Fun Recipes to Enjoy On National Pie Day - January 23rd

WESTLAND, Mich.,––There's a holiday for seemingly anything these days, but that's ok. We're all about having fun and enjoying life on and off the road at North Brothers Ford! That's why we're excited to celebrate a holiday based around a dessert, and a classic one at that. We're talking about pie. There are the classic recipes which include apple pie, blueberry pie, cherry pie, etc., but there are plenty of other variations you can give a go this year. Here are some fun recipes to enjoy on National Pie Day - January 23rd. Pick one and share with friends and family, or bookmark this blog for later when you need a unique dessert recipe.

Strawberry Pop Tart Slab Pie

This slab pie recipe should have you feeling nostalgic for Pop Tarts & it's sure to win over the kids you may or may not want to share this with. 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Pie

Alright, we know it's winter and it's cold outside. Just think summer thoughts and indulge in some classic cookie dough ice cream in pie form! 

Banana Cream Cheesecake Pie

This recipe is a bit of a hybrid, marrying the delicious flavor of banana cream pie with rich cheesecake, and is really worth a try. 

Blueberry Pie Bars

Blueberries are a great berry to enjoy at breakfast, so why not start off the day extra sweet and enjoy them in pie form?! 

Circus Animal Cookie Truffle Pie

This pie is a perfectly pink and fun sugar rush! It uses two types of cookies golden Oreos and circus animal cookies. 

Coconut Macaroon Pie

Not everyone loves coconut, but that just means there's more for those that do! If you're one that likes cocounut, you'll swoon over this macaroon style pie. 

Mini S'mores Hand Pies

It's the best of a s'more, but contained in a cute, sugary, really tasty hand pie. The best thing is, you don't even need a fork and plate to enjoy it! 

Shamrock Shake Pie

You might want to save this recipe for St. Patrick's Day, because it's semi-seasonal. OR you could just make it for National Pie Day, because sometimes, you just have to indulge. 

We can wait to celebrate National Pie Day on January 23rd with these fun recipes. What recipe will you be trying this year? Let us know on social media, or take photos of you enjoying a slice and share them with us! Be sure to stay tuned to our blog for even more fun recipes and ideas to celebrate holidays, learn about events or places to go in the Westland area, and read the latest Ford news. We're here to help you enjoy life to the fullest on the road as well. Take advantage of our great offers throughout the year, but particularly during our Auto Show Sales Event January 22-26 on all pre-owned vehicles! 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net

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Healthy Thanksgiving Side & Dessert Dishes to Try This Year

WESTLAND, Mich.,––The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means: junk food galore! From pies to mashed potatoes and gravy, your favorite home cooked delights aren't always the best for your body. It's great to indulge every now and then, but you can avoid the stomach aches and the need for a big nap after Thanksgiving dinner with a few healthy swaps. Here are a few of our favorite healthy Thanksgiving side & dessert dishes to try this year:

1. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

This dish screams "fall" in a delicious sweet and savory way. 

2. Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan and Chives

Pro-Tip: make this recipe a happy compromise with half potatoes & half cauliflower.

3. Cheesy Spinach Balls

These little green-filled guys can be used as an appetizer or a side dish.

4. Green Bean Mushroom Saute 

You can appease to picky eaters by doing half of this dish with mushrooms and half without.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts

This dish is full of good fiber! Feel free to get creative with the herbs and spices you use. 

6. Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

You can't beat a healthier version of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one easy dish! 

7. Healthy Apple Crisp 

Pro-Tip: Skip the regular vanilla ice cream and try Halo Top or another ice cream alternative.

8. Vanilla Orange Candied Cranberries

These little bites are full of sophisticated flavor that feels like you're eating candy.

9. Gluten Free No-Bake Salted Caramel Pumpkin Bars

The name is a mouthful, but this is a great option for those who don't do gluten!

10. Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

Most of us choose to do an apple or pumpkin based dessert, but how about giving pears a try?

We hope these healthy Thanksgiving side and dessert dishes give you the arsenal to eat better and feel better this year! We're all about healthy alternatives when it comes to fueling our bodies and fun ways to keep our bodies moving all year round, especially when we're preparing for our 5K Fun Run that happens in May. Stay tuned to our blog for some workout ideas you can use to combat the fatigue during the holiday season and for tips and tricks on how to take care of yourself and your car this winter. 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

7 Unique Ways to Dye Easter Eggs

WESTLAND, Mich.–– It's almost Easter! Have you dyed your eggs yet? Dying Easter eggs is just one fun way to celebrate the holiday, especially if you do so with your kids. There are plenty of cool tricks to make your eggs look artsy, fun, and unique. We've done a little egg hunting for you and have gathered these 7 unique ways to dye Easter eggs. Pro-Tip: Use gloves so your hands aren't multi-colored at Easter Brunch.

1. Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

2. Nail Polish Easter Eggs

3. Silk Tie Dyed Eggs

4. Kool-Aid Tie-Dye Eggs

5. Shaving Cream Dyed Easter Eggs

6. Marble Dyed Easter Eggs

7. Natural Botanical Colored Easter Eggs

Enjoy these 7 unique ways to dye easter eggs with the family. Whatever you're doing or wherever you're going this Easter, stay safe and have fun! Make sure to check your tires before you hit the road. If you find that your tire tread is too low, you have any tire damage, or your tires air pressure is low, stop by North Brothers Ford this Spring. We want to help you stay safe, and provide you with a great deal on tires. Check out our current tire offers online. 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

Free Valentine's Day Printables

WESTLAND, Mich.––Valentine's Day is this coming Tuesday. Whether you're single or coupled-up, there's always an opportunity to celebrate a holiday of love! You can run to the store to pick up some Valentine's cards or decor, but there are plenty of free resources you can have with just your computer and a printer. We've come up with a list of some free Valentine's Day printables we think you'll enjoy. Print these cards and decor out and home and spread the love to family and friends this V-Day!

1. Star Wars Cards

2. Banner Printables

3. Bubble Labels 

4. Quirky Food Cards

5. LEGO Valentine's Printables

6. 3D Bear & Heart Printable

7. S'mores Label Printable

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love between you and your partner, your family, friends, and co-workers and enjoy these free Valentine's Day printables. While it may seem like a a silly "Hallmark Holiday" to some, we believe it's important to take time to appreciate the things we love, even our cars. We can help you take the best care of your vehicle at North Brothers Ford. It's our goal to keep you safe on the road, so we'll make sure your vehicle is in full and proper running condition at your next service appointment or oil change. Alternatively, we're proud to put our customers in reliable Ford vehicles equipped with the latest in advanced safety features. 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

8 Interesting Facts About Christmas

WESTLAND, Mich.––Christmas is just around the corner, in fact it's 3 days away! While the holiday spirit takes over, we spend time with friends, family, and loved ones catching up and reminiscing. When the conversation goes null over egg nog or politics, you might want to have something interesting to say to boost the mood! Check out these 8 interesting facts about Christmas that you can bring to the table for a conversation starter:

1. Christmas trees have been sold since the year 1850 in the United States! That's a long-running traditions that we carry out to this day. The trees usually take 6-10 years to mature before being sold. Michigan is the third ranking state for production of real Christmas trees, and produces a larger variety of trees than any other state in the U.S.

2. Speaking of Christmas trees, the Germans were the first to make artificial trees. The first archetype of faux tree was made with dyed goose feathers. They were also the first to adopt the Christmas tree tradition - the first documented appearance of a Christmas tree was in 1531.

3. It's rumored that President Teddy Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House in the early 1900's because he was a conservative guy and a big outdoorsman, but this isn't necessarily true. The first lady, dealing with 6 children, didn't want the extra hassle of a tree. Their 8 year old, Archie had a little tree put in his closet as a surprise and revealed it on Christmas morning 1902.

4. The Oklahomans took a while to officially jump on the Christmas sleigh. Oklahoma was the last state in the U.S. to declare Christmas a legal holiday, and did so in 1907. Alabama was the lead by declaring Christmas a legal holiday in 1836, and even celebrated during the Civil War.

5. Santa started out as St. Nicholas of Myra, a monk that handed out bags of money to the poor. In the 1800's the U.S. adopted Santa as a right jolly old elf thanks to the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas". By the late 1800's, you could find Santa in department stores, and in 1930 on Coca Cola advertisements.

6. While it may be thought that Christians were responsible for folding the gift-giving part of Christmas into the traditions mix, it was actually the ancient ceremonies of Saturnalia that started the trend before the birth of Christ. The winter-solstice celebrations were done over 7 days, beginning on December 17th. Gift giving was done because the Romans believed it would bring good fortune in the coming year.

7. This day in age, we spend quite a bit on Christmas gifts. Christmas purchases make up about 1/6 of all retail sales in the U.S. Based on a consumer survey, Americans planned to spend an average of $935 during the holiday shopping season this year. All retail sales were predicted to be about $655 Billion, with online sales to be as much as $117 Billion.


8. Travel numbers are also huge in the U.S. AAA estimates 103 Million people will travel for the holidays from December 23rd to January 2nd. About 93.6 Million of travels will be driving, and they can expect to pay a little bit more at the pump than at Thanksgiving. The average price now around Westland is about $2.30 per gallon.


Wherever you travel this holiday season, we want you to be safe on the road! Make sure to check your tires, gas, oil level, and wiper fluid before you go or have us take a quick look at our Service Center in Westland, MI. If you have a vehicle that isn't reliable for all your holiday travels, let us help you find a new Ford! With plenty of lease deals happening at North Brothers Ford, and the option of awesome vehicles like the Ford Crossovers - Escape, Edge, and Explorer, there's something for everyone and every budget.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

5 Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

WESTLAND, Mich.––The holidays are here and there are gifts to give and receive, galore! It's pretty easy to go out to the store to grab a roll of wrapping paper and tape; however if you're giving something special, a more personalized wrapper could be the way to go! Using these 5 unique gift wrapping ideas will not only set your gifts apart from the crowd, but make them more memorable. Give these ideas a go at home and enjoy the stunned reactions from your loved ones.

1. DIY Gift Bag

2. Fox Animal Gift Wrap

3. Polka Dot Wrapping Paper

4. DIY Marbled Gift Wrap

5. DIY Glitter Tape Gift Wrap

These 6 unique gift wrapping ideas are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season! Wherever you go for the holidays, we want you to stay safe on the road. Whether it's a vehicle with AWD or more cargo space for gifts like a Ford Crossover that you want, OR winter tires that you need for the snowy Michigan roads, we can help!

 If you're looking for a new crossover, check out the new crossover comparison page on our website, then a friendly sales staff would be happy to give you a test drive of the versatile 2017 Ford Escape, the spacious 2017 Ford Edge, and the capable 2017 Ford Explorer. If you're shopping for a new set of tires to keep you safe this season, get a quote and take advantage of our low price guarantee through the end of December.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

Fourth of July Snacks and Treats

WESTLAND, Mich.–– This weekend will be one big American holiday. Whether you're headed up north, traveling out of state, or just hanging out around the neighborhood, there will be celebrations all around! Whatever you do this weekend, make sure enjoying some delicious food is part of it. We've gathered up a few Fourth of July snacks and treats ideas you can use for your own party menu, or to take along with you this weekend. Not only are these recipes yummy, but they're all dressed in American red, white, and blue spirit. Enjoy!

1. Firecracker Popcorn

2. Red, White & Blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

3. Kids Friendly Patriotic Punch

4. 4th of July Firecracker Dogs

5. Red, White, and Blue Pasta Salad

6. Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats

7. Patriotic Cake Mix Jello Cookies

Hopefully these Fourth of July snacks and treats ideas have given you the arsenal to keep all your party guests satisfied. We want you to enjoy the 4th of july weekend, no matter what you're doing. But we ultimately want you to stay safe! The holiday brings about lots of fun, food, and drink but many times our excitement overtakes our sensibility. Make sure to schedule a safe and sober ride home if need be, and always drive safe on the roads.

For more tips on how to stay safe, check out our seasonal maintenance and routine maintenance pages. Taking care of your vehicle is just as important to your safety as is having good driving habits. this season is all about summer car care. We cover how to keep your car cool and protected with sun protection tips, cosmetic repair advice, cooling system maintenance tips, and more! If your vehicle can no longer keep you safe, or repair costs are simply too much, it might be time for a new ride. We can help you make the decision whether to buy or lease a new or certified pre-owned car with our buying vs. leasing pages. Not only that, but we'll also show you the best options for your budget, lifestyle, and needs.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

St. Patrick's Day Activities for the Family

WESTLAND, Mich.–– St. Patrick's day is this Thursday which means it's time for some fun! This holiday isn't just for adults and the Irish, it's a great opportunity for kids and families alike. Get them all involved with some crafts and activities for a very fun, green day. As you might already know this day is all about Irish food and traditions, good luck, rainbows and pots o' gold, and the mischievous and mysterious leprechaun. Let's go green with these St. Patrick's Day activities for the family.

Leprechaun Tricks

These little tricks are so easy to do and the little ones love it. Seeing the chaos the Leprechaun caused throughout the house only adds to the mystery of this creature. He only shows up one night per year to cause mischief, so make it fun! 

Enjoy an Irish Dinner

Try this hearty, comforting, and warm Irish stew on for size! You can cook this meal together by having each person gather up ingredients. While the meal is cooking, take time to talk about the importance of other cultures and look up fun facts about St. Patrick and Ireland. 

Enjoy a Green Dessert

Again, you can make a green dessert together. There are plenty of options for desserts you can make, especially because green food coloring exists! Try out these mint marshmallow brownies for a truly decadent dessert for a special occasion. 

Make a St. Patrick's Day Craft

Crafts are a fun way to get the family together to create a memory. This little craft is easy to get the whole family involved and simple enough to not create a huge mess. There's a giant world of holiday crafts like these on Pinterest. Check out our holiday board here for more. 

Learn about St. Patrick

Another way to celebrate is to educate! Learning about St. Patrick's rich history and his effect on Ireland is a great way to celebrate and show the true meaning of the holiday. You might even learn a few things yourself! Check out this page for resources. 

Hope these St. Patrick's Day activities for the family get you in the Irish spirit. May you be lucky this week and beyond. You can make your own luck, especially on the road, by taking care of your vehicle! Right now you can take advantage of our coupon on The Works treatment, which includes a multi-point inspection, oil change, tire rotation, battery check and more! Also feel free to explore our FAQs page to answer all your vehicle questions. If you need to schedule any seasonal maintenance for the upcoming spring season at North Brothers Ford, you can schedule your check-in time online!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+