January Home Checklist
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January Home Checklist

January is the month where we set new goals. Lose weight, get more organized, spend less time in front of a screen, you get the point.

January Home Checklist

Here are some things to get done this month in and around your home.

 

  1. Change the filters in your forced air furnace. This time of year, the systems run more frequently and keeping those filters changed improve the air quality and reduce the strain on the blower.

  2. Drop the cover on the bath fan and use a wet/dry vac hose and clean the blower and fan housing. You will be amazed at how dirty it is and during the cold months the higher moisture in the bathroom when showering will clog it even faster.

  3. Keep the decks, driveways, sidewalks and patios clear. I’m speaking to those who have to use ice melt in the winter. (You warm weather folks can snicker now). No matter what type of ice melt you choose to apply the trick is to not let it stand on the surface for long periods of time.  After the ice melts if you have piles or clumps left it’s a good idea to sweep them up and dispose.  Left to permeate into the surfaces you can cause damage that will need to be repaired when things warm up.

  4. Clean that oven! The holidays are over and if you had success making and baking to your delight. It may be high time to give a good cleaning.  If you are lucky enough to have a self-cleaning oven, then crank it up.  Keep in mind it can fill the house with a strong odor and even set off the smoke alarms.  There are several oven cleaners you can use to clean, just don’t forget to give the oven racks a good cleaning too.

  5. Door mats and boot trays are your friend in the winter. Snow, slush, and water can wreak havoc on your floors.  Give them a place to stay and keep the wet shoes off of the floors.  It’s also a good idea to keep a dustpan, broom and floor mop near the door for quick clean-ups.

 

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Outer Banks Ace - lawn care tips
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Fall Checklist For Your Lawn

Taking care of your lawn in the fall is one of the best ways to have a terrific looking lawn in the spring and summer. Here are some tips from our Ace Home experts.

by Lou Manfredini, Ace’s Home Expert

  1. In early fall I am a big fan of spreading an organic soil amender to the lawn.  There are several products at your local Ace that will enhance the soil conditions and it’s a terrific way to boost the soil under the actual grass. Scott’s Foundation Soil Improver is a good option.  It will help strengthen and improve your soil to give your lawn a solid base.
  2. After the above has been down for about 3 weeks, and all the leaves have fallen. Cut the lawn for the last time.  Then, take the necessary steps to get the lawn mower stored properly for the winter.  Start off by disconnecting the spark plug so it doesn’t kick on when you’re doing the next few steps. Start off by emptying the gas tank properly. Then, remove the blade and clean out the dirt and grass that has collected around the blade. A putty knife makes a great tool for scraping the under carriage. Check your owners manual for the frequency of draining the oil. Then, change the air filter.  Add back on the spark plug and you will put your lawn mower away and be set for spring!
  3. Use a power rake or hand rake and pull all the thatch from the lawn and bag or compost it. Dehatching removes dead grass, leaves and other lawn debris so that water, nutrients and fertilizer you put down can reach the soil.
  4. Apply a winterizing lawn fertilizer to promote root growth and keep nutrients in the soil during the colder months of winter. Your lawn is about to be exposed to cold temps and needs some TLC to tackle winter.

With just a little bit of work in the fall your lawn will bounce back quicker next year and actually reduce the amount of work you have to do to get that lawn back in shape.

Make sure you check out our Red Hot Buys for Special Savings on Lawn & Garden

& Ask about our Grass Seed for the Outer Banks – We have specialty grass seed blends formulated for sand, sun, and the Outer Banks beach environment.

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Oktoberfest Feast With The Big Green Egg!
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Oktoberfest Feast With The Big Green Egg!

Oktoberfest is here so let’s fire up the Big Green Egg and have an amazing Oktoberfest menu for your backyard BBQ party! 

Enjoy the video and recipe by Chef Jason from 5280 Culinary!

 

Yield: 8 people

Prep time: 20 Minute Prep

Cook time: Braised Cabbage – 55-65 Minutes

Cook time: Roasted Bratwurst – 25 Minutes

Cook time: German Apple Cake –  25-35 Minutes

 

Print Recipe: Oktoberfest For A Crowd

 

Ingredients

Measure   Ingredient                                                            Prep Notes      

BRAISED CABBAGE INGREDIENTS

6 slices         Bacon, Applewood                                        Cut into medium pieces

1 ea              Onion, Yellow, Small                                      Julienned

1 tbsp           Garlic, paste

1 ea              Apple, Red                                                          Colored and julienned

1 cup            Carrots                                                                Shredded

2 cup            Red Cabbage                                                    Shredded

2 cup            Green Cabbage                                                Shredded

2 tsp             Caraway Seed

2 tbsp           Rub-A-Dub, 5280 Culinary

3 tbsp           Sugar, Dark Brown

2 cup            Chicken Stock

1 can            Beer, Amber                                                     12 oz can

ROASTED SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS

8 ea              Bratwurst, Fresh

GERMAN APPLE CAKE INGREDIENTS

1 cup            Oil, Vegetable

2 ea              Eggs, large

1 cup            Sugar, White, Granulated

1 cup            Sugar, Dark Brown

1 tbsp           Vanilla, Paste or Extract

2 cup            Flour, All Purpose

1 tbsp           Cinnamon, Ground

½ tsp            Allspice

1 tsp             Baking soda

1 tsp             Salt, Kosher

4 cups           Apples, Red                                                     Cored and diced

1 cup            Walnuts, Candied                                           Rough chopped

Preparation:

Wash all tools prior to use

Clean and sanitize all cutting boards and prep surfaces prior to use

Read all manufacturer’s instructions before using grills, or any cooking tools

Stir charcoal in the Big Green Egg and Top off with Fresh Charcoal if needed

Clean out ash pit if needed

Open Bottom vent and top vent for maximum air flow during startup process

Make a well in the center of the lump and ignite the charcoal using 1 speedilight starter or an EGGniter

Heat to temp of 200˚ and add the convEGGtor, Lower grate, eggspander and upper grate

Heat to temp of 350˚ and adjust lower and upper vents to hold at 350˚

While grill is heating up –load dutch oven (uncovered) onto lower grill grate, in center of grill

Make Apple Cake:

Spray a 9×13 pan (heavy) with non-stick cooking spray

Using a whisk, beat eggs and oil until creamy

Add both sugars and vanilla and mix well to combine

Add flour, salt, cinnamon, allspice and baking soda to a small bowl and mix well

Add this to the egg mixture and stir well to combine

Fold in the walnuts and apples and carefully add to the cake pan

Cover cake pan and hold for cooking at room temp

Prep All ingredients for braised cabbage, sausage and dessert

Open Big Green Egg and add bacon to dutch oven, break up any clumps, close the lid and cook for 10 minutes to render fat and start cooking

Open Big Green Egg and add caraway seeds, onions and garlic, mix all ingredients well

Close Egg and cook for 5 minutes

Open Egg and add apple, carrots and cabbage, mix all ingredients well

Close Egg and cook for 10 minutes

Open Egg and add seasoning, sugar, chicken stock and beer to Dutch oven, stir well

Add the sausage around the Dutch oven

Add the apple cake (uncovered) to the top shelf of the EGGspander

Close Egg and cook for 20 minutes or until sausage is done (165˚ F internal temp)

Check in after 10 minutes and flip sausage and check on apple cake, close dome and cook for 10 minutes longer

At the 20 minute mark…

Remove sausage if fully cooked to 165˚ F or place sausage into the braised cabbage to cook longer

Check on Apple cake to see doneness and color (doneness check with toothpick)

Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cake is done.  Toothpick will be dry when inserted and removed.  Dry meaning no raw cake batter stuck to it

Using heat proof gloves, remove the Dutch ovens and place in kitchen

Allow cake to cool and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or serve with ice cream

 

BBQ Gear / Supplies:

 

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Hurricane preparedness checklist
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Hurricane Checklist – Be Prepared for Hurricanes

We love Fall on the Outer Banks, but we know we need to keep an eye on the tropics during this time of the year. Outer Banks Ace has 6 locations ready to help you in preparing for the hurricane season.  From generators to flashlights, we’ve got you covered! Stop in at any of our six convenient Outer Banks locations and our ACE experts will help you assemble & prepare for a natural weather disaster.

Here is a list of recommended Items to help prepare for a storm:

Hurricane preparedness checklist

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How to Have a Juicy Turkey
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How to Have a Juicy Turkey

Watch as Ace’s Grilling Expert, Chef Jason, shows you the tips and tricks to make a juicy turkey!

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming ThanksGrilling Events! 

Get in the grilling spirit at your local Ace during Thanksgrilling – Sat. Nov. 20 from 11AM – 2PM. Enjoy grilling demos, deals, and family activities! 

Check out our Red Hot Buys on Grills & accessories:

https://www.outerbanksace.com/monthly-red-hot-buys/

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How To Refresh Your Outdoor Space
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How To Refresh Your Outdoor Space

Watch as licensed landscape contractor and designer, Sara Bendrick, gives you the tips you need to refresh your outdoor space. Sara will show you how easy it gets done with products from Stihl®.

 

 

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Love Your Landscaping tips and advice
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Love Your Landscaping

Join Sara Bendrick, a designer and licensed contractor, as she gives you the tips and tricks on perfecting an an outdoor space. Gone are the days of hiring a landscaper and here to stay is you creating a lawn that’s a work of art!

 

 

 

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How to Grill The Best Chicken Wings!
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How to Grill The Best Chicken Wings!

Get ready for game day! Chef Jason taking your “normal” chicken wings and adding double fire, that’s right, double the heat.  We are adding some Fire Salt and Rub A Dub to start the smolder, then onto the grill to get them crispy, and finally a finish of fire honey to double the heat.  Enjoy the heat, its ready for you.

OUTER BANKS ACE IS THE GRILLING PLACE

We offer a wide selection of grills and smokers to fit your needs, your lifestyle and your budget. We have the Outer Banks largest selection of Grills and Accessories featuring top brands like Weber, Big Green Egg, Traeger, Pit Barrel Cookers, Char-Broil, Blackstone, and Masterbuilt.

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