Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal + Weekend Recap
10 Jun
Hey everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic, relaxing weekend.
To be honest, I don’t really have all that much to report, but since I was MIA yesterday, I figured I’d check in!
Yesterday morning, Chris & I were up bright & early to help his brother move. We could only help out for a few hours, but the sun was hot & I definitely felt okay counting that as my workout for the day!
Yesterday afternoon was filled with house hunting. Yes, house hunting. “Erica, didn’t you say you were buying a house?” Well friends, it’s a long story – one that I will go into eventually, but not just yet! I feel like blogging about a house must be the kiss of death or something, so once I have some substantial, concrete explanation/update to provide you all with, my lips are sealed!
Since “emergency” house hunting kept us out for a few hours, we completely crashed once we got home. An early wake-up call + lots of driving around/house shopping = mental/physical exhaustion. We napped for a few hours, woke up to eat pizza & shower, then pretty much went back to bed. An exciting life, I know.
This morning, I thought I’d switch up my breakfast a bit since I’ve been having overnight oats nearly every morning. I hadn’t made baked oatmeal in forever, & now I’m wondering why since it’s so easy, delicious, & filling.
Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. oats
- 1/3 c. milk
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tbsp. walnuts
- 1 tsp. chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tbsp. chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350*.
- Combine all ingredients & pour in a mini loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
I topped my baked oatmeal with some syrup, & had an iced coffee, too. I got a little bit of blueberry flavor in my coffee this morning, & I actually wasn’t a fan… lesson learned.
After breakfast, I showered & headed off to church.
Chris & I had a few more house appointments this afternoon, so before heading out I prepped a crockpot dinner.
I followed this recipe for Pacific Island Chicken & Rice from Campbell’s Kitchen, except I added in 1/2 a red onion, since it was just hanging out in our fridge without a use!
It’s not the most photogenic meal, but it was flavorful & easy to make!
The rest of my evening has been spent doing some laundry & not much else. After being so busy during the school year, it’s so weird to have down time. Tomorrow looks somewhat “busy” though. I have an early run planned (before it gets too hot!) then a meeting with our realtor, a doctor’s appointment, & a major clean of our apartment, which is long overdue. I also need to fit in grocery shopping!
When do you typically do your grocery shopping? During the school year, I always go at some point during the weekend. I like being able to go during the week though, since it’s considerably less crowded!





Good luck with the house-hunting! Fingers-crossed for you!

Amanda @ Let Me Be What’s Underneath recently posted..Quotable Sunday
Thank you! We need it!!
No way! I’m hoping things aren’t too bad with the whole house thing- house stuff can be sooo stinking difficult.
Mmmmmm, that baked oatmeal (with syrup!!!) looks like it should be on my plate sometime soon!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..A place for our sweet baby to sleep & 27 weeks
Buying a house has been way more difficult than I ever imagined! I hope this isn’t what it’s like for everyone & we’re just the exception!
Everyone is telling me I should start looking for a house, and I know they’re probably right – rent isn’t quite the same investment that house payments are – but that just sounds like so much responsibility right now! So kudos to you. I hope you find a great place!
Darcy recently posted..Pumpkin Seed Chili Sauce
I definitely wouldn’t be buying a house if I weren’t married because I have no idea about all of the upkeep that’s involved! My husband used to be a landscaper, so I know he’s got the outside of the house covered. Anything else, we’ll have to struggle through together!
We grocery shop… very often. Lol. We have one on the end of the street. The oatmeal sounds amazing!!
Corrie Anne recently posted..World Tourist + Superfood Burrito in a Jar
This sounds delicious! I had banana bread baked oatmeal the last time I was at The Pantry and have been meaning to recreate it ever since!
Lauren recently posted..DMB Saratoga Springs Weekend
I’m sure the Pantry’s baked oatmeal FAR surpasses mine!
Oh no!!! Home buying can be really frustrating! I hope you guys are able to find something soon!
Sarah @Blonde Bostonian recently posted..Take Me Back to Key West
Thanks Sarah!
I completely understand the house hunting frustrations–eek! I have my fingers crossed for you!
I am always tempted by the flavor options at DD but have learned to steer clear of fruity flavors–only caramel and vanilla for me!
Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl recently posted..Officially Back in Action!
It was a very weird taste! I agree — caramel & vanilla are winners!
oh man, i know how frustrating and drawn out house hunting can be! i hope you find something soon! i usually do our grocery shopping on my way home from work on mondays… i just works for us. i really try not to go on the weekends because it’s SO crowded.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..Farmer’s Market Fun
I’m so sorry about the house thing. That’s a total bummer. Back when I was single, I thought that if I told my friends I liked guy, it wouldn’t work out and I’d jinx it – so i know how you feel!
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Post Cheese Detox + 2 recipes
Oh wow that baked oatmeal looks amazing! I’ve never baked mine before. I need to try it for sure

Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Blogiversary Giveaway
Definitely do! It’s a nice change!
Good luck Erica! The house you finally get will be the house you’re meant to have.
That baked oatmeal looks delicious, and it couldn’t have come at a better time! I have some ripe bananas I need to use. Can’t wait to try it!
Angela @ Health, Happiness & Harmony recently posted..California Avocado and Roast Beef Wrap
Thanks Angela!
Just discovered your blog and LOVE it! I love nothing more than cake (and baked goods in general, I try not to discriminate) so I know this is a blog I’ll be checking back frequently
Welcome Allee!
Good luck on the house hunting, Erica! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you
That baked oatmeal looks delicious!
Michelle (Better with Berries) recently posted..Free Stuff!
I’m house hunting too! I’m not sure I’d call it emergency…but living with my parents is definitely getting old fast. I’ll be excited to own a house of our own again. Good luck with your hunt! PS: I’ve been in an overnight oats routine too lately…this baked oatmeal looks like a fantastic change-up!
Baking Serendipity recently posted..365: week twenty-three
We need something by the end of the month. Depending on how things work out, a little “vaca” at my parents’ house may be the route we take.
House hunting is so so exciting, but stressful of course too… my mom is doing that right now, and I am trying to help out!

The baked oatmeal is great, I love recipes like this.. will be trying it soon, especially because we have people coming to stay soon, and that could be a good breakfast for everyone
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Quirks, Flaws and All