Living La Vida Local: Improve Your Shot, Cute Doggies and Spring Nourishment

Don’t know about you, but spirits are high around here on account of this awesome weather. What better time is there to welcome a new furry friend into your life, improve your photography skills (the fact that there’s not one, not two but three different workshops this week must be a sign) and/or discover new ways to live healthfully?

We already posted about this yesterday, but don’t miss out on Dog Adoption Day tomorrow morning from 10am-noon at World Care Pet. (Note that our original post listed it as on Saturday – the new headline has already been updated to reflect the correct information.) This event not only raises awareness about the inhumanity of pet markets, it was also conceived of by an ambitious 13-year-old girl. We received the following email from the organizer:

“My name is Elise Zimmerman and I am 13 years old. For my Girl Scout silver award I am organizing an event on April 15, next Sunday, called Dog Adoption Day. I am organizing this because I want to get people more aware of all of the dogs without homes, and so they can be familiar with local shelters here in Beijing.”

Too cute – and it’s a great cause. Why not support it? For more information, see this post.

You’ll most likely need a clean and healthy home for your new adorable pet. Later that day, Yoga Yard and The Hutong are teaming up for a day that combines yoga and culinary delight: The Art of Nourishment: Springtime! This is the first in a series of collaborative workshops that aim to “give you informative and enjoyable ways to cultivate a healthy balance between how you feel, eat and live.” After an invigorating yoga session led by Yoga Yard’s Robyn Wexler, you’ll take a trip to The Hutong, where you’ll learn how to create tasty and extra-nourishing dishes from Sue Zhou.

Speaking of ways to get nourished … if you’re more of a meat eater, you might want to look into the annual Columbia Community Outreach Event in support of the Chi Heng Foundation for HIV/AIDS-impacted children on April 28. The charity event will be taking place at Brazilian BBQ spot Latin Grillhouse from 11am-2pm. Tickets are now available until the 25th for RMB 180 (adults) and RMB 100 (children under 1.4 meters) at the Chi Heng Foundation office (东城区东中街58号，美惠大厦4单元1202房间) and theInternational Center for Veterinary Services in Liangmaqiao. You can see our interview with the founder of this internationally-acclaimed charity here.

And finally, there are full-day photography workshops at The Hutong on both April 14 and 15, as well as at Culture Yard on April 20. Seriously, this may be your last chance to improve your shot before Instagram gets blocked. It’ll also probably be an ideal day for shooting in the hutongs (weather is supposed to be positively lovely this weekend).

EVENTS (APRIL 14-20):

Apr 14
Beginners’ Digital Photography
Mitchell Masilun teaches you how to really use your camera and understand its functions. RMB 880, RMB 800 (members). 10am-6pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Global Kitchen: Pakistani Cuisine
Eager to create authentic curries and naan at home? Now you can. RMB 250, RMB 200 (members). 2-4.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Talk: Special Needs Adoption
A brief introduction to the adoption process and the truth about orphans with special needs. Reserve at njkerwin@gmail.com. RMB 100 (includes lunch). 10am. The Orchard (6433 6270)

Apr 15
Beginners’ Digital Photography
See Apr 14.

Chinese Through Songs Workshop
See Apr 1.

Dog Adoption Day
Interact with dogs from local shelters and rescuers all over Beijing, talk to a veterinarian and welcome a new furry friend into your home. Free. 10am-noon. World Care Pet (139 1117 5626)

Speed Dating
Get out of your winter funk and meet some fresh faces. RSVP at www.fishbowlevents.com. RMB 150 (includes drink and appetizers). 7pm. Venue TBD

Tea Market Tour to Maliandao
Taste teas from all over China and shop for affordable teaware. RMB 250 (includes lunch). 10am-3pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

The Act of Nourishment: Springtime!
Stretch out your body in a yoga class at Yoga Yard, followed by a healthy cooking class at The Hutong. RMB 500 (includes transportation). 12.30-6.30pm. Yoga Yard ( ) and The Hutong (6404 3355)

Apr 16
Chinese Peony Painting Workshop
Let your interest in traditional Chinese arts blossom. Free. 1.30-3.30pm. Beijing Mandarin School (6508 1026)

Apr 17
British Club Coffee Morning
Speaker TBD. No jeans or sneakers. RMB 70, RMB 50 (members). 10am-noon. The Capital Club (8486 2225)

BSK Cooking Class: Back to Basics Chinese
Learn all the classics like fried rice, spinach and peanut salad and more. RMB 300 (cash only). 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

INN Coffee Morning – Sanlitun
Meet people who live nearby. Free. 10am-noon. The Bookworm (6586 9507; see Dining directory)

Apr 18
Chinese Kitchen: Sichuan
Inject some mala into your kitchen. RMB 250, RMB 200 (members). 10.30am-1pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Apr 19
Benefits of Breathwork
Breathing is the key to self-healing – every wonder why? RMB 150. Time TBD. The Hutong (6404 3355)

BSK Cooking Class: Shanxi Noodles
Make noodles and sauces from scratch. RMB 300 (cash only). 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

Chinese Kitchen: Vegan Cuisine
See Apr 12.

INN Coffee Morning – Shunyi
See Apr 17. Starbucks Pinnacle Plaza (8046 4360)

Apr 20
Full-Day Photography Workshop
Join photographer Peter Carney for a shooting and editing session in the hutongs. Reserve at contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 500. 10am-6pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)