I Love Graff Durand: Fall

Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

DURAND, Mich.,––Many people believe that you shouldn't break the popular Turkey tradition on Thanksgiving and that it is the one and only main dish that should be served. Despite popular beliefs, Turkey doesn't have to be the main meal served at Thanksgiving dinner. There are plenty of other options that'll live up to the high expectations set for this food-loving holiday. We've put together a list of Thanksgiving meal ideas for people who can't stand Turkey. If you're looking for an alternative to the beloved holiday tradition, then you'll want to check out these recipes:

Emeril's Orange and Cumin Pork Loin

Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Stuffed Shells

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Perfect Roast Chicken

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Classic Cheese Lasagna

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Prime Rib and Oven-Roasted Potatoes

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Is your mouth watering yet? Because ours sure are! We're ready for Thanksgiving to be here already so we can indulge in these delicious dishes. If you're not a turkey lover and are looking to start a new family tradition, then these Thanksgiving meal ideas for people who can't stand turkey will be sure to satisfy your needs this year! Do you plan on heading out for some Black Friday shopping this season? Check out our guide on how to make the most of your experience. You can also avoid the hassle of not having enough space in your vehicle for all of your Black Friday purchases by shopping our crossover/SUV inventory. We'll get you into a vehicle that is safe and spacious this holiday season!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

10 Fun Fall DIY Crafts

DURAND, Mich., – From the beautiful backdrop of colors that greet you when you step outdoors to the warm and welcoming holidays, it's clear to see why fall is the best and most beautiful season of the year! Bring a sense of autumn awe to your home with these 10 fun fall DIY crafts. Before you know it, your house will be as vibrant and colorful as the outdoors!

1. Fall Greeting Sign

Greet your guests in style with this creatively clever fall sign! When the holidays and snow come to Michigan, you can swap out the autumn leaves and bittersweet berries for holly and evergreen to make this DIY project last through the winter, too!

Supplies Needed: Chalkboard paint, bittersweet berries, fall leaves, tray, autumn branches

Difficulty: Easy

2. Flannel Coasters

Make your home feel just a little cozier this fall by crafting a set of flannel coasters! With a few felt squares, an old flannel, a sewing machine, scissors, and an iron, you can transform an old flannel into new cozy coasters in a mere matter of minutes!

Supplies Needed: Flannel, felt, sewing machine/thread, scissors, an iron

Difficulty: Easy

3. Leaf Bowl

Need a centerpiece for your table this fall? Create a leaf bowl with just a couple supplies to top off your beautifully decorated kitchen! We don't recommend you put anything too heavy in it, though, as the leafs can rip and tear with too much weight. Acorns or other fall goodies are perfect!

Supplies Needed: Artificial autumn maple leafs, triple thick glaze, mod podge matte, plastic bowl, plastic wrap

Difficulty: Medium

4. Maple Leaf Roses

Give the maple leafs in your backyard a new home by folding them into roses! You can hang your roses from string, decorate your dinner table, or even create a beautiful "bouquet" of maple leaf roses as a centerpiece!

Supplies Needed: Autumn leaves, floral tape, floral wire/craft wire, scissors

Difficulty: Hard

5. Thanksgiving Pie Garland

Whether you're a fan of pumpkin pie, apple pie, or both, this Thanksgiving pie garland is perfect for any lover of this beloved autumn dessert! Carve up a slice of creativity this fall to make the sweetest decorations of the Thanksgiving season!

Supplies Needed: Ruler, cardstock, twine, white pom-poms, cutting mat, craft knife, glue gun, scoring board

Difficulty: Medium

6. Cinnamon Stick Candles

Want to make your mantle pop this fall? All you need are cinnamon sticks, rubber bands, and some twine to transform your candles into these fantastic fall centerpieces! This cool craft is so easy that it shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to create!

Supplies Needed: Candles, cinnamon sticks, twine, rubber bands

Difficulty: Easy

7. Gold Leaf Pinecone Garland

Bring the fall festivities into your home this November by crafting a gold leaf pinecone garland! This affordable project is a quick and simple craft that you can put together with your whole family. Plus, the pinecones last a long time, so you can even keep your garland going through the winter!

Supplies Needed: Pinecones, twine, gold spray paint, gold leaf adhesive, foam brushes, spray sealant, screw eye hooks, pliers

Difficulty: Medium

8. Fall Bucket List

There's so much fun to be had during the autumn months, but remembering to do it all before the snow starts to fall can be challenging. Craft a fall bucket list to create a cute way to keep track of any activities you want to do while fall is still in full swing!

Supplies Needed: Tin bucket, fall filler (acorns, leaves, etc), large popsicle sticks, Sharpie marker, clip-on chalkboard sign, chalk, paint, and a paintbrush

Difficulty: Easy

9. Maple Leaf Mason Jars

Make your mason jars pop by giving them a little fall flair! After you finish this crafty addition to your home, fill your maple leaf mason jars with corn kernels and top them off with tea lights to create a perfect autumn ambiance once the sun goes down.

Supplies Needed: Paint, mason jars, tea lights, corn kernels, leafs

Difficulty: Easy

10. Tree Stump Candle Holders

If you have any leftover logs that you'd like to repurpose this fall, with just a few steps, you can turn an ordinary stump into a breathtakingly beautiful candle holder! Plus, once winter comes to Michigan, you can your tree stump candle holders into firewood by simply removing the candles!

Supplies Needed: Wood, drill, 1 1/2" wood boring drill bit, hand saw, tea light candles, boxwood wreath

Difficulty: Hard

There's something about autumn that sets it apart from the other seasons. Whether it's the fun holidays or the kaleidoscope of colors that nature provides us, fall is without a doubt the most beautiful time of the year. With these 10 fun fall DIY crafts, you can give your home the fall flair it deserves to stand out this November! If you've got a hunger for DIY crafts that you just can't quite seem to satisfy, check out our Pinterest page for fall crafts, recipes, and more. Before you head out to gather your crafting supplies, make sure your vehicle's components are ready to take on the changing temperatures with our Fall Car Care guide! You can additionally protect your vehicle by following our Routine Maintenance guide to ensure that key parts of your vehicle are functioning properly. That way, you'll be able to count on your car when the snow starts to fall!

How to Reuse Your Leftover Pumpkins

DURAND, Mich., – Now that Halloween has come and gone, people around the country will be throwing out their old Jack-o-Lanterns. No one wants to keep around an old rotten pumpkin after Halloween is said and done, right? Well, if you know how to reuse your leftover pumpkins, you can create delicious dishes, fall-themed centerpieces, and more without being wasteful. Read on to discover the unexpectedly awesome uses you can get out of your old pumpkins!

Bury Them

Your Jack-o-Lantern is packed with nutrients, making them excellent fertilizers for your garden! Make sure you remove the pumpkin seeds before you bury them, though! (well, unless you want to see baby pumpkins sprout in your garden!)

What to Do: Break your Jack-o-Lantern into a few pieces, then bury them in your garden or by any plants you'd like to see grow quickly. The leftover pumpkin pieces will decay and enrich the soil, giving your plants a little boost of energy through the winter!

Feed Them to Animals

Pumpkins are a very sweet treat loved and adored by animals! If you live close to the woods, place your pumpkins close to the wildlife to give deer, squirrels, and other animals a tasty snack for them to enjoy. Plus, you can leave your pumpkin seeds out for the birds to enjoy when they visit you in the morning!

What to Do: First, make sure you didn't use any paint on your pumpkins, as the toxins can cause harm to the wildlife. After double checking, break your pumpkins into pieces and scatter them in a spot where you don't mind the animals visiting. They'll be very thankful for the meal!

Donate Them

If you don't want to attract outdoor wildlife and don't have a garden, you can donate your pumpkins to nearby farms! They will put your old Jack-o-Lantern to good use by feeding it to their livestock or adding it to their fertilizer for their crops.

What to Do: If you aren't sure where to go to donate your pumpkins, you can use the Yellow Pages Farm Finder, or you can head over to Almar Orchards in Flushing to watch the fun farm animals feast on your old pumpkin!

Make Pumpkin Puree

If you'd rather enjoy the delicious benefits of leftover pumpkins for yourself, you can save yourself a few trips to the grocery store by making homemade pumpkin puree with your leftover Jack-o-Lantern! Use your pumpkin puree to make pumpkin bread, pie, muffins, and other sweet treats! Just make sure no mold has started to grow inside your Jack-o-Lantern.

What to Do: You'll want to start by preheating your oven to 325º F. Next, cut your pumpkin into pieces and remove any seeds and "pulp". After cleaning out your pumpkin pieces, wrap them in foil and place them in your oven (with the foil side up) for one hour. Once they're done cooking, take a spoon and scrape out your pumpkin's shell and place them in a blender. Finally, blend your pumpkin pieces until they're pureed, and place the remainders in freezer-safe bags for future use.

Cook a Batch of Pumpkin Bread

Want to put your pumpkin puree to good use? With just a few quick steps, you can turn your pumpkin puree into a warm and welcoming loaf of pumpkin bread. It's a must-try fall recipe that's a perfect compliment to any dish!

What to Do: First, you'll need the following items:

3 cups sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
16 oz. pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2/3 cup water
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups flour

Once you've gathered all the necessary supplies, it's time to make the bread! First, preheat your oven to 350º F. Next, stir together your sugar and oil, adding the eggs and pumpkin puree afterward. Combine your dry ingredients (cloves, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, flour, and salt) in a separate bowl. After that, blend your dry ingredients with water and add them to the wet mixture and combine them. Divide your bread batter between two loaf pans, then bake them for 30-40 minutes. Finally, let it stand for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and enjoy!

Now that you know how to reuse your leftover pumpkins, you can make it a tradition every November to repurpose your old Jack-o-Lanterns after Halloween! Want to find more ways to upcycle your old stuff this November? Check out our Pinterest page to discover DIY guides, fall recipes, and much more! If you head out to donate your pumpkin or to gather supplies to make pumpkin bread, be careful as deer will be on the move. Should you run into any trouble on the road, make the most of a bad situation by entering our Busted Bumper Buck Pole contest for a chance to win $1,000! When you bring your vehicle into our Graff Durand Service Center, we'll make sure your vehicle is fixed and ready to go in no time and automatically enter you in the Busted Bumper Buck Pole contest so you can have a chance at winning $1,000!

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Scary Service Situations to Avoid this Halloween

DURAND, Mich., – Nothing is scarier than seeing your "check engine" light illuminate on your dashboard while you're driving. Forbes estimates that over 9 million Americans have been ignoring their "check engine" light for three months or longer. Ignoring the warning signs that your vehicle provides you can cause you to wind up with costly repairs in the future. Along with your "check engine" light, here are some other scary service situations to avoid this Halloween. Expensive repair costs can ruin your Halloween fun in a matter of minutes. Follow our guide to save yourself money with proper vehicle care and maintenance!

Low Oil

Scary Service Situations to Avoid this Halloween

Driving around in a vehicle with low or no oil can lead to nightmarish consequences. Think of your engine as your vehicle's "heart", and the engine oil as its "blood". Your engine's oil is pumped throughout its components, lubricating them and keeping them from rubbing against one another. Without a proper oil level, your engine's parts won't be lubricated and will begin to rub against one another, generating a lot of heat and causing serious damage to your engine.

Warning Signs: If you notice your "check oil" light (similar to the image above) illuminate or if you hear loud noises coming from your engine, it may be time to have your oil level checked out.

What to Do: Typically, you should change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, but you can also consult your vehicle owner's manual for a more accurate figure. Checking your oil level from home only takes a few steps and can help you determine whether or not you need an oil change!

Brake Replacements

The most important safety features of your vehicle are your brakes. Keeping them in good condition will prevent you from winding up in a monstrous car accident and can get you out of sticky situations if an emergency arises. Without properly working brakes, you run the risk of accidents and increase your chance of injury on the road.

Warning Signs: If you hear any screeching or grinding noises as you brake, or experience difficulty while attempting to brake, there is a chance that your brake's calipers, rotors, or pads may need to be looked at, repaired, or replaced.

What to Do: If you notice any of these warning signs as you drive, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible! Driving around on worn or damaged brakes can lead to expensive costs, so getting your brakes looked at and fixed right away will keep you and your wallet safe from harm!

Transmission Damage

As the name suggests, your transmission transmits power from your engine to your wheels. Typically, your transmission is able to handle average commutes and driving, but if you frequently move from D (drive) to P (park) quickly, internal components can break down and quickly lead to a Halloween nightmare. Damage to your transmission can be caused if you skip oil or filter changes, sudden gear shifts in your vehicle, and low lubricant levels. Your vehicle is an investment. Treating it with care will keep your transmission in great working condition.

Warning Signs: If you smell a sweet or tart odor while driving that doesn't smell like Halloween candy, it could be your transmission fluid! Your transmission fluid is an important chemical used to transport the power from your transmission, and without it, your vehicle could become compromised very quickly. Additionally, if you hear any odd noises coming from your engine, your transmission may require an inspection.

What to Do: If you spot any of these symptoms while driving, call us and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you choose to drive with a potentially damaged transmission, you run the risk of compromising your entire engine, which can lead to nightmarishly high replacement costs.

Burned Out Headlights and Taillights

Your headlights and taillights are some of the most integral safety components of your vehicle. Your headlights help you spot trick-or-treaters that may spontaneously cross the road and your taillights notify pedestrians and other drivers that you're planning on turning down the street they may be walking or driving through. Without working headlights or taillights, you increase the probability of accidents that could occur at night, and if a police officer spots you with burned out lights, you could end up with an expensive ticket. Make sure your lights are in working condition before you drive at night!

Warning Signs: If you are experiencing difficulty seeing at night or notice that your visibility has dropped, your headlight may need to be looked at. You can tell your taillight needs to be replaced if the "clicking" noise your turn signal makes as you prepare to turn "clicks" at a much more frequent rate.

What to Do: Should you happen to have a burned out headlight or taillight, do not drive at night! Burned out headlights or taillights can create risks and expensive ticket costs. Schedule an appointment with us in the morning and we'll replace your broken headlight or taillight right away.

Flat Tire

No one wants a flat tire, especially on a busy holiday like Halloween. Once your tire loses a significant amount of air pressure, it becomes flat. This can be due to overuse, improper air pressure, or even a puncture in the tire. If you get a flat tire while driving, pull over right away. If you keep trying to drive on a flat, your vehicle will heavily pull on your flat's side, making it difficult to drive straight, which can cause structural damage to your vehicle's important components.

Warning Signs: You'll know you have a flat tire if your vehicle keeps slowing down while you drive or if your steering wheel requires you to hold it with force to one side to keep your vehicle going straight. Additionally, if you notice your vehicle is sitting at an angle before you hit the road, your tire could be flat or need to be refilled.

What to Do: If you have a flat tire, pull over as soon as you're able to! If you don't know how to change your tire, follow our Tire FAQ to learn how, or call us if you need additional assistance. Once you've replaced your flat with your spare tire, head over to our Service Center to get your tire fixed or replaced right away.

Halloween can be a costly time of the year. Costumes, candy, decorations, and more can quickly add up. Save yourself money and time this year by keeping informed on these scary service situations to avoid this Halloween. If you notice anything on your vehicle that could potentially require attention, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible to prevent a Halloween nightmare. Before you head in for your appointment, print out a few of our service coupons to help you further save money for more holiday fun! You can further protect your investment this autumn with our Fall Car Care guide. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your vehicle in peak condition throughout the changing seasons!

Monday, October 23, 2017

20 Interesting Facts About Halloween

DURAND, Mich., – Halloween is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world. In the United States alone, over 70% of Americans plan on participating on Halloween or other Halloween activities this year, but very few people know the origins of Halloween or why people carve jack-o-lanterns from pumpkins. Find out for yourself about how Halloween began and more with these 20 interesting facts about Halloween!

Halloween began as a Celtic festival for the dead called "Samhain". People at the time believed that Samhain was the day of the dead and that spirits would roam the earth. They would dress as ghosts and demons and leave "treats" on their front porch for the spirits so that they wouldn't be haunted.
The Jack-o-Lantern was also started in Ireland, based on the story of the ghost of Stingy Jack. Irish people carved terrifying faces into pumpkins, potatoes, beets, and turnips to scare Stingy Jack and other spirits away from their homes on Halloween.
Halloween has been celebrated for over 6,000 years! It is thought to have originated around 4,000 B.C.E., and since then, has become a huge part of global culture.
In the Middle Ages, it was customary for trick-or-treaters to have to sing or dance in order to receive their treats. This was a practice known as "mumming" and is still practiced in some parts of Europe!
This year, Americans are projected to spend over $618 million on pumpkins!
Halloween candy can last a lot longer than you'd think! Chocolates can last up to two years if stored in a dry area, and hard candy can last up to a year. Thankfully, you won't have to eat all of your candy in one day!
The reason why bats, black cats, and spiders are common Halloween symbols comes from their ties to old Wiccan rituals. These creatures were usually known as familiars, or servants to witches, and were often associated as omens of bad luck.
Americans spend over $6 billion on Halloween annually, coming in second place to Christmas as the most commercial holiday in the United States.
Black and orange, the main colors of Halloween, both have symbolic meaning. Orange stands for the strength and endurance of autumn, while black symbolizes death and darkness, paying tribute to Halloween's origin as the day of the dead.
Halloween hasn't always been called Halloween or even Samhain. It's gone by several names, like All Hallow's Eve, Witches' Night, Snap-Apple Night, and even Summer's End.
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st instead of October 31st. Participants dress up like the dead and parade down the street in honor of those that have passed on to the next life.
Salem, Massachusetts, considers itself the Halloween capital of the world due to its history of the Salem Witch Trials.
The Lantern Festival in China is celebrated to commemorate Halloween. Lanterns shaped like dragons are hung throughout streets to guide spirits back to their homes, and families typically leave food and water by their ancestors' portraits to welcome them for the evening.
During the original celebrations of Halloween, Irish priests would throw cattle bones onto bonfires to ensure the return of the sun. This practice was known as creating a "bone fire", and over time, "bone fire" became "bonfire", the word we all use today!
According to Safe Kids America, children are twice as likely to be involved in car accidents during Halloween. If you're going out, make sure to teach your children about street safety and keep an eye out for vehicles on the road!
It is extremely rare for Halloween to occur during a full moon. The next full moon Halloween will take place on 10/31/2020.
The number one most sold Halloween candy every year is Snickers.
Halloween is the sweetest holiday of the year. Chocolate sold on Halloween doubles the amount sold on Valentine's day. In fact, over $1.9 billion a year is spent on Halloween candy alone in the United States!
The largest Halloween parade in the United States takes place in New York. With over 50,000 participants and over 2 million spectators, and anyone can join if they have a costume!
The biggest pumpkin in recorded history weighed over 2,624.6 lbs. That's one big jack-o-lantern!

With a storied history stretching across thousands of years, Halloween is one of the most universally recognizable holidays. Learning about these 20 interesting facts about Halloween can give you a new perspective on the impact this holiday has had on the world. One more fun fact about the fall season: did you know that the changing weather of the fall can affect the components of your vehicle? Find out what parts of your vehicle need to be looked at before the temperatures drop with our Fall Car Care guide. If you need to have your vehicle repaired or inspected, call us or schedule a service appointment online. We're happy to help you get your vehicle back up to speed before the snow falls!

Friday, October 20, 2017

Avoid a Halloween Nightmare with a New Chevy Vehicle

DURAND, Mich., – No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road on Halloween. Get to trick-or-treating right away and avoid a Halloween nightmare with a new Chevy vehicle! You'll be able to face any problem that comes your way this Halloween behind the wheel of a new Chevy car, truck, crossover, or SUV. Read on to explore the capabilities of these cutting-edge vehicles today!

Count on the Chevy Silverado this Halloween

Avoid a Halloween Nightmare with a New Chevy Vehicle

If dependability is what you're looking for, the Silverado is built to withstand hordes of zombies, werewolf attacks, and any other terrors that may come to life on Halloween! Whether you need to travel long distances, tow heavy objects, or simply want to make an impression on the road, the Silverado has versatility written all over it. Get a closer look at the Chevrolet Silverado by reading up on its features and specifications in the Chevy Silverado Vehicle Brochure today!

Best Feature: Best In-Class 12,500 lbs. max towing

Perfect For: Fighting off zombies, carrying pumpkins, and haunted hayrides

Prepare for Adventure with the Chevy Traverse

With over 98.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has all the room you need to carry trick-or-treaters, vampire hunting supplies, candy, and much more! The Traverse's three rows of seating and foldable rows can give your taller passengers extra leg room. Even Frankenstein's monster has enough space to sit back and relax in the Chevy Traverse! See for yourself what the Traverse can do for you by scheduling a free test drive at Graff Durand.

Best Feature: Best In-Class 98.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity

Perfect For: Monster hunting, transporting trick-or-treaters, and carrying candy

Outrun Werewolves with the Chevy Cruze

Planning on celebrating Halloween out of town? Want to get there fast? The Chevy Cruze is built with speed and efficiency in mind. Its standard turbo engine obtains up to 40 mpg highway speeds, getting you from Point A to Point B quickly and saving you gas money along the way. If you want ample cargo capacity to match your high speeds, the Cruze Hatch offers 47.2 cubic feet of storage, too! Get a closer look at trim levels, reviews, pricing, and more by exploring our Cruze Model Overview.

Best Feature: Standard 1.4L turbo engine that provides up to 40 mpg highway and 153 horsepower

Perfect For: Road trips, outrunning monsters, and chasing down witches

Keep Safe with the Chevy Equinox

Halloween is one of the most dangerous times of the year for pedestrians. Luckily, the Chevrolet Equinox is prepared for any situation while equipped with the latest of Chevy's advanced safety features. From the standard Rear View Camera to the upgraded Advanced Cruise Control, you can make the road a much safer place with the new Equinox! Download a Chevrolet Equinox Brochure to learn more about the standard and optional safety features available to owners of this crossover today!

Best Feature: Up to 10 standard and optional safety features

Perfect For: Trick-or-treating, a trip to the pumpkin patch, and all things Halloween!

Stock Up on Candy with the Chevy Tahoe

If you're planning on taking your trick-or-treating to the next level this Halloween, you'll definitely want to get behind the wheel of a new Chevy Tahoe. You can store as much candy and pumpkins as you'd like in the Tahoe's spacious 94.7 cubic feet of interior cargo space! Plus, if you need to get away from the noisy streets, the Tahoe's interior is equipped with inlaid doors with triple seals to minimize outside sounds, turning your full-size SUV into a relaxing sanctuary. Check our Tahoe Inventory to see what we have in stock, then call us if you'd like to take one out for a test drive!

Best Feature: Best-in-Class 5.3L V8 engine that provides up to 355 horsepower and 23 MPG highway

Perfect For: Fall fun, candy collecting, and haunted house hunting!

Now that you know how to avoid a Halloween nightmare with a new Chevy vehicle, you can take on any monsters that rear their ugly heads this October! If you're interested in learning more about the capabilities of these cutting-edge vehicles, browse our selection of Chevy Models to find more information about reviews, pricing, trim levels, and more. After you've learned all you can about your potential new ride, explore our new vehicle inventory to discover what we have in stock. Once you've found something you like, schedule a test drive with us to test the capabilities of these vehicles in person!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

7 Spooky Halloween Party Drinks for Kids

DURAND, Mich., – Hosting a Halloween party? Want to serve a slew of kid-friendly beverages? Make your beverages fun, creative, and creepy with these 7 spooky Halloween party drinks for kids. From sweet to sour, these dreadfully delicious beverages are supremely simple and terrifyingly tasty!

1. Gummy Worm Punch

7 Spooky Halloween Party Drinks for Kids

Start your Halloween festivities off with a chilly concoction! Gummy worm punch is as easy to make as it is sweet! If you want to give this punch an added boost of flavor and creepiness, hang a few gummy worms from the rim of your glass to send shivers down your guests' spines.

Ingredients: Green Berry Rush Hawaiian Punch, Sprite, gummy worms

Instructions:

Using a muffin sheet, fill each tin with gummy worms and Hawaiian Punch.
Freeze for 2-3 hours.
Fill your glass punch bowl 3/4 full with Hawaiian punch, then add Sprite to fill it up.
Drop in a frozen worm disks, stir, and enjoy!

2. Butterbeer

Are you planning on hosting a Harry Potter-themed party this Halloween? Bring the magic to the dinner table by creating your very own batch of kid-friendly Butterbeer!

Ingredients: Brown sugar, butter, salt, apple cider vinegar, heavy cream, chilled cream soda

Instructions:

Combine brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat, add 4 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup of cream with 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup.
In each glass, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of cream soda. Pour in the rest of the cream soda until it's near the brim, then top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

3. Candy Corn Punch

Whether you're a lover or hater of the classic Halloween treat, this candy corn-colored punch is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of fruit punch lovers. It's a sweet treat that's bound to make you smile!

Ingredients: Ice, Crush orange soda, yellow Gatorade, lemonade Vitamin Water

Instructions:

Fill your cup to the very top with ice.
Pour Crush to 1/3 of the glass.
Slowly pour the Gatorade on top of the ice, letting it trickle down to the top of the Crush until it fills 2/3 of your glass.
Lastly, pour your lemonade on the ice, letting it trickle to the top of the Gatorade.

4. Boo-nilla Shakes

Make these surprisingly sweet little ghosts feel welcome this Halloween by topping them off with some devilishly delicious whipped cream. Serve these milkshakes to your whole party and it will look like a spooky graveyard filled with ghosts!

Ingredients: Milk, vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, melted chocolate

Instructions:

Blend 1 cup of milk with 1 pint of ice cream until smooth. Add another pint of ice cream, blending until smooth.
Decorate 8-ounce glasses with melted chocolate on the inside of the glass to make ghost "faces".
Pour milkshake into your 8-ounce glasses, decorated with chocolate faces, until 3/4 full.
Whisk heavy cream until soft "peaks" form. Add confectioners' sugar, whisking again until stiff "peaks" form.
Pipe spiral mounds of whipped cream on top of your milkshakes. Enjoy!

5. Vampire Floats

Sink your teeth into a delightfully dreadful vampire float for a glass of fruity flavor! This easy, two-ingredient recipe is a real hit no matter where you serve it, whether you're paying a visit to Castle Dracula or having friends over for a get-together!

Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, red Hawaiian Punch

Instructions:

In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream and red Hawaiian punch.
Garnish with plastic vampire teeth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

6. Hocus Pocus Potion

Who says witches are the only ones that get to make magic? Show off your spellbindingly sweet skills by whipping up a batch of Hocus Pocus Potions. You can't beat this magically delicious treat!

Ingredients: Orange sherbet, orange juice, vanilla ice cream, blueberries, blackberries

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of orange juice and 2 pints of orange sherbet ice cream.
Blend 1 pint of vanilla ice cream with 1/2 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of blackberries.
Layer sherbet and berry mixtures into four glasses, serving immediately.

7. Monster Blood Floats

These creepy monster blood floats smile back at you as you sip on them! Using different food coloring and ice cream flavors, you can make blue, green, and even red-colored monster blood floats to really creep out your partygoers!

Ingredients: Sprite, lime sherbet ice cream, mini marshmallows, edible googly eyes, white icing, green food coloring, lime

Instructions:

Create "monster eyes" by attaching edible googly eyes to mini marshmallows with your white icing. Cut a sliver into each marshmallow so it can fit on the sides of your glasses.
Put 2-3 scoops of ice cream, one drop of food coloring, and 2/3 cups of Sprite in your glass. Lightly stir it to blend in the food coloring, then add a slice of lime for the "mouth". Enjoy!

Haunt your home with the sweetest beverages of the season by concocting these 7 spooky Halloween party drinks for kids! If you're on the hunt for more Halloween recipes, DIY projects, and more, follow our Pinterest page to discover fantastic fall-themed inspiration! While you prepare for trick-or-treating, make sure your vehicle is able to take on the cold autumn weather by inspecting and maintaining the important components in your vehicle with our Fall Car Care guide. If you find anything that may require attention, prevent a Halloween nightmare by scheduling service with us right away!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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Wednesday, October 11, 2017

9 Unique Jack-O-Lantern Carving Ideas

DURAND, Mich., – Do you like pumpkin carving? Are you tired of making the same old designs every year? With these 9 unique jack-o-lantern carving ideas, your front porch will look spookier than ever before! Give these easy, medium, and challenging patterns a try this Halloween season for maximum fall fun!

1. Paw Print Pumpkin

Give your furry friends the shout out they deserve with a super cute paw print pumpkin! If you're really dedicated to you dog, you can print out a portrait stencil of their breed to carve into your jack-o-lantern as well!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions: Download the stencil, trace it on your pumpkin, and carefully carve it out!

2. Harry Potter Pumpkin

Magic is in the air this Halloween, and you can bring it to life with your very own Harry Potter pumpkin! While you're at it, you can use these other Harry Potter pumpkin ideas to bring the wizarding world to life!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions: Carefully follow the design above and leave a little room for the "bridge" of the glasses on the "nose" of the pumpkin.

3. Kitten Pumpkin

Create the most purrrfect pumpkin this Halloween with this easy-to-make kitten design! Making a kitten pumpkin is easy and only takes a few minutes. It's a perfect design for kids to learn the basics of pumpkin carving!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions: Cut out a square for the nose, circles for the eyes, wide triangles for the ears, and long triangles for the whiskers. Voila! You've created your very own kitten jack-o-lantern!

4. Pineapple Pumpkin

For a fun, tropical design this Halloween, a pineapple pumpkin will make you feel like you're in paradise! Trace and carve this design to bring a warm summer feel to this cold and chilly October.

Difficulty: Medium

Instructions: Using a pineapple stencil, trace the design with a washable marker, then carefully cut out the pattern to create this tropical delight!

5. Boogeyman Pumpkin

Inspired by the Nightmare Before Christmas, this spooky design is sure to send chills down Trick-or-Treaters' spines as they approach your house. While you're at it, make a Jack Skellington pumpkin to match your Boogeyman!

Difficulty: Medium

Instructions: Use this Boogeyman stencil to trace your design, then carefully cut along the edges to form the silhouette. After you've successfully cut out the background, carve the eyes and mouth to finish up this creatively creepy pumpkin design.

7. Sunflower Pumpkin

Want to add a flowery touch to the decorations this year? Create a sunflower pumpkin with this careful and creative design! Brighten the moods of Trick-or-Treaters by greeting them with a warm and welcoming sunflower this Halloween.

Difficulty: Medium

Instructions: Carefully draw a sunflower design on your pumpkin with a marker and make small holes in the center circle. Afterwards, carefully cut the petals out to bring your sunflower to life!

6. Chevy Pumpkin

This one's our favorite! A few years ago, Chevrolet released a set of pumpkin-carving stencils that are full of cool and creative designs including the Chevy bowtie, Corvette logo, and Find New Roads slogan, and more.

Difficulty: Hard

Instructions: Follow the instructions on the Chevy Facebook post, print out the stencils, and create your very own Chevy-themed pumpkin this year!

8. Mountain Range Pumpkin

Your front porch deserves nothing better than this simply stunning mountain design. It may take a lot of work, but the end result is worth the effort!

Difficulty: Hard

Instructions: First, create your "mountain" design, carving out a pattern near the bottom of the pumpkin. Next, make your "moon" and carve dozens of small circles throughout your pumpkin for the "stars".

9. Tinkerbell Pumpkin

You don't have to go to Neverland to create this magnificently detailed pumpkin (but it might take the same amount of work that it would to go to Neverland)!

Difficulty: Hard

Instructions: Print off the Tinkerbell stencil and slowly trace the design onto the pumpkin. Carve Tinkerbell into your pumpkin making sure to smooth out the edges to make the design look more like Tinkerbell. Afterwards, use a power drill to create dozens of small holes following Tinkerbell for the "pixie dust" effect. To show off this magical jack-o-lantern, it may be smart to run Christmas lights into the pumpkin instead of just using the traditional candle to light it up.

Whether you prefer easy, simple designs or you like to go all out on Halloween, these 9 unique jack-o-lantern carving ideas are sure to make your pumpkins are the best decorated ones in the whole neighborhood this October! If you're on the hunt for Halloween recipes, costume ideas, or more pumpkin designs, follow our Pinterest page for extra inspiration. Before you visit your nearest pumpkin patch to pick out your pumpkin, consult our Fall Car Care guide to keep your vehicle in good shape as the temperatures begin to change. If you find that any of your vehicle's components require maintenance, schedule service with us and we'll get your vehicle ready to take on the changing seasons in no time!

Thursday, October 5, 2017

7 Creative Family Costume Ideas

DURAND, Mich., – It's almost time for Halloween! If you haven't planned out your costumes yet for the big day, we're here to help! Take to the streets of your neighborhood as a group this Halloween with these 7 creative family costume ideas. You'll be sure to get a few laughs, smiles, and compliments with these clever group costumes. Whether you're a family of 3, 4, 5, or more, you can make all of these crafty family outfits work with a few homemade supplies and a little bit of creativity!

1. S'mores

Have s'more fun this year with this adorably creative family costume! For added effect, tow along a "bonfire" wagon full of blankets to keep your little passengers toasty this year.

Costume Difficulty: Easy

Participants Required: 4

2. Jurassic Park

Take a trip back to Jurassic Park with this uniquely simple family costume. You can DIY the adult costumes easily, and the dinosaur child costumes can be found at any Halloween store!

Costume Difficulty: Easy

Participants Required: 3+

3. Inside Out

From Joy to Anger, you and your whole family can dress up as the emotions from Disney's Inside Out movie for a fabulous family look!

Costume Difficulty: Easy

Participants Required: 3-5

4. Cops and Robbers

You can't beat the classic cops and robbers family costume! This easy DIY costume idea is perfect for photos and Trick-or-Treating no matter where you go. Plus, you can use your "money bags" to all of your candy!

Costume Difficulty: Easy

Participants Required: 3-5+

5. Pac-Man

Bring the retro arcade game back to life this Halloween by dressing up as Pac-Man, Mrs. Pacman, and the ghosts! You can even turn your Trick-or-Treat baskets or bags into the fruit from the game for added effect!

Costume Difficulty: Medium

Participants Required: 3-5+

6. Robots

For an awesome techno-futuristic experience, turn your whole family into robots for a cool and creative DIY project! While these costumes may require a little bit of work, the end result will wow your friends and neighbors!

Costume Difficulty: Hard

Participants Required: 3+

7. Scooby-Doo

Get the whole family dressed up as the gang from Scooby-Doo for a spooktacular night of Trick-or-Treating this Halloween! You'll be sure to hear a "Zoinks!" or two dressed as Velma, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Scooby-Doo!

Costume Difficulty: Medium

Participants Required: 3-5

Make this Halloween your best-dressed yet with these 7 creative family costume ideas! From robots to s'mores, you can create great memories and even better costumes for you and your family with these cool outfits. Looking for more Halloween inspiration? Follow our Pinterest page for updates on costumes, recipes, and more to get excited about the fall season! While you're out and about gathering supplies to make these creative costumes, make sure your vehicle is ready to take on the changing temperatures with our Fall Car Care guide. In it, you'll discover helpful tips on maintenance to keep your vehicle running efficiently throughout the fall and winter seasons. If you have any questions about Fall Car Care or routine maintenance, we are happy to help!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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

Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand

At Hank Graff Chevrolet, we are revolutionizing the car buying experience. We are doing this by providing all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun. After all, we believe getting behind the wheel of a new car should be exciting!

When you visit our dealership, you’ll find that our team members enjoy being here. You will hear a lot of laughter, jokes, and genuine enjoyment echo throughout our dealership’s lobby. This fun atmosphere is what keeps customers coming back to our dealership time and time again!