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8.24.2009
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.
Finally. One stunning model and one savvy magazine have shown a bit of actual integrity. Now, how do we get the rest of them onboard?
8.14.2009
Living Vicariously Through Mad Men
You and everyone you know are cordially invited to...
THE OFFICIAL TWIN CITIES MAD MEN SEASON 3 KICKOFF PARTY
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Jax Cafe 1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
* Live Musical Performances of Mad Men Era Jazz Standards as performed by JEREMY MESSERSMITH, LUCY MICHELLE, JANEY WINTERBAUER and more!
* Tunes and ambiance provided by DJ Jake Rudh
* Fancy 60's Era Dress Encouraged with Prizes Given to "Best Dressed"
* Mid-century design showcase courtesy of Spinario
* Photo Studio on-site to capture the memories
* Mad Men Era Signature Cocktails and Appetizers on Special Courtesy of Executive Chef Bob Foster
* Cigars and Brandy available on-site with tastings in Old World Garden Courtesy of Lewis Pipe
* $100 Gift certificates given away all night long to Jax Cafe, Blacklist Vintage, Tatters Clothing, Spinario and More!
SCHEDULE:8:00 pm - Doors Open
9:00 pm - Mad Men Season 3 Premiere on large projection screen
10:00 pm - Performances start
TICKETS: $8.00 in advance or $10.00 @ door
And just in case you've been living under a rock, here's some of what you've been missing:

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go to CaringBridge,® a 501(c)(3) nonprofit web service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery.
6.03.2009
6.01.2009
In honor of Mini V's big 4th birthday today, I'm taking the day off!
I've posted some her absolute "most favoritest" videos for your viewing pleasure!
I've posted some her absolute "most favoritest" videos for your viewing pleasure!
David Bowie. Life on Mars?
Uploaded by kidibiza - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.
Happy Birthday big girl!!!
XOXO,
Retro "Mommy" Vertigo
5.28.2009
As I rest on this totem...
Let's get moderately acquainted, shall we?
A little about my brood:
The Vertigo family is pretty darn big. I've 3 older brothers (plus an equal number of sisters-in-law) and a younger step brother and sister who live out of state. I share the same name (first *and* last) with my Step Mother (who, much to Papa Vertigo's chagrin, Mama Vertigo refers to as "The Ex-Wife In-Law") and recently a Step Father entered the mix. Closest in proximity are my soon-to-be 4 year old and her Daddy. And this doesn't even include the nephews, nieces, godchildren, aunts, uncles, 1st cousins and close friends that round out my little circus sideshow.
But I digress...
A bit about my big bros:
Brother Vertigo #1 has never required much sleep - an enviable trait indeed. With a handful of college degrees and a houseful of mouths to feed, I'm continually amazed at how he maintains a warped sense of humor, a fantastic eye for aesthetics, unyielding "can-do" energy, and an honest-to-goodness crush on his very own wife.
Brother Vertigo #2 is equally blessed and burdened by a multitude of superpowers. His charisma, ingenuity, insatiably adventurous spirit, bull-dozing drive, disarming sense of humor, and giant heart (though he won't admit it) are just some of the superhero elements that make up a complex and tragically epic savior.
Brother Vertigo #3 is currently in Colombia (yes, that one place in South America) working, learning, sacrificing, and generally striving to make the world a better place. He's truly a role model idealist who puts his morals, values, and gut instincts into daily practice.
Advisers, mentors, clowns, critics, listeners, abettors, inciters, debaters, guardians, editors, givers, advocates -- a lifetime of music, laughs, art, and an ocean of memories (pleasant *and* not so much) have been shared. And I deeply appreciate all of the pieces they've added to my life's puzzle. (Thanks guys. Whether or not the message is received, and regardless of the endless torment that I'll no doubt get in return if it is, I love each one of you immensely.)
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. I better stop here.
To be continued,
Retro "no I haven't been drinking" Vertigo
P.S. Wait a tick! You're not getting off that easy! It's turn to divulge the goods. What's *your* position on the totem? I suspect there's some pretty ripe laundry just begging to getting a little air!
A little about my brood:
The Vertigo family is pretty darn big. I've 3 older brothers (plus an equal number of sisters-in-law) and a younger step brother and sister who live out of state. I share the same name (first *and* last) with my Step Mother (who, much to Papa Vertigo's chagrin, Mama Vertigo refers to as "The Ex-Wife In-Law") and recently a Step Father entered the mix. Closest in proximity are my soon-to-be 4 year old and her Daddy. And this doesn't even include the nephews, nieces, godchildren, aunts, uncles, 1st cousins and close friends that round out my little circus sideshow.
But I digress...
A bit about my big bros:
Brother Vertigo #1 has never required much sleep - an enviable trait indeed. With a handful of college degrees and a houseful of mouths to feed, I'm continually amazed at how he maintains a warped sense of humor, a fantastic eye for aesthetics, unyielding "can-do" energy, and an honest-to-goodness crush on his very own wife.
Brother Vertigo #2 is equally blessed and burdened by a multitude of superpowers. His charisma, ingenuity, insatiably adventurous spirit, bull-dozing drive, disarming sense of humor, and giant heart (though he won't admit it) are just some of the superhero elements that make up a complex and tragically epic savior.
Brother Vertigo #3 is currently in Colombia (yes, that one place in South America) working, learning, sacrificing, and generally striving to make the world a better place. He's truly a role model idealist who puts his morals, values, and gut instincts into daily practice.
Advisers, mentors, clowns, critics, listeners, abettors, inciters, debaters, guardians, editors, givers, advocates -- a lifetime of music, laughs, art, and an ocean of memories (pleasant *and* not so much) have been shared. And I deeply appreciate all of the pieces they've added to my life's puzzle. (Thanks guys. Whether or not the message is received, and regardless of the endless torment that I'll no doubt get in return if it is, I love each one of you immensely.)
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. I better stop here.
To be continued,
Retro "no I haven't been drinking" Vertigo
P.S. Wait a tick! You're not getting off that easy! It's turn to divulge the goods. What's *your* position on the totem? I suspect there's some pretty ripe laundry just begging to getting a little air!
5.27.2009
5.25.2009
The Weather's Perfect, So I'll Keep It Brief
Fastest update ever -- top ten style:
1. Wimped out on the coconut cake and thoroughly enjoyed a birfday peach pie (prepared) and semi-homemade cinnamon frozen yogurt instead. Very glad I did.
3. Went swimming. (Contrary to popular belief, yes, it gets hot in Minnesota.)
4. Barbecued portabella burgers and corn on the cob were the BOMB.
5. Mini Vertigo ate her weight in corn.
6. Finished last week's photos and began listing many new (old) items in my shop. (Today's the final day of my sale!)
7. Got an offer to have my work published! (More on that later...)
8. Trying desperately to keep away from the dizzying array of estate sales.
9. Gearing up for the next 4 weeks of insanity including Mini V's zoo birfday party, 2 performances, out of town guests, a garden party, Father's Day, and my gargantuan garage sale.
10. The organic garden's been officially and successfully transferred to the outdoors!
Peace,
Retro "All You Need Is Love" Vertigo
1. Wimped out on the coconut cake and thoroughly enjoyed a birfday peach pie (prepared) and semi-homemade cinnamon frozen yogurt instead. Very glad I did.
3. Went swimming. (Contrary to popular belief, yes, it gets hot in Minnesota.)
4. Barbecued portabella burgers and corn on the cob were the BOMB.
5. Mini Vertigo ate her weight in corn.
6. Finished last week's photos and began listing many new (old) items in my shop. (Today's the final day of my sale!)
7. Got an offer to have my work published! (More on that later...)
8. Trying desperately to keep away from the dizzying array of estate sales.
9. Gearing up for the next 4 weeks of insanity including Mini V's zoo birfday party, 2 performances, out of town guests, a garden party, Father's Day, and my gargantuan garage sale.
10. The organic garden's been officially and successfully transferred to the outdoors!
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
Peace,Retro "All You Need Is Love" Vertigo
5.20.2009
Is It Happy Hour Yet?
Sheesh am I ever a blog moron! I've written several blog entries over the last few weeks and apparently forgot to *actually* click the "publish" button... ummm...yeah...okay...
Aside from my ridiculousness, I've some pleasant news to report today! The fine folks at Rusted Belt Threads have featured my manslaughter-free vintage lawn darts in their "Vintage Picnic" post. The article highlights all things Memorial Day (think outdoor BBQs, garden parties, etc.). There's so much summery nostalgia I can hardly wait to throw some gigantic portabellas on my grill! Thx RBT!
Actually, this weekend's chock-full of celebration around here at the Vertigo Ranch! Sunday's Mama Vertigo's 65th birthday! So, along with a small handful of handmade goodies (via the lovely sellers of Etsy, or course), I'm preparing to do some mad science in the kitchen for her. I'M GOING TO BAKE! As you've probably surmised, I'm not the most skilled baker (though *cooking* is a different story) but I know if my experiment works, it'll be a lovely surprise. I've never tried this recipe before so we'll all be keeping our fingers crossed that it'll at least taste as good as it sounds. Here's the recipe I'll be experiementing with:
"Old Fashioned RV Coconut Birfday Cake Or Sumpin Like That"
Cake:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 T. melted butter
Frosting:
6 T. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
6 T. sour cream
1 3/4 c. flaked coconut
Directions:
1. Preheat oven @ 350 degrees.
2. Beat eggs
3. Add sugar and vanilla and beat more.
4. Mix dry ingredients in seperate bowl.
5. Mix melted butter and milk and pour slowly into wet mixture while beating.
6. Slowly add dry mixture to wet and beat until smooth.
7. Pour into a (generously greased with butter and floured) 9"x13" pan.
8. Bake (35-40 mins @ 350 degress) until golden and springy. Remove cake from over but don't turn it off.
9. Prep frosting by melting butter and beating the brown sugar into it.
10. Add sour cream and beat more until creamy.
11. Hand mix in the coconut.
12. Turn oven to BROIL/HIGH BROIL.
13. Frost cake as uniformly as possible. It doesn't need to be completely cool.
14. Place cake back in oven *at least* 3-5 inches below broiler.
15. Watch cake closely -- it will caramelize within 2-4 mins.
16. Cool completely and serve.
What do you think? Sounds pretty good, right? Well, Mama V's a coconut cake fanatic, so hopefully she'll dig it! I'll try to post a photo or two so y'all can poke a little fun at my baking (mis)adventures!
Time to work on my grocery list now!
Toodle-Loo,
RV
Aside from my ridiculousness, I've some pleasant news to report today! The fine folks at Rusted Belt Threads have featured my manslaughter-free vintage lawn darts in their "Vintage Picnic" post. The article highlights all things Memorial Day (think outdoor BBQs, garden parties, etc.). There's so much summery nostalgia I can hardly wait to throw some gigantic portabellas on my grill! Thx RBT!
Actually, this weekend's chock-full of celebration around here at the Vertigo Ranch! Sunday's Mama Vertigo's 65th birthday! So, along with a small handful of handmade goodies (via the lovely sellers of Etsy, or course), I'm preparing to do some mad science in the kitchen for her. I'M GOING TO BAKE! As you've probably surmised, I'm not the most skilled baker (though *cooking* is a different story) but I know if my experiment works, it'll be a lovely surprise. I've never tried this recipe before so we'll all be keeping our fingers crossed that it'll at least taste as good as it sounds. Here's the recipe I'll be experiementing with:
"Old Fashioned RV Coconut Birfday Cake Or Sumpin Like That"
Cake:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 T. melted butter
Frosting:
6 T. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
6 T. sour cream
1 3/4 c. flaked coconut
Directions:
1. Preheat oven @ 350 degrees.
2. Beat eggs
3. Add sugar and vanilla and beat more.
4. Mix dry ingredients in seperate bowl.
5. Mix melted butter and milk and pour slowly into wet mixture while beating.
6. Slowly add dry mixture to wet and beat until smooth.
7. Pour into a (generously greased with butter and floured) 9"x13" pan.
8. Bake (35-40 mins @ 350 degress) until golden and springy. Remove cake from over but don't turn it off.
9. Prep frosting by melting butter and beating the brown sugar into it.
10. Add sour cream and beat more until creamy.
11. Hand mix in the coconut.
12. Turn oven to BROIL/HIGH BROIL.
13. Frost cake as uniformly as possible. It doesn't need to be completely cool.
14. Place cake back in oven *at least* 3-5 inches below broiler.
15. Watch cake closely -- it will caramelize within 2-4 mins.
16. Cool completely and serve.
What do you think? Sounds pretty good, right? Well, Mama V's a coconut cake fanatic, so hopefully she'll dig it! I'll try to post a photo or two so y'all can poke a little fun at my baking (mis)adventures!
Time to work on my grocery list now!
Toodle-Loo,
RV
5.05.2009
Hot 3 On 1 Action!
Check it out! My items are featured in THREE different treasuries today! That's an all-time high for me! Please click all three images below to see them up close. You can show even more support by clicking through and leaving a comment! Let's get these at least one of these beauties promoted to the FRONT PAGE and break that record too! (Psst, I have never been featured on the FP!)


Thanks a ton to akacinders, itsabee and portemone for including me in your beautiful collections!
Delighted,
Retro "Feelin' It" Vertigo


Thanks a ton to akacinders, itsabee and portemone for including me in your beautiful collections!Delighted,
Retro "Feelin' It" Vertigo
5.04.2009
Animal Crackers
Have I mentioned that I'm a proud member of the Handmade Minnesota Street Team? Well, I am! The team was assembled to bring a group of crafty MN mofos together to collectively stir the pot. Being a member (which is still free, for now) grants you instant access to loads of resources, co-conspirators, local events, free promo, etc. If you'd like to find out more about joining, email 'em!
Another feature of the team is the monthly challenge. I haven't actually participated yet but I plan to when the theme strikes me. Please take a peek at this month's creations! To pick your favorite, just click the link below!
HandmadeMN: April 2009 Challenge - Animals
I wanted to vote for 3, but sadly I could only choose 1. :(
Go Team!
Retro "Rah Rah Rah" Vertigo
Another feature of the team is the monthly challenge. I haven't actually participated yet but I plan to when the theme strikes me. Please take a peek at this month's creations! To pick your favorite, just click the link below!
HandmadeMN: April 2009 Challenge - Animals
I wanted to vote for 3, but sadly I could only choose 1. :(
Go Team!
Retro "Rah Rah Rah" Vertigo
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