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Awakening Art Show and Silent Auction
The Awakening Art Show and Silent Auction was held in Excelsior at the Bird House Inn and Gardens to benefit Free Arts Minnesota. It featured popular Minnesota artist Ashley Dull and celebrated Seattle artist Mark Nickels.
Pictured: Natalie Hagemo, Mark Nickels, Ashley Dull, Excelsior Mayor Nick Ruehl, Debbie Hart
80's Diva Night in Excelsior
Mrs. Excelsior Susie Overvold, Mrs. Minnesota America Heather Hall and Natalie Hagemo enjoying Excelsior's 80's Diva Night.
Pictured: Susie Overvold, Heather Hall, Natalie Hagemo
Attending the Mrs. Minnesota
America Pageant
My sister Lana and I had a great time cheering on our friends at the Mrs. Minnesota America Pageant in St Paul. Congratulations to Heather Hall who took home the crown.
Pictured: Lana Schneider, Natalie Hagemo
Princess Night in Excelsior
Princess Night was the launch of this summer's Girl's Night Out season. Over 500 women came out, wore tiaras, shopped, laughed and had a good time.
Pictured:Natalie Hagemo, Tana Frederick
Excelsior Downtown Business Group Meeting on Water
The Excelsior Downtown Business Group had their June meeting aboard the "Destiny" on Lake Minnetonka. Fun was to be had with a great ice breaker game.
Pictured:Natalie Hagemo, Connie Frederick, Kris Solei-Johnson
Botox Baby
I was thrilled after getting Botox for the first time. I wrote about it in my June "Outside the Box" column. I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with the results. Thanks so much to the staff at Ridgeview Season's Medical Spa in Excelsior.
Pictured: David from Season's Medical Spa, Natalie Hagemo, Kathleen from Season's Medical Spa.
Mrs. Excelsior's Crowning
Having fun with photographer Mark Trockman after Mrs. Excelsior Susie Overvold's crowning.
Pictured: Susie Overvold, Natalie Hagemo, Tami Krause, Mark Trockman
Photo by Mark Trockman
Passing the Crown to the New Mrs. Excelsior Susie Overvold
It's official we have a new Mrs. Excelsior and it is Susie Overvold I had the pleasure of passing the crown to her as the former Mrs. Excelsior.
Read the article in the Lakeshore Weekly about it "Here she is... Mrs. Excelsior"
Susie has hit the ground running and will be working to promote Excelsior's upcoming art benefit "Awakening, It's Time to Open Your Eyes" happening on June 20th to benefit Free Arts Minnesota. Additionally she will be working in our community on a number of other charitable causes.
Mrs. Excelsior Crowning with Mrs. Minnesota Tami Krause and
Mayor Nick Ruehl
Joining us at the crowning of our new Mrs. Excelsior was Mrs. Minnesota International Tami Krause and the hippest Mayor in the Twin Cities Excelsior Mayor Nick Ruehl.
Pictured: Susie Overvold, Natalie Hagemo, Tami Krause, Nick Ruehl
Back in Hawaii with my Sisters
My sisters and I returned home to Hawaii for our Grandma's 80th birthday.
Pictured: Nahelani Webster, Natalie Hagemo, Lana Schneider
Lake Minnetonka Magazine Article
As a proud member of the Excelsior Girl's Night Out Committee I did an interview with Lake Minnetonka magazine about our popular Girl's Night Out events. Myself and 4 other committee members did a photo shoot on this day for the magazine article coming out in June.
Pictured: Lorraine from Sashabana Salon, Ellie Vadnais from Cherie Consignment, Natalie Hagemo, Cynthia Rae from Cynthia Rae Dress Code and Connie Frederick from Ooh La La
Minnesota Vikings "Pigskin for Fashion" Fashion Show
Recently I modeled for Ooh La La in the "Pigskin for Fashion" Fashion Show and Brunch put on by the wives of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Gopher's coaches wives, at the Lafayette Country Club. The event raised money for Hennepin County Newborns in Need and the Minnesota chapter of the National MS society.
Pictured: The new Mrs. Excelsior Susie Overvold and Natalie Hagemo backstage after rehearsal.
Easter Brunch at Hazellwood
We had a delicious Easter Brunch at Hazellwood off of County Rd 19. I recently found out they are also open for breakfast, usually my husband Brad and I go there for dinner. We can't wait to try their breakfast.
Pictured: Jared, Brad and Natalie Hagemo. Photo by our daughter Kelsey
Amber Procaccini Bedroom Session Photo Shoot
Recently I wrote my "Outside the Box" column about "Discovering the Diva in You" and doing a bedroom session photo shoot with Twin Cities photographer Amber Procaccini and make-up artist Julie Swenson. The column is on "my columns" page and was published in the Lakeshore Weekly.
The experience was a blast!
Pictured: Natalie Hagemo, by Photographer Amber Procaccini
Rockin Santa Fashion Show
Excelsior's Rockin Santa Fashion Show took the Twin Cities by storm the other night. Mrs. Minnesota America Wendi Russo did an amazing job modeling for The House of Amore and Fede! Many Excelsior retailers participated such as, Ooh La La, Gifted Baskets, Cynthia Rae Dress Code, Cherie, and the soon to open bridal store Grace. Dolce Stuidos were on the scene taking photographs and adding to the festivities
It was a fun evening and another great opportunity to collect food for our local ICA Food Shelf.
Pictured: Natalie Hagemo, Wendi Russo
Ashley Dull "Giving Thanks" Art Show
I had the pleasure of working with local artist Ashley Dull on her recent art show "Giving Thanks" at Wilcock Gallery in Excelsior. A portion of all art sales are being donated to Kinship, a non-profit organization that pairs kids 5-15 years old with positive adult mentors.
Pictured here are gallery owner Keith Wilcock, Wendi Russo Mrs. Minnesota America who was representing Kinship, artist Ashley Dull and of course me, Natalie Hagemo.
Walk and Pose Boot Camp Benefits the ICA Food Shelf
The recent Walk and Pose Boot Camp at Champion Ballroom in Chanhassen, Minnesota was sponsored by the Rockin Santa Fashion Show. Rebecca Epley of America's Next Top Model (pictured on the left) along with Wendi Russo Mrs. Minnesota America (not pictured) ran the fun boot camp, teaching participants the basics of how to pose for those holiday photos and how to walk the the confidence of a runway model, even if just wearing tennis shoes. Molly Nicholson Mrs. Minneapolis (pictured on the right) also participated.
Participants brought non-perishable food items for the ICA Food Shelf.
Pictured: Rebecca Epley,Natalie Hagemo,Molly Nicholson
Painting by Mark Nickels
I had fun posing with a painting of me that Seattle artist, and friend of mine Mark Nickels is working on.
Pictured:Natalie Hagemo
Cowgirl Night in Excelsior
Recently it was Cowgirl Night in Excelsior, sponsored by the Excelsior Downtown Business Group. We had a mechanical bull in town and line dancing!
I had a blast on the mechanical bull! Pictured below is our very own Mayor Nick Ruehl, Debbie Slusar (House of Amore and Fede), Ellie (Cheri), City Councilwoman Jennifer Caron, Kim Parameter (House of Amore and Fede) and local massage therapist Myra Wang.
Pictured:Natalie Hagemo
The Sick Bug by Susie Bazil launch party
I was happy to go out to The Bookcase in Wayzata to support local children's author Susie Bazil. Susie's first book "The Sick Bug" is a funny and adorable story about how a young child tries to understand just what a sick bug is. The book is beautifully illustrated by Shawn McCann (also in the photo).
Pictured: Shawn McCann,Susis Bazil,Natalie Hagemo
Volunteering at The Pace Race with Tamara Jett
I had the opportunity to volunteer at this years Pace Race with my friend and Mrs. Ham Lake Tamara Jett. The Pace Race raises awareness and donations for Prostate Cancer research and eduation. Raising awareness about this particular type of cancer is Tamara's platform as Mrs. Ham Lake.
Pictured:Natalie Hagemo, Tamara Jett
"Say NO to drugs, Say YES to Life"
One of my passions continues you to be drug education and spreading the message of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World"Say NO to drugs, say YES to life".
I joined volunteers at the Minnesota State Fair where we handed out the booklet The Truth About Drugs, in an effort to educate people to the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Pictured: Natalie Hagemo
Volunteering for Drug Education
Here I am with fellow volunteers after we were done handing out The Truth About Drugs booklets at the great Minnesota get together.
Excelsior's Apple Days Parade
Chad Babcock is a State Farm Insurance agent in Excelsior who has volunteered his time as the parade co-ordinator. He did a great job his first year out. It was fun riding in the parade in a 1912 Ford with its owner Lowell Frost, who did a good job of not running anyone over, though we had a few close calls.
Pictured also is Bob Edmondson who is running for Shorewood City Council. Bob tried to get me to wear one of his campaign stickers on my back, but sorry Bob, I had to refuse. I also have it on good authority that Bob is quite the singer.
The last photo includes myself and my favorite Mayor Excelsior's own Nick Ruehl, along with State Farm's bear.
Getting ready to face my fear of heights!
Ben Leibert is a fabulous pilot out of Seattle. My friends and I flew with him on a tour of Seattle that was amazing. Aside from the fact that I was naseaus and freaked out the whole time, it was exciting! My friends got me through it and I had every confidence in Ben as a pilot.
If you are in Seattle and want to do the same contact Ben at benleibert@yahoo.com. I'm sure you won't be naseaus or freaked out, that was just my own added insanity.
Ready to fly!
Here we all are ready to go. From the left Ken Bromberger, Tammy Arnold, Mark Nickels, me and Linda Smith.
A Bird's Eye View
I could not believe that I went through with this. My friends know how heights freak me out. As a birthday present to myself I decided to face that fear.
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Hotel
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Hotel in Seattle was divine. We enjoyed our doll size food and fancy tea. I applaud both Ken and Mark for coming to tea!
Excelsior Girl's Night Out - Casino Royale Night
It was so much fun volunteering at Excelsior's Casino Royale Night as a blackjack dealer. Women from all over had a blast shopping, enjoying the games that were going on and just spending time with friends.
Happy Birthday Connie Frederick!
Kim Parmeter Pederson, myself, Connie and Tana Frederick were out celebrating Connie's birthday in Excelsior.
I'm pretty sure Connie carries those glasses in her store Gifted Baskets and Ohh La La, I definately want a pair!
Excelsior Girl's Night Out - Salsa Night
My good friends Connie and Tana Frederick had a blast during Excelsior Girl's Night Out Salsa Night event. We started out at Connie's store Gifted Baskets sampling some amazing salsa and moved onto salsa dancing!
Fox 9 News was out covering the event. Here is the LINK to see the segment.
Trying to "Get my salsa on"
Many thanks to Champion Ballroom instructors for coming out to teach salsa dancing during our salsa night in Excelsior.
They did a great job and we all had a blast!
Excelsior Girl's Night Out - Meeting Cynthia Rae
My God Daughters Michi and Sachi were visiting from Seattle and had the chance to attend one of Excelsior's famous Girl's Night Out events.
The girls are pictured here with the ever fun Cynthia Rae Magnuson of Cynthia Rae Dress Code. Sachi is wearing a dress she just got from Cynthia's store.
Photo shoot with Lorri Downs of
Remember Me Photography
Lorri Downs of Remember Me Photography is a true artist! Lorri and I did a photo shoot for my Excelsior Bay Times July column "Outside the Box with Natalie Hagemo". Her work is outstanding and I would jump at the chance to be photographed by her again.
She specializes in taking a photo and making it look like an oil painting. She loves creating family heirlooms and "showing the best in people" as she says. Visit her website at www.remembermephotography.com
Photographic Artist Lorri Downs - Remember Me Photography
Another photo from our shoot with my favorite photographer Lorri Downs of Remember Me Photography!
Minnesota Landscape ArboretumTour and Taste Event
The Minnesota Lanscape Arboretum celebrated 50 years with a Tour and Taste event that benefited the Arboretum. Restaurants from around the Twin Cities sampled their very delectable dishes.
Throughout the gardens were not only food and wine samplings but nymphs scattered throughout. These models did an amazing job remaining still and blending in.
"Disco Night" in Excelsior
During the summer months every Thursday 5-9:00pm is Girl's Night Out in Excelsior. Recently is was "Disco Night" where we dressed up and enjoyed shopping and dancing to 70's disco music.
Here I am with Connie Frederick of Ooh La La and Gifted Baskets on Water Street. Connie Frederick carries hip handbags and the best salsa in town. Also pictured is my first trainer Deb Gisselquist who was recently voted as the number 1 personal trainer in Lake Minnetonka!
Disco Night with Cynthia Rae
Pictured here with Cynthia Rae Magnuson a local designer and owner of Cynthia Rae Dress Code, where I got my funky pants, flip flops and giant peace symbol earings for Disco Night.
Disco Night with Kim
I have Kim Parameter Pederson at The House of Amore and Fede to thank for my boom boom vest and top that went with my outfit for "Disco Night".
Natalie Hagemo at Mrs. Minnesota America
Here I am with Jennifer Olson Mrs. Ramsey County, Tamara Jett Mrs. Ham Lake and Molly Nicholson Mrs. Minneapolis. We were all attending the Mrs. Minnesota America pageant.
Wendi Russo is the new Mrs. Minnesota America!!
Doing the Hula for Mrs. Ham Lake
My very good friend Tamara Jett, Mrs. Ham Lake volunteers in her son's class and needed some Hawaiian entertainment for a class party.
I gladly threw on my hula gear and did some hula dancing with the class. Here I am with the kids.
Fundraising Golf Tournament
If you know me you know I am not a golfer, but for a good cause I hit the golf course with my sister in law Terri. My sister in law Terri Mestrich and I had more fun riding around in the golf cart than I think we did golfing. I may very well end up writing about the event in my "Outside the Box" column, as it was quite outside the box for me.
We left the serious golfing to my husband Brad and her husband Dick Mestrich, who tolerated our antics on the golf course. Dick headed up the event that benefited the Andover Huskies football team.
Our Shelby Graduates!!!
Congratulations to the Minnetonka High School class of 2008 and our daughter Shelby!!! Here we are my husband Brad, our other daughter Kelsey, our son Jared and mother in law Joann.
It was a crazy night. I was almost knocked unconcious by hail, we got lost on the way to the ceremony, but it all came together and we were able to celebrate.
We are so proud of Shelby and her accomplishments!
Shelby goes to Prom
Pictured here are my husband Brad, me and our daughter Shelby who was going to her Senior Prom. Shelby and I are both wearing heels, so yes she is that much taller than me!
House of Amore and Fede Fashion Show
I had a blast modeling clothes from The House of Amore and Fede during a fashion show at Biella. This jeans outfit is complete with a hat and dog purse from Fuzzy Nation.
This and all outfits from the show are available at The House of Amore and Fede at 226 Water Street in Excelsior. Call 952-401-3392 with any questions.
They will be having another Brunch and Fun Fashion show in July on the 20th, call the store for your reservation.
The House of Amore and Fede Fashion Show
My daughter Kelsey and I had fun with our outfits during the show. Here we are during an outfit change, complete with our tags still attached. The House of Amore and Fede is on Water Street in Excelsior.
29,000 Steps at the Mall of America
I was able to participate in the 3rd Annual 29,000 Steps walk at the Mall of America. The walk benefits World Vision, which works to build fresh water wells in villages in parts of Africa.
The walk is put on by the House of Amore and Fede each year.
Pictured with me are fellow walkers Cheryl and Eriko.
29,000 Steps at the Mall of America
Here some us are again, on a much needed break during our 29,000 steps walk.
Karaoke in Seattle with my good friends
Pictured here are Patrick Haight the Manager of Tini Bigs Martini Bar and Hula Hula's in Seattle where we did karaoke, and my good friends Mark Nickels and Linda Smith. Good friend and photographer Tammy Arnold is taking the photo.
Hula Hula's was a blast, the staff were very friendly.
Gifted Baskets goes "Nuts" for Drug Education
Gifted Baskets is located on Water Street in Excelsior. It is a great store run by owner Connie Frederick. Connie just launched a line of organic, health friendly nuts. Gifted Baskets is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World to fund drug education projects across the U.S.
Gifted Baskets carries a wide variety of gifts, household items, clothing, bath and spa products and much, much more. It is the go to place for unique gift baskets.
Visit Gifted Baskets at 284 Water Street or call them at
952-474-1743
Pictured: Natalie Hagemo and Connie Frederick
Mrs. Minnesota Internatinal 2008 Contestants
Here we are during our pageant in March of 2008 with our 2007 Queen Donnell Rank. I'm standing off to the far right in the red right between Mrs. Ham Lake Tamara Jett and Mrs. Minneapolis Molly Nicholson