April 2017 – Page 2 – user's Blog!

April 17, 2017

20 Thoughts You Have While Attending Your First Music Festival

An entire season of can’t-miss lineups, world-class food-truck cuisine and outdoor partying is unfolding before you — and you’ve decided to dive right in. Good for you! Attending a music festival can seem intimidating, but don’t fret. Let us walk you through some of the highlights of your thought process as you say “yes” to festival season. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect and what to stock up on with Cash Back at Ebates to make the experience that much more enjoyable.

1. If your festival is in the desert, you will immediately try to scan your memories to find another time that you’ve been this hot and sweaty. Even if you do find one, it won’t make you feel any better.

2. You suddenly realize everyone you saw looking cute in their festival wear on Instagram was part of a massive conspiracy theory. Sure, people look fine, but they are basically melting in front of you.

3. “How long have I been standing in this line?”

4. “I’m so happy to be out of that line.”

5. “What do you mean we’re not in yet?”

6. “You mean I have to walk a mile from this line to another line, and THEN I’m in?”

7. The reality of your hanger washes over you.

8. You laugh a bitter I-told-you-so laugh as you enjoy the granola bar you packed that prompted your friends to make mom jokes about your level of preparedness.

9. You’re finally in. A patch of shade and a beverage sound like heaven right about now.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

10. Hydrated and recharged, it finally hits you that you’re actually here and what lengths you will go to enjoy good music and good friends.

11. Those warm, fuzzy feelings die as soon as you hit the first Porta Potty. They are quickly replaced by gratitude that you remembered to bring hand sanitizer.

12. The excitement returns when you make your way to the first stage and get to dancing.

13. You decide all this running from stage to stage should count as your cardio for the week.

14. It’s a good thing, too, because that donut ice cream sandwich stand has been calling your name all day.

15. You lose a friend in the shuffle, and, when you see you have no service, wonder how people actually survived without cell phones.

16. “Is a ‘friend lost and found’ a thing?”

17. You collectively decide your friend would have wanted you to move on and enjoy the next act.

18. You turn out to be right, because you spot her two rows back from the stage on the shoulders of a “new friend.”

19. You take a moment to thank the universe for SPF lip balm and the comfort of Birkenstock sandals.

20. You thank yourself for daring to try something new. This calls for a reward. Donut ice cream sandwich, anyone?

April 15, 2017

Shop the Look: The Impossibly Light Jacket by Nike

A sporty style keeps you on your A-game all day. The key to ensuring your look steps up from post-gym sloppy is to invest in smart staples you can mix and match with all your wardrobe basics. This look from Nike is the best of both worlds: comfortable (it doesn’t get much cozier than running shoes) yet chic (thanks to tailored silhouettes and up-to-date styles). Below, the must-add pieces you need this season.

Air Zoom Vomero 12

A sleek shoe that’s one step up from your standard sneaker. With a slightly elevated sole and minimalist detailing, this basic looks cool with jeans, leggings or even dresses.

Impossibly Light Running Jacket

A layering staple you can toss into your tote, this jacket lends an athletic edge to any ensemble. Structured and fitted, the smart design won’t add any bulk.

Pro Rival Sports Bra

The perfect hybrid of an everyday T-shirt bra and a trusty sports bra. Layer on tanks and tees so you can pull off the look all day.

Power Epic Lux Running Tights

A wide waistband and breathable fabric make these the most comfortable leggings you will ever own. Chic mesh detailing makes them work for real life — pair with a sweater at night for a casual dinner look.

April 15, 2017

These Birthday Party Themes Will Make You Mom of the Year

When it comes to party themes for kids, the possibilities are endless. You can go with their favorite movie, sport, activity, animal — you name it. Choosing party themes that are near and dear to your child’s heart is the easy part. Putting it all together is the real challenge.

Before you dive into party planning, take a look at these super cool birthday party themes that are definitely worth the extra effort. Keep in mind, you can get virtually everything you need to make childhood magic with Cash Back at Ebates. Shop Oriental Trading, Michaels, Shindigz, Hobby Lobby and more for party decorations, invitations and all the finishing touches to make your celebration a hit.

Legomania

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/53409945562042272/

Lego-man cups, block-shaped Jell-O Jigglers and, yes, a few Legos to build some centerpieces, and you’ve got a party that looks like it took weeks to plan. You can even find recipes for Lego-head marshmallow pops and Lego brownies and make your own Lego piñata. For the minor details like tablecloths and napkins, stick to solid primary colors to bring the whole theme together.

Mermaid Magic

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/512706738811705022/

This is one of our favorite party themes for girls who are over the pink princess look. Give your little one an underwater adventure for her birthday with metallic jewel tones and a little glitter for good measure. For a majestic touch, we particularly love those paper lanterns that look like jellyfish.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Emoji Explosion

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/94364554671726714/

Tween girls can be a bit harder to please, but we haven’t met one who doesn’t want to cover her life in emojis. Make sure emoji cupcake toppers are at the top of your party-planning checklist, since they are such a fun and easy accent for this theme.

Backyard Carnival

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/99360735507940930/

Put that retro popcorn maker to good use and turn your backyard into a fair to remember. This theme makes activity planning a breeze. Just go with classic carnival games like beanbag toss for the younger kids and “shoot the balloon” for more mature guests.

Campfire Chic

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370657223952/

If your kid comes alive in the great outdoors, a camping or lumberjack party theme is perfect. It’s also perfect for parents who want a healthier twist on the candy table, since you can easily include trail mix fixings without a total revolt from the young party-goers.

“Moana” Madness

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/187884615685311069/

It’s luau time! We love the “Moana” party theme because you can go authentic Hawaiian or you can find all the movie-related party supplies you need at Birthday in a Box, in one single shopping trip.

“Zootopia”

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/187884615684500935/

As long as it is still on Netflix, kids will be going crazy for “Zootopia.” Luckily, it’s an adorable movie most parents really love! And thank goodness there is a bunny in the movie, because you can do so much with carrots — from carrot cupcakes to “carrot” cracker bags.

April 13, 2017

Best Beaches for Your Destination Wedding

Destination weddings: They’re fun, intimate and unforgettable for everyone who attends. Your guests will be so deep into vacation mode that the wedding itself will feel like bliss, and they’ll be ready to party hard. For the engaged couple, choosing a destination wedding saves hassle, time and, in some cases, money — especially if you’re a smart online shopper and earn Cash Back at Ebates. Perhaps the best part of a destination wedding is that you can roll out of bed the day after you say your “I dos” onto a beach, and spend the rest of the week relaxing, enjoying each other and riding that newlywed high. Here is our list of the best beaches for a destination wedding.

Makua Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

There is no shortage of stunning beaches in Hawaii, but the tricky part is finding a beach that’s not only gorgeous but also convenient and secluded from crowds. Thankfully, Kauai is smaller and less developed than its neighboring islands, so its beaches are vast and relatively empty, depending on the time of year. Makua Beach, also called Tunnel Beach, is a crazy beautiful option that will bathe you and your guests in romance. Go to Hotels.com to book a honeymoon suite just off the beach at nearby Hanalei Colony Resort.

Placencia, Belize

Sidling up to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is ideal for scuba-loving couples. A friendly country with turquoise waters and white sands, Belize is affordable and offers destination weddings with distinct eco-adventure vibes. If you’re looking for a beach that’s far enough away to ensure your crazy cousins-in-law will stay stateside but close enough to keep costs low, you might just find the perfect combination in Belize. Do yourself a favor and stay for an extra week or two to dive Blue Hole and book a romantic splurge at Hatchet Caye Island Resort for a honeymoon on a private island.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This lively Mexican beach town is known for its artistic whimsy, warm beaches and lush rainforests. But just outside of town you’ll find all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for larger weddings, so you can relax with a poolside cocktail and let someone else take over all the decision-making for you. Or you and 18 of your closest friends and family can hole up in a luxury beachside villa, booked through VRBO, and enjoy all the sunshine and privacy Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Either way, don’t miss a trip to town for a skewer of grilled seafood and an evening stroll along the Malecon.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

If you’re dreaming of barefoot chic for your big day, there’s probably no better place than the Bahamas. With an all-inclusive option like Atlantis Bahamas, you can book what you want online and leave the rest up to the staff. It’s a low-maintenance couple’s dream, and after avoiding the stress of planning for the months leading up to your wedding, you’ll still get to enjoy a tropical party weekend and a honeymoon in paradise — a reward most newlyweds have to work for!

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal is a surprising addition to this list, to be sure. It’s neither close to the U.S. nor convenient. But it’s affordable and it’s home to some of the most wedding-perfect beaches in the world. Save by booking affordable international flights through Vayama, and book a luxury villa for the wedding party on VRBO that’s near the unique, rock-framed Praia da Marinha. Or book a neighboring luxury resort for your guests through Expedia.

April 11, 2017

10 Surprise Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

From exchanging vows on a tropical beach to celebrating with family and friends in a European city, the idea of a destination wedding presents unlimited options. Ten percent of all couples get married away from home, but it’s not all plane tickets and passports — planning a destination wedding requires a certain know-how. Here are a few surprise tips that will help make your destination wedding the day of your dreams.

1. Residency Rule

Many countries require couples to spend some time there before tying the knot. These requirements range from no big deal (a couple days in the Caribbean) to more serious (France’s six-week residency rule).

2. Give Serious Notice

Wedding planners suggest mailing your save-the-date announcements and wedding invitations at least eight months in advance. This allows your guests to arrange for airfare and accommodations ahead of time. Experts also recommend creating a website detailing any questions guests may have related to their travel.

3. Hire Cars

Instead of making your family and friends schlepp all over town, hire cars to pick them up at the airport and safely transport them to their hotels. Traveling can be a huge hassle — especially international travel. This is a small gesture guests are sure to appreciate.

4. Fly in Your Pros

Depending on where you’re getting hitched, it may be tricky to find reliable photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists. If you bring your own, you’ll be working with professionals you trust.

5. Arrive Early

Arrive at your hotel at least a few days before your guests do so you can customize welcome gift baskets and stock their rooms with anything they may need — maps, favors, a bottle of wine, sunscreen.

6. Pay Attention to Details

Wedding planners suggest meeting with as many people involved in the wedding as possible, including the officiant, the photographer and the caterer. Inspect the accommodations and rehearsal-dinner and ceremony sites.

7. Stay Calm and Flexible

The bride’s energy will impact everyone. Things may not always go as planned — especially if you are in a foreign country — but roll with any changes, schedule a time each day to do yoga and keep a relaxed state.

8. Factor in Exchange Rate

Even though destination weddings seem cheaper than getting hitched at home (especially if you live in a major U.S. city such as New York or San Francisco), you’ll need to factor in the exchange rate. Always convert prices into dollars to get a better idea of what you’ll be spending.

9. Create a Pinterest Board to Communicate Your Vision

When you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll be communicating your vision to a lot of different people. Descriptions can be subjective, down to color shades and cake patterns. By creating a Pinterest board, you’ll have something to show and share.

10. Leave a Personal Note

Your guests are traveling a great distance to watch your special day. It’s advisable to greet them with a hand-written personal note at check-in. If you’re short on time, you can work with a calligrapher.

April 8, 2017

How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Hair

Your wedding photographs aren’t just another Facebook profile picture — these are the images you’ll be looking at for the rest of your life. To look your best on the big day, it’s important to be mindful of beauty appointments and upkeep, especially regarding your hair. Here’s a countdown to help you get everything under control.

One Month Before

Invest in a keratin treatment. If your hair is naturally wild or super frizzy, an in-salon keratin treatment can remedy the situation. Experts advise booking these one month before the wedding to get your texture in tip-top shape.

Find inspiration online. Anyone who has come home from the salon in tears over a bad haircut knows that style is subjective. Your version of loose curls may be totally different than your stylist’s. The best way to prevent miscommunication is to search for pictures. Pinterest is an amazing tool. Pin the looks you love and consult with your stylist before the wedding to avoid any hairstyle confusion.

Two Weeks Before

Start conditioning. If you’re planning to wear your hair down, you’ll want it to look super healthy. Stylists suggest booking an in-salon deep-conditioning treatment to repair split ends and leave your hair looking silky. You also may wish to invest in a deep-conditioning hair treatment to use once a week to increase softness.

Fix your color. Whatever your dream shade, this is the time to book your colorist. It’ll give the dye a chance to settle and still look fresh without roots growing back in. Although a bold hue is one way to make a statement, many experts recommend keeping it natural. This is a day when you’ll want to rock the color that makes you feel most like yourself.

One Week Before

Get a trim. Stylists don’t recommend dramatic changes prior to the wedding — it’s already a sensitive time and any major snip could send you into a spiral. Book a stylist you trust and opt instead for a light trim.

Add shine. Dirt, oil and products can leave hair looking less than lustrous. Try a clarifying product to cut out gunk. You also can schedule a last-minute in-salon gloss treatment.

April 6, 2017

Men’s Wardrobe Essentials Your Bae Never Knew He Needed

Getting your man to step up his style game can require a gentle push in the right direction. If you notice his comfort zone starting to close in around him, grab him one (or all) of these men’s wardrobe staples with Cash Back at Ebates. These fashionable yet functional must-haves for men will easily elevate his look without scaring him off from the latest trends.

The Jogger Pant

Sweat pants with swagger — that’s exactly what joggers are. If your guy is regularly caught in the light of day wearing his favorite sweat pants or pajama bottoms, insist he try these. If women can rock fancy leggings by day, dudes should have the luxury of comfortable yet fashionable joggers.

The Floral Tie

Wedding season is right around the corner. Instead of spending beaucoup dollars on a whole new suit, get him a floral tie to refresh his formal wear. And, yes, remind him even the most macho men can wear florals. They’re just plants, for goodness sake!

The Slim Suspender

Blazers used to be at the top of all menswear essentials lists since they can easily dress up his favorite tee and jeans — but so can suspenders! They are a great alternative in hot weather, and they’re arguably more comfortable than a belt.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

The Patterned Tee

Graphic and striped men’s tees are a dime a dozen, making tees in any other pattern one of our favorite men’s wardrobe essentials. They are perhaps the easiest and most comfortable way to make a statement this spring.

The Linen Short

Give your man the gift of clothes that are actually meant to be wrinkled! Linen shorts not only keep him cool, but also give his look a breezy, laid-back vibe.

The Undercover Active Tee

This isn’t his typical gym look. A top that lays like a T-shirt yet absorbs like an active tee is the perfect solution for the guy who hates wardrobe changes.

The Denim Bomber

Name a more perfect union than a denim jacket and a bomber. We’ll wait. This style is rugged with a timely twist that is perfect for a casual weekend.

The Hooded Shirt

He can wear it as a button-down or over his tee as a light jacket. Versatility is key to finding menswear staples he will absolutely love.

April 5, 2017

Where to Go on Your Mini Moon

Lots of newlywed couples are taking a long weekend or short week away immediately after their wedding to let down their hair and kick off their marriage with some relaxation, fun and time set aside just for the two of them.

For some couples, a long weekend away is plenty (and saves bundles!). For others, the mini moon is just a taste of a longer trip planned later, after the couple has had time to recover from wedding expenses and can afford to splurge (again). Either way, the post-wedding mini moon ritual is practical only if you travel to a destination that’s close and you can treat yourselves affordably. A few deals at these perfect-for-newlywed mini moon destinations could score you Cash Back at Ebates and save you a fortune in the process.

California Wine Country

El Dorado Hotel

California wine country is the perfect long-weekend getaway. All you need is a few days away to get your fill of sun, wine and award-winning food in Sonoma and Napa. It’s the best way to wash away stress and make the fun and excitement last a little longer.

Stay in town for an adorable (and walkable) experience that gives you the best of the countryside without compromising convenience. Book the El Dorado Hotel in advance through Hotels.com for a great deal and a poolside brunch.

Sedona, Arizona

A Day in the West Jeep Adventure

Amara Resort and Spa

Sedona’s brilliant red rock formations are enough to awe any newlywed couple looking for a majestic, beautiful mini moon retreat. Find yourself on the A Day in the West Jeep adventure, or take a tour of the town’s wine, beer or art scenes. Then settle in at your room in the eco-friendly and secluded Amara Resort and Spa, tucked into your own mini Grand Canyon. Book with Hotwire.com to get a great midseason deal.

Quebec City, Canada

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

If you can’t do Paris right after the wedding, consider visiting its North American cousin, Quebec City. This Quebecois destination has a stone-walled fort and streets reminiscent of the old country, and you’ll hear a mix of languages on the street that will transport you to Europe. Stay at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a luxurious European-style hotel, to truly feel like you’re in a foreign land.

Key West, Florida

Key West Sunset Key Cottages

Key West is ideal for achieving a romantic beach getaway without leaving the U.S. Post up on a quiet island to get your fill of bungalow living, snorkeling, diving, fresh fish dinners and unbeatable rum cocktails. Come to think of it, there’s nothing mini about Key West. Stay in a romantic ocean-side bungalow at Sunset Key Cottages, booked through Expedia for a great deal.

Bermuda

Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa

Just a two-hour flight from New York, Bermuda is a popular honeymoon spot for newlyweds on the East Coast. Its popularity shouldn’t be a put-off, however, since it’s still possible to find empty, pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue water. Stay in a cabana on one of four private beaches at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

For those tying the knot on the West Coast or in the Southwest, Cabo could be perfect for a beach mini moon. Its local flair gives it that true honeymoon destination feeling, and you’ll relish endless beaches, mind-blowing al pastor street tacos and margaritas. Book ahead on Travelocity to stay at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, perfect for ocean views and modern luxury.

April 4, 2017

How to Get Your Skin Ready for Your Wedding Day

Finding an amazing makeup artist is just one step toward getting gorgeous skin on your wedding day. The real work comes during months of skin care, diet and exercise. The good news is that you easily can achieve luminous results with a few simple tweaks. Here’s a plan that will result in your best skin ever.

1. Start Drinking More Water — Immediately

Yes, it’s the oldest advice in the book, but water maintains moisture and increases skin elasticity, and it will combat skin problems such as wrinkles and eczema. Force yourself to take water breaks at work, and keep a glass by your nightstand. And, if you’re bored by water, make it fun: Get in the ritual of having water with lemon when you wake up. Drinking more water will change the way your skin looks more than anything else.

2. Pay Attention to Your Diet

You are what you eat, so revamping your diet will make a more dramatic change than any expensive skin cream. Experts advise paying extra attention to your diet in the months leading up to the big day. Keep a food journal describing how you feel after eating. Do you notice certain foods making you feel sluggish? Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the new diet. Cut out carbs, sugars and animal proteins; fruits and veggies have all the minerals, nutrients and antioxidants you need to glow from the inside.

3. Stick to a Routine

Planning a wedding means you’ll be busier — and more stressed out — than ever. Set your alarm for five minutes earlier than usual and block off an extra five minutes at night to commit to a strict skin-care routine. Invest in a good mask tailored to your skin’s needs and use it every Sunday night. Julia Noik, founder of organic beauty line African Botanics, suggests doing this at least two to three months before your wedding.

4. Commit to Exercise You Enjoy

Exercise increases blood flow, nourishes skin cells and carries away waste products. Working up a sweat revs up collagen production and is on par with getting a facial, experts say. If you have only three spare minutes in the morning, begin your day with cat-cow pose: inhale, lift your chest and butt, and drop your belly. Then exhale, drop your head and curl in your navel. Do it fast! Yogis say the anti-aging benefits of this pose are in the speed.

5. Book a Facial

A month before your wedding, book a facial. It will increase circulation and decrease waste (which causes puffiness) under your skin. It also will cleanse your pores on a deeper level and can help even your skin tone and lighten dark spots.

April 2, 2017

8 Festival Fashion Staples That Won’t Bust Your Budget

Festival season is almost upon us, so if you scored the tickets, it’s time to start planning the outfits. Festival clothing doesn’t have to be expensive; the majority of your budget is better spent on essentials like food, drinks and transportation. Before diving into shopping for festival outfits, take a look at these eight stylish staples you can get at a bargain while earning Cash Back at Ebates. From light outerwear to accessories, we’ve got your festival style covered from head to toe.

Floral Romper

We love rompers for two reasons: They’re easy and their shorts prevent the worst thing that comes with sweaty summer heat — chafing. Also, there is nothing more summery than a floral-lace combo, right?

Metallic Sandals

We prioritize comfort when shopping for festival-style clothing. After all, festivals are full-day events. These molded metallic sandals will provide you the arch support most strappy gladiator styles will not, cute as they are. It’s a good thing the comfy-shoe trend is still going strong!

Tassel Earrings

Easily add a pop of color to your festival fashion with these striking yet lightweight earrings.