June is the month that kicks-off summer, which should be a time filled with rest, relaxation and lots of fun. It’s also a season that seems to fly by here, so this year we’re making some resolutions to make sure we capture every minute of it.
Our list is below. What’s yours?
1) Live Like You’re On Vacation
This summer, we’ll spend less time on chores and more time having fun. Meez makes the dinner part of life easier. What can we outsource to help with everything else? Or can we spend one day a month running errands so the rest of the weekends are free?
2) Eat Al Fresco
Those 2 Italian words capture our imagination for good reason! They conjure up images of relaxation and slowing down. But somehow we save it for special meals. This year, we’re making it a point to dine outside any night of the week. We’ll linger over dinner, have that glass of wine, and generally capture of vacation vibe, right here in Chicago. (Don’t have your own outdoor space? Hit one of the city’s parks for an easy adventure. And because you can cook ahead of time, these meals you carry with you are often even easier at the end of a long day!)
3) Take Advantage of City Life
From free outdoor concerts to weekly summer street fairs, there’s always something going on. Here’s a link to Time Out’s list of great activities (here). We’re choosing 4 and putting them on our calendars today.
4) Take Advantage of Life Outside the City
Chicago’s great in the summer (see #3) but there are great escapes we can take just an hour or two from the city. Here’s a list of 25 getaways close to the city. (Going away for a 3-day weekend? We’re always happy to deliver your meals on Tuesday!)
5) Schedule Summer Fun
We’re going to sit down over dinner and brainstorm a summer bucket list: all the things we want to do before the season slips away. Then we’ll write each one on the calendar so that it actually happens. Going for ice cream. Playing mini-golf. Visiting the zoo. Making a list and putting dates with these summer must-dos will make them happen.
6) Try A New Vegetable
It’s easy to hit the local farmer’s markets with a mission to buy old favorites. This year we’re going to seek out veggies we’ve never cooked with and add them to our bag. The farmers are a great resource for advice on how to cook them, but if we want more ideas, we’ll give the dinner hotline a call. They love to help, even when the caller’s not cooking a Meez Meal.
7) Host A Dinner Party
Summer’s great time to get social. And having friends over for dinner doesn’t have to be a big save-it-for-a-special-day event. We’ll order some extra servings of Meez, put out some chips and guacamole and be all set. Or go with a potluck theme. Summer is about being casual, so embrace the season and keep it low key.
8) Exercise Outdoors
We’ll take advantage of the summer weather by changing up our workout routine. Go for a run in the morning before the heat of the day. Swim in the lake. Bike in the forest preserve. Take a paddle board class or outdoor yoga class. Think outside the gym this time of year!
9) Plan For Leftovers
Doesn’t sound like a summer strategy? Think again. Summer is a time of salad-for-dinner and great room temperature meals. When you’re cooking with leftovers in mind, these types of dinners comes together naturally.
10) Slow Down
Summer nights are meant to be lazy, so we’re going to take extra time at home. Sit down to a meal together, talk, open a bottle of wine. Make every night a night to be savored.
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