The Ultimate Pajama Party

Tina, Gretchen, Lana, Slade and Natalie at the VIP Party

To say that I'm a fan of The Real Housewives franchise on Bravo would be an understatement.  I've seen every episode of each Housewives city from Orange County to New York since the first cat fight aired a few years ago.

Recently two of my favorite guilty pleasures melted together in an evening of worthy of its own reality TV show.  The best thing about January is that The Ultimate Pajama Party happens.  This year Gretchen Rossi from the Real Housewives of Orange County attended along with her stud muffin boyfriend Slade who is also on the show.

Lana, Slade, and Natalie

My friend Tina, my sister Lana and I had a blast at the VIP pre-party held at Crave at West End.  I enjoyed chatting with Gretchen about her handbag line the Gretchen Christine collection.  Lana cornered Slade and got the dirt on what his ex-girlfriend Jo from The Real Housewives of Orange County is now up to.

Mistress Ginger is in the pink wig and has been "Curing hot messes since 2011"

After the VIP party we hit The Ultimate Pajama party and enjoyed, shopping, massage, dancing and the "Tell your problems to a gay guy booth" with Mistress Ginger, all in our PJs.  Much to my delight there was a psychic den and I was able to spend some time with Pet Psychic Janet Roper to get some insight on why my puppy Loki is not yet potty trained.

Bill Tamlyn and Jake Bowers from One Man Minneapolis

Guys from One Man Minneapolis were volunteering at the party and helping to raise money for Dress for Success, the charity the party benefited.  Both were auctioned off during a live auction hosted by Mrs. Minnesota United States Wendi Russo and Gretchen Rossi.  Both ladies did a great job raising money for Dress for Success.

With Tammy Hauser, the Goddess behind The Ultimate Pajama Party

This year Ultimate Pajama Party creator Tammy Hauser out did herself.  Each year the party gets better and better and is something I look forward to each year!

Tina, Natalie and Lana at the PJ party

You Give Me Fever, Arctic Fever

Arctic Fever Ice Princess Sara Plehal with Ice Princess Judges

We had the fever this weekend, Arctic Fever that is.  This weekend was the 5th annual Arctic Fever event in Excelsior.  Sleigh rides, dog sledding, cross country ski races and an Ice Princess contest were just a few of the activities going on around town.

Armed with long underwear I ventured out into the single digit temps and was a judge for the outdoor Arctic Fever Ice Princess Contest.  The other judges were Jennifer Burish from Avanti, and Mrs. Excelsior Elizabeth Hopfinspirger.

Ice Princess Judges

Once again the Arctic Fever event was the place to be this weekend.  It makes winter tolerable, and reminds us of the fun side of winter in Minnesota.

The Road to Becoming Mrs. Minnesota

Mayor Ruehl with Mrs. Excelsior

There is a new Mrs. Excelsior in town and her name is Elizabeth Hopfinspirger.  I attended her official banner presentation with Excelsior Mayor Nick Ruehl.  Mayor Ruehl has been such a great supporter of previous Mrs. Excelsiors and their volunteer work, along with the International pageant system.

Hopfenspirger volunteers with Jenny's Light, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating others on postpartum depression.  She will represent Excelsior along with other city title holders at the Mrs. Minnesota pageant in March.

Here is an article from the Sun Sailor about her. More than a title for new Mrs. Excelsior.

I've met some amazing women through the Mrs. Minnesota International pageant since I was Mrs. Excelsior in 2008.  This pageant system provides a platform for women to make a difference in their community.

For example, my good friend Tamara Jett Mrs. Ham Lake has been an advocate in raising awareness about prostate cancer.

 I've seen her work with tireless dedication for years in her fight to support finding a cure for this disease.  A disease that her father has fought, and her own son is at risk of contracting.  Like Elizabeth, Tamara's advocacy efforts will continue long after the Mrs. Minnesota pageant.

The road to becoming Mrs. Minnesota International is a road of opportunity to be of service, as is the title itself.  I've seen Mrs. Minnesotas leave behind them a legacy of service and goodwill.  I've also seen the polar opposite.

Who the next Mrs. Minnesota International is we won't know until March.  In the meantime Elizabeth, Tamara and many other contestants are volunteering in their communities and beyond, to make a difference and to be of service to others.

The Ultimate Pajama Party

Natalie Hagemo and Sarah Clifford backstage at Twin Cities Live

Last January I spent an evening in my PJs shopping, dancing, drinking cocktails and consulting with a pet psychic.  I'll admit this wasn't my typical Saturday night. My girlfriends and I attended our first Ultimate Pajama Party.

This year there is another Ultimate Pajama Party on January 22nd and you can bet I already have my tickets.  Where else can you wear your PJs while getting a massage, shop for clothes, tell your problems to a gay man (Yes there is a booth for that) and toast signature cocktails with your besties?

For me this upcoming Ultimate Pajama Party is even more exciting because Gretchen Rossi from The Real Housewives of Orange County will be there!  I'm a huge fan of the Real Housewives franchise and look forward to meeting Gretchen.  Even though her boyfriend/Manager Slade will be there.  I haven't been a fan of his, but maybe he will change my mind.

Recently I was asked to model PJs on Twin Cities Live for a segment about the Ultimate Pajama Party.  You can see that segment here "Ultimate Pajama Party on Twin Cities Live"
It was a total blast and I got some great ideas for what kind of PJs I may want to wear this year.

Backstage at Twin Cities Live

This year I have even more friends going and I know it will be a blast.  You can get your tickets by visiting The Ultimate Pajama Party.