Balance: Recess

by Designing Mom Jackie

Oh recess. How I so miss that concept. While my public elementary school was lacking in many ways, they sure got the recess thing down perfectly. I will always look back on that mandatory respite from fractions and pronouns to play dodge ball and eat chocolate chip cookies with a big smile.

Nowadays, my recess comes at night when the kids are asleep and I am off-duty. To mix it up a bit and not feel so guilty about the crap TV that I watch and even crappier tabloids that I read, I’ve started seeking out evening workshops on crafty or culinary topics.

Given my limited time and tight purse strings these days, I look for classes that are a one-night deal, usually just a few hours. I find that this is just long enough for me to retreat from my daily routine, learn some new tricks, and if I’m lucky, make a thing or two (if food is involved, that might mean burn a thing or two).

Here are a few great local classes on my recess "wish list" for the months ahead:

1) A Moroccan Feast cooking class at Kitchen on Fire


2) Paper Arts taught by Courtney Cerruti at The Workshop


3) Rookie Rubber Stamping at Paper Source



4) Recycled Sweaters & Tee Shirt Workshop at Stonemountain and Daughter Fabric


5) Screen Printing: Home Edition at Richmond Art Center




6) Picture Links and Pendants at Baubles & Beads


What about you?? Please email your favorite “recess” activities.