madcity girl

This morning I had the opportunity to tour Ogg Hall, the newest University Residence Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as part of a campus staff open house. The six-story residence hall, located next the SERF and directly across from Sellery Hall on the corner of Dayton and Park, will replace the outdated 13-story towers of the old Ogg Hall, which will be demolished beginning in September. Ogg Hall, only the second new residence hall on campus in the last 42-years, is named after Frederic A. Ogg, who was a professor in the political science department from 1914 to 1940. Ogg Hall will house 615 residents this fall with a cluster-style set-up. The cost of the new building was $27 million.

The new Ogg Hall is very impressive. Some of my favorite features are the covered bicycle and moped parking area, a rain garden in the courtyard between the north and southwest wings of the building, the spacious rooms (246 ft.), beautiful views of the city skyline, and the vibrantly colored walls. It makes me sad to think how quickly it will be trashed by students. Soon, the gardens will be trampled, the paint scuffed, the bathrooms dirty, and the charm of a shiny, new residence hall, gone. Which leaves me thinking that places like these are way too nice for college freshmen. Aren’t dorms supposed to be somewhat ghetto? Isn’t that part of the experience? Today’s college freshmen are filthy spoiled. Dorm life should not be posh living. As if. And seriously, why do they insist on keeping the name Ogg, a word that is completely synonymous with ghetto dorm life. I’m confused…

Last night, I had dinner with my friends Abby, Mark, Kim, and Karen at the Weary Traveler, which you’ve undoubtedly heard a million times is my favorite restaurant in the whole world. In my creature of habit ways, I opted for the West of the Andes Sandwich (pictured, right), which was delectable as always. It’s a succulent beef tenderloin sandwich with avocado, Pico de Gallo, and chipotle mayo on a soft roll. I feel bad that I don’t venture out and try more of the selections on the menu, because each and every entrée sounds delicious, but I think I would have to go very frequently to get it all in, and of course allow myself permission to order the West of the Andes every few trips, so as to get my fix. Perhaps this winter. Abby would totally join me for the challenge. It’s on.

Thanks to Kelsey for her comment about ReadyMade, a “bimonthly print magazine for people who like to make stuff.” I totally like to make stuff. Therefore, I think I will very much like this publication. I’ve never seen it before, so I went online yesterday to learn more about the magazine. It sounds awesome. It’s like a subscription for instant inspiration. I think I will need to go to Border’s to pick up a copy very soon. One of their recent online articles explains how to whip up a batch of home-made hard cider. Sounds tasty. Thanks for the great tip, Kels!

Check out this great vintage teacup and saucer clock made by Danny Seo, author of Simply Green Parties and Simply Green Giving. I just love craft projects like this that are so unique, but totally reproducible. I think I just might design a clock like this for my kitchen. Karen has a fabulous collection of vintage egg cups displayed in our kitchen, and I think a clock like this one would very much compliment that collection. Danny simply glued teacups and saucers to a piece of wood, and then added a dial in the center for a fun and stylish piece.

Danny’s is a great blog; you must check it out. I was very happy to see his blog posting on August 8th, titled “Trophy Antlers?” In it, Danny writes that, “As I’ve been scouting homes and stores for Country Home magazine, I’ve seen a trend of vintage trophy antlers and stag heads grouped into collections as part of the home design.” Love it. I’m sure that some of you think my interior design tastes are a little whacky, but I much prefer the terms stylish and unique. Danny’s blog posting totally validates my recent antler purchase, thank you very much. Not that I needed to be validated. Obviously.

For the past ten years, Beloit College has produced the College Mindset List, which is an effort to identify the worldview of the entering freshman class. This year’s freshmen, the class of 2011, were generally born in 1989, and thus have very different life experiences, insights, and worldviews than you or I. The list of seventy items is jointly produced by Tom McBride, Beloit’s Keefer Professor of the Humanities, and Ron Nief, Beloit’s Director of Public Affairs. The list indicates, for example, that for most students starting college this fall, rap music has always been mainstream, Illinois has been trying to ban smoking since the year they were born, and stadiums and rock tours have always had corporate names. The list is interesting, and also pretty entertaining. But, be warned, it will make you feel old.

This afternoon, in honor of my friend Seif, I had Ian’s Pizza for lunch. Generally, I’m more of a brown-bagger, but today—perhaps conveniently—I forgot my lunch and was forced to search for sustenance on State Street. I was immediately drawn to Ian’s, where I ordered a huge slice of gooey Mac n’ Cheese (pictured, right). Seif’s favorite is Steak and Fries, and, I kid you not, whenever she comes back to Madison to relive her college days, she always goes to Ian’s and orders a half-year’s supply to bring home to freeze and eat later. There is no greater fan of Ian’s Pizza than Seif.

Which reminds me, I totally forgot to tell Seif that they are now doing Ian’s Pizza and Capital Brewery Beer cruises on Lake Monona. Seriously, here are the details. Thursday nights (5/31–9/27), $25 per adult, Betty Lou Cruises. You catch that, Seif? And Seif, you might also want to know that Ian’s Pizza is hosting a pizza eating contest on Library Mall on Saturday, September 1. And that’s totally when you’re going to be here for the weekend, right? (Seif is going to win.)

Mmm…Mac and Cheese Pizza. This is good stuff. A true comfort food. I’m not really one to wait for colder months to enjoy good comfort foods. I prefer to eat them throughout the year. Karen always makes fun of me because I’ll order chili during the summer, even on a ninety degree day. But the thing is, I need comfort always.

Table in a Bag, Crate and Barrel, $39.95

Blowing out the candles!

Opening presents on the boat, I am slightly confused by the plastic wine glasses, until my mom tells me about the table that goes with them, waiting in the car!

During our week of vacation, Karen and I of course did a little shopping in Princeton—at the upscale boutiques lining Water Street, as well as at the many antique stores surrounding the perimeter of town. I found two great new wall hangings for my bedroom that I am very excited to share. Although everyone I’ve shown them to thus far has laughed their heads off, I love my new little antlers and feel very confident they will hold their own in my room among the many other wonders and treasures. Despite the reactions from my friends and family, I have absolutely no buyer’s remorse and remain confident in my great find. Soon they’ll all come around. I found the antlers at Georgie’s in Princeton, which is an upscale boutique that showcases many items from Tracey Porter’s line.

My second purchase, from a garage and garden antique store in Princeton, is a vintage water color painting in a wooden frame. I don’t believe its true beauty is adequately captured in the photo above, so you’re just going to have to trust me when I say that it’s fantastic. Just like the antlers. I fell in love with the unique piece and immediately put my poker face on to barter down the price with great success. Mom and Dad have taught me well. Trash to treasures.