Happy First Day of Spring! Top 10 Spring Break Family Road Trip Ideas

What will your family be doing for Spring Break? We are so excited that today is the first day of spring! These activities below can be for any of your up and coming road trips! Unfortunately we won't be taking any long trips but hopefully short trips here and there due to our crazy schedules. Spring break or summer break it is great to be prepared for family road trips. Do you have any fun family road trip ideas? If so share in the comments and I can add to the list!

Spring Fun for Families

Boredom, the silent enemy of family road trips, is a constant threat to ruin an otherwise fun vacation. Keeping the kids entertained on those long drives can be a challenge without some planning and a little imagination. Fortunately, there’s a great variety of activities for kids that can make your family’s summer road trip one to remember for all the right reasons.

Here are ten great ways to kill time in the car on family road trips.

1. License Plates – A time-honored road trip classic, kids can compete to see who can spot license plates from the most different states. An alternative version involves scouting for unusual numbers or for a particular letter. This game has been known to last through several states’ worth of driving.
2. Road Trip Bingo – You can find cards for this game online with symbols of objects, vehicles, and road signs printed on them for the kids to scout out during family road trips. Play it just like traditional Bingo, marking off each item that’s spotted on the journey, until someone fills a line or the whole card.
3. I Spy – A more traditional, low-tech version of Road Trip Bingo, this one requires nothing more than sharp eyes. Kids can call out, “I spy a …” and others compete to identify the “target” first. It’s also a good way for the kids to appreciate the scenery as it goes by their windows.
4. iPod – Of course a good supply of personal tunes can go a long way in keeping the older kids pre-occupied. An mp3 player or cell phone can be just the ticket to make the long stretches on the road go by more quickly.
5. Unusual Attractions – Whenever and wherever possible, it helps to incorporate some interesting tourist attractions as part of your scheduled route, which will help break up the drive a bit. When planning your trip, check for any roadside oddities along the way that make for fun photo ops, like giant cow sculptures or donut-shaped donut shops.
6. Video Games – Parents know all too well how much time a kid can kill on those game consoles. Bring along a hand-held device or two to keep them busy. There’s an excellent chance that you won’t hear a peep out of them while driving clear across the country.
7. DVD’s – If the family vehicle is equipped with a DVD player, you’re way ahead in the battle against boredom. Stock up with a selection of family favorites for viewing on the road and you can kill hours at a time.
8. Keep a Travel Journal – Encourage the kids to bring along a journal and document their adventures while on vacation. It will do much more than keep them busy, it will preserve some valuable memories for posterity too.
9. Read – Bring a good book assortment – either the paper or e-book variety – and let your kids get lost in some good literature. Suggest that everyone unplug for a stretch of your trip and just read quietly. Who knows, it could become a habit that extends into everyday life.
10. Sleep – Some of the more boring stretches of road might provide a good excuse to get some rest and save the kids’ energy for the activities planned at your destination. Kids are a lot less cranky when they've had sufficient
    saves.

Take a Hike .... with the family!

More Family Fun

• Planned Playdates with your Teens
• Tween & Teens Fun Activities & Recipes on Pinterest
• 50 Summer Activities for Tweens & Teens
• Tweens & Teens on Pinterest 
• 7 Healthy Travel Tips
• 15 Healthier & Savvy Travel Tips
• Road Trip Ideas for Families
• 10 Gadgets for the Road Trip with Kids

Hit the road....with family road trip activities.

Share your ideas below! If you have any on your blog, link up and I'll pin some of our favorite post to Pinterest! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Win an American Girl Doll and Book Giveaway

Out of three daughters, the youngest was the American Girl fan. She read all the books, watched all of the movies, and had several dolls. We even took her to the American Girl Doll store in Chicago. We loved the historical lessons taught in the books. How about your daughters, did they or do they love American Girl Dolls and Books? Which one is their favorite?? I'd love to know. My daughter's favorite was Emily. Here is your chance to enter to win one for a sweet girl in your life!

I'm doing this with a group of bloggers and will not be picking the winner. So if you win, please let me know Good luck and share this giveaway with everyone you know!

American Girl characters past and present show girls today that they can do great things if they believe in themselves and each other. From a Native American girl living in the Northwest in 1764 to a contemporary girl whose passions inspire action, the characters in every story illustrate the power of determination, imagination, courage, and hope—the same spirit that inspires modern American girls.

One lucky winner will receive an American Girl Doll & Book.

Organized by: Mom Powered Media. Giveaway ends April 1st at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this publication and are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Share your favorite with us in the comments below!

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix {Healthy Recipes}

For several years now I have been cooking lower sodium meals for my husband and family. We do not miss the extra salt but do notice the salt in food made by others, when we eat out or processed food. It didn't take long for us to get use to low sodium because I started using more herbs, spices and fresh ingredients in the meals. I love making homemade as much as possible to control the overuse of salt. How about you? Do you cook low sodium meals? What are some of your healthy recipes which uses more herbs and spices?

DIY seasonings for healthier recipes

Today's recipe is for Cajun Seasoning Mix from the new Gooseberry Patch Good-For-You Everyday Meals Cookbook. I will share with you the recipe from the cookbook and how I modified to even more to be low sodium. You can make it whichever way works for your family.

Make meals healthier with low salt recipes

Cajun Seasoning (my variation in parentheses for Low Sodium Cajun Seasoning)

Ingredients

16 oz pkg. salt (3 teaspoons salt or low salt)
2 oz jar black pepper
2 oz jar white pepper
2 oz jar cayenne pepper
2 oz jar chili powder
2 oz jar garlic powder

Directions

1- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well.
2- Store in a large shaker jar. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Kitchen Notes

1-I cut the entire recipe in half to only make 1 1/4 cups of seasoning and stored a more manageable amount in a small spice shaker.
2-Honestly I would never use 16 oz of salt for this recipe. I suggest you add all the other ingredients first and then add in salt to desired amount. I do know that Cajun seasoning is very salty normally because we are huge fans New Orleans food and seasonings.

More Healthy Recipes from Gooseberry Patch

• Enter to win a copy of the Gooseberry Patch Good For You Everyday Meals cookbook where you can find this recipe and 200+ more healthier recipes. You'll also find the recipes I tested; Honey Fruit Dip, Oo La la French Dressing and Roasted Veggies & Kielbasa with Chicken 
• No Bake Granola Bars

Healthier Menu Plan Monday Recipes and Ideas {Healthy Recipes}

We can all eat and cook healthier if we choose. There are so many foods out there and recipes to help us on our journey. This week I'm sharing a menu plan that does have healthier options for families. These are all tried and true healthy recipes we have eaten. Enjoy and keep on menu planning!

Healthy family meal options

Monday- Roasted Veggies with Kielbasa and/or Chicken, Sliced fruit and Honey Fruit Dip

Tuesday- Crockpot Chicken, Huge Salad and homemade French Dressing and leftover fruit dip and fruit

Wednesday- Fiesta Turkey Burgers and Potato Wedges (recipe on Wednesday) with Homemade Cajun seasonings 

Thursday-Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, Pico de gallo and taco chips

Friday- Leftover chicken kabobs with veggie rice, Baked Carrot Fries

Snacks- No Bake Granola Bars

Weekend - Chilled Avocado Soup

Cookbook Giveaway - Gooseberry Patch Good For You Everyday Meals

I link up at orgjunkie.com 

Gooseberry Patch Good-For-You Everyday Meals Cookbook Review and Giveaway

Gooseberry Patch just released a new cookbook, Good-for-You Everyday Meals which is full of healthy meals for the entire family. One thing that I love about Gooseberry Patch cookbooks is that each cookbook is full of tried and true recipes from real chefs- everyday family kitchens. Ready for some new, tasty recipes to cook for your family?

Healthy Options 

This cookbook is full of healthier recipe options. It turns some family favorite recipes into healthier recipes. The book will help you make and serve healthier meals to your family.

Here are the chapters of this tasty cookbook and some of my favorite recipes in each one.

1. Off to a Fresh Start- Raspberry Cream Smoothies, Asparagus & Mushroom Omelet, Banana Bread Pancakes, Overnight Apple Cinnamon Oats, Fiesta Dip Mix, Colorful Fruit Soup
2. Hearty Soups & Fresh-Baked Breads-Vegetable Goodness Minestrone, Rosemary Sea Salt Bread, Sweet Avocado Muffins, Chicken Orzo Soup
3. Garden-Fresh Sides & Salads- Mexican Roasted Cauliflower, Sweet Potato Chili Wedges, Garlic Roasted Broccoli, Spicy Roasted Potatoes, Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts, Arugula Nectarine Salad
4. Chicken, Pork & Beef Mains- Phoebe's Asian Noodles, Chicken Mole Verde, South of the Border Squash Skillet, Italian Seasoning Mix, Goode & Healthy Fried Chicken, Healthy Spinach Spaghetti
5. Fish & Vegetables Mains- Captain's Favorite Tilapia, Zucchini Crust Pizza, Homemade Fish Sticks, Shrimp & Mushroom Fettuccine, Sauteed Tilapia in Lemony Butter Sauce, Pinto Bean Dinner
6. Healthy Snacks & Desserts- Avocado Feta Dip, Creamy Spinach Dip, Lemony Fresh Dill Dip, Honey Fruit Dip, Agave Sweetened Pumpkin Cheesecake, Double Berry Nut Bars, Free Coconut Cookies (sugar free, fat free, dairy free, gluten free), Refrigerator Pumpkin Bran Muffins
7. A Homemade Pantry-Amazing Tomato Sauce, Thousand Island Dressing, Sweet and Sour Sauce, Handy Cream Soup Mix, Corn Muffin Mix, Best Ever Ranch Dressing, Onion Poppy Seed Dressing, Onion Poppy Seed Dressing

Here are some of the recipes we tried. I have many more to make and share.

Healthier Cajun Seasoning Mix Recipe and easy to make!

Click to get this easy granola bar recipe!

Healthy Fruit Dip

Honey Fruit Dip

Ingredients

1 1/3 c. plain Greek yogurt

2 t. honey

1/4 t. orange zest

1 T. orange juice

1/8 t. vanilla

Directions

1-Stir together all ingredients.

2-Add to a bowl, cover and chill. 

3-Makes 6 serving or about 1 1/3 cups

Kitchen Notes

1-This make a perfect amount for a fresh fruit tray. It taste better than any store purchased fruit dip. Adjust honey, orange zest, vanilla,etc to your liking. For serving I topped with honey and orange zest.

Easy Homemade Dressing

Oo-la-la French Dressing

Ingredients

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1/2 c. corn or canola oil

1/3 c. catsup

1/4 c. cider vinegar

2-3 T. lemon juice

1 t. paprika

1 t. salt

optional 1/2 c. onion, grated

Directions

1-Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well.

2-Pour into a jar; cover and refrigerate up to 4 weeks.

3-Makes about 2 cups or 16 servings.

Kitchen Notes

1- I did not use the white sugar, just the 1/2 cup brown sugar. It isn't needed unless you want a really sweet dressing. 

2-I did add the grated onion. Ooops 1/2 cup is a little too much and overpowered the dressing. So start small when adding the grated onions.

Healthy Roasted veggies and meat

Roasted Veggies & Kielbasa with Chicken

Ingredients

1 lb Kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite size pieces

6 potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 c. baby carrots

1 onion, halved and sliced

1 green pepper, cut into squares

8 oz pkg mushrooms, halved

cajun seasoning to taste (recipe coming soon for a homemade variety)

1 lb chicken cut into bite size pieces (added into original recipe)

Directions

1-Combine all ingredients in a roaster pan. For a moist consistency, cover before baking; leave uncovered for a dryer consistency.

2-Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until veggies are tender. Makes 8 servings.

Kitchen Notes

1-Sausage isn't always a health choice so if you want sausage in this dish, use less and add more chicken. Also there are a lot of healthier sausages out there so find one that works.

2-We added chicken to cut back on the sausage. For our meal we only added in 1/2 lb Kielbasa and 1 1/2 lbs chicken. We did add in a mix of peppers, too. It is a very flexible recipe. Just note that cooking time will increase the more you add to the roaster. 

3-If you do not have a roaster, you can cook this in a 9X13 baking dish. If so cut the recipe in half to fit one dish. 

4-Control the salt by what seasoning you use. We have a homemade cajun seasoning recipe that goes with this and will share on my blog this week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More Healthy Recipes and Good For You Everyday Meals Giveaways

Cheddar Dill Corn Muffins
Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
Peanutty Breakfast Wrap
Chicken Pesto Tortellini 
Chicken Orzo Soup
Spaghetti Soup
Mom's Fruit Smoothies
Mexican Roasted Cauliflower
Cinnamon Apple Raisin Muffins

{Healthy Recipe} No Bake Granola Bars

There really isn't an excuse for serving unhealthy or eating unhealthy snacks these days. If you want to eat healthier, companies are filling store shelves and everyone is sharing healthier alternatives on their blogs. That is why I'm super excited to share with you the next Gooseberry Patch Cookbook, Good-For-You Everyday Meals! The cookbook is full of healthier recipes and today I'm sharing their No Bake Granola Bars recipe.

Healthier recipe

My kids love granola bars. Over the years I've made other granola recipes but never found a bar that was quite right. This one uses coconut oil which is one of the most heart and cardiovascular protective food available to us in nature! One thing that I have learned over the past 2 years of my healthier lifestyle journey is that our body does need fat....the right fats! Coconut oil is that right type of fat.

Healthier snacks

When you make your own recipes, you control the ingredients. Most recipes can be made with healthier ingredients. In the below recipe, you can choose what type of peanut butter to use or natural or sweetened flaked coconut. You can choose to add in mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate nibs. When you make your own recipe, you control the unwanted sugars, chemicals and more!

Gooseberry Patch Good For You Everyday Meals

No-Bake Granola Bars

Ingredients

1/4 c. coconut oil (plus extra to grease pan)
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. honey
2 c. long cooking oats, uncooked
2 c. crispy rice cereal
1 c. sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 c. dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 c. mini semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1-Lightly grease a 13"x9" baking pan with coconut oil; set aside.
2-In a large saucepan, combine coconut oil, peanut butter and honey.
3-Cook and stir over low heat just until blended and smooth. Remove.
4-Add in oats, cereal, coconut and cranberries.
5-Stir just until evenly coated and will combined. Let cool 10 minutes and stir in chocolate chips.
6-Quickly transfer mixture to baking pan; spread evenly with spatula.
7-Take a piece of wax paper/plastic wrap/parchment paper or hand in a baggie and press mixture down evenly and firmly.
8-Refrigerate for one hour before cutting into bars. May be kept tightly cover and refrigerated for up to 10 days (if they last that long). Makes 16-24 bars depending on size cut.

Kitchen Notes

1- Use whatever ingredients you prefer to suit your needs. Best bet is to substitute fruit for fruit and cereal for cereal. If you want nuts added then substitute those with the fruit.
2-Make sure you really do step #7 so the mixture stays together when cut.
3-Wrap bars in plastic wrap for on the go. I did use cheap snack bags because I was using up what I had on hand. They aren't super sticky and came out of the baggies just fine.
4-This can also be crumpled up and used as a topping for yogurt, fruit,etc.

Healthy Snacks and Desserts by Gooseberry Patch

Big win on this recipe and I'll be making more granola substituting ingredients to suit the likes of other family members. Check in tomorrow for more recipes using the Good-For-You Everyday Meals by Gooseberry Patch. I'll also have a giveaway for a copy of the book!

Gooseberry Patch Healthy Recipes

Healthier Recipes from Gooseberry Patch

• Enter to win a copy of the Gooseberry Patch Good For You Everyday Meals cookbook where you can find this recipe and 200+ more healthier recipes. You'll also find the recipes I tested; Honey Fruit Dip, Oo La la French Dressing and Roasted Veggies & Kielbasa with Chicken 
• Homemade Cajun Seasoning

More Granola Recipes

Healthier Crunchy Granola
Skinny Granola

Spring Fishing and Camping Adventure Giveaway

Do you like to fish or camp with the family? If so here is a giveaway just for you! This giveaway will get you in the mood for spring. Enter and start making plans for spring and summer family adventures. I'm joining in this giveaway with other bloggers. I will not be picking the winner so if you win, let me know! Good luck! 

Holiday Contest and Sweeps

Along With

Mommies With Cents

Momma Lew

Chronically Content

Aunt Maggie Rocks

Fabulous Deals and Steals

Central Bargains and Giveaways

My Sweepstakes City

Networking Witches

All About My Deals

Java John Z's

Cassandra M's Place

The Stuff of Success

Gloriously Green Gal

Krazy Kat Freebies

Simply Southern Couponers

NYSaving Specials

Mami's 3 Little Monkeys

Whole Lotta Mama

The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves

Simply Sherryl 

SusieQTpies Cafe

Proudly Brings You The

Spring Fishing/Camping Adventure Giveaway

Grand Prize Package

2 - South Bend Ready 2 Fish Rod/Real Combo w/Tackle Box

1 - Crank Portable Searchlight/Lantern

1 - Country Bob's Gift Box

1 - Sportsman Whitetail Medical Kits

1 - Ergo Chef Pro Series All Purpose Come Apart Kitchen Shears w/Fish Scalier

1 - Prodigy Series 7.5" Flexible Filet Knife

2 - Fire Fishing Poles

Second Place Package

1 - Crank Lantern/Searchlight

1 - Ergo Chef Pro Series All Purpose Come Apart Kitchen Shears w/Fish Scalier

1 - Prodigy Series 7.5" Flexible Filet Knife

1 - Country Bob's Gift Box

1 - Ultralight & Waterproof .9 Medical Kit

Third Place Package

1 - Country Bob's Gift Box

With Spring soon approaching nothing is more exciting than to go a fishing trip with your friends or family. Holiday Contest and Sweeps is pleased to be able to bring you a giveaway that will provide you with some of the equipment that you will need for this adventure.

Living near the Great Lakes I know first hand that going fishing for the first time is a ritual for millions, and taking your children fishing for the first time is a true memory that neither of you will ever forget.

Let's take a look at the terrific prizes you can Win.

South Bend Sporting Goods

All Species Rod/Reel Combo w/Tackle Kit

• Ready to Fish complete spinning fishing combo for the new or experienced fisherman. Rod, reel, tackle box and tackle included.
• Reel is size 25 and features a single ball bearing and chromed graphite spool with single handle
• Rod is a 5'6" 2 piece medium/light action fiberglass blank Features 3 ceramic guides plus tip comfortable EVA foam grip
• Complete with reusable tackle box that features a handle and is loaded with tackle Users rigging guide included
• This over sized spool is ready to go with mono-filament line
• It has graphite reel seat with aluminum hoods

Visit South Bend's Website Today

                 

Portable Crank Searchlight

Don't find yourself in the dark during an emergency. Banish shadows with a few minutes cranking of the handle. It's perfect for the home, car, boat or campground and features versatile search light and lantern settings. A comfortable, easy-grip handle and hanging hook make it a cinch to carry and hang.

• Use at home, in the car or boat, or while camping

• One minute of cranking yields 30 minutes of light

• No power source needed

• Use as a tabletop or hanging lantern

• Use as a search light

• Encased in plastic and rubber material for reliable use even in inclement weather

• Lightweight and easy to carry

Ever get caught on a camping trip and realize you didn't bring
anything to cut up logs for firewood. Well Viatek has a great
solution with their Amazing Portable Chainsaw.

Amazing Portable Chainsaw with Carry Pouch

Is heavy yard equipment weighing you down? Lighten up with this compact, handheld chainsaw. It makes cutting through small tree limbs and shrubs a cinch. Best of all, you don't have to hassle with power cords, fuel or heavy, dangerous equipment. This ultra-portable tool goes anywhere in its own compact drawstring bag. Comes with Portable Chainsaw, Drawstring carry pouch,instruction card and
Manufacture's 1-year limited warranty.

Visit Viatek Website On-Line Store Today

We all know that camping has to include a great barbecue including ribs, steaks or chicken and nothing compliments them more than Country Bob's Sauces.

Assorted Gift Box of Sauces

Gift Pack Includes:

1 Bottle of Original All Purpose Sauce

1 Bottle of Apple Chipotle All Purpose Sauce

1 Bottle of Honey Habanero All Purpose Sauce

1 Bottle of Barbecue Sauce

1 Container of Seasoning Salt
Visit Country Bob's Website

No Fishing or Camping Trip with your family is complete without a First Aid Kit and the terrific people at Adventure Medical Kits have made sure you and your family will be taken care of in case a accident were to occur.

Sportsman Whitetail Medical Kit

Kyle Peter walks you through the Whitetail Kit -- a great add-on to any sportsman's pack or truck. The Sportsman has all the medical tools you need to treat the types of injuries and ailments commonly encountered in the field or stream on day or weekend trips.

The Ultralight & Watertight .9 Medical Kit

The Ultralight / Watertight Series features proprietary DryFlex™ bags for the ultimate in ultralight, waterproof storage.  For the multi-sport athlete that refuses to be let down or weighed down by his or her gear.The Ultralight / Watertight .9 has been tested, abused, and approved by adventure racers in the Eco Challenge, Primal Quest, and Raid Gauloises. Designed for one to four people on trips up to four days, this is the kit for adventures where exposure to the elements will be an issue. Two inner DryFlex™ waterproof liners and seam-sealed outer silnylon bags provide multiple layers of protection from the elements.

VISIT ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS WEBSITE TODAY!

We all know that you are going to catch the world record fish
on your fishing/camping adventure, so your going to need the
best in cutlery to prepare them for your dinner. Nobody comes
close in the quality that Ergo Chef brings to the table with their
Pro Series Come Apart Kitchen Shears w/Fish Scalier and their
Prodigy Series 7.5" Flexible Filet Knife shown below.

Prodigy Series 7.5" Flexible File Knife

The Ergo Chef Prodigy Series 7.5" Flexible Filet Knife is made with

one solid high carbon stainless blade tempered for perfect flexibility

and edge life.The handle is nicely weighted with a full tang inside the

TPR non-slip grip handle for precise control. Filet all your fish and meats

with ease. NSF approved.

PRO Series Come Apart Kitchen Shears W/ Fish Scalier

These Ergo Chef Pro-Series heavy duty carbon stainless steel kitchen shears are a total  of 8.750" long and come apart for easy cleaning. The blades are 3.375" Useful length. Key features: Durable ABS & TPR ergonomic grip construction. Bone & Wire Notch, Vegetable Peeler slot, wavy edge fish scalier, Bottle Opener, Twist Bottle Opener, and Nut & Lobster cracker in the middle of the handle, screwdriver/lid

lifter. A Multi-Purpose Shear that gets many jobs done and a must have

in any kitchen.

Visit Ergo Chef's Website & Online Store Today