March 2015 – user's Blog!

March 31, 2015

Spring Hairstyles Anyone Can Try

Spring is a time of renewal. Whether you want to spruce up your space or breathe new life into your look, now is the moment. And if you’re looking to reinvent yourself on the outside, why not start at the top with a new ‘do? Here are nine on-trend spring hairstyles for each hair length and any occasion.

Short Hairstyles

The Shaggy Pixie: Closely cropped at the sides with fringe bangs. It’s a bold cut that brings out serious cheek bones.

Long Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs: If you’re weary of taking away all the hair around your face but still want to try a sassy short cut, this is the perfect compromise. Princess in the front, punk rocker in the back.

Rita Ora’s A-Line: Talk about attitude. This super cool coif goes to show the possibilities for simple A-Line bob haircuts. It’s all in the styling.

Medium Hairstyles

The Straight Long Bob: Lauren Conrad is throwing it back to the 90s with straight, volumized hair and a deep side part. This “lob” is on fire.

The Wavy A-Line: This medium-length A-Line bob features soft, beachy waves. Some people literally wake up like this and go about their day. Some people are lucky.

Taylor Swift’s Shag: Swifty’s brushed-out curls and rounded bangs are perfect for angular face-shapes or anyone who loves a little nod to the 70s.

Long Hairstyles

The Side Braid: This perfectly imperfect side braid is great for festivals or your everyday boho looks and is way less complicated than it looks. Check out this handy tutorial here.

Ponytail with a Twist: There are many ways to revamp your ponytail but this is one of our favorites. It’s super simple yet instantly elevates your casual looks. Click here to learn how.

The Braided Faux Hawk: Inject a little punk rock attitude into your weekend looks with this ultra-modern updo. Learn how to master this braid here.

Which of these hairstyles will you add to your beauty routine? Tell us with a comment below!

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March 25, 2015

Max Your Tax Return with Ebates

Tax Returns are always a fun surprise. While you’re just getting back money that you earned in the previous year, it’s still nice to finally see it in your bank account. If you’re feeling that tax return burning a hole in your pocket, we have some ideas for how to make the most out of it. Wondering how you’re going to spend your tax return? Try out some of these fun ideas!

Take a trip with it
One of the most fulfilling ways to spend your tax return is to put it towards travel. Taking a trip with your return money is a great way to finance your own “spring break”. Check out some of the Expedia coupons from Ebates for discounts and travel packages for a good deal.

Invest in a new entertainment system
If you’re in the market for a new entertainment system, having your tax return is a great opportunity to do it. Isn’t it time you finally got that new television and speaker set-up you’ve been wanting? Or if you have a television you like, an Apple TV or a Google Chromecast is a great way to expand your entertainment options.

Get a new laptop
Every few years, your laptop is going to become obsolete. It’s just the nature of technological innovation. With Best Buy coupons from Ebates, you can get a great deal on your new laptop to get up to speed with the latest system.

Upgrade your wardrobe
One of our favorite things to do when we get cash back is to put it toward upgrading your wardrobe. The changing of the seasons means there’s another move toward new trends and new styles to invest in. With stores like Kohl’s, Nordstrom, and Macy’s on Ebates, you can get great coupons and Cash Back while shopping.

Surprise your kids
For all the parents out there, there’s no better feeling than surprising your kids with something they’ll love. Taking a trip to Disneyland, getting them a new bike, or order a new video game from GameStop they’ve been wanting is a nice gesture.

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March 25, 2015

Music Festival Survival Guide

Festival season is upon us and if you’re new to the world of all-day music extravaganzas, a little planning will go a long way in terms of what you should bring along. You’ll be in it for the long haul all in the name of rocking out and spending quality time with your best buds. Get prepared with our festival checklist of essential items including a few tried and true life hacks that will make your experience just a little easier.

music_festival_packing — via Bows and Sequins

Festival Packing List:

Mini flashlight – Don’t get caught in a porta-potty after dark without one.
Hand sanitizer – Because porta-potties are gross
Tissues – Because porta-potties run out of TP way too fast
Baby wipes – For messes and spills
Portable cellphone charger
Earplugs
Water bottle – Pro Tip: Freeze it first and use it as an ice pack for quick relief from the heat.
Lip balm with SPF – Nothing worse than sunburn on your lips
Sunscreen
Snacks – Food at festivals is expensive with very long lines. Pack a couple of energy bars to keep you fueled between jumbo hot dogs.
Plastic rain poncho – Because rain happens. Lightweight, easily folds into a tiny square.
Cheap sunglasses – Leave the designer shades at home. Things get rowdy.

Quick Festival Tips:

1. Carry a mini shoulder bag. All of the above items are small enough to cram into it, plus backpacks are invitations for theft since you don’t have eyes in the back of your head.

2. Make a custom staff or flag. If you’re going with a large group, avoid getting broken up in the crowd by letting your freak flag fly high for all to see.

3. Wear closed-toe shoes. You may be tempted to sport sandals but your toes WILL get stepped on. Better protect those piggies.

4. Use hair ties to secure maxi skirts during calls of nature. Wear them on your wrist (they’ll hardly stand out among your bangles and friendship bracelets) and use them to bundle up your maxi skirt so it doesn’t get in the way while in the confined space of a porta-potty. Genius, right?

5. Tie a lightweight scarf around your waist or bag strap. It will be perfect for sitting on in the grass instead of a bulky blanket or towel.

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March 24, 2015

3 Spring Style Staples for Guys

It’s time to shake off the cold winter weather and start thinking about fresh spring styles. If you’re in need of some guidance for stepping up your springtime menswear look, we’re here to help you out. Pick up some of these staple items for this spring and you’ll be high stylin’ in no time at all!

Get More Colorful with Your Shorts

cn9307456 — Canvas Shorts in Pepper Rally | $22.94 | Old Navy

As the weather gets warmer, you can start breaking out the shorts. This spring, men’s shorts are shifting toward more colorful styles with a slimmer leg. It’s a great way to add some life to your look and balances nicely with light neutrals like a grey or white shirt. Just remember that in general, it’s better to stick to one brightly colored item per look to keep things balanced.

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Go for a Lightweight Gingham

C0641_WD4506 — Secret Wash Shirt in Spring Gingham | $64.50 | J.Crew

Always reminiscent of warm weather, a gingham shirt is a staple piece for any guy’s wardrobe. (Gingham is super hot for spring. Remember those gingham skimmers from 5 Trends to Prep Your Spring Wardrobe?) This lightweight shirt looks just the right amount of worn without seeming sloppy. The gingham pattern is subtle enough to work into your office wardrobe, and unique enough to wear out around town. Definitely worth the investment!

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Find a Pair of Classic Sneakers

cn9113311 — Johnny Sneaker in Chalk | $128 | Banana Republic

Often cited as the first thing a woman notices about a man, shoes are of utmost importance to the overall outfit look. If you’re going for a fresh spring wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with these chalk white classic sneakers. If you’ve already got a pair of white low-rise sneakers hiding in your closet, be judicious with yourself and decide if it’s time to toss. If they’re grey and stained, it’s time to say goodbye.

See Banana Republic Coupon Code Offers
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With these three simple staple additions to your wardrobe, you’ll be ready to take on anything that comes your way this spring!

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March 24, 2015

Win an Ultimate Campers Set from Campmor

It’s a great big world out there. Come out and see it! If you’re dreaming of an outdoor adventure just in time for the upcoming sunny months, you might need a thing or two to make camping just a little more convenient and comfortable. Let us help get you started with a chance to win the ultimate campers set from Campmor, worth approximately $449! Read on to see what’s included in this package that will make roughing it just a little less rough.

What You’ll Win:

1. Marmot Traillight 2-Person Tent (1)
This tent has all the space you need for a solo or intimate camping getaway with plenty of space for two people and their gear. Color-coded poles and clips make for easy assembly, which is perfect for newbies.

2. Grand Trunk Hammocks (2)
Lightweight with bold, bright prints, these double hammocks can hold up to two people at a time. With two hammocks, they’ll be no fighting over who gets more hang time.

3. Princeton Tec Headlamps (2)
Headlamps are a must for any camping trip. Stay hands-free and ready to take on whatever jumps out at you from the darkness. Or, just be able to find the trail mix for a midnight snack.

How to Enter the Campmor Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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March 19, 2015

Win a Pair of Sapphire Studs!

Whether you’re looking for a gift that will take someone’s breath away or it’s time to treat yourself to a little sparkle, you’re not going to want to miss this special giveaway from World Jewels. One lucky winner will receive a spectacular pair of blue sapphire stud earrings valued at $649.99! Lavish your lobes in stunning round-cut sapphires with a brilliance that will not go unnoticed. These one-carat dazzlers come with the quality craftsmanship you can only find at World Jewels.

World Jewels prides itself on unique, hand-crafted fine jewelry customized to your tastes, needs and budget. Come to World Jewels for a first-hand education in diamond selection and wedding set customization. From engagement rings to anniversary gifts for men and women, World Jewels offers quality and expertise you can trust every time.

How to Enter the World Jewels Giveaway:

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

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March 12, 2015

12 Money-Saving Healthy Kids’ Snacks

When it comes to keeping little tummies full, healthy ingredients and a steep grocery bill are always top concerns. Quickness and convenience are also key when it comes to snacking with a busy schedule.

But making your kids’ snacks can be affordable, healthy and even easy when you make large batches that will last you the whole week. Plus, some of these healthy snack recipes are kid-chef friendly and easy to make with some little helping hands. Check out these 12 money-saving healthy kids’ snacks your brood will go bananas over.

1. No-Bake Granola Bites
These sugar- and flour-free bites are better than cookies, and they make for a quick breakfast or after-lunch snack on the go.

2. Sesame-Ginger Roasted Chickpeas
Younger kids can be a little finicky about eating meat, which is why beans are a vital source of the protein, iron and fiber all kids need. These mouthwatering roasted chickpeas are the perfect substitute for fatty potato chips or buttery crackers.

sesame_ginger_chickpeas — via Honk If You’re Vegan

3. Baked Apple Chips
These simple apple chips will be an instant hit if your kids want a nice crunch or something sweet. Bake up big batches and bag them for later — your kids will always want more.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Bites
Adding cheese to veggies is a classic trick for getting kids to eat their greens, but these are just ridiculously delicious.

cheesy_brocoli_bites — via Super Healthy Kids

5. Black Bean Brownies
Beans are magical little bits of healthiness, and these delectable brownies are as simple as they are scrumptious.

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6. Spicy Kale Chips
Ditch the Lay’s and get your kids to love munching on these crunchy greens with a little kick.

7. Grape Poppers
On those rare occasions you want to give your kids a sugary treat, these candy-coated poppers can still be an opportunity to give them their daily serving of fruit. You can also swap the sprinkles for chopped nuts!

8. Banana-Zucchini Muffins
Hiding a fruit and a vegetable in a sweet little muffin? Who are you, Houdini?

banana_zuchini_muffins — via Yummy Healthy Easy

9. Ham and Cheese on a Stick
No baking or cooking required for these delicious afternoon hors d’oeuvres. A little imagination always makes eating fun for kids.

10. Fruit Juice Jell-O Squares
Make a classic treat wholesome with real fruit juice. The kids can even help you make this sweet snack.

11. Parmesan Baked Zucchini Fries
Just a light sprinkling of oil, salt and Parmesan cheese and these babies are ready to bake and be devoured by the entire family.

12. Fruity Frozen Yogurt Bites
All you need is your favorite yogurt, some berries and silicone cake cuffs to create a frozen treat perfect for hot days.

Let us know in the comments which of these recipes your kids would gobble up!

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March 10, 2015

Traditional Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is next week (March 17th) and instead of celebrating with a big bowl of Lucky Charms or eggs dyed green, why not take this time to learn about traditional Irish dishes? We’ve collected recipes for some of the most well-known Irish dishes for you to try out and add to your favorite family meals.

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March 9, 2015

Stressed Out? 5 Tips to De-stress

Living in the modern world has its perks, and while iPhones and Netflix streaming are great, modern life also comes with a fair amount of stress. With our constant connectivity, we’re “on” for longer and longer periods, making it tougher to just unplug, rewind, and recharge. Stress brings a hefty supply of negative effects with it, like headaches and sleep problems, anxiety and difficulty focusing, and changes to your eating habits. That’s no fun for anybody, so we’ve put together some easy tips for relaxing and de-stressing. Start using these five strategies and you’ll be stress-free in no time!

1. Make the Bedroom Your Zen Zone
If you’re dealing with the insomnia that can accompany high stress levels, sometimes you need to adjust your bedroom. Making your bedroom a “Zen Zone” is a good way to make sure you can take your mind off of stressors and enjoy a full night’s rest when you go to bed. Avoid eating, working from your laptop, watching television, and similar activities in your bedroom to ensure the focus of the space is for restful sleep.

2. Get More Exercise
One of the best stress relievers and ways to get your mind off of things is to get active. Exercise takes on many forms, and finding one that you enjoy is a learning process. Yoga is a great way to relax and shift your focus toward your physical activity instead of whatever is stressing you. You can join a yoga class or do it at home. If you prefer the outdoors, jogging around a local park is a great way to get some fresh air and vitamin D.

3. Start Meditating
You might get a taste of this in yoga, but meditation is a great practice that anyone can enjoy, regardless of your physical condition. There are tons of online resources and guides to help you get started, but the best methods for beginners are usually ones that focus on breathing. It’s an easy practice to incorporate into your daily routine, and the calming effect is noticeable after your first session.

4. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
While coffee keeps the world turning round, there can be too much of a good thing. If you’re a bona fide caffeine addict, you’re not doing yourself any favors in the stress department. Try cutting back to a single cup in the morning and see if you notice a difference after a few weeks. Try drinking water infused with fruit instead of reaching for coffee or a soda. Coffee isn’t an easy habit to drop cold turkey, but gradual reduction can do wonders for your stress levels.

5. Give Yourself a Home Spa Treatment
Sometimes the trick to letting go of your stress is just a little pampering. Try turning your bathroom into a home spa space. With Bed Bath and Beyond coupons at Ebates, you can get discounts and cash back on home spa products like aromatherapy bath salts, plush robes, and more.

Give these five stress relieving tips a try and see what works for you! Cheers to a new stress-free you!

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March 6, 2015

Get Your Yard Ready for Spring

Having a great outdoor space for lounging and entertaining is wonderful, but perhaps a little tough to maintain. Throughout the winter, we tend to not use our outdoor spaces as much so it’s easy to let them start looking less than perfect. But with warmer weather just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about giving your yard, balcony or patio a fresh look. Wondering where to get started? Check out these tips for a refreshed outdoor space!

1. Leaf Control
First things first, if your yard is covered in leaves from a windy, rainy season, it’s not going to be the first place people want to hang out when they visit your home. If you want to make things easier on yourself, order a leaf blower and apply Sears coupons from Ebates. You’ll save money, you’ll save time, and your yard will look presentable.

2. Make Your Table More Inviting
Once you’ve gotten the leaf situation under control, take a look at your patio table. As the focal point of your outdoor space, your table should look as inviting as possible. If it’s looking a little worn, you might want to consider getting a newer one. But if you want to opt for a quick fix, putting together a nice centerpiece arrangement is a good way to breathe new life into your table. Get a few succulents, an interesting bowl, or some candles, and it’ll look better in no time.

3. Add a Fire Pit
Giving your guest something to do while in the yard is key. Adding a fire pit, provided you have the space for it, is a great idea. While the weather may not be quite up to summer temperatures, a fire pit is a good way to make your space usable on springtime nights for a little extra warmth. And hey, if nothing else, it’s a great excuse to make s’mores. Yum!

4. Let There Be Light
Speaking of making your space more inviting at night, brightening things up a bit is essential. Try to avoid installing garish spotlights and go for more ambient lighting options. There are tons of attractive glass and ceramic lanterns that can do double time as a design accent and a light source for your outdoor space. If you want something festive, cantina string lighting is always inviting and can spice up any party.

5. Make Seating a Priority
If you don’t have anywhere to sit, nobody is going to spend very long in your yard. It’s just simple logic. Find comfortable, durable outdoor seating that goes well with your yard’s aesthetic. And it always helps to have more seating space than you think you need. Nobody wants to be left standing at the party.

Prepare your yard for spring with these five tips. Your place will look great and you’ll be all set to enjoy your outdoor space all season long!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.