Riot and Frolic

a mostly ballroom dance, but also a bunch of other stuff, blog

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about

I own and rock people’s faces off teaching ballroom dancing at Dancers Studio in St. Paul, MN. My husband and I compete professionally in American style and wrangle eight children in our spare time. I’ve been teaching and competing in ballroom dancing for over 25 years and have lots of opinions on it. I am an expert by any means, but there are quite a few dancers who are better than me and I have a solid knowledge of basic technique, so suck it.

Category: Craftacular

  • Hats for Everyone

    'Round about 5 years ago, I found a post on Purl Soho's blog for a simple knitted hat.   I did not know how to knit at all, but I wanted to make that damn hat. Super Soft Merino Hats for Everyone pattern from Purl Soho I figured my years of crocheting would somehow power me through…

  • Being a Mom Means Throwing Stuff Away

    This is a regular day in my house; I find pieces of art made especially for me all. over. the. house. On my desk: On my refrigerator: More on my refrigerator: On my reading material: I have found art in the bathroom especially for me as well (because they know I hide there sometimes). At the end of last…

  • Theme Weeks : When Everyone Ends Up Crying

    In case some of you thought it was all rainbows and fairies and cupcakes around here, I thought you needed to know about this week's theme : Picnics. Despite an unbelievable haul from the library, Picnic Week has mainly been a bust because, as you Minnesotans know, it's monsoon season here.   Two picnics (including…

  • Holy Sh!t, It’s Summer Vacation

    This is the first year where "summer vacation" actually means a break from the usual.  Since .5 of the kids were in school, there is a definite change coming to our routine. I'm not scared. Well, not much. And because I'm insane, I made a few things to prepare: A) vintage-cute dresses. Once they find an…

  • Adventures Time : Part One

    Okay, I'll admit.  I haven't been present for a full half of the ADVENTures this year.  But I've liked all the ones I've witnessed.  And that is something.   Day 1 : pinecone ornaments Is it just me, or does anyone else say "pinecorn"? I grabbed some pine…coooonnneees, a few jingle bells, a couple sticks of…

  • Parenting and Perfectionism

    In past years, I put together a list of ADVENTures (get it?  PUNNY) for the Christmas season.  The girls, doing that whole growing thing, have better hand/eye coordination, so we're totally upping our game this year.  But along with all the FAMILY TIME and CRAFTING and HOLIDAY SPIRIT, this mama is learning about PATIENCE and LETTING THE…

  • Adventures Time

    It's that time of year again, where I put more pressure on myself to create fun, family memories for the gang and create extra work, less sleep, and more to do for myself.  But I LIKE IT!  And FUN! And CHRISTMAS!  So, DO IT! If you haven't been here before, I make a list of neat things…

  • Adventures 2014

    Get it?  Advent…ures?  I am SO clever.  Yes, it's that pre-Christmas season again and I'm mostly prepared.   Last year, I clogged up our brains with daily updates; this year I'm going Theme Week route and doing a once-a-week roundup.   In case you're also feeling the spirit moving you, here's our list of merry…

  • Owl Week in Review

     I have accidentally been collecting owl things for a few years.  I didn't realize it was a collection until people started buying me gifts with owls on them (mugs, Christmas decorations, notebooks).    "Because you love owls!"  Let's be real, though, people: owls are super creepy-looking in real life, but cartoon and craft ones?  ADORBS.…

  • Alphabet Week in Review

    My life is in a perpetual and precarious balance between overachieving and total slacking. Over the weekend, I like to plan out my next week, prepare nerdy/artsy/schooly stuff (for the girls' activities or for my own projects), and catch up on stuff that slipped through my to-do list's grasp.  But I also avoid doing the dishes…