How to Enjoy Weekday Summer Nights More with Plated

I always say that fall is my favorite season, but man summertime comes in a close second. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been allowing myself to have more fun so far this summer or if I’m truly embracing the season more, but I freaking love it. I’ve really been soaking up the last of every minute and trying to make my days full of more joy. Which sounds like common sense, but we all know how easily our days can get away from us and what makes us feel good.

Since I feel like I’m in a good spot with how I’ve been spending my summer days, I wanted to share what I’ve been doing. Because one thing I’ve been doing more is enjoying my summer nights – even on the weeknights! Summer gives us these extra hours in the evening, so why not make the most of that right? Here’s how!

Make dinner simple

It’s taken me 20 something years to realize that I’m just not one of those girls who enjoys spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Especially during the week! Maybe that’ll change when I have a family to provide for, but often times dinner stresses me out – and it’s something that stresses me out all day. Which is why I’m legit OBSESSED with Plated, y’all! Have you used them? If so, you’re probably over there like “Duh Brighton,” but it’s new for me.

More than a meal delivery service, they actually have a summertime menu that focuses on “Fast & Fun” meals, which hello, I need in my life. Each of the Fast & Fun meals are delivered to your doorstep and each meal includes a max of 5 ingredients to prep, takes no more than 20-30 minutes to cook AND prep, and on top of all that, they are freaking delicious. I can’t tell y’all how nice it feels to know that I have food in my kitchen at all times and that dinner is one less thing to think about. Or to waste my summer nights stressing over – especially after working all day. I recently made their Sheet Pan Chicken for my friend and I and it was bomb.com.

This dish (Fast & Fun Sheet Pan Chicken) was so simple to make and tasted delicious. I mean it. It was amazing. So much so, that I’ve already made it again and plan on having it as a rotating go-to. All it took was prepping the ingredients: chicken, potatoes, lemon, and spinach. Then I put the chicken and halved potatoes in the oven. While that was cooking, I was able to prepare the cream sauce in a saucepan. The sauce included white wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream (yum!). Once the chicken and veggies were baked I added them back to the sauce to allow it to soak in. Let it rest and then plate! So easy and tasty!

Host at home

I love seeing my friends, but sometimes going out on a weeknight can be exhausting. Getting ready, picking a place, waiting forever for food and drinks, blah. I’ve already had quite a few friends over this summer for easy dinners (as you can see from these photos), a glass of wine, or even bible study, and it’s been SO nice. Even if I’m going to a friend’s house, there’s something effortless about being in your comfies and hanging at a house. And I still get to see my people! Plus, it’s a lot cheaper.

Log off

Seriously though. Get outside and enjoy the freaking sunset without your phone! Summer goes quick, so this season I’m trying to embrace logging off of work AND social media at a decent hour. I’ll take a book and sit outside if I don’t have plans, and I can’t tell y’all how much more relaxed I feel vs. scrolling Instagram until all hours of the night. I’ve even been watching less TV!

Go for walks after dinner

This is a simple habit that I’ve been pretty good at lately, and it’s such a quick way to enjoy weekday nights more. Instead of getting right into chores or whatever after dinner, go for a walk instead! Or, walk to your friend’s house if you have plans. I’ll usually bring my headphones and listen to a podcast or music depending on my mood, but if I’ve had a really hectic day, I’ll go without anything. I actually find that listening to the a meditation app is really nice, too, and a happy medium for those of us who can’t really sit still but still want the mindfulness exercise. It works!

K y’all, your turn! Let me know how you make the most out of your weekday nights!

If you’re wanting to try out plated for yourseld, I’ve got a discount code for y’all!! YAY! Head to their website and use code BRIGHTON20 to get $20 off your first 3 meals!