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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.

January 11, 2017

The No-Tears Guide to Toy Organization

After every birthday and holiday season, every parent of young children comes face to face with a giant toy pile that threatens to swallow the room whole. Although your kids may find it impressive, all you can think about is how to make it manageable. Thankfully, organizing toys does not have to be an arduous process. Let us break it down with a few basic tips to get you started. Satisfy all your toy organization needs with Cash Back at Ebates, and get a discount with a home-goods promo code. Your child’s bedroom or playroom can be clutter-free even on a budget.

Lighten the Load

Before you shop for toy organization bins or shelves, it’s crucial to assess your storage needs. Keep in mind that you may have many toys your child has outgrown, and there are probably quite a few broken items and random pieces of junk in that toy mountain. Start by picking out the items you want to trash, recycle or donate. If you have school-age children, get them involved in the process. Not only will they feel a sense of control in choosing which possessions to let go, but they’ll also learn what to do with items that are no longer useful.

Divide and Conquer

Now that you know exactly what you are keeping, you can get a better idea of which toy organization ideas will work for you. Group the toys in a way that is conducive to how your child plays. For example, put trains, tracks and cars in one pile and games and puzzles in another. Imagine each pile is a toy bin and your child is allowed to take out only one bin at a time. This guideline will help you create groups that make sense to your little one.

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Compartments Are Key

It’s time to select your storage solutions. Choose bins that can accommodate each of your toy piles, and create a system with room to grow. We love these stackable cubes from Overstock.com, which require little assembly. You can add more cubes or rearrange them as your needs change, getting more bang for your buck. And for those pesky small toys that can get lost in even the most organized system, sandwich bags are an affordable solution you probably already have.

As an added touch, label the bins so your kids know exactly where everything goes. You can even use picture labels for kids learning to read by printing out online clip art.

Play Then Display

If your kids have toys that require a ton of assembly, consider getting a small shelving unit or just clearing off the bottom book shelves in your living room. That way these toys can remain assembled without taking up floor space. Plus, that Thomas the Tank Engine track system does add to the decor in its own way.

Bucket List

After putting these ideas for organizing toys into practice, you may be tempted to ditch that giant toy bucket. Not so fast! Toy chests and buckets are great for big, soft items like stuffed animals. Or you can encourage dress-up time by making your kids’ costumes more accessible, rather than hanging them high in the closet.

January 9, 2017

Most Successful Video Games vs. Biggest Flops Throughout the Decades

Video games are big business! More than 1.2 billion people play them, and global video game revenue is $101.62 billion per year. The first home video game console was released by Magnavox in 1972, well before a phone app was ever imagined. For more than four decades, games have been released and met with varying degrees of fanfare and criticism. Here’s a look at some of the bestsellers and biggest flops of console-based games.

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<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/best-vs-flops-video-games"><img alt="Most Successful Video Games vs. Biggest Flops Throughout the Decades" class="ngg_none" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/best-vs-flops-video-games_full-IG.png" width="600px" height="8590px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/best-vs-flops-video-games">Most Successful Video Games vs. Biggest Flops Throughout the Decades</a> Created By:  <a href="https://www.ebates.com/"> Ebates</a>

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Most Successful Video Games

1970s

The game Pong was released in 1972. It was one of the first video games to reach mainstream popularity.

1980s

Pac Man was released in 1980 and went on to sell 7 million copies, making it the best-selling video game at that time. Tetris was released in 1984, selling 495 million copies. The ubiquitous game with the ever-falling tiles was created in Russia and is available on nearly every video game console, computer operating system and other media device. Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985, eventually selling 55.75 million copies. This was then followed in 1988 by Super Mario Bros. 3, which sold 17 million copies. The Mario series is the best-selling video game franchise of all time and has set seven Guinness World Records. In 1989, Tetris for Gameboy was released, and it sold 35 million copies.

1990s

Super Mario World was released in 1990 and went on to sell 20.6 million copies. In 1991, Lemmings was released, selling 15 million copies. Another release that year was Sonic the Hedgehog, which sold 15 million copies. More impressively, that game contributed to the Sega Genesis console’s extreme popularity in North America — it outsold the Super Nintendo 2 to 1. In 1996, Pokémon Red, Blue and Green was released, selling 23.64 million copies. This was followed by Pokémon Gold and Silver in 1999, which sold 23 million copies. The Pokémon series is second only to the Mario series as the best-selling video game franchise.

2000s

In the year 2000, The Sims was released, selling 16 million copies. The success of The Sims has been attributed to casual gamers and female gamers, with females making up 60% of players. Grand Theft Auto III was released in 2001 and sold 17.33 million copies, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released the following year, selling 20 million copies. The Grand Theft Auto series was controversial from the very beginning. While being condemned and criticized for its extreme violence, it also simultaneously received critical and financial success.

In 2002, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire was released to sales of 16.22 million copies. The Sims 2 was released in 2004, selling 20 million copies. 2005 had two major releases: Nintendogs, which sold 23.96 million copies, and Mario Kart DS, which sold 23.59 million copies. In 2006, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl came out, selling 17.63 million copies. Wii Sports was also released in 2006, selling 82.78 million copies. This was followed by the 2007 release of Wii Fit, which sold 22.67 million copies. Wii was looking to attract a new audience to gaming with its motion controls.

In 2007, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was released, selling 15.7 million copies. Mario Kart Wii followed in 2008, selling 36.38 million copies. Also that year, Grand Theft Auto IV was released, selling 25 million copies. In 2009, Minecraft became to game to play with sales of 54 million console units. Notably, social media was a significant part of this game’s rise to fame, with ⅓ of players learning about the game from online videos. In 2009, Wii Sports Resort was released, selling 32.8 million copies, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii came out, selling 29.32 million copies.

2010s

In 2010, Call of Duty: Black Ops debuted, selling a total of 26.2 million copies. Breaking all records, this game sold more than 5.6 million copies in the first 24 hours. Also that year, Pokémon Black and White was released, selling 15.6 million copies. In 2011, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was released, selling 26.5 million copies. Also in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim sold 20 million copies.

In 2012, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City started adding select video games to its permanent Architecture and Design Collection, including Pong, Pac-Man,

Tetris and The Sims. In 2012, Diablo III was released, selling 30 million copies. Also that year, Call of Duty: Black Ops II came out, selling 24.2 million copies. In 2013, Grand Theft Auto V was released, selling 65 million copies, and sales of Call of Duty: Ghosts amounted to 19 million copies. In 2014, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare racked up 21 million copies sold. Call of Duty: Black Ops III was released in 2015, selling 14.8 million copies. In total, the entire Call of Duty series has sold more than 175 million copies and made more than $15 billion. The games led to the creation of a Call of Duty Endowment in 2009 to help veterans find jobs.

2016’s big title has been Overwatch, which has sold 15 million copies so far. Just one week after Overwatch launched, it had 7 million players with 119 million hours of accumulated play time.

Check this timeline for units sold for all the most successful video games in our research:

Biggest Flops in Video Games

1980s

In 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released and 1.5 million units were sold. Unfortunately, between 2.5 million and 3.5 million cartridges went unsold.

1990s

Virtual Boy was the first instance of 3D graphics in video games. Nintendo hyped a virtual reality experience for the 1995 release, but its monochrome graphics did not deliver. Only 770,000 units were sold.

After nearly a decade of hype and a seven-year development process with repeated delays, the game Battlecruiser 3000AD (shortened BC3K) was released in 1996 with many technical problems and outdated graphics.

After spending $6 million on a five-year development process, The Last Express, recognized as an intelligently written game with well-developed characters, was a sales flop after its 1997 release because of a lack of marketing and promotion. The maker needed to sell more than a million copies to break even and only sold 100,000.

Creating Dominion: Storm Over Gift 3 was supposed to be a three-month project for two employees, but it took more than a year to develop, and the game went wildly over budget prior to its 1998 release.

Shenmue had a five-year production period that cost $70 million, ranking the game as a record setter for the most expensive production costs at that time. Only 1.2 million copies were sold after its 1999 release.

2000s

Debuted in 2000, Daikatana was marketed as the “next big thing” for first-person shooter games, but massive overspending and a delayed release eventually resulted in a poor reaction, including complaints of technical bugs and low production value.

Although the game Beyond Good & Evil was critically acclaimed, its failure was attributed to its 2003 release alongside competing titles.

Despite critical success, the low initial sales of the 2005 game Psychonauts (fewer than 100,000 copies) was blamed on a lack of marketing.

The action-adventure game Ōkami was set in ancient Japan and combined traditional myths and folklore. Despite critical acclaim at its 2006 release, it was met with slow sales.

Themed with heavy-metal music, the game Brütal Legend recorded low sales after its 2009 release because of real-time strategy elements that were not mentioned before the game’s debut.

2010s

After the release of APB: All Points Bulletin in 2010, unenthusiastic reviews and a low subscriber rate were the cause of this game’s commercial failure.

The 2011 game Duke Nukem Forever was in development for 15 years and cost company executives $20 to $30 million of their own money, only to be met with poor sales.

In 2014, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal were released, selling only 490,000 copies because of weak writing, glitches and poor gameplay.
The game Sunset, released in 2015, used an “arthouse-style” approach and sold only 4,000 copies, including those distributed to its crowdfunding backers.
Head to Ebates to shop current deals and cash back on your favorite video games. If you prefer new, fresh out of the box play, Best Buy and fye.com are good places to start. If a discounted refurb is more your style, try Ebay or Gamestop to get your fix.

Sources:
www.wikipedia.org
https://www.statista.com/topics/868/video-games/
http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/25/more-than-1-2-billion-people-are-playing-games/

January 7, 2017

Inspirational Tees and Tops to State Your Intentions for 2017

Surrounding yourself with empowering and positive vibes is a surefire way to make this the best year yet. You’ll be surprised how a few motivational T-shirts in your wardrobe can get you pumped to take on your day. Check out some of our favorite (and fashionable) inspirational tops with Cash Back at Ebates. Whether you’re looking to kick-start your workout routine or practice more self-love, we’ve got you covered.

“Slay All Day” Graphic Tee

Remind yourself you are one fabulous creature with this graphic top from Charlotte Russe. We love inspirational tees with added visual interest like this fierce caged neckline.

Go-Dry Racerback Performance Tank

Remember you’re in charge with this sleek activewear top available at Old Navy.

Nightwalker Flash Embroidered Bodysuit

You’re a natural force to be reckoned with, just like lightning. This sassy little bodysuit from Nasty Gal will make you feel like a total #girlboss.

“Girl Gang” Striped Tee

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to reconnect with your besties, state that intention with this super cute tee. Stay tuned for a Bloomingdale’s promo code to get it at a great deal.

“Mixed Emotions” Hoodie

You have a love/hate relationship with working out, and that’s OK. Being honest about those mixed emotions can only empower you to do your best while working up a sweat.

Gold Lips Boxy Tee

Shining bright may be out of your comfort zone, but this tee will get the job done if you’re determined to turn heads this year.

LA Hearts Yin Yang T-Shirt

Find your zen and maintain your balance in the universe with this edgy tee from PacSun.

“Killin’ It” Graphic Tee

Take some time out of your day to acknowledge your success, not just your struggles. We bet you’ll find you’re knocking it out of the park.

Animal Print “Only You” Tee

You got this, babe. Let no one get in your way and look fabulous doing it with this bold top from Simply Be.

January 6, 2017

Throw the Ultimate Party for the Big Game

Hosting a viewing party for the big game? Don’t fumble — score big points with your guests with these tips for ensuring a football party touchdown!

1. Set the mood.

Go beyond wearing your team’s jersey. For your bash, set out themed football party decorations, such as these paper plates. Depending on how your team performs, you’ll be too psyched — or sad! — to do the dishes after the game is over anyway.

Football Tailgate Navy and Silver Party Pack (Target)

2. Keep kids (and some adults) occupied.

Hosting some kids? How about some grown-ups who just aren’t into football? Set them up with a bean bag football game that’s in keeping with the spirit of the day and will keep them entertained throughout the night.

Wild Sports Football Field Tailgate Toss Cornhole Set (Walmart)

3. Get creative with the drinks.

Beer may seem like the go-to beverage to serve during the big game, but the designated drivers and non-drinkers in attendance would appreciate something other than water to drink. Mix up some fun mocktails for the teetotalers at the party (this recipe book can help) that are themed to team colors!

Mocktails: The Complete Bartender’s Guide (Book Depository)

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4. Keep those game-day snacks coming!

You don’t need to research elaborate, Pinterest-worthy game-day party recipes to keep guests happy. Football food is fried food, so think chicken wings, mozzarella sticks or pizza rolls. And keep those fried treats hot and fresh — and plentiful! — with a deep fryer. (And, let’s face it, nobody eats salad during the big game.)

3.7-Liter Professional Style Stainless Steel Deep Fryer (Oster)

5. Don’t forget about what’s most important: the game!

Make sure everyone can hear what’s going on by ramping up your home theater game with top-quality speakers.

LG 3.1 Channel Soundbar System with Wireless Subwoofer and Digital Amplifier (Best Buy)

January 5, 2017

Deskercise: Tips for an Easy Office Workout

Although certain jobs require plenty of physical movement, others call for hours upon hours of sitting. After numerous hours at the office and even more stuck in traffic or on public transit, finding time to make it to the gym can be difficult. But you can get healthier without making radical life changes. Although standing desks are becoming more popular in the workplace, standing all day can impact your health negatively. The most important thing you can do in the office is get up and move. Take a stroll around the office, walk up and down the stairs or take a few moments to stretch—all that matters is that you’re moving. We at Ebates have compiled 18 exercises you can do easily at your desk.

Practice Perfect Posture

Having safe and comfortable desk ergonomics is key if you’re sitting for multiple hours a day. Adjust your chair height to make sure your feet, hips and arms are at 90-degree angles to the floor. Don’t slouch! Engage your core and keep your back straight throughout the day.

Take the Stairs

Taking the stairs has dual benefits: It allows you to avoid uncomfortable elevator small talk and easily elevates your heart rate. Take two at a time every other flight if you’re looking for a real challenge.

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Wall Push-Ups

Wall push-ups are suitable for dress shirts and skirts alike. Stand one to two feet from a wall, and lean forward until your palms are flush against the wall with your arms straight and parallel to the ground. Bend your elbows to bring your body toward the wall, hold for three seconds and then push back to your original position. Do this for 10 to 15 reps.

Shadow Boxing

Release your pent-up frustration by shadow boxing. Stand up and throw a few jabs, hooks and uppercuts in rapid succession, trying not to hit your coworkers or computer screen. Continue for 60 seconds or longer if you really need to blow off some steam.

Roaming Wanderer

The easiest and perhaps most rewarding exercise you can do is to simply walk around your office. Take a stroll to say hi to the accounting team or welcome the newest intern. Or wander over to a colleague’s desk instead of sending an email to get in some face time while also benefiting your health.

Desk Chair Swivels

If you have a swivel chair, have some fun with it! Sit upright with your feet hovering over the floor and hold onto the edge of your desk. Use your core to swivel the chair side to side. Continue for 15 to 30 seconds.

Yoga Break

Incorporating some of your favorite yoga poses throughout the day is a great way to get out of your chair and stretch. It’s easy to stand up and practice a forward fold or balance in tree pose. Or stay seated and stretch into a backbend or twist.

Core Squeezes

This silent deskercise can be done by taking a deep breath, tightening your abdominal muscles and bringing them toward your spine as you exhale. Try to stay squeezed for five to 10 seconds before releasing. Repeat for 10 to 15 reps.

Pencil Pinches

Work out your traps by rolling your shoulders back until your shoulder blades are pinched together. Pretend you’re holding a pencil between them, holding for up to 10 seconds. Release and repeat for 10 to 15 reps.

Stationary Jogging

Take a little break from sitting at your desk and writing endless emails to jog in place for one minute. Pick up your knees for more of a burn. Write a few more emails and repeat.

Wall Sits

Build up some strength and endurance with wall sits. Place your back against a wall, bend your knees and slide your back down the wall until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Sit and hold for at least 30 seconds, eventually pushing yourself to 60 seconds or more. You can even play games on your phone during this one.

Desk Squats

If you use a standing desk, you’re already burning more calories than if you use a sitting desk. But you can add a squat for even more of a burn. Stand with your feet together and bend your knees so your thighs are almost parallel to the ground, as if you are sitting. While bending, raise your arms either straight up or toward the computer screen. Hold the squat for 15 seconds. Repeat for five reps.

Seated Leg Raises

These leg raises can be done at your desk and are hardly noticeable. While seated, straighten either one or both of your legs and hold in place for at least five seconds, if not longer. Lower your legs back to the ground, but do not let your feet touch the floor. Repeat (alternating legs if you’re doing one at a time) for 15 reps. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, loop a purse strap over your ankles for added weight.

Shoulder Shrugs

Test out your shoulder shrugs simply by raising both shoulders toward your ears, holding for five seconds and releasing. Repeat for 10 to 15 reps. Just make sure you’re not in a meeting while doing this one!

Calf Raises

Waiting at the water cooler or printer? Take this time to sculpt your calves with calf raises. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, press up onto the tips of your toes, pause at the top for a moment and then lower back down. Do 12 to 15 of these for three sets, or whenever the printer is done with your job.

Businesswoman Stretching Arms in Air

Fist Pumps

Pump it up in the office and tone your arms at the same time. Fist punch straight into the air and alternate for at least 60 seconds. Play “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor—guaranteed to burn even more calories!

Stapler Curls

Similar to dumbbell curls, stapler curls are very simple to do while reading emails. Place your stapler in one hand with your palm facing up. Starting at your thighs, bend your elbow and curl your arm upward to your chest. Pause for a moment and then lower your arm back down. Continue for 10 to 15 reps and switch sides. This exercise can also be done with a filled water bottle.

Chair Dancing

Although this one doesn’t exactly get you out of your seat, it’s great for a boost of energy and is downright fun! Throw on a favorite tune (via your headphones) and just go to town with a bit of seated dancing. Whether you want to shake your booty to some hip-hop or do a little tango or salsa, this one will get your energy going when no one is looking!

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December 31, 2016

8 New Year’s Essentials for Burnt-Out College Students

Last August, you started the school year ready to take over the world. But after five months of burying yourself in college textbooks, you’re running a little low on steam. This is totally normal and happens to even the most motivated students. To get you back on track, we’ve created a list of New Year’s resolutions and products that’ll help you keep them. Because if you don’t care take of yourself, making the grade will be that much harder. Shop these New Year’s essentials with Cash Back at Ebates, and end your school year with a bang.

Reduce Distractions

Starting the new year off right should include renewing your focus and concentration. Create a private study space anywhere with this cozy and portable bed tent.

Eat Healthier

The most common New Year’s Eve resolution is weight loss. Stocking up on healthy snacks with a Graze box subscription can improve your energy and reduce your dependence on the dreaded vending machine. We think that’s a great start toward a healthier lifestyle.

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Up Your Organization

If your desk is starting to look like a dump zone, it’s hardly an effective work space. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Clear the clutter with a complete organization set that puts everything in its proper place.

Wake Up Earlier

Never miss an alarm again, even after late nights with your nose buried in textbooks. This alarm clock covers all the bases with flashing lights and a bed-shaking jolt that makes sure you won’t keep slapping the snooze.

Get Active

People often jump on gym memberships when considering what to buy for the new year. We think more gradual lifestyle changes, like using standing desks, are the way to go. Not only will standing keep you more alert, it will also improve your posture and make you less sedentary.

Stay Motivated

College is a long endeavor, and the light at the end of the tunnel can seem pretty far away. Let this motivational mug remind you that you can conquer anything, just like Beyoncé.

Keep Your Spirits Up

We bet with all that time at the computer, you end up looking at your hands a lot. They might as well make you crack a smile, with playful nail decals from Etsy. Subscribe to your favorite Etsy sellers to stay tuned for a promo code on your next purchase.

Combat Stress

Spas and massages are expensive, and meditation takes precious minutes you could be spending editing your thesis. But a calming, aromatherapy body lotion from Aveda takes seconds to apply.