8 Spooky and Simple Halloween Decorations

OKEMOS, Mich., – It's almost time for Halloween! Is your house ready for the scariest season of the year? If not, these 8 spooky and simple Halloween decorations should help you get your home looking positively ghoulish. All of these DIY decorations are really easy and fun crafts to make with your little ghosts and goblins as well. So, whether you're hosting a Halloween-themed party or are simply greeting Trick or Treaters, use these decorations to make your house the scariest one on the block this year!

1. Spiderweb Balloons

Want to decorate your trees or front porch in a creative way this Halloween? Spiderweb balloons are a creepy and cool way to increase the curb appeal of your home without losing any of the decorative charm of the fall! The best part is, it only takes a few minutes and some household supplies to make them! All you have to do is coat string in a water and glue mixture, wrap the string around a balloon, let it dry, and then pop the balloon for cool and creepy spiderweb look!

2. Creepy Eyeball Roses

Looking for the perfectly terrifying touch to your home? These eyeball roses are sure to be the most unsettlingly unique decorations this Halloween season. Plus, they only take a few minutes to put together. All you have to do is glue a plastic eyeball in the center of a fake rose, and you've made the creepiest decoration of all time!

3. Yarn Pumpkin Garland

If you want to make a family-friendly decoration that everyone can participate in making, this yarn pumpkin garland is a quick and easy way to decorate your home this Halloween. All you need is yarn, pipe cleaners, twine, and scissors. You'll have a fun new string of Halloween-themed garland to dress up your living room with!

4. Pumpkin Party Favors

Hosting a Halloween party? Make the occasion memorable with pumpkin party favors! Fill these bundles with candy, chocolate, and other fun goodies to impress party-goers or Trick-or-Treaters when they visit. Create the coolest pumpkin-themed party favors your friends and family have ever seen this year!

5. Spooky Mason Jars

Unleash your artsy side with these spooky mason jars! All you need to craft these creepy jars is spray paint, a permanent marker, and a tea light candle to bring the ghostly scene to life. Decorate your home with these cool and creative mason jars for a haunting look. Add a creative twist by drawing your own creepy Halloween-themed landscape!

6. Halloween Window Decal

This decoration is easy to make, but looks great! All you need are a few Halloween-themed decals (you can get them at the store or make them yourself with black construction paper) and orange string lights to make the coolest window decorations this season. If your windows have blinds, shut them for maximum Halloween spookiness!

7. Mason Jar Mummies

Wrap your mason jars in medical gauze and glue on some googly eyes for a cute and crazy Halloween DIY project! If you're making this with your kids, you can even use different sized mason jars to make a little mummy family! 

8. Glow in the Dark Pumpkins

Making glow in the dark pumpkins is simple, easy, and can add a fun twist to your average jack-o-lantern making process without even having to use a knife or other sharp objects. Before you get started, print off a face design and put it on your pumpkin before you spray it with glow in the dark paint. Once the paint dries, peel off the face design and put your new glow in the dark jack-o-lantern out on your porch!

Looking for more Halloween inspiration? Follow our Pinterest page for regular updates on Halloween-themed costumes, decorations, recipes, and more. We hope these 8 spooky and simple Halloween decorations make your Halloween an exciting and fun experience this year! If you're looking to save big on auto maintenance, make sure to visit our coupons page the next time you have to schedule service for routine maintenance! We have discounts on tires, batteries, brakes, and more! Enjoy your Halloween festivities this year with your newly decorated home!

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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Caring For Your Car this Fall

OKEMOS, Mich., – Say goodbye to the summer and hello to the fall! It's time for pumpkin patches, hayrides, bonfires, and plenty of fall fun! However, did you know that the changing temperatures and weather can affect your vehicle's performance? Believe it or not, some of the most important components in your vehicle can become worn or damaged by the colder temperatures of the fall. At Graff Okemos, we want to make sure you're ready to take on the unpredictable Michigan weather. With this in mind, we've put together a guide to caring for your car this fall! You can learn the importance of caring for your vehicle's weather strips, heating and ventilation system, windshield, belts and hoses, and even tips on what to put in your emergency kit this season. Check out our Fall Car Care page for more information on these important components and what they do for your vehicle today!

Weather Strips

The black rubber linings around your doors, windows, trunk, and windshield are called weather strips. They work to keep water, dirt, and air out of your vehicle while you drive. Damaged weather strips are very noticeable, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the damaged section to determine what part of your weather strip requires maintenance. If you hear the sounds of wind while you drive or notice small pools of water forming in your vehicle, it could mean that one of your weather strips is damaged. Take a look at our weather stripping page to learn how to protect your weather strips from damage, how to spot damage to your weather strips, and where your weather strips are located throughout your vehicle.

Heating and Ventilation System

Your vehicle's heating and ventilation system keeps you warm on cold days and helps to defrost your windows before you drive! Without a properly working heating and ventilation system, you can potentially lose visibility on the road and you won't be able to enjoy a comfortable commute to work or school with a warm vehicle. Learn about the importance of your heating and ventilation system, what to do if you need any components replaced, and how to properly maintain your vehicle's heating and ventilation system during the changing seasons.

Windshield

Believe it or not, your windshield is one of the most important safety features in your vehicle! Your windshield protects you from outside elements while you drive and also provides up to 45% of your vehicle's structural integrity in front-end collisions and up to 60% in rollover accidents. In the event of an accident, your windshield helps to hold your vehicle together and prevents your roof from caving in. On our Windshield Care page, you can learn more about the importance of proper windshield care, what to do if you find any cracks or chips, and how to prevent them from expanding and causing further damage to your windshield.

Belts and Hoses

Have you ever wondered how many components need to work in order for your engine to run? Your vehicle's belts and hoses are responsible for transferring power and fluids to important components in your engine, allowing it to function properly. Broken or damaged belts and hoses can potentially damage and disable your engine. Checking them in the fall is extremely important because the changing weather can cause these components to crack or break in colder temperatures. Read up on our Belts and Hoses page to learn how to inspect, protect, and improve the efficiency of these integral parts of your engine.

Emergency Kit

It never hurts to be prepared, especially when it comes to the unpredictability of Michigan's seasons! Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle will help you to remain ready for any situation that you come across while you're out on the road. Read up on our Emergency Kit page to discover the necessary items you should keep in your emergency kit throughout the year and important items you'll want to keep on hand during the winter. If you wind up stranded on the road or require assistance, your emergency kit can help to keep you warm, safe, and secure while you wait for help!

Your vehicle is a huge investment. Keeping up on routine maintenance can make the difference between enjoying the fall season and winding up in a bad situation on the road when the temperatures drop. Caring for your car this fall only takes a few minutes but the benefits of Fall Car Care outweigh the time it takes to perform a quick check-up! Take a look at your weather strips, heating and ventilation system, belts and hoses, windshield, and emergency kit this fall to make sure you're able to take on the cold weather when the snow starts to fall! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your Fall Car Care routine, let us know and we'll gladly perform a check-up, inspection, or help to answer any questions you may have!

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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2017 Chevy Cruze Offers Smooth, Comfortable Ride

OKEMOS, Mich., – Since 2008, the Chevrolet Cruze has sold over 4 million models, making it Chevrolet's most popular car. Last year, it landed a spot on the Consumer Reports Top 10 Most Reliable Cars list for its advanced handling and safety technology. If you're in the market to purchase a new vehicle but are looking for reliability, the 2017 Chevy Cruze offers a smooth, comfortable ride. Read on to discover the cutting-edge features the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze has to offer!

This year, the new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze has received a few upgrades. Owners of the new Cruze can choose between a sedan and hatchback model for additional carrying capacity, and can also decide between one of four trim levels, five interior options, and nine exterior colors. Plus, the new diesel engine can give you up to 52 MPG on the highway! With the new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, you can enjoy fast and efficient driving at an affordable rate. Get a quote today to find out what discount programs you qualify for to get a great deal on the 2017 Cruze.

"Indeed, in a U.S. compact market long dominated by imports, the Cruze seems poised to take a bigger bite of the [cake]. For one thing, the redesigned Cruze is nicely executed. It is an attractive, well-engineered car that drives adeptly and proves quiet, comfortable, and roomy. Where it shines is in the way its suspension balances good handling with a supple ride that takes the jar out of jarring bumps. That good ride and handling, as well as the cabin quietude and improved crash protection, owes something to the fact that structural rigidity was enhanced through the increased use of high-strength steel." - Al Haas, Philadelphia Inquirer

Want to get a closer look at the new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze? The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicle brochure will provide you with more information about Chevrolet's best-selling sedan, including technology features, engine specifications, fuel efficiency, and more! Experience for yourself how the 2017 Chevy Cruze offers a smooth, comfortable ride by taking it for a test drive today! Stop by and see what this capable and powerful sedan can do for you. Before you visit us, though, take a look at our Cruze Inventory to read reviews, look up vehicle details, and check pricing at Graff Okemos. Feel free to let us know if you find anything you like and we can set you up with a test drive right away! 

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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5 Cider Mills Around Lansing You Need to Visit This Fall

OKEMOS, Mich., – Nothing beats the fun and excitement of cider mills! From hayrides to pumpkin picking, Michigan's cider mills are the perfect place to make memories this season. Planning a trip to enjoy cider and doughnuts? These 5 cider mills around Lansing you need to visit this fall are full of fun for everyone! Check out what makes each of these cider mills in the Lansing area so special and what you can do for fun at each of them!

1. Country Mill Orchard & Cider Mill

Stop by the Country Mill Orchard and Cider Mill in Charlotte, MI for family fun on the farm! You can relax on a wagon ride, explore the farm market for unique gifts, and even pick your own apples! Country Mill Orchard also offers wristband specials, which gives participants access to train rides, storybook hayrides, the apple cannon, the corn maze, and much more! Explore their events calendar to see all the fall fun you can have at Country Mill Orchard and purchase a wristband online if you'd like to enjoy these activities right away!

2. Rex Young's Orchard

Take a trip down to Junction, Michigan for fresh cider and doughnuts! At Rex Young's Orchard, their cider is 100% pure and pressed on-site without any additives or preservatives. Plus, you can even order a cool and crisp cider slush to try a sweet and chilly take on apple cider! Don't forget to take a look at their specialty products and sales to discover everything they have to offer. Don't forget to stop by soon, because Rex Young's Orchard specials are only available for a limited time!

3. Mueller's Orchard and Cider Mill

Ready to pick some apples? Stop by Mueller's Orchard in Linden, MI and visit one of the oldest orchards in the area! Since the 1880s, Mueller's Orchard has been supplying Genesee County with delicious apples, tasty cider, and their famous apple cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Plus, the doughnut and cider making facilities both have large windows so you can watch workers make the cider and doughnuts up close! Head out to Mueller's Orchard to try their wide variety of apple flavors today! 

4. Uncle John's Cider Mill

Located in St. John's, Michigan, Uncle John's Cider Mill is renowned for its wide variety of cider flavors, exciting activities, and fresh fruits and vegetables! Whether you're a fan of tasty cider, corn mazes, inflatable play structures for kids, or all of the above, you'll definitely be able to find something fun to do at Uncle John's Cider Mill. Also, don't forget to check up on the Uncle John's event calendar for updates on concerts, races, and more!

5. Barkham Creek Farms

For an amazing cider mill experience, you'll definitely want to head out to Barkham Creek Farms in Haslett, Michigan. All of their cider is pressed using locally purchased apples in the Lansing area, and all of their pumpkins, plants, and other vegetables are locally grown, too! Additionally, visitors can pick their own pumpkin from a wide variety of shapes and sizes for carving. If you visit, don't forget to explore the crazy corn maze with a fresh cup of cider!

Fall is all about family fun! Fill your autumn season with memories by stopping by these 5 cider mills around Lansing you need to visit this fall. From hayrides to corn mazes, you can check a lot off your fall bucket list after seeing what these fun-filled farms, orchards, and cider mills have to offer! Get a head start on routine maintenance this autumn with our Fall Car Care tips to prepare your vehicle for the changing temperatures. Do you know how to check your oil or how to know when your brakes need to be replaced? If not, check our Routine Maintenance FAQ for suggestions, tips and tricks, and more! 

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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2018 Chevy Equinox Makes Packing a Breeze

OKEMOS, Mich., – Are you the adventurous type, but are always running out of room when you pack up your vehicle? Well, you're in luck, because the 2018 Chevy Equinox makes packing a breeze! With a foldable backseat and spacious trunk room, owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox can make use of up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space. While cargo specs can sometimes be misleading, the Chevy Equinox was tested in the Cars.com Compact SUV Challenge and was able to pass the challenge with ease. Read on to see how it was tested and how it stood up to the Compact SUV Challenge!

"Cargo included a 23-inch adult bicycle and an adjustable cardboard box tested in two sizes: 37 inches long, 6 inches wide and 41 inches tall, which we fit behind the backseat, and an expanded 70-by-6-by-41 inches, which we fit with the backseat folded. And to top it off, a pair of golf bags. Though we laid the cardboard box flat for visualization of the cargo area, general practice for transporting a cardboard box like ours with a flat-screen TV inside is to keep the TV upright." - Cars.com

The Compact SUV Challenge put the Equinox's carrying capacity to the test, but it was able to pass with flying colors. The Equinox, equipped with a flat load roof, made loading all of the materials an easy task. The cargo area has two releases for split portions of the back seat, allowing drivers to maximize cargo space in an easy and organizable format. Its foldable seats allow for an easy transition from the full seating of midsize crossover to its impressive cargo capacity of 63.5 cubic feet. The Equinox is also equipped with cubbies for smaller items, a large center console, two wells, and a net between the cargo wells in the back to carry groceries. You can fill your Equinox to the brim with just about anything you'll need for your journey!

If you're heading out on a road trip or vacation soon, you'll want to make sure you have enough room in your vehicle to pack everything. Luckily, the 2018 Chevy Equinox makes packing a breeze so you won't have to worry about carrying capacity or running out of space. Want to get a closer look at what the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox can do for you? Download the 2018 Chevy Equinox Brochure to get a closer look at trim levels, optional and standard features, and much more! After checking out the brochure, be sure to browse our Equinox inventory to find new and used Equinox vehicles available for you to test drive. Find something you like? Call us and let us know right away!

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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8 Must-Try Game Day Recipes

OKEMOS, Mich., – Now that football season is in full swing, what better way to celebrate game day than with a football-themed party? Put on your favorite team's jersey, fire up the oven, and give these 8 must-try game day recipes a try at your next get-together!

Pretzel Monkey Bread

This soft, buttery, pull-apart pretzel bread is a must this football season! Serve it with a side of honey mustard or warm cheese for extra flavor in every bite. It's easy to make and full of flavor.

Salsa Verde Queso Dip

Want to make an easy, cheesy game day recipe? Salsa verde queso dip is the answer. This slow cooked dip is best served with tortilla chips, bread, or on game day tacos!

Turkey Swiss Sliders

Looking for healthier alternatives this season? These turkey swiss sliders are a lighter option for game day recipes without sacrificing any of the flavor. The best part is, this recipe only requires five ingredients, so you can make it quick before the next game!

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Follow up your game day appetizers with the main course: sloppy Joe sliders! With a flavorful mixture of sloppy Joe and melted cheese on toasted buns, you can savor every bite of these easy-to-make sandwiches in the convenience of a slider!

Sweet Chili BBQ Kielbasa

No game day is complete without sweet chili BBQ kielbasa! This 3-ingredient crowd-pleaser will score high no matter where you serve it. Combine your favorite BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, and kielbasa in a crockpot for an undeniably easy game day recipe!

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

For more crockpot cooking, this warm and gooey mac and cheese is perfect for game day snacking, post game eating, and leftovers the next day. Slow cook your favorite cheeses with some al dente macaroni and you'll have a winning recipe!

Football Puppy Chow

No matter who you're rooting for, this puppy chow is the Super Bowl Champion of snacks! You can add a personal touch on game day by changing the candy melt colors to match your team. 

Cookies and Cream Football

Go big or go home this season with delicious desserts! This cookies and cream football is the perfect finisher to your game day. Enjoy Oreo flavor on top of Nilla wafers, pretzels, or apple slices for a tasty treat!

Whether you're a diehard football fan or are just enjoying the game day fun, these 8 must-try game day recipes will be sure to add the perfect touch to your festivities! While you're out and about gathering ingredients for your recipes, get a head start on your fall car care to keep your vehicle in peak condition this season! If you find anything that may require attention, schedule a service appointment with us right away. We'll even pick up and deliver your vehicle to you afterwards, free of charge!

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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