What a week! I just went to girls camp with my church where we had no outlets to charge my smartphone. Can I say how nice it was to NOT be tied to it? I realized how attached to it I’ve become and it was wonderful to ditch it for a change. So I invited my besties to Applebee’s, this time a girls night out, my only rule was that it was phone free! It was relaxing to sit in the bar area and talk for 3 hours, no interuptions from little ones, no cooking and certainly no cleaning. What a great way to end our weekend!
Looking around, I noticed a few other tables full of women only. There was laughing over good food and sinful desserts. The virgin strawberry daiquiri was as yummy as it’s picture depicts. And our blondies and triple chocolate desserts?-worth every calorie!
Want to know what I loved about my Applebee’s? It’s 2 miles from my house, there was little wait time, the waiter was a stud, the food was better than the menu showed, the dessert was fabulous and NO ONE questioned a bunch of 20-30 year olds sitting and chatting for hours on end. Perfect right?? We all need a little slow down, what better way than to chat with other gals who are in your same boat? We talked about hubbies, kiddies, school and church. Good friends are great soundboards.
I’m pretty sure we’ve found our new hub! What an easy quiet evening. The hours slipped by and we didn’t have to do one dish! Applebee’s motto: Life is better shared. Their message is about balance. Have fun online but also find the time to have fun offline with your girlfriends, at Applebee’s! How true is that? Can I get an “Amen, sister!” Check out Life Is Better Shared, plus follow along on Twitter and Pinterest!
Here are some ideas to make dinner a little bit more flavorful (and remember, what happens at girls night, stays at girls night):
[source]
Host gift: Since I love crafting and not all my girlfriends do, I brought them a variety of ModPodge glues as a gift. It was fun to send them home with something other than a full belly!
The “I Never” game. Example, someone will say “I never speed when driving.” Everyone who has done what the statement mentions must stand up and do the hokey-pokey as they turn around. Get a little silly!
The “Guess Who” game. Each gal writes down something about themselves and you go around the table pulling out the paper and guessing who is who.
Purse Treasure Hunt: The host will call out items and every girl will search their purse. The first to pull it out and has the most at the end of the game wins. Prizes are optional.
Alias Girls: Each of your girls is to take on a new name and personality. Have them dress up and go out for the night as these characters, even if you come across someone you know that evening you must only refer to yourselves as these new people. You should take on these new characters completely, the more you do, the more fun it will be.
So now that you’re ready to host an amazing girls night out at Applebee’s, want to win a gift card?? Thought so! One lucky lady will win a $150 gift card to Applebee’s, score!
***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED: WINNER WAS NOTIFIED. CONGRATS #30! THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED***
Rules (full rules HERE):
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) 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. This sweepstakes runs from 7/9/12 – 8/3/12. Be sure to visit the sponsor’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Sue Welsh
There is a group of 7 of us gals…we love to try to get together at least every couple of months. I would love to win this and take the gals out! We sometimes go to a gals house, use a little bingo game…bring wrapped gifts and play for the gifts…love it! we have fun, laugh, eat (either at a restaurant or we all bring a dish)…How I look forward to our gals night.
Katy @ LLLC
Applebees is a family favorite for us. It would be awesome to win that gift card!! Thanks for the chance to win.
the cape on the corner
it looks like you had a blast! we frequent our applebees an awful lot, usually getting the 2 for 20 options. this would be fab for us!
the cape on the corner recently posted..It’s Electric.
Kristie
I would love to have a girls night at Applebee’s!
Dezi A
Oh this would be so fun to treat my friends to a night out!
kaybee
That is so exciting! thanks for the chance to win!
Brandy
I must admit. I do not currently have a girls night out group, but I would love to start this tradition with some friends I have missed while living away from them. I could use the time away from kids and with quality friends.
Brandy recently posted..Catch-Up!
Jennifer Madigan
I think this is an awesome Giveaway. We love Applebee’s especially since they support the troops so much.
lollyjane
Amen to that, Jennifer! What a great company to do that- I love to promote those that do! Love our troops!!!!
Linda Terry
You girls have the best blog! I love ALL your ideas. Girls night out at Applebee’s sounds sooo fun! I want to do it!
lollyjane
Thanks Linda
You’re sweet! Good luck!
Heidi
I would love to have the Applebee’s gift card so i could host a girls night out for all of my girlfriends!
Jenelle W.
Me and my girlfriends try to get together for a craft night – but we usually just end up visiting and eating and taking home our totebags full of unfinished crafts
Good excuse to get together though! This would be great to not even have the pretense of crafting!
Jenelle W. recently posted..Big Brother T-Shirt
Jenelle W.
https://twitter.com/JSmithSisters/status/222353536875380736
Jenelle W. recently posted..Big Brother T-Shirt
Dawn F
A girls night at Applebees sounds awesome!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
Lauren @ All Things Homie
I tweeted the giveaway! https://twitter.com/allthingshomie/status/222363230918541314
lollyjane
Thanks Lauren!!!
Amy J
My sister-in-laws and I love to get together, and Applebee’s is always a great choice! I would love to win a giftcard and be the cool sister-in-law who pays for everyone! ; )
Amy J recently posted..I Actually Made Something!
lollyjane
Ha ha ha! You’re a cool SIL for just thinking about it already!
Good luck, Amy!
Lindsay
It’s funny that a group of my friends always seem to end up at Applebees, so this would be perfect to win!
Lindsay recently posted..Show & Share #47 {Features}
Becca
Wow what a great prize! Love Applebees!
Becca
Wow what a great prize! Love Applebees! Tweeted! https://mobile.twitter.com/missbecca77/status/222367789162303488
Shaylee Ann
Tweeted! I would love if I won this!! My parents recently had their twentieth anniversary, and they haven’t yet had the chance to get out and celebrate! With this, they could actually go out to eat, and not have to worry about the cost.
https://twitter.com/mother_at_heart/status/222368211478396929
Mami2jcn
I haven’t had a night out just with the girls in about 10 years!
lollyjane
Girl it is WAY past due! We’ll keep our fingers (and toes) crossed for you!! LOL
Sandee
I have 4 awesome sisters who I would love to take to a girls night out. Pick me!!!
lol!!!!
stacy finter
Kelli- I’d love another girls night out! It was a blast!
Tiffany Winner
the only girl’s night i have anymore is with my sister and our babies, i dont remember the last time before
thismomwins@gmail.com
Tiffany Winner
i tweeted: https://twitter.com/thismomwins/status/222470781446262785
thismomwins@gmail.com
Elena
I didn’t have a girls night out for years and really need one. Thank you for the chance!
Elena
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/222479181886402563
Jen Y
What a fun idea! I’d love to have a girls’ night with my friends & I will be sure to make it a ‘no phone’ evening.
)
Stephanie
i would love to have a girls night out!!
Stephanie
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/222704086473129984
Stephanie
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/222704086473129984 .
Merli Estime
It would be great to have a girls night out especially since I’ve been squandering of late because I’m my lack of income at the moment. This is exactly what a girl needs good times, foods and drinks!
Kelly Jo
oh goodness- this would be awesome!!!
Kathryn Camarillo
Would love to have a girls night out! I soooo need one!
Karina Lee
my friends and i have girl’s night at least once a month
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
Karina Lee
https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/222819078165905411
tammigirl
Girls night out looks like a lot of fun. I haven’t had a girls night out since… 1999! That’s too doggone long!
I love some of your games, too!
tammigirl
Here is a tweet: https://twittehttps://twitter.com/tammigirl/status/223129585041162240r.com/tammigirl/status/223129585041162240
tammigirl recently posted..Dear Bloggers Using Rafflecopter
Becky Horn
Would love to win this to take my girls out. Would be so fun
Becky Horn
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/bdiane35/status/223276987471503360
Miesha L
I would love to win this! I’m long overdue for a girls nite out! I used to do girls nit out all the time! Not so much since I had my daughter though! Good luck everyone!
Miesha L
I tweeted about it! Here’s my link: https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/missmi621/status/223282847123898368
lala r
love applebees! hope to win this!
amramazon280 at yahoo dot com
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/223290423999856640
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/223437079802163200
April V
Oh how I would LOVE to have a girls night!! And to eat at Applebee’s, too?! Perfect.Night.
Judith
Stress, stress and more stress. I need a night out
Judith
Blog http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2012/07/bloggers-agree-life-is-better-shared.html
Brandy
My girlfriends and I would love this. It’s been almost 2 years since our last ladies’ night.
Kelly Massman
I’d love to win as the last time I had a girl’s night out was last June (2011) with my sister! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Kelly Massman recently posted..Close to My Heart Deal!!! I’m taking a blogging break but still selling CTMH
Heather
LOVE Applebee’s food and I really love their Life is Better Shared motto. Truth. I can’t wait to do a girl’s night with my friends and play the purse game…fun!
Allie - This Yellow House
This would be wonderful to win! With three kids under four I could really use a night out!
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/223903034709774336
anash
me and my girls would love a night out! Thanks for a super giveaway!
anash
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/223991471471214592
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Denise C
I haven’t had a girls’ night out in such a long time. It really looks like you had some fun; the games are a great idea. I’d love to be able to do something like this soon!
Amy Tong
What a fun date you had with the girls! I love your creative ideas. Can’t wait to take my girlfriends out and have a blast at Applebee’s!
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong recently posted..French Roasted Coffee Ice Cream
Amy Tong
Tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/224401773954207744
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong recently posted..French Roasted Coffee Ice Cream
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/224547735590801408
Tina M
I would love to have a girls night at Applebee’s! thank you for the giveaway
Tina M
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/224569005703303168
Debbie B
i love applebees and i love girls nights out!
Debbie B
i tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/224708419062468608
Jessie C.
Between work and home chores, a girl’s night out is very much appreciated and needed.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C.
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/224726446596300801
Alaine
Thanks for the chance. It has been about 3 months since I’ve had a good girls night out!
family74014 at gmail dot com
Kelly D
I would love to have a girls night out, complete with food & drinks. It’s been several years since I have done that.
Kelly D
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/224947023869255680
KyLeyne Fox
would love to win a girls night!!!
Kerry
Yum! I love Applebees, and I wold love to treat my friends for once!
Kerry
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/225412546285408256
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/225603713887244288
Erika
I cannot remember my last night out with friends…maybe 3 or 4 years ago? It’s been far too long!
chambanachik@gmail.com
Barbara
Always fun to go out w/ the ladies (we are all too old for “girls’ night”!
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/226439945303240704
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/226904897860296704
sy
We ha d a girl’s night out last friday, it was nice to talk with friends after a long day of work. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
sy
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/226979031969562626
songyueyu at gmail
sy
sorry wrong twitter link, here it is: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/226983829494198272
sandra
a couple nights ago
Crystal Warren
All of them sound like fun (and goofy) games that I know my friends would be hysterical over! Thanks For the giveaway
amethyst2272 at gmail.com
Crystal Warren
I tweeted too! https://twitter.com/happyenchilada2/status/227660150301929474
amethyst2272 at gmail.com
Gina M
tweet–https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/227760410797953024
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
Gina M
Last time I went to a girl’s night out, it was about a year ago and we went to P.F. Changs. It has definitely been a while!
Thanks for the chance to win!
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/228004267020136448
Norma
I would love a girl’s night out! Or afternoon (since we’re all seniors LOL)
LAMusing
It’s been over 5 years since I had a girl’s night out! This would be a wonderful treat.
Judy B.
It was about 2 months ago
Judy B.
tweet
https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/228360422145810432
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/228599302979735555
Amanda Sakovitz
It would be amazing to hang out with my girls. We definitely don’t do it enough!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Amanda Sakovitz
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/228677421665230852
Amy @ A Little Nosh
I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had a Girls Night Out, but next weekend at BlogHer, that’s what I’ll be doing all weekend!
Amy @ A Little Nosh recently posted..Pattypan Squash Casserole
lala r
https://twitter.com/pinoysugarplum/status/229334492635099136
Tina M
Thank you for the giveaway
Tina M
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/230048904610197504
maria cantu
This gift card would be nice to win. Thanks.
jennifer horn
I haven’t had a GNO in almost a year. This would be great.
jennifer horn
https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/230359361808109570
laura ari
I had a girls night out last week. We pretend it’s a book club, but no one ever even know what book we were supposed to read!
Mari
I had a girls night out two weeks ago, we went out for dinner and drinks.
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
Mari
https://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/230824936527233024
jenni cook
it would be so awesome to win this! i haven’t been to applebees in about 5 years, and i miss it! chilis is ok, but applebees is like 100 times better!
Tabathia B
It’s been over several years since I had a night out
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/230875651538837504
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Debbie C
It’s true that laughter is the best medicine and at Applebee’s on girl’s night we share a lot of laughter and get well!
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Debbie C
@chrisdeglen Tweeted -
twitter.com/chrisdeglen/status/230940603653955584
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
angie lilly
I do not see an actual sweepstakes prompt anywhere on your post, so I will just comment on the post itself. I hope this is OK!
I would love to win this so that I could take out my hubby and another couple of our mutual friends for dinner! I can never afford to treat others that way so it would be fun! I don’t really get into doing girls’ nights…just not my thing.
angie lilly recently posted..Tagetes patula by FotoMacro
angie lilly
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/231136423523254272
angie lilly recently posted..Tagetes patula by FotoMacro
anash
i havent had a girls night without the kids in 6 years, yes, correct 6 years…i would sure love to have another…Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
anash
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/231196953113944066
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Jill L
My friends and I are going camping in another week. These games sound fun for after the kids go to bed and we are hanging out by the fire. That’s how we get our girls’ night out.
Jill L
Tweeted https://twitter.com/chipdip2010/status/231209094927757313
Nicole Larsen
I could sure use one–the last time was WELL over a year ago!
Nicole Larsen
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/231226403536912384
Laura Jacobson
OH wow! Last girls night out for me was about 10 years ago before I had my first back surgery. I dont get out often anymore, but it sure is needed!
Laura Jacobson
I also tweeted
https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/231247227505500160
Betty C
I’d love to have a gift card to share with my best friends. Not only is our time out limited by time but also by budgets. This would be so nice to have a night out for the first time in several years.
Betty C
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/231417409997795328
Erica Best
i love Applebee’s and it been years would love to go out for a girls night out.
Erica Best
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/231445215062396928
Debra F
I’m a working mom, so I cherish the time I get away from home with the girls…..often we just stay in at someone’s house, but I think it would be great to be able to go out and have other people prepare and clean for once!!!It’s been a while since our last time, and we are due!
Debra F
tweeted
https://twitter.com/fairydancer35/status/231452582818758659