Final Four Bound

We're somewhere in the middle of Louisiana on our way to New Orleans this morning to cheer on our Jayhawks at the Final Four. I'm fortunate that Kansas basketball has always had one of best programs in the country as this is now the third Final Four I've been able to travel to in my lifetime. It's pretty sweet to be a Jayhawk. 

Basketball, beignets, beads, and Bourbon Street. I can hardly wait to get to the Big Easy. Win or lose, it will be a blast. Here's a few of some Kansas basketball images from the Sports Illustrated Vault to get you in the spirit. 

Wilt the Stilt

The Truth

Mario's Miracle 

Although I didn't win last night's Mega Millions lottery, my bracket still has a chance to win my husband's work pool if Kansas wins. Rock Chalk! 

Lotería!

Did any of you win the Mega Millions? If you're not the lucky one in 176 million, chances are that you're like me and those "What would I do with all of my riches?" daydreams have come to an end. I didn't even have one number match. I've watched too many of those cursed-by-the-lottery TV shows, so it's probably for the better, right? Right.

I should have saved my dollar and used it to buy some of these Lotería stickers instead. Lotería is essentially the Mexican version of Bingo, but with words and colorful illustrations.

You can design your own board with stickers like these, and brush up on your Spanish in the process. ¡Buena!

YUM — Iced Coffee

It's not often that I find myself making coffee that is just as good, if not better, than when a barista makes it for me at a coffee shop.

The iced vanilla latte from Java Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas is heavenly. 

I'm ecstatic that I'm now able make an iced coffee at home that rivals some of my favorite coffee shops. Take note, Nancy Botwin.

I've been making Pioneer Woman's iced coffee recipe but proportionally smaller since our condo isn't exactly ranch-sized to store gallons of iced coffee. If you're the same way, you can make a little less than a full pitcher (2 quarts) with about 4 ounces of your favorite ground coffee. Follow the rest of her recipe and you'll be good to go with your cold cup of Joe. When it comes to iced coffee, I like it on the sweeter side (surprised?) so I add plenty of half and half and a splash of vanilla syrup, which is pure perfection in my book.

Monday Motivation — Hop To It!

I felt a bit like this lil' bunny while celebrating the Jayhawks victory in the Elite Eight last night. I'm beyond thrilled for our crimson and blue boys who are now headed to New Orleans to play in the Final Four for a chance to win another National Championship. Hip hip! 

This wooly bunny's name is Sir Hopsalot and you can buy him from forestblue on Etsy. 

Although my excitement will have me jumping for joy all week, it's time to hop to it when it comes everything else that's going on this week. My students take their state writing assessment, my car windshield needs to be replaced thanks to a mysterious crack, and our storage closet looks like a tornado ripped through it, so that needs to be organized. There are also some fun things to look forward to including a much-needed hair cut, my last beginner's DSLR photography class, and seeing The Hunger Games with girlfriends. 

Ready, Set, Hop to It! 

It's Sweet to Be Elite

What's a girl to do when her team makes the Elite Eight? Make cupcakes, of course! It's pretty sweet to be a Jayhawk. 

The cupcakes are vanilla with cream cheese frosting. The blue and white polka dot cupcake liners and the KU pennant toppers are both from Sweet! Baking & Candy Making Supply.

If you're not from Kansas, it might be hard to understand the obsession with Jayhawk basketball. Be sure to read The Rules Of The Game and it will put it all in perspective. It's all about heart. Oh, and history. Lots of it. All day today, I'll be anxiously awaiting our matchup against KU's former beloved coach, Roy Williams, and his North Carolina Tarheels. If we win this afternoon, we'll be Rock Chalk-ing at the Final Four in New Orleans!

In the meantime, I'll enjoy the fact that it's sweet to be Elite with my cupcakes. 

Music — Turn Your Love Around

As I drove with my car windows down for the first time this spring soaking in the beautiful day, I felt slightly adventurous with the radio (it's usually locked on NPR) and I landed on an old school R&B station playing "Turn Your Love Around" by George Benson. Do you know the song? It's one of those songs that you might never have known the name or artist of but I guarantee you've heard it tons of times - maybe at a wedding, as department store background music, or sometime in the 80s.

This seriously old school groove has been my theme song for this weekend. It's only fitting that it won the Grammy for Best R&B Song the year I was born.

Like what you hear? He's also the guy who sings "Broadway" and plays jazz for "Breezin'".

The Hunger Games — Let the Games Begin!

I'm about as giddy as a middle school girl in anticipation of the release of The Hunger Games movie. Liz at Being Geek Chic has furthered my excitement recently with posts like How To Host a Hunger Games Party. Months ago, China Glaze announced their Capitol Colours nail polish line and I want to get a bottle of Fast Track, a neutral with micro-flecks of gold, named after District 6's transportation.

When I mentioned to one of my friends that we should wear our college sorority arrow pins to the movie, she probably thought I was joking. The reality is that I think it would be way cooler to wear this necklace from 1luckysoul on Etsy.

Image and necklace by 1luckysoul on Etsy 

This vintage brass charm necklace features a hand-stamped District 12 stamp, clock, Katniss' pearl, Peeta's locket and coal bead, Tracker Jacker, Mockingjay, and a bow and arrow.

I'm interested to see how the trilogy does compared to other young adult books-turned-movie figures at the box office. Have you read the books? Do you plan on seeing the movie? Let me know your thoughts.

Let the games begin! 

They Draw & Cook

Recipes are so much more fun to follow when they are visually appealing. They Draw & Cook has a large collection of fun illustrated recipes from artists all around the world. 

Fresh Lemonade by Valentina Jaskina, Cooooooookies by Pietro Duchi, Blueberry Scones by Mikela Prevost

If you could illustrate one of your favorite recipes, what would it be? What food can you draw best? 

The Hair Bar — The Best Blowout

If you want to look and feel like a queen, the ladies at The Hair Bar know just the trick with their fabulous blowouts. For only $35, they'll shampoo, dry, and style your hair however your heart desires. You'll walk away feeling like a million bucks.

As soon as I arrived at the modern-chic salon in Southlake, the adorable receptionist was quick to get me a glass of wine while I looked through their iPad visual library of hairstyles. From tousled beach waves to sleek straight, they can do it all. While my friendly and knowledgeable stylist worked her magic, she gave me some valuable pointers on how to improve the life and body of my seemingly lifeless hair. A little more than 30 minutes later, I walked out the door with big bouncy girls any true Texas gal would envy.

My favorite thing was that my hair was not locked with a goopey spray but rather misted in place with the light and fragrant Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray. It was so good that I had to buy a bottle. My hair stayed styled through the next day. I will definitely be back to The Hair Bar with girlfriends for our next big night out. They have plans to open in Dallas by the end of the year and I absolutely can't wait!

 

The Hair Bar

1522 E. Southlake Blvd.

Southlake, TX 76092

817-442-511

info@dropinblowout.com

Thanks to The Hair Bar for treating my hair!

Monday Motivation — Let Her Sleep

I don't usually get the proper amount of Z's each weeknight but I try to make up for it on the weekends. I enjoy busy weekends, but I covet the lazy ones even more. There's no better feeling on Monday morning than feeling rejuvenated and rested up for the week ahead.

Let Her Sleep by Yellow Button Studio

It's never an easy task to get out of bed. However,  I stocked up on sleep over the past few days and now that I'm up, I'm now ready to move some mountains. Maybe that's a bit ambitious, but I'll try.

Book Club — Spring Reading

When it comes to discovering new books, it's never just one book at a time that piques my interest.  Over the past few days, I've added a trio of books to my collection. 

My reading excitement has been split three ways, so I've only dabbled in each book. So far, so fun. 

Born To Be Brad by Brad Goreski
I'm confident that the eccentric Exclusive Brand Stylist for Kate Spade and I would be BFFs after watching his Bravo reality show. The book seems like it will reinforce that fact.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
All of the cool kids (ahem, ladies) are reading it. I'm hooked.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond
My mom sent me this book after she discovered her blog. I can't wait to make the Perfect Iced Coffee.

The new iPad Day!

This may have happened a few months ago at book club. 

I know, I know. I'm so cool. Needless to say, I'm heading to the Apple Store early this morning to nab the new iPad for my husband. As someone who is far more tech-savvy than me, he has held out long enough. It's kind of funny that all of our parents already have iPads, but ask him all of their questions.

I'm perfectly content with my iPad 2. We'll see how I feel after I play around with the new one. I have bit of a thing for new toys from Apple.

Do you have an iPad or plan on getting the new one?

More Apple on Cirque du Sweet:
Outfitting the iPad 
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish 
Live Colorfully

Sweet Links

Illustration by Miss Capricho 

- I've never made ice cream at home and I might have to start with this Maple Brown Sugar Ice Cream 

- It's time to pick out your favorite watch from the Kate Spade debut watch collection

- How big do kids' sizes run? DVF loves GapKids

- These brand logos redesigned for hipsters are funny

- The origin of Keep Calm and Carry On

- St. Patrick's Day in a box would be fun for any holiday

March Madness :: Hello Kitty Girls College Team Tees

March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year in my sports world. My brackets are set and I'm ready for some full-time basketball watching for the next few weeks.

If I had a little girl, she would definitely be sporting one of these Old Navy Hello Kitty college tees (the Jayhawk one, of course). There are dozens of other teams to choose from online.  

Per usual, I've got Kansas winning it all. What teams do you have playing in the Final Four? 

Celebrating Pi(e) Day!

From cookies to scoops of ice cream, there are quite a few sweets that come in the form of a circle. In honor of Pi Day (today, March 14, 3.14), I made Key Lime Pie, one of my favorites. It's tart for springtime and with a drop of green food coloring in the filling, it's even festive for St. Patrick's Day. 

Doesn't that look yummy? I used the recipe from Joy of Baking, but went the easy route and used a pre-made graham cracker crust and plopped on Reddi-Whip for the topping. The graham cracker crust I bought seemed crumbly, so next time I'll try making my own. The Key Lime Pie will be a tasty treat after the Skinny Kitchen Pad Thai that I'm planning on making tonight for dinner.

Food bloggers/picture people, do you have any tips for styling food pictures? It took me quite a few shots to get a decent pic of the pie. Thanks.

More Pies on Cirque du Sweet:

Emporium Pies Pop-Up Shop

Monday Motivation — Make It Happen

Since I have a few days off from work for spring break, I plan on conquering a laundry list of to-do's this week. It's time to make it happen! 

via Jimena Gamio 

Off to Fredericksburg!

I can hardly wait to put my boots on and get to Fredericksburg, Texas for a weekend in Texas Hill Country filled with lots of wine and good times in honor of this pretty little bride-to-be.

Photograph by Jessica Mooney

Kelli and Andrew's engagement photos are all absolutely stunning. If you look closely, you can see the faint Dallas skyline in the background of this particular picture.

I'll be sure to let you know about some of the fun places we discover in Fredericksburg. I hope that you have a delightful weekend. Cheers!

More wine and bachelorette parties on Cirque du Sweet:
Celebrating the Future Mrs. Cola in California

The Fun Bun

I've been working on my buns. 

After spying the sock bun on many stylish ladies at Alt Summit, I finally tried the look for myself, sans sock. I just put my hair in the highest ponytail possible, wrap my hair around the hair tie, and pin it with bobby pins to achieve the same look. There's lots of great video tutorials floating around if you want to try it out for yourself. 

More hair on Cirque du Sweet:

30 Hairstyles in 30 Days

Please let me know if you have a photo credit for the bun above.

Madewell Spring/Summer 2012

There's lots to like about Madewell's Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook.

I'm a little skeptical about the overalls but I had a recent discussion about overalls being "all that" in 1998 so maybe I shouldn't judge too harshly.  In lieu of the overalls, I'll stick with wearing my favorite Madewell Skinny Skinny Jeans. 

More Madewell on Cirque du Sweet:

Feeling Fall Colors

Happy Birthday, Oreo!

Today marks the 100th Birthday of Milk's Favorite Cookie, the Oreo! On March 6, 2012, Oreos were first sold by Nabisco and have been the best selling cookie ever since.

Oreo Birthday Cake Featured on Martha Stewart 

If you're not on Girl Scout Cookie overload, you should make these super-easy Oreo Balls in celebration of today. Or, if you're already in the St. Patrick's Day spirit, make Triple Layer Fudgy Mint Oreo Brownies from Love Veggies and Yoga and be sure to save some for me. 

Monday Motivation :: It's What You Wear From Ear to Ear

Hey Hobo Man, 

Hey Dapper Dan, 

You've both got your style,

But brother...

This quote and song from the musical Annie has always been one of my favorites. The vinyl wall decal is from Old Barn Rescue sold at their Etsy shop. What are your thoughts on wall decals? After seeing this one, I'm intrigued.

If you're more fixated on the gorgeous gold bathtub, be sure to treat yourself to a nice bubble bath after work tonight.

Smiles and baths. Whatever can get you through Monday. Have a good one!

Yum :: Justin's Nut Butter

The lovely sisters of A Piece of Toast recently posted about the amazingness of Justin's Nut Butter. I was immediately smitten with the packaging and wondered if it would be as delicious as it looked. A few days later, my mother must have known peanut butter was on my mind, because I received a Valentine's Day package from her that included Justin's Nut Butter packs. Friends, this is the best peanut butter I have ever had. The little packs are such a genius idea for when you need a quick pick-me-up on the go. The Chocolate Peanut was my absolute favorite.

Now it's time for me to stock up on a few jars of this stuff. You can order it online or at select grocery stores.

Sweet Links

Art by Sally Benedict 

Birthday Cake Popcorn looks yummy

How will you see your past self?

A compilation of some gorgeous fonts 

If you're not already, you need to be a Matchbook girl

Tech Toys — iPhone Cases for Spring

Every season there is always a new crop of iPhone cases that seem to call my name. Fortunately, I have an excuse to get a new every so often because I don't exactly treat my phone with care. It's dropped on the floor at least once a day. Oopsies. 

I'm know I should probably get some bulky, super-durable case that will a long time, but I just can't help myself when there's options like these:

1. Case-Mate Tortoise Shell Case

2. kate spade new york 'rugby' iPhone 4 & 4S case

3. ban.do iPhone 4 case

I still love my current case, but the edges are a little cracked and the gold dots are wearing off. 

Which case do you like the best? What kind of case do you have? 

More iPhone cases on Cirque du Sweet:

Monogram iPhone Cases 

Hypnotic Donuts

Everyone has motivation for working out, and mine just happens to be so that I can enjoy yummies like these donuts on the weekends. 

Hypnotic Donuts picture courtesy of Heather Bakes 

Yes, there's bacon, sprinkles, animal crackers, Trix, and even jalapeños on these colorful creations from Hypnotic Donuts. On a recent Sunday morning donut date, my husband and I indulged in these insane donuts and also enjoyed a huge chicken biscuit. Needless to say, I was in a hypnotic trance the rest of the day.

Hypnotic Donuts

9007 Garland Road

Dallas, TX 75218

More donut posts on Cirque du Sweet:
Royal Wedding Donut
Glamour Donuts