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.

Kicking off the Holidays in Excelsior

Mayor Ruehl, Mrs. Mn Wendi Russo, Myrle Mackenzie
 and myself after the opening

There is nothing like Christmas in Excelsior!  Thanksgiving weekend we had our annual Christkindlsmarkt, which is an open air Christmas market modeled after the ones in Germany.

Christkindlsmarkt opened with a parade featuring Mrs. Minnesota Wendi Russo and Santa.  I had the pleasure of participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony with Excelsior Mayor Nick Ruehl.

Ribbon Cutting

Thankful Bagging

Today I had the pleasure of volunteering for the ICA Food Shelf.  Myself along with other volunteers from my community, including Excelsior Mayor Nick Ruehl bagged groceries at Cub Foods in Minnetonka to raise money for the ICA Food Shelf.

This was such a fun activity, besides it being for a great cause.  For one I thoroughly enjoy trying to figure out what people are planning on making with the groceries they are buying.  There were the Thanksgiving staples: turkeys, the makings for pie and stuffing. Then there were the awkward purchases of condoms and depends.  As a bagging professional I kept a straight face and didn't comment or giggle at these purchases.

On this eve of Thanksgiving I'm thankful that I have the opportunities I do to be involved in my community.  Even if it means handling someone else's birth control or depends.

Puppy Love and Fashion

Loki

How can I get upset with someone with a face like this?  Sure my puppy Loki pulled down an entire roll of TP and dragged it throughout my house, but when he tilts his head and looks at me with those big dark eyes, I melt into a sea of puppy love.

Yes he chews on my books, and keeps dragging my husband's underwear into the living room to share with guests, but he is so darn adorable when he paws at his eyes.

Plus I get to dress him up.  Loki is now available for work as a spokespuppy and model for fun fashion doggy wear.  We are exploring the world of pet accessories together and I will be acting as his agent.

With a face like this, what's a little exposed underwear between loved ones.

Let's Deck the Halls!

Growing up in Hawaii my Christmases were spent on the beach.  Not a bad holiday, but as a child I longed for snow and the holiday traditions of the mainland that I saw on TV.

I've lived in Minnesota for the last 17 years and have rejoiced in the fact that the holidays come earlier and earlier each year.  While others moan "too soon" I start listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween.  I'd probably start sooner but my hubby can only take so much.  While some may be starting to think about their Thanksgiving plans, I've already created and ordered my Christmas cards.  Normally I'm done with my design by Halloween.

Though Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, I'll admit I am in love with the commercialism the holiday brings.  Christmas trees, yards lit up with lights and egg nog lattes do for me what Grey Goose probably does for an alcoholic.  I can't get enough, and for me it can't come soon enough.

My holiday candles are lit, I'm working my magic to convince the kids to get the tree up this weekend and I hear egg nog lattes are just around the corner.

So moan and groan if you must about how Christmas shouldn't come before Thanksgiving.  I'll be perfecting my holiday playlist while sipping a drink of the season, and hitting the shops in downtown Excelsior.  Resistance is futile, the holidays are here!

Whose Your Mama?

Boating with my baby

This Friday is the 20th anniversary of my becoming a parent, otherwise known as my daughter Shelby's 20th birthday, in fact her golden birthday since it is on the 20th.  It also marks the point where I will have been raising my kids for half of my life.  For anyone slow with math, I'm also turning 40 in a few weeks so if my daughter is 20, I've been parenting half my life.

20 years of scraped knees, of chasing after runaway turtles (they are faster than you think), of meeting imaginary friends, having birthday parties for said imaginary friends, of finding more uses for duct tape than I care to admit, and mostly 20 years of wondering how time was going by so fast.

Shelby who I used to piggy back around the yard, now towers over me by a good 4 inches and is in college.  She just took her first road trip on her own and someone safely crossed state lines without me sitting there telling her what to do every step of the way.

Seems like just a few years ago I was duct taping my middle daughter Kelsey into her diaper at night so she couldn't take if off in the morning and attempt to recreate the Mona Lisa on her wall with its contents.   In a few weeks she will be a senior in High School.   Now the only duct tape I use on her is the one I throw at her as I yell at her to tape her own mouth shut when she gets smart with me.

My baby, my son, my Prince Jared is going into the 6th grade.  How the hell did that happen so fast?  My little baby who used to play with my hair while he fell asleep now has his own cell phone and won't let me hug him in public.

I've had many adventures in my life but I must say, though parenting has not been the most rewarding, it continues to be the most worthwhile adventure of all.  Maybe the rewarding part is still to come.  The part where my kids grow up, become rich and take care of their father and I in our old age.  Allowing me to spend my twilight years drinking red wine in Italy while writing a travel column for the AARP.

Cheers to Shelby's golden birthday and cheers to half a lifetime  engaged in a meaningful, worthwhile adventure of a lifetime.

My Visit with a Voodoo Priest

The Voodoo museum is a must see in the French Quarter.  It is run by Dr. John T. Martin who is a white Voodoo priest.  His experience in the field of Voodoo was extensive and unique for a Caucasian.  

Dr. John is very soft spoken, with a peaceful nature about him.  Not what I would have envisioned for a Voodoo Priest.  After speaking with him I learned that Hollywood has given Voodoo a bad name and an inaccurate stereotype.  

The museum is small, but has eclectic artifacts.  I found it to be more educational rather than commercial.  After my tour through the museum I scheduled a Psychic Reading with Dr. John for later that day.  Several hours later I returned and sat down with him.

During my reading Dr. John used Tarot cards, explaining what each meant to me as we went through the reading.  Dr. John had cautioned me at the start that not everyone hears what they want to hear.  Thankfully there wasn't much that I didn't want to hear.  There was one point he made that I didn't want to hear, but after reflecting on it I realized I needed to hear it and his advice on it was good.

During our 45 minutes together Dr. John covered the next three years of my life.  Prior to the reading I didn't tell him anything about myself.  Interestingly he touched on a few situations that I've been currently dealing with.  He was very specific about something happening in the next 3 months.  I'll have to see if that plays out.  If it does, he gave me advice on how to get answers on it.  

I'm not going into too many details about the reading as it was oddly personal and specific, more so than I thought it would be, being that I had just met him and hadn't shared any personal info with him.

Whether the reading was the real deal, or just lucky guessing, I left feeling peaceful and optimistic about my future.  There wasn't anything spooky or evil about it.  I'm not about to start practicing Voodoo, but my experience has given me a greater understanding and respect for the people who do.

Paranormal Activity?

Part of our room at the B and B

Lana and I have been very busy experiencing New Orleans.  I don't even know where to start with sharing all that we have done.  For now I'll fill you in on how your paranormal exploration has gone.

As I posted earlier, our first night at the B and B was active with what could be paranormal activity.  From the fuzzy TV,my facebook post disappearing, and creaking floors in the middle of the night, there was no shortage of possibilities.  The next day I tried to enter our room using our key.  I could not remove the key to save my life and gave up.  Lana walked up and pulled the key right out of the lock with ease.  I tried to turn off the bathroom light and could not get it to go off.  Lana flipped the switch once and it went off.


Because of this we determined that if we are being haunted, whoever it is has an issue with me.  To be on the safe side I apologized out loud to anyone I may have possibly offended.  Since then, no fuzzy TV, the internet is now fast in our room (it had been slow as all get out) and I can use the key to get in the room.  It appears that we are now co-existing with whatever spirit or spirits that inhabit the B and B.

Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District

We have toured two cemeteries and have seen the above ground mausoleums.  I've never seen anything like it. There are some which are well maintained and others that appear to have not had visitors for decades.  Lana and I made a point of stopping at the less maintained mausoleums to visit.

Interestingly these cemeteries did not have the feel of death that I've experienced back home and in other parts of the country.  I think it's because people from around here are really good at celebrating life, even in death.

I'll try to blog later about my visit to a Voodoo Priest and our other adventures here in the Big Easy.

The Ghost Hunting Begins

Lana Slept with a bible last night

My sister Lana has taken me to New Orleans for my 40th birthday.  My birthday isn't until September.  The 2nd to be exact so the final days of my 30's are being counted down.

Our flight down from Minnesota was uneventful.  There was a dwarf on our plane, so of course I took that as a sign of good luck and a guaranteed safe flight.  As I know and you should know, dwarfs are magical.

Louisiana is thought to be the most haunted state in the United States.  I'm here to judge for myself.  We are staying at  a B and B off the beaten path, outside of the French Quarter.  The original owner who built is was a local minister who was also a slave owner.  The slave quarters have been turned into rooms off of the main house.

Back in the 1800's the original owner lost two of his children in this house to illness, and he himself died after lingering for two weeks after an accident.  There were also a number of deaths among the slaves.  There is an entire book written about the owner and his life.  I'd share his name but Lana left the book outside in the courtyard yesterday.  I really hope it doesn't rain or she is buying this place a new book.

Lana and I are currently the only guest staying in the main house.  After arriving yesterday and checking in we set off to explore the French Quarter for a bit.  I did discover that Bourbon Street is not my cup of tea at all.  The smell alone caused us to redirect our course. We did enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour through the French Quarter.  Our guide sounded exactly like Al Pachino, which made the tour more interesting.

Back at the B and B last night as we prepared to go to bed around 11:00pm we had the TV on.  The TV kept going fuzzy like TVs do when they have antennas.  The thing is, this TV is hooked up to cable.  Odd occurrence, paranormal in nature, maybe?

Last night between 2:30 and 6:30 I heard what sounded like the floor creaking when we walked across it earlier.  Again, we are the only guest in the main house.  Upon hearing this noise I did what any ghost hunter would do.  I put the blankets over my head to act as a protective shield and installed my ear plugs.  Therefore, I'm not sure how long the creaking of the floor went on.

Also prior to going to bed last night I posted on Facebook about what was happening so far.  This morning that post is gone from Facebook.  Now it could have been some Facebook glitch, but I'm noting it anyways.

Now we are off to try the breakfast now here at the B and B and then are going on a cemetery tour.

Parenting a Young Adult

My kids are 11, 17 about to turn 18 and my oldest will be 20 in a few weeks. For awhile I've been struggling with transitioning from parenting children to parenting young adults.

It's a transition I've resisted for awhile. I still order off the kids menu for my 17 year old and make her see a Pediatrician. Both things she is refusing to do anymore. I can't seem to bring myself to see her as anything but the 12 year old little girl she once was.

How do I go from directing their play dates to letting them choose their own friends? Especially when a few of these friends display the common sense a tomato.

Yesterday I went on a portage with my three kids and my brother in law in Northern Minnesota. My kids and I shared a canoe while my brother in law followed in a kayak. I was comfortable with the three of them in the canoe with me and had two of them helping to paddle, while I paddled and steered the canoe.

The kids helped to carry the canoe and our gear when we crossed land and went into a neighboring lake. I realized how much easier this is to do at their age and size.

While we were stopped on land for a picnic lunch, my two oldest girls decided they wanted to swim across the lake to a campsite they could see. This freaked me out. "No way" was my first response. They were both excited about doing it and confident in their abilities.

I told them they could do it if they wore life jackets. Of course, they said no way. Then my brother in law suggested he follow them in the kayak with the lifejackets in case they needed them. My youngest and I would canoe across and meet them there.

Reluctantly I agreed to this. My son safely in his life jacket and I loaded the canoe and made our way across the lake. I sat on the shore watching the girls make their way across. When they had to rest they floated on their backs and may have even grabbed onto the kayak, but they never grabbed the life jackets, which were right there if they needed them.

They both made it and were very proud of themselves as was I. Watching them swim across I realized that maybe that was the difference between parenting children and parenting young adults. With children wearing the life jacket is mandatory. As they get older maybe it is okay to have the life jackets within reach as they learn how far they can swim without it.

As my older kids learn to find their own boundaries, I'm trying to stay in the canoe and let them. It isn't coming easy, but it's coming.

Congratulations Mrs. Minnesota Susie Overvold

This last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Mrs. Minnesota International Pageant. Several of my friends were participating in the pageant this year along with Mrs. Excelsior Susie Overvold.

In June of last year I crowned Susie as Mrs. Excelsior at her banner presentation, turning over the title I once held. 

The weekend was full of fun with never a dull moment. No one's dress was slashed and no cat fights broke out, but a good time was still had by all. I love pageant weekend because it gives me a chance to catch up with several of the most inspiring women I know, who have supported me through my own adventures in life.

Have Spear Will Travel

Note: I'm behind on blogging because there is no cell reception or internet where we are staying.  Each day I have to wait until we drive down the mountain towards Kona till I can get online in the car (using my internet card) as I am now, risking motion sickness to share with you).

Proudly I announce that I Natalie Hagemo entered the ocean at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.  My father has three daughters and of the three of us only one (Nahe pictured here with me) took to the ocean like he did.  Nahe surfs, snorkels and recently started to spear fish.

We went snorkling, Nahe with spear in hand searching for fish.  Though I am not the natural fish in the water that my little sister is, I played a part in the spearing of her first fish.

My job was to distract and corner the victim while Nahe went in for the kill and we were successful, okay Nahe mostly but I helped.

I was quite proud of myself.  Other than being chased by a sea turtle, my snorkeling experience was amazing.  My dad claims the sea turtle was swimming away from someone else and not in fact charging at me.  Easy for him to say he wasn't frantically screaming underwater trying to escape the beast.

Today we hope to find my Uncle Duane in Kona who teaches surfing and do some surfing.  

Attack of the Octopus

With my Grandma's 80th birthday luau just a few days away my family set out to Hapuna beach to go spear fishing for Ocotpus for the party.

I'm pictured here with the soon to be dinner and the Uncle that captured it.  My sister Nahe joined the spear fishing expedition while my other sister Lana and I opted for being lookouts from the safety of the beach.  Coming face to face with creepy looking

Octopus is not how I wanted to kick off my vacation.

Hawaii is a place where one would never go hungry. There is an abundance of food in the ocean, I've watched my Grandma eat certain types of seaweed right out of the water.  You are surrounded by fruit of all types.  

We Have Arrived!

After 17 hours, 3 airplanes and an hour and a half of driving in the dark and rain, we finally arrived to our destination. We are staying at an amazing secluded B and B.

I just wanted to post that I did arrive safe and sound.  I'm dead tired today after not much sleep and too much sun, not that I'm complaining.

Later I'll post about today and the battle my family had and won with an octopus.  Pictured with me are my sisters Lana and Nahe.  Lana lives in Minnesota and our little sister Nahe was born in Hawaii but grew up in England.  We are thrilled to be together again.

My Latest Love Affair

I've been involved in a life long love affair with baked goods. A Chocolate croissant has never judged me, a blueberry muffin has never betrayed me.

A month ago Patisserie Margo opened on Water Street here in Excelsior, we have been inseparable ever since.   As a matter of fact I'm sitting in the bakery right now basking in the afterglow of my Quiche Lorraine.

I have been on a mission since this fine establishment has opened.  My goal is to be the first Excelsior resident to try one of every type of baked good (single serving items) that Patisserie Margo has to offer.  Collin (pictured with me) who is Margo's son and the Manager, has almost committed to putting up a plaque to mark the occasion when my goal is reached.

It is with great pride an accomplishment that I tell you I have only three items to go!  In addition to the scrumptious bakery items they carry sandwiches, gourmet soups and delicious quiche, all of which I have tried.  

With the warmer days we have been having here in Minnesota, I've enjoy sitting in their outdoor patio area, while sipping my espresso, and delicately breaking off pieces of my morning scone.

Stay tuned for the big announcement when I reach my goal!