4:00 blinks annoyingly in my face. I wave my hand in front of the clock, not that I am saying hello but we have one of those clocks that goes to snooze via motion sensor. I hate the thing.
After waving at it for approximately one snooze round. I stumble downstairs to start my day.
First up is the blind breakfast. It’s blind because my eyes are barely open at this point. I am more zombie than actual person at this point. I pack breakfasts, lunches, feed the kitty cats (all 6-7 of them) yes. we have 4 of our own but sometimes the kitten and his momma come around outside and how can I say no to those faces?
Jake from State Farm leaves to go to work and I get ready for work as well. I am out the door by 5:30. We both work 8-10 hours then its a long commute home (for Jake). I rush home to get a few chores done then its gym time! It is the one part of the day where I get to release pent up energy (and/or the day’s frustrations). Finally its time for dinner and sitting on our butts time before bed at 9PM.
Whoa.
It amazes me how much you truly can get accomplished in one day. Everyday everyone gets the same 24 hours and what you do with it is up to you. I try to live each day with my goals in mind. My passion for engineering and work ethic each day led me to a very unique position where I get to help our Marines and I love it. I also love this blog. And fitness. It truly is a lot to fit in one day. But I do it because I want to live like no one else and to dream like no one else.
My goals for this blog are growing everyday. Guys, I have SO many ideas. I can’t wait to share with you! I will give you some highlights for now:
local and nationwide brand out reach
Farmer’s Market!
New photo studio! (already set up thanks to some shopping at IKEA!)
TONS of new recipes
Newsletters
More!
In the midst of these go-go-go days I often find myself day dreaming up my next recipe concoction. It truly gives my mind peace to let out my creative juices.
When I do get a moment to just simply enjoy the moment I create. Which brings me to this oatmeal.
Oatmeal is a simplistic food. Yet it can be molded to something much greater. I pictured this dish in my head last week but the hardest part about it was coming up with the name! Should it be Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal? I decided on the longer version because I like to be upfront with you about exactly what you are getting into.
Ill tell you what you you're getting into: pure coco-nutty slow cooked oatmeal with smooshed blueberries. And if that wasn’t tasty enough, slices of bananas are caramelized in coconut oil as the ultimate oatmeal bowl topping.
And I give you the “smoothie bowl” of oatmeal. I give you the oatmeal bowl. With all of its coconut-blueberry-chia-banana goodness.
To me this oatmeal represents the simply joys. Take a moment each day and do it for you. Sit back enjoy a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of joe and simply be in the moment.
Ingredients:
1 cup of gluten free rolled oats (I love Bob’s Red Mill)
1 ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup of blueberries
½ banana, sliced
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 tbs hazelnuts
1 tbs chia seeds
1 tbs honey
Instructions:
In a medium sauce pan stir coconut milk and oats on medium heat
Continue to stir the oats occasionally until the milk has been absorbed by the oats (about 15 minutes)
Mix in the salt and vanilla and blueberries
Lower the heat to medium low until the blueberries become soft
Serve oatmeal in two bowls
In a small skillet heat coconut oil until melted then add the banana slices
Cook bananas 1 minute per side
Top oatmeal with chia seeds, honey, hazelnuts,and bananas
Let’s Eat!
And enjoy the simple joys in life
Amy says
Hello:
Thanks for sharing this; it looks delicious! Do you think it's something that would reheat well over a few days?
Amanda says
Hi Amy!
Absolutely! I wouldn't keep it in the fridge past 3 days though for the best flavor. I would also caramelize the bananas for a fresh topping.
Jill Wiley says
That looks absolutely scrumptious!!!
Haley at Cheap Recipe Blog says
Super yum! Shared on FB 🙂
Colleen says
This just looks too good! I want to dive right in!
Rose | The Clean Dish says
Your days sound long and stressful - sorry!! 🙁 On the bright side, starting your day with a bowl full of YUM (caramelized bananas - love it!!) probably makes all the difference!
Amanda says
That's what makes us weekend warriors!! = sitting and enjoying lazyness! Especially when we start the day with this oatmeal!
Lora says
Your day is so full and you accomplish so much! How fantastic that you keep up with your blog and fitness and I loved reading your blog goals. Making this for breakfast this weekend for me!
Amanda says
Yay! I can't wait to hear how you like it!!! ?
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
This is a gorgeous bowl of oatmeal - the caramelized bananas take it over the top - yum!
Amanda says
Thank you so much Aly!
Kimberly at The Daring Gourmet says
I am totally digging the addition of those luscious caramelized bananas!
Amanda says
They are an absolute MUST for this bowl!
christine says
I love every little thing about these bowl from the coconut milk all the way to the bananas. Yumma!
Erin says
I work all day and am always astonished at how little I accomplish! It's time to change that. I'd like to improve on that by starting off my day with this oatmeal. 🙂
Amanda says
That sounds like a good plan to me! ?
LaurenKellyNutrition says
This is my kind of oatmeal!
Amanda says
I'm obsessed!
Ashley says
I love the jazzed up oatmeal! Love your blog and all your creative recipes! Can't wait to see what else you have in store for us 🙂
Amanda says
Thank you Ashley!!! You're so sweet to say this!! ?
Stephanie says
Ok, this sounds totally amazing!
Lisa O'Driscoll says
I love oatmeal but I've never had it with caramelized bananas. It looks and sounds so delicious!
Amanda says
The bananas really steal the show in this oatmeal. It's a must! Thanks Lisa!