The “go green” movement is alive and well. It’s hard to catch up on the news or read your favorite home improvement magazine without catching some new tip about living smarter in your environment. But with so much information available it’s difficult to determine which steps save energy, and which ones just sound good. Instead of trading in your car to bike to work or swearing off grocery store vegetables, try these simple energy saving tips for the home.

• Make water work for you. Simple home fixes like leaky faucets or overworked water heaters often end up on homeowners “to do (later)” list. It’s time to buckle down and start saving. Fixing a dripping pipe can save a few hundred bucks a year on water, while replacing the valve on a constantly running toilet significantly lowers homeowners’ monthly water bills. Tired of wasting money to heat water you don’t use? Tankless water heaters are easy to install, and save hundreds of dollars by heating water only when it’s needed.
• Smart home lighting. A lot of Americans are holding onto incandescent lighting, but there’s no reason not to go green with your lighting. When homeowners replace standard lights with LEDs or compact fluorescent light bulbs, they see significantly lower electricity bills. Bonus: LEDs and CFLs last up to 10 times longer than standard light bulbs, saving homeowners time and money.
• Focus on the landscape. We all know planting trees is a great way to go green, but did you know it can reduce your summer energy costs by up to 35%? Plants create shade, provide a barrier from the wind, and regulate the temperature of your yard, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

For home improvement tips and energy saving tools, stop by Ace of Gray.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

With the mixture of heavy rain, excessive heat, and summer pests at play, keeping a Gray garden healthy in July and August is a challenge. Flowers can get waterlogged and diseased, lawns often develop dry brown or vivid green patches, and overall landscape maintenance becomes a bigger task than homeowners anticipated. To help your landscape thrive this summer, follow these simple lawn care practices.

Water Appropriately

Although Georgia homeowners often worry about drought, overwatering is a bigger risk in the summer. Don’t simply schedule the sprinklers every morning. To practice better watering techniques, remember to:

• Monitor rainfall and adapt your sprinkler schedule.
• Watch your yard after a storm; if water pools in one area, install a runoff trench or storm drain.
• Grab a handful of soil. If the soil is damp and malleable, it’s sufficiently watered. If moisture leaks onto your hand, your lawn is overwatered.
• Irrigate your lawn for more efficient watering.

Aerate Your Lawn

When you lay fresh sod, you must first remove old grass, till the lawn, and aerate your yard. Keeping grass healthy is less time consuming, but it follows similar principles. If appropriate watering, mowing, and fertilization of your grass isn’t keeping the turf healthy, dethatch and aerate your lawn. This allows oxygen and nutrients to penetrate the soil and reach the roots of an otherwise starved lawn.

Mulch Your Garden

Mulch provides a variety of benefits to a Southern garden: it provides a barrier between the sun and the roots, it disperses and conserves moisture, and it traps nutrients where they’re needed most. Mulch around flowerbeds, beneath trees, and around areas where the grass meets shrubs. Choose pine straw or wood chips based on your family’s preferred aesthetic.

For summer landscaping tips, supplies, and professional insights, stop by the Ace of Gray garden center.

Bright, patriotic decorations, delicious slow-cooked burgers, and the laughter of family and friends filling the backyard . . . nothing beats a Fourth of July cookout. Summer gatherings in the South are a time-honored tradition, and the Fourth of July takes the cake for “party of the summer.” Whether your kind of celebration is a well-timed annual get-together, or an impromptu party for your friends and neighbors, follow these 4 tips for throwing Fourth of July cookout.

1. Plan the menu. No Independence Day celebration is complete without steaming plates of burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill. Make simple, savory sides out of fresh veggies from your vegetable garden, smoked side-by-side with your meat. Fill up your favorite festive serving bowls with chips and dip, fresh fruits, and finger foods. Do you have friends with dietary restrictions? Make sure you keep a dish dairy, nut, or gluten-free.
2. Set the stage. The July 4^th is one day you won’t get away with throwing an indoor party. Prepare your landscape for the celebration by mowing, hauling away branches and yard debris, and filling vases with fresh flowers from the garden. Set up a food table under a covered porch area to protect dessert from the hot summer sun or unexpected showers. Will your Fourth of July celebration be full of little feet? Rent a bouncy house to entertain the kids while the adults catch up.
3. Decorate. Most Americans love to show off their patriotic spirit. Celebrate our nation’s birthday with flag-print paper plates; festive outdoor décor; and Happy Everything serving dishes from the Ace of Gray Gift Shop.
4. Set the mood. Pump your friends and family full of patriotic energy with the perfect summer playlist. Include a variety of patriotic melodies, beach tunes, and American classics. Fill mason jars with sparklers and watch the celebratory spirit catch fire!

Ace of Gray has all the supplies to help you throw the perfect Fourth of July celebration. Heat up the grill and get ready to party!

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

Sometimes home organization seems like a battle that can’t be won. Folks in Gray spend months updating their kitchens, re-tiling their bathrooms, and refurbishing their outdoor living spaces, only to watch clutter overwhelm their home improvement efforts. If you’re constantly rifling through over-full junk drawers, digging through cluttered closets, and grilling around piles of deck debris, check out Ace of Gray’s guide to unique home storage.

Happy Everything Storage

The best kind of storage is the kind you want to use. Update your plastic dividers and cheap jewelry racks with chic bowls, plates, and attachments from Coton Color’s Happy Everything line. Not only do their decorative dining accessories make great additions to meals and parties, they easily double as home storage. Store rings and hairpins in brightly colored butter dishes, use serving trays as mail catch-alls, or repurpose painted cookie jars to store winter scarves. With storage this chic, you can tuck it into drawers or leave it free to see.

Magnetize It

There are some home items that no one can find the room for: kitchen spices, nails and screws, and paperclips, to name a few. If you’re tired of rooting through toolboxes and junk drawers, it’s time for a new approach to home organization. Get small objects out of the way by gluing magnets to the lids of small glass jars. Attach a reverse magnet strip underneath cabinets, inside doors, or beneath worktables. Easy access and quick home organization!

Repurpose Everyday Accessories

Are you a craft lover with too much project supplies? A busy mom tired of tripping over art tools? A smart shopper who can’t find room for recycled containers? You can easily repurpose common household accessories to hold your unusual items.

• Hang a paper towel rack in your craft room to hold decorative ribbons for easy snipping.
• Use a dish rack to store coloring books, mail, or cook books.
• Hang shower hooks in your spare closet to store purses.
• Reuse old tissue boxes for organized and easily accessible plastic grocery bags.

Stop by Ace of Gray for home accessories, organization materials, and renovation supplies.

There’s something about grilling that gets a party going: the sound of sizzling meat, the savory smell of smoke, and the heat of the grill promising that the best is yet to come. Not only are grills the perfect backyard accessory for summer, they’re famously beloved by dads everywhere. Ace of Gray is making it easy to treat your dad to something special this summer. June 9^th-15^th we’re throwing an exclusive sale with 10% off all grills and grill accessories for Father’s Day.

Traeger Grill

• What it is: Wood pellet grill
• Who should buy it: Families who love barbecue with a slow-cooked, smoky flavor
• Must-have grill accessories: Digital thermostat, wood pellets in a variety of flavors, cover

Big Green Egg

• What it is: Slow cooker with smoking, grilling, and conventional cooking capabilities
• Who should buy it: Lovers of juicy, tender meat who can afford to invest in a high quality smoker
• Must-have grill accessories: Wood chips, cover, nest or table, baking stone, thermapen

Louisiana Grills

• What it is: Pellet grill
• Who should buy it: Families who want the convenience of a fast heat-up gas grill with the flavor of a slow cook smoker
• Must-have grill accessories: Upper cooking rack, digital control center, natural hardwood pellets, cover

The Holland Grill

• What it is: Classic gas grill
• Who should buy it: People who want a safe, hassle-free backyard grilling experience without sacrificing flavor
• Must-have grill accessories: Cover, lid thermometer or digital thermometer, pizza stone, recipe book

Weber Grills

• What it is: Versatile grills available in gas, electric, charcoal, and portable varieties
• Who should buy it: Families who love classic cookouts and easy cleanup
• Must-have grill accessories: Locking tongs, thermometer, bear claw shredders, portable table, cover

Give your dad a lasting Father’s Day gift this year. Complete his outdoor living area with a high class grill for holiday meals, game days, and summer cookouts.

Father’s Day is just a few weeks away. We’re entering the optimal timezone for finding a Father’s Day present for the man who diligently taught you how to Do It Yourself. Dads like to get their hands dirty, get things done, and reap the rewards of their labor. If your father doesn’t like to grill (or you chipped in for his Big Green Egg last Father’s Day), lawn care equipment makes a great practical gift to show Dad you appreciate him.

Stihl Equipment

There’s no denying men love their power tools, and Stihl equipment is built to last. Dad can use our grass trimmer to cut a crisp line around flowerbeds or hack snarled, overgrown grass beyond the fence. Choose from a selection of high-performance chainsaws with faster running time and increased fuel efficiency. Easily chop downed trees from harsh summer storms, remove dangerous branches, and cut fresh firewood. After tackling the big problems, Dad can use our handheld leaf blower to clean the lawn and driveway in a snap. Whatever outdoor power equipment you’re getting him for Father’s Day, Stihl has the price, performance, and endurance he’ll love. Ace Hardware of Gray is a licensed dealer of Stihl outdoor power tools.

Lawn Care Accessories

Outfit your husband or father in sleek, practical work wear to keep him safe and comfortable while he tackles the landscape’s biggest problems. Pair sturdy Proscaper Series Stihl gloves with Pro Mark Apron Chaps to protect Dad from splintered wood and sharp blades. Purchase a pair of Black Widow glasses or Sleek Line protective eyewear so he can leave his favorite Coastal Del Mar glasses in his golf bag. Stihl work apparel is simple, comfortable, and endurable, letting Dad tackle his next big project without worrying about his clothing catching on equipment or wearing through.

For more outdoor work wear, check out our online selection of Stihl power equipment and accessories. Stop by Ace of Gray to outfit Dad in Columbia, Durango, or Georgia Boot outdoor apparel.

Do-It-Yourself home improvement projects sometimes require more extensive supplies than you’re willing to buy. While it’s no problem to purchase sandpaper and Valspar paint to refinish an old coffee table, it doesn’t make sense to buy a pressure washer to clean the deck once a year. Ace of Gray Rental Place is here to cover your home improvement needs.

Indoor Home Renovations

If you’re refinishing your home alone, you can rent equipment and save on installation. Check out our selection of wallpaper steamers, hot air guns, and pop ceiling poppers for basic home updates. To help Gray homeowners lay new flooring, Ace Hardware has a selection of linoleum rollers, tile cutters, floor cutters available for rent. Rent reasonably priced home power equipment for 4 or 24 hours at a time.

Gardening Equipment

When it comes to creating a beautiful landscape, Ace Hardware is your ace in the hole. Rent basic lawn care equipment like hedge trimmers and lawn mowers, take care of unexpected garden setbacks by renting our humane animal traps, or take your yard to another level with serious landscaping equipment like a tiller or backhoe. Level your lawn and remove yard debris by renting a Dingo and the correct attachments. After you level the ground, till the dirt, and aerate your yard, lay fresh spring sod to instantly improve your curb appeal.

Everything in Between

If you need it for your home improvement job, chances are Ace has it. Visit our webpage for more information on renting power tools, plumbing supplies, automotive equipment, and moving supplies. We also rent SpaceWalk bounce houses for community events and kids parties.

Sometimes it makes more sense to rent than to buy. Call the Ace of Gray Rental Place for more information about borrowing the supplies for your next DIY project.

This time of year, it’s not hard to find an excuse for a summer cookout. Graduations, end of school bashes, and Father’s Day all offer the perfect ingredients for a spectacular summer shindig. If you’re ready to enjoy a day of delicious food with friends and family, read Ace of Gray’s guide to the perfect summer cookout.

Plan a Summer Cookout

1. Pick a day and mail DIY summer cookout invites.
2. Make a rain plan. No one wants to enjoy delicious barbeque ribs in an unexpected shower.
3. Determine if any of your guests have dietary restrictions and find food alternatives.
4. Stock the cooler at least two hours before the party.
5. Arrange and decorate food and drink stations, game stations for corn hole and croquet, and a shady spot for guests who want to sit.

Big Green Egg

At a Southern summer barbecue, nothing beats meat smoked in a Big Green Egg. The Big Green Egg gives you the versatility to smoke lamb for Father’s Day, cook cobblers for garden parties, and grill burgers for a true summer shindig. Cook succulent steaks and juicy barbecue ribs alongside savory and tender spiced veggies. In the Big Green egg smoker, even meat substitutes are full of rich flavor. Is your outdoor cooking space incomplete? Find the perfect grill and backyard accessories in the outdoor living section of our home improvement store.

Ace of Gray garden center and gift shop has all the best accessories for your summer barbeque. Stop by our outdoor living section for party supplies, dinnerware, and unique party favors for your friends.

In the last several weeks, hundreds of thousands of kids across the country celebrated high school or college graduations. In the weeks to come, many more will join their ranks. Some will further their education, while others will dive headfirst into the real world. No matter where life takes them, make sure they learn the 5 basic home maintenance tips every graduate should know.

1. How to find a stud. Many dorms don’t allow hanging wall décor, but graduates moving into an apartment should know how to find a stud so heavy pictures don’t tear up the drywall. Knock on the wall until you hear a hollow sound or buy a stud finder for easy locating.
2. How to patch a hole in the wall. Anything from a heavy picture to a wayward baseball can create a hole in your wall. To fix a hole in drywall, apply spackling material with a putty knife. After it dries, you can paint the patch to match your wall color.
3. How to fix a broken toilet. If a toilet won’t stop running, it’s probably a poor piston seal. Remove the back toilet lid and pull the chain up, watching the piston as it reforms a seal over the hole. Determine if it was a one-time issue or if it the parts need replacing.
4. How to turn off the water. Running water can waste money and create a huge mess. As soon as you move into a new location, learn where the main water shutoff is located. To turn off water to the sink or toilet, you can twist the main pipe valve connecting the sink or toilet to the wall.
5. How to create a tool kit. Everyone living on their own should have a tool kit, regardless of age, gender, or skill level. When creating your tool kit, make sure you include:

• A hammer
• Locking pliers (needle-nose and groove-joint)
• A slotted screwdriver and a Phillips-head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrenches
• A X-acto knife or other small blade
• A putty knife
• A level
• A straightedge
• A miter square
• A measuring tape
• A rag of thick fabric
• A flashlight

For more home improvement tips, stop by Ace of Gray.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

Are you looking for a Mother’s Day gift, a spring birthday present, or a “real world” present for a young lady graduating high school or college? Perhaps you’d simply like to update your home with bright touches of summer color. One of the most popular home décor items in our Gift Shop is the Happy Everything line by Coton Colors. With their wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles, these charming dining accessories are perfect for any Southern space.

Dining Accessories

Happy Everything has, well, everything. These dishes have bright colors, artistic flare, and just the right hint of class to make them perfect for any occasion. Mix and match styles for an eclectic Southern dining experience or choose platters, plates, and vases in matching colors and patterns. Perfect for cookouts, family meals, or elegant dinner parties, these dishes create a masterpiece of any table. Because you can buy Happy Everything piece by piece, they make perfect presents for family and friends. Simply stop by the Happy Everything corner in the Ace of Gray Gift shop and choose the dining accessories that fit your loved one’s personal style. For an additional thoughtful touch, personalize dishes and kitchen accessories with a monogram.

Happy Everything Home

Happy Everything primarily makes dining accessories, but that doesn’t mean creativity is out of the question. Repurpose serving platters as hanging wall décor, use kitchen accessories in the garden, or make the most of spare dishes by using them as cute storage bowls. Whether you’re shopping for an out-of-the-box thinker or simply the person who has everything, Happy Everything can make everyone happy.

Stop by Ace of Gray for Happy Everything home décor and dining accessories.