2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Every Lifestyle

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– The holidays can be a stressful time of the year. Whether it be trying to find the perfect gift or traveling across the country to visit relatives, it is one of the busiest times of the year, not to mention one of the most expensive. Although the holidays are more about cherishing the time spent with family and friends, there is also a lot of giving this season. Exchanging gifts is a favorite holiday tradition during this time of the year. It can be exhausting shopping around different stores and searching online to find a gift for someone else. To save the time and stress of finding the perfect present, we've put together a 2017 holiday gift guide for every lifestyle:

For the Master Chef

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

Price: $84.96 (Amazon)

For the Tech Guru

Amazon Echo (2nd Generation)

Price: $79.99 (Amazon)

For the Adventure Seeker

AKASO EK7000 4K WIFI Sports Action Camera Ultra HD Waterproof DV Camcorder 12MP 170 Degree Wide Angle

Price: $69.49 (Amazon)

For the Avid Reader

Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II

Price: $18.28 (Amazon)

For the Exercise Fanatic

Cold Roller Ball

Price: $39.99 (SKLZ)

For the Artistically Inclined

3Doodler Create 3D Pen

Price: $66.37 (Amazon)

For the Music Performer

Hercules DJControl Compact Super-Mobile USB Controller with 8 Trigger Pads and 2 Virtual Turntable Decks

Price: $69.95 (Amazon)

Whoever you're shopping for this holiday season, we've got you covered. Shop smart this year and give a foolproof gift from our 2017 holiday gift guide for every lifestyle. Every item in our guide is available for purchase online, making it easier for you to buy! You won't have to wait in those long lines at the store, either. If you're looking to go bigger with your gift this year, shop our new vehicle inventory. We've got great deals going on during the holidays to help you get into a new car for less. If you're in need of some service on your vehicle, check out our coupons page for tremendous savings on routine maintenance. Get your car ready for the new year at Graff Okemos!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864.

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Chevy Unveils Red Wings Tribute Logo

OKEMOS, Mich., – The Little Caesar's Arena is open for business! This all-star venue will host hockey games, basketball games, concerts, and much more in downtown Detroit. Chevrolet is the official vehicle sponsor of the Little Caesar's Arena and the Detroit Red Wings. In honor of the partnership with these organizations, Chevy unveiled a Red Wings tribute logo that will be featured at the northeastern entrance of Little Caesar's Arena. The sculpture, which is 9 feet long and 5 feet high, pays tribute to the iconic Red Wings logo with discarded Chevrolet vehicle components that create a truly intricate work of art.

The sculpture, created by a former professional stuntman from the Czech Republic, took over 700 hours to sketch, model, and sculpt. It was created using over 186 parts from 13 separate Chevrolet vehicles, including shocks, brake calipers, rotors, bearings, brake pads, and a hubcap from a 1918 Chevrolet vehicle. The center of the wheel features the iconic Chevrolet Silverado bowtie. It weighs 772 pounds and is on permanent display at the northeastern Chevrolet entrance of Little Caesar's Arena. Watch the video below to see a time lapse of the sculpture's creation!

“Chevrolet commissioned this unique sculpture as a tribute to the people and the industry that fuel the city of Detroit and to honor the Detroit Red Wings who have been a true symbol of grit and determination,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “Tomas Vitanovsky has demonstrated a talent for bringing together what seem to be very ordinary parts into a striking piece of industrial artwork that we are proud to share with the city.”

Chevrolet is the official vehicle of the Detroit Red Wings and the Little Caesar's Arena. Paying tribute to this partnership and the city that built it, Chevy unveiled a Red Wings tribute logo at the grand opening of Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit. The tribute logo features parts and components from multiple Chevrolet vehicles. Take a look at our new vehicle inventory to find the vehicles that carry these components, or check out our accessories if you want to add a personal touch to your vehicle. Need to have routine maintenance performed on your vehicle soon? Use our coupons to get a great deal on service!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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MSU Tailgating Activities and Tips

OKEMOS, Mich., – Kick off the football season in style this year! The Michigan State Spartans are ready to take on the Big Ten and whatever else college football has in store for them with an energetic and fired up roster this season. If you plan on heading out to a game at Spartan Stadium this year, use these MSU tailgating activities and tips to make your trip to East Lansing unforgettable. Enjoy a safe and fun tailgate this football season by participating in old MSU traditions and enjoying the best East Lansing has to offer. Sparty on!

Bring the Fun to the Tailgate

One of the best ways to enjoy tailgating is by bringing the fun with you! Grab a few friends or family members and bring along cornhole or lawn golf to enjoy some games of your own before kickoff. If you want to try something a little different, give these lawn games a shot for a unique tailgating experience!

Checklist of Tailgate Supplies

When you head out to tailgate, you'll want to cook food and bring some entertainment along while you wait for the game to start. Make sure to pack all of these supplies:

• Trash bags
• Grill
• Grilling supplies (tongs, charcoal, spatula, lighter, matches, etc.)
• Plates, plastic silverware, paper towels, napkins, etc.
• Cutting board
• Canopy tent (MSU tailgate rules note that it can't be any larger than 10ftx10ft)
• Lawn chairs
• Main and side dishes
• Cooler
• First aid kit (just in case!)
• Rain ponchos
• Jumper cables
• Football

Grab a Bite to Eat

If you don't feel like cooking or want to explore Downtown Lansing, we've got the perfect list of places to try! For a quick bite to eat, head out to any of these restaurants before the game:

• Menna's Joint: grilled wraps and sandwiches with uniquely crafted recipes
• Backyard Bar-B-Q: barbecue joint with a wide array of sides
• Stateside Deli: deli sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and the "Famous #32"
• Waterfront Grill: organic dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and more
• Westlund's Apple Market: local grocery store featuring a wide range of to-go foods

Pre-Game Warmup on Adams Field

Every year, fans bring their blankets and set up their tailgates near Adams field to get the perfect view for the pre-game warmups! About 2 hours before the game, the band members arrive and warm up on different parts of the field. Once the Sousaphone section arrives, the whole band breaks out into a show for all of the fans gathered around! The band quickly breaks into "The Series", an MSU game day tradition, before heading down Red Cedar Road to the stadium. 

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Tailgate

Most importantly, make sure you have a fun and safe tailgate experience! Read up on MSU's tailgate safety rules to ensure that you don't break any rules while you enjoy your day. If you have any questions or are curious about a specific rule, contact MSU's game day department for more information. Following the rules and cooperating with the police will allow you to enjoy all the pre-game festivities before the game!

One of the best ways to have fun from beginning to end at an MSU game is by enjoying a great tailgate before the team hits the field. Have a fun and safe experience before you make your way to Spartan Stadium by taking part in these MSU tailgating activities and tips. Fun fact: not only is it college football season, it's also SUV season! Browse our new vehicle inventory to find exclusive discounts and offers, and use some of our rebates and incentives to enjoy price reductions on new and used vehicles in our lot! 

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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MSU Kickoff Traditions

OKEMOS, Mich., – On Saturday, September 2nd, Michigan State University football will finally make its return to Spartan Stadium! Whether you're a diehard fan of the green and white or just a casual Spartan fan, knowing these MSU kickoff traditions will make your time in East Lansing a much more fun experience! With decades of traditions that the football team, band, and fans participate in, discover some of the unique rituals Spartan fans take part in. While others may find these practices strange, some MSU fans believe these traditions make the difference between winning and losing!

Sparty Watch

Before every game, many MSU fans will touch the Sparty statue before the game in order to wish the team good luck. However, the Sparty receives the most attention during the MSU-U of M games. Both teams have decades of heated rivalry and have been known to vandalize their opposition's famous landmarks. In opposition to this, many Spartan fans will camp out by the Sparty the week before the game in order to protect it from potential vandalism. On game day, the MSU marching band forms a perimeter around the Sparty to guard it before and during the game. It's a great tradition that brings old and new fans together across age groups!

Shout"It's a Beautiful Day for Football!"

Whether it's sunny, raining, or snowing, the announcers make sure to let everyone know that it's a beautiful day for football! This long-running tradition has been a staple at Spartan Stadium for decades. It's so well known in the MSU community that the entire crowd joins in unison! If you're a first-timer at Spartan Stadium, watch the video above to view the "weather watch" for yourself!

Participate in the Spartan Walk

Around two hours before the game, the football team will begin their walk to Spartan Stadium from their hotel at the Kellogg Center. This 10-minute walk to the stadium is accompanied by the band, as each member walks single-file through campus. Crowds of fans shout "Go Green! Go White!" as they pass by the Sparty, rubbing the statue's foot and leaving a penny for good luck. This older tradition was recently brought back by Mark Dantonio in 2007, and since then, it's been a Spartan fan staple.

Catch Zeke the Wonder Dog at Halftime

Zeke, the Frisbee-catching Wonder Dog, has provided Spartan Stadium with adorable entertainment since the 1970s! The first Zeke, a labrador retriever, wowed coach Darryl Rogers so much that he was given his very own varsity letter. Currently, Zeke IV, the fourth Wonder Dog of his generation, has entertained Spartan fans at football, basketball, soccer, and many other games. You won't want to miss this game day tradition during halftime!

Watch the Series

"The Series", as it's known, is a popular hype song performed by the MSU band before every game for parade marching. Fans gather around the Kalamazoo Bridge to cheer on the marching band as they make their way to the stadium. The Series received its name for its complicated set of drumbeats and composition, and while some fans may not know the name of the song, they'll definitely recognize it when it comes on!

Take a look at Michigan State's football schedule to make sure you don't miss a single second of the action this year! We at Graff Okemos are diehard Spartan fans, and we definitely follow all of these MSU kickoff traditions from the first game to last! Whether you're an MSU alumni or simply a fan of a great football team, show up to East Lansing in style at a great rate with our new vehicle sales. Customize your vehicle and add a little Spartan touch to it with any of our Chevrolet-approved accessories, and don't forget to Sparty on! Go Green and Go White!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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How to Find the Right Vehicle for You

OKEMOS, Mich., – If you're in the market to purchase a new vehicle, you're probably considering a lot of different options. Weighing out the different factors like budget, needs, and commuting distance all play a part in this important decision. Figure out how to find the right vehicle for you with these handy resources, courtesy of your friends at Graff Okemos. With our helpful resources and tips, you'll be able to find the vehicle that's just right for you in no time, whether you need more cargo space, better fuel efficiency, or you just want a flashy new ride! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment for a test drive. Our Service Staff will make sure you're taken care of so you can get back on the road with your new ride as soon as possible!

Figure Out What Your Needs Are

The first step in purchasing a new vehicle is assessing your needs. Don't just think about what you'll need now, but also in the future. A few considerations you should take into account are:

• Do you need 4-wheel drive for the winter months?
• How many passengers will you normally have in your vehicle?
• Do you typically drive on the highway, streets, or off-road?
• What safety features are important to you?
• Will you be towing anything?

All of these needs and more play an important role in deciding what vehicle to purchase. Make sure you write down every factor that is important to you, from short term to long term needs. Keep your needs in mind while you figure out your price range and any costs you'll need to take into account with your final purchase.

Decide on a Budget

Next, you'll want to take your budgetary needs into consideration. If you're interested in getting a car loan or financing, you can fill out our credit approval form to obtain more information about interest payments and what you are qualified for. The resources needed to making the initial downpayment and subsequent monthly payments when buying or leasing a vehicle are important to consider. The general rule to consider when budgeting out car payments is that it should be no more than 20% of your take-home income.

Buying vs. Leasing

Once you have your budget in place, you'll want to look into buying and leasing. Both buying and leasing have their individual benefits, but each also carry their own restrictions. Buying a vehicle is a large financial commitment, and factors like commute time and distance play important roles. While purchasing a vehicle can be beneficial with longer commutes, it also requires a larger downpayment and can be very costly. Leasing is a much more affordable option, but it can limit the amount of miles you can drive during the period of your lease. Making sure you're getting the most for your investment is extremely important - weighing your needs and your budget will help you make the decision. Check out our buying vs leasing guide to learn more about the specific pros and cons of each option! 

Choosing the Vehicle

Now, the fun part! After figuring out the money and payment options, you'll finally have the chance to look at vehicles. Our inventory carries a wide range of options for any budgetary needs. You'll be able to refine your search to find exactly what you need, from brand new leases to affordable certified pre-owned vehicles! You can even read up on vehicle brochures on our website to learn about the individual features of what each vehicle has to offer to better help you make your decision. Before you know it, you'll be behind the wheel of your new ride in no time!

Take it For a Test Drive

Once you schedule your appointment for a test drive, you'll get a firsthand look at what your vehicle has to offer. In order to find out whether it's the right fit for you, you should test it based on your driving needs. If you have to drive on the highways frequently, see how it handles the fast speeds and acceleration! If you have lots of passengers, sit in the back and passenger seating to see how comfortable the ride will be for them. Our Sales Staff will be happy to let you look over anything about the vehicle to see if it fits your needs. Feel free to ask any questions you may have!

We at Graff Okemos understand that it take a lot of time and research before you purchase a vehicle. Deciding on your needs and options play huge roles in the deicision, and we're more than happy to help you with anything you need! We hope our guide on how to find the right vehicle for you comes in handy when you finally make the decision to purchase or lease your new car! Feel free to reach out to us with any concerns. We're happy to help you find the option that will be best suited for you.

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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All Things Easter Eggs

OKEMOS, Mich., – Easter is just around the corner! Hopefully the warmer weather will be here to stay by then and you can enjoy an outdoor Easter egg hunt! We gathered a list of all things Easter eggs so that you can have a bright and fun Easter holiday! Try out these Easter egg dye ideas, recipes, and more! We think your family, friends, and children will get a kick out of these ideas, so give them a try and let us know what you think! 

Tie Dye Easter Eggs

Tie dye Easter eggs are pretty simple to make and are a nice alternative to single colored eggs. 

Marbled Hardboiled Eggs

These pretty hardboiled eggs are totally safe to eat as long as you use food-safe dye! They're made by cracking the egg shells before dunking them into the dye.

Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt

For a twist on your traditional Easter egg hunt, try putting battery operated candles inside of plastic eggs for a fun nighttime adventure! 

Rice Crispy Easter Eggs

These tasty treats are sure to be a hit. You can use plastic eggs as the mold to get the Easter egg shape! 

Shaving Cream Dyed Easter Eggs

This egg dying activity will be especially fun for little ones looking to explore sensory play, but the adults might get a kick out of it as well! 

Coconut Macaroon Nests

These cute and tasty nests would look great on any Easter table or in an Easter basket! 

We hope you enjoyed reading about all things Easter eggs and we think these ideas will brighten up your Easter holiday! To brighten up your driveway, start shopping for new Chevrolet vehicles! If you just want to keep your current vehicles in great shape, be sure to take a look at our routine maintenance pages and our Spring Car Care pages! We look forward to seeing you soon! 

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with top-notch service and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you find your dream car – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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