Making the most of a brisk Sunday afternoon, Ashlee Simpson was spotted out and about in New York City yesterday (December 20).

The “Pieces of Me” songstress looked winter-ready as she sported a black coat with a matching knit hat and a yummy warm Starbucks beverage.

Ashlee will be spending the holidays in the Big Apple along with her sister Jessica, father Joe, and mother Tina, as she’s in the middle of a Broadway gig.

And it looks like the folks over at the “Chicago” scheduling office gave Ms. Simpson a lighter load of performances this week, with a day off on Christmas Eve. But she’ll be back on stage Christmas night at 8pm as the show must go on!

Treating herself to a little theater culture, Ashlee Simpson was spotted at the Broadway show “Shrek the Musical” last night in New York City.

The “Pieces of Me” singer was in good spirits as she exited the theater and was greeted by eagerly waiting fans and paparazzi.

Stepping out for their household needs, Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz ventured out in New York City on Thursday (December 17).

The “Chicago” babe and her Fall Out Boy hubby headed to a local grocery store – braving the bitter cold Big Apple winter weather.

In other news, according to tabloid source, The National Enquirer, Nicole Richie wants to recruit Ms Simpson as her co-star on her still-in-development TV show.

It was reported last month that Richie will be developing a half-hour, scripted sitcom in which she is presented as a “professional woman with complicated family relationships.”

The show is yet to be titled and does not have a premiere date just yet.

Her performance on Broadway is a success so far, and Ashlee Simpson was all smiles after Monday night’s (December 14) show.

Decked out in hair and makeup from her performance in “Chicago” the “Pieces of Me” singer looked quite pleased with herself as she was seen outside the Ambassador Theatre.

In other news, according to tabloid source, The National Enquirer, Nicole Richie wants to recruit Ms Simpson as her co-star on her still-in-development TV show.

It was reported last month that Richie will be developing a half-hour, scripted sitcom in which she is presented as a “professional woman with complicated family relationships.”

The show is yet to be titled and does not have a premiere date just yet.

ASHLEE SIMPSON-WENTZ has received a career boost from NICOLE RICHIE – she’s been handed a role in the socialite’s new TV sitcom, according to U.S. reports.
The Simple Life star will produce the series, in which she’ll appear as a working woman juggling her family and love life.

Simpson-Wentz was axed from U.S. show Melrose Place earlier this year (09) and has since bounced back by making her debut Broadway performance in Chicago on 30 November (09).

But now she’s set to make a return to the small screen, according to American tabloid The National Enquirer.
A source tells the publication, “Nicole adores Ashlee, and she truly believes in her talent. With few other job prospects on the horizon, Ashlee – who desperately wants to establish herself as an actress – was feeling down until Nicole stepped up and promised: ‘I’ve got your back. What are girlfriends for?’”

Enjoying a break from her busy Broadway schedule, Ashlee Simpson joined husband Pete Wentz and little Bronx Mowgli for a winter outing in New York City on Wednesday (December 9).

Not letting the cold and windy weather deter the day’s plans, the happy family made their way to a nearby playground in Manhattan for a little time on the swingset to go with a walk around their Big Apple neighborhood.

As previously reported by Gossip Center, Ashlee just recently kicked off her stage duties for “Chicago”, in which she plays the character of heart-stealing jailbird Roxie Hart.

With shows running through February 7th, Miss Simpson wrote to fans on Sunday, “Woo first week of CHICAGO..It’s so warm and fuzzy there! The cast has made me feel at home.. LOVE! Thanks to the peeps comin to the shows!x”

Finishing up another evening on the “Chicago” stage, Ashlee Simpson was spotted departing the Ambassador Theater in New York City’s Broadway Theater district on December 6.

The “Pieces of Me” songstress looked lovely as she strolled past the paparazzi, sporting an all-black ensemble as she made her way home.

And though things haven’t been the greatest for the Simpson family in 2009, it seems Ashlee and her sister Jessica are finishing out the year strong.

After being dumped by Tony Romo had having her country music debut flop, Jessica is coming back with a new VH1 series “The Price of Beauty.” And Ashlee bounced back with her Broadway gig after being ditched by her “Melrose Place” gig. Not too shabby!