April 2015 – Page 3 – user's Blog!

April 14, 2015

5 Must-Try Interior Design Trends

If you’ve had a major home makeover itch for the past few months, there is no time like now to start getting inspired by unique home decor ideas and then dive in. It’s spring, after all! This is the season when most interior design trends come to life. No matter what colors or styles you prefer, you’re sure to find something that sparks your creative spirit in our list of five hot interior design trends.

gingham_chairs — via Fieldstone Hill Design

1. Girly Gingham

Forget kitchen curtains and tablecloths. Gingham is expanding into other areas of the home with ultra-feminine styling in mind. These gingham chairs are rustic-meets-teenybopper to create a unique style perspective.

2. Bold Blue Accents

A blue accent wall is not for the faint of heart but it creates a beautiful focal point for any room. Blue furniture and fixtures also create this effect in a bite-sized serving.

However, if you want to try something a little more temporary, this lovely blue bedroom lamp is a nice baby step. Pair it with some blue accent pillows or a blue throw rug!

3. Neutral Accents

We all know the safest rule in home decor is to paint in neutrals and mix things up with colorful accents. But why not live dangerously? Paint with colors that make you giddy and keep the look grounded with creamy or nude furniture.

grasscloth_wallpaper — via South Shore Decorating

4. Monochrome Texture

If color isn’t your thing and you love a clean, calm gray palette, you can keep the look lively with inspired with a mix of textures. Grasscloth wallpaper is particularly popular this year to give your walls a little pop.

5. Menswear Inspired

Plaids, pinstripes, houndstooth. Little pops of these menswear prints can give any room in your house a nice little kick, especially when juxtaposing modern and classic styles. For instance, the retro vibe of a plaid chair and the contemporary geometric mirror make an interesting mix.

This blue plaid chair may look like Dad’s favorite sitting spot but with the right wall treatments and accents, it can be right at home in your mishmash style bedroom.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 13, 2015

What is Raw Denim?

If you haven’t heard of raw denim, you are missing out on perhaps the biggest trend in menswear in the last decade. Raw denim is more of a movement than a fashion trend. Born of DIY culture and eco-friendliness, raw denim jeans and other goods are all about customization and quality.

Basically, raw denim is untreated and unwashed after the dying process. While a lot of modern denim products are distressed with chemicals and sandblasting, which may be hazardous to both the environment and factory workers, raw denim is virtually untouched. The end result is super sturdy, long-lasting denim that you can break in and shrink to your own personal preferences. Plus, you can create your own natural fading and distressing over time for a one-of-a-kind look.

Raw denim doesn’t only come in the form of jeans. This jacket with leather accents is an investment in quality that will last for years to come, which is perhaps the most important aspect of this fabric. You get your money’s worth.

Most raw denim products are selvedge denim. This means the ends are bound and not cut, making them less likely to fray, which also increases the garment’s quality. This selvedge denim jacket is a basic staple piece that can take you into any season.

And of course, raw denim accessories are definitely a thing. Wallets, key chains, even bracelets have been made from raw denim as a way for diehards to wave a flag of pride. This trucker hat is one stylish way to say you rock the raw.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 10, 2015

Video Game Must Haves

With an amazing 2015 lineup including Batman: Arkham Knight, Persona 5, Yoshi’s Wooly World, and many more, gamers are more excited than ever for what they will be playing this year. But playing video games is much more than just buying the game itself. Having the right hardware can take your gaming experience to the next level. We’ve come up with nine video game must haves to completely immerse yourself into the world of your game.

Razer BlackWidow Chroma
One of the best gaming keyboards on the market, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma is responsive, sleek, and has a great amount of macro keys. This mechanical keyboard also has full RGB illumination so you can customize its colors in any way you want.

Logitech G502 Proteus Core Gaming Mouse
It comes across as intimidating at first, but this all-purpose gaming mouse has been regarded as one of the best on the market. The Proteus Core has 11 programmable buttons and the software it comes with creates separate profiles for every game installed on your computer.

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset
The Astro brand is synonymous with gaming headsets and for good reason. The A50’s are compatible with Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC. With a long-lasting battery life, a comfortable design, and crisp sound, it’ll be even harder to say no to one last match.

SquidGrip for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Long matches of Destiny and intense boss fights in Bloodborne can leave you with sweaty hands. SquidGrip is made to help alleviate sweaty hands and improve overall grip so you’ll never miss a second of play time wiping your hands on your jeans. (Also available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.)

Elgato Game Capture HD60
If you’re interested in streaming your gameplay over Twitch or YouTube, investing in the right equipment is key. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 records and streams your footage in 1080p quality with 60 fps.

GUNNAR Gaming Eyewear
Give yourself the ultimate edge against your enemies with GUNNARS. The lenses make it more comfortable to play for long periods of time as well as increase on-screen contrast with the protective anti-glare coating. GUNNARS are also available in prescription. (Model shown above: Intercept.)

Xbox Live & PlayStation Plus Time Cards
If you play online with your console, chances are you’re set up with a subscription to Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus. The convenience of renewing automatically is great (not one day of down time) but at times you can scour the internet for great deals on these time cards and use Ebates to get Cash Back with them. Rakuten has one year of Xbox Live right now for $48.42, normally $59.99!

Let us know what are your video game must haves in a comment below!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 9, 2015

How to Shave Like a Boss Every Time

You might do it every day but what if you’ve been going about it all wrong? Let’s face it guys, the art of shaving isn’t instinctual. It’s something best perfected with the right tips and the best products for your skin. This is your face, after all. It’s worth a little learning. Any man can master these eight tips on how to shave for perfect results every time.

1. Get steamed up

Take as hot a shower as you can handle or drape a hot towel over your face to get a good steam (here’s a great how-to on creating a barbershop-style hot towel experience at home). This opens your pours and makes your stubble rise to the occasion of getting lopped off to reveal an actual human male beneath the fur.

2. Wash your face

Your normal bar soap will do for this step. The real point is clearing away dirt and grime that would normally get trapped in your pours during a shave. This prevents bumps and blemishes for smooth skin anyone would want to get up close and personal with.

3. Use pre-shave oil

Shaving oil is crucial to avoiding nicks, cuts and the dreaded razor burn. It enables your blade to run smoothly across the skin with minimal pressure needed. Just a dime-sized dab will do every time you shave.

4. Brush on shaving cream

Badger brushes are key. They also work to raise your whiskers and evenly apply the shaving cream. Use a wet brush to whip up your cream then apply it in a circular motion. A thin layer of shaving cream is key. This puts minimal distance between your blade and skin for a close shave.

5. Shave with the grain

For the first pass, shave in the direction your hair grows to prevent ingrown hairs. After each swipe, rinse your razor. You want clean contact each time for an even shave.

6. Shave again

This time, it’s OK to go against the grain to make sure you got every last whisker. Just make sure you are extremely gentle.

7. Rinse with cold water

A quick cold water rinse is all you need to clean up and close those pours. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, still keeping in mind that your skin has been through the ringer so be gentle.

8. Balm or toner?

Like we said, shaving is an ordeal for your skin making after care all the more needed. If you tend to have oily skin, use your fingertips to pat on an after-shave toner. For dry skin, rub in an after-shave balm until completely absorbed into the skin.

Do you have any other tips for a great at-home shave? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 8, 2015

yoox.com Grab Bag Giveaway

Ready to top off your look for spring with a fashion-forward accessory? yoox.com is giving away four prizes worthy of your fashion fantasies to four fabulous winners. If you haven’t heard of yoox.com, you’ve been missing out. yoox.com offers online shoppers a curated buying experience with hard-to-find clothing and accessories, unique home goods, artwork, books and rare vintage finds. During this special yoox.com Grab Bag Giveaway, a new winner will be selected each week for four consecutive weeks to receive one of these on-trend accessories. Are you feeling lucky? Here’s the rundown on these posh prizes.

What You Can Win:

WEEK 1: Herschel & Supply Co. bag

Approximate Retail Value: $78

Winner: Jessica G.

This sassy little satchel makes a great book bag and an even better festival carry-all. With backpack straps and a buckle flap closure, this piece is simple yet stylish with quality that will last for years to come.

WEEK 2: Marc Jacobs wallet

Approximate Retail Value: $314

Winner Selected 4/22/2015

Add a pop of pink to your life with this lovely Marc Jacobs wallet. We hope this simple yet sophisticated accent will brighten your day.

WEEK 3: Marc by Marc Jacobs watch

Approximate Retail Value: $342

Winner Selected 4/29/2015

Who doesn’t need a stylish gold watch? Create the ultimate arm party and stack this baby with your bangles and bracelets for a bold spring look.

WEEK 4: Michael Kors Bag

Approximate Retail Value: $388

Winner Selected 05/06/2015

This clean white bag is punked up with rivets to give your outfit a little edge. Rock it with jeans and a simple tee to let it take center stage.

How to Enter the yoox.com 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. For 5 extra entries, be sure to subscribe to the yoox.com newsletter! Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! Entries will roll over for the entire duration of the giveaway, so come back often for more chances to win. This sweepstakes ends on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winners 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

[table id=16 /]

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 7, 2015

Smartwatch Roundup

While the Apple watch won’t be coming out for a couple more weeks, the smartwatch has already been well-established for some time now. With many big-brand names releasing watches onto the market, it’s tough to say which one is the best. We’ve taken a look at four of the top smartwatches already released onto the market and break down some specs on each one. If you’re looking for something functional, sporty, or stylish, read on for our selection on these top timepieces keeping you connected.

Pebble Steel
Price: $199

The Pebble Steel has one of the best battery life on the market. While the display is simple, it does exactly what is asked of it. Great for tech-lovers as it is compatible with both Android and iOS. If you’re looking to spend a little less, the original Pebble watch is available for only $99.99.

Compatible with iOS and Android
Watch easily readable day or night, even in bright sunlight
Water resistant
7 day average battery life
Available in black and silver

Sony Smartwatch 3
Price: $248

The Sony SmartWatch 3 has a built-in GPS feature so you can take a jog while leaving your phone at home. A simple screen makes it not as flashy as its rivals, but can pair with wireless headphones to you can blast your tunes on the go.

Compatible with Android
Uses voice search
Built in GPS
Customizable with variety of wrist straps available
Waterproof
48 hour average battery life
Available in black, lime, pink, and white

LG G Watch R
Price: $299.99

Rated one of the best smartwatches on the market, the LG G Watch R is the perfect blend of functionality, style, and tech. While it’s not as chunky and sleek as some of the watches out there, it stands on its own with its impressive screen.

Compatible with Android
Customizable with multiple straps and watch face design
Water resistant
24 hour average battery life
Available in black

Moto 360
Price: $249.99

Want customization? Look no further than the Moto 360. It’s not as slim as a regular watch, but easily rivals the look with all the customization options at a great price.

Compatible with Android
Fully customizable with 3 different cases, 10 different bands, and 11 faces
Water resistant
All day (mixed use) average battery life

What do you think of the new smartwatch trend? Do you think it is here to say or a tech fad that eventually with fade? Let us know what you think in a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 7, 2015

$150 Kenneth Cole Gift Card Giveaway

Whether you’re looking for basic or bold elements to add to your spring wardrobe, Kenneth Cole is the place to start. Shop this iconic designer’s selection of tops, dresses, skirts, denim and outerwear to inject a little high-end into your everyday. With their fabulous assortment of shoes under $100, you can easily add the finishing touches to your outfits without breaking the bank. Plus, a $150 gift card to Kenneth Cole couldn’t hurt! Check out the details below to enter our giveaway and you could be our one lucky winner.

How to Enter the Kenneth Cole 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 Monday, April 16, 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

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 6, 2015

Save on Makeup: Affordable Alternatives to Hot Brands – Red Large

A bold lip can improve your life. Not only is it an instant pick-me-up, but it’s also an easy, commitment-free way to change up your look without spending a fortune. And you don’t even have to splurge on department-store lines. Our favorite under-the-radar brands offer cosmetics that cost less than a latte. Here are five new companies to consider.

If you love MAC, you’ll love NYX Cosmetics.

MAC Cosmetics has a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. The edgy makeup company delivers on both classics (just ask fans of their cult-classic red lipstick, Ruby Woo) and trends (like their Good Luck Trolls, RiRi Hearts and Barbie collections) in a fun, spirited way. Get your fix the cheap way with NYX Cosmetics. This line, available at CVS and Walgreens, features slick packaging and amazingly bold shades of super-pigmented matte lipsticks. Smart swap: NYX Professional Makeup Dose of Dew Face Gloss instead of MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter.

NYX Professional Makeup Dose of Dew Face Gloss
from Ulta Beauty
Shop Now

If you love Stila Cosmetics, you’ll love e.l.f. Cosmetics.

Stila is the reigning favorite for gorgeous shimmers, metallics and sheer eye shadows. Kitten, a soft, pretty pink, is a makeup-artist staple. The packaging is simple yet pretty, and the quality is makeup-artist worthy. For a more affordable fix, check out e.l.f. Cosmetics. Everything is less than $30, including the fan-favorite glimmering eye shadows. Smart swap: e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Eye Shadow Trio instead of Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Gold Glow .

e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Eye Shadow Trio
from e.l.f Cosmetics
Shop Now

If you love NARS, you’ll love Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.

From orange-red Heat Wave to shocking pink Schiap, NARS Cosmetics consistently creates the best bold lipsticks. However, at almost $30 a pop, they aren’t exactly a cheap thrill. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) is well-known for its Lip Tar. The super-pigmented tubes are available in intense shades and mini sizes. Smart swap: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in New Wave instead of NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Place Vendome.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in New Wave
from OpenSky
Shop Now

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

If you love Too Faced, you’ll love Barry M.

If you’re addicted to palettes, chances are you know about Too Faced. The Peach Glow compact is super popular, and the adorable packaging (Sweethearts Bronzer, Chocolate Soleil) is a step up from your basic bronzers. A line you might not already know is Barry M. Popular in the United Kingdom, the brand specializes in neutral palettes. It also sells fun swivel-up blush sticks, glitter pots and cheap lipsticks. Smart swap: Try Barry M’s Contour Kit instead of Too Faced’s Cocoa Contour Chiseled to Perfection.

Barry M’s Contour Kit
from Asos
Shop Now

If you love Clinique, you’ll love Physicians Formula.

Clinique is a classic for simple packaging and products perfect for sensitive skin. Its Dramatically Different Foundation is one of the most beloved beauty products of all time. Drugstore line Physicians Formula has a similar mission statement, but offers products that are a fraction of Clinique’s prices. Physician’s Formula specializes in cosmetics for people with allergies. Find eye shadow palettes for less than $12 and glosses for less than $10. Smart swap: Try Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation instead of Clinique’s Even Better Makeup SPF 15.

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation
from Ulta Beauty
Shop Now