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NEW YEAR, NEW SKILLS

Replace resolutions with the exploration of new skills

While resolutions may quickly fizzle, a newfound skill can be honed throughout the year to come. Longing to learn a new language, expand kitchen skills or explore the arts? Here are some interesting talents just waiting to be perfected.

BY JORDAN MORENO

Perfect Pairing

Did someone say Pinot? Oui! Learn to pair food and wine with private tastings, carefully curated grazing boards and an abundance of French wines at Moiselle at the Pemberton. While wine enthusiasts can stop by the Parisian street cafe for monthly pairing events with local makers, expert Kristin Humphreys travels to host private in-home pairing and wine education classes across Scottsdale. From bubbles and brie to gooseberries and Gamay, students will be connoisseurs by the last drop! www. moisellephx.com.

Throw Clay

Pip Coffee + Clay combines coffee, wine and beer, and ceramics for an out-of-the-box New Year’s resolution that includes throwing clay and creating art. Learn terms like “pinch pot”, “slab build” and “underglaze” to create funky planters, kitchen gadgets, plates, bowls, cups, and more. The studio offers the opportunity for small beginner classes to largescale workshops for the super pottery nerds. www.pipcoffeeclay.com.

Say Cheese

In the age of social sharing at lightning speed, photography skills have evolved and most images come from that little device in the palm of everyone’s hands. Selfie studios like Scottsdale Selfie Museum have popped up across the country, offering a unique photography studio full of interactive and immersive staged rooms, lighting, and backdrops designed specifically for superb selfies. Need a little extra help? Scottsdale Selfie offers a Selfie 101 class. www.scottsdale-selfie.com.

Speak a New Language

This is the year “speak a new language” will finally be crossed off the resolution list. Magnus Language Institute, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, specializes in providing Spanish language tutoring and group classes in a fun, inviting setting where students gather to accelerate their Spanish conversation skills. Outside of the classroom, Magnus offers online sessions and events, including Spanishspeaking-only dinners and immersion trips abroad to energize the learning experience. www.magnusspanishservices.com.

Learn to Cook

With 16 years in operation, Classic Cooking Academy has become one of the most popular cooking schools in the Valley with one motto: educate your appetite. Whether a knife-shy novice or looking to expand home cooking, the school’s group of professionally trained instructors will transform students into master chefs in a matter of weeks as they learn about nutrition, sustainability, food science, and current trends. www.ccacademy.edu.

Run Around

Sole Sports offers running clubs and group runs throughout the week, with runs ending at local pubs and eateries. Each Saturday, the Sole Sports running groups leave from their stores bright and early to snag a jolt of serotonin before breakfast. www.solesportsrunning. com.