Panera Bread @panerabread

Last Thursday I was able to take 2 hours and go to Panera Bread by myself with my laptop to have dinner and blogging time. It was WONDERFUL! First of all I got to have my favorite dinner and didn’t have to share it with anyone! I got their broccoli cheese soup with a baguette and a mango smoothie. I was sooo in heaven! I was going to try a half sandwich as well, but being on Weight Watchers and splurging on the smoothie, I decided against it.

I got there around 7pm, so I missed the dinner rush. The service was great. I loved how quiet it was. I did have a couple that kept looking up at my laptop, but I have a laptop skin that has my logo on it; pretty noticeable. I picked a 2 seat table right next to the fireplace. I LOVE fireplaces and had to have one in my house. (I have one, but it’s not usable until we get it cleaned and fixed, sigh.)

I ended up leaving a little earlier than I planned since my laptop battery stinks. It lasted less than 2 hours! I was too stubborn to sit in the restaurant away from the fireplace, though. I had a wonderful, peaceful 1.5 hrs to return emails and edit photos for blog posts. Can I say again how nice it was to not share my meal (especially my smoothie) with someone else?! Little Man is always coming up to me saying “more” while I eat.

For those following the Weight Watchers Points Plus plan, here are the point values:

Broccoli Cheddar Soup- Bowl 7 pts

Baguette- 4 pts

Mango Smoothie (with Whipped Cream) 9 pts

Total 20 pts. That’s kind of high for a dinner (it was the smoothie that did it!) but I was treating myself and I loved every minute of it.

Panera also has a new program called My Panera.

MyPanera is about showing our appreciation and rewarding you in unexpected and surprising ways.

Once you’ve joined, we’ll do our best to give you extra bonuses and gifts picked specially for you. It’s that simple! From complimentary items in the bakery-cafe to exclusive tastings and demonstrations, MyPanera is always thinking of unique ways to thank you.

The more you visit, the more surprises you can get (just when you least expect them)!

When the cashier scanned my card I was offered a free pastry or muffin. I didn’t want to spend anymore points so I passed and my husband can use that offer the next time he goes in. I really love Panera now. I actually talked Charlie into going to pick it up for lunch again the next day. 🙂

Tell me what your favorite thing is about Panera. Is it the great soups, sandwiches, pastries, the atmosphere or something else?

Also wanted to let you know that if you’d like, you can follow Panera on Facebook or Twitter.

Disclosure: I am being compensated for participating in this assignment. All opinions are mine. I want to thank Panera and GetButtonedUp for allowing me to be a part of this campaign.