Beaches closed, pools in question, sports on hiatus, and we can’t even mention The State Fair – much of the defining Minnesota summer moments are on pause and leaving many with, “Well, now what do we do?” There may be no better time than the present to learn a new skill or start a new hobby. We’ve rounded up some ideas below to fill your summer with skill building and perhaps a new talent or two.
Learn to Bake (or hone your skills)
Zoebakes.com
Homemade sourdough bread is all the rage right now, but there’s more to baking than just bread. Part science and part art, baking is a skill most can refine or many fear. Local pastry chef now instagram star Zoë François has a fascinating culinary past and has authored 7 baking books featured in the New York Times, The Associated Press, Food52, NPR’s The Splendid Table, and the Today Show. Besides checking out her beautiful books, you can now learn live from her through her Instagram and YouTube videos @zoebakes. Watch step-by-step how to master homemade delicious and beautiful recipes like angel food cake or super-fast and easy gluten-free breads.
Take a class from a world-renowned expert
www.masterclass.com
Learn from over 80 of the world’s greatest minds in this online learning platform, Masterclass. For $15 a month, watch thousands of lessons from the best across industries from business to sports to arts – examples include Malcolm Gladwell, Misty Copleland, Annie Leibovitz, Gordan Ramsey and even Penn and Teller. Through video they share their stories, skills, shortcuts, failures, and successes. Classes include downloadable courses and class workbooks.
Learn to arrange flowers
Sip ‘N Bloom
Learn to flower arrange and try some local beer while doing it. This Twin Cities company was founded to put the power of floral design in your hands. Previously they’d pop around at local events with a floral designer walking you through the design process. Currently, they developed a curbside event model to reserve your DIY kit and pick it up with your favorite to-go beer at local Twin Cities breweries. Follow their Facebook page for tutorials and events.
Find a new fitness passion
Now is the perfect time to discover a workout you never thought of trying or didn’t even know about. The plethora of boutique gyms around the Twin Cities are offering IGTV, Facebook Live, and Zoom classes. Follow Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine’s instagram for new ideas each week. A few ideas below:
ALTR Revolutionary high intensity interval training
barre3 A full-body balanced workout combining strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness.
Physical Culture Combines a unique variety of top trending and intense fitness classes all in one location, and currently providing classes on both IGTV and YouTube.
DIY Shaker Wall
Ok, this is more of a project than a hobby, but you never know if dipping your toes into home projects can spur your love for DIY home improvements. Accent walls are a great way to add interest to your home, modernize the space, and are often something you can do yourself in a weekend with the proper guidance and tools. Move over shiplap and enter the Shaker Accent Wall. Local DIY Blog Construction 2 Style shares an easy-to-follow guide on how to get this project done. Head to Pinterest to find your inspiration.
