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January 22, 2016

5 Tips to Hosting the Perfect Tea Party

Tea parties are a great way to gather up friends for a fun afternoon of stories, laughter, drinks and food. Whether you’re throwing a baby or bridal shower or just want an excuse to get everyone together, hosting a tea party is exciting and enjoyable for all ages. But as fun as they are, they do require a bit of proper planning. No worries though – we have all the tips, tricks and must-have items to throw the perfect tea party! When planning your event, don’t forget to search for promo codes and deals at Ebates to save more and earn Cash Back on all your tea party purchases.

Issue the Invitations

When planning a tea party, the formality of your event will reflect in the formality of your invitation. If you want a traditional English tea party, opt for handwritten invitations on a tea card. Or get in touch with your crafty side and print them out on floral stationary and decorate with lace or pearls. If you’re new to throwing an afternoon tea party, keep it small, inviting three to five guests.

Set the Table

Since you’ll be sitting at the table as you drink your tea, make the table shine. Set down a white linen or lace tablecloth and arrange a fresh bouquet of flowers in the center of the table. Let your own personality shine through when decorating. Make sure to arrange the treats and teacups ahead of time. Use tiered cake stands to elevate the table and maximize space. And don’t fret if your tea set doesn’t match! Mix and matched china allows for a fun and modern look. Or you can invite your guests to bring their favorite tea cup to the party and ask them to share what makes the cup special to them.

Arrange the Treats

The main emphasis of the party is of course the tea, but snacks are equally as important! Opt for snacks that don’t require being served warm, such as finger sandwiches and scones. Serve biscuits with jam or channel your inner baker and make a cake (or tiny cakes!) for all to enjoy.

Present the Drinks

Offer your guests an assortment of hot and cold tea. You can opt for one tea pot full of boiling water presented alongside tea bags and another pot with your favorite tea already brewed. Don’t forget the tea essentials such as lemon, sugar, honey and cream. You can even include orange or lime slices, fresh fruit such as raspberries and strawberries or fresh herbs like basil and mint. This will allow your guests to try new things and share their favorite combinations. For iced tea drinkers – make fun ice cubes! Add an edible flower or lemon zest to the ice cube tray for a little surprise.

Enjoy the Party

In the end, whether you serve your tea on a silver tray or just brew up some iced tea, enjoy your tea party. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together and enjoy one another’s company!

Tea Party Essentials

To enjoy your lovely afternoon tea, you need a few essentials. This stoneware teapot from Lord & Taylor is simple and elegant but is also microwave and dishwasher safe. If you plan on brewing tea leaves, you’ll want a tea strainer to serve to the perfect cup. Adding a cute sugar bowl and a pink tea set to the table completes the look.

Tantalizing Teas

Having a variety of tea available for your guests allows for a delightful afternoon. A hearty black tea like this form from Adagio Teas is a great addition for a morning tea party while a chai tea adds a bit of sweet and spice to the mix. Mix it up with interesting flavors like a tropical green tea or herbal tea, served with garnishes.

Delightful Decor

Elegant decorations really add to the tea party atmosphere. Arrange your treats on a two-tier cake stand or serve them on doilies for a classic look. These tea invitations from Etsy will get your guests excited for the party. Don’t forget to set down a lace tablecloth before decorating!

Finishing Touches

While it’s not necessary to dress up for a tea party, there’s no denying that it’s part of the fun! Carry a white lace parasol if your choose to have a garden tea party in the sun and add lavender gloves to perfect the look. Tea hats are all the rage and this emerald fascinator from ModCloth will be one you’ll never want to take off. Or opt to keep it simple by adding a jeweled broach to your favorite dress.

Will you be throwing a tea party this 2016? Let us know in a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 21, 2016

How to Spend Your Holiday Gift Cards Wisely

With the holidays safely behind us, there’s a good chance that you now have a shiny, new pile of gift cards just waiting for you to spend them. Whether it’s a Best Buy card from your brother or that Macy’s card from your aunt, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to make the most your new gift cards. Even if that means you’re going to sell gift cards or do a gift card exchange, there are so many ways to make the most out of your cards. So if you have a pile of unspent gift cards laying around, here are some awesome money-saving tips and tricks from your friends at Ebates to help you maximize just how far those cards can go.

1. Don’t Lose Your Cards

It’s easy to plan all the awesome things that you’ll buy with your new gift cards, but once you get busy, it’s just as easy to tuck your cards aside and promptly forget your ideas – and where you stashed your gift cards. Even if that happens, protect your cards from disappearing by making sure that you register them or write down the redemption info. Be sure to keep your gift cards in a safe place, because while their small size makes them convenient for shopping, their slim profile means they are super easy to lose in a pile of papers on a messy desk. Keep your gift cards somewhere that’s both secure and memorable because they can be super safe, but they’re no good to you if you can’t remember where you stashed them! To the same end, don’t keep them in your wallet. It’s annoying to not have them if you are out shopping, but even more annoying to lose all that awesome already-paid-for value if your wallet goes missing while you’re out. Save yourself a headache and don’t put them in your wallet until you are ready to spend them, or better yet, spend them online! Gift cards are incredibly easy to use online from the comfort of your couch or bed and you can often find the best deals right from your computer.

2. Take Advantage of Sales and Free Shipping Offers

Just because you have free money to spend, that doesn’t mean you should skip shopping around for the best deals! Stretch your gift card budget as far as it will go by paying attention to sales and promotions online, whether you are redeeming a card from Ace Hardware online for those new tools you’ve been eyeing or cashing in a Kohl’s card for a new pair of jeans. Shopping online with your gift cards is a great way to do this because you can easily compare prices across vendors and take instant advantage of savings that you might not notice if you’re out wandering around a store.

3. Don’t Let Gift Cards Turn Into a Slippery Spending Slope

While gift cards may mean you can start shopping, it shouldn’t mean blowing your budget. A gift card can give you a chunk of change to spend at your favorite stores, but it’s easy to go way overboard. Use your gift card to help you get closer to the purchase price of those big ticket items you’ve been eyeballing. Just make sure you set a hard limit for just how far above the value of your gift card you can go without really breaking the bank.

4. Make the Most of the Cards You Won’t Use

We all get them – the gift cards that you just won’t ever use. Whether it’s for a store that clashes with your personal style or a restaurant you can’t stand, don’t just toss your unwanted gift cards. There are a number of places online that offer a gift card exchange. They will happily take your unwanted gift cards off your hands and either trade them out for cards you want or you can even just sell gift cards for cash. Super cool, right? If that still sounds like too much work, see if your friends want to have a post-holiday gift card swap. Who knows what goodies they may be looking to trade for your less-than-loved gift cards! Have another holiday event or birthday coming up? Gift cards are super easy to re-gift and come in especially handy when you need a last minute present.

5. Don’t Waste Their Value to Expiration Dates and Fees

Gift cards are an awesome way to shop at your favorite store or redeem for a fabulous movie night out via Fandango, but make sure you pay attention to any expiration dates or fees that the cards may have. It’s a shame to let any of that value go to waste when you could be out spending and having a ball! Check the back of gift cards or any paperwork that came with your cards to skim the fine print for the necessary details to figure out if you’re up against any expiration deadlines or if you’ll be hit with any maintenance fees in the future. Nothing like unexpected fees or an expiration date to dampen the gift card spending fun!

Now that we’ve shared these tips, you’re ready to head out and spend those gift cards like a pro. Enjoy!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 21, 2016

Foodie Fashion: The New Nom-tastic Vans Collection

For those of us who love topping off a fun night out with some greasy treats, the Late Night collection from Vans has us drooling. Drive thru in style with colorful Vans sneakers in tasty foodie fashion prints including classic junk food staples like burgers and fries, creamy cupcakes and more. This collection includes men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes as well as socks and tees to top off your food-loving frock while stacking your savings with a Vans promo code and Cash Back at Ebates. Feast your eyes on our faves from the Late Night collection below and let us know which pair you can’t resist.

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 20, 2016

How to Save on Designer Styles at Saks Fifth Avenue

The renowned Saks Fifth Avenue name conjures designer dreams and serious clothing cravings in the minds of fashionistas everywhere. Thankfully, you can get your luxury on for less with Cash Back at Ebates on chic winter wardrobe ideas and style staples at Saks. From designer handbags and accessories to the best beauty products and on-trend apparel for men, women and kids, SaksFifthAvenue.com is the spot to score all things designer on a dime. Here’s how you can find your new fashion faves on a budget at Saks Fifth Avenue:

1. Saks Fifth Avenue offers free shipping on every order, every day. Use promo code FREESHIP and get your gorgeous goodies delivered right to your home or office for free. Saks Fifth Avenue’s free shipping offer is available regardless of your order total, so that means you can spice up your entire wardrobe or just get that one pair of designer shoes you’ve been eyeing for less. Check out their website for all the delivery details.

2. Sign up for Saks text alerts to get the inside scoop on savings. Sign up for SMS text alerts at SaksFifthAvenue.com and they’ll text you when something special happens. You’ll get exclusive insider access to all the best designer fashion sales and more. Stay updated on endless ways to stay fashion forward and save even more with Saks Cash Back at Ebates thanks to these easy text alerts.

3. Get 10% off your next order with Saks emails. Sign up for Saks Fifth Avenue emails and enjoy 10% off your next Saks order. You’ll even gain access to money-saving sweepstakes, exciting email-only sales and more insider exclusives. A must for trendsetting shoppers who want to stay ahead of the style curve!

4. Save up to 70% in the sale section. Scope out Saks Fifth Avenue’s online sale section for deep designer discounts. Shop the best deals in women’s apparel, designer shoes, men’s clothing, designer handbags and more. Explore trending sales for all the most popular picks and best sellers, all at up to 70% off. Looking for winter wardrobe ideas? Take a peek at Saks’ Winter Favorites Sale for discount coats, jackets and more trendy takeaways to keep you cozy.

5. Join the SaksFirst bonus rewards program. Make the most of your Saks shopping experience when you sign up for their money-saving SaksFirst program. Just sign up for a SaksFirst Store Card or a Saks Credit Card and upon approval, you will automatically become a member of the SaksFirst Program. Earn up to six points per dollar spent at Saks Fifth Avenue, plus earn extra points during special sales events. Your points will be automatically redeemed each February and you’ll receive a gift card you can use just like cash!

6. Sign up for a SaksFirst Credit Card for savings and perks. Turn everyday purchases outside of SaksFifthAvenue.com into SaksFirst points with a SaksFirst MasterCard. Choose the SaksFirst World Elite MasterCard and upon approval, you’ll enjoy special offers, advance notice of sales, a $25 Saks Welcome Gift offer and more. Opt for the World Elite MasterCard and score benefits like no foreign transaction fees, price protection and so much more. Take advantage of the easy financing offers fit for you and get VIP perks at the same time!

7. Get free products with purchase. There’s nothing better than a free gift! Check out Saks’ beauty section for gorgeous giveaway options you can get with a purchase. Browse the ever-changing selection of special offers and take advantage of designer makeup, skincare and fragrances, all free when you buy from your favorite brands. Head over to SaksFifthAvenue.com for the coolest in complimentary goodies. It’s the perfect way to save on spicing up your beauty and grooming routine.

8. Use Ebates! Sign up for your free account at Ebates and get Cash Back on the things you were already going to buy at Saks Fifth Avenue including designer handbags, apparel and more. You can get Cash Back for shopping both online AND in Saks stores when you sign up for In-Store Cash Back. Plus, get additional savings using Saks promo codes to freshen up your fashion collection for less.

9. Keep an eye out for semi-annual sales and special events. Get major price reductions during Saks Fifth Avenue’s amazing Semi-Annual Sale. Get up to 50% off all your favorite designer gear. It’s the perfect time to stock up on style and get inspiration for your winter wardrobe. Plus, get incredible deals during seasonal sales and special promotions like Black Friday, flash sales and more.

Now that you’re in the know on all the latest and greatest ways to save at Saks Fifth Avenue, you can be a trendsetter on a budget that won’t break the bank. Comment below and tell us about some of your favorite Saks style steals!

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

Where to Find the Best Winter Wardrobe Deals

Cooler temps mean loading on the layers and bundling up before you head out into the great outdoors. But frigid air doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style or your savings. You can still keep your chic look even during chilly weather and save on the newest styles with Cash Back at Ebates at these popular winter wardrobe retailers. Here are our hottest store picks for scoring the best cold winter clothing on a budget.

Saks Fifth Ave

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue for the latest in designer women’s apparel, men’s apparel, shoes, winter coats, handbags and more. Score winter necessities without burning through your budget, all while keeping your style.

Savings Tips:
• Saks Fifth Avenue offers free shipping on every order, every day.
• Sign up for emails and get 10% off your next order.

Nordstrom

Find designer deals on trendy apparel, chic jewelry, winter boots, makeup, shoes and more at Nordstrom.

Savings Tips:
• Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns on almost anything on their site, with no minimums.
• Join Nordstrom Rewards and earn two points per dollar you spend. Every 2,000 points gets you a $20 Nordstrom Note for an easy way to save on your online shopping favorites.
• See more tips here.

Macy’s

Macy’s is the destination for fashionable clothing and accessories for your entire family. Find top designer brands, activewear, shoe deals, popular beauty products and home décor at the best prices around.

Savings Tips:
• Macy’s offers free shipping with a purchase of just $39 or more.
• Apply for a Macy’s Credit Card and enjoy tons of great cardholder benefits, ranging from money-saving Star Passes to special bonus events and exciting birthday offers.
• See more tips here.

Lands’ End

Lands’ End is the place to find stylish apparel, outwear, winter coats and more. Shop an incredible selection of winter boots, sweaters, uniforms, home décor and clothing for your whole family.

Savings Tips:
• Sign up for Lands’ End emails and get 30% off all regularly priced styles, plus free shipping on $50 orders.

Express

Express offers a chic array of men’s and women’s clothing. Shop business attire, going-out wardrobe staples, jeans and fashion-forward accessories.

Savings Tips:
• Express offers free standard shipping on all orders $125 or more.
• Apply for an Express Next Credit Card and get 15% off your first purchase upon approval. You’ll also earn money-saving points for every qualified dollar you spend on your card – 2,500 points gets you a $10 reward! Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to earn bonus points for ultimate online shopping savings.

J.Crew

Visit J.Crew for the highest quality clothing for men, women and children. Shop great deals on winter boots, on-trend apparel, jewelry and more classic American styles for less.

Savings Tips:
• J.Crew offers free shipping on qualifying orders of $150 or more, or you can choose their $5 flat-rate shipping option.

Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers is the original authority on American style, offering fashionable, modern clothing and fresh takes on heritage designs for men, women and kids. Shop men’s dress shirts, winter coats for women, kids’ shoes and more family-friendly fashions.

Savings Tips:
• Save up to 50% on your winter wardrobe essentials with Brooks Brother’s Limited-Time Exclusives Selection. You’ll find hot clearance deals at deeply discounted prices.
• Open a Brooks Brothers Credit Card account and get 15% off your first day’s purchases. You’ll even get a $20 birthday reward and earn more rewards for every $500 purchase at Brooks Brothers when you pay with your card.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor offers high-quality, chic women’s clothing including suits, dresses, blouses, pants, sweaters and more. Get the best online shopping deals with women’s winter coats, knitwear, cashmere and jackets on sale.

Savings Tips:
• Ann Taylor offers free standard shipping offers on orders for the over $175 (additional charges apply on orders to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico addresses).

Kohl’s

Find great savings on winter clothing, shoes, toys, home décor, appliances and electronics for the whole family at Kohl’s. Shop the top brands in apparel, winter boots, beauty products and unbeatable clothing deals you’ll love.

Savings Tips:
• Kohl’s offers free standard shipping with a purchase of $75 or more (with restrictions on Alaska and Hawaii addresses).
• See more tips here.

LOFT

LOFT is all about style, offering a fashionable array of women’s pants, dresses, sweaters, blouses and more. Browse incredible online shopping deals on the newest arrivals of the season, all at the perfect price.

Savings Tips:
• Apply for a LOVELOFT Credit Card and enjoy 15% off your first purchase upon approval. Earn five points for every dollar you spend at LOFT and get a $20 Rewards Card for every 2,000 points you earn! Plus, get other rewards like a $15 birthday gift and more special discounts every month.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 14, 2016

10 Fashion-Forward Phone Cases to Up Your Accessories Game

Who knew the latest “it” accessory would also be one with major functionality? You paid a pretty penny for that iPhone, so you need to slap a case on it pronto to protect your investment. Why not make it a fashionable case that will turn heads and get you some Cash Back at Ebates? We’ve rounded up some super cool phone cases that will make a major statement while keeping your iPhone safe and sound.

Flirty Florals

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Put a spring in your step and into your look with this Kate Spade New York phone case, featuring a bright burst of photographic florals.

Blingtastic

Embellish any look with this simple yet statement-making Stella McCartney case. Bonus: The sparkly crystal accent also helps you keep your grip and avoid slips!

Punk Chic

Studs and spikes are still going strong in the trend department, making this Rebecca Minkoff case a must-have for all you rabble-rousers out there.

Purse Power

This wristlet phone case reps one of the hottest accessory trends of the season with a playful twist. Add some cat fancy to your evening looks in a snap.

Say Cheese

Get ready for your close-up with this adorable camera phone case from Kate Spade New York. We all know the quest for the perfect selfie is why you really bought the phone in the first place.

Major Attitude

Big, bold and kitschy cell phone cases are a hot trend and an extremely easy way to add personality to your look. This Moschino Fresh Couture case is as sassy as they come.

Foodie Fierce

Profess your love of sweet treats and various other snacks with a food-themed accessory like this tantalizing breakfast pastry case from ModCloth.

Stone Fox

Marble phone cases are a huge trend for those looking for a luxe accent to their look. A gold phone looks particularly stunning in a case like this.

Graphic Detail

Festival season will be here before your know it, and a neon chevron case like this is perfect to pair with your fringe shorts, halter tops and anything else you rock out in.

The Eyes Have It

Eyes on a phone case is totally a thing, and it makes for one fun mirror selfie when you place the phone over your own peepers! This glittery case is all diva with a cute sense of humor.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 13, 2016

The Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season

Nobody enjoys getting sick. While it may sound nice to take the day off and stay in your pajamas at home, when cold and flu symptoms are added in, you usually end up being just plain miserable. From stuffy noses to painful coughs, having the flu or a cold can end up keeping you from your daily routine longer than you want. We’ve got some tips to help you survive cold and flu season without having to live inside a bubble.

Get a Flu Shot

A flu and a cold are very different. More than 100 different viruses can cause a cold, where as only influenza virus types A, B and C cause the flu. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu strains health experts believe will be most widespread each season. Yes, you might have a sore arm for a day or two (massage the area gently before and after the shot to prevent soreness) or feel a bit achy the next day, but you can not catch the flu from the vaccine.

Wash Your Hands – A Lot

Wash your hands, over and over again. Wash your hands so much you start to get tired of doing it. Even if you aren’t in a job environment where you work closely with people, germs can stay on objects you touch regularly. Make sure when washing your hands to use soap and scrub hard for at least 20 seconds. Scrub between your fingers, the back of your hands and even under your fingernails.

Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

While the preferred method of getting rid of cold and flu germs is with soap and water, sometimes you can’t always have this on hand. A quick spritz of hand sanitizer is also essential for those who use public transit, where germs can collect in the close environment.

Clean Your Surroundings

Sanitize your surroundings. A cough or sneeze can send germs flying, so sanitize the objects you touch daily. Think of your keyboard, mouse, mousepad, cell phone, doorknobs, light switches, coffee mugs, etc. These can be germ hoarders and you don’t want that on your desk.

Sneeze Into Your Elbow

Sneezing or coughing into your sleeve is the best way to stop the spread of germs from a sneeze or cough when you do not have a tissue. When you sneeze into your hands, you risk touching your face or objects. It might seem hard to break the sneezing into your hand habit, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’re bettering your health and the health of those around you.

If you have fallen under the evil spell of a cold or flu, it’s good to be prepared. When you’re feeling achy in bed, the last thing you’ll want to do is head to the drugstore to get medicine and soup. Build a Cold and Flu Survival Kit filled with medicine, warm socks and all types of flu-killing products. We have a few suggestions on what to put in your kit with Cash Back at Ebates, but feel free to add whatever you like to kick that cold!

Stock up on all these cold and flu essentials at online pharmacy’s like Walgreens or Drugstore.com. If you need to buy for the whole family, get your items in bulk at discount stores like Kmart or Walmart. Don’t forget to use Ebates to get Cash Back on all your online purchases and stay healthy this winter!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 12, 2016

Where to Shop Tax Filing Essentials

Tax season is just around the corner, but there’s no need to panic! Get great deals online from these stores for all your tax prep essentials with Cash Back at Ebates.

Best Buy

In need of new tech to make tax preparation go smoothly? Head to Best Buy! For everything from tax filing software to printing supplies, Best Buy has the top brands and the tech support to back it up.

Savings Tip: Head to Best Buy’s Deals section to get awesome savings like Hottest Deals, Deal of the Day and to check out their Weekly Ad with the best offers, all in one place!

Office Depot

You know Office Depot is a great place to get all your office essentials, but did you know you can also score great deals on tax filing essentials? Grab highlighters, folders and anything else you need to stay organized all year long plus the software to handle your state taxes and federal tax return.

Savings Tip: Check out Office Depot’s Hot Deals of the Week to cash in on their best bargains!

Walmart

Walmart is a great one-stop shop for all your tax season essentials. Whether you’re looking for office supplies, the hottest tax filing software or a fun reward to motivate you to crank out your tax return in one sitting, Walmart has got you covered at an incredible price.

Savings Tip: Walmart offers super everyday low prices plus free shipping and free returns. Don’t miss the Daily Savings Center for today’s biggest deals online at Walmart.

Dell

Power up with a new laptop or desktop computer from Dell and process your taxes in no time!

Savings Tip: With awesome deals, coupons and free shipping offers, you’ll have the computing power you need to finish your tax returns and a fabulous computer when you’re done. Win-win!

Rakuten

Check out mega online market Rakuten to get everything you need to keep your tax records in order year-round plus fabulous tech, tablets and more.

Savings Tip: Sign up for Rakuten Super Points for free and earn points redeemable toward future purchases every time you shop.

Staples

For everything from office essentials like printers and paper to the software you’ll need to do your taxes, Staples has great deals online.

Savings Tip: Shop Deals online at Staples to find coupons, weekly specials, everyday bargains and clearance prices on everything you need for tax season and beyond!

eBay

You probably already know that eBay is an incredible place to find just about anything, but did you know that eBay is also a great source for tax prep essentials? Get amazing deals on software, office supplies and all the other goods you need to survive tax season.

Savings Tip: Head to the Daily Deals section to get eBay’s lowest prices on tax season essentials like computers, tablets, software and more!

TurboTax

Want to speed through your state and federal tax returns like a pro? With TurboTax’s powerful software, tax filing is a cinch.

Savings Tip: Get started for free at TurboTax. Plus simple 1040EZ/1040A returns are free!

H&R Block

H&R Block’s reputation precedes them as one of the biggest names in the tax prep game. The good news for you is that they are there to make your life and tax season easier!

Savings Tip: Need to file a simple federal tax return? At H&R Block, simple federal tax returns are free!

TaxACT

Ready to maximize your refund and make tax filing a breeze? Head to TaxACT to get incredible savings on preparing and filing your state and federal tax returns.

Savings Tip: TaxAct offers their powerful online tax software for preparing simple state taxes and federal tax returns for free. Check it out!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 11, 2016

26 Things That Happen Every Time You Shop at Sephora

A love of makeup can make us do crazy things, and being surrounded by a rainbow of palettes and powders upon entry into any Sephora can bring out our inner beauty beast in seconds flat. Here is a breakdown of what happens to us all — whether we’re noob Beauty Insiders or pro-level Sephora VIBs.

1. You enter the dragon’s lair with a few practical things on your mental shopping list. “Just a refill on my foundation and an eyelash curler, please and thank you,” you tell yourself.

2. You say, “No, thank you,” to the lovely cast member (that’s her actual title, BTW) who offers you a basket because you’re just here for foundation, an eyelash curler and maybe that blue-based red lipstick she’s wearing, because it’s stunning.

3. IT BEGINS.

4. You notice they’ve rearranged the store, moving the Urban Decay display to the front, where you can easily see they are having a build-your-own palette special.

5. You dip one finger into dreamy orange Fireball. (A finger, not a tester brush. Because remember, you’re not shopping for eye shadow. Just foundation, an eyelash curler and definitely that red lipstick.) Oh, how it sparkles.

6. You play the “I just want to hold it” game that you used to play as a kid to see if your mom would break down and buy you a toy if you took it to the register with sad puppy-dog eyes.

7. Then you realize you’re a grown-up with your own money and you can treat yourself for all the adulting you did this week. Plus, you have a Sephora gift card and gifts are meant to be enjoyed, right?

8. And then you remember the Sephora return policy that lets you bring back any item, even if it’s open and used, for a full refund. So if you can’t pull off that Fireball like you pictured, there’s no risk. You’d be insane not to get it.

9. You finally locate the red lipstick and notice it has a sister — a sultry, deep merlot. You test it out on your hand.

10. You think, “What type of eye would I wear with this?” You test a matte gray shadow on your hand.

11. You test a bronze blush. It’s too bronze.

12. You test a mauve.

13. That would go perfectly with a plum lip. You test a plum lip.

14. You suffer a test-frenzy-induced blackout and come to with a full-blown swatch hand.

15. “Hi. Yes, I will take a basket after all, thanks.” She actually has to hold the basket for you while you empty your grimy little hands into it.

16. A cast member notices you using the complimentary makeup remover to return your hand to its normal monochrome hue and reminds you about the magic that is Sephora Color IQ, no swatch hand required.

17. Exhausted, you get in line to buy the stuff in your basket.

18. You see a charcoal face mask while in line, and you obviously need that too.

19. You blow all your Beauty Insider points on a face-primer sample. Something’s gotta keep all this in place!

20. You say goodbye to enough money to make packing your lunch for an entire month seem like a great idea. Who cares? You’ll be the most stunning sandwich-eater in the office.

21. You leave.

22. You get home.

23. You realize you forgot the foundation and eyelash curler.

24. But it’s OK! You can continue this shopping spree online with Cash Back at Ebates, Sephora coupons and your Color IQ to be sure all your color selections are perfectly suited for your skin tone.

25. You wonder why you didn’t do this in the first place.

26. You remember. You miss your swatch hand.

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

How to Save Money in the New Year

A new year is upon us and that means new resolutions! Spending less and saving more is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions around. But keeping your wallet full and learning how to save money without a plan of attack can be a challenge. Check out our favorite tips for saving big this year.

1. Set Goals

Before you kick off your plan on how to save money this year, you’ll need to set some realistic goals. Review your budget to determine where you are and where you want to be by the end of 2016. Give yourself a weekly or monthly figure and set that money aside in a savings account. At the end of the year, you could have a chunk of change that you may have spent without a precise plan! And if you need help, ask a professional. See if you can reduce or cut out your banking and 401(k) fees and learn how to utilize your HSA to the fullest, if you have one. While getting professional help isn’t free, it will certainly pay off in the long run to learn how to save money with your insurance and retirement planning.

2. Get Cookin’

Ditch the drive-thru and kick up your kitchen skills to save some serious dough. Pick up the weekly ads from your favorite local grocery store and scope out the best prices on all your essentials in order to plan affordable meals throughout the week. Portion everything out so you can grab and go in the mornings and skip those tempting lunches out. Keep your fridge stocked with prepped snacks and sides for healthy and affordable food options that beat eating out during the busy week. If you have a large family, opt for bulk grocery stores for the best values. If you’re cooking for a couple or snacking solo, freezing meals can be a great money-saving option, too. Whether you go into full-on chef mode or just cut out a few restaurant trips a week, you’ll get big savings in the end.

3. Go DIY

Conjure your inner crafter and save easy money all year long. Try making heartfelt handmade gifts for occasions throughout the year and skip those pricey presents. Say hello to your handy side and learn how to patch up clothing or fix things around the house rather than automatically replacing them with something shiny and new. You’ll enjoy the creative outlet, feel accomplished and save money all at the same time. Priceless.

4. Ditch Daily Habits

Breaking the bank on your morning brew? Hitting up the vending machine midday? Those costly little habits and treats can add up quickly. If caffeine is your cup of tea, why not invest in a good coffee maker and save money every day? You’ll definitely see the difference in your bank account by breaking these little daily indulgences.

5. Change Things Up

Pennies and dimes and quarters, on my! Coins can seriously weigh down your purse or wallet. Repurpose an old jar and keep it on your counter for an easy way to store all that spare change. It’ll add up faster than you think! Cash it in and use it towards groceries, essential supplies and more. Plus, kids love counting the coins and keeping track – make it a fun family goal!

6. Ridesharing Rules

Easily save money on gas and costly wear and tear on your car by creating a carpooling system. Chat with coworkers who live in your neck of the woods to see if they’d be interested in commuting together. Ridesharing even a couple days a week can add up to quick savings. Determine your gas costs and see if it makes more fiscal sense to take other affordable public transportation options if they’re available to you. Explore your area for simple ways to save easy money with buses, bikes and trains.

7. Recycle & Reuse

Save money and be a pal to our planet by recycling and reusing! Skip those expensive disposable plastic water bottles and opt for something reusable. You’ll save money at the grocery store every week just by making one simple change! Leave those budget-blasting paper plates and plastic utensils behind as well and save money instantly.

8. Vacay on a Budget

Saving money doesn’t mean you have to cut out all the fun! Head out on your family vacation or weekend getaway, but do your research in advance. Scope out sites like Groupon Getaways and LivingSocial for amazing travel deals and save big with Cash Back at Ebates. Comparison shop for discount hotels and get insider tips on the best food and drink deals at your destination. Two words: happy hour.

9. Shop Smart with Cash Back at Ebates

Why spend more if you don’t have to? When you shop through Ebates.com, you’ll earn Cash Back at tons of the most popular online retailers. It’s such as easy way to save big on the items you were going to buy anyway! From food and entertainment to apparel and so much more, get Cash Back at Ebates when you sign up for a free account. You can easily see your Cash Back activity and sign up for emails on all the hottest sales and specials. Now that’s easy money!

Now that you have our top tips on how to save money and get plumper pockets this year, go forth and save big. Wishing you a wonderful 2016!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.