Self Indulgence - Pilates

What do I have in common with Pippa Middleton?

We both do Pilates.  Sadly, the similarity ends there.

But my weekly class with Nyree is my hour of self indulgence and surprisingly it's not just because I get to lie down for most of the time.

Contrary to popular myth, I was quite graceful and athletic as a child.  Due to apathy, those days are long gone, but I am trying to stave off the early signs of old age.

What are the benefits?  They help with my alignment, stamina, co-ordination, concentration and flexibility and  provide me with a vital opportunity to relax too.

You can use a book, DVD or follow someone online, but one of the added benefits of attending a class is the bonhomie between gurning classmates as we try to hold the 'plank', master the 'elephant' or endure the dreaded 'hundred'.

So why not find out about a class near you.  If I can do it, anyone can. 

(Although you should check with the instructor or your doctor before hand!)

Surf's Up - take an online class. What about cake decorating?

If you were inspired by our last blog, perhaps you should have a go yourself.  And you can do it all  from the comfort of your own home by taking online classes.

If you want to get a handle on designing handbag cakes, complete with divots and pleats or genuine looking zippers, rivets and buckles from sugar paste you could try Elisa Strauss.

Or perhaps sugar flowers are your thing.  No, these are not real flowers!

Then Nicholas Lodge is your man.  He'll soon have you crafting tulips, anemones and peonies.

But then again, you may prefer characters showcasing someone's career or hobby.  

Then Anne Heap runs an online class just for you.   You'll learn how to colour and work with gum paste, model human figures and position them, as well as accessorising their hair and clothes.

So what are you waiting for?  And of course, if the worst comes to the worst, you can at least console yourself with some cake!

Do let us know how you get on if you decide to have a go and of course post your photos of the finished article.  We'd love to see them.