Girl’s Night Out at Applebee’s – Review and Giveaway

The other day was not a good one.

It started with the upstairs shower leaking into our kitchen; a deep pool of water on the counter kicked off the day. After that I found a container of watermelon that had been left out all night *shudder*; then we received a giant bill from my son’s cardiologist and rounded out the day with sewage coming up the drain of our basement utility sink.

Oh, joy.

After all of that, let me tell you what I didn’t want to do: MAKE DINNER.

What I wanted to do was run away from my house of horrors and go get a drink! And that’s exactly what I did.

Lucky for me, there is an Applebee’s within walking distance of my house. I called a few people, told them to meet me there, and by the time the three of them arrived appetizers had already been delivered to the table!

Lots of appetizers. And, we ate every bit of them.

To compensate for the indulgence of tortilla chips, I ordered the Skinny Bee Margarita (YUM).

Though there weren’t a lot of vegan options on the menu, the waitress was more than accommodating and the manager brought me a list of foods that were meat and dairy free. There were also handy lists for food allergies.

I ended up with this spicy and delicious Sizzling Asian Shrimp and Broccoli (minus the shrimp).

You may also notice there is a beer there. It was spicy. I had to! Plus, the margarita was part of the appetizer.

Some people don’t have to worry about eating meat though. Color me jealous. I’m not going to lie. I stole some of those fries.

Then everyone else ordered this for dessert. This is a picture from Applebee‘s website, because I didn’t have time to take a picture before they started tearing into it.

By the time I got my phone out to snap a picture, it looked like this. Notice how they left one bite of cookie on the plate:

All in all, we had a few drinks, a lot of food and a ton of fun. I love living in a neighborhood where there is a restaurant that I can take my family to or meet a few girlfriends for happy hour. It was the perfect way to end my day on a high note.

Applebee’s knows the value of meeting friends at the end of a stressful day. After all, they like to say: “Life is Better Shared.” They also know sometimes friends can’t meet face-to-face, and they want you to be a part of their online circle of friends. Find them on Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube or Tumblr!

Applebee‘s and BlogHer want you to end your day on a high note too, because they’re giving one lucky reader a $150 Applebee‘s gift card! To be entered for a chance to win, just leave a comment on this post and answer the question, “When’s the last time you had a girl’s night out?

Rules:

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.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/16/12 – 8/3/12.

Be sure to visit the Applebee’s Life Is Better Shared page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Comments

Lisa Daly

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 11:33

I have one at least monthly with my book club or otherwise known as “Wine club with a reading problem” 🙂 It truly helps us stay sane right?!

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 11:35

https://twitter.com/daly_lisa/status/224889779861471233

Could use a GC!

Celeste

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 11:42

With three kids under the age of 5 I do not get girls nights often but when I do we often start or end at Applebee’s!

Net

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 11:57

I can’t even remember. Isn’t that sad???

muffintopmommy

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 11:58

IF by girl’s night you mean me chugging a beer crouched in the corner of my kitchen hiding from my three boys at witching hour, then, last night.

Lori

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:03

I am in desperate need of a girls night out like this.

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:05

https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/mlkhfabian

shelly

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:07

My last GNO was before my kids were born. My oldest just turned 11. Sad, but true.

Mami2jcn

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:11

I haven’t had a night out just with the girls in over 9 years!

Joni

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:14

Last Girls Night I attended had to be in May…drinks and laughter with a few of my GGW Sisters!!! Wish we could do it weekly, impossible, I know!!! My family loves Applebee’s, especially the half price appetizers…we make that our dinner!!!

Jo Hill

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:49

We try to do it every Wednesday…. dosent always work out for all, but we shoot for it!

Mandy Blank

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 12:52

I don’t get nights out anymore, but my best friend and I are going to lunch and a movie this weekend. Does that count?

L Robinson

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 13:17

I have one coming up on Wednesday – in fact we try to go the third Wednesday of every month! Have to have some time out with just the ladies :).

AliciaC

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 13:39

Girls night out? Good Heavens, I have no idea when the last one was…but boy does that dessert look GREAT!

Sarah

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 14:02

I have an Applebee’s right across the street from my complex! I’d love to have a girl’s night!

edgefarms

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 14:30

I’ve never had a girls night out but my husband and I do enjoy a nice meal at Applebee’s every once in a while.

Lee

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 15:03

About 4 years ago? We were all to meet and go to a movie. Getting the children ready for the hubbies to babysit, the moms were late and the movie was sold out 🙁 So much for our girls night out! Have not gone since.

WebSavvyMom

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 15:36

–>A true girl’s night out – – it’s been over a year but I do a monthly bunco group that is ladies only. It’s just not as wild.

Pam

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 15:58

gosh, i haven’t had a girl’s night out for a few years now. :/ i’m a pathetic loser who has no friends lol but that’s okay! i like to do ‘girls day out’ w my 15 and 13 year old daughters 🙂 they LOVE applebee’s.

tweeted 🙂 https://twitter.com/SimplyCiara/status/224956220296011778

Claire

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 16:21

I met the girls for coffee last Friday but a whole meal would be even better.

Jessica

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 16:24

Friday June 8th. The only reason I know the date is because I review the movies I see on my blog and we went to see What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I didn’t love the movie but we had a fun time out, just the girls. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 16:26

tweeted! https://twitter.com/jesswalser/status/224963169926385665

Throuthehaze

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 16:59

The last girls night out I had was back in January.

Missy

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 17:53

Not recently enough. The last Girl’s Nite Out was last month. But not near enough al-kee-haul was consumed, so I could use a redo!

Kristina Schafer

My last girls night out was June 15th. Before that…my bachelorette party last July. Hopefully there won’t be such a big gap before the next one!

Laura

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 19:20

Thursday, we call it a festival meeting!!!

Cupcake Blonde

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 20:25

I wish I could have a girls’ night out, but all my girlfriends live far away. 🙁 However, when I get to go home in a few months I would love a gift card to get all my girls together to see them at Applebee’s!

Headless Mom

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 21:12

Girl’s night out? What is that of which you speak?

Actually, my GNO is usually BlogHer. 🙁

Leila

Monday, 16 July, 2012 at 23:15

Oh God, girls night out? I DID have dinner with a girlfriend last week but GNO usually means a few more women and a general air of frivolity, so…I don’t think that counts. Which means I can’t REMEMBER when I had the last GNO. I did do Girls Brunch on Sunday, but…also not the same. This is why I need to regain my life!!!

Rachael

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 1:26

My last REAL girls night out was months ago, dinner at a local pizza place with Martini shakers for $9 and dancing at our local gay club. So much fun, and the dancing lets you work off those martinis! I am in desperate need of another night out, and I bet people’s schedules would clear up right quick if I said drinks were on me!

Kimberly P.

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 2:50

I cannot even remember my last night out with the girls…feeling a bit pathetic!

Jayme

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 4:34

Let’s see, today is July 17, so that would make my last girl’s night out, uh, let’s see…2 years ago? Roughly?

Tweeted–https://twitter.com/LittleBabyBlog/status/225146428660531200

Lisa S.

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 8:08

A long time ago. 2003, I think.

Kathleen

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 8:12

I can’t even REMEMBER the last time I had a girls night out! I am so ready for one!

Doris

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 9:26

Its been so long we cannot remember, Oh wait!
Thats right it was “Magic Mike” opening night!!
So much fun and good times with the ladies

Rhea

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 9:35

I’m embarrassed to admit that I can’t even remember the last time I’ve had a girls’ night out. That’s awful.

dysfunctional mom

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 9:36

My last GNO was in April, and I keep reading about people going out for a Magic Mike GNO and I am super-jealous!

Jenny

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 9:44

I’m overdue!!! It’s been a couple of months.

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 9:52

Tweeted it! https://twitter.com/dsfunctionalmom/status/225222529931939841

Kimberly

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 10:23

Movie night last week!

Dawndi

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 10:37

I had a girls’ night last night. We went to dinner and then headed back to one of the gal’s house to watch the Bachelorette. It’s a weekly tradition.

Anne Weber-Falk

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 10:58

When WAS the last time I had a girl’s night out? Good question. It’s been so long I don’t remember. Thanks for the opportunity to give me another one!

Caro Beaudry

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 11:02

Girls night out was last Friday! Right after the work week was over! It’s a blessing. 🙂

Tiffany Y

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 11:55

Its been way too long. Like months ago. Too many mommas have babies and can’t get away. Plus some of my really good friends live states away, that puts a little damper on things.

Dale

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 12:46

Last truly girls night I had was our annual girls Christmas party! It’s been too long!

Kelly D

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 14:05

My last girl’s night out was 5+ years ago.

tweeted
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/225290105886216192

mare ball

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 16:45

Can’t remember last girl’s night out. 🙁

BusyDad

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 20:32

Never. Damn these genitals!

Kerry

Tuesday, 17 July, 2012 at 21:37

Sadly, it’s been a few years!

tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/225403904345645056

Livivua Chandler

Wednesday, 18 July, 2012 at 12:16

10 months ago before being pregnant

Wednesday, 18 July, 2012 at 12:17

https://twitter.com/vivaciousgold/status/225625323293769728 – tweeted

Arnebya

Wednesday, 18 July, 2012 at 16:06

Before reading this, I’d already been in a girl’s night out slump. So, I contacted three and we’re going out this Saturday. We were torn on where to eat. Momo to the rescue; Applebees it is. And I’ma haz a margarita or three.

Lizzie

Wednesday, 18 July, 2012 at 17:31

Sadly my last GNO was over two years ago. My bachelorette party. So sad!!!

Nellie

Thursday, 19 July, 2012 at 10:47

I woould LOVE to have a girls night out. Those pics, omg im so hungry now!

Kattrinka

Thursday, 19 July, 2012 at 11:39

HA! Must have been a hundred years ago……

Aubrey

Thursday, 19 July, 2012 at 12:08

I last had a girls night out 3 months ago.
family74014 at gmail dot com

Erika

Friday, 20 July, 2012 at 1:02

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

Friday, 20 July, 2012 at 5:20

I had a girl’s night out for my 39th birthday last week! So fun to laugh away a day I was dreading

beth

Friday, 20 July, 2012 at 12:51

I had a whole girls’ *weekend* at the end of June to celebrate our 10 year anniversary of college graduation. It was marvelous and much-needed!

DC

Friday, 20 July, 2012 at 18:39

I can’t remember the last time I had a girls’ night out. Unless you count a marching band moms’ meeting, which I don’t. My twins are leaving for college on Aug. 23, would love to have a girls’ night with them before they leave.

Amy Tong

Saturday, 21 July, 2012 at 1:52

The last time I had a girl’s night out was too many months ago…I think over 6 months ago…so long that I lost track. I can’t wait to plan my next girl’s night out and enjoy some great food at Applebee’s!

amy [at] utry [dot] it

Saturday, 21 July, 2012 at 1:53

tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/226555387359416321

Elisabeth

Saturday, 21 July, 2012 at 17:24

It’s been too long!

https://twitter.com/egood33/status/226789775439454209

sy

Sunday, 22 July, 2012 at 3:57

We had a girl’s night out this past friday, it was relaxing after a long day at work. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail

tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/226949059972329472
songyueyu at gmail

Jessie C.

Monday, 23 July, 2012 at 1:03

Last time I had a girl’s night out was last summer.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/227267490345013248

sandra

Monday, 23 July, 2012 at 10:06

a couple nights ago

Norma

Monday, 23 July, 2012 at 21:14

If a girls afternoon out counts, I had one about a year ago.

LAMusing

Monday, 23 July, 2012 at 21:15

It’s been over 5 years! That’s just sad.

Monday, 23 July, 2012 at 21:17

https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/227573052827918336

Crystal Warren

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 1:49

Its been way toooooo long (like over a year!!) but the last girls night I had my friends and I attended an Indigo Girls concert with dinner and great wine beforehand and some mischievousness afterward!
amethyst2272 at gmail.com

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 1:50

I tweeted too! https://twitter.com/happyenchilada2/status/227641749726715904

Gina M

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 9:27

TWEET-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/227756555968327680

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 9:28

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

Angela

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 9:47

Months! It’s been months!!! (I was really jazzed to read that the manager was accommodating for the vegan thing. As I (slowly) approach The Vegan Thing, it’s good to know that Applebee’s won’t turn me away!)

Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 11:00

I”ve actually been lucky enough to have several girls nights out lately. Two of which were downtown Chicago courtesy of some fab brands I work with!

anash

Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 at 23:17

no girls night out in 6 years! would love to have one although..Thanks for a super giveaway!

Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/227965748943917056
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Kim Q

Wednesday, 25 July, 2012 at 12:39

My last girl’s night out was for a friend’s bachelorette party. I stayed out until a late 9:30. Go me! HA!

Judy B.

Wednesday, 25 July, 2012 at 23:49

It was about 2 months ago

Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/228335835710373888

Amanda Sakovitz

Thursday, 26 July, 2012 at 22:05

We finally just went out this past weekend to dinner. It had been a really long time before that!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Thursday, 26 July, 2012 at 22:06

https://twitter.com/aes529/status/228672415654354945

Amy @ A Little Nosh

Friday, 27 July, 2012 at 13:40

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!

Elena

Saturday, 28 July, 2012 at 0:54

It has been 7 years since I had a girl’s night out

elena150980 at yahoo dot com

Saturday, 28 July, 2012 at 0:55

https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/229077501983461377

Ellen B

Saturday, 28 July, 2012 at 14:51

so long ago I can’t even remember – I need this

Saturday, 28 July, 2012 at 14:52

https://twitter.com/elliebunny24/status/229288140840501248

Debbie B

Saturday, 28 July, 2012 at 19:07

i had a girls night out about a month ago! Out to a movie and dinner

Saturday, 28 July, 2012 at 19:08

i tweeted here:

https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/229352529736122368

Mara Zamora

Monday, 30 July, 2012 at 14:52

I’ve never had a girls night out ! I became a a mom at the age of 17 and lost nearly all my friends at 15 years old .I’m now a 20 year old single mommy and i stay home with my daughter everyday .I would love nothing more than to eat out with a friend to catch up or even with my sister lol .I definitely need a night out to forget about my issues with my daughter’s father .

xoxo
fingers & toes crossed

Tina M

Monday, 30 July, 2012 at 16:53

June

Monday, 30 July, 2012 at 16:54

https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/230043560056082433

maria cantu

Monday, 30 July, 2012 at 17:27

Its been like ten years since girls night out.

Becky McClelland

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 12:08

I can’t remember the last time I had a girls night out :(. I need one desperately – and Applebee’s sound like the perfect place!

jennifer horn

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 13:28

It’s been about 10 months since I had a GNO.

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 13:29

https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/230353924194988032

Jamie@SouthMainMuse

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 13:34

Trying to remember last girl’s night out. Maybe a few months ago. But I do have book club on Thursday. That counts for me. And speaking of Applebees and neighborhoods, Tom Dupree – who started Applebees was my neighbor until about a year ago.

ashley

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 16:03

I can’t remember!

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 16:05

https://twitter.com/ohsmiledarling/status/230393048356515840

Valerie

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 16:32

I finally got together with a good friend last month but prior to that, it had been since last Fall! Yikes!

cassie

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 19:00

It has been way way way WAY too long!!!

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 19:02

https://twitter.com/cccheer88/status/230438001912733696 TWEETED!

Christina Tong

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 22:04

My last girl’s night out was at least 6 months ago that I couldn’t remember the date. I love this giveaway, if I won I can plan to have my next girl’s night out soon and enjoy great food at the Applebee’s.

ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

Tuesday, 31 July, 2012 at 22:06

I tweeted about this promotion:https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/230484490093469696

Mari

Wednesday, 1 August, 2012 at 19:14

I had a girls night out two weeks ago, we went out for dinner and drinks.
runningmatey at hotmail dot com

Wednesday, 1 August, 2012 at 19:16

https://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/230803647867535361

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

Laura Ari

Wednesday, 1 August, 2012 at 19:39

We had a girl’s night out last week. There is nothing better to raise the spirits!

Tabathia B

Wednesday, 1 August, 2012 at 23:35

It’s been about several years
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Wednesday, 1 August, 2012 at 23:36

tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/230869469365415936
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Debbie C

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 3:33

I need a girl’s night out because my last one was several months ago. Too long to remember the date!

chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

@chrisdeglen Tweeted –

twitter.com/chrisdeglen/status/230929232577048576

angie lilly

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 16:52

I do not have girls nights out ever. I used to in college, but only because I was single! LOL Just not my thing.

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 16:53

I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/231130302267932672

ewhatley

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 16:57

It’s been way too long since we had a girls’ night out – we need to work on that.

Jill L

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 20:55

If you count sitting around a fire after the kids went to bed on a camping trip, then a few weeks ago. Otherwise it’s been a few years.

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 20:56

Tweeted http://twitter.com/chipdip2010/status/231191337888780289

Nicole Larsen

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 23:00

The last time was WELL over a year ago!

Thursday, 2 August, 2012 at 23:02

tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/231223325899235328

Laura Jacobson

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 0:15

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!

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 0:16

I also tweeted
https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/231242026543362049

Betty C

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 13:13

My daughter and I had a night out about a year ago but none since. It’s been too long.

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 13:15

Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/231437876867497988

Erica Best

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 13:44

i couple months ago i think may

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 13:45

https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/231443872964812800

Debra F

Friday, 3 August, 2012 at 14:25

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!

tweeted
https://twitter.com/fairydancer35/status/231455636389502976