January 2017 – user's Blog!

January 31, 2017

Jet-Setting Pets: How to Travel With Your Dog

Pet travel doesn’t need to be stressful, since pets get some of the best travel deals around. And pet transport is now easier than ever, with many international airlines allowing you to keep your furry friend by your side (or feet) during your travels. But flying with Fido isn’t the end of the perks — hotels and restaurants around the world are opening their doors for pups. And, together, you can earn Cash Back at Ebates.

On the Plane

For a fee, many airlines will allow your pet to travel with you in the plane’s main cabin. Pet-friendly airlines such as Air France, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Airlines and Virgin America allow you to take your cat or small dog aboard. A few allow larger pets in the luggage compartment under the plane, where it’s pressurized and climate-controlled.

When You Land

For a low-key stay, you can bring your canine friend along to up to 1,600 Best Western hotels nationwide. The hotel chain is pet friendly, welcoming cats, birds, up to two dogs and other small animals for a maximum charge of $20 per day. Depending on the hotel, you might even be able to score complimentary pet travel services, such as a blanket and a treat as a welcome gift for your favorite four-legged friend.

Search pet-friendly accommodations on Hotels.com to see a world of lodging options that will allow your furry friends to join you. Whether you’re booking a stay at the Kimpton Palomar in San Diego, which offers (at no extra charge) a bed and food for your dog, as well as a nightly wine reception to which dogs are welcome, or the Hotel Balmoral in Paris, one of the most pet-friendly cities in the world, you’ll be surprised how many options you and your companion will have.

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If You Have to Be Apart

Sometimes it’s just not possible for you and your pup to travel together. But don’t despair: You can take Smudge for a walk around the Fairmont St. Andrews or play outside with Tusker and Grammy at the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Fairmont Hotels loves pets so much, it has its own. If you’re lucky enough to stay at a location that features the hotel chain’s Canine Ambassador program, you’ll be greeted by a friendly resident pup in the lobby. And, if you decide to bring your own dog, you can schedule a pet sitter while you enjoy an evening out on the town.

January 28, 2017

How to Travel for a Month or More on a Budget

Heading out on the open road for more than a short vacation is a daunting task, made even more daunting if your finances are tight. Budget travel can be exciting, but you have to find luxury in minimalism when you’re taking time off from work to experience the world for a month or more. These budget travel tips will allow you to splurge on a crazy cool helicopter ride or a worth-it wine tasting instead of overrated hotel rooms, all while earning you Cash Back at Ebates.

Wait to Book

Unless you can score an unbeatable deal on Hotels.com, shopping around in person, as opposed to online, can save you significantly, which is critical since accommodations likely will be your largest expense. If you’re doing on-the-ground research, do yourself a favor and get a backpack rather than hauling your roll-aboard suitcase down cobblestone streets or dirt roads. Summit Online has deals for backpacks that will suit travelers who need lightweight, durable options, such as this 65-liter pack from the North Face.

Pack Like a Champ

Traveling for a month means keeping your packing to a minimum, but that doesn’t mean you need to look like a backpacker. Inevitably, you’ll need something to wear for a night out, so instead of packing a few dresses or spending money (and valuable space) on a new dress while on the road, invest in something that packs well and is versatile. A convertible dress that can be worn multiple ways is the ideal solution for looking and feeling great, even when you’re traveling on a budget. Wear it multiple ways over and over, and even you won’t notice it’s the same piece of cotton. Maybe.

Travel by Ground

One of the best ways to keep your money in your pocket while traveling long-term is to travel by bus or train as opposed to by airplane. Booking convenient flights between budget travel destinations is a quick way to destroy your budget. Plus, over-ground transportation often is one of the best ways to see a new country and experience a place as a local would. Ground transportation is especially budget friendly if you head to a destination that has plenty to see and do all in one area, such as Southeast Asia.

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Stay Hydrated

No matter where you’re traveling, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Whether you’re hiking in the Andes or lounging on beaches in Southeast Asia, water may be an added expense. A SteriPEN water purifier from Walmart is the best budget option if you’re traveling to a place that may have unsafe drinking water. Sterilizing allows you to fill up with tap water and still stay healthy, saving you money and saving the environment from a month’s worth of plastic bottles.

Keep Your Electronics Charged

A universal electrical adapter that can accommodate a USB is a must for international travel so you can charge your phone, camera, laptop or tablet. You may find yourself in places with different plugs and voltage (even if you’re just traveling from, say, London to Paris), so you’ll need to start your journey with a universal adapter that can fit various plugs. You won’t want to have to buy a new phone while traveling because you destroyed your old one by charging it with the wrong voltage.

January 25, 2017

Congratulations on Your Engagement! What to Do Next

There are fewer moments more exciting than when that ring slips onto your finger for the first time. After you tell your friends and family the great news, this excitement easily can turn into a frantic realization of how much you have to accomplish between now and your wedding day. But don’t panic! Although it is a rather lengthy to-do list, first things first. Let us break down your top five post-engagement action items so you can kick-start your wedding planning without diving in too deep.

Step 1: Celebrate Simply

Always remember to take time to celebrate this momentous occasion. Traditionally, the parents of the bride host an engagement party for the happy couple. If you happen to be the one hosting, however, keep your workload light with easy engagement-party ideas. Remember: You have a lot of work ahead of you, so pace yourself! Don’t worry about registering for engagement gifts, either. Registering is best left for wedding gifts.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

This may sound complicated, but all we’re talking about is a basic estimate of how much you are comfortable with spending on your wedding. Now is the time to ask your parents and family if they are willing and able to help. Only when you have a general idea on budget can you move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Pick Your Planner

To hire or DIY — that is the question. If you have the funds, a wedding planner is truly invaluable. But if you’re looking to cut costs, all you need is elbow grease and a good wedding-planner book. This planner from Barnes & Noble is a complete workbook designed to be used with your partner to address what both of you want out of your special day. Plus, it comes with Cash Back at Ebates!

Step 4: Get the Venue

Finding your perfect wedding venue will impact not only your budget, but also your wedding date. Many venues are booked well in advance. Once you have the date locked in, you can start booking all the services you need, from photographers to entertainment. But first…

Step 5: Save-the-Dates

Sending out save-the-dates is essential to giving your guests plenty of notice about your wedding day. They are especially useful if you are planning a destination wedding and want to give your guests extra time to book travel and hotels. Take some romantic engagement photos and upload them to Wedding Paper Divas to create your custom save-the-dates.

January 23, 2017

How to Nail Your Valentine’s Day Staycation

You don’t have to plan an extravagant vacation to do Valentine’s Day right. And it doesn’t have to be just dinner either. This year, try extending the day into an entire weekend in which just the two of you stay at home and create special memories without the expense and hassle. Use Cash Back at Ebates to make it the smartest Valentine’s Day you’ve ever planned. Start with these staycation ideas for couples:

Pick a Theme for the Weekend

If going to a remote island and sipping cocktails on the beach is your idea of a romantic vacation, create the beach theme at home. You’ll be able to take a weekend to have all the fun and relaxation of a beach trip without spending all the money. Even if you don’t get the tan to prove it, you’ll still have a memorable weekend together. To make this theme a reality, try turning on some island music and making homemade margaritas in a Jimmy Buffet-approved blender.

If you and your partner dream of snowy mountains instead of white-sand beaches, create a lodge ambiance in your home to bring the romance of a winter destination to you. Get a bottle of sultry red wine and turn on the fireplace before you kick back with some new luxurious pajamas you were able to buy from Soma Intimates because you saved all that money by not going on vacation.

Cook Together

One of the most romantic ways to spend an evening together is to cook side by side. Creating a meal together is the perfect way to pass a Valentine’s Day evening. It calls for conversation, creativity, teamwork and wine. For this date idea, try going all out — lobster or steak cooked to perfection will suit the occasion. Because you’re not shelling out for a trip, you can afford to splurge on a delicious meal you can prepare (and enjoy) together.

Make Intimacy a Priority

When you take away the destination, the only thing that makes a Valentine’s Day trip unique is the intimate moments you share. Why not pull out all the cliché stops this year and buy that massage oil you’ve always joked about getting. Carve out time in the evening so you both can give and receive a massage with special oils for just this occasion, and you’ll quickly forget you’re not on vacation.

Get a Hotel in Your City

Even with all the planning in the world, sometimes home just doesn’t cut it. To get the romantic-getaway feeling traveling offers, try staying at a hotel in your hometown. You can find great last-minute deals at Hotels.com. Pack a bag for one night, head downtown and pat yourselves on the back — you’ve embarked on a memorable adventure together, and your romantic staycation didn’t even cost you the price of a flight.

January 22, 2017

Thoughts Every Brand-New, Slightly Crazy, Sleep-Deprived Parent Has

You’re covered in stains of an indeterminate origin. You’re living on pizza and trail mix. Your shower is a distant memory. You’ve started referring to the grease in your hair as “nature’s gel.”

Sound familiar? Then you must be a new parent! The love is overwhelming — and so is the exhaustion-induced delirium. But hey, at least you’re not alone in your insanity. There’s nothing quite like those early days with a newborn; parents everywhere know exactly what you’re going through. And it goes a little something like this, illustrated here with gifs of kittens because, hey, you’re tired and you could use a smile:

1. I love my newborn baby. I never knew I could love anything this much.

2. My baby is adorable and perfect.

3. My baby is adorable and perfect and … wide awake.

4. Car rides help my baby fall asleep. I’ve been driving for the past hour, but now I can’t see my adorable, perfect baby. I need a mirror.

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5. I can now see my baby. My adorable, perfect baby is asleep! I’ll just drive home and carefully bring my sleeping baby inside and—

6. —oh, scratch that. My baby is awake. Again.

7. I need coffee. Why did I register for bibs? Bibs won’t keep me awake.

8. My baby just spit up all over me. I’ll keep the bibs.

9. I should have registered for coffee. Every new parent needs coffee. Coffee is the greatest thing ever. The caffeine has finally kicked in.

10. Coffee and the white-noise machine I just bought are the greatest things ever! My baby is asleep, which means I get to sleep for a whole half hour (and get Cash Back at Ebates too)!

11. I have so much energy from that half-hour nap. I’m going to make a casserole and freeze it.

12. Zzzzzzzzz.

13. What’s that smell?

14. Nothing I read on newborn baby care told me to register for fire extinguishers.

15. Oh, well. It’s not as if I’m sitting down eating meals anymore.

16. I’ll just drink coffee and stare at my sleeping baby on the baby monitor. Newborn baby sleep is the most peaceful, precious thing ever, and I—

17. —oh, scratch that. My baby is awake.

18. Awww, I love my baby. I never knew I could love anything this much.

January 21, 2017

Plus-Size Outfits for Valentine’s Date Night, Girls’ Brunch and More

Finding an outfit that will have you absolutely feeling yourself shouldn’t be a chore. It doesn’t matter if you’re dating, married or single — you deserve to enjoy Valentine’s Day in the skin you’re in with a cute Valentine’s Day outfit. Let these complete outfits, curated from our favorite plus-size stores, give you all the inspiration you need while you earn Cash Back at Ebates. While putting together your signature look, keep an eye out for a plus-size-clothing promo code to save while you slay.

Hot Date

Lavish Alice Keyhole High-Neck Jumpsuit, $79.99 (Simply Be) | Rigel Ear Jackets, $32 (Baublebar) | Kendall and Kylie Gigi Booties, $150 (Bloomingdale’s) | Elora Druzy Cuff, $58 (Baublebar)

Before you shop around for plus-size dresses, we urge you to consider a jumpsuit if you’re looking to turn heads. Jumpsuits with plunging necklines paired with sassy booties make unbelievably sexy Valentine’s Day outfits. Add a few sparkling accessories and you’re all set for a romantic evening on the town.

Netflix and Chill

DP Curve Cold Shoulder Jumper, $44 (Dorothy Perkins) | Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, $24 (Sephora) | Ecentrcq Leather Slip-Ons, $59.95 (Steve Madden) | Sadie Sage Green Relaxed Jeans, $42.99 (Simply Be)

You’re a low-key couple who prefers couching over clubbing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t step up your outfit to remind your partner why they chose you as their binge-watching buddy. This casual outfit is still sleek and stylish, and it’s perfectly topped off with a seductive red lip.

Galentine’s Brunch

Sequin Shell Top, $39.49 (Simply Be) | A&Y A-Line Skirt, $32.99 (Simply Be) | Journee Collection Keiko Ballet Flats, $50 (JCPenney) | Globe Strands Necklace, $38 (Baublebar)

Celebrate single life with your besties over some mimosas! For a cute yet daring look, pair sequins with florals. Get festive with it and play with different shades of pink. The point of today is having fun and giving yourself a little love.

January 20, 2017

The Best Beauty Rewards Programs With Cash Back

Let’s face it: Makeup and skin care can get expensive. Even when shopping tried-and-true bargain beauty brands, you can easily find yourself filling up your cart when you just wanted to replace your mascara. The good news is that you can keep being the makeup maven you are while cashing in on some serious perks. These six beauty rewards programs offer everything from free products to rewards points while you earn Cash Back at Ebates.

Sephora Beauty Insider

Sephora is your one-stop shop for the best makeup and skin care brands on the planet. Their loyalty rewards cater to the most serious makeup shoppers, but rest assured: There is something for every level of spender. Anyone can be a Beauty Insider, but you can reach Sephora VIB status when you spend $350 or more per year and VIB Rouge when you spend $1,000.

Beauty Insider

Free birthday gift
Free beauty classes
Flash two-day shipping for $10 per year
Get access to the Rewards Bazaar every Tuesday and Thursday. Rewards at 750 points and up ship free, with no purchase required!

VIB

All Beauty Insider perks
Seasonal savings
Hand-picked gifts
One free custom makeover per year

VIB Rouge

All Beauty Insider and VIB perks
Unlimited free custom makeovers
Free flash two-day shipping
Private hotline
Invitations for exclusive events

Ultamate Rewards

Ulta Beauty offers both high-end and drugstore cosmetics for shoppers who want the biggest bang for their buck. You can even book expert beauty services in-store for your hair, skin and brows. The Ulta rewards program is completely free and unbelievably easy. Spend $450 in a year and go Platinum for even more pretty perks!

Ultamate Rewards

Free birthday gift
Earn one point per dollar
Double points on purchases during birthday month
Up to five times Ulta points on select products
Redeem Ulta Beauty rewards points on any product

Ultamate Rewards Platinum

Earn 1.25 points per dollar.
Redeem points any time. They never expire!
Free birthday gift, plus a $10 coupon
Shop items marked “Platinum Perk” for extra bonus points

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Walgreens Beauty Enthusiast

For those busybodies who score beauty go-tos along with toothpaste and tea bags during their lunch break, the Beauty Enthusiast program at Walgreens is essential. You can sign up with your email or your Balance Rewards number for exactly zero dollars.

Spend $50 on beauty items and get 5,000 points for a $5 reward
Coupon to earn 20 times everyday points after signup
Exclusive promotions and samples

Sally Beauty Club

We love free beauty programs, but the next best thing is a beauty program that is essentially free. A Sally Beauty rewards account requires the purchase of a $5 membership card, but you immediately get a $5 reward back! Here’s what else you can expect from the Sally Beauty loyalty rewards program:

Spend $25 a month and get 15 percent off one purchase
Members-only discounts every day
Special birthday offers
Renew your Sally rewards membership on time and get a free product

MAC Select

Similar to Sephora’s loyalty program, MAC Select offers three levels of membership. Join at the “seduced” level, spend $150 or more per year to become “devoted” and get “obsessed” when you spend $500 or more per year. Here is a list of all the MAC perks at each level:

Seduced

Exclusive products
Anniversary gift
One free sample per order at checkout
Free shipping on all orders

Devoted

Exclusive products
Anniversary gift
One free 30-minute makeup application per year
Two free samples per order at checkout
Free two-day shipping with $50 minimum order

Obsessed

Two free 60-minute makeup applications per year
Be the first to shop exclusive collections
Deluxe anniversary gift
Two free samples per order at checkout
Free two-day shipping with $50 minimum order

The Body Shop’s Love Your Body Loyalty Program

If skin care is more your jam, we’ve got you covered too. The Body Shop offers savings every single time you shop! Earn one point for each purchase between $20 and $49.99, and two points when you spend $50 and up. (Note: Each purchase can earn a maximum of two points.) Here’s what each Love Your Body member will enjoy:

$15 discount for every four points earned
$25 discount for every eight points earned
10 percent off all qualifying purchases
$10 off for your birthday
Exclusive offers

January 19, 2017

Little Luxuries That Are Actually Affordable

Do you have silk tastes but a polyester budget? Does a little part of you weep when you make a “sensible” purchase? Does your heart say, “Buy that luxury item!” while your head says, “Um, hello? Rent is due and you do enjoy having a place to live, right?”

Hey, you can’t deprive yourself forever. Thanks to these accessible luxury items, you can get a taste of the luxe life without going overboard. Put simply: “Treat yo’ self.”

Here are a few special little somethings from accessible luxury brands that’ll put a smile on your face — without draining your bank account.

Key Rings

Here’s a way to add a little luxury to something you use every day. Plenty of designers offer cute — and shockingly affordable — key rings. And hey, no one needs to know that the key dangling off that designer ring is for a 20-year-old hand-me-down jalopy.

Daisy Rivet Valet Key Ring (Coach)

Flip-Flops

Yearning for designer clothing? Set your sights a little lower — on your feet. Many designers offer flip-flops that’ll keep your toes stylish without cleaning out your wallet.

Classic Flip-Flop (Tory Burch)

Socks

If you live in a cold climate, you could argue that this purchase is a good investment. (Really, you can!) Soft cashmere socks will keep those toes toasty warm, and having that little bit of accessible luxury wrapped around your feet will most definitely put a spring in your step as you shovel snow.

Johnstons of Elgin Cream Cashmere Long Cable Sock (ASOS)

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Housewares

You don’t have to break the bank on a designer table — but you can protect your lower-cost investment with some luxe coasters. Bonus: They are impressive, affordable luxury gifts for any housewarming parties you might attend.

Kipton Brass Bottle Coaster (Ralph Lauren)

Pets

Give Fido a reason to strut proudly at the dog park, because, hey, your four-footed fur-baby deserves a little luxury as well.

Big Pony Cotton Dog Polo (Ralph Lauren)

January 19, 2017

You’ve Graduated From Two-Buck Chuck. Now What?

Congratulations! The days of stocking your cart with cheapo wine are over, and you’re ready to take the next step in adulthood: learning how to pick wine. You’re no longer as worried about getting the most bang for your buck (well, two bucks); now you’re concerned with things like taste and value and choosing quality over quantity. It can be intimidating to face the world of wine, but you’re not in it alone. Here is a little wine for beginners guide to help you take the leap. Use these wine tips to select Two-Buck Chuck alternatives from Wine.com and Gold Medal Wine Club that won’t set you back much more, especially with that hard-earned Cash Back you’ll get at Ebates:

Instead of the Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon:

The StoneCap Cabernet Sauvignon is a good transition to the wide world of red wine. It’s easy to drink but has plenty of maturity and robust flavors, and a bit more spice than the super-discount cab you’re tired of. You’ll mostly love that you won’t have to spend time at your next dinner party secretly pouring glasses in the kitchen to keep your friends from seeing the label.

Instead of the Charles Shaw Merlot:

The intensity of fruit in this Santa Ema Reserve Merlot is showcased best by its deep ruby color, which will mesmerize you even before you take your first sip. The spicy plum aroma (distinctly worth more than two bucks) will best complement your cheese course. Now all you have to do is figure out how to put together a killer cheese course.

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Instead of the Charles Shaw Chardonnay:

You’re going to want a soft Chardonnay after graduating from the harsh grassiness of Two-Buck Chuck. This Madroña 2013 Chardonnay has notes of white peach and honey, combining mellow and bright aromas for a nicely balanced white wine. It hails from El Dorado in the Sierra Foothills, which is a much more in-the-know response than, “Somewhere in California, I think.”

Instead of the Charles Shaw White Zinfandel:

Understanding that the grape is actually called Zinfandel, and not White Zinfandel, comes with time and maturity. Now that you’re there, you’re ready to put down the sugary pink stuff and pick up the real deal. Try this Four Vines Lodi Old Vine Zin to get some of the best of California’s rich and fruity treasure. Bring this bottle to your next barbecue to truly impress.

I know what you’re thinking: but regular Zinfandel isn’t pink! If you’re not too keen to give up the rosy hue that you love in the $2 version (but you’ve outgrown its sweetness), you’re probably ready for a true rosé from Provence. This Whispering Angel Rosé from Chateau d’Esclans is refreshing and bright with just enough tart fruit to turn you on to dry rosés — and may you never go back.

January 13, 2017

6 Tips for Saving on Filing Your Taxes

It’s that time of year again: tax season! But don’t fret just yet. We at Ebates have compiled some awesome tips to help you both maximize your refund and save a little extra on filing your taxes. Whether you are looking forward to a refund or expecting to send the IRS a check, these tax saving tips will help you get the job done.

1. Take advantage of the simple tax-return freebies. Millions of Americans need to file only a simple tax return (1040EZ or 1040A) but they end up overpaying someone else to do it or fail to take advantage the numerous tax-filing freebies available. Many popular tax-prep companies will offer free use of their services if you are filing only a simple federal or state return, so make sure you check out those options first to save yourself some extra cash!

2. Need to file a complex tax return? Shop around! There are a lot of choices out there for picking tax-preparation services and software, but don’t let the abundance of options make your head spin. Costs can add up quickly if your return is more complicated, so it’s crucial to shop around before making a selection. First, establish what you’re likely to need this tax season by referring to last year’s tax return. Next, start to compare prices across tax-prep providers to score a deal on the software that best suits your tax profile. Make sure the service you choose covers your necessary federal and state filing forms. Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye out for state and federal tax-preparation bundles to maximize your filing-service savings!

3. Deductions, deductions, deductions. Taking proper advantage of deductions can add up to some serious savings. Deductions can lower your total tax bill and could mean bigger, juicier tax refunds in April. If you have a job that requires you to purchase special equipment or apparel out of your own pocket, those professional expenses could be deductible. You can deduct charitable donations, too, including the value of any goods you’ve donated to Goodwill or other charities. No matter which tax-prep software or service you go with, double-check that you benefit from all possible miscellaneous deductions, such as childcare-related expenses and healthcare premiums.

4. Boost your tax refunds with credits. Credits are even better than deductions when it comes to turning your refund into Christmas in April. There are credits available for everything from daycare and college-enrollment expenses for your dependents to home-improvement costs. Become familiar with the credits for which your family qualifies because those credits can add up to an awesome refund year after year.

5. Keep your tax-prep software and guides up to date. It may seem obvious, but keeping your tax-prep materials updated can mean even bigger savings and refunds. Using the latest versions of tax-prep software ensures that you are taking advantage of the current tax law, including all of the latest deductions and credits that may be available to you. Keep an eye out for updates that include new credits or deductions for things such as energy-efficiency improvements to your home or a new hybrid vehicle. Pay attention to changes in credits and deductions, because losing or gaining either one could have a major impact on your family’s budget. Using a tax-preparation program such as TurboTax or TaxAct should automatically apply these updates, but double-check that your software is the 2016 version. Better safe — and maybe a little richer — than sorry!

6. Timing is everything. It’s best to file your taxes early for many money-related reasons. First, filing early usually means you will get your refund earlier. Beat the April filing rush, get your refund processed early and all your friends will wonder when you became such a tax whiz. Second, preparing your taxes early is the best way to avoid a nasty surprise in case you owe the IRS a large chunk of money. Better to discover that bill early rather than the night before taxes are due! Plus, if you figure out how much you owe, you can ask the IRS for an installment payment plan to pay off your bill. Moral of the story? Start early! Once you’ve finished filing, you can go back to binge-watching TV guilt-free because you don’t have to worry about your taxes again until 2018!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.