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Soaking Up Mommy-Daughter Time at Panera Bread

Published on 02/26/14
by Brittany Dixon | 466 Comments
It’s February already… actually, almost March! Can you believe it? With less than 2.5 months until my due date, I’ve really started to focus on soaking up these last couple months with Hailey being an only child. I’ve started compiling a list of things I’d like to do with her...

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It’s February already… actually, almost March! Can you believe it? With less than 2.5 months until my due date, I’ve really started to focus on soaking up these last couple months with Hailey being an only child. I’ve started compiling a list of things I’d like to do with her before baby girl is born, but mostly, I just want to enjoy as many moments as I can, which leads to a few special outings, like mommy-daughter lunch dates.
 
 

panera bread- mommy daughter time- usLunch with a toddler is tricky. I’m not a fan of fast food restaurants, but sitting down to a long meal is just asking for trouble. For these reasons, Panera is one of our favorite out-to-lunch options. For starters, I know I can find my favorites there. I usually opt for the you-pick-two because I have problems with committing to just one menu item. The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a long-time favorite of mine. The bread alone makes it a winner!panera bread- mommy daughter time- old favorite- Med Veg sandwichBut nothing outshines my one true love, the Greek Salad.

panera bread- mommy daughter time- old favorite- Greek Salad

Like mommy, like daughter, I suppose because it’s quickly becoming one of Hailey’s favorites, too!

panera bread- mommy daughter time- sharing panera bread- mommy daughter time- toddler favorites

Fortunately I don’t mind a cute toddler snagging all my olives. Though I wouldn’t classify lunch dates as relaxing, they are always packed full of fun. Watching Hailey try new favorites and rate them is guaranteed entertainment.

panera bread- mommy daughter time- new favorite Green smoothie panera bread- mommy daughter time- thumbs up

That’s a thumbs up for the new B-Green Smoothie, by the way. She loves the classics, just like me (who doesn’t love Panera’s Mac ‘n Cheese?!)…

panera bread- mommy daughter time- mac n cheese

But her adventurous eating has me curious to branch out, too. Intrigued by Panera’s secret menu, I recently tried a Chicken and Hummus Power Bowl and was impressed by this nutrition-packed option.

panera bread- mommy daughter time- new favorite power bowl

I left feeling satiated, but not stuffed, a nice way to be after lunch when you still need to feel up for chasing around a toddler. I’m looking forward to squeezing in a few more special mommy-daughter moments before May and soaking up all the one-on-one time and extra hugs I can get. The more hugs, the merrier, squished face and all!

panera bread- mommy daughter time- hugs

Soon enough I’ll be enjoying lunches out with BOTH my sweet girls, but I’m in no hurry to rush through these special years, so I’ll try my best to soak up the moments, day by day for now. I have no doubt that you have a Panera favorite, too! That’s why Panera Bread is giving one A Healthy Slice of Life reader the chance to win a $100 Panera Bread gift card so you can enjoy your favorites and try some new soon-to-be favorites.

For a chance to win, simply leave a comment telling me what your favorite menu item at Panera is!

You can also visit Panerabread.com to vote for your favorite or create a custom “Ode to Your Fave” video. MyPanera members get a chance to win their favorite free for a year! And visit Panera’s social media channels (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram) for weekly challenges and additional chances to win a $25 Panera gift card.

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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. Winners 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 2/26/2014-3/30/2014.
Be sure to visit the Panera Bread brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

 

A Healthy Slice of Life

About Brittany Dixon

Brittany Dixon is a former health coach turned homeschooling mom of two girls. Her goal is to share her passion for healthy eating and natural living alongside the daily challenges and triumphs of motherhood. She shares her life through the lens of food, family, and travel.

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  2. Kristin says

    I love so many of their menu options, i love the broccoli cheddar soup and chicken stew. I do make the broccoli cheddar soup at home and its delicious!

    Reply

  3. jill says

    i looove their chicken noodle soup. kind of boring, i know, but it’s really just the perfect bowl of comforting goodness. The broccoli cheddar is amazing too for when I feel like indulging a little. love that place!

    Reply

  10. Cheryl says

    What a great pic of you guys! Looks like a fun lunch date. Smoothies are always a hit with he kids. I usually go to
    Panders for breakfast and get their power sandwich, but that hummus dish looks awesome!

    Reply

  12. Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says

    I love the strawberry poppyseed salad in the summer. And the Frontega chicken sandwich all year long!

    Reply

  13. Heather @fitncookies says

    The broccoli cheddar soup is always my fav, but I have been doing the you pick two and getting the chipotle chicken sandwich, too! It’s really good and i highly recommend it. Besides real food, the Cinnamon Crunch bagels are to die for.

    Reply

  16. Katie says

    How fun!

    I love the frontega chicken sandwich, although it is now reserved for special occasions and I only get the half…but man is it good. 😉

    Reply

  22. Kelli M says

    I love the mediterranean veggie and greek salad too! The power sandwich is also tasty and I can’t wait to try a power bowl sometime!

    Reply

  23. Dana says

    I also get the greek salad you-pick-two every,.single. time I go to Panera. I’m kind of addicted to their black bean soup too, but that tomato basil bread is to die for 🙂

    Reply

  27. Tiff says

    I’m leaving two favs. My fav healthy is the chicken hummus power bowl, but my fav comfort is tomato soup in a bread bowl.

    Cute post!

    Reply

  34. Shannon says

    I worked at Panera for a year and I definitely grew to love the vegetarian soup AND the spinach power salad. Hands down, those are the best items on the menu! So fresh!!

    Reply

  37. Chrissie says

    I too take my little guy there for lunch dates. He gets the grilled cheese and I always get the Meditterian Veggie sandwich with an apple which he eats first! We are trying to squeeze in some lunch dates before his little brother joins us. Such a great place where it does not feel like fast food but is the speed I need for a busy toddler!!

    Reply

  41. Emily (The Culinary Couple) says

    Sam and I (and now Nora, too) love to go to Panera for cinnamon crunch bagels with hazelnut cream cheese. And, believe it or not, Sam can eat an entire bagel!

    Reply

  44. Meri says

    Oh I love the baked potato soup and the chipotle chicken sandwich! Yum! Love the idea of making a list of things to do with Hailey before Baby #2 comes, so cute!

    Reply

  62. Brittany K says

    I absolutely LOVE the Greek Salad! I usually do the You-Pick-Two and choose the Greek Salad and one of the sandwiches. YUM!

    Reply

  64. Beth says

    I love their creamy tomato soup, although I try not to eat it too often. My go to is a you pick two with a healthier soup and the tomato and mozzarella panini.

    Reply

  66. Nancy says

    I love Panera. Right now I am addicted to the Spinach Power Bowl for breakfast (with coffee of course) and the new Turkey Chili – it was so hearty and delicious it may replace black bean soup for me!

    Reply

  70. Jill says

    My favorite, favorite, favorite of all time is their Caesar salad and broccoli cheese soup! That’s the combo I go for time and time again.

    Reply

  84. sarah harris says

    my favorites are their vegetable soup, squash soup (or maybe it was pumpkin, i only saw it once because i think it was seasonal), and the thai chicken salad. yum!

    Reply

  96. Avery @ Young Aspirations says

    I adore Panera! I usually go for the “half and half” deal and do a greek salad and half a sandwich. Best of both worlds!

    Reply

  100. Abby says

    I love Panera and so glad one just opened where I live! I know it’s simple, but my favorite menu item is a Greek Salad!!

    Reply

  104. Kate says

    I haven’t been to Panera in forever, but I love their menu! I used to be a big fan of their cobb salad. I also loved their seasonal salmon salad that they had a year ago. Oh, and who can resist that crusty bread? I just love Panera!

    Reply

  108. sue says

    I am obsessed with their chicken ceasar salad. It only has five ingredients, but the dressing and croutons are out of this world. Their broccoli and cheese soup, black bean soup, and veggie with pesto soups are also favorites of mine. I LOVE Panera!!

    Reply

  110. Erica says

    We get panera pretty frequently too, it’s so great for toddlers! My favorites are the black bean soup and the Thai Chopped Chicken Salad.

    Reply

  111. irene says

    For some reason I’ve never been but been wanting too. This would certainly give me a reason to actually try something new:-D fingers crossed

    Reply

  122. Lee says

    I always get the You Pick Two with the Mediterranean veggie sandwich and some sort of soup – usually black bean if they have it.

    Reply

  127. Sarah says

    I tried the chicken and hummus power bowl after I saw your post on Instagram- It’s my new favorite!
    Ps. My toddler got the grilled cheese and loved italso enjoyed GIS trip to Panera so much he didn’t want to leave!

    Reply

  140. Emily says

    I am also due in May and was just thinking today about how I need to start planning some special events with my “only” child as well!

    My favorite item is the tomato and mozz panini – YUM!

    Reply

  146. Kassie says

    I love the tomato, basil, mozz panini with black bean soup. I don’t know what I would do without the pick two menu!

    Reply

  151. Abby says

    We are big fans of Panera too! I love their broccoli cheddar soup and iced green tea. And it’s always a special weekend treat to pick up bagels and cream cheese every once in a while…love the asiago cheese!

    Reply

  154. D Schmidt says

    I actually went to Panera last night and my favorite item is definitely their Thai Chicken Salad, my children love the kids grilled cheese.

    Reply

  159. Fran says

    Right now, I am loving the black bean soup and Fuji apple chicken salad. In the summer, I love the strawberry poppyseed salad.

    Reply

  161. Andrea Seaner says

    Haven’t been there in a while, but I used to love the Chicken Ceasar Salad! And nothing beats the warm crusty bread that comes with it! I would always take it home, toast it up, and slather it with butter! Yum!

    Reply

  168. Amber P. says

    My go-to order at Panera that I get every single time is the iced green tea. I don’t know why, but it is just so delicious!!

    Reply

  170. Mandi says

    I have NEVER eaten at Panera Bread but have one close. I think this gift card might just get me in the door to what seems like a great place to eat and I will already have great idea of what to eat from all of the posts on the blog!

    Reply

  174. Becky@TheSavedRunner says

    Their Fuji Apple chicken salad is the bomb!! Oh and their veggie mediteranean sandwich is so good as well!

    Reply

  175. Ancy says

    As you said, who doesn’t love a classic Mac & Cheese. This makes me want to take my little man on a Mommy and Me Date!

    Reply

  176. Lauren says

    I love the Mediterranean veggie sandwich as well-usually ask for it on whole grain. And their cinnamon crunch bagels with hazelnut cream cheese will always remind me of my husband and I when we were dating in high school and would eat those in his pickup truck haha 🙂

    Reply

  179. Hallie@ChasingHallie says

    I LOVE Panera. It is my go to feel better food when I am sick but I like it all the time. My favorite is the Pick 2 w/turkey sandwich and brocoblli cheese soup. Yum!

    Reply

  182. Shannon says

    I love a bread bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, I can’t lie! And maybe it’s because my due date is a mere 12 days away, but I’ll also go ahead and add their M&M cookies 🙂

    Reply

  184. Kathryn says

    I’m obsessed with Panera Bread! I went there ALL.THE.TIME when I was pregnant and got the combo of greek salad and the broccoli and cheese soup. So yummy 🙂

    Reply

  186. Emily Muhlberg says

    my favorite is actually the salad you posted about here- it used to be on the “hidden menu” and I always felt so hipster when I asked to order it from there

    Reply

  187. Niko's Mama says

    My fave is the you pick two with broccoli cheese soup and the bbq chopped salad with chicken, add avocado please!

    PS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this blog!! 🙂

    Reply

  190. Amy @ The Nifty Foodie says

    Broc. Cheddar soup is a favorite of mine! I only get Panera every once in a while, since the one nearest me is a mile away…however, we’re finally getting a Panera next month! SO excited!

    Reply

  194. Lauren B. says

    My long-time favorite has been the Fiji apple chicken salad, but my pregnancy favorite is the Broccoli Cheddar soup!

    Reply

  200. Emily says

    Oh my goodness!! Everyone knows I am OBSESSED with Panera. I love it so much! My favorite thing is the Bacon Turkey Bravo – and you’re right, the Tomato Basil bread with the streusel-y topping makes it! I always get the YP2 with broccoli cheddar soup.

    I have been meaning to try the Spinach Power Salad, though.

    YUM!!!

    Reply

  203. Ashlee says

    I absolutely love that veggie sandwich! I wish they would start using vegetable broth in the tomato soup, and then Panera could do no wrong. 🙂

    Reply

  204. Olivia says

    My favorite healthy item at Panera is the power chicken hummus bowl, but my favorite item there is definitely the mac and cheese!

    Reply

  208. Laura says

    My go-to is the “you pick two” – Thai chopped chicken salad and black bean soup with a whole grain baguette on the side!

    Reply

  213. Carol-Anne says

    My husband and I would have lunch there when our daughter was born (brings back memories) and we would always order the chicken soup and split a vegetarian sandwich….how can you go wrong with delicious food 🙂

    Thanks,
    Carol-Anne

    Reply

  214. Kirsten says

    We’re so alike! My fave is the veggie sandwich (but I’m weird, I like mine grilled), and my 2 year old daughter’s fave is the Mac and cheese. She loves smoothies, so we’ll have to give that one a try for our next mommy-daughter date before our new baby arrives in 3 months. Like I said, we’re so alike 🙂

    Reply

  226. bonnie says

    Panera is the best healthy fast food place around!! I love so many things so I have to get the pick 2…. fuji apple salad (the dressing is amazing!) & the roasted turkey & avocado BLT- the sourdough bread alone is soo good!! and dessert…. toffee nut or shortbread cookie, almond bear claw, I have such a sweet tooth!!

    Reply

  231. Melanie says

    I always have intentions of trying something new, but end sticking with my favorites- you pick two broccoli cheddar soup and Greek salad. Yum!

    Reply

  233. Laura @ FitMamaLove says

    I love the fontina grilled cheese and tomato soup, The power bowls are a great healthier option for when I’m not splurging, though.

    Reply

  234. Gloria Gomez says

    My favorite Panera items have always been the scones! When I was pregnant I’d wake up at 4am with crazy hunger pangs =) These little scones hit the spot, Orange flavor is my favorite!

    Reply

  238. Lindsay says

    Absolutely love Panera. I go there at least once a week if not more. I love the Bacon Turkey Bravo and I also love their Caesar salad.

    Reply

  239. Stefanie says

    OMG! You listed two of my top three – the greek salad and mediterranian veggie sandwich. But I LOVE the black bean soup. Best soup anywhere (and the fact that it is vegetarian is a BIG plus!)

    Reply

  245. jodi says

    where do I start? fuji apple chicken salad, mac n cheese for me and the girls, an egg sandwich with tea in the morning. A splurge of a cinnamon crunch scone. They are like crack. okay enough already. I love panera :)and would love them even more if I had a $100 gift card!! 🙂

    Reply

  257. Alene says

    I love all of the Panera soups. Not sure I can pick just one. I usually do a You Pick Two with a BBQ chicken salad and a soup.

    Reply

  261. Therese says

    I really like the black bean soup and the Greek salad, but it sounds like I need to try some of the new power bowls, too!

    Reply

  262. Elle says

    I really, really like the Asian Chicken Salad. It’s perfect because it has the asian taste I crave without all the calories!

    Reply

  273. Ellie W says

    I have never eaten there, but would love to try it. I LOVE broccoli cheese soup and would definitely try it first.

    Reply

  282. Molly @ Duchess of Fork says

    I love Panera! Definitely an easy lunch spot with kids. I love the power breakfast sandwich. So good!

    Reply

  284. Anel says

    I love the Pick two option on the menu too! I usually get a sandwich and tortilla soup. One of my favorite sandwiches is the roasted turkey and avocado BLT. YUM!!! I also love the tomato and mozzarella panini. Thank you!

    Reply

  286. wendy r. says

    I have never tried Panera! I always thought it was ‘another’ fast food chain, but reading this has me convinced I need to give them a shot! Thanks.

    Reply

  287. Margot C says

    I like the Thai Chicken Salad there for a pretty healthy lunch (though I like the looks of the Hummus salad which I have never seen there).

    Reply

  296. Erika says

    Everything! 🙂 Broccoli cheese soup in a bread bowl is definitely one of my favorites.

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  299. Brandii says

    Where do I start!?? LOVE this place! Fuji apple chicken salad, mac n cheese, bbq chicken salad, and the toffee cookie!

    Reply

  312. Linda says

    My favorite soup is the Chicken and Wild Rice, my favorite bagels are cinnamon crunch and blueberry, my favorite salad is the Fuji Apple Chicken salad, but I really love everything! I have only had the breakfast sandwich one time, but it was deicious, as well as the fruit cup with yogurt and granola! I guess I have given you enough favorites!

    Reply

  318. Natalie J Vandenberghe says

    I love the soups and salads at Panera; however, what I order most often is the Cinnamon Crunch Bagel with Honey Walnut Spread (bought one today, in fact).

    Reply

    • Neiddy says

      I made a mistake on the hashtag on my previous tweet, please disregard that one. This is my tweet with the right one : twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/447175911482220544

      Reply

  332. wild orchid says

    My favorite meal at Panera is the pick two – greek salad with chicken and brocolli and cheddar soup.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  342. Tena Meinerts says

    My favorite is the Thai Chicken Salad. Yumm. If I were to win the gift card I’m sure 90% of it will go to that exact thing.

    Reply

  344. Teresa P says

    Currently my favorite at Panera is the Pick 2 option with a tuna sandwich on honey wheat and a bowl of delicious black bean soup.

    Reply

  350. Natalie says

    My favorite Panera item has to be the cinnamon crunch bagel topped with strawberry jam or jelly. It is sweet, fluffy, and the perfect way to start the day!

    Reply

  356. Kristen Condon says

    My favorite meal is the Fuji apple chicken salad. And I can never turn down a cinnamon crunch bagel!

    Reply

  364. Sarah L says

    I like their Broccoli Cheddar Soup, but not in a bread bowl. Tried that once and it was a waste of good bread.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply

  373. Christine says

    My favorite is the cinnamon crunch bagel. It was a bit of an addiction for me for a while, actually.

    I used to work close to a Panera and I’d stop there a lot on my way home.

    Reply

  387. RussR says

    I get the pick2 with a ham and swiss sandwich and a salad. Used to be the BBQ chopped chicken salad, which was great, but that has gone off the menu here so now I’m experimenting with the other salads.

    Reply

  390. Stephanie Galbraith says

    I have not eaten anything from there before, but I would be interested to try the Spinach & Bacon Baked Egg Soufflé.

    Reply

  393. Elle says

    I love the Napa Almond Chicken Salad sandwich at Panera Bread. I get it almost every time that I go there. It’s so delicious.

    Reply

  394. mickeyfan says

    Let’s just say I’ve never had anything at Panera that I didn’t love, but among my faves are the Smokehouse Turkey Panini and the chocolate pastry. And soup. EVERY soup.

    Reply

  418. Kate @ Baking in Yoga Pants says

    The Medditeranean Veggie sandwich is my favorite item on the menu! I am a vegetarian and usually have a difficult time finding a meatless sandwich with a lot of flavor. This one always seems to do the trick! Not to mention, it’s the perfect place for a lunch date! 🙂

    Reply

  419. Sarah says

    I’m a college student so panera is my go to for fresh salads and caffeine. I love their tomato and mozzarella panini, and usually get it as a you pick two with one of their soups (too hard to pick a favorite). If I’m feeling extra nice, I will bring home some of the cinnamon crunch bagels for my roommates. Would definitely share the $100 with all of my roommates. It’s hard to eat healthy on a college budget but panera always feels like a special treat.

    Reply

  420. Kayla says

    My favorite menu item from panera is there chicken power bowl off their hidden menu! That green smoothie looks fabulous though. With a $100 gift card I’d definitely try one 🙂

    Reply

  421. Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says

    Love love LOVE Panera! We just went there for dinner last night since none of our food was unpacked. My favorite is the Sierra Turkey, I get it every. single. time. YUMMY! I’m really glad that I found this post before the contest expired.

    Reply

  423. Tiffany Clarke says

    I love to be difficult each time I go and order chicken and gouda on rye with either pesto or sundried tomato aioli! totally yummy…

    Reply

  433. Jason Simmons says

    The brocolli cheddar soup is fantastic, but you can’t go wrong by pointing at the menu and grabbing something at random. (:

    Reply

  435. Betty C says

    Although I voted for the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad my favorite is really the Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich.

    Reply

  438. April V. says

    I don’t have a favorite – everything I’ve tried at Panera is excellent but I really want to try the chicken hummus powerbowl, it sounds delicious!

    Reply

  465. Google says

    This design is steller! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
    I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how
    you presented it. Too cool!

    Reply

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