Hey everyone, Rebecca here! 👋
I hope you’re all having a great summer and enjoying longer days, a slower pace, and some outdoor time. I’m having a quiet summer and sticking close to home, doing “staycation” kinds of things like visiting farmers’ markets and hiking on weekend mornings. After our busy graduation month and with one kid heading to college in August, we all needed some downtime!
Life Lately
Melissa came over to my house recently and helped me shop and meal prep five different meals using Budget Bytes freezer-friendly recipes: Chicken Enchiladas, Homemade Meatballs, Breakfast Burritos, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Shredded Chicken! We had a great time, and it was so helpful. I learned how easy and fast meal prepping can be, and how a little planning and legwork can make such a difference.
Comment "MEAL PREP" and we'll DM you all five recipes!
I bought a backyard splash pad for our pups to beat the heat, but so far they’re just confused by it. I’ll keep trying! 💦
A quick shot of our team leaving the studio earlier this month. We have a blast every day and love making and photographing recipes for you! 🙌
Recipes I’m Loving
Protein is having a moment right now, and at 11 grams per serving, these creamy cottage cheese eggs are my new go-to for breakfast (or an afternoon snack!). They come together in just 15 minutes and are a simple way to elevate classic scrambled eggs. Now that egg prices have finally leveled out, this recipe is as budget-friendly as it is delicious!
This easy chicken shawarma is such a great dish for summer! Marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and warm spices, it cooks up tender and juicy on the grill or in a skillet. You can serve it in a wrap, over rice, or just in a bowl with fresh veggies and tangy yogurt sauce. It’s quick, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Behind The Lens
Can you believe back-to-school season is almost here? 😣 We're getting ahead of it at Budget Bytes! Jess has written a post filled with simple, healthy lunch ideas to lighten the load, and I had a great time photographing it in the studio recently.
Jess’s daughter, Velvet, joined us as our official hand model! Her cute little hand, along with playful elements like a handwritten sticky note and heart-shaped cheese cutouts, made these photos so fun. Stay tuned for the full post coming to the website and social media soon!
Which condiment were many international fans visiting the United States for the FIFA World Cup been into their hand luggage?
Book Club
The Five-Star Weekend
I love a breezy summer beach read, and The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand hits all the marks! The story follows a popular food blogger who gathers four best friends from different chapters of her life for a weekend in Nantucket. Beyond the fun coastal setting, it dives into deeper themes like friendship, grief, healing, and self-discovery. It’s a captivating read, and I've just started watching the new Peacock series adaptation starring Jennifer Garner!
Tried it. Loved It.
Blu-Tack Reusable Adhesive
I use this blue putty on every photoshoot to prop up food, angle plates, and style linen napkins. Beyond the studio, it’s just as handy around the house for hanging posters, straightening picture frames, or stabilizing a wobbly table leg. A two-pack costs around $8 and is reusable, so it basically lasts forever (unless, like me, you’re constantly using it on food! 😆).
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my issue!
Rebecca x
Until next time, happy cooking!
