My favorite (and frugal) breakfast spot
As I'm sure you know, zee family FG eats a lot of meals at home.
But when we want to go out for breakfast, Panera Bread is our first choice. 
When Mr. FG takes one of the kids out for a special trip, they can often be found at Panera.
And when I want to meet up with a friend, you can often find us at Panera.
Why?
Well, I love that Panera is so affordable.
If the six of us go to a sit-down breakfast place or even to a fast-food breakfast place, our bill can easily be $30 or more.
But at Panera, we can happily eat buttered, toasted bagels and spend only a couple of dollars per person. 
And it's not like we're eating bland pancakes and limp bacon either...the food at Panera is delicious and is baked fresh that same day.
Plus, I adore the peaceful atmosphere at Panera. It's perfect for conversation, and I also appreciate the quietness when I occasionally head out by myself. 
My kids love Panera's cinnamon crunch and chocolate chip bagels, Mr. FG loves the Asiago cheese bagels, and me?
I almost always order the Mediterranean Egg White Power Sandwich (except I think it's totally fine to eat egg yolks, so I always request that mine be made with a whole egg.)
The combo of egg and sun-dried tomato and cheese and toasted bread is ridiculously good.
I dislike disposable plates and I downright loathe plastic knives, so I like that you can get real plates and knives at Panera.
Oh, and if you bring your own reusable mug, they'll put your hot drink in that instead of in a disposable cup.
You know that makes me happy.
Panera has a free loyalty rewards program (I signed up for it as soon as they introduced it. Naturally.) which gives you free goodies here and there throughout the year, including a free treat on your birthday.
Speaking of rewards...Panera is rolling out something new this month: a the Panera Breakfast Backstory Challenge.
What's that?
Well, Panera wants to share the story behind the goodies they bake fresh every day and to do that, they've created articles, videos, and even some recipes for you (the Tropical Overnight Oatmeal is on my to-try list!)
(email subscribers, you can click here to watch the power sandwich backstory video)
By viewing/reading these, you can learn about what goes into the bread at Panera and also earn Breakfast Backstory Badges, which enter you into drawings for some super-awesome prizes (like a Breville juicer!)
Aaaaand, once you earn all three badges, a surprise will be loaded onto your My Panera card, plus a chance to win a culinary experience for two in NYC!
(Me? I got a free bagel. Nom, nom.)
One of you will get a whole lot more than a free bagel, though...I'm giving away a $100 gift card to a lucky reader! We'll get to that in just a sec, but for now, think about your favorite way to start the day.
Morning is one of my favorite times of day because I love that the day is fresh and new. To me, it's the most hopeful time of day...it's like I've been given a blank slate to write on and the possibilities are endless!
My favorite way to start the day is to get up before my kids, spend some time by myself (reading my Bible, praying, reading my email, and blogging), and then go eat breakfast with my family. I love them to the moon and back, but for me, having some quiet time on my own makes all the difference in the world.
So, what about you?
What's your favorite way to start the day? Share by leaving a comment, and you'll be entered to win the $100 Panera gift card!
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- 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
- 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
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. Winner 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 11/13/13 – 12/8/13.
Be sure to visit the Panera Bread's page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers' reviews and find more chances to win!
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
My favorite start to the day is getting up before anyone else. I love to enjoy the quiet morning reading the paper.
My favorite way to start the day is by waking up before my kids and getting a half hour of quiet time to read my emails, go through Facebook and just relax....while enjoying my first cup of coffee of the day. 🙂
I like it when I roll out of bead before anyone else and either do some reading or blogging.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Love panera. Always a good place for a catch up session with girlfriends.
My favorite way to start the day is with a HUGE cup of coffee---Mocha Peppermint would be even better! 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is with a run, though with a newborn at home, that isn't happening too often!
I am like you, FG, I like to have a little bit of quiet time before my day starts with the kids. I am working on doing quiet time before my youngest wake up....
I made a post on my blog: http://purposelyfrugal.com/2013/11/14/panera-giveaway-at-the-frugal-girl/#.UoTC867I1UQ
Hi Kristen,
My favorite way to start the day is to make a hot mug of tea and slowly wake up. I then read Facebook and a few blogs.
Oh, I will have to try the Asiago bagel. That is one of my favorite cheeses.
Patti
Coffee! It's a must have. Preferably while everyone sleeps but that doesn't generally happen with two little guys that are early birds.
Love panera not the closest one is an hour away so I don't get there very often! My favorite way to start the day is at noon with a big salted caramel mocha. However, since I have a ten month old that doesn't really happen anymore so I'll settle for a hug and a smile from him at 6am. 🙂
I like to start the morning by getting up 15 minutes earlier than I usually would. I would love the extra sleep, but that extra time makes the morning feel so much less rushed.
Panera's is my favorite place. Love the coffee and free refills and inviting atmosphere.
My favorite way to wake up is with a hot cup of Tazo Chai Latte - made at home to save a few $'s 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is with a hot shower!!!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
My favorite way to start the day is when my little ones wakes early. We get to spend extra time together while I get ready for work and everyone else is still sleeping. I cherish having that one on one time as the start to my day.
I love getting up before the kiddos and catching up on all the blogs I read.
Panera's everything bagel is the best.
Waking up to breakfast in bed prepared by my girls and hubby! Only happens handful of times a year, but it is the best wake up and great way to start my day.
While bacon is a great way to start the day, I admit my true favorite way to start the day is with some carbohydrates. I am becoming a lover of bread in my aging years. 😉
My favorite way to start the day is to pull back the curtains and look outside...sometimes at the sunrise, sometimes the clouds, but whatever I see makes me happy to greet a new day.
The best way is with a book and a big mug of tea in bed.
I start my day with green tea and doggie snuggles.
I like to get my chores done early so I can have the rest of the day to relax with my family.....if only the grocery store in my area would open at 6:00 instead of 8:00!
My favorite way to start my day is just enjoying the silence..opening up the curtains and watch the sun rise..enjoying a warm cup of coffee.
With coffee and to quietly read my emails.
There is no other option for me to starting the day, really: a good walk with my dog. (He's got all the energy of his age: 2 years.) On occasion, though, I force him to lounge in bed while I read before we get outside. I can't imagine anything else!
I love to start with a good workout and sometimes a delicious warm caffeinated beverage 🙂
I love Panera Bread! My favorite way to start the day is with a hot cup of coffee.
I like to start the day alone quietly with coffee, blinds open to see the sunrise, reading a novel or the news/blogs online. Then I am ready to talk and begin my day.
My favorite way to start the day? Sipping coffee on the couch with my hubby 🙂
Mornings are my favorite time of day too! We don't have kids yet but I am sure I will treasure my mornings even more once we do.
My favorite way to start the day is with my kids! I don't get out of bed a moment before they do! :o)
My favorite way to start my day is reading a great book in the quiet of the day before anyone else is awake.
Though my "me" time in the morning consists of work before getting the kids ready for school, it is nice to have a quiet house for an hour or 2, "just cause"...
At the moment, my favorite way to wake up is to have a snuggle with my one year old daughter.
My favorite part of the day is bedtime - we all sit together on the couch for a story and prayers. It seems like the one time of day that no one is running around, we just take a few moments for peace.
My favorite way to start the day is to wake up to the smell of coffee brewing.
I start my morning at home with berries, oatmeal and coffee. Read a bit.
For a treat, I will go to Panera and get an egg souffe. Four cheese is my favorite. I love Panera for lunch, too. Thank you.
My favorite time is early in the morning before anyone else is up. I read my Bible and pray, make my to-do list, check e-mails. I agree that I love my family to the moon and back . . . but I also need quiet time away from them.
I'm the one who gets everyone else up and at 'em at my house. And I love my peeps, too, but I really love having a quiet house to myself after they leave for school and work...like you said, it's like the day is all mine.
The start to my day involves a 3 year old who thinks 6:15 is a reasonable time to get up, our recliner, a fuzzy blanket and the sunrise. I get some cuddles and we talk about what's outside (weather, leaves, animals). Then it's usually a loud and active time of getting everyone ready for the day.
When we were expecting our first, we would go to Panera for muffins after my specialist appts. Now it's our treat spot.
My favorite way to start the day is by having breakfast with my husband and kids. My husband works late hours so we don't always have dinner together so breakfast is our guaranteed sit-down family time. The best is on the weekends when we can have a more leisurely breakfast and my husband and I can enjoy hot tea together after eating.
Every morning I open the curtains and a window so I can take in the fresh air, sunrise and the sounds. Then I read my Bible amidst the noise of my kids at the breakfast table.
I'm not a morning person but I do love if I happen to wake up a little earlier than my kiddos so I can have just a few minutes of peace and quiet before starting my day.
I've been to Panera twice in the last two weeks. I have a deep and abiding love of cinnamon crunch bagels and now their cheese pastry. Mmmmm... My new favorite way(s) to start the day!
My favorite way to start the day is by catching up on my favorite blogs! This week I'm also starting it with free yummy coffee from Racetrac! But after reading this post, I may be starting it with Panera some too 😉
My favorite way to start the day is by getting up an hour before I have to do anything, such as get ready for work, and getting a to-do done. (Unfortunately that hasn't been working too well recently, because I've been trying a new sport in the evenings, but that's far outweighed by trying a new sport.)
My favorite way to start my day is cup of coffee, and my device in hand! I love finding freebies, and such, so much fun waking up to see what I can do each day!
I love a cup of coffee in the morning. $100 worth of Panera bagels would be sweet!
I love waking up, getting my little guy from his crib and snuggling with books before breakfast. I hated mornings before he was born now it's my favorite time of day .
My favorite way to start the day is with a cup of coffee, a good book, and some alone time. However, since my 4 year old gets up at 6 on the dot, and I can't seem to rise before then, usually I enjoy my coffee while browsing the Internet with Disney Junior or Nick Junior on in the background.
My favorite restaurant of all time is Panera, but the closest to me isn't very close so I haven't ever had breakfast there. I can only imagine what a nice morning out that would be!
I too love to beat the family out of bed and enjoy some quiet time. I usually start by getting a few things done on my blog and then have a time of prayer and bible study. When we are out of town, I often sneak out of our hotel room and find a Panera to sit and enjoy a coffee and a bagel while surfing the web a while before returning to the hotel.
My favorite time of the day is really, really late at night. Everything is dark and quiet; I find it very soothing and peaceful.
I love to get up and have some coffee before everyone else wakes up, but my 4 year old is an early riser. So, we usually snuggle in my bed for a little while before the rest of the family wakes up. 🙂
I love getting up before everyone and enjoying a cup of coffee and my Bible reading.
I love starting the day with a healthy breakfast (usually oatmeal with coconut, fruit, and ground flaxseed added). I also love when the sun starts to rise, it feels so peaceful.
My favorite way to start the day is with drinking a huge glass of water and with exercise or stretching. I find that when I prioritize this, it helps me feel better both mentally and physically. I'm more effective accomplishing my responsibilities when I start the day this way
I love to snuggle with my husband and then make a special breakfast together.
I'm ashamed to say I've never been to Panera!?! My favorite start is oatmeal (topped with brown sugar and dried fruit) and coffee:) Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite way to start the day is listening to my toddler waking up and talking to himself until I go to get him out of bed. It always puts a smile.on my face!
My favorite way to start the day is with a cup of coffee.
I'm not a morning person but I love to have 15-20 min to lay in bed and read and slowly wake up.
My favorite way to start the day is quietly. I am not a morning person so I don't like to interact with anyone for a while after awakening. I haven't been to Panera for breakfast because there are none close to our house. However, I do enjoy eating there other times of the day. Maybe we'll try breakfast there this weekend.
Going to the movie theater isn't the most frugal but my husband and I enjoy it. As a somewhat frugal date, on Saturdays we go to Panera which I love (cinnamon crunch bagel or a breakfast sandwich) and then go to a matinee movie after. The movie is cheaper than full price before noon, we are full from breakfast so aren't even tempted by a soda. Love the random freebies from the rewards card too.
My kids' buses come 45 minutes before I have to be at work so I get to enjoy some quiet mommy time. Usually I will take a 'scenic' route to work & just enjoy the radio while I'm driving. Occasionally I'll stop & enjoy a breakfast treat somewhere (usually Panera because I love their pastries!!) or grab a cup of hot cocoa. On the mornings we are running late & I don't get that 45 minutes, I really miss it! Having that quiet time before work is one of my favorite things about starting the morning!
My favorite way to start the day is by rolling out of bed early, tidying the apartment a bit, and getting some work done before I head to my job. I feel productive and awesome for getting that little jump start!
Yay for the chance for a GC to my favorite restaurant! 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is to have slept through my roommate and her dogs waking up. It is a rare more morning that I get to sleep through to my alarm. Then just puttering around and having a chance to really wake up before starting in on work 🙂
Coffee, coffee, coffee. And quietly. And in a newly cleaned home.
My favorite way to start the day is staying in bed after everyone else is up and snuggling with our dog. Our dog sleeps in her own bed (crate), but she likes to cuddle on the bed after she's been outside in the morning. I don't get to do this very often because I work odd hours, so I cherish it! I might doze off a little more or just listen to the radio, I think about the week to come and things that need done. I usually rise to eggs, bacon, bagels or toast which my husband kindly prepares 🙂 Me time!
i'm out with my dog every morning before the sun comes up. when the sky is clear, i like to look up at the stars and think about how small my problems really are when compared to the universe and the millions of years it has been in existence.
I'm like you - I like to get up an hour or so before my toddler and husband wake up. It gives me time to shower, pack lunches, and have some "me" time. Then my toddler and I eat breakfast together - she's usually sitting on my lap and we read books together - right now Richard Scarry's Big First Book is the favorite. Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite way to start the day is when my husband gets home from his overnight shift, and he crawls into bed where I am with our two sleeping girls. It's rare because they usually wake too early, so I love the quiet of all four of us in bed.
My favorite way to start the day is slowly. I don't like to rush around right away. Luckily getting the kids ready for school & onto the bus fits my pace just fine.
I love mornings because I get to see my one year old sit up and see the world for the first time (over and over). His new first words of the day are "da da", I'm hoping that will change to "mom mom"!
My favorite way to start the day is a few quiet moments with a cup of coffee and my little dog curled up on my lap. 🙂
The best way to start my day: getting 8 hours of sleep, waking up at least 30 minutes before my toddler, sipping a cup of coffee while reading the Word, and then sneaking in time to check e-mail or browse online if I'm really lucky.
Here Panera is called St. Louis Bread Company. It's one of my favorite and most frequented places to eat! I'd love to start my day with a run followed by a plain buttered bagel 🙂
I love to start the day by taking my dog for a walk!
My favorite way to start the day is to wake up early, read my scriptures, and check my morning emails on my kindle. I love Panera!
Mornings are not my favorite time of the day :), but I always start the day with coffee and breakfast with my family.
I love the freshness of a new day. I start it as soon as the kids are off to school with my first cup of coffee. I love Panera too, I am meeting a friend there this morning.
My favorite way to start the day is by having breakfast an coffee all by myself and while my family is still sleeping. By the time they wake up I am ready to start the day!
Coffee and the newspaper in bed, with no particular agenda for the morning. Ha ha, that doesn't happen very often! 🙂
I love to start the day with my little girls crawling into bed with me. Then we go to the kitchen for milk for them and lots of coffee for me.
Coffee, sweet roll or bagel, and the paper. 🙂
I get up at 5 and head straight to work after I get ready. I love being the first one in the office, I get so much more done!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Panera! We have just gotten one in town and now I can't stay away!! They have a great selection of breakfast foods! Great way to start the day!
If I can get up at least a half-hour before everyone else and enjoy some quiet reading, that's the best way to start the day.
My favorite way to start the day is with a sweet cuddle with one of my kids. I love the moments when they are still a bit sleepy and want to snuggle for a bit before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.
My favorite way to start the day in summer:
a cup of iced coffee and milk, in a mason jar, with a straw, on the balcony, in a robe, watching the sun rise and the neighbors across the way
My favorite way to start the day in winter:
a mug of hot coffee and milk, in the papasan with a cat, snuggling
As a side note, when I tried to click on the "official rules" link and on the link to other BlogHer blogs, both said my access was denied. Maybe the links are bad?
My favorite way to start the morning is getting up without my alarm clock going off, making myself a cup of coffee and watching my 2 adorable little black dogs wolf down their breakfast, all in the quiet of the darkness.
I love it when my son makes and serves me breakfast.
My favorite way to start the day is snuggled in bed under the covers with my kids and husband watching cartoons. There is something about the entire family curled up under the covers and laughing at Scooby Doo!
I like to start my day with oatmeal (brown sugar, walnuts, and sunflower seeds), and maybe watching the morning news with a hot cup of tea. And I love Panera's soups and salads.
I love an early morning walk.
My favorite way to start the day is with lemon water. Every morning it is the first thing I drink.
I like to start the day with a hot shower before the kids wake up!
I love getting up before my husband and the kids and just having a few moments to myself to enjoy some coffee and surf the web. 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is by eating breakfast while sitting in the sun and reading a good book.
Yum, my family loves Panera too!
This would be a great holiday gift (to myself).
Well... My favorite way to start my day is to see the incoming shift showing up for report so I can go home after a long night in the ER. Then I head home, finish getting my kids ready for the bus, kiss my husband goodbye and then have a light breakfast in the quiet and head to bed.
Well... My favorite way to start my day is to see the incoming shift showing up for report so I can go home after a long night in the ER. Then I head home, finish getting my kids ready for the bus, kiss my husband goodbye and then have a light breakfast in the quiet and head to bed.
I love to get up singing the song on my heart. I love to surprise my family with a special cooked breakfast (this doesn't happen as often as I would like), & I also love to pray and seek God for how I should order my day.
My favorite way to start the day has to be a tall, dark, and handsome cup of coffee!
I always start my day with a nice, hot shower--it always feels awesome 🙂
With a hot cup of tea, while the crazy kids run around getting ready for their day 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is with unrushed conversation with my husband. With 3 kids and a crazy schedule, those days are few and far between.
I love a good cup of coffee and (rarely) a bit of a carb treat. I stay away from breads on a daily basis, which makes it all the better when I can enjoy a bagel with my coffee every once in a blue moon.
I'm a roll out of bed at the last minute leaving just enough time to shower, grab a breakfast to go, and hit to road to work. I wish I were more leisurely in the morning, but I love getting as many minutes of sleep as possible 🙂
I love Panera too, but I don't go that often because it is a bit of a drive. But, the rewards program might change that. And I love that they give back to their communities with the Panera Cares Cafe program. http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/12/25/panera-cares-cafe-boston-let-you-pay-full-price-more-than-that-less-you-can-afford-food/LjPmcufA44iwMNdX2kywhI/story.html Thanks for offering the contest. You made my morning.
H
My favorite is weekend mornings, when we bring our daughters (five months and twenty-three months) into bed for snuggles and tickles and happy cuddle time, then we all head downstairs to make breakfast together. We really love pumpkin pancakes!
My favorite way to start the day would be with a cup of coffee and sitting down to read through all my favorite websites and blogs on the computer. However, since my husband is up way earlier than me, he doesn't like to give up the computer to me all the time when I would like to sit down and use it (basically on the weekends). Other times I have just get up, grab the cup of coffee and head to my work computer.
love to start the day with a steaming mug of tea!
I really would live to start the day with time to myself but the kiddos wake up too early ( and too many times at night) for that. So now I enjoy baby smiles in the morning.
My favorite mornings are the weekends when the hubs is off work and I cook breakfast for the 2 of us. Sometimes just a scrambled egg, but I enjoy not being rushed.
I enjoy starting my day early with a long walk. Then an hour of yoga and meditation. Next, a yummy raw smoothie: frozen strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, banana, spinach, chlorella, spirulina, chia seed, hemp seed, almond milk. Finally I get to work!
My favorite way to start the morning is with a large cup of coffee and a huge hug from my husband. He gives the best hugs ever!
I love to sit down with a cup a coffee, read blogs, check email. I run an at home business so always wake up hoping for sales!
(One thing you must also know about Panera, is in my area at least, they donate their leftover food at the end of every night, to a church or what have you)
I love Panera! I love to start the day with the paper and coffee, then devotions as soon as my dh leaves for work.
I enjoy getting up and reading in the morning.
It used to be drinking two Mt. Dew's, but in an effort to get off the high calorie train, it's now enjoying a cup of black coffee!
My favorite way to start the day is to feed my cat and get some love from her! I love Panera asiago cheese bagels too!
I always start my day by hitting the snooze button a few times. 😉 But once I'm up, a cup of tea is at the top of my list.
My favorite way to start the morning is cuddling lazily in bed with my kiddos, who show up over the course of the night and early morning. No, it's not as productive as getting up first and having me-time or accomplishing a task, but it helps me start the day with joy and warm feelings toward my kids - a must for this homeschooling mom!
Our family LOVES Panera...love their breakfast sandwiches 🙂
I guess I should have said that my favorite way to start the day is with a Panera breakfast sandwich 🙂
A hot cup of coffee and a warm toasty bagel (we love Panera too!)
My favorite way to start the day is when I get enough sleep and still manage to wake before my kids. They usually wake around 6 so this involves them sleeping in a little bit.
This is my boys favorite breakfast date with Mommy! I would love to win this!!
My favorite way to start the day is slooooowly! I like a few peaceful minutes in bed before I get up to start the day.
I like to start the day with a little exercise. 🙂 After that I enjoy breakfast while catching up on email.
I love sitting at breakfast the table with my husband and our baby. We listen to music or NPR while we eat, and we take turns feeding our little guy. It's nice that we have time to do that in the morning
https://plus.google.com/u/0/116553555436791666843/posts
Hope this works! Made a hash tag post on my Google Plus page!
My Favorite start to the morning is having a morning snuggle with my little guys!!!!!!!!!! Great way to start the day off feeling very loved!
The sun is just on the cusp of rising. The windows are open. A hot cup of coffee is in my hands and the kids are asleep. I can hear the birds singing the morning's praises. I've just finished eating oatmeal with a spoonful of peanut butter swirled in and a smattering of raisins and sliced bananas on top - all drizzled with some maple syrup.
Favorite way to start the day? Wake up before everyone else and enjoy a cup of coffee with the news all by myself. If my morning routine is altered, it ruins my entire day!
I also like to start the day by waking up before anyone else and taking my dogs outside to get some fresh air.
Lots of coffee, a little cream, backyard eggs, and a few minutes of peace and quiet. Ahhh! Love mornings!
My favorite way to start the day is waking up before everyone else and getting a few minutes of peace and quiet to enjoy a cup of coffee.
My favorite time of the day is right after dinner. We are finished with the "hard" stuff for the day, and we spend a little time together as a family.
Hi! I love Panera!!!
My favorite is when I remember to set the coffee maker the night before and I wake up to fresh brewing coffee. I think it is the best way to wake up!
During the week, I get up and meet my friends for coffee to work out all of the world's problems, or at least our local town.
I like the Panera soup and sandwich combo.
I love starting the day by writing in my journal and sipping from a big mug of hot tea. I also find I'm more hopeful and happy early in the morning!
My favorite way to start the day is a positive attitude and a really hot shower.
Me, coffee, Bible, then something yummy to eat - Panera seems to specialize in yummy!
My favorite way to start the day is by cuddling with either of my girls when they have migrated to my bed during the night.
I love to sip my coffee looking out at lake and marveling in God's wonder.
I love Panera as well. It's my go-to cheap eat with a friend when we meet for breakfast away from our families every 6 weeks or so. We have breakfast and drive over to Good Will for bargains. It's our mom date!
I love to start the day with hot coffee and a quiet house!
I love to wake up early and curl up with a book and a cup of tea.
Panera is one of my family's favorite spots too...and my kiddos love the cinnamon crunch bagels! Before going gluten free, my favorite breakfast was a piece of buttered wheat bread...thankfully I found some really yummy gluten-free cinnamon bread so I usually eat a piece of buttered gf cinnamon toast for breakfast 🙂
I love panera,not only is affordable but it very healthy food. I hope I win, thank you 🙂
I like waking up to my little ones' voices in the morning. Love Panera bread too!
Love it all! My hubby disliked the place and after awhile it is his 'other office' to meet up with folks and work on his sermon for the week. Good luck to all.
Coffee, a quiet morning, and watching the sun rise!
My favorite way to start the day is to tell my kids to come and crawl in bed and snuggle with me. We usually watch something funny on my phone, I kiss them oodles of times, and then I kick them out because we're inevitably running late for school and work...
I need a hot shower to wake up and then coffee!!! Wish I could get up before my little ones, but that is not going to happen in this season of life! One day....
My favorite way to start my day is with a fresh cup of coffee (made by husband), along with his company, my dog on my lap and the news on TV.
I love to start the day by waking up without an alarm clock, making a hot cup of coffee and eating some yummy baked breakfast item while in my pajamas.
I start the day by feeding my chickens and having a nice cup of coffee!
I like to start my day with a cup of very good coffee (homemade of course), a book and a dog at my feet.
My favorite way to start the day is to take the dog for a nice quiet walk early in the morning when no one else is awake! So peaceful!
I can't just jump out of bed. I need time to wake up, so my favorite way to start the day is to lie in bed checking my email and Facebook for a few minutes.
I like waking up and having a few quiet moments to read and sip some coffee before the rest of the household wakes up. This doesn't happen often.
A cup of coffee and my devotional 🙂 I also LOVE panera!!
I also love the morning..we live on a farm and I love getting up in the morning and hearing the birds sing ...the animals calling for their breakfast...I also like to start the morning with Bible time/prayer...putting on coffee...catching up on the weather/news/email...maybe going out to gather eggs or fresh ingredients from our farm for breakfast....making plans with my husband for the days work on the farm...the morning is a fresh start and sets the tone for the rest of the day!!
I like to have breakfast with my husband and then take my tea to my special chair and read my bible.
My fave way is with coffee, preferably a whole cup in silence before the baby wakes up!
I love waking up to a quiet house, reading the paper and checking email. I haven't read through all the comments, but another good thing about Panera is that they have some "pay what you can afford" restaurants - one of them is here in Portland, next to Trader Joe's.
Panera, one of those places that everyone will find what they fancy and you know it's going to be delish.
My favorite, favorite way to start the day is to get up earlier than everyone else, get dressed and ready for the day, and spend time reading my devotions. I feel complete and can start the day knowing that I've given myself some me time!
I love to be the first one to get up so I can start the fire all by myself, and enjoy those first few quiet moments of the day. The soft sounds of the fire, the warmth, create a calm, meditative atmosphere.
I like to sit down with a cup of coffee and watch something the DVR recorded from last night.
I like to start my day with a cup of tea and a toasted bagel with cream cheese.
My favorite way to start the day is quietly!! So - I try to get up before the kids and catch up on my emails, news, and calendar, while sipping some yummy coffee. 🙂
My favorite start to the day is waking up to a quiet house and getting a little cleaning done with no interruptions from kids and then sitting down and enjoying a cup of joe. 🙂
I usually am sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of coffee and looking out the window.
I usually get up early and go exercise. Cycling and running are preferred. The cycling trails are so much less crowded and there is next to no traffic getting to them. I can run on the sidewalk or the street for the same reason. I even scheduled swim days so that I'm at the pool on the least busy mornings.
I really have to enjoy the first part of any workout because I'm usually heading back home about the time rush hour starts up (my work hours are off-set from the norm by an hour).
I love Panera. I love to start my day by getting up before everyone else. I get to enjoy the quiet before the start of the crazy day!
In a perfect world, I would get up a couple hours before my one year old, shower and dress, have some tea, and read my Bible/other books, as well as prayer time. Then I would wake the DD, and enjoy breakfast with her.
Ah, that elusive perfect morning...
Another great way to start the morning would be a free breakfast at Panera!
My favorite start to the day is a cup of coffee with my mocha latte cream added along with a pumpkin muffin or banana chocolate chip muffin.
Panera is on my list to try. I have heard good things about it. Mornings aren't my favorite time of day, but I like to shower and get going slowly.
My favorite is to get up before the rest of the house on Sunday morning and read the paper and drink coffee either in my chair in the sunroom or on our deck.
The official rules link says I am not authorized?
My favorite way is to come downstairs, coffee already brewed (i set it up with a timer). grab a cup and then grab my knitting and sit in a rocking chair (i have one in my kitchen, dining room and living room - so i like to mix it up...and i like rocking chairs) and sit and knit for 10-15 mins in peace before having to start running around getting ready for work and waking my son up for school. breakfast varies. toast or english muffin or eggs.
and , I love panera. especially their maple walnut cream cheese on my bagel. any flavor bagel is fine with me. and their meditteranean veggie sandwich with a cup of broccoli chedder soup. doesn't get any better than that!
My favorite way to start the day is to get up with my husband, who leaves ridiculously early. I make breakfast for all four of us and we eat a meal together before he leaves. A lot of times he can't be home for dinner during fall and spring (he farms :)) so breakfast is our family meal during the busy times. Then I let the kids drag out toys while I drink my tea and check my email/Facebook and blog.
I've never actually been to Panera, but I always hear it is fabulous.
I love to get up without an alarm (obviously on days when there's no class or work) and have my Bible and prayer time, then cook some eggs and toast or a breakfast burrito and have a big mug or two of strong coffee. If I can sit outside or in front of a big window, that's even better!
My favorite way is before getting out of bed. I have a little dog that loves to be petted.
Love the secret menu at Panera.
My favorite way to start the day is with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea while playing or reading books with my 14 month old daughter.
My favorite way to start the day is a good cup of coffee, reading while it's still quiet in the house and having my dog curled up on my toes keeping them warm.
I am happier in the morning after my cup of tea. I've never had breakfast at Panera but I do stop in occasionally for lunch with a friend.
my favorite way to start the morning is hitting the snooze button twice. I intentionally set my alarm 20 minutes earlier than I have to be up so that I can snooze it twice.. there's something so decadent about "sleeping in". Then I make the kids' lunches for the day. I will sometimes make them the night before, but doing something pretty mindless first thing in the morning lets me ease slowly into the day. oh, and coffee, natch 🙂
I love their tomato basil soup--my favorite thing in the world!
My favorite way to spend my morning is waking up to a fresh, hot cup of coffee (in the winter. Iced in the summer) and relaxing in my bed, catching up on FB or Pinterest or Email or surfing the web from my ipad while everyone else is sleeping. I can't use the ipad while my 2 year old is up because as soon as she sees it, she wants to use it!! A little me time before work 🙂
I got an egg sandwich at Panera one time, and it tasted like it came out of a microwave. It was really awful. Do you really like the egg sandwich? I like everything else there. And the atmosphere. I guess it's frugal if everyone is getting a bagel, but I haven't found it to be frugal at all otherwise.
My favorite way to start the day is with some quiet time and a delicious cup of coffee 🙂
I love you, and I love Panera for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I enjoy the quiet time before the day begins and start with prayers and then straightening things up around the house before I eat.
Coffee! And snuggles with my dog, Turkey.
I love sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and the comics while the house is still quiet.
I love to start the day with a cup of coffee in my hand, and my cat curled up next to me on the sofa.
My favorite mornings are the mornings that my retired husband goes to teach a class. Those are the mornings that my little chihuahua and I can sleep in and snuggle under the covers for a little longer. Then it's time for his breakfast and my coffee.
I have my morning cup of coffee and check e-mail and blogs.
My son bounds into my room every morning and snuggles. He's 3, and getting so big! It is a wonderful way to wake up!
My favorite way to start the day is with some yoga, followed by a quiet breakfast. I don't make it happen as often as I would like to though.
BTW, the links for the official rules, and Panera's page on BlogHer give me this message: "Sorry, you do not have permissions to access this page."
I think that's fixed now...BlogHer runs on a different time zone than me, and so the links weren't live yet. So sorry about that!
My favorite way to start the day is by waking up on my own, not a child waking me up!
I love to wake up with my kids and make them something special for breakfast on the weekends. The weekdays are so busy and I truly enjoy slowing down on the weekends.
I need quiet time and my coffee with chocolate and cream....at 6 a.m.!
My favorite way to start the day is with a kiss from my husband. Mon-Fri, he's kissing me goodbye; Sat-Sun, it's just the start of our day together. Very rare is the day that a kiss from my best friend is not the very first thing.
My favorite way to start the day is with coffee, pajamas, and being able to sit around and do nothing for awhile before having to go somewhere. (This never happens.)
I love to start the day with a book and a cup of coffee.
I love to start the day reading in bed!
I love Panera Bread! Thanks for the chance to win.
My favorite way to start the morning is having time by myself with the Bible, my computer and a hot cup of coffee. Also getting to enjoy a quiet breakfast by myself is wonderful.
I like to fix my coffee (freshly ground, single cup, pour over) and drink it while I catch up on the blogs I follow. Often I have a bowl of yogurt (thanks for teaching me that one) and granola. We also really like Panera.
I've never been there but would love to try it!
My favorite morning is coffee and a bear claw at Panera, kids in tow! Yum!
My favorite way to start the day is by not oversleeping - which I do nine days out of ten! Then I can enjoy the morning and not have to rush out the door!
My favorite start to the day is to get up, and take my time getting ready for the day: showering, picking out my clothes, putting on makeup before even getting to the kitchen.
I love the quiet of the morning too, and enjoying my cereal and reading my Bible.
My favorite way to start the day is with a walk - preferably with a slight chill to the air, the sun shinning, and a light breeze.
I am currently 8 months pregnant, so I don't get to do this right now, but my favorite way to start the day is an early morning run outside, before anyone else is up and no cars are on the road, it is such a peaceful time of the day!
Another great thing about Panera is their community outreach program. The food bank I worked at for years got pretty much all of their bread for free from Panera, because they freeze and donate their food at the end of the day instead of trashing it. Can you imagine how nice it is to be able to offer people on a tight budget such beautiful, fresh, and delicious breads and desserts instead of smashed up stale loaf bread or no fresh bread at all?
A quiet, dark house with a steaming mug of coffee and a computer. Even though its 6am, I love the dark, quiet mornings by myself.
My favorite way to start the day is by getting down on my knees and thanking God for another day I get to live in His world. 🙂
An early morning run. Early meaning while the air is still cool, the dew is moist & before L.A. traffic has congested the air. That is my favorite way to start the day.
I love to start my day with coffee, especially in the winter.
A cup of Earl Grey tea along with reading my email and blogs (including FG, of course). And then a nice walk with the resident labradoodle.
I love to start the day before my girls get up with a bowl of oatmeal and a good read.
A good cup of coffee and a sweet treat if possible
I like waking up slowly...so I feel the best when I've prepared the night before, the breakfast table is set, all clothes have been laid out the night before, lunches are made, backpacks are ready and by the door...so I can slowly wake up without any chaos. Doesn't always happen, but when it does, it's the best way to start the day!
Soup, salad, and bread....yum! We love Panera in this house!
I love to make my coffee, relax in bed snuggling with my fiance. Then I grab my laptop to read the news of the day and my favorite blogs including The Frugal Girl
My favorite way to start the day is with a good run.
I love to exercise right away and then relax with a cup of coffee. The relaxing part only gets to happen on the weekends, but it's my favorite.
I get up at five--sometimes earlier--so I can take a shower and have some time to be silent before the circus arrives in the form of my children. Sometimes I only manage the shower, but the days when I get 45 minutes or an hour of time alone before everyone else is up make such a positive difference for the rest of my day.
My favorite way to start the day is to get outside and go for a long walk with the dog - I love the quiet of the morning and I feel great after a brisk walk.
I love to start the day with a cup of coffee and a little quiet time.
My favorite way to start the day is to not have to make any decisions in the morning before I've finished my coffee. So I try to choose clothes, decide on breakfast and know what I'm making for ds to take in his school lunch the night before. Less stress!
I like the to start the day waking up early and drinking coffee before the others get up.
I similarly start each morning reading and studying my Bible while snuggled in my most comfortable chair (and at this time of year swaddled in a fuzzy warm blanket) sipping a cheap er let's call it frugal variation on a steamming hot Mocha (its really drip coffee with creamer and homemade chocolate syrup)
I love Panera , but have not had breakfast there so I would like to try any thing they offer!
My favorite way to start the day is snuggling up with my husband and two kitties for at least 15 min. before getting up.
My favorite way to start the day is to get up early and read blogs while drinking my coffee.
I love to start with toast or a bowl of whole-grain cereal with pomegranate seeds, and some juice. A protein breakfast is generally for weekends :). In the past week, I've been reading prayers out of The Valley of Vision.
My students occasionally give me Panera gift cards, and I enjoy walking there with my husband.
Making my husband his coffee and bring it in to him
Getting up early and going out to eat breakfast
https://twitter.com/Grace_believer/status/401058572739411968
Totally agree with a lot of people - I love having a little time to myself in the morning prior to everything getting so hectic! 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is by my husband gently kissing my forehead to wake me up before he leave
My favorite way to start the day is a hot mug of coffee and a little quiet to gather my thoughts for the day.
My favorite way to start my day is coffee with my husband and reading the Bible in a quiet house before our children wake up. Love the peace!
I like to get up early before the kids and drink my coffee while reading the news.
My favorite way to start the morning is how we start our weekends. Mornings during the week are hectic and my husband and I have different schedules. But on Saturday morning, we get to sleep in a little, take our time waking up, and then go to a local diner for breakfast.
We eat a good meal and talk about our plans for the rest of the weekend.
🙂
My favorite way to start the day is to wake up before anyone else in the house is up and enjoy a few quiet moments to myself.
I go for a walk. I literally roll out of bed and go for a walk. I prefer to do it before breakfast.
Panera's ...yum
I get up around 5 am, and go to the gym. I workout, pray, and just enjoy time to clear my mind in preparation for the day.
Prayer and a cup of hot coffee! Thanks for the chance to win!
Love Panera. Wish we had one near us. Never had breakfast there though. I love getting up early with a cup of coffee and watching a little DIY/HGTV before the kids are up...
My fav way is always with protein and iced coffee.
Any way that's quiet is my favorite way:-) Breakfast is actually my favorite meal to eat out, so that's a good start for a treat.
My favorite way to start the day is in the shower before the kids get up.
Depends on the time of year for me! If it is warm out, I love starting the day with a run - it's the perfect way to get me going and always a favorite part of the day. If it is winter, I like to sleep in a bit and wander around the house aimlessly in my pj's for awhile. I don't often sit still, so on a winter morning that I don't have to be anywhere, I like to ease in and enjoy the cozy feel of a relaxed start.
My favorite way to start the day is drinking a cup of coffee and making a delicious breakfast 🙂
I wake up every morning with my three year old crawling into bed with me to snuggle while we wait for his papa to get out of the shower. While his papa gets dressed we all listen to a song or two. Then my son and I head downstairs to make breakfast together. I love that we start everyday as a family.
I am usually up about two hours before the rest of my family. I use the time to have some coffee or tea, check my emails, send morning chat messages to my kids away from home and pray. I love the quiet peacefulness of early morning.
I love panera!
My favorite way to start the day is having had plenty of sleep the night before. I need at least eight hours, but that rarely happens except on Saturdays.
My favorite way to start the day is to have my littles come in and join us in bed for snuggling and maybe some tickling.
I love to start my mornings with a cup of coffee and reading out loud from my bible while sitting up snuggled in my blankets.
Cuddles with my husband and puppy - and then coffee and a smoothie!
Love, love, love Panera Bread! Would love to win..........
My favorite way to start the day is to read the bible with my family:-)
My favorite way to start the day is to meet my sister to workout. We both grumble and complain for the first 10 minutes or so (it's too early, I hate pushups, my legs hurt, etc) but I always feel awesome afterwards, and it's fun to hang out with my sister 🙂
I love to read God's Word and cuddle with my kids in the morning!
I find the day starts best with a run and then a coffee with an indecent amount of creamer and some quiet time before my girls get up.
My favorite way to start my day is definitely if I was able to wake up before kiddo to get ready and do devotions, and I love going out to breakfast! Even if its just me and my 15 month old. =)
My favorite thing to do in the morning is to get up before the kids and have my quite time with the Lord - reading my bible and praying. Then if there is time I love to sit and just read a book.
Jessica
My favorite way to start the day is with a cup of tea and catch up on some reading before the rest of the household wakes up!
I like to start the day with breakfast and watching the first 20 minutes of Good Morning America.
I usually start my day by fixing the kids' lunches for school and waking them up for breakfast. After they catch the bus, I sit down to read email, etc...but my favorite way to start the day is on the weekends when we can sleep in for a little bit.
I love having quiet time to myself before my kids wake up. I love the quiet time to charge up before the demands of the day set in!
My favorite way to start the morning is helping my hubby get out the door on weekdays. 🙂 He struggles with getting up and at'em more than I do even, so I thoroughly enjoy preparing his breakfast and lunch and then hugging him goodbye and waving to him as he drives away. This always makes my day SO much better!
My favorite way to start the day is by sipping a green smoothie during my quiet time before our 10-month-old gets up!
Get up before the kids and have some time alone or with my husband - read, walk, pray, and greet the sunrise.
I love getting up early, making a cup of tea to carry around, and getting chores done (dishwasher unloaded, etc.), so that our breakfast time can be calm when the others come down...
Our best mornings are spent bicycling down to the Saturday market with our kiddo, and sharing fresh donuts and coffee from our favorite vendor.
I love Panera Bread because they donate their day old baked goods to a church in our area. It's a nice money maker for the church (pay what you can) and warms my frugal heart. (Yum, bear claws).
I like to start my day with a cup of coffee
https://twitter.com/elis689/status/401123075665563649
I love Panera. It my weakness when it comes to the pick two. However, I have never went for breakfast, I must be missing out. Thanks for the mini reveiw and info on their breakfast!
I love to start the day by drinking 8-16oz of water.
My favorite way to start the day is with a glass of orang juice and my book. It is quiet before the kids wake up.
I love starting my day with quiet time, watching the sunrise when I rise early enough or writing in my journal.
A strong cup of coffee.
Right now, being able to get up and get ready for the day BEFORE my kids wake up!
My favorite way to start the day is with a cup of coco watching the wildlife from my porch. I absolutely love Panera. I always thought that it was out of my budget range until I received a gift card for them. The first time I went in I was amazed. I loved the food and it was so homey. It is also not badly priced.
I am not copying you, I promise. But my favorite time of the day is first thing in the morning before everyone gets up, when I get my coffee and my Bible, and quiet. I absolutely cannot do without this time of day, even though it would mean more sleep.
I too enjoy getting up before the rest of my family and spending some quiet time reading or cleaning up the house. It's so peaceful and nice to get things done when no one else is around, needing your attention.
I like to sit on my deck with my coffee and listen to the birds. Since I live in Upstate NY, that isn't possible all year.
Oh I would so love a Panera gift card!!
Pick me please!
Sleeping in is my favorite way to start the day!
Coffee with milk and silence....:-)
I love to start the day snuggling my youngest. 🙂
I love weekend mornings, getting up early and knowing there's nowhere I have to BE later!!
My favorite morning routine is resting in bed, visiting with my husband. Then I like to get up at my leisure and have a nice breakfast -- oatmeal, waffles, or french toast.
My favorite way to start the day (if I don't have anywhere to rush off to, which is rare) is with a steaming cup of tea. Mmmm. 🙂
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/eshie54/status/401141151748468736
I *may* be a little obsessed with Panera, so this would be awesome and fuel many study sessions!
I love to get up before everyone else does so I have some quiet time before the day begins.
Oh, Panera! A place fraught with delicious danger... to my waistline! I love their bread too much for my own good.
My favorite way to start the morning is in bed (ha, not like that). I like to be able to wake up and lie there until I'm feeling truly awake and ready to face the day... but that doesn't get to happen very often.
I love when I can get my day started on time and not be rushing around. Having enough time to play with my son before going to work is the best (even if it's early!)
I love to get up a little earlier than everyone else and start the coffee and read my email. It's nice to get some quiet time. And if I can eat a little something sweet with my coffee that makes the morning even better!
I love the peace and quiet with a hot cup of coffee and my bible and journal in hand 🙂
I also love Panera. Kristin, are you aware that Panera has a few restaurants around the country, I think they are called "Panara Cares" where they sell food by donation? They are trying to address hunger in a dignified manner. You can pay what you can afford (even if it is nothing), or throw in a few extra dollars to cover someone else's meal. They also train workers with support about the world of work, who can then apply to other Panera's. I'd like to start my morning in a company like Panera that tries to be a good corporate citizen. And they have awesome bagels!
My favorite way to start the day is with a hubby-snuggle. Cheesy, but true. On days when I work offsite I'm usually at Panera for a while - it's a great place to meet up with colleagues for a more informal discussion and a cup of coffee.
The day MUST start with a big cup of coffee. It's nice if it also involves taking the dogs out for a walkabout. 🙂
I have a book suggestion. It's an older book, but one I can (and have) read over and over again. It was my first introduction to simple living. It is called The Simple Living Guide by Janet ___________ ...her last name escapes me. I also enjoyed Living Beautifully Together by Alexandra Stoddard, again, an older book but a goodie.
Thank-you for your blog. I check in on a regular basis and thoroughly enjoy it. I discovered it on You Tube, after I had typed in frugal living or frugal shopping and the news piece on the frugal girl popped up. ($100/week on groceries?! I want to go to there...) 🙂
I like to get up before the kids and have some quiet time before they're up and running! Then do breakfast together before taking the oldest to school and heading to the Y with my younger two.
Prayer time, and then breakfast time with my two kiddos. Saturday is the best though, because Daddy is home and we have a big pancake breakfast! 🙂
The peace and quiet of the early morning with a good cup of coffee and my quiet time is my favorite part of the day.
Coffee. The day doesn't really start without it. Once I have a sip or two, I am ready for anything.
My morning starts with time with my dog, Flag. He is so happy to see me in the morning it makes me happy.
My favorite way to start the day is getting up while it's still dark--love the early morning!--and reading my Bible then walking the dog.
I would love to win the gift card. Thanks for the chance!
My favorite way to start the day is to get up before anyone else & make myself a perfect cup of coffee! Once that is done & I have my first sip, I am ready to start the day 🙂
We don't have a Panera near by, so when we get to a city with one it is always a treat. Even though we do not get there regularly, we are members of their awards program and have benefited from that on trips away from home.
When we travel we always stop for breakfast and to pick up some sourdough rolls for the road...
One word: coffee.
I love starting my day with my husband - we have coffee together before he gets ready to go to work. I look forward to it!
I like to start my day with fruit and yogurt.
tweet--https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/401175601442066432
I like getting up early, which is a bit odd because I'm also somewhat of a night owl. Food wise, I love to start the day with a bowl of cereal and my OJ.
My favorite part of the day is waking up and looking at my one month old baby! Even in my exhausted state - it is amazing to see him and then feed him!!!!
We love to start our mornings with coffee & prayer 🙂
I like to start my day off with my swimming aerobics class. It gets me moving early in the morning and I feel that if I don't get any other vigorous exercise in for the day I'm okay. Then when I do get home I reward myself with a light breakfast and cup of tea or coffee.
I start my morning with coffee and comics 🙂
My favorite way to start the day is to get up before the kids so that I can shower/dress/read before the chaos of of the morning begins. We always have breakfast together and usually enjoy oatmeal or waffles or cereal. The kids are particularly fond of helping with breakfast preparations so I usually end up with flour all over the counter.
I love to have my quiet time in the mornings. I love the quiet stillness of the mornings. And I love Panera!!!
A quiet house and a snugly baby. I love to wake up early to nurse my youngest and then enjoy the quiet before the chaos begins.
My favorite way to start the day would be to get up and showered and ready for the day before my kids are up. I get so much more accomplished that way!
My favorite way to start my day on a weekend is to get up before my family and surprise them with a hot breakfast. I work full time so I rarely get a chance to make them a hot breakfast.
My favorite way to start the day is waking up before the kids, making some hot tea and spending some time reading and praying. If I have time to get something yummy in the oven before the kids are up, it's a bonus!
I love starting the day with black coffee and scrambled eggs!
Being a SAHM to 4 year old twins the best way to start my day off is with a sugar free Red Bull 😉
My favorite start is with my cup of coffee sitting and watching the birds at my feeder.
I'd love to win this! Panera is the best!
I need a strong cup of coffee.
My fav start is pretty much the same as yours: get up before everyone else, have my first coffee, check my fav blogs and maybe read the paper.
Yes, we love Panera too!
Love Panara, especially the pick two option.
I LOVE panera!!
Love Panera! Though I've never really thought of it as a frugal place to eat, more like a splurge or a treat! I can see how it is frugal for breakfast though. Not sure if all Paneras do this but ours does really cheap bagels on Tuesdays. You can get a baker's dozen for half price.
I like to start my morning with a nice warm shower. It relaxes me and wakes me up for my day.
https://twitter.com/jolielibrarian/status/401343265477128192
My initial thought was that I love getting up with my husband and before my baby wakes to have some quiet time. BUT on the weekends, I love getting her up and bringing her back to bed with us to snuggle and play!
I get up earlier than my kids to have some quiet time. I drink my coffee and prepare for the day, do a little swagbucks, and prep our homeschool lessons. It is worth not getting as much sleep to have the time alone.
My husband makes coffee and we both sit in up in bed and do our Bible reading before we start our day. 🙂
Getting a chance to read in the morning is my favorite!
My favorite way to start the day is with a mug of apple cider and a few minutes alone to think or pray about the day.
My favorite start to the day is when I'm off from work and can surprise my boys with homemade rolls for breakfast. They love them. I love making their day!
I like to start my day with quiet--Saturdays I like to go for an early morning run, usually ending at the bagel place, so that I can get coffee and a bagel ( <-- its perfect, walking home with hot coffee is a great cool down!)
I love to start the day with a nice, hot shower before anyone else in the house is up:-)
Mornings are usually very rushed at our house, trying to get everyone ready and out the door for work and preschool. (we are so not morning people). But when I have the chance, I do love waking up before everyone else and enjoying my coffee in peace while catching up on Facebook what I missed from the night before. I'm ever trying to become more of a morning person so I can start my day like that every day because I'm much less stressed when I can have a few minutes to myself before we launch ourselves into the crazy.
I like to get up before everyone else, have a hot cup of coffee, and a bagel, and catch up on whatever reading I want to do- the newspaper, magazine, etc.
Although I do enjoy my quiet time in the morning, I have to admit that I love when my girls run into my room saying "Good morning Mommy!" more!!! Breakfast is our favorite meal of the day!!
My favorite part of the morning is the sleep I get between 5:30 and 7 AM. It always seems like such a long time.
I take vitamins to start my day!
With a mug of tea, curled up on the couch 🙂
https://twitter.com/trisha_crawford/status/401419406640558081
I love to snuggle on the couch and read books to my toddler to start the day.
I like to get up before everyone else and be able to drink my coffee and read something. Coffee and a bagel from Panera make it perfect.
My favorite way to start the day is to relax in bed with the husband and then get up and make breakfast together talking between us the whole time.
During the week I suffer through getting ready for work and eat breakfast at my desk.
Soon however, I'm gonna have a baby to feed and mornings are probably gonna be about family cuddle time with dog and baby. 🙂
My favorite start to the day is to wake up anytime after 6:00 am. With children and responsiblities "sleeping in" is a RARE treat....then...COFFEE.
My favorite way to start the day is with a hot cup of tea and a warm scone! I have not done anything special for myself recently but seeing my children enjoy their lives is special enough to make me happy every day.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/401439797870227456
Quiet time, light breakfast, catching up on news
Wake up slowly. Cuddle the cat. Have someone (like the nice folk at Panera) serve me lovely baked goods. While reading a book. 🙂
Run! Best thing to do first thing, before light, and it is done!
my normal morning routine is : americano + eggs
I like to start my day with a muffin and juice!
I never would have said this a few years ago but I have developed a taste for oatmeal. Soaked oatmeal, butterscotch oatmeal, thin and milky drink-like oatmeal. I love variations!
Alice
I like to start the day by sleeping in.... not a morning person. 🙂 I do love Panera though!
Oddly enough, I don't mind sleeping as long as I can and just leaving the house as soon as I'm ready for work! My favorite start to the day is getting through all the traffic to my really quiet, laid back office and settling into work with a nice cup of coffee!
My favorite way to start the day is to eat breakfast on the couch with my cat curled up on my lap! Followed by a cup of tea 🙂
My favorite way to start the morning is stretching and taking a deep breath, then praying for God's guidance for whatever the day may hold. Then ...let my feet hit the ground and the day begin! 🙂
Being woken up by my five year old daughter to cuddle for a few min before we get up for breakfast ...is our favorite way to start the day...!!! 🙂
I love to get to spend a little time alone in the morning.
I start my day off dinking coffee and eating a healthy breakfast while listening to music.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/401545347933016064
I too like to start the day by myself. It's so nice to get a shower and a moment to breathe before my 4 kids hit the ground and we are all running...
My favorite way to start the day is with a cup of coffee and a talk with God!
I like to get up before my kids and drink coffee with my husband. I don't talk much until my cup is almost empty, so we mostly sit in silence. But, we enjoy our morning silence together!
I love starting the day with a half cup of coffee. Ideally I would drink a ton more, but I'm pregnant and watching how much I drink. The smell of coffee brewing in the morning is so helpful in getting up on those darker days.
My favorite way to start my day is to get up before anyone else and just enjoy the quiet, using that time to catch up on emails or check Facebook to see who's having a birthday:), take an early morning walk, or pamper myself slightly before it's time to get busy. I really need to get back into the habit of Bible Study then - I tend to put that aside until later, which means it often gets pushed away altogether:(
I love sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee and my husband, listening to birds chirp and watching critters in our gardens.
Panera's great for breakfast, but maybe even better for lunch! 🙂
I love starting the day with blueberry-flavored coffee!
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/401771642876985344
A big bowl of oatmeal, a big mug of coffee, and my snugly new baby on the couch!
I start every day with a long walk with the dog... it's lovely to be out when the streets are so quiet.
I love lazy weekend mornings, so very few and far between with 4 active kiddos, where we have no where to go and nothing pressing on the schedule. Hubby and I get a bit of snuggle time with the kids, we all work together to make a big breakfast, great conversation and maybe a game during the meal, and lastly lots of hands to make light work of the kitchen clean up. A joyous way to spend time together and start the day 🙂
My favorite way to start to day is with peppermint hot tea and watching my favorite spiritual show on t.v.
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/401842085512232961
I love to start my morning with coffee.
Most mornings I wake up and it's a rush to get somewhere--work, church, a meeting. So my favorite mornings are those in which I can get up and take my planner to the couch, get cozy under a blanket and take time to get an overview of what needs to be done. Bonus points if a cat curls up with me while I'm doing so.
I also tweeted about it: https://twitter.com/robbiekay/status/401900173330108418
Thanks for this opportunity!
I start the day by reading Facebook and my e-mail 🙂
I love getting up to brew some coffee and check emails for a few minutes before all 4 of my kids are up and needing breakfast 🙂
Quiet time on the deck with coffee
I love to curl up on the couch with a mug of Barry's Irish tea!
Oh my gosh, Panera is my absolute favorite "not-so-fancy" place to eat. I love how fresh everything is. My favorite way to start the day is a nice cup of tea, sitting and reading a book. My house is always quiet in the morning and I love the solitude before I go off to work.
I love to start the day with a splash of cold water on my face. I grew up in the North, and the water was often REALLY cold. It's weird here in FL because the water is often lukewarm instead. LOL
Ooh, so excited for this. I'm delighted to hear your comments, too, as I've only had lunch there. Maybe I know where to take DH and DD next week while on vacation!
First of all,I give thanks for waking to a new day...I love to stand at the kitchen window and watch the birds at the feeder outside.Of course,drinking coffee!
First thing in the morning...is something hot to drink, coffee or tea. I do have to add that the chicken noodle soup at Panera is so good!
My favorite way to start the day is with a large cup of warm coffee!
My favorite way to start the day is by exercising. I usually go for a 3 mile walk. Right now, I'm in the midst of morning sickness from you-know-where, and any kind of movement makes it worse, so I'm really missing those morning walks!
I wish I could hit the ground running in the morning but that's just not my body's way:) Soo... I pack lunches, get everyone off to school and work, then sit down and have my quiet time. My little oasis of peace in normally hectic days!
I love going to church in the morning! It makes leaving the house a little crazier since we have to leave extra early, but it makes the rest of the day awesome.
I love mornings when I can curl up on the couch with my daughter. I enjoy my coffee while she has hot chocolate. It's our special mother-daughter time (the boys like to sleep in).
My routines include oatmeal, and also trying to get up early and exercise!
I love starting off the day with a protein-filled breakfast!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/purplelanzi/status/402178084800966656
I like starting the day with a workout!
I love starting my day with a cup of fresh brewed coffee and peanut butter toast. I usually read up on the blogs I follow and watch the news.
Before 9am don't even say my name until 10. After 9 give me two pieces of buttered toast and hot chocolate.
I love to spend time by myself in the Bible with a cup of tea or coffee under a warm blanket. I also love mornings looking at the ocean but that is only on vacation.
My favorite way to start the day is a kiss from my husband when he's leaving for work and a cup of coffee!
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/403045012016869376
My favorite way to start the day is with a cup of coffee and some quiet time before my kids get up.
a hot coffee and listen to the music
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/403369690715537408
On the weekends, the days start with loooong walks with my dogs. Perfect.
Starting the day with coffee, a laughing baby, and a happy 3 year old would be perfect.
chambanachik at gmail dot com
I love starting the day with a tall glass of room temperature water before my feet hit the floor. I keep it by my bed and it really loosens up my bones!
I love the fireplace at Panera! 🙂 I made it through college by going there nearly each Saturday morning to study with a bagel and refillable Hazelnut coffee!
My fav way to start my day is with black coffee and usually oatmeal. Thanks.
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/sebh55/status/404818096432877568
My favorite used to be (and still is, whenever it happens) getting up before everyone else and enjoying the quiet. But my 1 year old is an early riser, so currently my favorite thing is waking up, on my own, to a lot of sunshine coming in through the window. Then I immediately know I've been given the rare gift of sleeping late and it's refreshing.
I start my day with a cup of coffee and either a bowl of LIFE cereal (my fave) or english muffins with pb on them!
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/405421637761105920
I love starting the day with a tall glass of water to get thingd moving!
https://twitter.com/dldincali
I love to start my day with a mug of coffee and a cozy robe.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/406770441936572417
i love starting the morning off drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/406998677794746369
I like to start my day with a big cup of coffee.
Coffee is a must! I also like fresh fruit and a pastry....preferably somewhat healthy, like low-calorie banana bread!
My favorite way to start the day is hugging and kissing my little ones, then, head to the kitchen for some coffee and breakfast together. But I'll definitely try Panera out so I don't have to deal with dirty dishes afterward! 😉
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/408490187186921472
amy [at] utry [dot] it
My favorite way to start my day is to a dark rainy weekend morning, knowing I can stay in bed all cozy for a while longer. 🙂
We love Panera too! Its so kid friendly and I love their hazelnut coffee 🙂
I love the fact that their salads are HUGE and can be split between 2 adults for a quick & cheap lunch date durning the holidays!
Never been a Panera.. But looks delicious!
My favorite way to start the day is to get up early and enjoy some quiet time with my coffeecoffee and then breakfast with my husband!
I don't often do this, but getting up before everyone else makes a big difference in my day--even if just for 10 minutes. Also, taking the time to actually get dressed and do my hair and makeup makes me feel so much better about the day.
Love getting out and going to Panera. Good food!
I grab some coffee and breakfast and get caught up on my blogs. 😉
My favorite way to start the day is being able to stay home.......and not have to rush off to work. Being able to wake up slowly and think about things before even getting out of the bed...........such a wonderful treat 🙂
My favorite spot is also Panera!
With a cup of coffee and some quiet time. By the way Panera has the best chicken noodle soup too! Yummy..
The first thing I do is to pray and thank God for letting me live another day with my family and enjoy every second of it.
My favorite way to start the day is with a hug from my kids and a cup of coffee!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/408794905775861760
I have 6 house cats that are my children by choice. Unfortunately, they love me a little too much, so I have to sleep without them to get any sleep at all. LOL But 1st thing in the morning I love opening the door and watching them all run into the room and pounce on the bed for a love fest. We do this every day and it never gets old.
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/408973855529529344
Waking up early, and enjoying the quiet. I've never been to Panera... Sounds like to great place!
I like to start my day with eggs.
i am slow in the morning but when i do get i get on my ipad to check emails
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/409160041476796416
My favorite way to start the day is to get my little guy's breakfast made and is clothes out for the day before he gets up. That way, I can start the day is relaxed frame of mind.
I wake up and make coffee and go for a walk.
I like a quiet start to the morning with a good cup of coffee or two, checking email and then a nice hot shower.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/409283341284679680
I like to start my day with a power walk. I come energized and ready to great the day!
I love starting the day with a huge cup of coffee
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/409751704888807424
I like to start the day with coffee and a bagel.
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/409786652001718272
My favorite way to start the day is with a hot shower, a hot cup of coffee and a hot breakfast.
Sometimes I start it with some minute maid fruit punch, oatmeal and a good book
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/409819939785019392
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I like to start off my day with a latte and a bagel.
my best way to start the day is to give kisses to all my kids and a good cup of coffee with the today show
nannypanpan@gmail.com