The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Hack Guide

BAY CITY, Mich. –– It's finally spring! Now is the time to clean your home and get it ready to enjoy the warm weather after a long, harsh winter. Your mood and health will be improved by a nice, clean, pleasant-smelling living environment. So use our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Hack Guide to ensure your home is clean as can be!

Spring Cleaning Checklist:

• Clean Windows
• Mop Floors
• Vacuum Carpet
• Shake Out Your Rugs Outside
• Dust Baseboards
• Dust Ceiling Corners
• Dust Light Fixtures
• Dust Ceiling Fans 
• Dust Window Blinds
• Dust Crown Molding
• Vacuum Your Couches
• Clean  Your Air Vents
• Clean Mirrors
• Replace Any Burnt Out Light Bulbs
• Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Clean Microwave
• Disinfect Sink
• Clean Garbage Disposal
• Clean & Organize Refrigerator
• Clean Stove Top Burners
• Clean Oven
• Replace Water Filter (if needed) in Refrigerator
• Clean the Dishwasher
• Clean the Laundry Washer and Dryer
• Clean out Dryer Vent
• Dust Behind and Underneath Washer and Dryer
• Clean Bathroom Air Vent
• Disinfect Toothbrush Holders
• Clean Shower Caddy
• Polish Bathroom Faucets
• Clean Walls of Shower
• Wash Shower Curtain
• Wash Shower Floor Mat
• Re-caulk Around Bathtub or Shower
• Clean Shower Head
• Organize Your Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers
• Disinfect Every Surface of Your Toilet
• Wash Bed Sheets, Blankets, and Comforters
• Wash Pillows
• Clean Mattresses
• Rotate/Flip Mattresses
• Organize Nightstands
• Clean & Disinfect Children's Toys
• Clean Computer Keyboard and Monitor Window
• Disinfect Car Keys
• Disinfect Remote Controls
• Rake Your Lawn for Leftover Leafs, Branches, eEtc.
• Sweep Deck/Porch.
• Sweep Garage
• Organize Garage

Spring Cleaning Hacks:

• Instead of using paper towel or old rags to wipe down surfaces while cleaning, we recommend purchasing microfiber clothes. Their ability to wipe up liquid cleaner, pick up debris, and avoid leaving streaks is far superior.

• Use a lint roller to clean your screen doors.

• Clean your bathroom walls with a Swiffer or dust mop.

• Clean your air vents using a butter knife wrapped in a piece of cloth to get between the slats.

• To clean your washing machine, fill it with hot water and add a quart of bleach. Complete one full cycle using only bleach to clean and sanitize. Then, run a second cycle with vinegar to help dissolve soap scum and grime. Lastly, use scrubbing pads to clean around the washer’s drum.

• To clean your bathtub or bathroom tile and grout, all you need is baking soda, peroxide, and dish soap to make a budget-friendly cleaner. 

• Clean out your dishwasher with bleach, vinegar, and baking soda. In this 4 step cleaning process, you will use baking soda, bleach, and vinegar in a separate washing cycle to get your dishwasher smelling and looking like new.

• You can clean your blinds by using kitchen tongs wrapped in microfiber cloth. Is your feather duster not doing it for you anymore? Use tongs wrapped in microfiber cloth to rid your blinds of dust and dirt.

• Clean your shower head overnight with white vinegar. Fill a sandwich bag with white vinegar and place your shower head in the solution overnight. In the morning you should have a dirt and grime free shower head.

• Use toothpaste to erase marker stains from wood, and to remove any drawings your children accidentally put on the walls, scrub lightly on the area with a damp sponge sprinkled in baking soda.

• After scrubbing and disinfecting your garbage disposal you can ensure the removal of any stinky smells by running a few lemon rinds through the disposal and then running cold water to dispel any sour odors.

• To help remove any pet smells or odors on your furniture or carpet, sprinkle the surfaces affected with baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up.

• Got a scuff or a scratch on your wood furniture? Rub the scratched area with a walnut (shell removed) to mask the damage.

Make your home shine bright by using our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Hack Guide this season! This time of year, it's also important to look after the well-being and tidiness of your vehicle. Complete our Spring Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components are repaired and or recalibrated after a long harsh winter.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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9 Rainy Day Activities to Do with Your Kids

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Rainy days during the spring can often put a damper on you and your children's spirits. Plus, as parents, you know that the last thing you want is for your kids to feel cooped up or go stir-crazy. So when the weather isn't cooperating, try any of these nine rainy day activities to do with your kids to keep from saying the dreaded phrase, "I'm bored!"

Play Cards or Board Games

Keeping those little minds occupied is always tricky, so on the next rainy day, pull out a deck of cards or some board games! Card games can keep your kids intrigued for hours! Play Slapjack, Old Maid, Six Card Golf, Crazy Eights, or the classic, Go Fish! That, or it's never too early to teach a young Michigander how to play Euchre!

Have a Dance Party

It's never the wrong time to get the wiggles out by dancing and singing along to your favorite music!

Bake Some Treats

Rainy days are always perfect for indulging your sweet tooth. Plus the warm and pleasant smells of baking some confectionary treats will make it feel less dreary outside. Try a batch of brownies, cookies, or even some homemade ice cream, all of which are simple recipes that your little ones can help whip up!

Go Bowling

This is a great way to still be active and get out of the house when the weather isn't cooperating! Visit any of the fun-filled bowling alleys in Bay City, including Bay Lanes, Monitor Lanes, or Washington Lanes.

Hold a Fashion Show

Let your kids dress up in some fancy clothes or costumes and strut their stuff on the runway! Dressing up is always fun! 

Read Books

Dreary days are ideal for curling up with a good book! Or, to get out of your house, take a trip to your local library. Either way, you'll promote literacy with your young children and inspire their imagination to wander to the far reaches of creativity!

Build a Blanket & Pillow Fort

Everyone's favorite indoor activity. Create a fun little shelter where you kids can play inside with their toys, read a book, or take a nap.

Play Hide and Seek

Another fun game that will keep your kids active and engaged even when they can't play outside due to the weather.

Watch a Movie

Whether you head to the movie theater or have your own private screening at home, have some fun watching a movie or two on a rainy day! Make (or buy) some popcorn, grab a blanket and get comfy on the couch. Or, you can even watch from your pillow fort!

So help keep your kids happy and having fun with these nine rainy day activities to do with your kids this spring! Your children aren't the only ones who need looking after this time of year, however. After a harsh winter season, your vehicle is likely to be in a bit of disrepair after dealing with ice, corrosive road salt, dangerous potholes, and more. So bring your vehicle into our Graff Chevrolet Bay City Service Center to get your Spring Car Care maintenance routine completed. Our friendly, informative, and quick service technicians will have your vehicle back in top working condition in no time! Schedule an appointment today!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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6 Fun Spring Activities

BAY CITY, Mich., – Spring has sprung! It may not quite feel like it just yet, but warmer weather and greener trees are on their way! After the long Michigan winter, we're ready for some sunny skies and colorful flowers. We've put together a list of six fun spring activities to get you outside, active, and in the mood for the new season!

Plant Something

When the weather finally cooperates, get your green thumb ready and plant some flowers! You could also try your hand at starting your own herb garden, or just pull up the weeds around your house!

Ride Your Bike

Pull your bikes out of the garage and dust them off! The nicer weather is a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise riding around your hometown.

Eat Outside

You can do this at home, or try your favorite restaurant once they open up their patio! "Dining al fresco" is always a nice way to enjoy the warmer weather and make some fun memories with the whole family.

Play With Sidewalk Chalk

You don't have to have kids to enjoy drawing with sidewalk chalk! Pick up a packet of colorful chalk at the store and decorate your driveway with flowers, rainbows, and other designs!

Visit the Farmers Market

One of the best things about spring is the re-opening of farmers markets! Once the produce is ready, head out to a fresh air market in your area. You'll find all the ingredients you need to create delicious and healthy recipes for dinner or lunch.

Go to a Sporting Event

We couldn't forget to mention that spring also means Opening Day for baseball! Plenty of other sports kickoff in the spring as well, so get outside and watch a game! Check out the Great Lakes Loons schedule or take one of the many Saginaw Valley State University athletic events held this spring.

Since spring has finally arrived, we'd like to welcome it by ushering in some warmer weather and giving you a few ways to appreciate the change of season! We hope you get a chance to try all of these six fun spring activities! Don't forget to take good care of your car as the spring weather rolls around! You can use our Spring Car Care pages to help you with your spring vehicle cleaning! 

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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5 Blooming Paper Flower Crafts

BAY CITY, Mich. – On rainy spring days like today, you may need some cheering up! Try making one, or all, of these 5 blooming paper flower crafts. These flowers are perfect to do with friends, kids, or even by yourself. These paper flowers are not only fun to make, but also don't require too much material. Plus, when you’re done you can hang them up in your office or home to brighten up a room. Have fun crafting!

5 Blooming Paper Flower Crafts

Paper Peonies

Paper Dahlias

 

Paper Gardenia

Paper Rose

Paper Sunflowers

We hope these 5 blooming paper flower crafts brighten up your day! Another great idea for a rainy day is taking care of your seasonal maintenance. On our website, we have a Spring Car Care section that covers all the spring auto service your vehicle needs. If you haven’t gotten around to taking care of your car this season, schedule a service appointment with us online or give us a call. We’ll take great care of your vehicle and make sure you’re driving safely this season.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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6 Spring Crafts the Kids Will Love!

BAY CITY, Mich. – The warmer weather is finally coming to Michigan this week and we’re definitely rejoicing over it! Now is the time to start spring cleaning, planning your garden, and getting your home ready for the season. Get the little ones involved around the house too with these 6 spring crafts the kids will love! This will keep them busy and in the end, your house will be sporting some fun spring color. Hang them up all over the house and welcome spring with a smile. Enjoy!

6 Spring Crafts the Kids Will Love!

Coffee Filter Butterflies

 

Painted Paper Plate Snail

Wooden Spoon Dragonfly

 

Raindrop Sun Catchers

Egg Carton Ladybugs

Beaded Snakes

While you’re getting ready for spring with these fun crafts, don’t forget to prepare your vehicle for the season too! Check out our spring car care section on our website! Learn about the routine maintenance your wiper, tires, and other parts of your vehicle need this season from the experts at Graff Bay City. Feel free to schedule your spring service appointment online with us today.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend getaway! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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ArtClash 2016 Will Be Hosted At Graff Bay City!

BAY CITY, Mich. – Last year Graff Bay City hosted ArtClash 2015 and this year we are doing it again! ArtClash is a unique and exciting art competition through our partnership with Do-All, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides training, work, and employment support to people with developmental and other disabilities. ArtClash 2016 will be hosted at Graff Bay City on Saturday, April 23rd, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. You can purchase your tickets today!

Graff Bay City could not be more excited to be hosting this year's ArtClash event! ArtClash is a 3-hour LIVE juried art competition, giving local artists the opportunity to showcase their talent! Contestants have three hours to create their masterpieces, which will then be judged by faculty and local art professionals. The prizes will be awarded as follows –––

• 1st Place: $500

• 2nd Place: $350

• 3rd Place: $200

• 4th-10th Place: $50 each

• People’s Choice: $100

• Youth: $50

The winning art pieces will be available for purchase during a live auction immediately following the event. Even if contestants do not place in the top 10, their pieces will still be available for sale! The best part of this auction is that the talented artists will receive 50% of the sale price and the other 50% will benefit Do-Art Studio & Gallery!

If you’d like to register for ArtClash 2016, sign-up fast! The competition is limited to 65 artists. Registration contracts can be found online on Do-All, Inc.’s website and they must be submitted by April 15th.

Another option to attending this awesomely creative event is to sponsor. If your business is interested there are four different levels you can choose from:

• Sponsor an ArtClash Artist: $50

• Business card ad in the event program

• Work of Art: $250

• 4 Tickets

• Quarter-page ad in the event program

• Advertising on any promotional materials

• Classic: $500

• 4 event tickets

• Half-page ad in the event program

• Advertising on any promotional materials

• Masterpiece: $1,000

• 6 event tickets

• Full page ad in the event program

• Advertising on any promotional materials

We are looking forward to hosting ArtClash 2016 at Graff Bay City! If you are interested in registering, sponsoring, or purchasing tickets for this awesome event, visit GraffBayCity.com.

Get your vehicle ready for spring with the Graff Bay City service experts. We've made a new section on our website that teaches you the importance of spring maintenance for your wipers, tires, alignment, and more. Check out our spring car care section today to be prepared for the season. Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Weird Al Tickets For Sale at Graff Bay City

BAY CITY, Mich. – Bay City’s River Roar is approaching soon, and we have Weird Al tickets for sale at Graff Bay City. Weird Al will be playing live in Bay City, Michigan on June 25^th!

The Bay City River Roar is a weekend of fun! For 29 years now, powerboats have been racing on the Saginaw River. The course is 1-1/4-miles long, 700-feet wide, and considered the toughest course in the circuit. Spectators will be able to watch on both sides of the river to cheer on their favorite racers. The boats will be racing all weekend long from June 24-26!

On Saturday, June 25, there will be a concert to keep the fun going! Weird Al Yankovich will be here in Bay City, and it’s a show you’re not going to want to miss. Weird Al is a four-time Grammy-winning artist that is known for his comedic parodies of hit songs. If you want to see him live, we have your Weird Al Tickets for sale at Graff Bay City! See below for details:

When: Until they're sold out! 

Where: Graff Bay City – 3636 Wilder Rd., Bay City, MI 48706

Cost: $30 for General Admission, $50 for VIP

Come out to this super fun event and have a great time with the Bay County community. We look forward to seeing you at our dealership to pick up your tickets!

Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to get your vehicle ready for the warmer weather. Check out our updated service FAQ page to learn about the maintenance your vehicle needs each season to keep it performing to the best of its ability. We’re always happy to help you with your vehicle needs at Graff Bay City. Schedule your spring car care appointment with us today.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Easter Sweets And Treats

BAY CITY, Mich. - March is flying by, and Easter is already here! Can you believe it? We can hardly wait to say goodbye to cold winter weather and welcome the warm spring with open arms. One of our favorite things about Easter, or any holiday for that matter, is tasty food! We scoured Pinterest to find some of the best Easter sweets and treats for you to whip up this holiday! Remember all of these recipes, and dozens of others, can be found on our Pinterest page!

Easter Sweets And Treats

Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

Carrot Cake and Cheesecake together? Sign us up! 

Lemon Melt-a-way Cookies

Lemon cookies that will melt in your mouth are always a favorite! 

Bunny Butt Cookies

These cookies could double as a fun project to do with the kids! 

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

This would be a great ending to an Easter brunch! 

All of these Easter sweets and treats look egg-celent and any one of them would be a huge hit at your work, family gatherings, or for the kids' classrooms! Be sure to check out Pinterest page for more great recipes, including some great D.I.Y projects as well! 

Get ready for spring with the service experts at Graff Bay City! Take a look at our new and improved service FAQ page to learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs for its brakes, wiper blades, engine, and more. Schedule your spring service appointment with us online today. 

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Egg-cellent Easter Treat Ideas

BAY CITY, Mich.– Do you hear that? It's the Easter Bunny hopping his way into town! Easter is just around the corner, which means it's time to get festive! Whether you like to go all out with decorations or prefer to keep it low key with a few Egg-cellent Easter Treat Ideas, these recipes are sure to be a hit with all your family and friends! The best part is that all of these recipes are so easy, you don't really even need directions!

Egg-cellent Easter Treat Ideas

Chocolate Dipped Peeps
You'll need:
1-2 packages of Peeps
1 package white or chocolate candy melts
Sprinkles

Who doesn't love Peeps? They're a classic Easter treat! But have you ever thought about taking them to the next level? Throw your candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and begin to melt them in 30 second increments, stirring in between each session. Once melted, you can begin dipping the bottom half of your Peeps in the chocolate then allow them to set on wax paper. However, if you want to add sprinkles, make sure you add them before the chocolate sets!

Bunny Bait
You'll need:
2 cups pretzels
1 bag popped white popcorn
1 package white melting chocolate
1 bag festive M&M's
2 cups Chex cereal
1 container colored sprinkles

Whether you're trying to get the Easter Bunny's attention or just love a great sweet and salty snack, Bunny Bait is for you, and it's super easy to mix up! All you have to do is spread out your pretzels, popcorn and Chex cereal on a sheet of parchment paper and then drizzle them with the melted chocolate, making sure to mix it all together so the chocolate is evenly distributed. Top with sprinkles and then let it all cool. Once it has cooled, break into pieces and throw it into a big bowl with the M&M's!

Egg Nests
You'll need:
1 package chocolate candy melts
2 cups pretzel sticks, broken up
Spring M&M's or speckled eggs

What's better than the springtime sound of birds chirping? This spring treat channels that positive feeling! Use the 30 second interval microwave method mentioned above (or a double broiler if you want to get fancy) to melt your chocolate. Then stir in your broken up pretzels, evenly coating them all. Spread out some parchment paper and begin to form little nests out of the chocolate-covered pretzels. Once they have completely set, top with your "eggs"!

Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treat Eggs
You'll need:
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
10oz mini marshmallows
1/4 cup butter
1 bag chocolate candy melts
Sprinkles
Egg-shaped cookie cutter

Last but not least, if ooey-gooey sweetness is your weakness, then don't waste another minute before mixing up these Easter eggs! Make a batch of Rice Krispie Treats and then go to town with your cookie cutter! Then you can either use some of your leftover melted chocolate from above, or melt some more to begin dipping the eggs half way, or all the way if you're feeling crazy. Top with sprinkles and you've got a festive treat on your hands!

We love to get in the spirit every time a holiday rolls around! What are your favorite Easter treats, or what would you like to see us make for the next holiday? Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706. For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our websites: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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