Resolution Round Up: 10 Resources to Help You Learn Something New this Year

LongIsland.com

Is there anything you always wished you could do, something you’d like to learn, but you’ve been putting it off or simply haven’t had the time to work on it? It’s never too late and ...

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Is there anything you always wished you could do, something you’d like to learn, but you’ve been putting it off or simply haven’t had the time to work on it? It’s never too late and you’re never too old or young to learn a new skill or pick up a hobby. Learning something new, or finding a hobby is one of the easiest resolutions to keep as you’ll be spending your time doing something you enjoy and who really wouldn’t want to spend their days that way? If you allot yourself time everyday dedicated to educating yourself you’ll be speaking French, shredding on the guitar and coasting on Long Island’s fiercest waves in no time. The following list contains examples of popular hobbies and learned skills that you may want to give a try. That is, if they aren’t already on your to-do list.

1.     Learn a Foreign Language – If you’re looking to broaden your communications Berlitz in Garden City offers face to face instructional classes for children, teens and adults in French and Spanish and well as online courses in over 50 languages. Rosetta Stone is another popular language learning program that has a retail store located within the Roosevelt Field Mall. Though pricey Rosetta Stone is worth the amount of money you spend in enriching yourself.

 

2.     Learn to Cook – Knowing how to cook is an excellent skill to have. Home cooking is a great way to keep off the pounds, keep money in your wallet and impress friends. Whether you’re a beginner or you’d like to improve your cooking knowledge there are plenty of classes offered on and around Long Island.

  • At Home Cooking Classes with Chef Vanda – Learn to cook in the comfort of your own home with an accomplished chef. You’ll learn cooking techniques, knife skills, menu development, produce selection, spice flavors and presentation serving.
  • A la Carte – A full-service culinary center with a state-of-the-art kitchen facility located in the Village of Lynbrook. Classes include general cooking, specialty cooking, parties, Kids Cooking, Executive Team Building Cooking, Food Styling and more.
  • Elegant Eating – Group cooking classes are offered in Elegant Eating’s Smithtown facility. Their various classes are open to individuals, groups of 10 or more and partial groups.
  • Sur La Table – Classes are offered nearly every day, ranging from Knife Skills to Quick Weeknight Dinners to Classic Julia Child.
  • Sugar & Spice Culinary Arts – A storefront culinary school that offers a variety of services in a cozy, friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Classes include Knife Skills, Rustic Italian Food, Food of Thailand and Cooking with your Kids.

3.     Learn How to Brew Beer – Home brewed beer is a masterful way to cut back the cost of buying 12-packs at the store or going to a bar where beer is overpriced to begin with. Brewing kits range from $50-$100 but can be reused for a lifetime of delicious custom beverages. This is also making for a great group activity.

  • Karp’s Homebrew Shop – A full-service home-brewing and winemaking shop located in East Northport. Karp’s has everything you need get started including kit and books or beginners and experts alike.
  • Arbor Wine and Beermaking Supplies – Arbor in Islip aims to educate consumers to the many beneficial aspects of making your own beer, wine, soda and mead. Their collection of supplies is quite extensive, everything from grains and hops to keg and tap systems.
  • Brewtopia – Located in the Harbor Square Mall in Port Jefferson, Brewtopia offers brewing kits starting at $49.99 and ingredient kits from Belgium, England, Australia and America.

 

4.     Learn How to Sew and/or Knit – Instead of throwing out ripped clothing you’d be doing yourself a favor by learning how to sew and repairing, patching and tailoring your own clothing. Knitting is a great alternative to sewing. Especially during winter where knitted sweaters, blankets, hats and gloves are must haves.

  • Sew Time – One-on-one and group classes are offered inside of Jo-Ann’s Fabric in Westbury. Classes include swing, serging, embroidery, quilting and home décor.
  • Beyond the Thimble Sewing and Quilting Center – Home to regularly scheduled classes, a variety of crafting supplies and repair services.
  • Knit Long Island – A knitting shop located in Roslyn Village. Skill building classes include crocheting for beginners and advanced knitters, cast-on, fixing mistakes, reading patterns and much more.
  • Gone Sewing – A quilting and sewing center in Hicksville that stocks fabrics, patterns, kits, books and offers numerous classes.

 

5.     Learn How to Garden – Though it may be too cold to get to work on your garden you can start preparing for spring’s warmer weather. Head to your local hardware store to pick up bulbs for planting and supplies to help your green thumb.

 

6.     Engage in Outdoor Activities – Take advantage of Long Island’s natural splendor and beauty but learning how to canoe, kayak or simply go on hikes on any of the numerous trails the Island has to offer.

 

Take Art Classes – Practicing any kind of art provides unique and original ways of expressing yourself. Classes will help your find your inner voice and artist. Pick up that pencil or paint brush and get to it! Remember, there is no wrong way to create art. It’s all about what’s inside you.

22 Sunset Avenue, West Hampton - (631) 998-0563

1170 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington – (631) 683-4267

29 Pine Drive, Woodbury

107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills

14 Glen Street, Suite 201, Glen Gove

29 Haven Avenue, Port Washington

 

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument – Learning how to play an instrument, like art, is a quality way to learn how to express yourself. Get the creative juices flowing, write songs, become a rock star or just entertain your friends. It all starts by picking up an instrument, taking lessons and staying committed.

  • Cornet Music – (631) 724-0705

29 East Main Street, Smithtown

429 Hawkins Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma

135 Main Street, Farmingdale

238 Main Street, East Setauket

2960 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove – (631) 585-2323

125 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst - (631) 226-2435