Valentine's Day Cooking Class

Who says education can't be sexy? This Valentine's Day, treat your special someone to a night at the city's best hotel -- and a fun cooking class.

The Conrad Indianapolis is offering a behind-the-scenes, couples-only cooking class, called Cooking by Candlelight. You'll help prepare an aphrodisiac-laced meal, sip wine, share an intimate candlelit dinner with your sweetie and then spend the night at the Conrad (at a discounted rate).

Cost is $160 per couple. The class begins at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13. Reservations are required; call (317) 524-2574.

Modern Home Ec

Shelly Leer has been a busy gal lately. She just revamped her website, ModHomeEc, and opened a new studio on 54th Street, just off the Monon. Now, she's offering a wide range of sewing and upholstery classes -- from sewing 101 to advanced upholstery skills.

Here's a quick look at upcoming classes:

• Feb. 3 -- Sewing Machine Basics
• Feb. 3 or 10 -- Pillow Workshop
• Feb. 11 -- Intro to Upholstery: Creating a Tufted Ottoman
• Feb. 12 -- Couples' Ottoman Building Class (with light appetizers)
  

Can't make it to the studio? She also offers online tutorials, where you'll learn how to replace sofa foam or how to make a play kitchen for the kiddos. What a great resource!

Cooking Class: Fermenti Artisan

Interested in cooking classes with a healthy focus? Check out my article about Fermenti Artisan in this week's Metromix, a publication of the Indianapolis Star. The class was hands-on and fun, and I learned a notebook-full of new things about food preparation and nutrition. (Guess what? Real butter is good for you!)

Kiss Z Cook Groupon

In case you missed it (which I almost did), the secondary Groupon offer today is for $35 classes at Kiss Z Cook -- a $40 discount! These classes are informative, fun and hands-on, so snatch up your coupon today and start cooking.

Green Thumb?

Baby, it's cold outside, but it's time to start thinking about this spring's gardening plans. Green Piece Indy has a great post today on upcoming gardening classes, whether you're a "backyardless beginner," "proficient planter" or "horticultural hero." Enjoy!