Hiii happy Friday!

I'm officially back from babymoon mode and trying to get back into a routine. Lately that has looked like easy lunches, lots of time in the AC, and finding shortcuts wherever I can. 😅

One thing I've been making on repeat is Street Corn Chicken Salad using rotisserie chicken and a mostly Greek yogurt dressing. As someone who is currently obsessed with all things street corn, it has been hitting the spot.

This week's Friday Faves is a mix of things I've been loving lately, including my most-used kitchen tools under $50 and a few grilling side dishes from friends that would be perfect for your next cookout.

✨ Top 8 Kitchen Tools Under $50

1. ​Multifunctional Spatula Spoon - This is one of those tools that somehow replaces three others. I use it for stirring, scraping, serving, and basically every recipe that starts in a skillet. Plus it's safe for nonstick cookware.
2. ​Cast Iron Skillet - If I could only keep one pan, it would probably be this one. It's affordable, practically indestructible, and gives everything that perfect golden crust.
3. ​Digital Meat Thermometer - No more slicing into chicken and saying, "I think it's done?" 😅 It gives an exact temperature in seconds and takes all the guesswork out of cooking.
4. ​Souper Cubes - One of my favorite meal prep hacks. I use these to freeze soups, sauces, shredded chicken, and leftovers in perfect portions so nothing goes to waste.
5. ​Sheet Pan - I use this almost daily. Cookies, roasted vegetables, sheet pan dinners... it does it all and actually holds up without warping.
6. ​Olive Oil Mister - I've talked about this one before because I genuinely use it every day. It gives an even coating, helps you use less oil, and saves money compared to buying cooking spray over and over.
7. ​Meat Chopper - If you cook ground beef, turkey, or chicken regularly, this makes life so much easier. It breaks everything up quickly and evenly and cuts down on cooking time.
8. ​Glass Food Containers - Switching from plastic to glass was one of the best kitchen upgrades I've made. Everything stacks neatly, I can actually see what's in my fridge, and they're microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.

✨ Recipe Faves From My Friends

If you're firing up the grill this weekend, don't forget the sides. These recipes are easy, crowd-friendly, and pair perfectly with burgers, chicken, steak, or whatever's on the menu.

• ​Corn Elote - Sweet corn topped with a creamy lime sauce, cotija cheese, and a little kick of spice.
• ​Perfectly Grilled Russet Potato Wedges - Golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned with smoky spices.
• ​Grilled Veggie Skewers - Colorful, lightly charred, and an easy way to add veggies to any cookout.
• ​Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - Because wrapping vegetables in bacon is never a bad idea.

✨ Recipe Faves