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
The Marriott Reward Chase Visa Card	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
Amazon.ca Rewards Visa Card	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
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite	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
TANGERINE CHECKING ACCOUNT (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)
PC FINANCIAL CHECKING ACCOUNT	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