understatement. I originally met my husband at a game, and our firstborn's birth announcement was a replica of a Sports Illustrated cover with our son proudly wearing my alma mater's colors. Given our obsession, for us, the holiday season isn't just about seeing Santa, Christmas trees and department store windows, it's about watching college football. There are plenty of big college football events around this time of year, including the presentation of the Heisman Trophy and the annual Pinstripe Bowl, both of which take place right here in NYC.

Read on for all the details plus other ways your family can root for your favorite teams (be they near or far) right here in New York City.

Hot Holiday Deals: Save Big on Theater, Birthday Parties, Toys, Babysitting & More

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 12/07/2014 - 10:00am

The holiday season is upon us and you may be wondering how you'll be able to afford to fulfill everyone's wishes. Our generous sponsors can help with deals on everything from live theater to indoor entertainment so your brood can beat the winter blues in NYC and beyond. We've also got discounts on birthday parties and babysitting for when you're ready to take a break from it all. Read on for all the bargains, but don't delay as they may disappear faster than your holiday budget.

Latest posts by Jody Mercier

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