I Can't...

If you have an idea for an “I Can’t,” either to attend or to facilitate, head to the Suggestion Box at bottom of page

‘Member camp? Where you learned, participated, and stretched yourself amongst an invigorating blend of familiar and new faces? Where you were led by welcoming, low-key counselors in a welcoming, low-key environment?

In Mac & Cheese Productions’ I Can’t series, adults state they’re unable to do something, they try it with a bunch of other adults who also “can’t,” and everyone proves themselves wrong and not only does the thing, but enjoys it and says, “That wasn’t so bad. In fact, kinda fun. Good for me! What’s next?!”

As at camp, topics and structure are varied but the “be yourself amongst others being themselves, witness the magic that happens when you try with others trying” vibe is pervasive. 

Sample of Past Offerings

I Can’t –

Yoga

Camp

Improv

Buy a home

Draw

Have a dog

Adult my money

Figure out what I want to do in life

Clean

Find love

Put on makeup

Travel

Ask for money
 

Testimonials

"Hi Saya, I just wanted to say thank you. I was really scared about taking (I Can't: Improv), but you and Pete did such a great job of making a space where there was no room for fear and insecurity. It was really helpful for me to be there. Thanks again!"

"The workshop was so comprehensive and has really gotten me excited about cleaning. I am also thinking about how I can incorporate ideas into other areas of my life, so thank you again!"

"I went with a friend and wasn’t thinking I would learn anything. But I did! I learned that there are so many outdoor spaces in Chicago that I’m not taking advantage of. And that getting outdoors for even 30 minutes a day may reduce my stress and tension. I’m now considering taking the I Can’t Camp getaway edition! It would be my first real camping experience and I’m saying Yes!!"

"This workshop was great! Kristyn and Saya were awesome. I learned a lot on approaching home organization and have a better understanding as to why my strategies previously didn't work. Kristyn was passionate and very knowledgeable. The workshop was held in a comfortable setting that fostered great interaction and dialogue."

"I thought this class was great!  I learned a little about yoga and got to try it in a super comfortable environment, the instructor was fun and explained things. The class overall was a great way to bring people together with similar interests and also things they’re each going through."

View Cheese-It Testimonials →

Current Offerings

Bring something to write on/with and if you’d like, food/drink for yourself. Held at Mac & Cheese Productions℠, in Wicker Park, near Ashland & Division unless otherwise indicated; exact address sent upon registration.

 

 

I Can’t: Bake — Fundamentals Edition

Partner — Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman

Are any of these you?

  • I love to cook but I can’t bake…
  • The only baking I ever do is from a box mix…
  • Baking is too precise and I like to improvise in the kitchen…
  • I never understand what baking recipes are saying…
  • Every time I try to bake something it never turns out like the pictures…

If you answered yes, I Can’t: Bake – Fundamentals is for you.

Workshop Details

When Kristin was first learning how to bake, tackling a new recipe was very intimidating. Now, 10 years later, she has gone to culinary school, worked as a private chef, and built a popular baking resource website geared toward simplifying baking for others.

In this workshop, Kristin will let you in on all of the most important lessons she learned in culinary school to approach new recipes with success. She will help you understand the most common baking terminology, as well as several mixing methods that can be used for a large variety of recipes. Additionally, she will walk you through master recipes that will build your confidence to improvise with your baking. You will leave with approachable recipes, detailed explanations, and the confidence to start baking at home!

Please be aware in case of allergies that this workshop will contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman Website ☆ Instagram ☆ YouTube ☆ Facebook

Register

There are no refunds so please make sure you can join before registering. If you’d like to share, invite, keep track of this event on Facebook, click here.

 

Suggestion Box

"I Can't" Idea

Suggest an "I Can't" topic, either as an attendee or as a facilitator. If you have a facilitator in mind whom isn't you, tell them to fill this out. Note that this is a very popular series both on the attendee side and on the facilitator side, so if you're suggesting yourself for the latter, no promises. Additionally, Mac & Cheese is much more likely to collaborate with people already in the M&C world, people whom we already know are fabulous; meaning if you don't already come to events and/or interact online, you should start doing that! The whole "friends helping friends" thing...
  • Please make sure you type this correctly. If you're just suggesting a topic, Mac & Cheese probably won't reach out; this is is more for folks who want to facilitate a session. But, just in case...
  • If you'd like to share further info on the topic.

  • The rest of the form is for people interested in facilitating

    You're all done if you're just submitting a topic idea — skip down to SUBMIT.
  • Mac & Cheese is usually where I Can'ts take place, but sometimes it makes more sense to hold a session elsewhere, e.g. a glass blowing studio, a gym, or an animal rescue.
  • If you're open/it doesn't matter, state that. Mac & Cheese can hold 30ish. Keep in mind: how many attendees will make it worth your while, venue size, venue capability (number of tables and chairs, etc), materials you provide, desired participation level (individual, small group, whole group), desired "feel" (is intimate preferred?), desired potential revenue (the more people, the more revenue potential).
  • If yes, when and why then? If you're open and timeframe doesn't matter, state that.
    Do you XYZ without having to be reminded? If you're given instructions, do you read and follow all of them? Are you punctual? Do you pull your weight? Are you proactive? Can you manage life without a lot of hand-holding? Do you offer something fabulous? Are you low-maintenance? Do you think you can work with a Type A only child who has a lot of opinions, systems, and preferred ways of existence yet whom is also collaborative and open to your you'ness? Are you someone who aligns with Mac & Cheese Productions℠ and is someone Mac & Cheese would be proud to be affiliated with? Are you a good person who believes in equality for all? Are you nice?
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.