Rose Sala

Rose Gordon Sala is a mom to three but also a longtime editor and journalist. She's covered all the capital 'P' subjects, including pets, politics, PR, and parenting. She's written for MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, the New York Post, and Mom.com.

Latest posts by Rose

New Playground Opens in Cranford’s Nomahegan Park

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Tue, 06/08/2021 - 2:00pm

The towering new playground structure at Nomahegan Park packs tons of fun with its twisty slides, wobbly bridge, and tons of challenging climbing structures.

Families living near the pretty Nomahegan Park in Cranford, New Jersey, recently gained an exciting new playground. Living just a 15-minute drive away, my family couldn’t wait to check out the new addition to this popular Union County park.

The new playground area includes a separate toddler section, accessible swings and ramp, and a multi-tiered larger playground for ages 5 and up, which is loaded with climbing opportunities, twisty slides, a wobbly bridge, and plenty more to explore. The playground, which opened in late April, replaced a dated, much smaller playground.

Introducing a New Recipes Hub on Mommy Poppins

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Tue, 01/05/2021 - 11:17am

Find kid-friendly recipes and kitchen projects.

We're excited to introduce a new place to find recipes on Mommy Poppins. Our brand-new Easy Recipes for Kids guide includes all sorts of simple baking projects like Hot Chocolate Bombs and Homemade Ice Cream, as well as weeknight dinner ideas, such as Trader Joe's Recipe Ideas.

We've also included plenty of snack ideas—handy for remote learning!—and even some sneaky science lessons in recipe form, such as growing rock candy.

10 Things Families Resolve To Do More of in 2021

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Tue, 12/29/2020 - 9:20am

Families masked up and headed outdoors in 2020.

Families are certainly ready to say goodbye to 2020, a year full of heartache, loss, and struggle for so many of us. With schools and daycares closed, parents were particularly burdened in a difficult year.

But it wasn’t all bad, of course. We continued to find moments of light and yes, silver linings within a painful global pandemic and all that came with it. We asked our readers and staff what they learned or gained in 2020 and what they resolve to continue doing into the new year, here’s what they said.

Hacklebarney State Park: Kid-friendly Hikes Along the River in NJ

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 2:35pm

Hike amidst the soaring hemlock trees along the river at Hacklebarney State Park, which provide summer shade and brilliant fall colors.

Hacklebarney State Park is quickly becoming my family’s favorite place to hike in New Jersey. It has bridges, rocks to scramble over, stairs, plenty of picnic tables, big trees soaring overhead, and wild rivers and creeks running through it. There’s even a modest playground tucked into a little clearing toward the very end of the hike, a nice reward for kids and all their hard work.

Top Fidget Toys for Kids

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Thu, 10/08/2020 - 11:03am

Keep her hands busy with a Koosh ball so she can focus her mind. Photo by author

Fidget toys are a great stress relief tool that can help kids calm their minds and focus on learning and other activities. Fidget toys can also be downright fun to play with.

Here are some of our favorite fidget toys for kids. Find more fun toys in our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear, Toys, and Hacks.

'Halloween Is On,' New Jersey Governor Declares

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Mon, 10/05/2020 - 2:50pm

Get your costumes ready: Governor Phil Murphy says Halloween is on in New Jersey.

"Halloween is on," declared Governor Phil Murphy at Monday's COVID-19 press conference. The New Jersey governor made the declaration as the state department of health released its full Halloween 2020 safety guidelines for Jersey families, schools, and organizations.

The state is not banning trick-or-treating, but rather asking the public to modify the format to reduce contact with those not in your household. It's also encouraging proper mask wearing and outdoor Halloween activities instead of indoor events.

Late last month, the CDC ruled trick-or-treating, and most Halloween activities, as high-risk unless strict social distancing can be observed.

Spooky and Sweet Halloween Face Masks for Kids

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 10:30am

A sampling of Halloween face masks from Etsy shop: MadisonJamesCo

The CDC might be warning against trick-or-treating in 2020, but there are elements of Halloween that seem ready-made for our new pandemic lifestyles. After all, it is one of the few holidays that takes place almost entirely outdoors and includes the option to wear a mask. Win.

We've rounded up 10 top spots to shop for Halloween face masks for kids. Wear them all month long or as a costume accessory on the big night.

NJ Centers Open for Remote Learning Support During School Hours

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 3:08pm

Remote learning support pods are popping up all over New Jersey to help kids during school hours.

Hundreds of New Jersey schools are opening with online classes only this fall, leaving working parents looking for a childcare solution during school hours. A number of community centers and organizations, such as some YMCA and JCC locations, have stepped into the void, offering childcare that also supports the kids' local distance learning programs. A number of sports complexes and children's gyms in New Jersey are also opening up their cavernous spaces for remote learning support, pods, and aftercare.

If you need to go work, or just need support during your child's normal school day, these centers might be a good option. Find more classes for kids at our online Back to School Fair or in the NJ Classes Directory.