ML Interest Tag: hard-core

Aw Shucks! The Best DC-Area Corn Mazes to Get Lost In

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Bring your family to one of these authentic corn mazes in and around Washington, DC

Corn mazes are a great fall tradition, and if you haven’t experienced one yet, it’s time to get lost in a field as a family! From a toddler-friendly straw bale maze at Greenstreet Gardens to a hard-core, no-map maze at Liberty Mills Farm, there is a corn maze to meet most family’s skill level on this list. So, if you’ve already brought home bushels of apples and picked your pumpkins, it’s time to tackle the obvious next stage of fall fun and find yourself in one of our favorite corn fields to explore near Washington, DC.

Wayside Farm
Located directly off Route 7, this 10-acre corn maze traditionally has an easy path and a hard path, and past years have seen aerial shots depicting Sonic the Hedgehog and SpongeBob SquarePants. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this farm also offers hayrides, pig races, slides, and playgrounds. In addition to providing its fair share of entertainment, this working farm grows the prettiest pumpkin varieties in the area on their expansive u-pick pumpkin patch.

5273 Harry Byrd Hwy.
Berryville, VA
Online: waysidefarmfun.com

Summers Farm
Billed as one of the largest corn mazes in the country, this farm attraction includes 2.5 miles of paths and secret challenges. You'll also find a pumpkin patch, giant slides, hayrides, and more at this Maryland farm. From Sep. 30 through Oct. 29, weekends feature firework displays starting at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. Make the night complete with a campfire rental (Fri.-Sun. only). All tickets are strongly encouraged to be purchased online in advance to guarantee admission.

5620 Butterfly Ln.
Frederick, MD
Online: summersfarm.com

Related: Carve Out Some Fun With Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches

Liberty Mills Farm
For the most dedicated of puzzle people, the largest corn maze in the country—a whopping 33 acres—is two hours outside of DC in Somerset, VA. And for hard core sleuths, the most challenging trail has no map! Sound daunting? There are three other trails to choose from, ranging from one that takes roughly 30 minutes to complete to another that spans two hours! After all that walking (and, no doubt, getting lost), take some time to pick a pumpkin and check out the antique tractor collection.

9166 Liberty Mills Rd.
Somerset, VA
Online: libertymillsfarm.com

Greenstreet Gardens' Fall Festival
At only five acres, this “cozy” corn maze is one of the smallest around, making it a winner for families with little ones barely taller than a stalk of corn. Think of it as “maze lite”—perfect for those prone to meltdowns or needing a quick exit strategy. There’s also a Straw Bale Maze ideal if your little one would like to see over the hedge. While you’re visiting, check out the rest of the 55-acre Lothian farm (east of Upper Marlboro), with lots of fall festival activities involving pumpkins, an underground slide, a jumping pillow, and more.

391 W. Bay Front Rd.
Lothian, MD
Online: greenstreetgardens.com

Winterbrook Farms
Come check out Maryland's largest corn maze, which features three corn mazes with a combined total of five miles of fun! Last year's theme, "Save the Family Farm," was an a-mazing adventure, and fans will have fun zipping through trails covering more than 12 acres at Winterbrook Farms this season, too. If you can fit more in, check out some of the farm’s 20 other fam-friendly features, including an apple canon, mini zipline, a pedal-cart speedway, and more. Pro tip for parents waiting upwards of several hours for kids to make their way through the maze? Cozy up with a campfire rental, available by reservation until 6 p.m. 

13001 Creagerstown Rd.
Thurmont, MD
Online: winterbrookfarms.com

Belvedere Plantation
Here you’ll find eight acres of twists and turns and even a few bridges to keep you disoriented in the Maize Maze. There’s also plenty more to do at Belvedere’s Fall Festival, including hay rides, pedal tractors, and pig races. If you want to add pumpkin picking to the mix, this farm also offers pumpkin painting and "punkin plunkin'" activities, too.

1410 Belvedere Dr.
Fredericksburg, VA
Online: belvedereplantation.com

Related: Frightfully Fun Halloween Games They’ll Talk About All Year

Montpelier Farms
The seven-acre interactive corn maze at Montpelier Farms is free with admission, but only open on weekends. For a less crowded, tot-friendly experience, check out “Spookley The Square Pumpkin” maze on a weekday (this mini maze is also open on weekends). Afterwards, attend a scarecrow making workshop for an additional fee or hit up the duck races, pumpkin painting tables, hay rides, and more.

1720 Crain Hwy. North
Upper Marlboro, MD
Online: montpelierfarms.com

 

 

 

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You’re Not a Real New Yorker Unless You Have One of These On Your Tree

by Mimi O'Connor

Got a tree? Good. Now it’s time to decorate! Show some true NYC cred by decorating your tree with one of these NYC-inspired Christmas ornaments. Or, give one to your most hard core New Yorker friend. Another reason to love this collection of NYC Christmas ornaments? Most are from city cultural institutions or local makers, all of which need our support now more than ever! (Need more NYC gift ideas? Click here!)

The Blue Whale

American Museum of Natural History

You can now have the American Museum of Natural History's famous Blue Whale in the house thanks to this exclusive ornament from the museum. 

Get it here, $29.99

Piegon Ornament

MoMA Design Store

They're everywhere else. Why shouldn't NYC's official bird be on your tree? 

Get it here, $18.95

Modern Heroes

MoMA Design Store

The teacher, the doctor, the UPS worker and grocery store employee. NYC salutes—and thanks—you! 

Get them here, $45

Subway Car Ornament

NYC Transit Museum

There are many, many subway ornaments. We like this one best for overall quality, clear signage and festive wreath. 

Get it here, $24

Grand Central Ceiling Ornament

NYC Transit Museum

For the true transit nerd, an ornament featuring one of the constellations from Grand Central Terminal's ceiling is a pretty deep cut they'll appreciate. (And for the price, they should.)

Get it here, $45

Pickle Ornament

Awesome Brooklyn

No pickles are not an exclusively NYC thing, but we do have a long history with them, and a pickle festival. Plus: this is really cute, and good luck! 

Get it here, $10

The NYC Basics Collection

Museum of the City of New York

Buy one, buy them all. This is the NYC-lover starter pack! 

Get them here, $6.95 each

Black and White Cookie Ornament

Museum of the City of New York

Why isn't this in the collection above? We don't know. But it should be in yours. 

Get it here, $11.95

High Line Ornament

Amazon

Granted, it's a little abstract, but so was the concept of the High Line when it was first introduced. Valerie Atkisson is the artist. (Also: who else do you know with a High Line ornament?) 

Get it here, $26.99

Matzo Ball Soup Ornament

Museum of the City of New York

For the Jew invited to the tree trimming, the interfaith household, or just anyone who loves a good soup! (i.e., everyone.)

Get it here, $14.95

NYC Felt Ornament Collection

Craftspring

When has a collection of ornaments ever made you say "Awwwwww!"? Not only is this off-the-charts cute, it has a Santa. Wearing an I Love NY t-shirt. Holding a piece of pizza. 

Get them here, $136

Alexander Hamilton Ornament

National Archives

Surely, you know a kid (or five) who might like the founding father rendered in green with gold trim? 

Get it here, $19.95

Mets Players

bruhno24 via Etsy

Mets fans, rejoice! You can get a custom made ornament of your fave player. Options include Tom Seaver, Gary Carter, Doc Gooden and Howard Johnson. 

Get one here, $13

Brownstone Ornament

micolceramics

Which one of your Brooklyn friends needs this? (Or how many?) 

Get it here, $35

Chinese Takeout Ornament

NYC Webstore

There's a lot going on here with this ornament, and we like it. 

Get it here, $9.99

Hudson Yards & Vessel Ornament

The Shops at Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards and Thomas Heatherwick's Vessel can now be displayed on your tree! 

Get it for $30 at the Vessel Shop (Public Square and Gardens) and the Beyond the Edge store (20 Hudson Yards, Level 4).

Online: hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Pizza Wagon Ornament

BrooklynLish

Your friend, who takes pizza very seriously, will love you for this.

Get it here, $9.99

Anna Wintour Ornament

Amazon

Sure she's from the UK, but Anna belongs on an NYC tree, if only to help you with that quarantine 15. 

Get it here, $23.85

Custom Wood NYC Map Ornament

Easton Woodworks via Etsy

This cherry wood ornament doubles as a keepsake and is a great gift idea. Choose from three of the boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens or NYC Metro, in addition to adding your own details like family name.

Get one here, $46.

––Mimi O’Connor

RELATED STORIES:

NYC Holiday Hit List: Things to Do with Kids This Season

Top of the List: Our 2020 NYC Holiday Gift Guide

Safe St. Nick: NYC Pictures with Santa

 

 

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How to Break a Gaming Addiction When You Have Kids

By Sarah Daren

It’s a digital world, and our newfound interconnectedness has opened up new possibilities for gaming and even gambling online. Today, it’s possible to win millions of dollars playing in video game tournaments or in online poker. For the vast majority of gamers, however, gaming is simply a hobby—but a hobby that can take up a lot of time.

Estimates from the Entertainment Software Association show that about 164 million adults in the United States play games. While some hobby gamers only log on a couple of hours a week, others spend several hours a day playing their favorite games. As life goes on, many hard-core amateur gamers are forced to wrestle with balancing their favorite hobby with adulting, especially when parenting enters the picture.

If you’re a new or soon-to-be parent, it’s important to think about how to balance your game time while taking care of your baby. Here’s what you need to know about video gaming and managing your daily responsibilities.

Set Good Examples: Video games are often demonized in the media as making kids more violent or hindering their ability to succeed in school and in life. While it’s true that anything in excess can be harmful, the surprising truth is that a mere 30% of gamers are under the age of 18.

Most people who play video games are adults. Still, it’s important to set a good example for your child and limit the amount of time you spend playing video games. Even very young children are sponges for information, and they’ll learn their habits and set their expectations of the world based on your behavior.

With that in mind, remember to “eat your vegetables” and prioritize other responsibilities. You don’t have to cut out gaming entirely—it’s all about finding balance.

Establish Boundaries: As a parent, you need to establish firm boundaries for your kids and enforce them. If you’re struggling to manage your parental duties with playing games, then you may need to set some boundaries for yourself to ensure that you’re not neglecting time with your child or partner.

The first thing to do is discuss the issue with your partner or co-parent. Setting these expectations will help keep you on track and prevent resentment from coming up later. You should discuss when, where, and for how long you’ll be able to play video games. Maybe that means a set number of hours per week you can play per day or times of the day that are off-limits due to family time.

Setting these boundaries for yourself can be difficult, which is why it can be helpful to get some external accountability. Always remember why you’re taking these steps—to be there for your family.

Strike a Balance Between Game Time and Baby Time: At this point, we all know that too much “screen time” isn’t good for kids. Very young children under the age of 18 months shouldn’t be given any screen time at all, and toddlers shouldn’t have more than an hour or so per day. As children grow, their screen time should be adjusted based on their maturity, responsibilities, and other factors.

As an adult, you’re in charge of your own screen time. But you should be conscious of the consequences of too much screen time and make an effort to balance your gaming with your parental duties. While everyone’s lifest‌yle is different, experts recommend keeping gaming to two hours or less per day. Your child comes first, and it’s important to put their needs ahead of your gaming.

Change Your Lifestyle: Soon-to-be parents have a lot to think about when preparing to bring a new bundle of joy into the world. It’s a huge adjustment that involves many sacrifices and lifest‌yle changes during the child’s early years. As kids grow and become more independent, parents can take more time for themselves once again.

How will your gaming affect your parenting? That’s not very clear yet. The jury’s still out on the effects that a generation of gaming will have on parenting outcomes. In the meantime, though, it’s important to remember what’s important—your family.

Gaming can be a great stress-reliever, but it can also take up a lot of time and distract you from caring for your new baby. When you have a newborn, you may need to cut way back on your gaming. As your kids get older, though, you may be able to spend time with them by teaching them your favorite games. It’s all about finding the balance that works for your family.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

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Ed Sheeran Reigns as King Of The Friend Zone

By Kristin McCarthy

The “Friend Zone” is the worst possible space to be in.

Picture this: You have a best friend. You spend 99% of your time with this person. You do pretty much everything other couples do, in fact most people think you guys may have something cooking on the sly. You LOVE this person…but only as a friend of course. This person is your safety snugger, your hook-up confidante, your back up date to weddings, work events and reunions.  There is no sexual attraction whatsoever between the two of you. The problem is that only YOU feel this way.

In the Friend Zone the other person in question is actually deeply in love with you. They would walk across hot coals just to kiss your face and lie down on a bed of nails if that meant that they could call you their girlfriend. People in the Friend Zone love you SO much that they are not willing to take a chance at professing their love for you and upsetting the delicate balance that is your relationship.

Being in The Friend Zone is better than nothing…right? Wrong!

photo: NPR 

Let’s take a look at The King Of The Friend Zone, Ed Sheeran.

Ed Sheeran is the musical songwriter and singer behind every other song that you hear on the radio these days. He is so cool in fact that he is hard core besties with little Miss Queen of the Hot pants and Heartbreaks, Taylor Swift. Tay loves hanging with her BFF. Ed just plain old loves Taylor….like really, really loves her. These two exhibit textbook Friend Zone behavior.

Awwww, just look at them. Taylor looking all Posh and done up to the nines and Ed looking… like Ed. If you ever want to make it out of the Friend Zone Ed you are going to have to lose the choker necklace, because that is weird. Those fiery locks of yours need a serious overhaul as well. Some guys can pull of the disheveled look off. Not you, Ed.

Here we have Tay and her sexy boyfriend Calvin Harris…and Ed. This is one of the worst cases of “Third Wheel Syndrome” that I have ever witnessed. I wonder if the lovebirds have Ed go on up to the hotel room first and lay rose petals out of the bed for them. Move on, Ed.

 

This is cringe worthy. I think he attempting cool here, but it is a major fail. You can not be sexy in over-sized, camo, cargo shorts doing that creepy little move that you are doing. Like this is why you are in the Friend Zone, Ed!

Taylor: Thanks for playing on tour with me, Ed.

Ed: I have computerized images of what our children will look like. I mean… you’re welcome.

Ed, I am gonna go out on a limb and say that this right here is the closest you will ever be to getting into Taylor’s jeans.

Taylor: Oh Ed!  I am never going to find someone a loyal as you. Let’s promise to just get married if we are both still single when we turn 35.

Ed: I already have the countdown going, and can I get that in writing?

This guy is never, EVER leaving the Friend Zone.

Kristin is a blogging SAHM of 4 unruly princesses.  When she is not busy raising humans and vacuuming up toys she can be found at the local Target or hiding in her laundry room where she writes for Red Tricycle, Suburban Misfit Mom and Sammiches and Psych Meds.

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Just Opened: Mama Says Comics Rock

by Mimi O'Connor

Comic book fans, rejoice! While the NYC storefront comic book scene has lost some key outposts over the last few years, a new spot just set up shop in Brooklyn. Mama Says Comics Rock, a venture from two home grown comic book devotees opened in March, and it’s ready to serve the comic book needs of fans of the form both beginner and hard core.

Mama Says What?
Why the name? Co-owners Davey Kourtesis and Cade Schreger, both Brownstone Brooklyn natives (Kourtesis grew up in Cobble Hill, Schreger in Brooklyn Heights) see the name as a  fun shout out to L.L. Cool J. Both men are longtime comic book readers and hobbyists, and were serious enough about the the idea of opening a comic book store that they’d been keeping an eye out for appropriate retail spaces in the area of their old stomping grounds. A Carroll Gardens storefront opened up and Mama Says Comics Rock found its home.

 

Mama Has What
You’ll find brick walls painted a clean white, nice dark wood floors and a selection of comic books, graphic novels and merch displayed cleanly (i.e. it’s not your father’s — or your — comic book store, with volumes piled high to the ceiling and every inch of space stuffed to the max). In-demand comics are displayed in baskets mounted on the wall to the left; high-profile books and related products can be found on tables in the center of the store; a nice wooden bench provides a spot to peruse the merchandise.

Kourtesis and Schreger promise a little bit of everything when it comes to inventory. Customers will find the top 50 new and ongoing comics series in the store, as well as independent and local comics and publications. Of course, subscriptions/pull lists are available for readers who need to know the latest issue of their favorite series is reserved and waiting for them.

For the Kids
While not every comic book series is appropriate for the tiniest of readers, many are and have plenty of junior fans. Mama Says Comic Rock stocks many titles popular with younger readers, including Amulet, Bone, Lumberjanes and The Simpsons, as well as older titles that still entertain, such as Calvin & Hobbes and Tin Tin.

More Than Just Comics
In addition to selling comics of all kinds, the shop also plans to host events such as signings and readings, art openings (an artist friend’s colorful work adorns the back wall now), and even movie screenings. (Anticipate a Marvel film fest leading up to the release of Captain America: Civil War.) There’s also been some interest in drawing classes, so those may be offered soon. Keep an eye on the store’s events page and Facebook feed for the latest updates. (Psst! May 7 is National Free Comic Book Day, and the store is participating!)

Mama Says Comic Rock
306 Court St.
Carroll Gardens
718-797-3464
Online: mamasayscomics.com

Does your family love comic books? What series is a must-read in your household? Tell us in the comments!

—Mimi O’Connor

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7 Kid-Friendly Sushi Restaurants in Seattle

by Katie Kavulla

Nursing a sake hangover may have gone the wayside once the kiddos arrived, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your umami fix at one of Seattle’s fab sushi joints, mini-piscivores in tow. But, it seems like there are as many sushi restaurants in Seattle as there are Starbucks, making it impossible to know which ones are kid-friendly. Here are seven fantastic sushi restaurants all around Seattle and the Eastside that are not only kid-friendly, but kid favorites.

Blue C Sushi
If you ask a random child in Seattle what their favorite sushi restaurant is, more often than not, Blue C is going to be the answer! The sushi is great, but we think what they really love at Blue C (and what keeps them a bit distracted so that you can enjoy your meal too!) is the sushi conveyor belt – instead of your meals being delivered via server, you pick what you’d like to eat from the slow moving belt. Major bonus points to Blue C Sushi for also having an online ordering service for those nights when taking the kids to a restaurant is out of the question.

Six locations around Seattle – they’re everywhere!
Online: bluecsushi.com

Chinoise Café
Families on Queen Anne probably won’t be pleased that we’re sharing their favorite kid-friendly sushi spot, but Chinoise Café is too good to keep to ourselves! Chinoise has an Asian Fusion-style menu, so it’s a nice choice if you have non-sushi eaters in your family as well – everyone will find something they’ll love (the potstickers are a MUST!). This tiny restaurant can get quite packed in the evenings, but the wait goes quickly.

12 Boston Street
Seattle, Wa 98109
Online: chinoisecafe.com

Fuji Sushi
Located in Seattle’s International District, families love Fuji Sushi for countless reasons – the sushi is so fresh and delicious and families love the private tatami rooms where you can sit on mats on the floor to enjoy your sushi, just like in a traditional Japanese restaurant. Worried about the having to drive around for days looking for a parking spot? Fuji Sushi validates for the parking lot next door – check out the details on their website. Menu-wise, the kids will love the Bento Boxes, which Fuji Sushi is famous for.

520 South Main Street
Seattle, Wa 98104
Online: fujisushiseattle.com

I Love Sushi
Say it with some enthusiasm – I love sushi! And that’s exactly how Seattle and Bellevue families feel about the three I Love Sushi locations in the area. Hard-core sushi lovers rave that I Love Sushi serves the freshest sushi in town, which makes it worth the visit alone. And, bonus family-friendly points because you always get seated quickly at I Love Sushi, even during the dinner rush.

Lake Union
1001 Fairview Avenue North
Seattle, Wa 98109

Lake Bellevue
23 Lake Bellevue Way
Bellevue, Wa 98005

Bellevue Main
11818 NE Eighth Street
Bellevue, Wa 98005

Online: ilovesushi.com

Kisaku
Tucked in the Tangletown neighborhood, Kisaku is so welcoming to families who love sushi. Kids are always welcomed with open arms here and they have such a neighborhood restaurant feel – remember your children’s names when you visit often and even what they like to drink. Kisaku is also a good choice for a sushi-lovers date night – sit at the sushi bar for the Omakase – the chef’s choice of what’s best that night.

2121 North 55th Street
Seattle, Wa 98103
Online: kisaku.com

Sam’s Sushi
Super casual, super delicious and super family-friendly, Sam’s Sushi is a favorite for both parents and kids. The service is quick and the prices are inexpensive and although Sam’s isn’t the place to come if you’re looking for a chic night out for sushi (Who are we kidding? It’s dinner with the kids!), you’re sure to have a great, easygoing meal at either of the Sam’s locations.

521 Queen Anne Avenue North
Seattle, Wa 98119

5506 22nd Avenue NW
Seattle, Wa 98107

Online: samssushigrill.com

Shun
Shun is located just up the street from University Village and it is yet another kid-friendly sushi restaurant in Seattle – in fact, if you’re looking for the most authentic family-friendly Japanese restaurant on this list, Shun is the place to try. Shun comes in a bit higher on the price-scale, but the quality of food is certainly worth it – it will be obvious when you visit that it’s all very fresh and made with a lot of thought to make it as yummy as possible. The miso soup is particularly worth trying at Shun!

5101 25th Avenue NE
Seattle, Wa 98105
Online: shunrestaurant.com

There are so many awesome kid-friendly sushi spots in Seattle and the Eastside that there was no way we could include every single one! Please tell us your favorites in the comments below and be sure to share what neighborhood it’s in.

— Katie Kavulla

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