March 2017 – user's Blog!

March 31, 2017

What Your Bridal Shoes Say About You

Blame Cinderella, but there’s no denying it: There’s something decidedly fantastical about wedding-day footwear. And although your gown may steal the show, it’s your wedding shoes that reveal your true colors. From a comfortable wedge to a serious stiletto, here’s the message your bridal shoes are sending out into the world.

1.“Fashion is my first love forever.”

Who cares if you can barely see your heels beneath your dress? You’d know — and die — if you didn’t do it up designer from head to toe. Fashion is more than fun to you — it’s your identity. And comfort means nothing when style is concerned.

2. “I look for a bit of magic in everything.”

From ruby slippers to your beloved first pair of jelly heels, footwear has a storybook quality for you. You’d never even dream of slipping into a standard pair of white or cream heels on your big day. Keep the whimsical vibes alive with these gilded flats. Demure yet daring, they add the right bit of charm to any gown.

3. “This is my ultimate princess moment.”

You’ve dreamed of this day your entire life and you aren’t afraid to go all out — the big gown, the traditional jewels and the stacked heel. These sparkling stilettos, featuring an open toe and a pretty T-strap, fit the bill for your big moment.

4. “I basically want to be barefoot — except more glam.”

In an ideal world, you’d get married in your bathing suit. You loathe hair brushes, barely can be bothered to take off your leggings and would rather be on a beach than in a shopping mall. Keep it casual yet polished with these simple, slip-on flats.

5. “I move to my own drumbeat.”

A traditional pump is the sartorial equivalent of the snooze button for you. You want a shoe that stands out yet still makes sense for the occasion. These booties are fun and fashion-forward, not to mention easy to dance in.

March 29, 2017

Cute Alternatives to the Standard Wedding Cocktail Hour

A wedding is a time for tradition. That’s why most couples in the U.S. opt for the traditional order of wedding events: ceremony first, followed by a cocktail hour, then dinner and dancing. But what if you want to break with tradition and do something different for your cocktail hour. Or (gasp!) not have a cocktail hour at all? With more and more couples opting for creativity over tradition during cocktail hour, wedding guests are increasingly surprised and delighted by cute options like these that create even more memorable moments.

Play lawn games

Custom wedding cornhole boards

Croquet, cornhole, giant Jenga, giant checkers, homemade Twister — there are dozens of fun lawn-game options to keep your more playful guests entertained. Having games set up for your guests to play at their leisure is a fun and memorable way to make your cocktail hour unique. Etsy is an incredible resource for finding gems for cocktail hour lawn games, like these custom wedding cornhole boards. And, as a perk, you’ll have the games to keep for future parties.

Create a cigar bar

Montecristo

There are plenty of ways to signify a celebration is in order, but two of the most celebratory are champagne and cigars. If you have some cigar lovers in attendance, hosting a cigar bar during your wedding cocktail hour is an impressive and distinct way to make your day even more special. JR Cigar has an incredible selection, including world-renowned Montecristo cigars, and you can add a special DIY flair by creating your own handmade description cards to highlight the distinct tasting notes for each type of cigar.

Do your toasts (or even cake) early

Cava

If your ceremony is earlier in the day, why not forgo the traditional cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and serve cake and coffee immediately following the ceremony? This is a great alternative to the traditional wedding-cake cutting at the end of the night, and it’s a great way to save money. Cutting down on the amount of alcohol served is always better for the budget.

Another cute alternative is to have champagne poured and do your wedding toasts a little early. It’s a less formal way of bringing everyone together in recognition of the bride and groom, but it’s a fun way to kick off the cocktail hour. If your venue allows you to supply your own, stock up on plenty of bubbles from wine.com. (Tip: Go for cava or dry prosecco, rather than true champagne, to save some money.)

Host wine or beer tasting

If you think your guests are going to appreciate an activity that will keep them entertained beyond toasting and mingling, you could offer a wine- or beer-tasting bar. This little addition to a cocktail hour could amplify the festivities, especially if you and your fiancé are avid wine tasters or beer aficionados. A tasting bar could add an adorable touch to share with your guests something personal and special from your life.

Completely mix it up

For nontraditional couples who want to save money, replacing a standard cocktail hour with, well, nothing might be a good option. Replace that hour with late-night bonfires and s’mores, or simply make a quick getaway after the ceremony to greet your guests and kick off the reception.

Or, for a complete flip on tradition, make your wedding reception one long cocktail hour. As long as your guests get plenty of food and drinks, a formal dinner might not be missed — especially if there’s ample music and dancing!

March 27, 2017

Travel Hacks for Booking Your Spring Vacation

Spring is finally here, which means we probably all have our eye on a travel adventure. If your spring break plans are more about getting the most incredible travel experiences for a bargain than about splurging on a luxury vacation, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of travel deals online and in person. All it takes is a little digging and patience to save you big and earn you Cash Back at Ebates. Here are some of the best travel hacks of the season.

Book packages

You already know Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to find deals on flights, and you know clearing the cache in your web browser can help keep prices down. But did you know you can save on flights, accommodations and ground transportation when you book it all at once? There’s a reason Travelocity offers that option right off the bat: It’s one of the easiest — and possibly the most overlooked — travel tips. You can get your flight, hotel and rental car for a bargain if you’re ready to commit all at once.

Start earning points

Any self-respecting travel hacker has a credit card or 10 that earns valuable miles, hotel points or both. Beyond signing up for cards that have incredible travel rewards, less committed travelers can simply sign up for any frequent flyer program that’s available. Anytime you try a new airline, sign up. Anytime you book with an airline you’re already signed up for, don’t forget to include your frequent flyer number. This easy (and free) hack will earn you points simply by traveling. It won’t happen right away, but maybe next spring you’ll have miles to use and your biggest decision will be whether to upgrade to first class.

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Pre-book activities

LivingSocial is the perfect travel mate for anyone looking to try new activities while on vacation. It has deals for every travel adventure — from snorkeling in Hawaii to a spa day in Napa Valley. It’s the best way to book something in advance, eliminating the headache of indecision when you arrive and saving you money by finding the best discounts on local attractions. Booking — or at least researching — in advance could save you while you’re on your trip.

Locate restaurant deals

You’ll be able to enjoy the best brunch in town at a bargain with a pre-booked deal at Mangrove Mama’s in Sugar Loaf Key, Florida. Restaurant.com lists some of the country’s best restaurants, and most have significant discounts. If you’re trying to be spontaneous or you simply can’t make up your mind beforehand, ask three locals where to go for food as soon as you arrive. Chances are, they won’t suggest a chain or the main tourist trap. They’ll know where to go to get good food that’s affordable. Expert tip: Don’t be afraid of street food or a hole in the wall!

Get all the apps

Splittr:

Wolfram Sun Exposure:

Before you travel, make sure you have all the apps you might need to make it the most efficient trip possible. Don’t waste time splitting the hotel bill; to painlessly and scrupulously divvy up all the week’s expenses among your group, download Splittr from the App Store before you go. Or, to avoid missing dinner reservations because you’re stuck at the hotel applying endless globs of aloe to your arms, download Wolfram Sun Exposure. This app tells you exactly how much sun you should be getting and when to call it quits. There are so many seriously clever apps out there that could make your trip as efficient and cost-effective as possible, and it takes only the smallest amount of effort before you travel to find them.

March 23, 2017

One-Piece Swimsuits: The New Bikini

Rocking a bikini at the beach or on your tropical winter getaway may seem like the ultimate style goal, but what if you prefer a little more coverage? Retailers have started making bikinis in a variety of styles and sizes to reduce their exclusivity, yet some women still prefer the more modest look of a one-piece swimsuit. You can easily achieve this look while diving into some hot swimwear trends with these one-piece bathing suits. Each come with Cash Back at Ebates, and they are guaranteed to turn heads while you soak up some sun.

Deep V

A one-piece trend we love is the “Baywatch”-style comeback with a plunging neckline. The cut, along with the chevron pattern of this piece, creates a stunning silhouette.

Bikini Back

From the front, this suit looks like it’s rocking some sexy side cutouts, but really it’s a one-piece bikini with a disconnected top and bottom in the back. Plus, we absolutely love fringe for summer, and you will too.

Mesh Panels

One-piece swimsuits with mesh paneling can give you the illusion of cutouts while keeping you covered. We love how sporty and sleek this style can look on all body types. Not to mention, bathing suits with letting are so incredibly hot right now. You’re going to be a walking heat advisory all summer long.

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Scallops

For an adorable, vintage-inspired accent, look for scalloped hems. They easily add visual interest to even the simplest bathing suits. It’s all you need to make some waves.

Off-Shoulder

We absolutely love off-shoulder bathing suits since they can work double duty as bodysuits with your favorite jeans. The ruffled neckline is perhaps the most popular cut of the season.

Cupped

Never worry about support when shopping for one-pieces. Many include molded bra cups to honor your shape and keep everything in place.

March 22, 2017

15 Reasons to Love Spring Explained in GIFs

We at Ebates — and surely most of you — are so ready to say,”See ya later, winter, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” It is now officially appropriate to get supremely tickled about spring re-entering your chilly little life. And if it feels like last spring was 393,120 minutes ago (because it was) and you can’t possibly remember how great it was, let us remind you in a series of GIFs why spring is awesome.

1. Warmer weather: The weather’s warmer and you’re excited to remove some of those layers. Let’s just hope your New Year’s resolution to shed that winter weight actually stuck.

2. Driving with the windows down: Sure, you won’t be able to have an audible conversation and your car stereo will sound terrible, but WHO CARES IT’S FINALLY SUNNY!

3. Spring cleaning: Yikes. You really let the place go while you hibernated the winter away. Time to break out that Swiffer.

4. April showers: Don’t worry. You don’t have to dance in it. Stay in and enjoy the pitter patter on your rooftop, and then stand by for some serious rainbow action.

5. May flowers: A frolic through the flowers is not only healing for the soul, but also a terrific backdrop for selfies. Just stock up on the Claritin first.

6. Easter: Sure, Easter means more than bunnies and chocolate — but really, CHOCOLATE! It brings out the creeper in all of us.

7. Spring break: Fashions may have changed, but the shenanigans stay the same. Time to cut loose and shake that caboose.

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8. Cinco de Mayo: There’s no better time of year to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and get a tasty education in Mexican food. (Note: *This* is not how you do that. And there are far better Mexican food items than tacos. Get your hands on some menudo. You won’t regret it.)

9. Festival season: All those leftover Halloween costumes and accessories you have collecting dust in the attic? They’ve got you covered for Coachella, Sasquatch, SXSW, etc.

10. Barbecues: Barbecues and crab boils are perfect excuses to bring the crew together and consume way more food than you should. Enjoy a big hunk of beef on your plate. (The hunk cooking it isn’t too bad, either.)

11. Gardening: Sure, gardening and yard work seem like a chore. But don’t forget that you get the chance to bring life to things and then turn around and cut them down like a boss. Get it!

12. Freshly cut grass: Piggybacking off No. 11, cutting the grass might be a chore but the intoxicating smell that follows is worth it. Or is that gas fumes from the mower?

13. Romantic picnics: Let the outdoors ignite your passions. But beware of prying eyes.

14. New beginnings: With the seasons changing and nature in a state of renewal, spring is the perfect time to try a new haircut, travel to an exotic place or start killing it on those big life goals.

15. Sprucing up your spring wardrobe with Ebates: Update your look and get Cash Back? How is that not the best part of spring? Shop Double Cash Back stores to bring your fashion into focus this season.

March 20, 2017

6 Fashionable Pet Accessories Dog and Cat Owners Will Obsess Over

Some may call you obsessed with your pet, but maybe they just don’t see your dog or cat for as fabulous as they are. As a dedicated pet owner, you spare no expense for your furry BFF, including keeping their fashion on point. We’ve rounded up some super cute accessories any dog or cat owner will absolutely love. However, there is nothing more in vogue than Cash Back at Ebates, which you can get for buying any of these adorable items. Get their tails wagging by giving them an instant style upgrade.

Puppia Modern Dotty Dog Harness

Metallic polka dots on a chic black harness? Yes, please! Give your little fuzzball a Kate Spade-inspired look with this classic accessory. Plus, did we mention that black is slimming even for pups?

Puppia Polar Dog Harness

Animal print is a must for any four-legged fashionista. She’ll love expressing her wild side with this fur-lined harness. Staying warm never looked so cool.

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Top Paw Ruffle Dog Harness

Do you have a pretty prima donna on your hands? It doesn’t get any girlier than hot-pink ruffles. This statement-making harness is the perfect party look for your pup, but don’t feel the need to save it for special occasions. She can be fabulous every day of the week!

Puppia Modish Vest Dog Harness

For those times when your dog is feeling casual but still wants all eyes on him at the dog park, this bold vest is a must. Its solid bright color not only keeps Fido visible and safe, but it also tells his friends he’s not afraid to be noticed.

Pearl Cat Collar

Cat owners know that some felines are extra fancy. If your fur baby is a lady of luxury, treat her as such with this pearl cat collar. With a magnetic closer, it will release easily if needed to keep her looking ravishing without compromising her safety.

Glam Gold Cat Collar

If you have a dapper gent on your hands, this bow-tie collar will perfectly reflect his regal nature. It comes in a variety of colors and prints to coordinate with his coat. He wouldn’t want to clash, after all.

March 16, 2017

10 Steps to Spruce Up Your Space This Spring

Transitioning from winter to spring can be one of the most fulfilling design moments of the year. If you have the right decor and the right mindset, you can create a cheery spring-like space that you’ll be dying to hang out in come the weekend — no matter how small your space. Here are some home-decorating ideas that you can employ while earning Cash Back at Ebates.

Start with a little spring cleaning

Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” is a great read to get you ready to de-clutter your life — and there’s no better time for that than spring-cleaning season. Although Kondo’s ideas are revolutionary, they may be a struggle to stick to religiously. But tidying up once and reducing the excess in your space will help you maintain order as the seasons drag on. It’s an investment, so next spring maybe you’ll be able to skip spring cleaning altogether.

Switch up your lights

For an instant change to any room, update your lighting situation. A contemporary, quirky lamp — like this three-bulb lamp from Lamps Plus — is the perfect way to bring a new look to any space. Stay on-trend with a bronze base and unique Edison-style bulbs. You’ll need the lamplight less and less as the days get longer, but you’ll appreciate this look even in the light of day.

Curtain call

Try investing in new curtains. Grey is the color of the season, which could be the perfect choice to redecorate your space’s window dressing. Curtains are an easy-to-switch-out accessory that can inexpensively bring new life to any room at any time.

Throw some pillows at it

Anything with a tropical print will be a favorite decor item this season, and throw pillows are the ultimate accent. Add just one or two new pillows on top of your same old comfortable sofa, and you will change the look of the room completely. These palm-leaf throw covers from Overstock.com will slip right over your existing throws and turn your space into a warm, tropical haven you’ll love spending time in.

Stick with the staples

The first trick to revamping your space is to stay true to the pieces that work. When it comes to living-room decorating ideas, solid investments — rather than trendy furniture — are in style this season. That means you don’t have to buy a new couch; just update your throw blanket or rug. You don’t have to get a brand-new glass-plated table; just decorate with a few vintage books from the flea market and a brass-and-glass vase.

DIY something

The weather is warmer. The sun is out. Your weekends are freeing up. That’s the perfect combination for a do-it-yourself home-decor project. Start small with a DIY spring wreath for your door or wall, or go big with a wooden bedside table. You’ll be able to spruce up your space and create something you’ll love to look at and show off. Make this season the time you finally do that project you’ve been thinking about for months.

Find some vines

Climbing vines are this year’s succulents. Greenery adds some life to every room, increases productivity and can even make you happier. Wall-hanging plants are one of the best space-conscious home ideas to bring color to your space. Some wooden or brass vases that you can nail right to the wall are the best way to showcase these decorative plants.

Make your kitchen a happy place

Healthy eating can depend so much on a happy, pleasant kitchen. Start with cleaning out your cabinets (do you really still need those two chipped Starbucks mugs from college?), and then invest in one or two clean, fun pieces that will get you back into the kitchen preparing healthy meals. This marble-and-copper cutting board from Food52 should do the trick.

Try new knobs

Update your dresser or cabinets this spring with some new knobs. Try going for something different and fun — something you’ve never seen before, like grey agate stone knobs with gold from Etsy. Or go for a vintage look. Either way, mix it up and you’ll be cheered up and ready for spring every time you walk into your space.

Don’t be afraid of mixed patterns

Who says striped pillows won’t look great on a handmade quilt? Or that a tie-dye rug doesn’t go perfectly with geometric curtains? Bring out anything and everything unique you have, and put it all together. Going eclectic is a fun way to revamp your space and bring playfulness into your space this season. If you love the piece but it doesn’t exactly match, don’t question it — just go for it.

March 15, 2017

Quiz: What’s Your Dream Backpack?

From camo to striped, the elementary school staple has grown up. And although you’re aware of the many benefits of a hands-free carry-all, picking out the perfect pack can be overwhelming. Take our quick quiz to discover the right style — all available through Ebates — for you.

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Shop the Results:

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March 15, 2017

Five Female CEOs Who Are Ultimate #GirlBosses

Because we never need an excuse to celebrate talent, Ebates would like to give a special shout-out to some of our favorite stores that are run by intelligent, inspiring and empowering women. Without the hard work of these fabulous girl bosses (and our very own), Ebates wouldn’t be where it is today.

Ulta Beauty

The fourth of six children and the first in her family to attend college, Mary Dillon rose through the retail ranks before taking the helm of beauty giant Ulta in 2013. Her focus on diversity and personally understanding the needs of the Ulta woman has not only propelled company growth, but also significantly contributed to the de-stigmatization of affordable beauty in an industry in which luxury reigns. Dillon once ran a marathon — and placed! — just to understand what runners looked for in their workout apparel. Now that’s dedication.

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HSN

Mindy Grossman is another first in her family to attend college. Grossman, the CEO of HSN, graduated at 19 and decided to forgo law school to pursue her passion in the fashion industry. She’s been killing it ever since — a success she attributes to her lifelong mantra, “Agile is the new smart.” Grossman encourages women to pursue their goals through her HSN Cares program, which supports first-time entrepreneurs.

BirchBox

Katia Beauchamp co-founded the innovative makeup-box company Birchbox with fellow Harvard Business School student Hayley Barna while they were still in school. Early on, the two women struggled to convey their female-oriented value proposition to predominantly male venture capital audiences. Despite encountering rejection after rejection for two years, the women persevered, eventually raising $1.4 million. Their wildly successful business model has since inspired dozens of similar subscription-box companies. Can you say, “girl boss goals”?

Tory Burch

Beginning in 2004 with now iconic footwear, Tory Burch built a billion-dollar brand that is internationally synonymous with elegance and originality. She is almost equally well known, however, for her commitment to female empowerment. She launched the Tory Burch Foundation to make financial resources available to aspiring female entrepreneurs. Recognizing that starting businesses takes more than just money, Burch recently launched her #EmbraceAmbition campaign. The site provides dozens of skill worksheets and helpful articles to help women explore their potential.

Neiman Marcus

Karen Katz, the CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, has been pushing boundaries at the mega-retailer since she started as a merchandise manager in the summer of 1985. Now, as its first female CEO, she’s taking Neiman Marcus to new girl boss heights. She was the first head of the company to initiate and support the launch of a nonprofit brand, Akola, in stores. Akola reinvests 100 percent of its sales into empowering women from disadvantaged communities in the United States.

March 14, 2017

How to Start Saving for Your First Home

Buying your first home can seem impossible, especially for a generation that’s under-employed, underpaid and saddled with debt. I know because I used to think it was unattainable. Until I bought a house. Last month. With my own savings.

I’m not going to lie to you: It required a lot of sacrifice, hard work and flexibility. But I’m here to tell you that homeownership isn’t a pipe dream. It’s a real, achievable goal if you set your mind to it and focus on one word: save. To do that, you’re going to have to get thrifty and creative. Use these tips and tricks to get started on your own path to saving for a house. A few of them will get you Cash Back at Ebates, which will put you even closer to the finish line.

1. Tuck Away That Tax Refund

You may have money to burn, but it should go straight into your savings account. Set up a separate account just for your home fund. One that you can’t easily touch and won’t be tempted to dip into. Before long, you’ll have a sizable chunk of change. Plus, you get up to 7.5 percent cash back on TurboTax products through Ebates, so you’re getting even more back when you file.

2. Clear the Clutter

Start looking around your apartment for things you never use or could live without. You’ll be surprised at just how much extra stuff you have. Start listing it on sites like eBay or see if any friends are interested in your extras. You’ll feel better because your space is decluttered and you’ll have some extra dough to show for it.

3. Redefine Your Essentials

Most forms of entertainment are temporary pleasures, so it’s important to think about what you can and can’t live without. Fear of missing out is a very real thing, but it’s easy to curb if you focus on what’s really important: your future home. You don’t have to live like a complete hermit. Just be mindful of your spending habits and limit nights out. That discounted meal or event from a deals site may seem like a bargain right now, but it all adds up in the end.

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4. Cut the Cord

A really easy way to get ahead is getting rid of cable. You can save hundreds per month by downsizing to a powerful internet connection and streaming everything. Plus, with an HDTV antenna, you’ll probably get 60-plus channels free. Put that cash away like you’re still paying for your full-price cable and internet bundle. I’ve been cable-free for seven years. You won’t even miss it.

5. Build Your Big Fat Check

If you haven’t guessed it by now, the name of the game is save, save and save some more. One of the best ways to do this is using a site like Ebates to help you add anything you can to your bottom line. You’re downsizing and being smart about how you spend your money. Ebates provides an awesome value by helping you earn on the things you already buy from the brands you shop. Any money from your Big Fat Check is money you didn’t have before, and every little bit helps.

These are just a few ways to get started. It’s really just about your frame of mind and finding little ways to boost your savings account. In a few months, you’ll look at your bank statement and appreciate all the little changes you made. And when you put that key in the door and walk in to your new home for the first time, you’ll know that all of it was truly worth it.