you know that i love my kids.
and my husband.
more than anything...
but sometimes a mama needs a girls' night out!
my running buddies and i hit the town for a movie and dinner.
we were so excited to be out and off the clock.
for dinner we chose Olive Garden.
we drove to this brand new one, looked around, and there were only a few cars.
we found out they opened the NEXT DAY.
we got a great laugh out of our luck.
we drove to the next one, and it was time to relax, unwind and catch up with each other.
it was one mama's birthday.
CHEERS!
when eating at Olive Garden, i look forward to the salad.
and the hot breadsticks...YUM.
the flavors are the same as they always have been.
i love that.
we ordered appetizers.
this was the first time i have had the Caprese Flatbread. it was so good!
Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil on a flatbread crust.
it could be a meal on its own.
you can never go wrong with lasagna.
it's always good.
always.
it makes me feel like i am enjoying a home cooked meal.
one friend ordered Capellini Pomodoro.
Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil and marinara sauce tossed with capellini.
i was debating on ordering it myself.
it is one of my favorite meals.
our waitress was very helpful and highly recommended the Stuffed Chicken Marsala.
doesn't it look tasty?
it was chicken breast stuffed with cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes with mushrooms and a creamy marsala sauce on top. it was served with mashed potatoes.
i ordered the Five Cheese Baked Ziti.
it was perfect.
i love that Olive Garden has big portions.
i was able to bring home half my meal and enjoy leftovers the next day!
that is a real treat when getting to go out.
or i get to share with my husband when i get home as a "thank you" for giving me some time away.
we decided to try several desserts...just to be safe.
you can tell which was the table favorite.
we ordered a Toasted Marshmallow Martini.
wow.
i think i found my new special going out drink.
seriously delicious.
we passed it around till it was gone to the last drop.
a clean plate is the sign of a good dinner.
spending time laughing and talking with my friends is necessary for me to be a better mom and wife.
everyone needs some down time.
i love sharing it with these friends.
when you get away from the chaos of everyday life to reconnect with people, you are blessed.
and having a fabulous meal while enjoying all that is even better.
Olive Garden is offering a new dinner special.
a 3 Course Italian Dinner for $12.95...the 1st course is soup or salad...the 2nd course is one of five new entrees, and the 3rd course is one of five Dolcini desserts. check out all of the options at Olivegarden.com/specials.
would YOU like to spend time with special people at Olive Garden?
to be entered to win a $100 gift card to Olive Garden from BlogHer just leave a comment telling me who you'd love to take to dinner.
Also, visit the Olive Garden page on BlogHer.com to check out the other blogger reviews and more chances to win!
MMMMMM..... Olive Garden. Easily my husband's and my favorite place to eat out. I could make a meal on their breadsticks alone! I would love $100 to spend there. And, yes, I guess I'd take hubby! =)
Posted by: Amy G | January 30, 2012 at 07:59 AM
Olive Garden is my FAVORITE!!! Just went there a few weeks back for my birthday with my girlfriends. It's the best!! This time I would probably take my hubby, or who knows, maybe another girls night out!!! :)
Posted by: Valerie Alexander | January 30, 2012 at 07:59 AM
I would LOVE to take my hubba hubba to dinner....WITHOUT the kids!
Posted by: Amber B | January 30, 2012 at 08:03 AM
I have been doing weight watchers for 3 weeks now and I am seriously drooling on my iPad now...
Posted by: Karen | January 30, 2012 at 08:04 AM
I would take my husband and children. We all love The Olive Garden, but considering there are 6 of us, we don't get to go out too often! My 17 year old son would FREAK OUT if we won this!! :)
Posted by: Amy G. | January 30, 2012 at 08:08 AM
Love Olive Garden! And now drooling over the pictures!!! Yummy:)
I would take my husband - we have not had a date night in quite awhile and it would be a nice treat to take him!
Posted by: Sharon B. | January 30, 2012 at 08:11 AM
I would take my sister :) we love us some Olive Garden!
Posted by: BriBedell | January 30, 2012 at 08:11 AM
Seriously I would just take my husband. We have 5 kids and I am in graduate school so we don't get much time for ourselves. It is a treat when we get to have a date night (which we do at least once a month). So it would be an extra special treat if we got to go out for free. Great giveaway. I hope I win this!
Posted by: Tami | January 30, 2012 at 08:12 AM
Whoa! 100 bucks! I would definetely make it a girls night! Absolutely no boys allowed.
Posted by: Kris | January 30, 2012 at 08:13 AM
YUM! I'd love to take my hubby for a date night!
Posted by: Emily | January 30, 2012 at 08:17 AM
I would take my son out to dinner...we both enjoy Italian!! MMMMMM Olive Garden!
Posted by: Angie | January 30, 2012 at 08:18 AM
I love Olive Garden! I would take my best friend out for dinner... she just had baby #3, and with three kids under 5, she doesn't get out much. Also, she *loves* Olive Garden's salad dressing. =)
Posted by: Amy K. | January 30, 2012 at 08:19 AM
I would take my husband and get away for the evening! It rarely happens!
Posted by: Molly | January 30, 2012 at 08:19 AM
yum!!! i took my boyfriend on his first trip to OG a few months back and i'd really love to take him again! he LOVED the food and the desserts were fabulous! :)
*
Posted by: lauren | January 30, 2012 at 08:20 AM
I think I would take my oldest son who will be leaving for the Navy soon.
Posted by: JulianneB | January 30, 2012 at 08:20 AM
of course i'd love to take the hubs out, but olive garden is where my mom and i always go! this post made me soo hungry :)
Posted by: Mia | January 30, 2012 at 08:23 AM
We LOVE Olive Garden! I would take my kids for a fun dinner out.
Posted by: janet c | January 30, 2012 at 08:23 AM
I would take my husband out for a date night. With four kids, work ,activities, etc. it has been a very long time since we have had a date night - like years! Or we could take the kids with us, but I will have to think about that. We love Olive Garden! Salad and breadsticks - could eat those everyday!
Posted by: Beth K. | January 30, 2012 at 08:25 AM
I would take my husband and kids. We rarely take a family of 5 out for a big dinner. That looked GREAT!
Posted by: Kim | January 30, 2012 at 08:25 AM
I would take my hubby and kids! The kids love the breadsticks and salad!
Posted by: Sheryl | January 30, 2012 at 08:25 AM
Olive Garden is THE best. I'd take my pal Mitsy... if I had a pal mitsy..but I don't. Wish I did. I guess in that case I'd take my mumma.
Posted by: Sara | January 30, 2012 at 08:27 AM
Love Olive Garden! Even my 2 year old flips out for those yummy breadsticks! I have to fight my older 2 for the olives in the salad. My favorite thing to order is the Pasta Fagoil (spelling?) soup! Now I want Olive Garden! Thanks for this giveaway!
Posted by: Alice H | January 30, 2012 at 08:27 AM
I would love to take my husband out to dinner. We do not eat out often and being able to eat out without worrying about the tab would be so very nice.
Posted by: Blaire | January 30, 2012 at 08:27 AM
Yummmm Love Olive garden! I would take my hubby out for dinner :)
Posted by: Amber | January 30, 2012 at 08:28 AM
Love Olive Garden! Would be a great date night! :)
Posted by: Jessica | January 30, 2012 at 08:28 AM
I would take my aunt. Whenever her and my fiance go out some place she ALWAYS picks up the tab. We don't expect but it would be super cool if I could get her back once.
Posted by: Amanda | January 30, 2012 at 08:30 AM
I would take my family of five. Our kids love Olive Garden!
Posted by: Kim | January 30, 2012 at 08:30 AM
My husband!
Posted by: Shawna | January 30, 2012 at 08:31 AM
i would take my best friends! the five us go on vacation together and LOVE to go out to eat!
Posted by: rae | January 30, 2012 at 08:32 AM
One of my college friends is moving to my city this week and she LOVES Olive Garden... so I would definitely take her!
Posted by: Allison | January 30, 2012 at 08:33 AM
I would take my fiance because he makes me look good:)
Posted by: Hannah | January 30, 2012 at 08:34 AM
Olive Garden is sooooo Yummy! When my aunts come visit it is the first place we go, I would love to treat them next time they visit
Posted by: Beth Ann | January 30, 2012 at 08:35 AM
My kids! They would go nuts.
Posted by: Kristen | January 30, 2012 at 08:35 AM
I'd love to take my mom out to dinner. She has been taking care of my grandmother for the past few months and I'm sure a night out would be a fun change of pace. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Ashley | January 30, 2012 at 08:35 AM
I would take my mother and daughter. They love it there! So good! Thank you.
Posted by: Beth | January 30, 2012 at 08:36 AM
I would take my Preggo Girlfriend-- soon to be mom of 3. She needs a night off!:) I can smell the bread sticks now...YUMMY
Posted by: Megan | January 30, 2012 at 08:36 AM
I would take my best friends from high school. We love the olive garden!
Posted by: Amanda | January 30, 2012 at 08:36 AM
yummy!!! i would have a much needed GNO!!! thanks for the chance to win!!
Posted by: linda | January 30, 2012 at 08:39 AM
I would take my husband; we haven't had a date night in FOREVER!
Posted by: Julie, momto7 | January 30, 2012 at 08:43 AM
i would take my husband. we NEED a night out together. just he and i.
Posted by: melissa | January 30, 2012 at 08:46 AM
I want to get a babysitter and take my husband to dinner. He has been getting up with our newborn every night... and deserves a martini {and maybe I do too}!
Posted by: Holly S. | January 30, 2012 at 08:46 AM
I would take my hubby out. We live on a pretty tight budget and it's been forever since our last date. This would be so fun!
Posted by: mimi | January 30, 2012 at 08:47 AM
Olive Garden is a favorite of my 6-year-old and 3-year-old sons! I'd definitely take them and the hubby too! :)
Posted by: Angie G. | January 30, 2012 at 08:48 AM
i'd love to go to olive garden for a date night with my husband. i'd also love a girl's night...both are fun!
Posted by: sara @ it's good to be queen | January 30, 2012 at 08:49 AM
I would take my husband - he travels for weeks at a time for work. When he is home we are so busy catching up on house stuff we never get a break. An Olive Garden date would be magical... especially that martini :)
Posted by: Allie | January 30, 2012 at 08:49 AM
i tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/jonahbonah/status/163997042597826560
Posted by: melissa | January 30, 2012 at 08:49 AM
My 2 sisters and I are going to be living in three different parts of the country by the end of the year. I'm moving to Texas, my oldest sister is moving to Florida, and my other sister is staying in Kansas. We need a sisters night out before we split up and Olive Garden would be perfect!
Posted by: Sarah | January 30, 2012 at 08:50 AM
I would love to take my family. Because I love them!! We don't get to go out to eat much because I cook, all the time.
I love your pictures and review of the food. My mouth is watering.
Posted by: Terri Fretwell | January 30, 2012 at 08:51 AM
of course, I'd take my true love husband. We try to stay away from carbs, but would relish diving into Olive Garden's lasagna. it's the best!!
Posted by: Robin | January 30, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Love the Olive Garden and would LOVE to win!
Posted by: Laura | January 30, 2012 at 08:51 AM
I would LOVE a girl's night out! But... Both of my best girl friends are gluten intolerant. BOO! So I would take my best boy friend. My husband! :)
Posted by: Jill J. | January 30, 2012 at 08:51 AM
I'd love to take my husband! We could use a night out without the kiddos...cause if dinner is paid for, we can afford the sitter!
Posted by: Dianne | January 30, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Since we just moved and I don't know anyone other than my family, I would take my family of course.
Posted by: kribss | January 30, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Our family loves Olive Garden. Their curb side to go is fantastic and easy with a car full of screaming little ones. : )
Posted by: Cherie | January 30, 2012 at 08:52 AM
i would take my hubby for a date night. we have two toddlers, and we recently moved across the country away from family (say goodbye to regular babysitters!), so nights out are few and far between!
Posted by: Misty Schluchter | January 30, 2012 at 08:52 AM
My "girls" and I get together about twice a year for dinner to catch up. One lives out of town and so it's special when we are all together. We usually go to Olive Garden because everyone has something they love there. The past two times we have closed the place down! I need a girls night soon and this would be perfect!
Posted by: Angela B. | January 30, 2012 at 08:53 AM
I would love to take my kids to dinner as a special treat!
Posted by: Jenn | January 30, 2012 at 08:55 AM
I'd love to take my three daughters to dinner!
Posted by: Denise | January 30, 2012 at 08:55 AM
My husband and I need a date night! We just found a wonderful new babysitter who the kids love, and is cheap! We all love her!
Posted by: Kim Stachowiak | January 30, 2012 at 08:56 AM
I would take my mom who is 83-my dad passed away 6 years ago and they loved to go to the Olive Garden so she would really enjoy that again. I would also take along my 2 kids and their families-the $100.00 probably wouldn't take care of it all but thats ok-I want my entire family along-I can add to that just to have them all there. Thanks for the chance-you are awesome.
Posted by: Kristi Rediske | January 30, 2012 at 08:56 AM
I would take my mom for a mother/daughter night out. She would love it! (and so would I)
Posted by: Melissa Zangger | January 30, 2012 at 08:56 AM
I'd love to go out to dinner with my husband!
Posted by: Jen | January 30, 2012 at 08:56 AM
My husband and I's first date was at the Olive Garden so of course I would take him!
Posted by: Donna | January 30, 2012 at 08:57 AM
Yummo!!! Would love to go on a date with my husband!
Posted by: Jen D. | January 30, 2012 at 08:58 AM
I would take my small group ladies from church out
Posted by: Chelsea | January 30, 2012 at 08:59 AM
I would take and husband, 2 kids and my parents surprisingly enough! Every time we go out to eat with them, my dad always insists on paying for everyone. I would love to take them out for a change and make him leave his wallet at home. =) Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Andrea | January 30, 2012 at 09:02 AM
My friend Amy! She needs a night out, and so do I!
Posted by: Wendy | January 30, 2012 at 09:03 AM
I'd love to take my family. We are always running around with activites. It would be nice to sit down and enjoy a yummy meal. Thanks for thinking of us!
Posted by: Heather R. | January 30, 2012 at 09:04 AM
OOh, I so love Olive Garden! I would take my Hubby out for a much needed date night for sure.
Posted by: cristi clothier | January 30, 2012 at 09:08 AM
their breadsticks are the best! and, anything with shrimp!
Posted by: kendra | January 30, 2012 at 09:11 AM
I have a group of friends that I refer to as "The Hand". This crew would do anything for anyone. This crew has been there for each other through thick and thin. What makes this bond solid is our faith in Jesus. When we get together for a girls night, you can bet there will be a time of prayer, a ton of laughter and lots of coffee. I love these ladies and I'd take them to Olive Garden.
Posted by: Robin | January 30, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Yummy! I'd love to take my sister. We never get to do anything together without our husbands or kids tagging along.
Posted by: MegM | January 30, 2012 at 09:12 AM
My hubby and I love Olive Garden. Their salad and breadsticks are the best! I would definately take my husband
Posted by: Melissa Hermon | January 30, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Olive Garden is my most favorite restaurant ever....EVER! I LOVE that stuffed chicken marsala! On a special dinner I would take my hubby because he loves olive garden and he is my most favorite person and he works so hard for our family!
Posted by: shannon | January 30, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Oh! I would love to take my hubby there for our date night. I love the food there and I love him! Perfection!
Posted by: Carol | January 30, 2012 at 09:13 AM
I would take my husband who has been traveling for the past year and is finally home for the month of February!!
Posted by: Adrienne S | January 30, 2012 at 09:14 AM
Love olive garden! Would love to treat my hubby!
Posted by: Meg | January 30, 2012 at 09:14 AM
Olive Garden is my college student's favorite restaurant. I would love a GC to take her out and leave the card balance with her so she could return with her boyfriend.
Posted by: Sandy | January 30, 2012 at 09:14 AM
I love Olive Garden! But I wouldn't take my hubby, because he does not. Your girlfriend night out sounds awesome - so I would take my BFF. Salad, breadsticks and minestrone - yum!
Posted by: Sharla | January 30, 2012 at 09:14 AM
Olive Garden just opened in our town and we are all so excited around my house!! I'd have to bring my handsome husband and adorable kids because we all LOVE the OG!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 30, 2012 at 09:16 AM
I'd love to take my mom to dinner. We don't have enough time together these days!
Posted by: Heather S. | January 30, 2012 at 09:17 AM
I would take my 15 year old daughter. She has been wanting to go to OG for awhile. I am gluten free and just found out they have some gluten free options so I am so excited to try them!
Posted by: Holly | January 30, 2012 at 09:19 AM
I would love to take my mother-in-law out to dinner. She doesn't get to go to OG often because my father-in-law doesn't like Italian. She is a big help with babysitting and it would be a great treat for us!
Thanks, Meg!!
Posted by: Diane Pierce | January 30, 2012 at 09:20 AM
I would take hubby & kiddos. We JUST said we should go to OG - bc of their breadsticks!!! Haven't been there in forever..how fun!!
Posted by: Jody | January 30, 2012 at 09:22 AM
I would LOVE a night out at Olive Garden!!!! Pasta is the ULTIMATE pregnant lady food....at least for this preggo lady!:) haha!
Posted by: Ashley | January 30, 2012 at 09:25 AM
Yum! Love Olive Garden! Especially on cold days so I can have their soup!
It would either end up as a date night (since I finally convinced dh of the yumminess that is their soup) or a girls lunch out.
Posted by: Maria | January 30, 2012 at 09:25 AM
Just having a baby five months ago I think I am ready for a girls night. I have some friends flying in to visit and a dinner at Olive Garden and a movie sound likes a wonderful idea.
Posted by: Stacy M. | January 30, 2012 at 09:25 AM
I would like taking my grandchildren to Olive Garden if I were lucky enough to win this. I, too, love their salad!!
Posted by: Shar | January 30, 2012 at 09:25 AM
My wife deserves a girls' night out. Pick me and I'll give her the card to treat her girlfriends while I stay home and put the kids to bed. :)
Posted by: Mike | January 30, 2012 at 09:27 AM
Link to my tweet about it:
https://twitter.com/#!/randomtink/status/164006736842334209
Posted by: Maria | January 30, 2012 at 09:28 AM
I love Olive Garden!!! My husband and I have had great dates there. I'd love to have another..especially with our dating anniversary coming up on V-day :)
Posted by: Becca W. | January 30, 2012 at 09:29 AM
Oh, how I need a date night out with dh. I love their soup and salad.
Posted by: Susie | January 30, 2012 at 09:30 AM
Olive Garden owes you BIG TIME Meg. Because honestly? I have been to Olive Garden. And while it is not a place I would put down, it certainly is not on my list of places to run to, either. I am kind of a doubter when it comes to "chains"...but remember, I come from L.A. and we don't do chains there. We do over priced sushi with celebs and paparazzi.
YOUR PICTURES are BETTER than ANY Olive Garden print ad, or commercial.
They should pay you lots.
They should use YOU in their on camera advertising.
(just make sure you throw me 10%)
Posted by: Laura Phelps | January 30, 2012 at 09:30 AM
Oh my gosh! This looks so yummy!
I would love to have a girls night out with my mom and sister!!
Posted by: jessica | January 30, 2012 at 09:31 AM
I would take my husband. It is our favorite place to go for a date night!
Posted by: Andrea | January 30, 2012 at 09:33 AM
WOW!!! 100.00 would go a long way at the Olive Garden!! I would love to win this one!! Keeping my fingers crossed that I will soon get to try the marshmallow martini!!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 30, 2012 at 09:33 AM
I would love to take my 11 year old daughter. She loves Olive Garden and that is usually where we go when we have our Girls Day Out.
Posted by: Staci H. | January 30, 2012 at 09:34 AM
love, love Olive Garden!! I would take my hubby out!
Posted by: Julie | January 30, 2012 at 09:35 AM
I would take my handsome husband. We are having to live apart most of the week (we'll all be joining him when school is out. He's two hours away). When he's home it's all family time, which is needed. But, I sure do miss "our" time! Toasted Marshmallow Martini? Yes, please!
Posted by: FeFe | January 30, 2012 at 09:37 AM
I would love to go out with my hubby! He works division I sports in the Big 12 and has been super busy since early October. I would love to have a nice quiet dinner out with him. And we are frugal so we would save enough of the giftcard to also take out our girlies. While we don't go out to eat often, our girls love to eat out. They are so silly and go on and on every time about how it is their favorite restaurant and we should go to that place more often. Super cute:)THANKS!
Posted by: Molly | January 30, 2012 at 09:39 AM