The 2019 Silverado to Make Daytona 500 History

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- The 2019 Silverado is set to make Daytona 500 history this year, by becoming the first truck to pace the Great American Race. The pacer truck will be driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., a driver who is familiar with leading the pack, having won the Dayona 500 twice, among numerous other racing accomplishments. 

Chevrolet has paced the Daytona 500 12 times, 7 with the Camaro and 5 with the Corvette, but, in the words of Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, the company is beyond thrilled to "have Dale lead the field to green in the strongest, most advanced Silverado ever.". He went on to say "Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the perfect choice to pace the race because of his enthusiasm for the sport, his long history with Chevrolet and his love of trucks.". 

Chevrolet isn't the only one looking forward to this history-making venture, Dale said "I've had a lot of fun and success at Daytona over the years, and now I can't wait to get out that track in a Silverado...away from the track I've driven Chevy trucks all my life, and I'm excited to have this unique experience of pacing the Daytona 500 with the Silverado.". 

The Silverado pace truck is powered by a production 6.2L V-8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 420 HP and a 460 Lb-Ft of torque. 

Are you excited to watch this groundbreaking race? Comment and let us know! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

3 New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- New Year's resolutions, we all make them, we all don't keep them. January 1st we write that list of health, happiness and organization goals, and come February they just become another fridge decoration. It's hard to keep up with our New Year expectations for ourselves, and that's usually because we set unrealistic goals that we can't conceivably achieve. But don't despair, you don't have to throw away the idea of a "New Year, New You" here's a few New Year's resolutions that you can actually keep and tools that can help you can make them happen. Happy goal-setting everybody! 

1.  IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL STAMINA 

It's hard to stay focused and expand our cognitive capacities in a fast-paced modern world that's full of distractions. But buffing up your mental stamina has a lot of sweet benefits like, more controlled moods, faster learning abilities, and improved problem solving skills. It's just good for your all around mental-health, and therefore your productivity. There's plenty of tools that can expand your mental muscles like ancient meditation techniques and games, but let's be honest who has time for an hour long meditation session or a game of trivial pursuit? Never fear, the world of apps is here! Check out our favorite picks for tools to calm your mind and/or stretch it's mental capacities right from your smartphone or mobile device. 

Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress-Relieving Tools: 

• Headspace: If you've always wanted to try implementing meditation techniques into your daily schedule but never thought you'd have the time, this is the solution for you. It teaches basic mindfulness strategies in a fun and engaging way, in addition to offering 2-3 minute guided meditation sessions that explore topics like sleep, stress, focus and exercise. If you're still having a hard time sticking with the app, you can add friends to keep you motivated and on track. 

• MindMeister: Does your brain move a million miles a minute? Welcome to the club. Sometimes the issue doesn't necessarily have to do with mental capacity, but the ability to organize and focus on the thoughts that lead us towards health, organization, and success. Enter mindmapping. This process allows you to brainstorm in your usual chaotic manner, visually chart them out in no particular order, and then organize them into cohesive ideas and strategies. MindMeister can be used on it's online interface or from the app. You can create unlimited thought maps, add files and images, and export them to a PDF or PNG! 

• Ambi Pro: For most of us, especially those that live in major cities, our surroundings are boisterous, distracting, and can even be stress-inducing. Fill your day with ambient sounds to relax and concentrate your mind, focus more on your important thoughts, and block out the almost inescapable white noise of modern life. Ambi Pro utilizes looping audio recordings with a special algorithm that creates a blend of changing, soft noises that doesn't bore your agile brain. In addition it utilizes special digital reverb to give the sounds a sense of wholeness and depth. You can design and save your own presets, as well as program the sounds to switch on and off at specific times for total ambience control. 

• Day One: For some of us, the best way to identify, understand, and manage our thoughts are to write them down. Day One is a journaling tool that offers a beautiful, easy to use interface that aims to help you keep a clear mind. There's no ads, no distractions, so you can focus, uninterrupted. It's full of fun features that will make journaling seem like a hobby, and less like a chore, like the ability to add pictures, import iphone metadata so you can flesh out your entries with information like weather, news stories, and music you played that day. It also features numerous organization options, so you can browse your entries by calendar, timeline, maps or photos! 

Brain-Training and Cognitive Capacity Tools: 

• Lumosity: This highly-popular brain-building app is reportedly used by 70 million people worldwide. Described as a cognitive science tool, it utilizes brain-training games to help you flex those mental muscles! But don't be put off by the term "cognitive science" the games are actually totally engaging and fun! It's also completely customizable, so you can choose the mental faculties you want to expand and it creates a daily routine of tasks to complete for you, tailored to the skills you want to test. The design is minimalistic and understated so that you can focus on the exercise at hand, and stay in the zone. 

• Elevate: Elevate operates on a similar concept to Lumosity, so similar, in fact that the two tools have a bit of an app-lover rivalry, with users staunchly defending their choice in online forums, blogs and articles. We encourage you to make your own judgements, as everyone's brain is different and therefore responds to different types of training tools, but Elevate seems to win a slightly larger amount of praise. It includes over 40 games, created by neural science experts, aimed at improving focus, speaking skills, processing speed, memory, math skills and more! As you train, the program keeps track of your movements, so you receive recorded proof of your progress, and for those who love a little friendly competition, you can even compare scores with your friends! Unlike Lumosity, the design of Elevate is bright and loud, with entertaining features like moving cartoon-like objects including nesting dolls and spaceships! 

• Memorado: Strong brain, strong life, is this app's motto. An innovative tool that combines brain-training with mindfulness this innovative cross-over provides a holistic approach to overall neural performance. It features 24 games with over 720 levels that stretch your cognitive abilities, in addition to 4 mindfulness levels that lower stress and restore mental balance. It's algorithm adjusts based on your progress, to create a personalized training schedule to help you meet and exceed your goals in addition to giving you access to numerous "in-house" neurologists and researchers to help answer your questions and give you motivation when you need it. 

• BrainHQ: This mental workout tool is in a class of it's own, and it should be, for the price of a full monthly or annual subscription! It's the most rigorous cognitive capacity app we've seen yet, backing up it's process with 30 years of research from top scientists around the world, and receiving praise from over 100 publications. It's numerous attention and brain-speed activities, as well as intelligence tests claim to provide a wide range of benefits, from better driving skills, higher confidence in intellectual conversation, better hearing in crowded places, and even a boost to your tennis game! 

2.  MEET NEW PEOPLE 

It's far too easy to get stuck in the rut of working 9-5, driving home, throwing a quick dinner together and vegging out on the couch until it's time to hit the hay. While it's hard to avoid slipping into this routine, it's extremely harmful to your mental health, besides, you're missing out on a lot of interesting events and opportunities that are happening around you everyday! Connecting with new people can have a huge impact on your health and happiness, it can help you learn and try new things,  enhance your communication skills, not to mention it can be a life-changing career move! Especially, if you are a naturally shy or introverted person, putting yourself out there and approaching strangers can be debilitating, but thanks to the conveniences of our modern world it doesn't have to be agonizing. Even if you consider yourself a people person, utilizing apps, online forums and people-meeting sites can connect you with amazing people who you probably never would have met otherwise. Check out our picks for modern tools that help you engage with interesting people in our modern era, or you could just approach that cool regular that hangs out at your coffee shop from open till close. Totally up to you. 

• Meetup: You've probably heard of this app, but have you used it? It's pretty handy for putting you into contact with people that share your causes, interests, and hobbies. It showcases groups based in thousands of cities that help you do more of what you love, while interacting with new people that share your passions. No matter what your interests are; photography, hiking, social justice, knitting or board games, there's bound to be a group in your area that will connect you with people like you. 

• WeGoDo: Think of this app as Facebook with a purpose. It connects your profile to people near you that are interested in the same hobbies and activities. Sounds like Meetup, right? Well, it's a little different. It offers a social media-esque experience, allowing you to post photos and comments about the things you've done, want to do, or what's been on your mind. In addition, it includes a news feed of local deals, curated content and recommendations. 

• Patook: A platonic friend-making app, Patook matches you with potential, new connections based on a point system. Once you create your profile, you will rate your various friendship preferences and then be matched to people who closest match your scorings. In order to connect, you can either send an anonymous message or rank each other to begin a conversation. It also includes public message boards, based on location, that allow you to schedule group meet-ups or simply share your thoughts. 

• WE3: Think that three's a crowd? This app disagrees, in fact it's creators think it's the optimal number as far as group friendships go. To be matched, you have to swipe through statement cards and reply with agree, disagree or neutral. Based on your responses, the app will place you in a "tribe" with two other individuals who have high compatibilities and are the same gender. Only members of the "tribes" you are placed in have the ability to view your profile, so your privacy is protected. This app is a great tool for those who struggle in one-on-one situations, or for those who are simply looking for group friendship. 

3.  DISCOVER NEW MUSIC

There's a lot of scientific evidence that listening to music is good for your mental well being and physical health. It decreases stress, improves sleep, reduces depression, strengthens your memory and learning skills, and raises your IQ and verbal intelligence. It's easy to get stuck in a music rut, and while your go-to playlists may be familiar, but with so much great music out in the world, why settle for your same-old listening experiences? For those that aren't into the top 40 hits that stream on the radio, or don't have time to research lesser known artists, there's a couple playlist curation tools that will help you discover music you otherwise wouldn't find, without any extra hassle to you.

• Mixcloud: Instead of recommending singular artists, Mixcloud matches you with mixes from both amateur and professional DJs that weave in and out of various genres and styles, giving you exposure to styles and artists you wouldn't usually be exposed to on your own. You can search for playlists by artist names or keywords, follow DJs you particularly enjoy, and learn about the songs that are the soundtrack to your day. 

• Bandcamp: An oldie but a goodie. This online music company has been around for 10 years, and it's still one of the best ways to find new artists and songs. The platform allows lesser-known, independent musicians to sell their music and set their own price, so you can feel good knowing that your purchase supports the artist, not a record label. The site includes weekly featured artists and staff merchandise picks so there's always something new for you to explore. 

• SoundCloud: Built for those who like to musically wander, the largest music and audio platform, SoundCloud, lets you discover a world of sound from a diverse creator community. You can share music, connect directly with artists, and access unique recordings of raw demos, breakthrough tracks and more! 

• Spotify: This music streaming platform comes with great features for finding music you'll love, among them being their radio stations and public playlists. But the greatest built-in feature is "Discover Weekly" which tracks your listening habits over the course of several weeks and then recommends artists based off your most listened to tracks. Plus you can archive your discover weekly playlists so if there's one you particularly like you can save it to revisit as often as you'd like. 

We hope this blog was helpful in giving you some New Year's resolution inspiration! Have you used any of the tools we've recommended? If so, what did you think? Comment and let us know. Happy New Year! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Brings Home Engine Award

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- The Silverado's 6.2L V-8, packs a big engine into a big truck, and it's gaining street credentials from consumers and critics alike. The engine just recently brought in a 2019 Wards Best Engines Award, putting the Silverado name next to legends like the Ford Mustang, Ram 1500, BMW X5 and more! 

The 6.2L V-8's secret is a mixture of 420 HP along with industry-leading dynamic fuel management, which saves on fuel yet doesn't sacrifice performance. This marvel exemplifies how modern engineers continue to find ways to improve efficiency without giving something up in return. DFM determines 80 times per second exactly how many cylinders require fuel to meet power demands, and uses only two to propel the vehicle down the highway. The most stunning part? The cylinder deactivation is so seamless the only thing you notice is less stops at the pump. 

Chevrolet first introduced efforts to save on fuel while boosting power with the Active Fuel Management system back in 2005. This approach alternated between 8 and 4 cylinder modes, while DFM currently features 17 cylinder patterns. The 6.2L V-8 and the 5.3L V-8 are the first available V-8s with Dynamic Fuel Management. The 6.2L is manufactured at GM's Tonawanda engine plant in New York and is SAE-certified at 420 HP, 460 lb of torque and paired with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Do you need the beastly 2019 Silverado engine in your life? Because we sure do. 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Our 2018 Holiday Fashion Lookbook

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- What's the most important part of any holiday party? The excuse to look your best, of course! If you're not sure what look you want to rock at your Christmas or New Year's event this year, check out our Lookbook! Whether you're a flashy menswear kind of girl, or a traditional dress kind of chick, we guarantee you'll find something you'll love. 

1.  THE METALLIC CROP TOP 

This fun piece is simple, but brings an unbeatable holiday glitz game. Pair with a cute bralette and a pair of fun, high-waisted dress pants. 

Shop this look now: http://bit.ly/2SIktct

2.  THE VELVET SLIP DRESS 

Keep it classy and sexy in this sleek number. Pair with a pair of strappy heels and some simple yet elegant jewelry. 

Shop this look now: http://bit.ly/2RRDeKr

3.  THE SEQUIN BLAZER 

Love menswear and sequins? Well then this is the outfit for you. Modern, elegant and fun, this look is simultaneously trendy and timeless. 

Shop this look now: http://bit.ly/2B94e12

4.  THE PARTY DRESS 

This statement mini dress will make you the talk to the season. Sequins? Fringe? It's got it all.

Shop this look now: http://bit.ly/2QnuHlQ 

5.  THE HOLIDAY SWEATER 

A cute holiday sweater is always a good choice. Pair this piece with velvet pants for a more formal affair, or with jeans for a casual gathering. 

Shop the look now: http://bit.ly/2EeAbrI

6.  THE JUMPSUIT 

Bring your haute couture game with this breezy one-piece, feel comfortable and like a queen, all at once! Pair with chunky black accessories and a simple hairstyle. 

Shop the look now: http://bit.ly/2rw3aj6

7.  THE CROSSBODY BAG 

Clutches are so five years ago. Upgrade to this shimmering crossbody bag that'll keep your hands free, your valuables safe, and your accessory game on point. 

Shop the look now: http://bit.ly/2QOZZkM

7.  THE FAUX FUR COAT

Pastel fur coats are one of the hottest winter accessories for 2018. Get your palette game in gear with this little mint green number, pair it with silver accessories to really get your ice queen mojo on. 

Shop the look now: http://bit.ly/2C3SVc7

8.  THE VELVET PUMP 

Crushed velvet is back, and we're so glad! Embrace your bold side with these shoes comfortable and adorable shoes! Pair with neutrals or other pastels for a sweet winter look that'll reel in the compliments. 

Shop the look now: http://bit.ly/2C5fDjV

9.  THE PEARL DROP NECKLACE 

Your accessories don't have to be bold to make a statement. This simple necklace adds a perfect, simplistic touch of sweetness to any outfit. Pair with wintery holiday looks, or wear it on the beach during your winter getaway. 

Shop the look now: http://bit.ly/2RLv1HE

9.  THE STATEMENT RING

Add some flash to your fingers with this antique-inspired heather opal ring. Perfect for your holiday party look or with a classic sweater all winter long. 

Shop the look: http://bit.ly/2Lbepqn

We hope you enjoyed this blog. Happy shopping! Would you like a part 2? Comment and let us know, and don't forget to follow us on social media! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Chevrolet Reveals the 2020 Silverado HD High Country

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Chevrolet is getting up in your grille! Every Silverado HD in the 2020 series will feature distinct exterior details including grilles featuring either the Chevrolet stamped bar or the iconic Chevrolet bowtie. This week, the corporation gave us a sneak peek into their 2020 truck franchise, and they're beastlier than ever! 

Truck customers are very clear: They want the perfect truck for them and not a 'one size fits most' truck compromised for the masses" said Mike Simcoe, the vice president of global design for General Motors. Chevrolet is listening to this sentiment, hence an expanded range of customer choices for trim levels on the all-new Silverado HD: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and the range-topping High Country. These distinct exteriors provide a greater differentiation between the 1500 and HD models, and give customers the ability to personalize their truck. 

The photograph above displays the new High Country exterior which boasts two-tone metallic trim, a redesigned grille, the Chevrolet bowtie, in addition to all-new features and technology. This model and the others in the new Silverado franchise take into account "every detail of what customers expect, and how they will use their truck" Simcoe said. "The results are unique versions of the Silverado HD equally at home, working on a construction site, or pulling a camping trailer.". 

The 2020 Silverado HD is set to go on sale in mid-2019. Stay tuned for more details - including images of Work Truck, Custom and LTZ - closer to launch. 

Are you digging the look of the 2020 SilveradoHD High Country? If not, tell us why! We love hearing from you. Don't forget to follow us on social media for Chevrolet updates and more! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Easy Appetizers That'll Upgrade Your Holiday Party

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Hosting for the holidays is a sure-fire way to shoot your stress level from 0-100. But throwing an elegant Christmas or New Year's bash doesn't have to send your heart rate above 60 BPM, check out this list of easy appetizers! Not only are they quick and elegant but they all taste amazing too! Best of luck and bon appetit! 

1. BROCCOLI RABE AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE FRIED RAVIOLI 

These hearty, fried raviolis are sure to disappear in the blink of an eye! Stuffed to the brim with a delicious filling of broccoli rabe, Italian sausage, cheese and cherry peppers, they're the perfect combination of class, simplicity and deliciousness.

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2DWpFFw

2. SPICY ROASTED OLIVES 

Give your guests an olive bar experience their taste buds will never forget. This dish is oh-so-easy and oh-so-good. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2Qz4HTR

3. PINE CONE CHEESE BALL WITH ALMONDS

How cute are these? Spruce (pun definitely intended) up your typical humdrum cheese ball with almonds to create a nature-themed snack that will appeal to your guest's eyes and their stomach. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2Q7LvNq

4. CLASSIC SCOTCH EGGS

This old-fashioned favorite is bound to please at any event. Hearty and flavorful, your guests will be begging you for the recipe. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2BO7hgB 

5. WHIPPED FETA DIP

This creamy, tangy and salty offering is a step-up from the usual buffalo chicken or artichoke dip. It's easy, elegant, and tastes amazing! Use leftovers as a spread for pita sandwiches, a dipping sauce for fries and more! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2SqBvLQ

6. ZA'ATAR POPCORN

Give regular old popcorn a makeover with the traditional Middle Eastern spice blend Za'atar. Trust us, you're going to want to put this seasoning on everything. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2FY13ig

7. PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED ARUGULA 

This is literally the easiest appetizer ever, it takes about 5 minutes to make and it's so pretty! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2PhEiVT

8. PECAN PIE BRIE

Let's be honest what party is complete without brie? Step away from the traditional cranberry or cherry and brie combinations and try this sweet take on a renowned classic. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2DWzAuJ

9. REUBEN EGG ROLLS

We know, it sounds weird, but seriously, these egg rolls are bound to become one of your go-to party snacks. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2zFxtZ6

10. BUTTERNUT SQUASH, RICOTTA AND SAGE CROSTINI 

Bring your winter flavor A-game with these sage and squash crostinis. Not only are they beautiful, we guarantee they'll disappear in no time. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2SsEsvI

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Chevrolet Powering Fernando Alonso in 2019 Indy 500

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Two time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso is competing in the 2019 Indianapolis 500 in a McLaren Racing entry powered by the beastly Chevrolet 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 IndyCar engine. Chevrolet and McLaren have a storied past together in the IndyCar series competition and staff and fans alike are excited to see these two partnered once again, Zak Brown the chief executive of McLaren racing said "Like McLaren, Chevrolet has racing in its heart. The company's reputation in IndyCar and at this special race is first-class and we will be powerful partners."

 Alonso, while a controversial public figure, has quite the list of achievements under his belt, he won F1 championships in 2005 and 2006, and is in 6th place of all time in the series with 32 victories and 97 podium finishes. Earlier this year he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making him one of only 13 drivers to win two legs of the Triple Crown of Motorsports (Monaco, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500). If he claims victory in the 2019 Indy 500, he'll become the second driver in history to complete the treasured triumvirate. 

Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports endorsed the Fernando/Chevrolet team-up by saying "It's exciting to partner with Fernando Alonso...he brings incredible driving talent and a passion for the sport. When Fernando is on the track, it's electric. He generates excitement among fans everywhere". 

The 2019 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday May 26, 2019 with practice beginning on Tuesday, May 14. Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com and the IMS ticket office. 

Are you excited for the Indy 500 yet? Do you think Alonso will pull off a win and become the second race driver in history to claim the Triple Crown of Motorsports? Comment and let us know. We love hearing from you!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.