This enchilada recipe is cheesy, and comforting, and makes a delicious casserole to take to anyone who just had a baby, or needs a little pick-me-up. They’re also perfect to freeze and push ahead for busy weeknight dinners!

Hi friends! How’s the week going? We’ve been going through the regular school routine, + a celebration for my dad’s birthday, and making a baby meal for a squadron friend. I’ve made countless baby meals over the years, and this is one of my go-to’s!

It took me FOREVER to share my standard enchilada recipe on the blog. This is purely accidental. I want to post it every single time I make them, but they’re eaten quickly and I usually make them at night, so with the yellow light, it doesn’t make the prettiest photos. I decided to just post it with the iPhone photos I took so you guys can have it!

This is the recipe I always make. The girls request enchiladas at least once a month and crush them every time, and it’s my standard baby meal. I feel like maybe I should switch up my baby meal menu because pretty much everywhere you look in Tucson, an enchilada stares you in the face. But, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And these beauties definitely ain’t broke.

This recipe seems like a lot of steps, but the more you make it, the easier and faster it happens. Just trust the process; it’s worth it. Put on some Juanes radio on Spotify, pour a little wine, and go for it!  This recipe makes a double batch, so definitely make a pan for yourself and one to gift to a neighbor, a friend, or someone with a new baby (they really need enchiladas!) or wrap and put it in the freezer. You’ll thank yourself later.

The Best Cheesy Sour Cream Enchiladas

Important: chicken and tortillas matter. For the chicken, I always use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It has the most flavor and the best texture. The best part is that you don’t waste 100 years grilling and baking your chicken. And don’t even boil it unless you want the chicken to taste like white, chewy rubber, mmmm k?

As far as the tortillas go, I try to get as close to homemade as possible. When I’m feeling extra, I use the frozen fresh tortillas from Costco. You cook them on the griddle until they’re lightly golden brown and your whole house will smell amaaaaazing. The best part about making your own: enjoy them warm with a little butter and jam, rolled up, and they’re pretty much the best thing ever. (We call them “jam things” in our family and it’s a tradition from when you’re about two until forever.)

If you don’t have homemade, don’t worry!! Just make sure to get the ones with a paper label on the inside (this means they’re legit) like Alejandro’s brand. Also, don’t be afraid to feel the tortillas before you put them in your cart. Make sure they’re soft and nice! You can use corn tortillas, but I find that the flour ones give it a better texture.

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Talking about my eye story from red, inflamed eyes, finding a dry eye specialist, and autoimmune findings, + what I’m doing in the meantime. 

Hi friends! I hope you’ve having a wonderful day! I have a new podcast episode up with the full eye story details. I put the call out on IG for topic requests, and so many of you asked to hear more about what’s been going on. I shared some in this post with the best products for dry eyes and MGD, but I’m breaking everything down in this podcast episode. Thank you so much for those of you who have checked in and have been so caring on this wild journey.

*Friendly reminder that this is not medical advice; just sharing my experience.

Here’s what I talk about in this episode:

– My eye saga, from red, inflamed eyes to figuring out what the heck was actually going on

– Bloodwork and test results

– Finding a dry eye specialist

– What functional labs I’ve been doing

– Why you aren’t your diagnosis, and so much more.

Just like with many medical situations in my life, I’m fusing more Western style treatments (like MiBoFlo) with functional and holistic options (lab testing, protocols). It doesn’t have to be one or the other, and I’m grateful to have lots of options and for amazing care providers. <3

Notes from the episode:

– HigherDOSE Labor Day sale starts TODAY! If you’ve been wanting a sauna blanket, red light face mask, PEMF Go Mat, or neck enhancer, now is the chance. Check out everything here and use the code FITNESSISA20 for 20% off! I use multiple HigherDOSE products each week and the Go Mat and sauna blanket are two of my favorite things in the whole world.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs

Praline Pecans are a Southern delight blending velvety caramel and crisp pecans. Born from sugar, butter, and cream alchemy, they offer a harmonious contrast of textures.

Rooted in tradition, these treats encapsulate the essence of the South’s flavors, perfect alone or enhancing desserts with their irresistible charm.

Praline Pecans

Pecan pralines (also known simply as pralines) are a type of sweet candied nut made primarily from sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. Pralines have a distinct creamy texture and a rich, caramelized flavor.

To make them, butter and sugar are cooked until a sauce begins to form. The pecans are then stirred in to coat them well. Then the pecans are transferred to parchment and separated to cool.

What are Praline Pecans?

The resulting pecans are softer with a slightly grainy finish due to the crystallization of the sugar. They’re usually round or irregularly shaped and can vary in size.

Pecan pralines are enjoyed as a standalone candy or used to add a sweet and nutty element to various desserts, like ice creams, cakes, and pies.

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Sharing some of my favorite fall 2023 fashion finds!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having a lovely day so far. I can’t believe that August is pretty much over. I always look forward to so many things during the fall: the fun fall activities with the kids (apple picking, fall festival, pumpkin patch), holidays, birthdays, ideal hiking weather, and all of the fall foods. I’m a soup-loving gal and also obsessed with pie and pumpkin, squashes and gourds. At the same time, I’m usually meh about fall fashion. I’d rather wear a dress and sandals, shorts and tank, or a swimsuit and coverup than a bulky sweater and boots.

Buuuuut something about this year makes me excited for fall fashion. I’m ready for jeans and sweaters, jogger sets, and sweater dresses. Maybe I’m more excited because shackets are finally gone?! (I hope???) Even so, I’ve been browsing online, planning some staple pieces, and thought I’d share some of my favorite finds with you today.

If you have anything you’re already loving or online stalking for fall, please share the goods in the comments section!

*Note: affiliate links are included below that don’t affect purchase price, but enable me to earn a small commission. Thank you so much to those of you who support the blog by shopping through my links!

20 things I’m loving for fall

Jackets, tops, and sweaters

Love a classic striped button-up.

Black off-shoulder tee.

This gorgeous cropped plaid blazer.

Perfect pullover sweater in nude.

Floral embroidered mock neck sweater.

White Varley jacket.

Jumpsuits and sets

This Free People dupe. I have this one, wear it all the time, and will definitely continue to wear this and the all black version through fall.

This gorgeous jumpsuit. (SO cute with GGs)

 Jeans

M

Sharing a roundup of some of my favorite functional stretches to add to your routine.

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you had a great weekend! We had an amazing date night at Locale, I caught a hot yoga class, worked on Vitality (we start TODAY! last call!), and we met up with friends for dinner and drinks. I hope you had a lovely one, too!

For today, I wanted to chat a bit about functional stretching and share some of my faves. I know that stretching can be a fan fave, or something people loathe, but I think that it can be helpful to incorporate functional stretching (that makes sense for your activity level and lifestyle!) into your routine.

My favorite functional stretches

Why is functional stretching important?

Functional stretching, also known as dynamic stretching, involves moving your body through a range of motion to improve flexibility, mobility, and muscle activation. This type of stretching is different from static stretching, where you hold a position for an extended period. Functional stretching offers a range of benefits that are particularly relevant to physical activities and sports performance.

Here are some key benefits:

Improved Range of Motion:

Functional stretching involves dynamic movements that mimic the motions you’ll use during physical activities. This helps improve your joints’ range of motion in a way that’s relevant to your chosen sport or exercise.

Enhanced Flexibility:

Dynamic stretching helps increase the flexibility of your muscles and connective tissues by actively stretching and lengthening them through movement. This can contribute to better overall flexibility.Warm-Up for Activity: Functional stretching is often used as a warm-up before engaging in more intense physical activities. It gradually increases blood flow to your muscles, which helps prepare them for the demands of your workout or sports.

Activation of Muscles:

Dynamic stretching engages and activates the muscles you’re about to use. This can help improve muscle coordination and responsiveness, leading to better performance and reduced risk of injury.

Improved Blood Flow:

As you move through dynamic stretches, blood circulation to your muscles increases. This brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, enhancing their readiness for physical activity.

Injury Prevention:

Dynamic stretching with controlled movements and proper form helps improve joint stability and can reduce the risk of muscle strains and injuries during exercise. When you’re taking a muscle through the full and correct range of motion, it can help to prevent altered movement patterns, and imbalances that can lead to injury.

Neuromuscular Coordination:

Functional stretching promotes communication between