Gotta love spending an afternoon with mom at the mall and topping it off with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch!
After doing a little bit of shopping (or “window” shopping, shall I say) we were both starving and decided to pop in for some food. Of course, we had to start off with some of their delicious bread.
Seriously. The darker one? What is it, pumpernickel? Honey something? Good lord…all I know is that it’s amazing. And it was fresh and warm. YUM.
For my lunch, I ended up deciding on their Skinnylicious Chopped Salad.
I’m a major fan of chopped salads, and this one definitely did not disappoint. It came with romaine, grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, bacon, blue cheese, apples, and cilantro, and apart from there being just a tad too much blue cheese, this thing was faaaaantabulous.
One of the things I love about chopped salads is that, somehow, they never end up needing all that much dressing. I got my vinaigrette on the side and barely needed to use any of it…it was flavorful enough on its own.
Of course, when in Rome…
Mom and I split a slice of Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake – Pecan Brownie and Caramel-Fudge Swirl Cheesecake, Topped with Caramel Turtle Pecans and Chocolate – and, umm, yeah. InSANEly good.
The two of us polished that thing off noooo problem.
After lunch, as we were heading back out to the cars, we ended up passing one of those kiosks in the middle of the mall…you know, the ones that are armed with workers that make a beeline for you as soon as you make eye contact?
Typically, I make sure to avoid those things like the plague and instead, indulge myself in some heavy conversation, start browsing through my purse like I’m searching for something, or look the complete opposite direction when passing them. But for some reason, we ended up getting drawn in today.
And then this happened.
I’ve been needing a new flat iron for the longest time now, but just never bit the bullet and bought one. Since mom is a hairdresser, I kept giving her “the eye” as the lady was talking to us and explaining the product, just to see whether or not she was giving us any BS.
Turns out, the HerStyler brand is a pretty good product, and between it being on sale and my mom’s “hairdresser discount,” we got it down from $200 to $110.
And it even came in purple so really, I was sold from that point on. Either that or after the lady ended up curling a few pieces of my hair. (FYI: Offer to curl/play/up-do my hair and we’ll be BFF’s for life).
I can’t wait to start playing with it and attempt to make some fun curls!
What’s everyone got on the agenda for the weekend? Jay and I had our softball game for tonight get cancelled so we may be spending the evening with some friends, followed by a possible out-of-state day trip tomorrow(!). Gotta knock another state off of our adventure map at some point this year!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
I love chopped salads in the summer. You’re totally right – go easy on the dressing so you can really taste the flavor of the vegetables.
Renee says
I’ve never heard of that kind. I have a Chi now I love it… I remember biting the bullet for it…then my kids shut it in the bathroom door a week later and I cried. Good thing they had a return policy! They aren’t cheap but a good one is so much better for your hair.
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
The only reason I know about the Cheese Cake Factory is because of The Big Bang Theory!!!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
Love that show!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
It’s so funny!
amy says
love chop salad, love that everything is cut so small that you can get a little bit of everything in a bite!
Amanda @ Maggiano Takes Austin says
Courtney!! My bf Scott opened the first Austin Dell- Kiosk and worked right next to the HerStyler kiosk at the mall, and I have had my green colored straightener for a little over a year now = LOVE IT. My only rec. is to not turn the heat ALL the way up, i usually do it at about 75% cause it gets SO hot! The curls look great too :-) it’s a good buy dont worry! At first I thought he was victim to the kiosk people, but crazy enough it is a really good flat iron!!
Courtney says
Oh YAY! That’s so good to know, haha. Thanks, Amanda! :)
Antonia says
Courtney,
I bought the Herstyler too, but from Crossgates Mall, about two years ago. A few months in, my Herstyler broke and I returned it to the same kiosk (with the receipt!) and exchanged it for a new one at no cost. This happened a few more times and each time I took my original receipt back and then kept giving me a replacement one for free. Moral of the story is: keep your original receipt! If something breaks on it or it stops working, you can exchange it for a free replacement at no cost as long as its within a year of the date on the receipt.
By the way, I’m so jealous of your Cheesecake Factory trip. :)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I LOVE the Cheesecake Factory’s Chopped Salad. It’s easily one of my favorite things to eat there. Good choice! ;)
Rachel says
Cheesecake factory has the best bread! haha I’m always in heaven when I get it haha
Sana says
The kiosk people scare me, but I am glad you had your mom with you to make sure it was a good deal!
Angela says
I just visited the Cheesecake Factory this week, too! I tried their promoted cheesecake, the Hershey’s one, because I’m a chocoholic, and it was by far one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Like you said, when in Rome!
krystal@coffeecardiogoddess says
I went to cheesecake factory for my bday this past sunday! White chocolate macademia nut cheesecake! Yum! Skinnylicious salmon and strawberry martini are must try’s!!
Chelcie of Chelcie's Food Files says
i need to buy a new good hair straightner! i’ve been lazy this summer and mainly just wearing my hair wavy but it is such a good investment to have a good hair straightner!
Nicole says
Yay for road trips! Have you ever been to Newport, RI? It’s one of my fave places around and only 3 hrs from Albany! My hubby and I go every year for the Food and Wine Festival and also try to go each spring – it’s just so much fun!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
It’s probably been five years since I’ve been to The Cheesecake Factory- it was so stinking delicious the last time I was there—- good heavens that cheesecake! Mmmmm!
Alysha @Shesontherun says
I’m in heaven over that dessert. Holy cow! BTW, is there a curling iron you have that you like? I just bought a newer revlon and it disappoints me to no end :(
Trisha says
My two cents, Alysha, as I grew up in a hairdresser’s home. :) I would highly suggest Hot Tools. They’re definitely more expensive & you’ll probably have to buy one from a salon but they are worth it.
Alysha @Shesontherun says
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I know they sell Hot Tools at Ulta. So I think I’m going to break down and buy one.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
It’s been LONG time since I’ve eaten at Cheesecake factory but I DO remember that bread. Holy yum!
Jessie says
I think it’s impossible to forget that bread. So friggen good!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Going out for Mexican for an anniversary dinner date tonight…super excited!
If you show me anything purple, I’ll be all over that instantly. Such a consumer. :-)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Love love love the cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory! You’re making me want to change our “date night” plans for tomorrow and go there instead!!
We’re planning on doing some boring house things for most of tomorrow, followed by a much-needed date night! :)
Have a great weekend, Courtney!
Katherine @ The Fit Lady Sings says
I work part time at a store in my mall, and whenever I pass by the HerStyler kiosk, they always, always, always try to get me to come over, even after knowing that I work there! But I have heard great things about their products, so whenever my Chi poops out, I’ll indulge them and stop by :)
Vanessa says
you should definitely come to Rhode Island… so many good restaurants..
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights says
I’ve only been to the Cheesecake Factory once–I was so overwhelmed by all of the menu choices! I wish I would have known about this salad, because it looks amazing!
Enjoy your out-of-state trip–spur of the moment plans are the best! My husband and I are running a 5K with some friends tomorrow, and then we’re headed to my parents’ house for a last-minute end-of-summer weekend away!
Melissa @ runscootsrun.blogspot.com says
I love the darker bread too…so delicious! Their salads are good too. Yay for discounts!…it was meant to be today, lol. :) Hope you have a fun night with your friends and a nice weekend road-trip!
Trisha says
You know, I’ve been reading your blog for awhile & I’m always thinking that we have so much in common. From marrying the men we started dating in our teens to the relationship you have with your family & friends.
This post was totally something I could have written. I love shopping & lunching with my mom. We both pretend we’re sending a really important text when walking past those kiosks. My mom is also a hairdresser. If I ever stopped at the flat iron place at our mall & found out that I could get one in purple, I’d be sold too. :)
Min says
I seriously go to Cheesecake Factory just for that bread!! I even ask them to pack me some to-go every time! The hubby always gets embarrassed, but I got no shame ;). I got a flat iron too, and I’ve been trying to curl my hair in hopes of getting that natural wave. My hair is ridiculously straight and sticks straight to my face like seaweed. I’ve tried Julie’s and other youtube girls’ methods, but my hair is hopeless. It just ends up looking fried…Good luck to you! If you figure out some cool tricks, let us know!!
Katy says
That cheesecake looks incredible! I haven’t been to Cheesecake Factory is way too long. They have amazing salads and of course very decadent desserts!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I always dominate the brown loaf of bread when my husband & I go to the Cheesecake Factory; it’s the best!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
LOVE cheesecake factory! They’re super GF friendly and really try to accommodate. I was just there last week!
Lydia says
OMG I hate those mall kisoks!! But looks like you got a great deal!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
That bread at Cheesecake Factory is the best!! I go there all the time with my grandparents, and we always end up getting seconds of that. Next time you’re there, try the pulled pork sandwich. It is ah-mazing!!
Kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Your lunch looks absolutely perfect! I love that brown bread too.
Maddy says
I have that exact flat iron and LOVE IT! It’s the only flat iron I’ll use now, even though I’ve tried many others. I’ve had it for about 2 years now. It’s also that only hot tool that can curl my hair without the curls falling out later in the day. I can literally brush my hair through the curls and they stay perfectly! Hope you like it :)
Khushboo says
Goingto Cheesecake Factory and not ordering cheesecake is just wrong…glad you didn’t go down that road ;)
Brandi says
Holy cow that cheesecake looks amazing!
Jennifer @ Healthy Wifestyles says
Omg Courtney! I was there last night and was oh so close to snagging the purple HerStyler after getting my hair straightened, curled, then curled with extensions! I’m glad I didn’t grab it though since the special they offered me was $125 and you snagged it for $110. Too funny :)
Lisa says
That salad does look super delicious! Yum.
I’ve actually never had cheesecake factory before! Looks good though.
I have that flat iron as well. My sisters a hair dresser so I always have to get the down low from her. Its not my favourite for straightening, but I like it for curling my hair.
Bek @ Crave says
That cheesecake looks amazing! Drooling! Keep us updates with the flat iron! Good bargaining skills ;)
Divya @ Eat.Teach.Blog. says
Reason #2 for loving a chopped salad: You’ll never take a big bite out of your salad and have a piece of lettuce unattractively hanging out of your mouth.
Mollie @Sprinkles of Life says
I got a new straightener this weekend, too! And it’s purple!!!
I’ve used the Her Styler brand before. I liked it but did have trouble with the cord wiring shorting out. But it works great :)