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March 3, 2016

19 Spring Break Survival Must-Haves

We know spring break couldn’t come any sooner and you’ve been dreaming about fun-filled days in the sun. But before you hit the road, set sail, or take flight to your spring break destinations, make sure you are prepared with this complete checklist of items to ensure a successful, stress-free trip. From hair care essentials to electronic accessories, you can find it all with Cash Back at Ebates and maybe even cut costs with a promo code or two.

Dry shampoo – A MUST when you get too busy site-seeing and partying to shower everyday
Sunblock
Lip balm with SPF – Because sun-burned lips are no bueno
Sleep mask – Especially good for camping when you don’t feel like waking up with the sun
Face cleansing wipes
Ear plugs – For spring breakers headed to concerts. Also, your crew may rise earlier or pass out later than you, so pack a pair to keep you in dreamland.
Folding water bottle – Easily conserves room in your bag for light packing
Water shoes – Beach hikes get treacherous.
Mobile charger
Fanny pack – For hands-free partying
Electronic key finder – Because things get misplaced in the middle of shenanigans
Ibuprofen
Sun hat
Mini flashlight – Outdoor evening concerts only become a situation when it’s time to use the port-o-potty.
2 swim suits – Because there’s nothing worse than having to slip into a damp suit. Brrr!
Cheap sunglasses – You are going to lose them. Just make peace with it now.
Snacks
Magazines/books – Kick it old school with paper and save the juice on your phone.
Small card games – They take up little space and are great for those one or two chill evenings you may need to recoup.

Editors’ Party-Rocking Picks

March 2, 2016

#ICYMI: Our Top February Blog Posts

February was a blast this year, with that one extra day and all! Over the month at The Smart Shopper, we tried out Sephora’s new Virtual Artist app, shared cute umbrellas and gave tips on budget apartment decorating. But “In Case You Missed It,” here are some of our top February blog posts featuring top stores, hot deals and Cash Back at Ebates.

17 Things That Happen When You Get Paid to Shop

Have you gotten your Big Fat Check from Ebates yet? Here’s a little preview of what will happen when you shop and get Cash Back.

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Where to Score the Best Birthday Freebies

These Cash Back stores want to help you celebrate another year wiser with some free gifts and discounts. Find out how to get birthday freebies here!

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These Soy Candles Smell Like Disney Magic

Fill your home with the tantalizing scents of Disneyland yumminess and capture the essence of Disney characters with these amazing candles, only at Etsy.

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7 Super Cool Hobbies That Require Zero Skills

Mix things up and broaden your horizons with a new way to pass the time. These seven cool hobbies are perfect for any skill level.

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How to Save on Entertainment and Event Tickets

Catch a movie or a show, or just explore your city for less with these tips on how to score big savings on event tickets and more.

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Be sure to stay tuned for more to come in March. We’re always discovering new trends, adding new stores and coupons, and rounding up more ways to get paid to shop for the things you love. Whether you’re into fashion, tech, home and garden, travel or sports, we have the inside scoop on the best products and deals online and in-store. If you’re not an Ebates member, join today to free!

March 1, 2016

Le Château $1K Shopping Spree Giveaway

From everyday effortless style to glamorous evening looks, Le Château has everything you need to complete your spring wardrobe. Let us help you get a jump start on creating the closet of your dreams with a chance to win a whopping $1,000 to spend at Le Château! Check out our giveaway details and enter to win below. Good luck!

How to Enter the Le Château $1K Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Join Ebates and receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join for free today at www.ebates.com. *You must be an Ebates member to be eligible to win.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Gleam, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

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Le Chateau $1000 Shopping Spree

February 29, 2016

Running on Empty: A Cost Analysis of Movie Road Trips

According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association there are more than 4 million miles of road in the United States, and if you’re an adventurous motorist, they can take you to some pretty exciting places. Maybe that’s why the great American road trip has become such a staple of American cinema; there are endless stories to be told on the open road, from men trying to return to their families like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” to women trying to escape theirs, like in “Thelma and Louise,” or from two friends searching for the perfect trip in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” to two friends searching for the perfect cure for the munchies in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” Movies have reminded us time and time again that if you want something, it’s out there somewhere; you just have to put some serious time behind the wheel to get it.

Of course, movies also like to remind us that these trips almost always come with their fair share of unforeseen accidents, adventures and incidents, and most of them will end up costing you a lot more than your time. Travel can be awfully expensive, so that’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite movie road trips and compared them by cost. Hopefully this will help you out next time you end up on the highway with a dead relative strapped to your roof or stuffed in your trunk.

For our analysis, we started with 10 of the most popular road trip movies ever made:

National Lampoon’s Vacation
Tommy Boy
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Easy Rider
Road Trip
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Little Miss Sunshine
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
Thelma and Louise

Right away, it seems that a good way to cut costs on a road trip is to make it a two-person affair. Seven out of these 10 movies only feature two protagonists — usually best friends like Harold and Kumar or Thelma and Louise, but sometimes they’re forced together like Neal and Del in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” The only trips to feature more than two travelers are “Vacation,” “Road Trip” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” And while these all turned out to be amazing bonding experiences for friends or families, the effort of moving multiple people really blew up the cost. Nowhere is this more clear than in the types of vehicles used. Harry and Lloyd from “Dumb and Dumber” managed to travel 700 miles on a mini bike that got 70 miles to the gallon. They may have looked silly scrunched up on a bike meant for one, but they saved some serious cash. Clark Griswold, on the other hand, needed an entire Queen Wagon Family Truckster to transport his clan from Chicago to Los Angeles. This gas-guzzling station wagon ran at a measly 17 miles to the gallon. Add that to the fact the movie was released at the height of the OPEC oil crisis in the early 1980s and you have to wonder if that trip to Wally World was really worth it.

The Griswolds also traveled the longest distance to reach their destination, trekking a grand total of 2,395 miles. But they’re trailed closely by Harry and Lloyd, who traveled all the way from New Jersey to Aspen in order to return Mary Swanson’s forgotten briefcase. Those 2,144 miles are a long way to go for a random act of kindness (and to screw up a kidnapping ransom!). The other trips on our list don’t come anywhere near the distance covered by these two, with most of them falling well under 1,000 total miles. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less eventful. Harold and Kumar’s trip was by far the shortest, only 70 miles from Hoboken to New Brunswick in search of their favorite hamburgers. But in that relatively short span of road, they encountered everything from an escaped cheetah to Neil Patrick Harris. Or look at Neal Page in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” What started as a two-hour plane trip from New York City to Chicago turned into a multi-day journey into a pit of human frustration, complete with derailed trains, disappearing rental cars and an annoying travel companion who followed him every step of the way. At the end of the day, distance barely seems to matter on these trips; it’s all the obstacles in the way that you’ll really remember.

And if any of these movies are even the slightest bit true, you will face a lot of obstacles too. Some of them might be really bad; hopefully you don’t end your road trip getting blown up by angry hillbillies like in “Easy Rider” or flying off a cliff like in “Thelma and Louise.” But you could end up losing your hubcaps like Clark Griswold when he was giving directions to a group of duplicitous strangers, an extra expense that tagged an additional $160 to the price of his trip. Or you could blow your budget by accidentally running up a charge of $1,560 worth of Las Vegas room service, like the heroes of “Fear and Loathing.”

Of course, some additional expenses might be totally worth it. Harold and Kumar may not have been planning on spending $86 on fast food at the start of their trip, but by the end of it, they had certainly earned it. Or you could spend $257,000 on a brand new Lamborghini like Harry and Lloyd did. OK, it was probably a tad expensive, but perfect for blending into an affluent town like Aspen. Plus, it’s easy to spend that kind of cash when it’s coming out of someone else’s briefcase. (Just make sure you include an IOU.)

Road trips can be costly propositions, but whatever you end up spending, you always make up for it in amazing memories. So next time you want to bond with your family or friends, see some amazing places or chow down on the perfect burger, remember that the open road is out there waiting for you. You just have to get in your car and drive.

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/costs-of-movie-road-trips/"><img alt="Running on Empty - A Cost Analysis of Movie Road Trips" class="ngg_none" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/costs-of-movie-road-trips_IG.png" width="600px" height="4303px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/costs-of-movie-road-trips/">Running on Empty - A Cost Analysis of Movie Road Trips</a> Created by: <a href="https://www.ebates.com/travel-deals.htm"> Ebates</a>

Source List –
http://www.artba.org/about/transportation-faqs/#9
http://energy.gov/eere/vehicles/fact-835-august-25-average-historical-annual-gasoline-pump-price-1929-2013
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/ford_usa/ltd_usa_4gen/ltd_usa_4gen_country_squire/1979.html
http://order.whitecastle.com/
ebay.com
http://maps.google.com

February 26, 2016

7 Things to Do With Your Extra Day This Leap Year

Being that Leap Day only comes once every four years, you may not think it’s that big of a deal. But if you’re like every other adult on the planet and find yourself almost constantly saying, “If only I had more time…” then an extra 24 hours is indeed a big deal. We at Ebates have a few ideas (six, in fact) on what you can do this Leap Day to take full advantage of some extra time on your hands and have a few LOLs while you’re at it.

1. Go to work because it’s still Monday. I know guys, I know. Why, oh why does our extra day have to be a Monday? Actually, when you think about it, the extra day could be considered the last day of the year, which will be a Saturday in 2016. Console yourself with that little factoid. Or just come down with some mysterious and sudden “illness” that only lasts for 24 hours and tell your boss you’ll definitely just be in bed and not doing any of the things listed below. *wink*

2. Make Leap Day your mandatory workout day. Seriously, talk about an easy commitment. Dust off your mountain bike, go snow-shoeing for a solid hour, or find a single-serving yoga class and try not to look like this guy (but you probably will if you only do yoga once every four years. Whatever, at least you’ve finally found a workout regimen you can consistently stick to.)

3. Master the latest dance craze. You know learning how to Whip and Nae Nae or Hit the Quan has secretly been on your to-do list for months. Throw yourself into some YouTube research, clear the room and cut that rug, son. You can start to learn something new everyday, but a dance move should only take a couple of hours, four hours tops for the rhythmically challenged.

4. Tell everyone it’s your birthday. There is no amount of sympathy that is quite like the amount you get when people think you’re a leap day baby. This is also immediately followed by the fun they get to have in calculating how many birthdays you have actually had and then they get to make the ever-witty joke of, “Hey, Happy 8th Birthday! You’re a big girl now!” Yes, Applebee’s Waitress. I am a big girl now. Now give me my free Triple Chocolate Meltdown, skip the song and be on your way, please and thank you.

5. Propose to every dude you see. One famous Leap Day tradition is for women to propose to their boyfriends. But we thought it might be fun to open this one up to every single guy you encounter during the day. The mailman, your hot neighbor, your boss or any random male stranger. You’ll get a good laugh and they’ll get a nice dose of cardio after leaving skid marks to run away from you as fast as possible. It’s a win/win.

6. Dress like a leaping creature. Think of Leap Day as Halloween 2.0. and dust off that old frog or bunny costume to really get into the spirit. Then take the outfit out for a few jumps around the neighborhood, wishing people a Happy Leap Day all along the way. Just remember to refrain from leaping past your office because, remember, you’re sick and not doing any of this stuff.

7. GO SHOPPING. At Ebates, an extra day means extra pay. Stay tuned to Ebates.com for something BIG this Leap Day with special Cash Back deals that will top off your 24 hours just right. And for those ~~playing hookie~~ home sick, don’t forget about In-Store Cash Back offers at big-name stores like Ann Taylor, EXPRESS, The Body Shop and more!

February 25, 2016

6 Easy Ways to Save Big on Going to the Movies

It’s only February and there are already a ton of fabulous films out there in this year’s spring lineup. Whether you’re into lighthearted romantic comedies, superhero flicks or even scream-inducing horror movies, theaters are packed right now with star-studded titles that are just waiting for you. While this is exciting news for any movie buff, if your bank account has you trying to pick and choose which ones you’ll be able to see, you may be singing the budget blues rather than movie theme songs. Don’t start singing your sad tune just yet, we’ve got some good news for you! There are a bunch of super easy ways to save money when it comes to buying movie tickets, including finding an exclusive promo code on Ebates so you can get your tickets for less. Here are some fabulous insider tips that will help you find great deals so you can pick out movie dates for months to come. Check out these tips and get going to the movies and earn Cash Back at Ebates!

1. Cash in on Matinees and Saver Days at Your Theater

Have a flexible schedule or some time off midweek? If you’re searching for savings, midweek is the perfect time to catch a great deal on that movie you have been waiting to see. Can’t do midweek? You can get a great deal on weekend matinees, too! Most movie theaters offer special discount pricing for weekend matinees or movies playing during the day, Monday through Friday. The real bonus is that the theater will probably be free from rowdy kids and crowds so you won’t have to fight to find a great seat. You can just kick back and relax in peace while you enjoy your popcorn and movie!

2. Wait to Watch and Catch a Late Run Show

While it’s fun to catch a movie during its opening night or even during the first week, it usually also means that you are going to get caught in a line with the throngs of folks that also have the same great idea. While some folks may live for the midnight showings of the latest blockbuster, if you can wait a couple weeks to catch a screening, there’s a good chance you’ll save a few bucks. Aside from avoiding the crowd, waiting to see new movies can mean serious savings for your entertainment budget. Many theaters offer awesome discount movie tickets several weeks after the movie first premieres. Waiting also means that you can find out which movies get the best box office and critic reviews before you spend your money to see them. Win-win!

3. Skip the Shows With Extra Frills and Avoid Added Costs

Going to a movie in IMAX or 3D can be fun, but it will almost certainly mean paying extra to watch a movie. If you are willing to forego the fancy viewing experience, it can mean some major savings for you and your movie budget. Skipping out on the IMAX and 3D options is also a great choice if your family has young children that struggle with keeping the special 3D glasses on for the entire show.

4. Sign up for Theater Loyalty Programs

If you absolutely love movies, you’re in for a treat when you sign up for movie theater company loyalty programs. Big theater chains like AMC and Cinemark have awesome loyalty programs that will give you rewards points for every movie ticket purchase. If you live in an area with only a couple theaters or there is one special theater that you go to every time, loyalty program rewards will add up faster than you can believe. Cash your rewards in for awesome benefits like movie coupon codes for free tickets. Some programs even offer free upgrades at the concession stand on popcorn and fountain drinks.

5. Cash in on Price Club Discounts or Buy in Bulk

Did you know that if you’re a member of a shopping club like Costco or Sam’s Club, you can get great deals on discount movie tickets? It’s true! Big discount clubs will often have bundles of movie theater gift cards or discount tickets available at a fantastic price. Even if you’re not a member of a discount club, you can still get a great price on movie tickets for the whole gang when you buy in bulk. Check online or talk to your local theater to find out just how much you can save when you buy movie tickets in bulk.

6. Double Check for Specialty Discounts

If you’re a student, a senior citizen or a member of the military, then this tip is for you! Before you book your tickets, double check to see if your favorite theater offers discount movie tickets for these groups. Even if the movie ticket price only gets reduced a dollar or so, after about a dozen movies, you’ll have saved enough for a full ticket. Just don’t forget to have your ID ready when you head to the theater!

Now that you have our handy guide for saving a little extra on your entertainment budget, which movie will you and your friends go see first?

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

February 24, 2016

How to Save on Entertainment and Event Tickets

Looking for great entertainment on a tight budget? Ebates has you covered! Check out these awesome insider savings tips to get out and see the shows you love at a price that won’t break the bank. Check out these sites that offer Cash Back and the best prices on entertainment tickets.

Fandango

Fandango’s movie ticket booking site offers all the latest and hottest cinematic features. With an incredible number of up-to-date movie listings and deals, Fandango is a fantastic place to score the movie tickets you want at a great price.

Savings Tips:
• Get freebies after you book by scrolling through the movie’s listing page. Some films offer free songs or other content downloads with your purchase.
• Check out a few different theaters and show times to cash in on special matinee prices.
• Have a movie coupon to use? Not all shows are eligible for movie coupons so double check before you plan your movie night!

Ticketmaster

When it comes to getting the best deals on the hottest event tickets, Ticketmaster is the place to go. Whether you’re looking for cheap tickets to go see your favorite comedian or that awesome indie band you’ve loved for years, Ticketmaster has the tickets you want at an awesome price.

Savings Tips:
• Head to the Deals section to check out the hottest sales and offers on event tickets all in one handy place!

Superstar Tickets

Whether you are looking for big league sports event tickets or cheap tickets to top concerts and theater events, Superstar Tickets has them all!

Savings Tips:
• Watch for special online savings, like a promo code for 10% off your next purchase.
• Looking for a show close to home? Save on travel when you check out Superstar’s helpful listings by location.

Entertainment.com

The name says it all! For over 50 years, Entertainment.com has specialized in providing remarkable savings on movie tickets, getaways, activities and attractions.

Savings Tips:
• Partnering with thousands of local and national brands and stores, Entertainment.com offers merchant promotions and money-saving promo codes so you can save up to 50% every day on the things you love to do.

Ticket Liquidator

Searching for tickets even after a show has sold out? Head to Ticket Liquidator to get access to the most sought after event tickets online!

Savings Tips:
• Sign up for Ticket Liquidator’s mobile club and get an instant coupon for $25 off your next purchase!
• Subscribe to the Ticket Liquidator email newsletter and get special deals and event ticket info delivered straight to your inbox.

ScoreBig.com

With prices too low to publish, you won’t believe how much you can save on event tickets online at ScoreBig.com. Get ready to unlock cheap event tickets when you shop shows and entertainment online at ScoreBig.com.

Savings Tips:
• Save up to 60% off when you name a price on the tickets you want! If they accept your price, you can score some serious savings.
• Keep an eye out for an unbelievable ScoreBig promo code and cash in on super cheap tickets online at ScoreBig.com.

Razor Gator

When you shop online at Razor Gator, you’ll be on the edge of your seat cheering for more before you know it. Featuring great deals on event tickets for sports, concerts, theater and more, you’ll get the tickets you want when you shop online at Razor Gator.

Savings Tips:
• Head to the Razor Gator blog for exclusive deals on tickets.
• Shop with confidence at Razor Gator thanks to their 100% authenticity and on-time guarantee.

With these tips, you’ll get top-notch entertainment for less. You can count on Ebates to help you find that special promo code for tickets and give you extra savings with Cash Back, so you can have a ball within budget.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

February 23, 2016

3 Outfits for Any Oscar Night Party

The 88th Academy Awards will take place on February 28, 2016. This year’s host is comedian Chris Rock and movies like Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant, The Martian and Bridge of Spies are all vying for the coveted Best Picture award. If you love cinema, chances are you’ll be watching the Oscars in some way, shape or form. We came up with three outfits for you to wear depending on how you plan to spend your night watching the biggest names in film, all with Cash Back at Ebates.

Casual and Comfy

If you plan on making a bowl of popcorn and streaming the star-studded event from your couch, comfort is key. Show your love for The Revenant star with this Leonardo DiCaprio shirt (he’s gotta win this year, right?!) and olive tomgirl pants. Finish off the look with a grey and ivory check coatigan and Vans leather slip-ons.

The Oscar Statuette

Hitting the town in style? Channel your inner Oscar statuette with this glitter romper. Keep the gold going with a pendant necklace and gold eyeshadow. Since the base of the Oscar statuette is black, these plated heeled sandals and black and gold clutch will add the perfect finishing touches.

Red Carpet Ready

Floor length gowns are typical at some Oscar Night events. If that’s the case, you’ve got to check out Rent the Runway. You can rent a dress and accessories for 4 to 8 days and wear name brand gowns for a fraction of the price, like this gorgeous Badgley Mischka gown paired with Erickson Beamon earrings. Pair with these classy black heeled sandals and you’ll be ready to walk the red carpet yourself.

How do you plan to spend your Oscar Night? What movie do you want to win best picture? Let us know in a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

February 19, 2016

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is right around the corner! The time has come to finally banish clutter and evict all the dust bunnies that have gathered around the house. Whether you live in a tiny studio, a two-bedroom apartment or a house, there’s no time like the present to clear out the cobwebs with a blast of spring cleaning motivation. Wondering where to start? Tackling your whole home at once may seem like an impossible task, so here’s an easy breakdown of our handy spring cleaning checklist so you can take it one step at a time.

Ready, Set, Go… Make a List!

First up, make your own personalized spring cleaning checklist. When you’re ready to spring clean, get organized by identifying your target problem areas and then make a plan. Take a walk through your house and try to spot problem areas of serious clutter and grimy or dusty corners. Figure out which of the following areas need the most TLC in your home and start there. Make sure you don’t forget to check out notorious problem areas like inside your oven, fridge and shower. Sounds easy enough, right? Once you have your plan of attack figured out, you’re ready to set it into motion! Not everyone has the same spring cleaning list of to-dos, but here are some tips for the most common spring cleaning zones in the house.

Be Brave and Start With the Kitchen

Possibly one of the biggest hurdles to get over when it comes to spring cleaning is the unenviable job awaiting you in the kitchen. With so many surfaces that likely need a thorough wipe down, it’s time to put on the cleaning gloves, turn up the music and get to work. Don’t forget to get those extra icky places like the inside of your oven and under your stovetop. Has the fridge seen cleaner days? The area under the produce bins in the fridge can gather all sorts of liquid and runoff from the upper levels so make that a prime cleaning target for your fridge wipe down. Throw out any expired or spoiled food that is hiding in the fridge or pantry and round up any extra non-perishables that you might want to take to a local food bank. Once you’ve finished cleaning the various nooks and kitchen crannies, sweep the room, give it a quick mopping and move on down the list.

Cue the Horror Music and Clean the Bathroom

It won’t be that bad! Rivaling only the kitchen in terms of yucky grime buildup, giving your bathroom a deep clean is serious business and not for the faint of heart if it hasn’t had a thorough cleaning in a while. But don’t worry, the plan of attack here is similar to the kitchen. So keep those cleaning gloves on and get ready to scrub surfaces and toss away expired or empty goods. Start by clearing off sink, tub and shower surfaces of all your bath and beauty products and wipe the surfaces down, focusing on any cracks and corners where grime or soap residue may have accumulated. Throw away any old razors, empty containers, expired beauty products or medicine and check for nests of hair that may have accumulated around the drains in the sink and tub. After you give the toilet a thorough scrub down with your preferred bowl cleaner and vacuum and mop the floor, you’re ready to move on!

Tidy the Office or Desk Area

Whether you have a whole dedicated office, a work corner or even just a desk where all your important papers inevitably pile up, organizing files and papers are a spring cleaning must. With tax season quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to get your documents and receipts in order by sorting out unfiled piles and tucking them away into the proper folders or filing cabinets. Don’t forget to dust off your computer or laptop and other surfaces. Once you vacuum the floors, it’s time for the next room!

Tackle That Living Room

This one should be pretty easy. Get started in the living room with dusting surfaces and electronics around the room. Don’t forget to vacuum under your couch cushions. It’s amazing how much grit can collect under there. Maybe you’ll even find that spare set of keys or your friend’s wallet that you knew your couch ate months ago! Vacuum the floor, under the furniture and in all the corners to make sure you catch all those hidden dust and hair tumbleweeds. Tidy up any blankets or pillows that are around and head to the bedroom for a nap.

Freshen up the Bedroom

Spring tidying in the bedroom is equal parts clutter clearing, sorting and cleaning. Give all of the surfaces a dusting and vacuum even under the bed and behind any other furniture. Strip the sheets, throw them in the wash and swap out your winter bedding for a lighter spring option. If you rotate your mattress, this is a good time to do it! As you spring clean, don’t forget to tackle your closet or dresser. Spring is a great time to clear out the stuff that’s been hanging around, untouched for months, if not years. Pack up a box of your unworn clothing and shoes and donate them for some instant good karma and a tax deduction.

Check Off Those Last Few Odds and Ends

You’ve almost made it through another year of spring cleaning! Make sure you swap out any lightbulbs that need it and check your smoke detectors to see if they need new batteries. Don’t forget to shake out any carpets and vacuum underneath! Especially if you have pets, you won’t believe how much dirt, dander and fur can get trapped under your rugs, runners and kitchen mats. Once your home smells fresh and looks tidy you can check off every last item on your spring cleaning checklist and get to everyone’s favorite post spring cleaning activity: spring decorating!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

February 18, 2016

Where to Score the Best Birthday Freebies

It’s a pretty simple concept. You worked hard to make your way into the world and then you actually survived for this long. So while you celebrate with some balloons and a piñata, you should totally get some free stuff on your birthday as well. And why not for other than the fact that you are awesome? We want to make sure you are cashing in as much as possible on free birthday stuff from top online stores, which also just happen to offer Cash Back at Ebates. From a discount promo code to actual free (and customized!) gifts, you can have your birthday cake and eat it too with this list of sweet birthday freebies and where to get them.