Warm Chai Rice Oatmeal (+ Some Links!)

So here we are- the end of another week.

I’ve spent a lot of time being frustrated and stressed from various things this week. Some, most of it has to do with the stress of prep and a lot of questions as to why I’m even doing it. I unfortunately haven’t gotten to a concrete answer yet. Last year I was so determined to prove something but this year…I don’t know. I’m doing it because I want to but right now that just doesn’t seem like enough.

Regardless, late last night (aka- 2:30am- my sleep schedule is seriously messed up too) I decided it was time to do something about it. I sat down and made a list of the things that are making me unhappy as of late and then followed up with a list of things I could do to help remedy it. It may not fix everything, but I can certainly focus my efforts on improving and improving things.

Samantha, from one of my new favorite blogs, The Lovely Stars has been writing a lot about minimalism lately.  Whether it’s living minimally or adopting a Capsule Wardrobe, it’s certainly a lot to consider and honestly, her musings on a minimal lifestyle reflects almost exactly what I’ve been thinking myself.  I’ve slowly been working on getting rid of things and clearing things out of the apartment and as I do so, I’ve been feeling like I can breathe easier.  It’s going to take a while because I hold onto so many things out of guilt, but I’m working on it. 

So for this week’s roundup, while I certainly did go crazy drooling over recipes again (which can be seen on my Pinterest), I want to focus more on other things I enjoyed this week.

I don’t know about you all, but I’m so over winter.  Snow all the time, the crazy cold weather- I’m over it.  That’s why I loved that Love and Olive Oil posted this adorable wallpaper for desktops, iPads and iPhones.  I’m currently using it on all three for a little extra cheer each time I open my computer or look at my phone. 

Oh hey, and if we’re on a citrus (and maybe a cleaning) kick, let’s check out The Kitchn’s post on How to Make an All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner Using Citrus Peels. 

As someone who has had to say “no thank you” to most food offerings (even though it kills me) lately, I really appreciated this post from The Kitchn about 5 Times to Say “No Thank You” & 3 Things to Do When You Hear It.

I’ve also been enjoying following Food52’s The Piglet tournament, where the “the 16 most notable cookbooks of the year face off”.

I also loved this post from The Nectar Collective on successful blogging, 7 Signs Your Business Will Succeed.

And you know, we have to do some food, so to finish things off (with a healthy start to the day) I loved this post from The First Mess on Superfood Lattes.

Southern Fatty had me craving fries (ok fine- I’m just craving fries- it has nothing to do with SF) with this amazing Smoky House Seasoning.

And now let’s move on to the real reason why you’re here- breakfast!

I’m pretty sure breakfast is my favorite meal of the day…and brunch, and lunch and snack and dinner and dessert….ok fine, but having a good breakfast is the most important thing for me.  It sets the mood for my day so that’s probably why I love making recipes for it.  Happy mornings and consequently, and happy days start with a good breakfast!

Warm Chai Rice Oatmeal

Serves 3-4

1 1/2 Cups Cooked Rice

1 1/2 Cups Milk (Almond Milk or Whole Milk would work well)

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

3 Medjool Dates, pitted and chopped

1 tsp Powdered Masala Chai (I love Blue Lotus Chai– nice and spicy!)

In a medium sized pot, bring the milk, vanilla extract, masala chai and chopped dates to a simmer.  Add in cooked rice and cook, stirring regularly for several minutes until rice is heated through.

Remove from heat, serve and enjoy!