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There are few things in life that make me happier than killing two birds with one stone. Time is such a precious commodity for moms everywhere and I think finding ways to act on multiple goals all at the same time is the best approach to actually maintaining healthier lifestyle changes.
This fall I've been focusing so hard on our new meal planning system to make sure my kids are getting exposed to more veggies and homemade real foods. I'm also trying desperately to focus more attention on my Little Pea because I know her time home with me during the day is becoming more and more limited. She's growing up so fast and soon the day will come when I don't have my little buddy home with me.
To accomplish both of those goals, we've been doing a little of this and a little of that. I've been trying to reinstate our Mommy & Me Mornings on a weekly basis, but sometimes I can't afford a whole morning spent at a museum so our special time has to happen in the middle of errands. When I took a look at my latest meal plan I realized that our Monday Night Soup & Bread night would provide the perfect opportunity for killing those two birds.
I had planned to make Pioneer Woman's homemade broccoli cheese soup using the fresh broccoli from our last farmer's market trip. Ree suggests serving it in a bread bowl for an extra fun presentation. My mom has always loved Panera's fresh baked sourdough bread bowls and they are a staple when she serves her chili.
I decided Little Pea and I could go out for a special breakfast, just the two of us, and snag the rolls for dinner that night. If I hadn't been organized enough with my meal plan, I would never have had a pocket of time to slow down and turn a food shopping trip into a special occasion. I feel like every week has been another fresh start for our family time, and I'm finding more and more ways that meal planning has allowed me to better enjoy my time with my girls.
Little Pea was over the moon excited about being allowed to select a special treat for our breakfast together. No, I didn't allow the cupcakes as an option! Ha.
I selected a hot egg & bacon sandwich and a cappuccino for myself and a cinnamon roll for Little Pea. I was pleasantly surprised when we were handed a buzzer and told we could sit down at our table, and that the food would be brought to us. Oh how I can't stand juggling food & beverages and trying to hold a preschooler's wiggly hand at the same time! We were able to just go find a seat together and relax for a moment. (While every Panera doesn't offer this, I'm glad ours does!)
Sitting down at 9 am with a hot coffee, in a real mug nonetheless, felt like such an indulgence. How crazy busy have I allowed our schedules to become that this feels so unusual?? I realize now that these Mommy & Me Mornings are definitely just as much for me as they are for Little Pea.
How about you? What is your favorite way to start the day? Have you done something special for yourself lately--with or without a little buddy along? Leave me a comment below and you'll be entered to win a $100 Panera Gift Card!
P.S. I signed up for the MyPanera Rewards card during our visit and was delighted to discover they load it up with free treats. We received a free pastry just for registering. When we got home I participated in the Panera Breakfast Backstory Challenge and entered to win an all-inclusive culinary experience trip for 2 to NYC. Oh how awesome that would be for Tim and me!
The challenge was actually really interesting. You complete 3 actions to earn a badge and they have a mix of cool action options like viewing recipes, articles, and videos such as this one:
Once you've clicked on your three choices you earn your badge. There are a total of 3 badges for 3 chances to win. It only took a few minutes of time to earn all 3 and one of the recipes was for an awesome overnight oatmeal. I totally clipped it to try sometime down the road. Tim is an oatmeal fanatic!
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/13/13 – 12/8/13.
Be sure to visit the Panera Bread's page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
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Becky Auerbach
Your breakfast date with Little Pea sounds heavenly!
It doesn't happen often, and it probably won't happen again for some time, but my "perfect" morning starts with smiles and hugs from our twins, a homemade breakfast (as made by my husband), and a Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte (as delivered by my husband).
We are currently more than an hour away from the closest Starbucks here in the Netherlands, so my "perfect" morning could only happen in part until we're back in the States!
Holly F
My favorite way to start the day is to sleep in! I get up at 5 on weekdays so on the weekends I like to try to sleep until 7 or 7:30. More like 7 on Sundays because we all have to get ready to leave for church by 8:30.
Lee Weimer
Little Pea will remember these times all her life....they will be some of her very sweetest memories.....guaranteed.
I too LOVE going out for coffee in the morning. A couple times a week, I go out for coffee on the way to teach. That hour with the paper, maybe a snack, and a really good mug of coffee is my "retirement" indulgence....something I never did before.
elis689
I like to start my day with a cup of coffee
elis689
https://twitter.com/elis689/status/401127310855634944
Jessica
Saturday morning breakfasts are my favorite. "Daddy" is home, and even though we don't get to sleep in (with a 2 and 4yr old in the house haha!) the morning feels so much more restful than it does during the week. Danny makes coffee, and the kids "help" me make a big platter of pancakes. 🙂
Mami2jcn
I like to start my day with fruit and yogurt.
Mami2jcn
tweet--https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/401180211414196224
Joann
I love starting the day with black coffee and scrambled eggs!
Ashley H
I need a strong cup of coffee.
Christina
My favorite way to start the day is an iced coffee and going over blog posts an emails.
Heather
I typically start my day with a banana and peanut butter toast. I work from home two days a week and there are mornings when I just need to get out of the house. So, I grab my computer and head to Panera. I grab a booth, connect to the WiFi and enjoy my Power Breakfast sandwich. It's the perfect way to enjoy an hour out of the house, while getting work done.
toby
I enjoyed your morning story, thinking back that would have been fun to get a special breakfast and treat with mom...
I like a slow morning, sleep in, wake up naturally, take my time getting ready, go out for leisurely breakfast with good coffee and food, and it would be perfect if all of that included a beautiful view and some pleasant company. 🙂
Nancy Hanson
My perfect start would be to get up early go for a run, pick up Panera fo the family, relax with a big cup of hazel nut coffee, cinnamon bagel, and then I would eat all the kids left over breakfast goodies!
amber stanco
I love this post and need to start a weekly morning with each of my kids! My perfect morning starts with a short yoga session before the kids get up, a homemade, healthy breakfast in jammies around the table with a warm chai latte in hand and lots of hugs from the hubby and kids.
D Schmidt
My favorite way to start the day is with a hot cup of tea and a warm scone! I have not done anything special for myself recently but seeing my children enjoy their lives is special enough to make me happy every day.
D SCHMIDT
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/401436107721555968
Carey Pace
I love to start my day with coffee and pinterest on the iPad! As far as special for myself, I splurged and ordered a new tree skirt and stockings for me and Shawn... since the ones I bought in 2001 when we got married aren't really my style anymore. Totally not needed, totally not practical or functional, but it will make me happy this christmas to see it all matching.
Erika W.
I love to start my day with a good breakfast, a Coke and some blog, news and/or devotional reading!
Erika W.
I shared the giveaway on Twitter: https://twitter.com/seabattle2/status/401452322351349760
Jessica To
I like to start my day with a muffin and juice!
Susan Smith
I love to start my day by listening to music while drinking coffee and eating a healthy breakfast. I often stop by Panera Bread in the morning to pick up a bagel or cinnamon roll
Susan Smith
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/401554811411128321
Sarah
I like to start my day out with a shower, may sound silly but with 3 littles - 3 and under - it helps the day go a LOT better!
Madeline
I love starting the day with blueberry-flavored coffee!
Madeline
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/401772554022440960
sisters from another mister
Mine are now 11 and 15 ... and we just came home from brunch at our local Panera.
We all need to slow down and take time to spend moments like these with our kids, nothing beats a restaurant table, something yummy and their undivided attention - or yours xxxx
laura
I have come to adore these mommy and me breakfasts with my youngest! I used to think of the hour between dropping off my older two at elementary and my youngest at preschool as just a waiting period until "the next task" but as I've learned to slow down and cherish the time where I can get it, I find sweet moments and conversations that I was too busy before to miss
Sunnymay
My favorite way to start the day is with some microwave oatmeal and green tea.
Kim Henrichs
The best way to start my day is with a good coffee and a pastry or yummy muffin!
Kim Henrichs
tweeted!
https://twitter.com/methhamfetabean/status/401803747363282944
Janice Cooper
My favorite way to start to day is with peppermint hot tea and watching my favorite spiritual show on t.v.
Janice Cooper
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/401845476057575424
Christin
My daughter and I love mommy and me breakfasts. Her favorite is a chocolate croissant!
kristin
I take my 2 1/2 year old son on Mommy dates while his older sister is at preschool. Panera is definitely a favorite spot to stop for a quick break between errands.
Tiffany
Definitely coffee for me! And some sweet snuggles with my sweet baby girl q:)
Ashley S.
I start my day snuggling my baby girl and having coffee
Ashley S.
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/smash906/status/402271439799062529
Jessie C.
I like to start my day with a cup of hot coffee, blueberry bagels and Greek yogurt.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C.
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/402281859322613760
Jennifer Russ
I have to start my day with coffee in a pretty mug! But, the best is when we don't have anywhere to go and no plans for the day. We stay in our jammies until lunch time! My 4 kids love PJ Days.
One Frugal Girl
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/402555510160764928
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
One Frugal Girl
I love snuggling with my son. What better way to start the day then sitting together reading stories?
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Laura D
My favorite way to start the day is with a hot shower and a cup of coffee before either of my children are awake. And if it were raining, that would make it even better!
Ilana
A protein-filled breakfast!
Ilana
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/purplelanzi/status/402178084800966656
Melanie
My little and I love mommy and me dates at Panera.
Amanda Eller
The very best way to start the day is to NOT stump my toe on my afghan stand, make it to the potty without bumping into a door jamb or stepping on a Lego or Army Man.....and then begin to wake the sleeping monsters with a "Rise and shine baby, its a new day!" 🙂 Waking up with a smile on my face and a song in my heart, always guarantees an awesome day!
Joyce
This is the first time that I have been to your site! I love Panera bread. I work for the state, and we have used your
services before. Of course the bread is awesome!! Such a sweet moment to see you and your daughter having some down time together. I too like to go somewhere for breakfast sometime. It is a break from the humho of the same thing. Thanks! for allowing me to comment.
Wanda McHenry
My favorite way to start the day is a kiss from my husband when he's leaving for work and a cup of coffee!
Wanda McHenry
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/403049896669745152
Kelly Massman
My favorite way to start the day is a nice cup of coffee with a pastry!!!! thanks for a chance to win! kmassman gmail
Kelly Massman
https://twitter.com/kmassman/status/403230546240602112 i tweeted! thanks for a chance to win! kmassman gmail
Suzanne @ Frugal Organic Mama
I love the idea of Mommy & Me mornings! What a great reminder to slow down and enjoy some time with my girls while they are young. We're totally going to start doing this!
Tina M
a hot coffee and listen to the music
Tina M
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/403372008131399680
Hollly
I love to dance to our wii game with my girls in the morning. If we wake up in time!
Hannah
My favorite weekend morning is grabbing an egg and cheese sandwich with coffee at Panera Bread early. Also, I like the Mommy and Me morning idea.
Erika
Starting the day with coffee, a laughing baby, and a happy 3 year old would be perfect.
chambanachik at gmail dot com
Sadie Kobussen
Great idea!
Audra Rogers
My 6 yr old son and I make the most of our time waiting for the school bus by making up games to play (who can hop on one foot the longest, or making shadow puppets on the ground when the sun is out) or just talking. It's such a special time for us. On weekends, we make pancakes or snuggle on the couch with cartoons and enjoy a lazy morning 🙂
Kelly
My day has not started without a big cup of coffee! We also love Panera for their pastries and drinks. Sweet story!
Susan H.
Start my day with a cup of coffee and a hot bowl of cheese grits.
Susan H.
I tweeted. https://mobile.twitter.com/sebh55/status/404798882678206464?screen_name=sebh55.
Kerri S
Cute idea. MUST have coffee first thing, brewing literally, before I can start anything else! Would love it if I could sleep in too but with 3.5yo twin boys, that doesnt happen! Love Paneras shortbread cookies and soup!
Krista D
Last week when my husband was out of town, we planned our errands such that my 4 year old son and I could go out for lunch together. A special treat for both of us. It was great to slow down and talk together, without being distracted by the messy house or something else.
Nicole Egerer
My morning runs are a great way that I take time for myself. Thankfully, I have a hubby who gives me that time in the morning while he watches the little one so I can just be with myself, my thoughts & some good tunes. It's a great way to start the day!
Nicole Larsen
I start my day with a cup of coffee and either a bowl of LIFE cereal (my fave) or english muffins with pb on them!
Nicole Larsen
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/405445157803143169
Gina R.
I start every day with coffee and often that includes Panera breakfast Power sandwich.
Wild Orchid
I love to start my day with a mug of coffee and a cozy robe.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Wild Orchid
tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/406772250231066624
Emily
All of our Paneras will bring your food to you now with those table buzzers, but even when they didn't - they always offered to do so for me when I came in with my toddler in a stroller. I always appreciated it! I heart Panera forever.
Debbie B
i like to start the morning with a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper
Debbie B
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/406994906746339328
Val
I look forward to morning meetings and snagging the Panera Asiago Cheese Bagel before anyone else gets it!
Louise Reeves
Our favorite way to start a relaxing day is sleep in late (really late- about 11!) and when we get up, it's really time for lunch. My son's ultimate favorite is a bread bowl of clam chowder or chicken noodle at Panara, so now we can enjoy it (just by sleeping in really late! lol)
maria cantu
I like to start my day with a big cup of coffee.
rachel
Ideally, I'd go out for breakfast. We love Panera. I'd get a cinnamon crunch bagel, a chai tea and split part of an egg souffle!
Amy Tong
My favorite way to start the day is with a good cup of coffee, a great breakfast with my kiddos. 🙂
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/408348593301385219
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Kerry
My favorite way to start the day is with a hug from my kids and a cup of coffee!
Kerry
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/408793353984032768
angie lilly
I splurged on Organic Tazo Chai concentrate recently when I saw it on sale. I love the stuff but it is usually to expensive for my tastes. I love to drink a mug of it in the mornings though. GREAT way to start the day! Wish I could afford to do it more often!
angie lilly
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/408981224187650049
Erica Best
i start my day with coffee
Erica Best
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/409104536825892864
Anne
I like to start my day with eggs.
Anne
tweeted https://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/409156547571240960
Rebecca Graham
I start the day with a shower and then a cup of coffee.
Cynthia C
My favorite way to start the day is with a lovely breakfast that someone else cooked!
Cynthia C
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/409275844599631873
Nancy
My favorite way to start the day is with the quietly with the newspaper and my favorite oatmeal topped with blueberries.
Julie
My favorite way to start the day is having breakfast with my husband thanks
Amanda Sakovitz
I love starting the day with a huge cup of coffee
Amanda Sakovitz
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/409755586478104576
Ellie W
My favorite way to start the day is with a warm bowl of oatmeal.
Ellie W
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/409774772340269057
Thomas Murphy
I like to start the day with coffee and a bagel.
Thomas Murphy
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/409789552031588352
Tabathia B
I love to start it with some ice tea and ham biscuit
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/409826609684688896
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Julie Halash
I'm so fortunate to have found this blog this morning. I am going to treat myself and my daughter to a mommy & me lunch today. Thank you for this great post.
Michelle Kistler
My favorite morning would be coffee, a run, breakfast with my twin boys and snuggle time on the couch! (Since it's so cold right now!) Playtime at the park if it were warmer! 🙂