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Spring/Summer Diffuser Blends

| aladyandherlittles

Before I started using oils, I used to spend so much money on wax melts and plug in air fresheners- more than I would like to admit. 🙈 One of my reservations about oils was that I was convinced they would be so expensive, but in the long run I know I’m spending way less than I used to on the melts and air fresheners! The biggest plus to this switch is that I am no longer filling my house with ”fragrance“ and chemicals. The plant juice is filling my home with scents that are good for our bodies!
This is my first spring/summer since jumping in with Young Living, and I have enjoyed finding new diffuser blends that give our home uplifting vibes and smell amazing at the same time!
I share my diffuser blends quite often in my Instagram stories (https://www.instagram.com/aladyandherlittles/) but I wanted a place for everyone to easily reference back to all of them in one spot! I’m going to share some of my favorites now- and I plan to add more here as the season goes on!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

| aladyandherlittles
This recipe is one that makes an appearance on our meal plan very frequently. It’s easy, quick, and delicious- my kind of recipe.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Prep: 10 mins
Total time: 27 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients–

– 2.5 lbs red potatoes
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 3 cloves of garlic (optional- if you don’t like garlic you can omit)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp pepper
– 1/2 cup butter
– 8 oz cream cheese

1. Place the red potatoes, garlic, broth, salt and pepper into the pot.

2. Close the lid and set to sealing, then cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. (Add an extra minute of you prefer your potatoes creamy.) When done, quick release the pressure.
3. Open the lid and add butter and cream cheese, then close the lid again. Do not cook, just melt the butter and cream cheese. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove the lid and mash the potatoes to your preferred consistency.
5. Serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes–
—Adding  an extra of 1/4 cup of broth adds some extra creaminess if you prefer that. I also cut my potatoes in half to make the mashing process easier.
– This recipe can be doubled for big events or holidays. Double all ingredients, minus the broth- I would add 3/4 cup.
– Leftovers will keep for a week in the refrigerator, or for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Buffalo Chicken Tortellini

| aladyandherlittles

We eat a LOT of chicken in our home, and we love pasta! Alfredo is a regular in our meal rotation, but this spin on it is slowly becoming my favorite!

*Note- The buffalo sauce is a little too warm for a few little mouths around here– so I reserve some Tortellini, chicken, and Alfredo sauce for them to enjoy the meal sans buffalo sauce!

Buffalo Chicken Tortellini

Hands on time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 pkg. (20 oz.) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 cup jarred alfredo sauce
2 tbsp. buffalo-style sauce
4 cups cooked, diced chicken
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 scallion, thinly sliced, divided (optional)

1. In a medium stockpot, cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cooking water.

2. Return pasta to pot. Add Alfredo and buffalo sauces, chicken, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and white parts of the scallion. Toss; add reserved pasta water and stir again. Cook until it is heated through.

3. Divide between four bowls, garish with scallion greens and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers.



About Us

| aladyandherlittles

Welcome to our blog! This is a new adventure, and I am not 100% sure where it will lead us, but I’m excited to jump in! I wanted a place that I could reference back to for things people frequently ask me about- like recipes, outfits and essential oil tips! I’m not the type of person who is creative enough to come here on a regular basis and give you fun new posts. The posts here will be more of a sporadic, I have a few quick minutes so I’ll type this up, kind of deal.

A little about us-We are a family of 5 living in the heart of Wyoming, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
My husband, Jeremy, is the hard working back bone to our family. He’s always looking for our next project, and dreaming of what’s next. Its one of my favorite things about him because it evens out my level headed, take it day by day, outlook on life.
I’m Jerika. I am your typical hot mess stay at home mom. No fancy job, or cash cow side hustle. Just ”mom”. And in this season that’s enough for me. With that being said, I have been craving a little creativity in my life- and I’m hoping an occasional post here will help fulfill that.

Then there is the little Littles.
Mason. Our curious, clever, adventurous 7 year old. He is a tender hearted boy who can tell you the most random facts and loves using his imagination.
Maddi. The head strong 5 year old. She has a love for all things “girl” but isn’t afraid to get dirty. She’s fluent in eye rolls, hilarious random thoughts, and sweet giggles.
Max. Our calm, go with the flow 1 1/2 year old. He loves anything with an engine, balls, and chasing the big kids wherever they go.


If you got through all of that without loosing interest, you’re a gem. 😉 I’ll be attempting to keep the rest of the content here short and sweet, starting now! 😘