Embracing Intentional Living: Navigating Parenthood, Productivity, and Delicious Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Oats

Another year has flown by, much quicker than the last, it seems. As the calendar flipped to 2017, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar sensation of time accelerating, a phenomenon many of us experience as we grow older. While I’m not one for grand, elaborate New Year’s resolutions, I cherish the tradition of acknowledging the passing year and deliberately setting intentions for the one ahead. This practice helps ground me, ensuring that when 2018 eventually arrives, it doesn’t feel like the rug has been abruptly pulled out from under my feet.

My current season of life is a vibrant tapestry woven with constant activity and boundless love. With a spirited 15-month-old and an inquisitive 3-year-old, my days are a beautiful whirlwind of delightful distractions, endless tasks, and a symphony of joyful noise. My brain, once a highly organized machine, now operates at a fraction of its former capacity. Just today, I found myself calling the bank twice to rectify incorrect bill payments – a testament to the charming, yet undeniable, chaos that defines my everyday existence. It’s a blessed, wonderful chaos, undoubtedly, but chaos nonetheless.

The adage “the days are long, but the years are short” resonates deeply with me right now. Each day can feel expansive, filled with a myriad of small moments and demands, yet when I look back, weeks and months have vanished in a blink. This realization fuels my desire to live more intentionally, to savor the present, and to find more efficient ways to navigate both my personal life and creative pursuits.

Cultivating Efficiency and Embracing Authentic Creation

Instead of meticulously outlining ambitious goals for the year, I’m opting for a more flexible, moment-by-moment approach to planning. I’ll dedicate any spare minute I find – like this one, as I patiently await my bubble bath to fill – to contemplate how I can refine my processes and cultivate greater efficiency. One significant intention for the upcoming year is to work more quickly and effectively. I’ve often found myself pouring countless hours into crafting a single blog post, followed by extensive periods editing photos. But upon reflection, I’ve questioned the necessity of this level of perfectionism.

What is a blog post, fundamentally, but a space to share personal thoughts, experiences, and useful information? Why do I feel compelled to meticulously over-edit every word and endlessly adjust every photo? The hours spent in Lightroom, tweaking white balance, exposure, and cropping the same image repeatedly, could surely be better utilized. This year, I’m embracing the mantra of “git ‘er done” – not in a hasty or thoughtless manner, but with a commitment to making decisive choices and moving forward authentically, without overthinking every minor detail. My aim is to trust my instincts, complete tasks to a high standard, and then swiftly transition to activities that genuinely bring me pleasure and fulfillment.

The Power of Flow: My Active Meditation

The hours that truly ignite my passion and joy are those spent in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes, and capturing their essence through photography. During these times, I enter a state of deep concentration, where the afternoon can effortlessly slip away unnoticed. This immersive experience, often referred to as “flow,” is akin to an active form of meditation for me. It’s a profound focus that silences the mental clutter and allows creativity to flourish. I find similar solace and mental clarity when engrossed in a compelling book, lost in the strokes of a paintbrush, or absorbed in the intricate patterns of a puzzle. These activities provide a valuable mental escape, refreshing my mind and nurturing my spirit.

Inspired by this realization, I set a small, actionable goal for myself: to publish a blog post within the seven minutes it takes for my bathtub to fill with suds. It’s a challenge to streamline my writing process, embrace authenticity over absolute perfection, and prove that quality content can emerge even in the briefest windows of time. This approach not only enhances productivity but also frees up more moments for those deeply cherished activities that bring me true joy and a sense of meditative calm.

A Cozy Morning Treat: Carrot Cake Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats

Speaking of things that bring pleasure, I want to share a recipe that perfectly embodies cozy comfort and efficient meal prep: slow-cooker steel-cut oats. Their creamy texture, reminiscent of rice pudding, is an absolute delight. I recently experimented with a pumpkin version that was nothing short of divine, prompting me to create a carrot cake adaptation. This recipe delivers all the warm, inviting flavors of a classic carrot cake – abundant cinnamon, plump raisins, a touch of rich brown sugar, and a delightful scattering of toasted walnuts on top. For those who enjoy an extra touch of indulgence, a delicate icing drizzle would certainly not be judged!

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm, spiced oats filling your home. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also a fantastic solution for busy mornings. It makes a generous batch, enough to nourish our family of two adults and two little ones for three hearty breakfasts. Leftovers are easily reheated with a splash of water or milk to restore their creamy consistency. It’s a nutritious, satisfying way to start the day, ensuring you have a wholesome meal ready even when time is scarce.

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Carrot Cake Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats

By:
Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Discover how to make creamy, flavorful steel-cut oatmeal in your slow cooker. This carrot cake inspired recipe, rich with cinnamon and raisins, cooks overnight, ensuring you wake up to a wonderfully warm and fragrant breakfast.

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
7 hours

Total Time:
7 hours 5 minutes

Servings:
10

Ingredients

• 6 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups steel-cut oats
• ¾ cup raisins
• ½ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
• 4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients (grated carrots, water, milk, steel-cut oats, raisins, brown sugar/maple syrup, cinnamon, and kosher salt) in your slow cooker. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Cook on the low setting for 7 hours. If your slow cooker has a “keep warm” function, activate it once the cooking cycle is complete to maintain a perfect serving temperature until morning.
3. In the morning, give the porridge a really good stir. This will help distribute the flavors and achieve a consistent texture.
4. Serve warm, garnished with additional brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup as desired. For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, sprinkle toasted walnuts on top. Enjoy your nourishing and delicious breakfast!

Tried this recipe? Share your thoughts!
Leave a comment below to let us know how your Carrot Cake Slow-Cooker Steel-Cut Oats turned out!

As we navigate our busy lives, especially after the festive Christmas holidays, I hope you are all finding moments to ease peacefully back into your routines. What intentions are you setting for this new year? Are you striving for greater efficiency, more intentional moments, or perhaps a new cooking adventure? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

And with that, my mini-goal for the day is accomplished! The blog post is published, and my bath is ready. Nighty night, friends. Thank you for being a part of this journey!