There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling onto your street after a long workday and being greeted by a well manicured lawn. Lawns are a point of pride for many Americans. There are 40 million acres of lawn in the United States, and people spend roughly $30 billion on lawn care each year. But you could be your own lawn’s worst enemy. Are you ruining your grass with these common lawn care mistakes?

6 Ways You’re Ruining Your Lawn

1. Mowing a wet lawn. Not only is grass more sensitive to tearing when wet, mowing wet grass causes clippings to clump, which spreads weeds and disease through the yard.
2. Letting the dog do his business. The combination of paw traffic and sodium from dog urine can kill a lawn in a hurry. “Dog spots” leave circles of brown or yellow grass, and doggie play spots often wind up as bare dirt. Either dedicate a small, out of the way corner of the backyard to your pet’s business or be vigilant about hosing down dog spots after each trip outdoors.
3. Killing good bugs. Nobody wants mosquitos in the yard, but some homeowners are indiscriminate in applying pesticides. Insects like ladybugs, bees, and spiders do more good than harm in the yard.
4. Ignoring mower maintenance. Your mower might not start if you don’t replace the spark plugs each year, but sharpening the blades is just as important. Mowing with dull blades rips grass instead of cutting it, which increases your lawn’s risk for disease.
5. Over fertilizing. Too much of a good thing (or the right thing at the wrong time) does more harm than good. If you use too much fertilizer you’ll burn your lawn, causing it to brown.
6. Watering at the wrong time. Georgia lawns need a lot of love to make it through scorching summers. The best way to guarantee your grass gets the moisture it needs is to water during the early morning hours. By watering before the sun gets hot, you allow the moisture to soak into the soil. By watering at the beginning of the day, you limit the chance for mildew to grow on soggy grass.

Visit Ace of Gray for annual mower maintenance and other supplies for growing a healthy lawn.

Basset Hound

Eggheads unite! If you love juicy burgers, flavorful pizzas, and smokey summer dishes, it’s time to prep those palates. The 2nd annual Heart of Georgia Eggfest is coming to Ace of Gray on June 11th.

Heart of Georgia Eggfest

The Eggfest isn’t just a celebration of cookware. It’s an immersive grilling experience for beginner, intermediate, and pros on the Big Green Egg (and a great opportunity for other folks to taste sweet and savory summer snacks). Egg enthusiasts from across Georgia will travel to Gray for this all-day eggperience. Not only will our festival feature flavorful food prepared by local experts, it’s a great opportunity to do a little shopping. Whether you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift or finishing your summer deck with a smoker to impress, you won’t want to miss the discounts available on Big Green Eggs and Eggcessories.

How to Get Involved

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in this year’s Eggfest.

• Register as a cook and show off your skills. Prepare your specialty, share bite-sized samples, and get ready to share your wisdom with the world.
• Become a taster. Meander through the festival tasting meats, sides, casseroles, pizzas, and desserts, all cooked fresh on our demo Eggs. Help us determine which cook will get the big prizes (and enter to win a Tan Yeti Hopper or 1 of 5 Looftlighters for yourself).
• Get a deal on a demo Egg. We’re not just offering discounts on major Eggcessories during our annual Big Green Egg festival. You can actually purchase a demo Egg, which will be used for the first time by our expert chefs for the festival. Get a large, barely used Big Green Egg with nest and plate setter for just $775. Demo Eggs must be picked up between 4pm and 6pm.
• Buy the t-shirt. After all, it didn’t happen if you don’t show it off later!

Tickets to the Heart of Georgia Eggfest are just $10. All proceeds from ticket and t-shirt sales will go to the Children’s Miracle Network in support of our local Children’s Hospital. To learn more, call Ace Hardware of Gray.

Eggfest

School may still be in session, but just like our kids, we’re already planning summer adventures. Relaxing by the lake, playing games in the park, and exploring hiking trails are just a few of the fun times we have waiting for us this season. Are you ready for a summer of fun? Don’t forget your summer survival kit!

Summer Survival Kit from Ace of Gray

Everybody’s summer survival kit is different. If you’re a hiker, you’ll need a new pair of hiking boots from Georgia Boot. If you’re an entertainer, you might pick up the materials to build a new deck. If you prefer to spend summer indoors, a new decorative figurine may make your home feel more welcoming than ever. But no matter who you are, there are a few items you can’t survive a summer in the South without.

The Essentials

Wherever you go, make sure your car is stocked with these summer survival essentials.

• A backpack to keep it all together
• A blanket for breezy evenings or impromptu picnics
• A first aid kit
• Nonperishable snacks and bottled water
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen

The Shades

Whether you’re hitting the water for an afternoon of fishing, climbing mountains on a weekend adventure, or watching the kids play in the backyard, there’s no doubt that Georgia’s sun will be shining. Protect your eyes with a pair of Costa sunglasses. We have over 125 styles in stock for men, women, and kids, so you’re sure to find your perfect pair.

Keeping Cool

Wherever your adventures take you, we’re willing to bet you’ll want a cold drink. No summer survival kit is complete without a cooler stocked with water, Cokes, beer, and fresh meat for the grill. What’s even better? If you purchase a Yeti cooler, Ace of Gray will supply you with free ice for life!

Summer is just around the corner. Visit Ace of Gray to stock up on summer essentials and other seasonal gear like clothing, shoes, drinkware, and more.

Summer Adventures

In the slow cooker world, one smoker stands elite. The Big Green Egg isn’t just an outdoor living accessory. It’s a way of life. It gives meats and poultry that rich, moist, smoky flavor; it cooks cobblers, pies, and pizzas to perfection; it even packs a punch into flaky fish and marinades whole turkeys with flavor from skin to bone. Buying a Big Green Egg will change the way you see dinner . . . but it’s also a lot of pressure. If you’re not sure how to use a smoker, don’t worry; Ace of Gray has you covered.

Egging 101 with Kurt Halls

If you want to bid adieu to restaurant steaks and diner burgers, you’re going to need some tools in your arsenal. Tool #1 is your slow cooker, complete with basic EGGcessories. Step two? Egging 101 with Kurt Halls.

The Big Green Egg gives you the ultimate cooking experience. Learn how to sear the perfect steak, slow cook holiday ham, and grill corn on the cob for your next summer cookout. Kurt Hall is an Egger extraordinaire. He’s spent years perfecting his grilling technique, and has used the Big Green Egg almost exclusively since 2011. Whether you’re new to smokers or just want a few fresh tricks for your next cook out, Egging 101 will give you the skills you need to wow friends and family. Here’s what to expect from Ace of Gray’s Big Green Egg cooking class:

• 2-3 hours of instruction on cooking with a Big Green Egg
• Interactive lessons
• A taste test at the end of the class
• Copies of each recipe used in the lesson
• 10% off all grill and grill accessories the day of class!

We’ll cover basic Egging techniques like:

• Essential tools
• Basic setups
• Lighting
• Temperature control
• Tips & tricks
• Egg maintenance

Ready to make summer sizzle? Register online for our Big Green Egg cooking class. Then mark your calendar for the Ace of Gray Heart of Georgia Eggfest on June 11th.

Pizza on a Big Green Egg

For many homeowners, outdoor entertaining is the only way to live. From March to October, if there’s an opportunity to move a party outdoors, you’re going to take it. There’s something about the backyard that makes birthday parties, summer cookouts, and graduation celebrations sizzle (and no, it’s not just the burger on the grill). Does your outdoor space need an update before this year’s entertaining season? Transform your outdoor space with these simple additions from Ace of Gray.  

4 Additions That Will Make Your Outdoor Living Space

1. A new grill. When your old one starts to creak, it’s time for something fresh. Use the opportunity to talk your wife into that Big Green Egg you’ve always wanted. Trust us, she’ll love serving juicy, smoked salmon to friends and neighbors as much as you love cooking it.
2. A swing. Think porch swings are just for the front porch? Think again. Hanging a porch swing in your outdoor living space gives the grill master a place to relax, the guests a place to chat, and the hostess a place to oversee events in peace. It also adds a classic, nostalgic feel to your outdoor space. Add colorful pillows to make that porch swing as inviting as it is elegant.
3. Fire pits. One of the great outdoor living trends of the last few years, fire pits add a touch of fun to your entertaining space. Build one out of brick or stone or buy a freestanding iron fire pit for the backyard. Not only does it give the kids a place to roast marshmallows, it’s the perfect location to relax with a refreshing spring drink or a mug of hot cocoa in the fall.
4. Finishing touches. Is your outdoor dining set looking a little drab? You don’t have to sacrifice it on the altar of home entertaining. Give it an easy update by hosing down the table and chairs, repainting the frames, and updating the style with a few throw pillows or a cozy blanket for cool nights.

Ready to revitalize your outdoor living space? Visit the home improvement experts at Ace of Gray.

Porch Swing

Throwing the perfect summer cookout isn’t all about the deck, the fire pit, and the freshly-cut lawn. It’s about the burger! Grill the perfect burger every time with these tips from Ace of Gray.

Prep Your Grill

Before you fire up the grill for the first time, make sure it’s ready for a season of heavy-duty labor. Spring clean your grill to prevent fires, keep cooking even, and avoid cobwebs in your dinner. Preheat your grill or smoker well before dinnertime. If it’s not hot enough to sear the meat right away, you’ll lose your juice before the temperatures get up to par.

How to Cook a Mouthwatering Burger

1. Start with the good stuff. You’ll get nothing but gristle if you buy cheap meat at the grocery store. Invest in the good stuff if you want to make family cookout history.
2. Don’t overpack it. Ground beef, ground turkey, ground venison . . . meat cooks best when it’s handled gently and packed lightly. If you overwork or overpack it, you’ll wind up with a tough, dry burger.
3. Think big. Meat shrinks up on the grill, so to guarantee a mouthful (and a good burger-to-bun ratio), make your burger slightly bigger than needed. Press lightly with your thumb into the top of the burger to prevent a peaked top, which will cause your burger to cook unevenly.
4. Add flavor. Ace of Gray’s rubs and seasoning add a mouthful of flavor to every bite. For the most potent flavor, season your burger right before dropping it on the grill.
5. Let cooking burgers lie. Yes, it’s tempting to flip ‘em, prod ‘em, and smash ‘em with a spatula. But if you do, you’re only letting those tasty juices escape. Flip each burger once, then leave it alone.
6. Dress it up. The meat may be the crowning glory, but toasted buns, melted cheese, and goodies like bacon and BBQ sauce can make or break a good burger. Have each extra prepped and ready to go.

Ready to own your own grill? Visit Ace of Gray for the very best in grills, smokers, and grilling accessories.

Grilling Burgers

You may not need an excuse to shop spring sales and catch up with your girlfriends, but you have one. It’s time for our Spring Ladies Night Out. Women across Gray are invited to gab, grab, and be glad that our semi-annual sale came just in time for Mother’s Day. Don’t miss Ladies Night Out on April 28th.

Spring Sales at Ladies Night Out

Have you been eyeing that monogrammed swimsuit all season? Looking for the perfect sign to hang on your front door at the lake? Can’t quite decide how to bless Mom this Mother’s Day? Ladies Night Out is your chance to snatch up spring sales on clothing, gifts, and home decor items. It’s a night of discounts, door prizes, and freebies for early shoppers. We’ll have sales on outdoor living accessories, gear for beach trips and baseball games, and fun crafts for the kids. All you need to do is show up ready to shop!

Want to plan your mode of attack? Check our Facebook page for updates on what’s on sale, how long it will last, and when to arrive to get the best goods.

A Night on the Town

Ladies Night Out isn’t just about seasonal sales. It’s about coming together with the women of the community for a night of food, friends, and fun. Sip refreshments as you taste sweet and savory treats. Find something you love? Ask whether we used one of our signature spices to prepare the meal!

Get ready for a night of fun! Ladies Night Out comes to Ace of Gray this April. To learn more about our home decor, gift, and garden items, call our home improvement store today.

Mom and Daughter

We had a weird weather winter, and spring has been just as wacky. From 80 degrees to 40 and back again, it’s no wonder some homeowners thought twice about spring planting. But there are still plenty of spring home improvement projects to check off before you step into the garden.

How to Refresh the House for Spring

• Tackle spring cleaning. Were you bit by the refurbishment bug? Before you get started, get the boring stuff out of the way. Sort, organize, and discard clutter from the room you want to reno. Better yet? Clean and declutter the whole house before diving into any major projects. 
• Clean the carpet. You’ll be amazed at how grimy it’s gotten, even if you’re a fanatic about weekly vacuuming. Hire a professional or rent a carpet cleaner over the weekend. Tired of scrubbing the carpet season after season? Visit Ace of Gray for tips on ripping up carpet and installing hardwood floors or tile.
• Check off your spring home maintenance checklist. Time to clean the gutters, pressure wash the house, reseal the driveway, stain the deck (we recommend waterproofing it, too), and take care of any other home elements that fell into disrepair this winter.
• Take care of touch ups. A little bit goes a long way. Touch up the paint on the front door, trim, and shutters for an instant facelift to your home exterior.

Ready to move onto the fun stuff? After checking off spring home maintenance, visit Ace of Gray for the latest seasonal home decor and DIY craft projects.

Hardwood Floor

Whether your kid loves to craft, read, play sports, or work puzzles, we’re guessing their bedroom can get a bit . . . disorganized. Forget keeping the floors vacuumed; it’s a Herculean feat to find a clear space to walk. Some parents deal by chucking all of their kids toys in an effort to get organized. Others simply give up. At Ace of Gray we say “everything in moderation.” Tackle your kids’ rooms with these easy organization tips.

Time to Toss

Before we get started, there are some items that need to go. Throw away:

• Broken toys
• Socks missing their mate
• Clothes that don’t fit (or have stains)
• Dried out markers and filled coloring books
• Games with missing pieces
• Gifts that have been forgotten
• Baby items with no sentimental value

How to Organize a Kids Room (Long Term)

Get (and stay) organized with a few handy tips from the pros. Identify your child’s biggest recurring mess and come up with a clever storage solution to keep it accessible, but out of the way. For example, store Legos in a cute plastic jar or put coloring books in an old suitcase, then make it part of a world travel theme for the bedroom. Whatever your storage solution, teach your kids the value of picking up after themselves. Trust us, they’ll complain less over a 5 minute cleanup than they will when you lock them in their room after World War III: Toy Edition.

Redecorate Your Kids Room

Your kids may be growing, but you can still give their room a fun facelift. Choose a theme that can grow with them like a subtle space theme, fun world traveler decor, or simple pastels with metallic accents. Get creative to incorporate storage into the decor, like adding a retro trunk with dividers for toys, blankets, and stuffed animals.

Take control of your kid’s bedroom. Visit Ace of Gray for organizers, mess-free kids crafts, and redecorating materials like paint and home decor.

Girl’s Bedroom

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and another season springs up all around us. The team at Ace of Gray is working hard to make this spring a success. We’re overhauling our home decor, updating our clothing selections, and getting the garden center ready for another season of flourishing veggies, flowers, and shrubs. Are you ready for spring in Gray?

Spring Kickoff Weekend

The eggs are stuffed, the dresses are pressed, and you’ve finally convinced your son to wear a bow tie this Easter. What’s left to prepare for a season of renewal? The Ace of Gray Spring Kickoff weekend! Join us on Saturday, March 26th from 9am-2pm for an afternoon of spring sales and outdoor adventures. Our garden center is fully stocked with your favorite spring colors. Scoop up the best seasonal blooms during our spring plant sale. Ready to change the way you tackle landscaping? Test drive a Cub Cadet utility vehicle and experience a smoother ride, better maneuverability, and better results than with your old mower.

Spring Ladies Night Out

Whether you need the perfect Mother’s Day gift or you simply want to treat yourself to a night on the town, you won’t want to miss Ladies Night Out. Our spring event will be full of seasonal sales on home decor, fun new crafts for your kids, and plenty of laughter as you and your friends enjoy refreshments and adult beverages. As ladies night approaches, keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest freebies, sales, and exclusive merchandise we’ll have available at Ladies Night Out on April 28th.

Want to learn more about spring home and garden events in Gray, GA? Call Ace of Gray or visit our home improvement store.

Spring Flowers