Banana Chunk Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have a sweet spot for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. But the one thing that keeps me from scarfing down a whole batch is not only the sugar content, but the calories. So it was a no-brainer to try out my own recipe concoction when Truvia decided to send me some of their Brown Sugar Blend to try.
 
I was thoroughly surprised that it had the texture, moisture like brown sugar, but with 75% fewer calories

Nutrition per Serving ( Serving size: 1/2 teaspoon (2g))
Calories per serving 4 
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 0mg
Total Carbohydrate 2g
Sugars 1g
Erythritol 1g
Protein 0g
If you're wondering how this is possible, well Truvia is made with Stevia, a plant, which has been used to sweeten foods foods and beverages naturally.
 
This is by far one of my favourite recipes and with half the calories of brown sugar, it may introduce itself as a treat more often!
Banana Chunk Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 cups Quick Oats
1/2 Cup Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
1/2 stick of butter
2 eggs
Splash of Vanilla 
1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1 Banana
Directions:
  1. Heat over to 350. 
  2. Warm butter, mix in eggs and vanilla. 
  3. Add in Truvia Brown Sugar Blend until it is mixed well.
  4. Mix the mixture with oats.
  5. Then add in chocolate chips and banana.
The mixture will be sticky and may look a bit separated but dont worry, it will hold! Get a bit messy, use your hands and scoop them onto a cookie sheet. I did not have any wax paper left so I used foil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes based on how chewy you like them.  Mixture should yield about 20-22 small cookies!
Would you use Truvia Brown Sugar Blend in your baking?

Best Candian Credit Card & Debit Card for Travel



Alright let’s talk dollars and cents here for a minute. As I mentioned here, I am embarking on a three month journey traveling through South East Asia.  One of the things I have been researching is what is the best Credit Card and Debit Card to travel with as a Canadian?

As Canadians, we don’t have too many options when it comes to avoiding foreign transaction fees with most credit cards charging a 2.5-3% Foreign Currency Exchange Fee. This means every time you purchase something in a different currency, your bank charges you that 3%! Not okay. This about it this way, spend $1,000 and tack on an additional $30 in fees? No thanks.  For additional views on this, take a look at Nomadic Matt who talks about this very thing.

For many of us out there who are travelling on a budget, saving that 2.5% will help stretch our Canadian Dollar just a bit more, especially when our dollar (August 2015) is not doing so well.

Below are a few options I have found with respect to Credit Cards and Debit Cards that may help save some money on the road.   It's by far not exhaustive but are some considerations:


Name
Network
Foreign Transaction Fees
Annual Fee
Cash Advance Fee/ ATM Withdrawal Fee
Cashback/Points
Signup Bonus
CREDIT CARDS
Visa
None
$120 CAD waived for the first year
1.0% of the Cash Advance amount, minimum $5.00

no interest-free grace period for cash advances
Sign Up: 30,000 bonus points

Earn up to 5 free nights

5 points per $1 at Marriott locations

2 points per $1 on airline tickets, car rental agencies and restaurants

1 point per $1 on other purchases

Visa
None
None
1.0% of the Cash Advance amount, minimum $5.00
$ 20 Amazon.ca Gift Certificate   

2% cash back per $1 on Amazon.ca

1% cash back per $1 everywhere else

Visa
Interac
Plus
2.5%
$120
1% of Cash advance Amount or $5.00 minimum
Sign up: 25,000 points

Name
Network
Foreign Transaction Fees
Monthly Fee
Cash Advance Fee/ ATM Withdrawal Fee
Cashback/Points
Signup Bonus
DEBIT CARDS
(formerly ING Direct)
MasterCard
Cirrus
0%
(Verified by Tangerine Chat!)
None
ATM Alliance: $0
Other ATMs: $2
$50 signup bonus when you use Orange Key 44264941S1
(Until August 31, 2015 thereafter $25)
Interac
Plus
2.5%
None
$3.00 foreign ATM charge
Can redeem PC points for groceries


Again, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but provides some considerations for those who will be travelling in the near future. 
Do you have any other suggestions for zero foreign transaction fee Canadian Cards? 

North & Navy

As with most things in life, every one needs a bit of balance, sometimes an outright hiatus, even if its from things we love. I've been stepping back from blogging lately not because I don't love this art form, but because life sometimes takes over and a choice has to be made on whether I'll get in that late run, or sit in front of the computer.
 
But the reality is, that I have trully missed this. I'd like to promise that I will be blogging more frequently, but I would rather not make false promises. This is on my mind and my goal is to start slow with at least another post this month. 
I do have some exciting news and I know that I will be bringing you a different side to the blog, that hasn't been featured before. I am taking three months off to explore South East Asia. Can't wait to start bringing you posts on what to pack, what to leave behind, and my adventures on the road. One thing I know for sure, these mint green heels won't be making the cut.
 I hope you all are enjoying your summer!
What I am Wearing:
Dress: H&M
Blazer: H&M
Shoes: COACH
Purse: COACH 

Clif Organic Trail Mix Bar Review

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to try out a new product line that CLIF bars launched, called the CLIF Organic Trail Mix Bar to review. One word sums up this little treat OMG (or more like three)! These new bars are packed with flavour and my favourite thing in the world - CHOCOLATE!
These tasty treats come in a variety of flavours including:
Coconut Almond Peanut
Cranberry Almond
Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt
Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Raspberry
Each one has such a unique taste ad flavour, but my absolute favourite was the dark chocolate and almond sea salt. TO DIE FOR! my least favourite, coconut almond peanut - probably because there was no chocolate involved ;)
Each and every bar is made with organic ingredients and is less than 200 calories. In my books, that's pretty darn awesome for a treat/snack on the go. They are perfect for travel too. I ended up eating these little guys on the plane and in between long layovers! It felt good to be putting good things into my body rather than a bag of potato chips. Also they are gluten free! A Big Bonus in my books. 
Have you tried these bars? What do you think?
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