Midwest Road Trip Idea

 

Headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca State Park

We recently returned from a road trip in Minnesota.  We spent 4 days checking out the sites in Minneapolis and driving the Great River Road from the headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca to Dubuque, Iowa.  Spring was a great time to go as I like to avoid the mosquitoes of northern MN at all costs!! 😄

Other things we enjoyed were a narrated Trolley Tour of Minneapolis (just Google them to find more info).  Weather was rainy so this was a great way to learn about the city without getting lost trying to see things!! We also visited the Mill City Museum and historic Fort Snelling both in Minneapolis.

Mill City Museum

Historic Fort Snelling

Exploring the Minnesota leg of the Great River Road was the focus of this journey and the lovely scenery of the MN north woods and lakes did not disappoint.  The falls history of  Minneapolis was great to learn and the scenery along the river bluffs near La Crosse, WI and Lansing, IA was beautiful too.  I know these areas are very popular for Fall leaf viewing but they are also beautiful in the Spring. 

Great River Road, near Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa border.

If your feet feel like wandering, I recommend checking out all these areas.  Sometimes we ignore the sites closer to home and feel like we have to travel far but you shouldn't miss out on Midwest adventures.  Remember to take the road less traveled!  You might just discover some hidden gems.

~Connie

Cranberry and white chocolate cookies!

 

• 
  
• Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies
• 3 cups flour
• ▢1 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢½ teaspoon baking powder
• ▢1 teaspoon salt
• ▢1 cup butter - softened
• ▢1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢1 cup light brown sugar - packed
• ▢2 large eggs
• ▢2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ▢1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• ▢⅔ cup dried cranberries
• canned vanilla frosting

1. Turn your oven temperature to 375 to get it ready to bake, then lightly grease a baking sheet or line one with parchment paper or a baking mat. 
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 
3. Then, in a large bowl cream together the butter and sugars. 
4. Mix the eggs and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture. 
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until they are just incorporated. 
6. Now stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. 
7. Using a large cookie scoop (or ice cream scoop), scoop the cookie dough into mounds and arrange them about 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheet. 
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies begin to brown around the edges. Let them cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool all the way. 
9. Frost if desired and top with a few extra cranberries.  These remind me so much of Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks 😋
10. Enjoy! 

So how are those family Bios coming along?? you ask...

 

Well, some progress is better than no progress right?  I have written book report style biographical sketches about all four of my grandparents.  So those are complete for the moment and I have started working on the great grandparents on my side of the family.  

I think those biographical sketches really add something more interesting to my genealogy research.  I love tracing my family tree and MY eyes glaze over at just lists of names and dates on records.  So I imagine my relatives who aren't so fascinated with genealogy might really not want to read anything that just is a list of facts.  Hopefully my kids and grandkids will enjoy reading snippets about their ancestors lives some day.

Here is one example of what I have for one great grandmother. 

Remember to tell your family's stories.

~Connie

BLT Wraps for an easy Lunch

 

Romain lettuce makes for easy lunch wraps.  I like to fill them with egg salad, cherry tomatoes and bacon. YUM!  Chicken salad is another great option.

Easy Egg Salad BLT Wraps

Hard boil 6 eggs. Chill in cool water then peel and dice them.

Mix with 3 Tablespoons mayo and two teaspoons of yellow mustard.

Add salt, pepper and diced chives.  

Fill lettuce leaves with egg salad, bacon and sliced cherry tomatoes.

Give theses wraps a try this Spring!

~Connie

New Cards on my Etsy shop!!

Happy to share that I have added some new card designs to my Etsy shop.  You can check them out at this link PrairieChick Studio

Snail mail, it's a thing.  Send some today!

~ Connie

Roasted Asparagus

 One of my favorite Spring veggies is roasted asparagus.  Even before it is ready in my garden, I buy it at the grocery just to enjoy it longer.  I roast it in the oven on a baking sheet or toss it on the grill for extra YUM!

Simply trim off the tough stem ends, and choose slimmer younger shoots for the most tender ones.

Place in a single layer on a baking sheet or grilling tray, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with you favorite seasoning blend like Mrs. Dash or Montreal seasoning.  Bake in a 350 oven for 10-12 minutes or grill for a similar time. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

~Connie

Denim Skirt Outfit Ideas to Copy!

 

Denim skirts are one of the most useful pieces in my wardrobe.  No matter the season they are the basic building blocks of so many outfits.  Essentially they work with any tops that you can wear with a pair of jeans.  So just think of all the possibilities!  Denim skirts come in all lengths and washes, so you certainly can find one that is flattering on your figure.  Personally I currently have two, a knee length medium wash skirt and midi length dark wash skirt.

These photos show a few different tops and styles of  skirts but their are lots more options.

Consider  trying these combinations when shopping your closet to find new outfits.

    Denim skirt with -

        1. a striped tee

        2. a graphic tee

        3. a button up blouse (print, stripe or solid)

        4. a pullover sweater

        5. a bright pop of color

        6. an animal print top

        7. a cardigan sweater buttoned up as a top

        8. a lace blouse

The possibilities are endless, so go have some fun pulling things from your closet!

~ Connie

Super Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese

 

Want something different for lunch??  Make this simple twist on a grilled cheese.  

Ingredients: Bread, butter, provolone cheese, pepperoni, pizza sauce and Italian seasoning

Butter two slices of bread,  With buttered side down on a plate build your pizza on the unbuttered side.

Add a spoonful of pizza sauce, a slice of provolone, pepperoni slices, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.  Top with another slice of cheese and the top piece of bread with butter side up.  Carefully transfer your sandwich to a hot skillet or griddle and toast both sides until cheese is melty!

YUM  YUM!

~Connie

A trip on the Mighty Mississippi ...

 The river boat Twilight based in LeClaire, Iowa

A midwest trip that I highly recommend is a cruise on the river boat Twilight that is based in LeClaire, Iowa.  This Quad City area attraction is a hidden gem.  John and I truly enjoyed our two day cruise last Fall and it was a perfect relaxing getaway.  We departed from LeClaire by 8am and spent a relaxing day cruising up river to Dubuque.  The weather was lovely and our captain told us wonderful facts about the history of the river and towns as well as information about modern day navigation and shipping.  Our trip took us through two sets of locks and dams on the upper Mississippi, which is an interesting navigational process.  At another location we waited for a bridge master to open a railroad swig bridge so we could continue our journey north.

Meals were wonderful on board and the staff were very helpful which truly made our voyage a delightful experience.  Live music both afternoons was a treat and really added to the vibe of a riverboat journey from the 1800s.  Our overnight hotel stay in Dubuque was very comfortable and we had time to catch a few Dubuque attractions before our return trip to LeClaire on day two.  What a great way to enjoy the river and relax!

Views were awesome from any of the 3 decks!

Plan your voyage for the 2024 season.  With a variety of cruises from a couple of hours sightseeing to

2 day overnight trips there are options for every budget.  The Twilight is in operation from May thru October so plan a trip!  Visit https://riverboattwilight.com

Happy adventuring!

~Connie