A Blogger and Her Posse || A Pizza Hut Challenge

The most flattering thing ever is when you guys send me links or funny images of things that made you think of me. These links are always related to one of the following: pizza, sports. It is flattering to me because I'm so so SO touched that when you see a Pizza related meme, your first thought is, "SARAH WOULD LOVE THIS." That touches my heart and soul in ways you will never understand. 

With the amount of pizza related memes and stories you guys tag me in, it should really come as no surprise that my friend Heather immediately thought of yours truly upon hearing about this new Pizza Hut opportunity. Pizza Hut (as you know, Pizza Hut is my favorite pizza) is calling for the ultimate sports fan to attend unlimited NCAA Championships in an official Pizza Hut social media capacity. 

PIZZA HUT.
SPORTS.

SOCIAL MEDIA.

OH MY DEAR GOD. 

I'll of course have to save up my vacation time at work but these are all details that we can work out at a later date. In the meantime, I'm on a mission to stand out for this opportunity. The position centers around being effective online. 

There is no more effective online team than a blogger and her posse. 

So, I NEED YOUR HELP. I've included my answers to Pizza Hut's questions below. They are pretty good, you should read them. Then, I need a favor from you guys...

I need you (pretty please with pepperonis on top) to TWEET PIZZA HUT,  let them know I'm THE GIRL for this position and link to this blog post. 


Just click to tweet:

Tweet: Hey @pizzahut I hear you're looking for a Pizza Hut 🍕 & Sports 🏈⚾️🎾🏀 Fanatic. Pick @iamsarahwebb here's why: http://ctt.ec/n2oda+

You guys read here every day, I don't need to explain how perfect this position is for me to you.

Pizza Hut + Sports + Social Media = Sarah Webb. 

So, here is why Pizza Hut should pick me....... 

Why are you interested in the Pizza Hut All-American opportunity?

My Instagram bio reads as follows: Insta life with my boyfriend, Pete! Well, it's actually Pete Za. Ok, my boyfriend is Pizza🍕 and this is our journey in Dallas.

I have been a sports and lifestyle blogger based in Dallas for the past 3 years, and have embraced my love affair for exactly two things: pizza and sports.

1. You are looking for someone social media savvy: I started a local instagram account (@dallaslovelist) just 4 months ago and I've already amassed over 5,300 followers.

2. You are looking for a sports nut: I firmly believe that my sports knowledge and competitive passion for every game from football to monopoly has help me achieve the career success I've built since college. (That was really just an excuse to bring up college and my alma matter, The University of Tennessee #GBO!)

3. You are looking for an established online expert: Since starting my blog (Venus Trapped in Mars) 3 years ago I've collaborated with some of the biggest sports brands and names in the country: Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Kentucky Derby, Texas Motor Speedway, Fanatics and NFL Fan Style. Check out my media kit, filled with even more social stats and details - here. 

4. Ask any one of my readers what my favorite pizza is and they will tell you without hesitation: Pizza Hut Thin Crust Extra Cheese Extra Sauce.

What’s your favorite Pizza Hut pizza? Describe it in delicious, mouth-watering detail.

I love pizza, I love it so much, but I DO have a favorite kind of pizza and in my 29 years on this planet no pizza has ever compared. I've had pizza in Chicago, I've had pizza in New York. I've had pizza for breakfast and pizza late at night after the bars have long closed down. I've had paper thin crust, I've had the deepest of dishes. I've had gourmet pizza that costs as much as a bottle of Patron for a single slice, and I've had 3 for 1 pizza out of the 7/11 spinning heater that sits next to the cash register.

None compare. I'm a self-professed pizza addict, I desperately want to love some really hipster pizza place, or only eat pizza that is shipped directly to me by carrier pigeon right from the streets of NYC. But those are NOT my favorite.

Every pizza is a very good pizza. It's a known fact that there is no such thing as bad pizza.

But to this day, only one kind of pizza is my favorite.

Only one kind of pizza never lets me down.

Only one pizza is the best pizza I've ever had.

Doorbell ringing, dogs going bonkers, $12 cash handed over, brown box, red logo, paper plate, paper towel, Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza Thin Crust Extra Sauce Extra Cheese.

What was the last NCAA event you attended or watched? Who won?

This is kind of an unfair answer to everyone else applying....

But I just exited the most beautiful, intoxicating, heavenly, dreamy stadium on earth - Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

My Tennessee Vols, or "Cardiac Kids" as all of us now high-blood pressured Vol fans so fondly call them (did you see that hail mary??) played the University of Alabama.

We lost. By a point or two or thirty nine. Still won't waiver my spirits or my cheers.

What is your favorite sports movie?

Remember the Titans.

Suuuuuunshiiiiiinneeeeeeeee.

Write a suggested social media post (any channel) for Pizza Hut.

I like to yell to an empty apartment "Pizza Is Here" because you never want your bestie (the Pizza Hut delivery guy) to think you're just sitting around alone, waiting on his arrival. #playhardtoget #pizzaisBAE #PizzaParty #ForOne

What would your first social media post be as the Pizza Hut All-American?

You know when people post photos of snow angels? I'd do a photo of me and my favorite mascots, on the court, making pizza angels out of dozens and dozens of boxes of pizza hut with the biggest grin on our faces.

Which 3 NCAA championships are you most interested in attending?

Women's Basketball

Men's Basketball

Football

Who are your 5 must-follow accounts on social media?

@pizzahut

Bleacher Report (Facebook is my preference)

@mikeandmike (Twitter is my preference)

@BigHeadSports (Twitter - formerly @Peytonshead, I miss those days)

@foodie

Describe your favorite Pizza Hut memory or moment.

I peaked at age 8 when I had my birthday party (COMPLETE WITH BUFFET) at our local Pizza Hut. We all had our Pizza Hut Book It! Buttons (remember those?!) and we really knew how to turn it up at the hut. I turn 30 this year and I have not ruled out another Pizza Hut Party.

What was the last song you sang while sitting alone in your car?

Wipe Me Down - Lil Boosie

If you could invite 3 other people to dinner (dead or alive), who would you invite? (While eating Pizza Hut of course.)

Pat Summitt

My Dad (incredible basketball player, passed away when I was 19)

Icebox from Little Giants

If you were given $10,000 to activate at the NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship, what would you do to drive attention and awareness?

I would use the money to invite instagrammers with a high reach (150k+ AND high interaction at least 3k+ likes per photo) out to a kickoff event. I'd send them each the jersey of a specific women's bowler, and a ticket in that bowler's section and on that bowler's team. 

I'd take a page from Texas A&M and host a "cheer practice" the night before the Championship. Teams could meet one another, develop cheers and prepare for the big day the next day. There would be prizes for best team cheer, best team style and best team signs -- think College Gameday. 

Those influencers would of course be required to post to their hundreds of thousands of followers, showing them "OMGGGG HOW AMAZING the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship" is! Followers would then automatically have a bowler to watch and follow -- whoever their favorite instagrammer was rooting for -- and voila, something invested in the Championships.

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The Best Pizza in Dallas

As we are all aware, I love pizza. I've had a lot of pizza in Dallas, and while I haven't been everywhere, I've certainly been to a lot of different places. Pizza is not something I take lightly, so to be called The Best Pizza in Dallas, you really have to stand out to me. Now, I know I've already professed my love for one certain type of pizza, so I'll leave that chain out of this Best Pizza in Dallas list. Today I bring you what I consider to be MY ranking of the Top Pizza Places in Dallas. 
At the very least, if you're traveling through Dallas you can rest assured that you are making a good pizza decision by stopping and grabbing a slice (or a whole pie) at one of these Dallas pizza spots. 

10. Zoli's || Oak Cliff (hey, that's my hood!)  

Image Via 
I'm going to start this list with number 10 being a Pizza place that, as of Valentine's Day, is now closed. That's a lame way to start a list, I know, but word on the street is that they will be back again with Zoli's 2.0 somewhere in North Dallas. I'm keeping them on my list, because when they return you must go. I'd probably have them up around number 2 or 3 if they were still open, it's a Dallas staple for Za. 
Pro Tip: In addition to their pizza, get the Angioletti as an appetizer: fried dough + marinara.  Plus, they were always the funniest pizza place around...

9. Frankies || Downtown

Judge this selection if you wish, but this is one of the best pizzas I've had in Dallas, and it's from a Sports Bar. Hey this is my list people, I can write whatever I want. When you make your list you can do what you want! Frankies is simple, greasy (I'm using that as a pro), cheesy goodness complete with 44 TVs for my football viewing pleasure. Just a damn good pizza.  
8. Elbow Room || Deep Ellum

image via   Yup, throwing another bar on the list. This somewhat secluded bar is actually just steps away from the hustle and bustle of all of the bars and restaurants on Elm Street, but feels like Deep Ellum's best kept secret. You're likely to find the bar filled with residents of Deep Ellum at this freestanding pizza and beer joint. Elbow Room was one of my favorite places to post up at the bar solo when I first moved to Dallas and didn't know anyone. Everyone is kind.... and the pizza? Well, as you can see above, the pizza is done just right! 
7. Campisis || Several Across DFW

image via
CB used to go on and on and on about how good Campisis' pizza was. The first time we actually tried it together was in the Dallas Love Field airport when I got a personal pizza to go. I took a bite on the DART train ride home, and couldn't stop myself from eating the entire thing right there on the train. Campisis claims to be Dallas' very first pizza, and the very first pizzeria in all of Texas! You owe it to yourself to give the very first pizza a try, right??
6. Coal Vines || Several Across DFW

image via  We went to the Coal Vines location in Uptown for a friend's birthday party back in December. This was my first experience at Coal Vines, but I'd heard a lot of good things about their pizza. We tried their signature pie as well as the spicy meatball, shown above. I nearly died, both were so good. Death by pizza is how I want to go, but in about 60+ more years....
Their pasta, I'm told, is also really good but WTF?!? Get pizza!! 
5. Cane Rosso || Several Locations/Deep Ellum

image via  I'm going to be straight with you on my feelings for Cane Rosso. I lived in Deep Ellum for 2 years, and it's still my number one neighborhood to spend a Saturday. With that said, I rarely go to Cane Rosso. I have it as number 5 on my list though, because the pizza really is phenomenal, if you're ready to wait for it. I've never waited for less than an hour. No offense to Cane Rosso, but they've got some STIFF competition in Deep Ellum, which also prevented the frequency of my visits. With that said, please hear me when I tell you, you're not doing it wrong when you grab a pizza from Cane Rosso! 
4. Louie's || Lower Greenville

image via   Ok, so here is where my rankings start to get tricky for me, these next 4 are all BOMB pizza places...   Louie's is another CB recommendation. Walking into Louie's I'm immediately excited because this is what a pizza place should look like. I have a similar take on pizza joints that I do on sports bars. When you walk in, it's nearly pitch black, dingy and old AF.... as are the 12 regulars posted up at the bar sipping on dirty martinis. I'm pretty sure these patrons' combined age is somewhere in the 4,000 to 5,000 range. This gives me pizza excitement because no one keeps going back somewhere with shitty pizza. Don't go into Louie's expecting a romantic ambience, but PLEASE do GO IN. You will love it. 
3. Stonedeck || Deep Ellum

Stonedeck is relatively new to Dallas, but as you'd expect from a Deep Ellum pizza joint, I was there the very first week they were open for business. Their pizza has a spicy kick, making it different and delicious. The picture shown above is their "Meat and Meat with Meat" pizza. Oh, and they have moonshine flights and over 100 craft beers. 
DID YOU HEAR ME? I said MOONSHINE AND PIZZA! OMG! 
2. Eno's || Bishop Arts (Oak Cliff)

I think I just cried for joy a bit when typing out the word "Eno's." This is another pizza place located conveniently in my neighborhood. Did this place factor into our house hunting process: no comment. I'm going to provide you with full instructions on how to conduct yourself when dining at Eno's. You can then thank me later. 
First: You order the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned for a cocktail Second: You order the Truffle Cheese Bread. This is a non-negotiable.  Third: You get their garlic caesar salad.  Fourth: Pizza. Any of it. I've had the following and I can't pick a favorite: Meatball and the Goat, Mama's Pie, Original and Pig Smiley.  Fifth: Walk down the street and wait in that long ass line for pie.
1. Serious Pizza || Deep Ellum

Serious is my completely uncontested, no questions asked, number one favorite pizza in Dallas. I've only posted photos of Serious pizza on my instagram about a billion times. Oddly enough, you won't find Serious on most Dallas Top Pizza lists, but it is NUMBER FREAKING ONE on mine. 
Two pro tips I want you to consider before going to Serious: Order a Colt 45 like Helene and I did up there (just do it, ok?) and beware that it might not fit into your car if you're taking it to-go. You WILL have leftovers... please send me those leftovers.  ----- Ok now I've said my piece, pizza pun absolutely intended. Now it's your go. Have you had any LIFE CHANGING pizza here in Dallas that you need me to try immediately.... do not pass go, do not collect $200? 

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Colorado to Florida to Tennessee

I'm back from Colorado, I'm back from Florida, and I slept in my own bed last night. Have I ever followed up and mentioned how obsessed we both are with that Dream Bed I blogged about a few months ago? I know sometimes we get sponsored posts, write about the product, then go on about our day. This bed though, I'm still so in love. We had a party a few months ago and made everyone come lay on our new bed, we love it that much. Is that weird? Yes? Ok, you're right it was a little odd. 

I thought my hotel bed was nice, but as I climbed back in my own, squishy cuddly bed, and snuggled up in my nook next to my pups and my boyfriend, I realized how much I'd been missing for the past 10 days. I don't mind traveling for work, I actually kind of enjoy it, but nothing beats being at home with the ones you love. 

So naturally, I have plans to turn right around and leave again on Friday night for Nashville to celebrate my best friend, Magen's 30th birthday! Magen and I have been besties since the very first day, maybe even the first second, we met back in freshman year of college. It was my first night out with my new sorority sisters, and for some odd reason I thought all black New Balance tennis shoes were a good choice for a glam night out. Oh, and I was wearing a turtleneck too. I looked like a moron but Magen still befriended me without hesitation. We have been through A LOT together, and I do mean, A LOT. So needless to say, I cannot wait to go to one of my absolute favorite cities and celebrate such an important birthday! 

Nearly 10 years ago... we still look exactly the same, right?!? 

Plus, my flight doesn't leave until late on Sunday so maybe I'll get really lucky and even get to see this chick too while I'm at it! Needless to say, I'm looking forward to what I think will be an absolutely incredible weekend spent surrounded by some of my best pals. Also, I say YES to any excuse to bust out the cowboy boots! 

Even though I will only be home for about three seconds, I obviously found a way to make time for my two boyfriends: CB and pizza. Last night after my flight arrived and I had picked up the pups -- I used Rover again and it was so much cheaper and more convenient than boarding-- I met CB for the Grand Opening Preview Night of a new pizza place in Arlington called Blaze. 

The concept behind Blaze is to build a healthful, artisanal pizza in an assembly line style. Once you build and customize your own pizza, it it cooked up in their pizza oven in just 180 seconds. I got the Red Vine and CB built his own. They were both (clearly as you can tell in the pictures) fantastic. The service was great to boot. I'd highly recommend giving Blaze a try if you have one in your area.

So for now, I'm back in the office today. Shockingly, I was not able to leisurely cruise into work on a water taxi. Instead it was back to the gridlock traffic and unexpected street closings. On a more positive note: hooray for it almost being Friday! 

See you tomorrow, kids! 

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Holiday Entertaining || Baked Fontina Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EasyHolidayEats #CollectiveBias

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we were lucky enough to have my Mom visiting for the entire 4 day weekend. She lives in Richmond, Va, so it is so wonderful anytime we get to be together, but especially special having her in our house for 4 days. We hosted Thanksgiving for CB's family and my family on Friday, which left Thursday open for grazing on food and of course watching football all day long. 

Since I knew we would be doing the whole big Thanksgiving smorgasbord on Friday, I knew I needed something quick and easy to serve and prepare for lunch on Thursday. I went to Walmart the Wednesday before my mom flew in and picked up a couple of Red Baron® Thin & Crispy pizzas to make my first Thanksgiving holiday hosting a little bit easier. Red Baron offered three different pizza topping options: pepperoni, five cheese and supreme.

While the family was watching football, I unwrapped the pizzas and popped them in the oven, and just like that they were done and absolutely delicious.

I'm a firm believer that you can't have football and pizza without also having a dip of some sort, so I had my mom give me a hand making this ooey gooey baked fontina that is absolutely to die for. It was perfect for dipping the pizza crust into, and it too was incredibly easy to prepare. 

Start by preheating your broiler and make sure that your oven rack is positioned about 5-10 inches from the heat. You'll need about a pound and a half of fontina, and be sure to remove the rind and dice your cheese in about 1 inch cubes.

You'll also need to mince about a tablespoon of fresh thyme and a teaspoon of fresh rosemary. 

Pile your fontina cubes into a cast-iron skillet, distributing evenly. 

Drizzle 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil evenly over your fontina cheese. 

Combine about 6 cloves of minced garlic, with your thyme and rosemary and sprinkle evenly. 

Toss about a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of fresh cracked pepper evenly on top. Place under your broiler and bake for about 6 minutes or until cheese is melted and begins bubbling. 

Serve your baked fontina hot, right out of the skillet with fresh bread and your Red Baron® Thin & Crispy pizza. 

Baked Fontina Recipe

adapted from Barefoot Contessa

This Baked Fontina, paired with Red Baron® Thin & Crispy pizza is a crowd-pleaser perfect for your Holiday party! 

Plus, duh, all of the cheese. Because... cheese for president. 

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