May 2017 – user's Blog!

May 31, 2017

9 Tips to Conquer a Bad Hair Day

Blame it on the weather, laziness or an unfavorable trip to the salon — bad hair days happen, and they happen to the best of us. But whether you’re bummed out about your bangs or annoyed over frizz, there’s a solution for every problem. Below, nine fixes to banish your bad hair days forever.

1. Try a Hairline Braid If Your Bangs Are Sticking Up

This style looks cool, and it’s super easy to master. Mist your hair with a texturizing spray before plaiting to help the pieces grip each other and stay in place. Then pin it behind your ear with two bobby pins fixed in an X shape.

2. Use Braids to Control Curls

While your hair is still damp, gather it into two sections. Form two braids and let the hair “cook” for 20 minutes. The style will coax your hair into soft, loose waves free of fuzz.

3. Pull Hair into a Half Updo

Half-up styles give your hair structure with minimal effort, and they instantly work to brighten your face. To master the look, section out the top layer of your hair and fasten it with a hair tie.

4. Dry Shampoo Is Your Secret Weapon

You don’t have to wash your hair every day. Before going to bed, douse it with dry shampoo. The product will soak into your hair while you sleep so you can wake up, style and go.

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5. Rock Frizz-less Curls

Sometimes you want to play with your hair’s natural volume with a more natural look. To take advantage of the fuzziness, flip your head upside down and fluff the hair around the nape of your neck with your hands or a hair pick. This builds body from underneath.

6. Cure Hat Head by Switching Your Part

Before you put on your hat, flip your hair over to the opposite side on which you normally wear your hair. Switch it again when you take off the hat.

7. Tame Bangs with Accessories

Anyone with bangs knows the awkward grow-out stage. You can’t make it in for a trim quite yet, but your bangs are in your face. Embrace bobby-pin art. Instead of just sticking them in wherever, make the look purposeful with a cross design.

8. Rev Up Flat Hair with Hairspray

Try using hairspray on the underside of the roots, let it dry and then run your hands through to add volume. You can also use a blow-dryer, flipping your hair over to add a boost.

9. Fix Ponytail Bumps by Making It a Double

The only way to get rid of an unsightly ponytail bump is to wet your hair or to apply heat. If you don’t have the time to mess with it, you can opt instead for a double ponytail. Leave the top section out while gathering the back into a pony, secure it with elastic, add in the front section and secure it with a second elastic.

May 26, 2017

A First-timer’s Guide to Festival Camping

From remembering wet wipes to securing the tent, there’s an art to experiencing a music festival. Below, we’ve compiled five tips to help you navigate the challenges (heat, dehydration, no bathrooms) with ease.

Cozy Up Your Campsite

Invest in some rugs and a tarp or blanket to put outside your tent. After properly securing your tent, take the extra time to stake it in with LED lights. This will help prevent any late-night slip-ups and make it easier to find your spot in the crowd.

Fuel Up Wisely

Muscle Milk and protein drinks are great for meals on the go. They pack all the nutrients you need without the inconvenience of cooking. It’s also wise to stock up on dehydrated drink packs — they’re a lightweight way to refresh yourself.

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Keep Dirt at Bay

Festivals are notoriously filthy, so remember to pack an extra set of clothes for the ride home. Store your spare outfit in Ziploc baggies to keep it clean while you’re at the festival. Experts also advise storing a spare pair of flip-flops to wear around the campsite, and placing rugs inside the tent can help trap dirt.

Invest in the Right Accessories

Before you go, spring for a few battery-operated fans you can hang up around your tent to keep you cool. And don’t underestimate the value of headlamps — they’ll save your life during late-night bathroom runs.

Two Words: Safety Pins

You never know when your outfit or tent may rip. Stock up in case of emergencies!

May 24, 2017

How to Throw a Summer Soiree

With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, we’re stepping into full swing for summer parties. From backyard barbecues to intimate al fresco dinners, your summertime soirees truly are what shape the season. Create magical memories that your guests will forever cherish by keeping these five party-planning tips in mind.

1. Keep Invitations Specific

Spread the word and set the scene by sending out clear yet fun instructions so guests know exactly what to expect. Are you hosting a potluck? Will guests be nibbling throughout the evening or is there a set mealtime? Make sure to specify so latecomers won’t be disappointed. It’s also wise to announce the dress code. Get inspired for outdoor menus with this Cadac Stratos gas grill ($280).

2. Make Sure Everyone Has a Seat

Guests will want to relax and unwind. Make sure there’s enough seating for everyone, especially if you’re hosting an outdoor soiree. Feel free to get creative with things — use Moroccan poufs, set up blankets for guests to lounge on picnic-style or use small stools. Give guests a cozy place to sit with this Crate + Barrel outdoor pouf ($199).

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3. Beware Mosquitos

Bugs are a huge bummer. Before the party, get rid of standing water — dump out the kiddie pool, empty out rain water in flower pots and clean out the gutters. Set up some fans or offer guests natural bug repellants. Set the mood and keep bugs away with this citronella candle ($25).

4. Set the Mood with Music

Keep your playlists soft and chill. No one will want to shout over blaring music or listen to anything that distracts heavily from a good conversation. Create a playlist that’s heavy on classics, with an emphasis on the upbeat. Aim for five hours of music. Get the party started with the Samsung Level Box Mini ($30).

5. Keep Kids Entertained

If you’re throwing a party that includes kids, make sure they have some diversions. Ideas: a Slip ‘N Slide, blowing bubbles, a sprinkler or even disposable cameras so they can run around and capture the scene. Kids will appreciate this zany Banzai Geyser Blast Sprinkler ($14).

May 19, 2017

Working With Greenery, Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year

Pantone has revealed the color of the year to be Greenery, a cheery yellow-green hue in the spirit of nature, matcha tea and fresh springtime grass. According to Pantone’s execs, the color symbolizes the reconnection we seek with each other, nature, and a larger purpose. As if that wasn’t inspiration enough, studies have linked green to creating peaceful vibes, improving attention spans and even increasing feelings of happiness. Celebrate the shade with your Ebates discounts, and shop these seven favorite finds below.

1. Alessi Big Love Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon, $65

Your favorite flavors will taste even better when enjoyed out of this shiny steel bowl with a heart-shaped spoon.

2. Nike Zoom Winflo 3 Running Shoes, $90

Put a spring in your step — literally — with these pretty green sneaks. The side lace detailing adds an unexpected edge.

3. Zales Green Diamond Solitaire Earrings, $489

Treat yourself to Pantone-approved bling with these glittery green diamonds.

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4. Green Eye Cord Bracelet, $32.50

Designer Ileana Makri takes inspiration from her worldly travels to create pieces with a fresh perspective. This bracelet features a braided cord and evil-eye charm.

5. Tory Burch Robinson Mini Wallet, $135

This vibrantly hued accessory holds all your basics — cards, cash, coins.

6. Winky Lux Lip Balm, $14

This lipstick looks like a work of art. Swivel up the tube to reveal a clear balm with a beautiful Greenery-hued flower frozen inside.

7. Ole Henriksen Hydrator, $34

This green bottle and all-natural formula will make you look forward to your morning face-moisturizing rituals.

May 17, 2017

How to Throw the Best Bridal Shower Ever

Bridal showers don’t have to fall victim to the usual cliches. Instead of awkward games and raunchy entertainment, take the opportunity to hone in on what the bride-to-be really loves. Bridal showers are another opportunity to celebrate the bride’s originality and spirit. They should be fun! Here are five tips for how to plan a party that will please all the guests.

Decide on a Theme

Themes tie everything together and help all the planning details fall into place. If your bride’s wedding will take place in an exotic destination, pay tribute to the location with food, decor and gifts. Does your bride love Mexican food? Is she obsessed with spas and pampering beauty treatments? Has she always had a strange love of New Orleans? Allow her favorite things — even if it’s just colors she likes — to guide the way. To take it to the next level, keep in mind all five senses: touch, taste, sight, scent and sound.

Bring in a Statement Piece

You don’t have to go wild on super expensive food or cocktails. Experts say splurging on one attention-grabbing component will make all the difference. Ideas include a wow-factor cake, floral arrangements for the dinner table or even a musician to perform as guests arrive. Elevate the idea by researching the most outrageous cakes available in your area. Guests will go wild capturing it on social media.

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Make It Intimate

Sometimes it’s not the food or the decorations we remember, but how the occasion makes us feel. Invite guests to share their favorite memories of the bride or to make individual toasts in lieu of bringing basic gifts. Step up your bridal-party game by recording this part of the shower so the bride has a visual reference to return to whenever she wants.

Have Fun with the Food

It’s tempting to resort to tried-and-true bridal-party cuisine (mimosas, finger sandwiches), but really putting thought into interesting, eclectic dishes will have a huge impact. Peruse Pinterest, go through your local book store’s cookbook section and scour blogs to pull together a menu that takes guests out of their culinary comfort zones. For the maximum effect, invite one of your area’s best personal chefs to cook for guests at the party.

Invite the Groom to Participate in a Creative Way

There’s a trend in bridal-party games that involves the groom in a starring role. Before the party, invite the groom to answer questions about the bride in a playful way. Play the answers for guests during the shower, and allow the bride to chime in with her own responses. It’s a fun way to share a couple’s unique love story, and guests get a kick out of it. Don’t hold back! You can try creating a mini-movie of how the bride and groom met, or pull inspiration from the couple’s favorite love films.

May 16, 2017

How I Saved More Than $1,600 on My Wedding: Decor

My fiance, Ryan, and I are planning a wedding in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of wine country. Like so many couples, we’re learning that planning a wedding means lots of shopping. Whether it’s paper for your invitations or ties for your groomsmen, spending becomes second nature. So, as a bride with a budget she’d like to stick to, I’m obsessed with getting the best deals when I can. Thankfully, Ebates helped me save on so many wedding essentials, such as invitations, decor, attire — even our honeymoon. In this series of posts, you’ll get a chance to see exactly how much I was able to save and how.

For us, decor was one of the budget items that got thrown into the “miscellaneous” category. So as we approached the wedding day, we were looking for as many deals as we could find. In addition to flowers, there were other wedding decorations we wanted for our winery wedding to give it a personal touch and tie the whole day together. For bud vases and candles as centerpieces, string lights illuminating the outdoor dance floor and wedding favors decorating the dinner table, we budgeted $400.

In the end, we saved more than $200, essentially halving our budget. Here’s how:

Lights

One must-have for our Northern California wedding was dancing under the stars. To light the way for our guests, we chose classic round globe lights strung up overhead. These frosted white string lights from Lighting Direct were perfect for the soft glow and charming backyard-party ambiance we were going for. Between the 10% off coupon for string and rope lights that was available when we purchased, free shipping for orders more than $49 and 5% Cash Back at Ebates for Lighting Direct, we were able to save a pretty penny on our dance floor lights.

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $6

Total saved at Lighting Direct: $25

Wrapping a few strands of string lights around a couple trees was also among our wedding-decoration ideas. Since we were setting up our dance floor outside, it was crucial that the area was well lit. With these solar string lights we found on Overstock, we were happy not to have to worry about the major tripping hazard of electrical cords taped to the floor. And (bonus!) we were saving energy by powering our lights with the sun.

For our tree lights, we went with two packs of 225 solar-powered and long-lasting lights from Overstock. A free-shipping offer and 6% Cash Back at Ebates saved us a few bucks, and helped save the planet.

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $3.50

Total saved at Overstock: $10

Total saved on lights: $35

Centerpieces

Since we were doing a farm table for dinner with natural green-leafed garland down the center, our centerpiece needs were mainly to decorate our wine-barrel cocktail tables, the bar area and the dessert table. We preferred to keep it simple, with votive candles and bud vases for flowers at the center of the barrels.

Decorating the cocktail tables was the first priority. Even though we were looking at simple votive candles, candle holders and small bud vases, buying enough for tables for 100 guests meant preparing to spend. Luckily, we found some crazy-good deals at Pier 1 Imports, including clean-lined votive holders and ivory candles at a great price, with free shipping. Since Pier 1 was offering 15% Cash Back at Ebates, we decided to poke around for other decor goodies. We ended up discovering some adorable agate photo clips on clearance — saving us $30 — which we used as table-number holders at dinner.

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $25

Total saved at Pier 1: $75

We found bud vases at the Container Store. We went with vintage-looking glass milk bottles to hold our flower centerpieces on our wine-barrel cocktail tables. We saved $10 with a 15% off coupon that was available at the time of purchase, earned free shipping because our order was more than $75 and got 4% Cash Back at Ebates. And our wedding flowers couldn’t have looked sweeter.

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $3

Total saved at the Container Store: $25

Total saved on centerpieces: $100

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Favors

Part of our wedding favors included a little ode to San Francisco, where Ryan and I live. We wanted to pair a couple of our favorite Ghirardelli chocolates in a tiny sachet to place on each plate. Because we happened to be shopping on a triple Cash Back week at Ebates, we found some incredible savings at Ghirardelli. We saved $25 on our order thanks to 15% Cash Back, and our guests loved the personal touch.

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $25

Total saved at Ghirardelli: $25

Chocolates weren’t the only favors we decided to give out. I had seen small bottles of olive oil handed out at a few weddings on Pinterest, and I thought it was the perfect idea — especially for a California wedding. The winery where we were getting married was dotted with olive trees. This idea turned into a small DIY project that was well worth it and loved by everyone, and Michaels was our store of choice for the tiny bottles. Thanks to a buy-one-get-one-50%-off deal on swing-top bottles and 2% Cash Back, we were able to pour some local olive oil into each bottle with a thank-you tag for our guests. These were a huge hit!

Savings:

Ebates Cash Back savings: $3

Total saved at Michaels: $45

Total saved on favors: $70

Total saved on wedding decor: $205

Overall, we saved $205 on wedding decor, cutting our budget for that in half. An extra $200 went back in our pockets thanks to all the deals and Cash Back we discovered at Ebates. We’ll take it.

Next up, I’ll share even more wedding deals. Stay tuned to learn how I was able to save big on wedding attire.

May 12, 2017

Before You Go: Travel Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Just like when we were kids, we look forward to our summer vacation all year. It’s the time we can take advantage of slow summer Fridays, fight the out-of-town traffic and get away for a far-flung adventure or a long weekend at the beach. No matter where you’re headed, here are some handy travel tips to make sure you have a summer vacation that’s as relaxed and fun as it was 20 years ago — and at the same time, earn Cash Back at Ebates like a responsible grown-up.

Compartmentalize

You don’t want to spend an hour rummaging through your bag for that tank top you’re sure you brought, only to find it stuffed into your sneaker. Make your life easy (it’s vacation!) and invest in eBags packing cubes to keep your clothes organized during your summer travel. If you really want to be on it, use the compartments to pack individual outfits for each day you’re on the trip. Take out the guesswork and spend more time on the beach or exploring a new city.

Roll It All Up

Rolling — rather than folding — clothes is a real space-saver when you’re trying to cram your entire summer wardrobe into one suitcase. You’ll be able to fit more of the clothes you love if you roll up each item tightly, minimizing wasted space in the bag. One of the most convenient summer travel ideas, rolling also will minimize wrinkles when you arrive, which is a nice bonus. To ease right into vacation mode, pack clothes with fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily, such as polyester, cashmere and this spandex maxi from Neiman Marcus.

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Keep the Charge

Keeping a full charge on your phone or tablet is critical to making sure the photos and Instagram posts don’t dwindle over the course of your summer vacation. Keep a portable charger in your suitcase so you never have to worry about forgetting it, and to use as a backup if you forget your full-time charger (which never happens…).

Check the Wait Times

Stressing because you’re late for your vacation flight is just too ironic. Plan ahead — and I don’t mean to take your mother’s advice to get to the airport three hours early. Apps such as MiFlight tell you how long the line is at security checkpoints at airports around the world. It’s the perfect kick in the pants for the last-minute traveler. Check what people are saying, and then decide whether you can take an Uber Pool or you need to get there pronto.

May 11, 2017

Celebrate Ebates’ Birthday with 15% Cash Back

Celebrate Ebates’ 18th birthday with our gift to you: From May 9 to 15, enjoy 15 percent Cash Back from participating merchants. Whether you’re looking to get a head start on shopping summer looks or simply in need of restocking your favorite beauty buys, we’ve compiled a quick curation of 18 favorites. Merchants are updated each day, so be sure to click back daily to take full advantage.

1. Aveda After-Sun Hair Masque, $27

Pools and beaches do a number on your hair. This product protects and soothes.

2. Prana Amelie Dress, $89

Electric blue and comfortable to boot. You’ll live in this dress all summer long.

3. Marc Jacobs Eye-Con Eye Shadow Palette, $99

Paint your lids with a palette of summery shades.

4. BB Dakota Ulric Embroidered Shorts, $80

These smocked shorts feature an elastic waistband and a punchy print, perfect for summer
outings.

5. Kate Spade Leewood Place Rainn Leather Tote, $328

Elevate your basic summer bag with this baby blue leather number.

6. Erdem Oval Brow Bar Frame Sunglasses, $99

These crystal-clear shades lend instant coolness to any summer look.

7. Aerie Super Scoop One-Piece Swimsuit, $35

Make waves on the beach this summer in this pink suit. The dramatic side scoop provides a playful peek of skin.

8. Figleaves Cashmere Wide-Leg Pants, $224

It doesn’t get more luxurious than these super-soft, cozy pants.

9. Candie’s Women’s Lace-Up D’Orsay Flats, $35

These flats have a ballerina vibe. They look chic with everything from jeans to skirts.

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10. Bonobos Summer Weight Shirt, $88

The button-down equivalent of a glass of lemonade. We’re sold on the cool mermaid print.

11. Clarisonic Mia Fit Facial-Cleansing Brush, $219

This ultra-compact cleansing tool will help your complexion achieve ultimate gleam.

12. Juicy Couture Los Angeles Tee, $58

Show your love for one of the country’s coolest cities with this cropped tee.

13. Traveler by Toms Bryton Matte Sunglasses, $78

These pearly pink shades brighten up any summer look.

14. Alexis Bittar Large Segmented Hinge Bracelet, $425

A serious statement-making accessory that will give people something to talk about at weddings and formal fetes.

15. Zimmerman Jasper Fan Bralette, $315

Nothing looks cooler paired with high-waisted pants or a flowing skirt.

16. IT Cosmetics Vitality Flush Reviver Lipstick Stain, $20

This swivel-up lipstick gives you the prettiest natural flush.

17. Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit Running Shoes, $150

These shoes look like space-age workout gear. They feature a flexible sole and lace-free
design for ultimate comfort.

18. Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Renewal Creme, $260

Reduce puffiness and dark circles with this super emollient and luxurious eye cream.

May 10, 2017

Download the Ebates Cash Back Button Today!

Attention Ebates lovers! We’re excited to announce we’ve developed a fabulous tool that will make sure you never miss Cash Back again: the Ebates Cash Back Button. This ingenious and easy-to-use browser extension alerts you every time you’re shopping at a store that offers Cash Back through Ebates. It also saves you time and money by finding coupon codes while you shop. Check out how it works, and learn about some of our favorite new features below!

How It Works

Step 1: Download and install the browser extension, available for free on Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Shop online as you normally would. If you’re landing on a store page, the Button will alert you if Cash Back is available at that merchant. Just click “Activate,” and voilà! You’re ready to begin shopping and earning Cash Back.

Also, if you’re searching on Google, Yahoo or Bing, you’ll even start to see Cash Back amounts directly in the search results. This way, you can see which stores partner with Ebates without having to look for them on Ebates.com.

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Features We Love

Coupon Magic

This handy feature finds relevant coupons and promo codes at the store you’re browsing. During checkout, you’ll see an “Apply Coupon” alert at your shopping cart. Click it, and the Cash Back Button will automatically apply the best discounts. (This feature works with participating merchants. So far, that’s 700+ stores and counting. Bam!)

Groupon, Yelp and Google Maps Integration

Groupon customers, this feature is for you. Look up your favorite haunts on Yelp or Google Maps, and the Ebates Button will alert you if there is a Groupon available at that business. That way, you’re assured a great deal in addition to Cash Back.

So what are you waiting for? Get the official Ebates Cash Back Button and start saving time and money today!

May 6, 2017

Non-Girly Gifts for the Practical Mom

It seems that, since the dawn of time, Mother’s Day gifts have involved a bouquet of blooms and a box of chocolates. Sometimes you think outside the candy box and go for something cozy like a pair of fuzzy slippers. But if your mom was cut from a no-nonsense mold or her idea of R&R is watching a baseball game on the couch, these Mother’s Day gift ideas just might hit a home run. Check out our hand-picked selections, from must-have electronics to home goods she’ll actually use — all available with Cash Back at Ebates.

Insulated Lunch Tote

If you’ve been watching your mom take the same wrinkled-paper-bag lunch to work for years, this insulated tote is perfect. It looks like a purse while working double duty to keep the lettuce on her BLT crisp.

Chunky Chenille Throw

One of the easiest but most overlooked gift ideas for mom is a nice, comfy blanket. Who doesn’t love a blanket and who doesn’t need more of them?

Gold Pig Bookends

If you’re looking for unique gifts your mom will actually use, this piggy bookend set is perfect — especially if she has a home office or beloved bookshelf that could use a little pizzazz.

Mama Bear T-shirt

A T-shirt may not come to mind when you think of cool gifts, but you have to admit this one is adorable. No novelty here, just a proud badge of being a mighty mom to some cute cubs.

Date Night

She may be your mom, but she’s also someone’s sweetheart. And, chances are, it has been a while since this lovely couple hit the town. Give them a date night to remember with local deals on dining and entertainment from Groupon. If dinner and a movie is their jam, top it off with a gift card from Fandango.

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

This one just speaks for itself. A tool that can cut, pit and slice an avocado in seconds? Mom will be wondering where this has been her whole life.

WD My Passport Ulta 1 TB External Hard Drive

How many times have you heard your mom complaining about filling up her DVR? Maybe enough to suggest she has a TV addiction. But instead of getting into that conversation, why not just give her some extra storage space so she’ll never miss another episode of “The Bachelor”?

Philips Wake-Up Light

Getting up in the morning can be the worst. Make her a.m. a little more pleasant with this simulated sunlight alarm that will gradually wake her up without panicked beeping or annoying radio hosts.

Seamless Belly Support Band

If you’re shopping for a mom-to-be, there is nothing — I repeat, nothing — more practical than a belly band. Not only does it support your belly, but it also holds your pre-maternity jeans up without having to button them. It’s pretty much a miracle.