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7 Savvy Community College Classes

Leta Shy — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:00:30 PST

Even if you're done with your school days, enrolling in a community college class can be a great resource to learn a new skill or develop yourself professionally. Plus, they are usually relatively cheap, and can be a great way to meet like-minded people. Check out my list of seven classes that are a great way to spend your after-work time.

Source: Flickr User Velkr0

Have You Enrolled in a Boot Camp?

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 PDT

Though boot-camp-style fitness was a trend to watch back in 2009, the craze isn't going away. In fact, boot camps are bigger than ever. We've got tons of these outdoor group workout programs in SF - CrossFit, VyAyr, BodyFi, and more - and their popularity is spreading nationwide.

Boot camps are a great way to get outside and get motivated, plus they're a great switchup if you're a Pilates practitioner. Have you ever enrolled in a boot camp?

How to Make Mexican Chorizo (Without a Meat Grinder!)

partysugar — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:15:55 PDT

A couple weeks ago I attended a very special class hosted by Williams-Sonoma. The workshop was a two-hour sausage making course led by the one of the Fatted Calf's owners, Taylor Boetticher. The Fatted Calf is a famed Napa Valley Charcuterie known for its old world methods, small batch products, and organic, locally grown meats. Boetticher taught the small group how to make three pork products: rosso sausage, pork crepinettes, and my personal favorite, Mexican-style chorizo. The amazing thing about his chorizo is that you don't need a meat grinder to make it at home - it's a hand-cut sausage. Here is Boetticher's technique.

What's Your Take on "Housewife Classes"?

DearSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:00:00 PDT

I just read an article in the LA Times that struck a nerve with me, and I have a feeling you will all agree. This Fall, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will be offering a class on how to be a better housewife - a class only open to women, of course! This academic program will offer lectures on laundering stubborn stains and how to bake chocolate-chip cookies.

While some women feel it's their duty to be a homemaker, such classes went out of style at most secular colleges a half century ago, which could be why only eight out of the 300 students in the undergraduate program have enrolled in this class. On the flip side, it's comforting to know that some men out there are speaking up, suggesting that it's actually the men that need these classes. As Andy Cecrle stated, "What if my wife is sick and my kids need clean clothes? It may not hurt to have some basic tips." Amen Andy!

I am sure you ladies have a mouthful to say in response to all of this, so what's your take on housewife classes? If you were offered these classes in school, would you take them or would you be offended? And if you could make a class such as this mandatory for men, do you think they would benefit from it?

Source

Latest Exercise Trend: Ramping

FitSugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:45:00 PDT

I am always looking for a way to do something new, fitness wise. At one point, step aerobics was the latest thing, but that time has since come and gone. You'll still find step classes in almost every gym, but they are not nearly as popular as they once were.

Enter Ramping. I know it sounds a little odd but ramping is very similar to step aerobics (in fact it was created by the very same person that created step aerobics) but it is requires a lot less impact on your joints because instead of stepping up onto a flat step or bench, you lunge on and off an adjustable-incline ramp (half-moon looking contraption pictured above) specifically designed for ramping. Ramping is great for really working your butt and hamstrings. Great for getting those legs short shorts ready this summer. Check out the ramping site online for more information as well as to find a class near you.

Class Act: Punk Rope

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:30:00 PDT

I am always looking for ways to keep exercising interesting and it's not always been too easy but with the explosion of group classes, there are so many options.

My latest favorite is Punk Rope, a cross between third grade recess (double dutch y'all) and boot camp. Punk Rope combines conditioning drills, rope jumping and core and flexibility training for a very creative, effective, edgy workout. Been years since you picked up a jump rope? No worries, since rope jumping experience is not necessary for this class. Jump ropes are provided so that means one less thing to carry in your gym bag. Pig tails optional.

Right now Punk Rope is available at Healthworks, Boston's own group of women-only fitness centers. Don't live in the Boston area? Check your local gym for similar jump rope combo classes.

How to Adjust Your Tax Withholding

Kiplinger — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:14:10 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Kiplinger story here on Savvy!

Political theater over whether or not to extend the 2% payroll tax holiday has overshadowed the fact that most workers can do more to reduce the amount of tax withheld from their paychecks than anything cooked up in Washington.

The power-to-the-people ploy? Using a W-4 form to put an end to overwithholding from your paychecks. First, let's set the stage. Even as anti-Washington sentiment rises to a fever pitch, most middle-class Americans continue to allow the government to claim more than its share every single payday. The proof: In 2011, 109 million of the 145 million individual tax returns filed called for refunds. That's 75%. The average refund last year: $2,913. That's significantly more than even the highest-paid worker gets from a 2% payroll tax holiday.

Yes, we love our tax refunds. But we ask this simple question of those of you who get refunds year after year: Doesn't it make more sense to get your money when you earn it?

If you agree with us that the answer is a resounding "yes," we have good news. Unlike stubbornly high unemployment, it's easy to fix overwithholding. All you have to do is file a revised Form W-4 with your employer. The information on that little form determines how much federal income tax is withheld from your checks. The more "allowances" you claim on the W-4, the less income tax will be withheld.

Read on for more.

Carolina Herrera Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:08:19 PST

Carolina Herrera delivered her quintessential elegance in brilliant red gowns, shimmering red-carpet-worthy dresses, and refined separates for her Fall collection. Pleasing both the celebrity clientele and polished working women, Herrera displayed her magnitude for the classics and modernity in one graceful swoop. Classic ballgowns were sharpened with angles and diaphanous silk dresses were swept with artistic brush-stroke prints, most of which were cinched in with Japanese obi-inspired belts. Meanwhile, for the working class, Herrera paired knee-length wool skirts with an array of sparkly, fur, and feathered sweaters, cropped jackets, and wrap coats doused in one of our favorite color combos: navy and black. More details from the collection below.

Trends: Black and navy color combos, full skirts.
Colors: Black, navy, red, gray, purple, mauve.
Key Piece: We can't wait to see one of the architectural ballgowns on the Oscars red carpet.
Accessories: Wrap obi belts, wedge pumps, long leather gloves.
Who Would Wear It: Michelle Obama would look amazing in the skirt suits, and we'd like to see front-row attendee Renée Zellweger in one of Carolina's magical ballgowns.

8 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day as a Family

LilSugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:27:16 PST

If you can't find a babysitter for Valentine's Day, not to worry - we've come up with plenty of fun ways to celebrate with the whole family! Skip the expensive dinner for two and pick something you can enjoy with the kids. From quality time in the kitchen to holiday-appropriate craft classes, these eight sweet activities are sure to spread the love.

11 DIY Valentine's Day Cards Perfect For the Classroom Party

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:03:16 PST

Planning to do your lil one's Valentine's Day cards this weekend? Before heading to the store, consider simply firing up your printer! With a few clicks of the mouse and a little crafting glue, you and your tot can create beautifully handmade cards that will stand out from the crowd come Tuesday. Best of all, most of our fabulous finds don't require candy additions - moving mom and tot straight to the head of the class for following the teachers' directions.