A couple of weeks ago, I went to the ophthalmologist to check if I can have lasik surgery for my eyes to get rid of the lenses for good. It turned out that I had a problem with my retina that needed urgent correcting before I can do lasik surgery. So I did laser for my retina first then a week later I did the lasik for my eyes.

Those couple of weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. No matter how much research you do about the procedure and the doctor, you are still worried or at least I was. The idea that something might go wrong, no matter how slim the chance was  scary. Not being able to see the faces of my kids and  loved ones. All the beauty and magnificence that God has created for us in this world we live in. Not being able to read a friend’s emotion, thought or worry on their features.Not being able to take a picture or read a book. So many simple things that we do indeed take for granted.

Through days of appointments, eye drops and procedures I couldn’t stop thinking of Helen Keller’s “Three days to see”. If you have never read it, I strongly urge you to. Helen Keller was blind and she so eloquently discusses how most of us “seeing people” see so little. How after a day spent out , if asked “what did you see?”, most of us would answer, “nothing interesting!” While she experiences a world of beauty every day by merely touching things. It seems that we have turned our eyes into a mere convenience rather than as a means of adding fullness to life. When I first started taking pictures years ago, I came across a saying I loved that goes along the same lines as Helen’s article. “Photography should be taught in schools. Everyone needs to learn how to see not just look”

Sometimes it is a blessing in disguise to spend a few days in the dark to better appreciate the beauty that is light. To see the world with new eyes. Literally and metaphorically 🙂

In these couple of weeks I was told to stay away from steam, vapor and anything that can cause water splattering so things have been rather quiet in the kitchen. Quick, easy meals that do not require cooking took center stage. Despite the fact that I have quite a few recipes photographed and ready for posting I thought I would ease back into things with going back to our healthy breakfast series. After posting carrot cake oatmeal, spinach squares and baked eggs , today we continue with one of my family’s favorite breakfasts. Refrigerator oatmeal or oatmeal in a jar is easy, can be made ahead of time, it is packed with nutrients and can be made in a variety of flavors. No steam, no heat, no cooking. Just 5 minutes the night before will ensure that you have a wonderful breakfast ready the next morning with no effort what so ever. One major advantage about oatmeal is that it keeps you full for hours due to its high fiber content. Add yogurt, flax seeds, honey and fruits and your day is off to a great healthy start.

What I love about refrigerator oatmeal or oatmeal in a jar is that it can be customised to the liking of individual members of the family. With two kids how never seem to agree on the flavor they want. Each jar serves one person and they can choose the flavors and fruits that go into their breakfast. I will be sharing apple oatmeal in a jar and strawberry oatmeal in a jar today and hopefully soon I will share the kids’ favorite recipe for chocolate oatmeal  and orange oatmeal in a jar.

One last note before I get to the recipe. My eyes are still a little blurry and I can’t spend a long time on the computer so please do excuse my delay in replying to your comments and emails. I will do my best to catch up on your blog posts soon.

Apple refrigerator oatmeal in a jar

Makes one serving

1/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal

1/3 cup yogurt (plain or flavored)

1/3 cup milk (almond milk or coconut milk work fine)

2-3 teaspoons honey

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 an apple

1 teaspoon flax seeds

Refrigerator oatmeal in a jar instructions

Simply place all the ingredients in a jar

Stir to mix thoroughly or close the lid and give it a good shake

Store in the fridge over night

Strawberry refrigerator oatmeal in a jar

Makes one serving

1/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal

1/3 cup yogurt (plain or flavored)

1/3 cup milk (almond milk or coconut milk work fine)

2-3 teaspoons strawberry jam or honey

2 strawberries cut into cubes

1 teaspoon flax seeds

Refrigerator oatmeal in a jar instructions

Simply place all the ingredients in a jar

Stir to mix thoroughly or close the lid and give it a good shake

Store in the fridge over night

Notes:

The milk: Dairy milk full fat or skimmed, coconut milk and  almond milk all work fine here.Experiment and find your favorite

The sweetner: Honey, sugar, date puree or your favorite jam, be creative and try out different options. The amount is up to how sweet you prefer your oatmeal to be

The yogurt

The fruit: You can add the fruit only at serving but I prefer to add them with everything else to help infuse the oatmeal with fruit flavor.

The consistency: you can reduce the amount of milk to 1/4 cup if you happen to like your oatmeal thick