Can’t you tell that my friend Joey and I were psyched?!?
After weeks and weeks of waiting, Joey and I finally dragged out Jay and went to see Paranormal Activity 3. I won’t give anything away since I’m sure some of you are probably going to see it, but I will say…
- It was awesome
- I think I left the theater with a slight tension headache
- I still like the first one the best
- If you’ve seen the commercials where they say that the last 15 minutes are crazy, well, they are not kidding. At all.
Before the movie started, the three of us did have a good time being goofballs.
Oh yes, and we had candy too. (Earlier in the day, Joey said he called dibs on the candy corn M&M’s, so I made sure to bring ‘em to share.) The verdict? They taste nothing like candy corn…only white chocolate and they are super, super sweet. They actually weren’t a favorite of any of ours, but I’d be willing to bet they’d be good mixed into a salty trail mix or something?
The three of us had a really good time at the movie, but we had an even better time before the movie because we went out for a little Happy Hour and had Kate to join us, too.
Scary movies are not Kate’s thing, so she had no desire to go see it with us (she definitely would not have liked this movie) but she made sure to join us for happy hour at Chili’s which was awesome. Nothin’ like a double date Happy Hour with great friends, right?
There’s also nothin’ like 2 for 1’s at Chili’s, either.
Beers for him, Chardonnay for her (err, me).
We also got there just in time to take advantage of some of their Happy Hour food specials, so we ordered a few items for the table to share.
Bottomless chips and salsa (their chips are so, so good)
Nachos (yes, there are 8 nachos there…wasn’t expecting that)
Boneless Buffalo Wings for the boys
Since I can’t really make a dinner of chips and salsa and a couple of nacho chips with cheese, Jay and I also decided to share a grilled chicken sandwich. Our waitress was already pretty cool for the night, but she earned herself an “awesome” status after coming out with our sandwich split on two plates.
It was pretty good! Honestly, Jay and I typically avoid chains, for the most part, because we really like frequenting smaller, local businesses. That being said, there are still a few that we enjoy every once in a while…especially when they have 2 for 1 drink specials.
I have a busy day of doing things around the house and finishing up some very special cupcakes for a very special birthday girl. I’ve gotta give a shout to my girl…
Happy 30th Birthday, Kate!!
(That’s a picture on her birthday last year which, ironically, consisted of going to see Paranormal Activity 2 before heading out to celebrate her birthday. Basically the same thing this year, only we’ll be doing the celebration part tonight.)
*****
I’ve already got my workout in for the day (20 minutes of HIIT, 5 minutes of steady pace running, and 20 minutes upper body weights) so now I’m off to go make some cupcakes. Catch ya’ll later!
Question for the Morning (pretty sure I’ve already asked this one, but…):
Do you enjoy chain restaurants? What are your favorites?
Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN. says
Okay, I am the biggest wuss ever and HATE scary movies so your review is the closest i’ll get to it! I even cover my eyes during the commericals! Chick flick, please ;) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
I’m not huge on chain restaurants because the food is always meh to me. But I’m not opposed to going. And you’re right – can’t beat 2 for 1 drinks! ;)
you have me wanting to see that movie now! It will probably wait until it comes to DVD but I’m excited. I love watching scary movies like that curled up under a blanket.
PS – Boo on the M&Ms not being very good!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says
Ahh I wish I liked scary movies…I just can’t do them haha. I’m so sad those M&Ms were not very good! Oh well, I’ll just have to get the pretzel ones :D. I do like chain restaurants! PF Changs is a great one! Oh and so is Cheesecake Factory. Hope you have an awesome Saturday Courtney! <3
Lindsey says
Some chains are okay, but I like the smaller, local type of restaurants better for sure. My favorite chain here is Moxies, best Chicken Citrus Salad ever!
Jenny says
I hate chain restaurants. I just feel like there is nothing substantial about them and no quality food (not to rain on your chili’s parade there!). If I had to go I try to stick to things like Cosi and Panera and even Chipotle actually (tons of healthy options there!)
Courtney says
Haha, no worries! I totally agree with you on Panera and Chipotle, though. YUM!
Katie says
I saw PA3 last night too and loved it! I was wearing a scarf and, I have to admit, watched some parts of the movie hiding behind my scarf! Those last fifteen minutes…oof. I love scary movies, and Halloween season is my favorite time of year!
As far as chain restaurants go, I like them sometimes, especially for specials (like the awesome one you mentioned) or when a totally random craving hits, such as the lettuce wraps at PF Chang’s. Yum!
Have a wonderful day!!
Courtney says
I had my hands covering my face for the majority of the movie…no worries ;)
Lily says
My boyfriend and I LOVE ruby tuesday’s haha. We are kind of obsessed! But we also love trying out small local places and supporting local businesses! And we feel there are usually more unique offerings at local places!
Courtney says
Ruby Tuesday’s is probably our favorite chain restaurant EVER! :)
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
We typically try to avoid chains too but sometimes they just happen b/c they’re easy. Chili’s is a definite favorite. Applebees is one of the worst in my opinion.
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
Chain restaurants aren’t really my thing. I do enjoy PF Chang’s though. If I am going to eat out I really prefer quality in the food and I just don’t feel like it is there with the majority of chains. It also just doesn’t really have the best atmosphere in my opinion.
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Ah, I’m with your friend; definitely not a fan of scary movies! I enjoy a good chain restaurant meal from time to time!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
I have to say, I was pretty bummed to hear the candy corn M&Ms were nothing special… I am glad you told us how they really were though before I went to go buy a big bag!
I don’t mind quality chain restaurants… Some of my favorites are Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, and Macaroni Grill. The privately owned/hole in the wall places usually always win though!
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
I saw the first Paranormal Activity and that was enough for me!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
My favorite chain restaurant is Cooper’s Hawk. It has a great gluten free menu!
Courtney says
I’ve never heard of Cooper’s Hawk?!?
P.S. – I was thinking the SAME exact thing you were with those pumpkin spice almonds. Thanks for take the guesswork out of it for me….I’ll just be using your recipe. :)
Maria@La_Piattini says
Mmm Chilis chips and salsa are so good! Luckily there is one nearby and I often get gift cards for there from my students- sweet! I also really like TGI Fridays. But like you and Jay, we like to try various local restaurants when we decide to eat out rather than chains.
Claire says
Eek, was it terrifying?! I watched the 1980’s Halloween II with my boyfriend last night and am pretty sure it had an impact on my sleep cycle haha. That looks like a great assortment of fun foods (all gluten free, I likey!). Glad it was a fun little Friday! You made it out further than me…it was wine, movie, fireplace and couch time around my neck o’ the woods ;-) The perks of aging hehe
Courtney says
Terrifying, yes! :-D
Your night in still sounds perfect to me!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I’ll take what I can get! We don’t have ANY sort of eating joints around here- unless you count my kitchen ;)
Kristen says
Hi Courtney!
I was going to see Paranormal 3 last night but I was too exhausted from my first ever Parent-Teacher conference week (I know you can relate to this!)
I’m going tonight though, & I’m super excited!!
Courtney says
Ohh yes, I can totally relate. Congrats on making it through! :)
Kathryn says
I enjoy some chains. My fave right now is Culver’s. I know it’s a bit more fast food than sit down, but they’ve got some AMAZING food. My fave is their Cashew chicken salad. YUM!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
I’m so bummed to hear that the candy corn M&M’s weren’t that great! They’re a good idea, in theory!
I actually haven’t seen the Paranormal Activity movies yet, though I do love scary movies!
Nicole says
want a laugh? speaking of paranormal activity….the third one was awesome!…….however, the camera angles got to me soo much when I went to see the first one in theaters, I actually vomited. In the theater…
Talk about embarassing, but now I laugh about it…..or something like that :)
Courtney says
Oh NO, really?!? I agree, some of the camera angles were a little rough to watch a few times for me, too. I hope the theater wasn’t too full!
Tara Deal says
I saw the first Paranormal Activity and actually really like it! I have always been a sucker for scary movies (I loved the Saw series!) so it looks like I need to get caught up on all of the Paranormal Activity series!
Shannon says
I like some chain restaurants but not all. The ones I like include:
Friendly’s (so disappointed that they are bankrupt and closing some restaurants :( )
Dunkin’ Donuts (addicted to the strawberry & vanilla frosted donuts)
Fuddrucker’s (mad that they moved to Clifton Park)
99 Restaurant & Pub
Panera Bread (love, love, love their macaroni & cheese w/ their baguette- best dinner ever!)
Katie @ Plates and Paste says
I too try to avoid chains but will eat at them if I have to. Chilis and TGIFridays aren’t bad. I like bone fish Gill and Panera. Last week on a mini road trip we were desperate for a quick dinner and we got Macdonalds…and dare I say it wasn’t bad. I still think they have a great French fry and the crispy chicken club was beyond indulgent.
Hope says
I do like some chain restaurants. I like PF Changs, Bonefish Grill, Panera Bread, and the Cheesecake Factory. :)