Healthy Dinner Recipes For Spring

PEKIN, Illi. – Spring has finally arrived! While we're excited about the nicer weather, it has also sent us into a panic knowing that summer is around the corner, and therefore bathing suit season will be here before we know it. (Insert nightmares.) BUT, the good news is that thanks to our Pinterest obsession, we have tons of healthy dinner recipes for spring at our finger tips!

Below we have gathered up a few of our favorite recipes that taste like spring and will help us slim down for summer without sacrificing taste! Try them out! After a few weeks of tasty dinners and a few good workouts, we bet you'll be running to the beach!

Healthy Dinner Recipes For Spring

Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken

Sriracha Lime Chicken Chopped Salad

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

Baked Chicken with Spinach & Artichokes

 Easy Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

Orange Chicken with Asparagus

If your vehicle needs help getting in shape for summer too, let us take care of it for you! The service centers at our Buick Dealership and Ford Dealership are equipped to handle any of your auto needs and we're more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Windshield Wiper Blades Tips & Tricks

PEKIN, Illi. – Are your windshield wiper blades cracked, streaking, or squeaking? It's the worst when you need to clear your windshield and your wipers do a less desirable job. But it's more than just annoying. It's also unsafe. Your windshield wipers are crucial to your visibility when you're behind the wheel and if they aren't performing like they should, odds are they need to be replaced!

Over time your windshield wiper blades wear out. The sun can cause them to dry out and crack while ice can tear the blades. So no matter what season it is, it's always important to know that your wiper blades are ready to perform. Press play to find out what you need to know about your windshield wiper blades!

If your vehicle needs new wiper blades or routine maintenance, schedule an appointment at our Ford Dealership Serving Peoria, IL! We can take care of all your automotive needs!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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2015 GMC Canyon Has One of The 10 Best Interiors

PEKIN, Illi. – We sure hope the 2015 GMC Canyon isn't camera shy, because it's been the center of attention since its big debut! Already the recipient of numerous honors such as the Inaugural Midsize Truck Award and the Best of the Best Truck Award, the pickup now has another gold star to add to its growing list – the 2015 GMC Canyon has one of the 10 Best Interiors according to Ward's Auto!

When it came down to selecting the 10 Best Vehicle Interiors of the year out of the 42 eligible models, materials, design aesthetics, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, safety, comfort, value, and driver information were all taken into consideration. Ward's named the 2015 GMC Canyon one of the 10 Best Interiors of the year for the truck's ability to revive the stale midsize pickup segment. The Ward's team was particularly impressed by the extensive feature content which makes you feel like you're inside a well-equipped SUV, shedding the stereotypical "compact work truck" expectation. You can enjoy a Bose audio system, plush leather, user-friendly touchscreen, and advanced safety features, without having to upgrade to a full-size truck!

From our perspective, we can say the 2015 GMC Canyon has been extremely popular among consumers as well. We can barely keep them on the lot! Stop by our Peoria Area GMC Dealership to learn more about this title-holder! We have tons of New GMC Trucks to serve your pickup needs!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

Things To Do In Peoria, IL

PEORIA, Illi. – Don't you just love when you discover a new place to visit or a new area to explore right near your hometown? We love supporting our surrounding communities and staying local when we can, so we're making it our mission to never stop exploring our great state of Illinois!

Peoria, Illinois is less than 20 minutes from Pekin and is a overflowing with tons of exciting activities. We've compiled a list of endless ideas of things to do in Peoria, IL to help get your adventure started! Take a look –

Things To Do In Peoria, IL

-Peoria Zoo
-Boat Tours
-Riverfront Museum
-Dozer Park
-Peoria Civic Center
-Forest Park
-Giant Oak Park
-Luthy Botanical Garden
-Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences
-Caterpillar Visitors Center

While these 10 popular Peoria activities will definitely keep you busy during your visit, EnjoyIllinois.com and the Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau are both great resources for your Peoria adventure if you're looking for something more!

Like we said, Peoria is less than 20 minutes from Pekin, so if you're searching for a Cadillac Dealership, Buick Dealership, GMC Dealership, or Ford Dealership, we're here to help! At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

11-Speed Transmission Patented By Ford

PEKIN, Illi. – The concept isn't foreign to the automotive industry – it's always about the latest and greatest. Every automotive manufacturer is constantly in a race against one another for the next best thing and Ford Motor Company just took 1st place by patenting an 11-speed automatic transmission!

Basically Ford said what's so great about an 8-speed, 9-speed, or 10-speed transmission when you can have an 11-speed automatic transmission? While it's still uber mysterious, news that Ford has patented an 11-speed automatic transmission has us dreaming infinite gears and ultimate engine efficiency. Back in real life, Ford's patent application suggests the use of planetary gearsets, and since they are not used with dual-clutch configurations, it seems the 11-speed transmission will be a conventional, torque-converter automatic.

Back when Ford decided to go for the 10-speed, the automaker actually partnered with GM to develop the transmission. But this time around, it looks like Ford's doing it alone! So, stay tuned for more information on Ford's 11-speed automatic transmission as more details become available! Or, check out the New Ford Cars and New Ford Trucks that feature the automaker's already impressive technology.

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition

PEKIN, Illi. – Did you know that it was the Buick Enclave that fueled the brand's rebirth as a notable luxury vehicle brand? Well eight years later, the crossover's momentum is still going strong and to celebrate, the automaker is introducing the 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition!

Building on record sales from 2014, the 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition takes a more distinctive approach to the three-row crossover with a sleek bronze-tone grille and bronze accented 20-inch chrome-clad wheels. The Enclave has achieved notablepopularity in it's segment and the Tuscan edition confirms it's not going anywhere. AND, it won't be long before you can get your hands on one because the 2016 Enclave Tuscan Edition goes on sale this summer!

Take your pick from one of three exterior colors: White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic, then enjoy the rest of the features available on this distinctive edition crossover:

• Wood-trimmed, heated steering wheel
• Ice-blue LED ambient lighting around the instrument panel
• 8-way power driver and passenger seats with power recline, lumbar support and driver memory
• Heated front seats on Leather models and heated/cooled seats on Premium models
• Power-tilting/telescoping steering column on Premium models
• Buick IntelliLink with color touchscreen radio
• OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• High-intensity discharge headlamps
• Power liftgate
• Rear park assist and rear-vision camera system with dynamic guidelines

The Buick Enclave is the perfect vehicle for you no matter where you're at in your life! It offers three-rows of seating with easy access to the back row thanks to the SmartSlide system, which means there's tons of room for your family, friends, or cargo! Stop by our Peoria Area Buick Dealership to check out our inventory of New Buick Cars!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

Rainy Day Activity Ideas

Pekin, Illi. – They say April showers bring May flowers, and we're definitely not short on rain this week! If you're anything like us, the first thing you want to do on a rainy day is curl up on the couch and watch a movie, but if we're being real here we all know you can't watch a movie every single day of spring. So, if you're looking for a few fun ideas to cure the rainy day blues, check out these rainy day activity ideas!

Rainy Day Activity Ideas for Kids

Indoor Treasure Hunt

Host your very own indoor treasure hunt! All you have to do is create a set of clues, with each clue leading to the next and eventually to the treasure. Label the clues (5/10 or five of ten) to help the hunters keep track and before you know it they'll be lost in another world!

Build a Fort Indoors

Is there anything cooler as a child than building a fort inside and being able to sneak away to what seems like an alternate universe? Probably not.

Indoor Paddle Ball

Just because the rain is keeping you inside doesn't mean you can't get active. Try this indoor version of paddle ball – and no expensive vases or lamps will get broken.

Get Scientific

Play Bill Nye and watch your little ones oooh and ahhh over this science experiment that makes these worms come alive right before your eyes!

Cardboard Creativity

There's just something about a cardboard box that sparks creativity. The options are endless and will keep your little ones occupied all day!

If you do brave the rain and head to town on a spring rainy day, make sure to exercise additional caution on the roads since they can become slick with rainfall. As the weather changes, it's always best to be extra careful to ensure safety for you and your passengers.

If you're sick of the rain and can't wait to drop the top on a brand new convertible, stop by our Ford Dealership serving Peoria, IL to check out the new Mustang or visit our Peoria area GMC Dealership for a vehicle that is ready for any type of adventure!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

Aluminum Ford F-150's 700 Lb Weight Loss

PEKIN, Illi. – It's no secret Ford's F-150 was hard at work on its beach bod before it made its debut. By now you have probably heard that the new aluminum Ford F-150 dropped a whopping 700 lbs, much of which comes from the extensive use of aluminum throughout the truck. However, it also slimmed down in a few other areas and Ford just released the inside scoop on just how the F-150 lost so much weight!

Of the aluminum Ford F-150's total 700 pound weight loss, 450 pounds can be attributed to the aluminum body and frame, but the remaining 250 pounds came from all over, interior and exterior – every pound counted. Inside, Ford lightened up by getting rid of any unnecessary weight particularly in the front seat system, rear seat, and dashboard underpinnings. On the outside, additional weight was dropped in the front bumper structure, steering knuckles, magnesium four wheel drive exterior transfer case, mechanical parking break, and in the rear differential. Plus, in areas where the F-150 kept its steel make up, Ford utilized high-strength steel which means they were able to use less of it while maintaining safety, quality, and performance.

It goes without saying that the new aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 is a sight for sore eyes, but what's even better is how the drastic weight loss allows the truck to offer the fuel efficiency you crave. It's the hottest truck on the streets right now, so don't waste any time getting yours. Stop by our Peoria Area Ford Dealership to check out our New Ford Trucks!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

2016 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali Introduced at New York International Auto Show

PEKIN, Illi. - One of the strongest models in the compact SUV segment just became even more irresistible. This week the 2016 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali were introduced at the New York International Auto Show and proved to be the ultimate choice for customers seeking versatility, technology, and style.

With the compact SUV market growing at a rapid pace, GMC knew it was time to amp up one of their most popular models. GMC's 2016 Terrain and Terrain Denali have completely reshaped front-end appearances with new grille designs, power dome hoods, and LED daytime running lamps. GMC will also be offering Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for the first time on the SLE and SLT models. 

GMC's continued focus on precision and attention to detail are quite evident on the updated Terrain models. Both Terrains not only feature a modernized appearance, but several other new revisions including new front and rear fascias with a C-shaped lower chrome trim, an upgraded instrument panel "center stack" with a new storage shelf and control graphics, and two new premium exterior colors (White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red).  

Now that the 2016 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali have been officially introduced at the New York International Auto Show, all there is left to do is sit and patiently wait for them to go on sale this fall. In the mean time, you can still test drive the latest Terrain model at your Pekin Area GMC Dealer! At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram