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Ebates has savings for every element of your life. Whether you’re traveling across the world or enjoying your days in the comfort of your home, you’ll find remarkable savings and a special promo code to help you earn Cash Back along your journey. Every day can be your own little adventure with savings along the way. Ebates features special tips on everything from shaving techniques to packing for your next getaway. Make the most of your days and keep a little extra money in your bank with lifestyle tips and tricks from Ebates.
The Smart Shopper has everything you need, from parenting tips to DIY crafts that allow you to spend time with your kids. Save on board games for a family night in or plan a special outing for the whole clan with your Cash Back earnings. Make the most of your family time together and learn techniques for a simpler and more easygoing lifestyle.
Find gadgets and gizmos that work with your lifestyle. Whether you’re living a busy life and constantly on the go or keeping it calm and relaxed at home, Ebates has the electronics you need. Save on the most popular electronics like game consoles, computers, smart phones and televisions with promo codes at the biggest stores to make the most out of your purchase while earning Cash Back.
Ebates’ The Smart Shopper provides tips and tricks for every lifestyle. You’ll find everything you need to simplify your day-to-day life including kitchen appliances, electronic wearables and more with money-saving promo codes. Make the most out of each day and put your mind at ease knowing you’re getting great savings and earning Cash Back on the things you use most. With Ebates, you’ll find the best tips for travel, beauty, entertainment and your lifestyle, all in one place.
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Gold Pineapple Bookends
from Houzz
Urban Shop Faux-Fur Armless Swivel Chair
from Walmart
Macrame Wall Hanging
from Bellacor
Gold Metal Rolling Cart
from Cost Plus World Market
With a mountain of advice on the Internet for the best beginner camera, sifting through all the lingo is intimidating. This list is meant to be as diverse as you are, and it can be suited to the type of adventure photographer you want to be. Whether you’re ready to spend money on a piece that will take you from amateur to professional or you’re getting your feet wet (literally) shooting some gnarly waves, you can find your first quality camera here.
This camera has mirrorless technology, which means it is less bulky and claims to have the fastest focus function (which is great when you need to get the shot quickly). The Alpha A6000 will fit in your carry-on, and it offers the option of multiple lenses if you want them.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera w/ 16-50mm & 55-210mm Lens & 128GB SD Bundle
from Focus Camera
The TG-5 is the best waterproof camera for hikers, backpackers and rock-climbers. It’s lightweight and handles macro and zoomed-out shots equally well, even in low light.
Olympus Tough! TG-5 12MP Camera with WiFi
from QVC
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The Rebel series offers the best — and best value — entry-level DSLRs. If you’re serious about learning all the ins and outs of a DSLR camera, this one will keep you busy at a reasonable price point. If you’re a checked-baggage traveler anyway, you can afford the space to bring a full lens kit with you.
Canon – EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II and EF 75-300mm III lens
from Best Buy
Don’t let this camera’s size fool you — it’s compact, but it still has 24 megapixels, fast focus, long battery life and easily accessible settings. There’s a cult following for this retro-style piece, and its many fans will tell you it’s one of the best professional cameras for street photography.
Fujifilm X100F 24.3MP Digital Camera, Fujinon 23mm f/2 Lens
from Adorama
The reasonably priced Akaso EK7000 shoots in 4K, if you want a great camera for beginners that can handle an afternoon of tumbling in the surf.
AKASO EK7000 4K WIFI Action Camera Ultra HD Waterproof Camcorder 12MP
from QVC
Nothing says spring like a beautiful afternoon at the park — good food, great company and the breeze in your sun-kissed hair. Picnic season has arrived, so get out those wicker baskets and pack your favorite finger foods. We’ve rounded up all the perfect picnic essentials for couples, families and friends.
Romantic Couple’s Picnic
Love (and pollen!) is in the air. Hello, spring picnic time!
Ah, young love! Plan a cozy couple’s date — and set the scene with this unique picnic basket. It features an integrated wooden tabletop, ideal for serving cheese and resting wine glasses. Cheers to this weather (and romance!).
Kabrio Moka Picnic Basket
from Belk
This reversible picnic blanket is the perfect size for two. It features a water-resistant underside, so damp grass is never a bother. It folds up into a nifty tote convenient for carrying so your hands are free for holding.
Reversible Picnic Tote
from Bed Bath & Beyond
A fun game of Frisbee is the ultimate way to make a play for his (or her) heart during your passionate picnic.
Novelty Heart 9-Inch Flying Disc
from Jet.com
Friends’ Picnic
Gather your girls (or guys) and make a day of it — it’s a picnic party!
You can play pretty much any group game with these large-and-in-charge lawn dice. They’ll be a hit at your pal picnic.
Giant Wooden Yard Dice Outdoor Lawn Game
from Walmart
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You can fit plenty of tasty dishes in this roomy and convenient cooler. But if you’re more concerned with beverages, rest assured it fits 57 12-ounce cans with 20 pounds of ice. Plenty of refreshments to go around!
Rubbermaid 50-Quart Wheeled Cooler
from Walmart
Rosé all day, indeed. Your pink wine–loving besties will be delighted to toast with these kitschy picnic-ready cups.
Slant Set Of 8 “Yes Way Rosé” Wine Cups
from Express
Family Picnic
Slather the SPF on all the kiddos and head to a playground park. You’ll have a great day that’s made in the shade (and sunshine!) when you pack right for your family picnic.
This easy-to-use pop-up tent provides instant shelter and shade on sunny days at the beach, the park and everywhere in between. It’s ideal for families with toddlers and babies who might want to nap in peace at the park.
iCorer Extra-Large Pop-Up Portable Outdoors Beach Tent
from Walmart
Transport little kids and lots of stuff to your picnic site in your nifty red wagon. It’ll keep your arms free and your tykes happy on the go.
Step2 Canopy Wagon
from Kohl’s
Keep children entertained and active in between picnic activities with assorted soft balls. They’re perfectly sized for small hands and energetic little bodies!
I hate spending more time than I have to cleaning up my house. Because of this, I’ve developed a few cleaning hacks over the years to make my household chores pain-free. Whether you’re preparing for spring cleaning or you simply want to save some time, these tips will help you tackle your house-cleaning tasks with ease.
There seems to be a cleaning product for just about every situation these days, but you can go a long way with just a few of them in your arsenal. If I had to pick just one product, it’d be Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Rose Pure-Castile Soap. When they say 18-in-1, they’re not lying — in fact, they’re being modest, because this stuff has way more than 18 uses. I use it on nearly every surface in my home, and I’ve even used it to take care of box-elder bugs in spring and fall.
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Rose Pure-Castille Soap
from Target
Spray and Soak
A good cleaning routine is all about time management. I like to hit all the bathrooms first with a spray-down. Then, I’ll head to the kitchen and get dishes or pans soaking that have stuck-on food and grease. While the cleaning products are working their magic, I’ll tackle other tasks like vacuuming and starting a load of laundry. By the time I’m finished with those, the rooms I first visited will be ready for a quick wipe-down and some final touches. And that’s bathroom-cleaning hack 101.
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Establish a “Toss It” Bin
I like to put a laundry basket on the main floor and use it as a central collection site for decluttering. Junk mail, random pieces of fuzz or debris, papers and anything else that needs to go will be tossed in the basket as I make my way around the house. Since I can literally toss things in as I walk by without having to think (or open the trash can), it shaves some serious minutes off my cleaning time. When I’m finished cleaning the rest of the house, I usually have a half-full garbage bag to work with. That’s where I dump the contents of the basket and call it a day.
If you must have multiple products (I don’t judge), a cleaning caddy is where it’s at. Think of it as a first aid kit for your cleaning supplies. I store mine under the kitchen sink so it’s readily available. It usually has a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, a few sponges, steel wool, window cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and more. Having everything in one place saves you from having to spend time tracking down all of your essentials. And it’s just easy to carry from room to room.
United Solutions Organize Your Home Super Caddy
from Jet.com
Stock Up on Citrus
I use the microwave quite a bit in my house, and the quickest way to clean it is with a lemon. Slice it in half and place it in a microwave-safe bowl full of water. Set the microwave to three minutes on high and wait. Be very careful when you open it, as there will be some steam and the water will be hot. The oils from the lemon and the steam will loosen built-up crud inside your microwave and make your cleaning job a breeze.
Look around you. The space you live in is a reflection of your mental state, whether you believe it or not. If Nancy Drew walked into your bedroom, into your bathroom, into your kitchen, notebook in hand, what would she learn about the type of person you are? Winter forces us into hibernation, so it’s an excellent time of year to spruce up your dwelling with items that will cause your heart to swell with joy. Below are six home decor picks that will take your place (and your mood) from eh to amazing.
In medieval times, strawberries were a symbol of innocence, purity and perfection. Who doesn’t want to bring more of those vibes into their lives? If you don’t use pencils — because, who does anymore, honestly? — you could purpose this pouch for cosmetics, jewelry or a decorative clutch.
Kate Spade Strawberry Pencil Case
from kate spade new york
Imagine this cozy gem hanging from the back of your bathroom door. Nothing conjures up feelings of indulgent luxury — hotel rooms, spas — better than a bathrobe. Just seeing it in your bathroom will remind you of blissful blessings.
Ralph Lauren Waffle-Knit Bathrobe
from Ralph Lauren
For the amount of time we spend in bed, it’s surprising that we don’t invest in making the experience extraordinary. Experiment with your own sheet sets. Will you have better dreams when sleeping on different colors and thread counts?
Lauren Conrad Sheet Set
from Kohl’s
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Mirror, mirror, on the wall. We’re often warned against falling in love with our own reflection, although mirrors can be invaluable tools for practicing self-love and acceptance. If we aren’t loving the reflection, how can we expect others to love it too? This beautiful creation will inspire a fairy-tale self-image.
Uttermost Abra Vanity Mirror
from Macy’s
You’re only as good as the air you breathe. This stylish little friend purifies its surroundings and makes your space look funky and futuristic. It also removes allergens to help you breathe that much easier.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Air Purifier
from Bed Bath & Beyond
Candlesticks give any space a certain old-fashioned romance. Spooky yet elevating, why reserve these gems for just special occasions and Hallmark holidays? Take Monday Thai takeout to the next level, or give your bedroom some sultry boudoir appeal.
Food52 Vintage-Inspired Brass Candlesticks
from Bloomingdale’s
Taxes: one of the few certainties in life. Since you have to do them, you might as well be prepared so you can breeze through them, right? Use this quick tax checklist to ensure tax preparation and filing is a breeze.
When W-2s, 1099s and everything else begin flooding my mailbox, I start to create a mountain of paper I lovingly call the “tax pile.” On the digital side, I start filing everything into a folder so I’m prepared when I fire up TurboTax. If you want to be an adult and actually organize your own tax pile, I suggest an accordion folder like this one. It’s a great way to sort everything by filing year.
Expandable Folder Organizer
from Zoro
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Check Your List, and Check It Twice
Do you have everything you need? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been ready to submit my taxes, only to get a last-minute bank statement out of the blue. Make a list of everything you filed last year, and note any changes. Did you work as an independent contractor, like I did? You’ll probably need a 1099. Make sure you have records of all forms of income and investments, proof of student loan interest or donations to charity, etc. You’ll also want to be ready if you had any major life changes, such as adding a dependent, getting a new job or buying a home.
Know Your Numbers
You’re always going to need your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of your partner and any dependents, but there are some other identifiers that I always forget, like my tax Identity Protection Pin, or IP PIN. If you don’t know your PIN or need to get one, you can do so through irs.gov. If you really run into a bind, you can also use last year’s adjusted gross income, or AGI, to validate your return.
I personally use TurboTax to file. I’ve flirted with other tax software, but I’ve always come back to TurboTax because it’s fast, easy and convenient. The best part is the import feature, which works in a few ways. First, it’ll import W-2s automatically if you have the employer’s Employer Identification Number, or EIN. Second, it pulls all your information from the previous year, which saves a tremendous amount of time. Even if I know I’m going to owe money on my return, I’ll still use TurboTax to get the job done. It’s a time-saver and headache preventer all in one.
TurboTax Desktop Software
from TurboTax
Prepare to Treat Yo Self
In the immortal words of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle, “Treat Yo Self!” Whether you’re getting some much-needed cash back or parting ways with more of your funds, you deserve a little something for putting in the hours during tax time. Might I suggest a massage or another form of relaxation? If you’re not into the spa, there’s always retail therapy. I’ve been eyeing a pair of New Balance Fresh Foams for a while now.
Remember sleep? Yeah, me neither. With two little ones, I’m happy if I can catch some sporadic shut-eye, let alone six or seven consecutive hours. Getting more than 40 winks feels like a distant memory for this exhausted mama, and I literally dream about, well, dreaming. This year, I’m taking sleep off the back burner and prioritizing rest, relaxation and quality Z’s — and you can, too, with a little help from a few innovative insomnia products. Whether you’re sleep-deprived because of crazy kids, a demanding job or anything (and everything!) in between, there’s hope for you yet. Pour yourself some decaffeinated tea, climb under a cozy blanket and browse these Sandman-approved picks.
Block out light without putting pressure on your delicate eyes with this cushy and conforming contoured sleep mask. Nighty night.
Premium Eye Shade Sleep Eye Mask and Ear Plugs
from Jet.com
Studies haves shown that weighted blankets can help you get better sleep. This veritable swaddle for grown-ups provides gentle pressure to promote peaceful slumber. Ahhh.
Sommerfly Sleep Tight Weighted Blanket
from Bed Bath & Beyond
Reduce common allergens in your bedroom and you might just find yourself sleeping silently through the night. (Imagine that!) And, yes, it has a quiet setting for nighttime use.
Dyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier
from Buybuy BABY
Side sleepers, rejoice. This nifty pillow aligns your thighs and hips to help relieve pressure and keep you comfortable all night.
Dreamsweet Memory Foam Leg Pillow for Side Sleepers
from Walmart
If you are perpetually flipping your pillow, you need this sleep product! A ConstantCool Cover moves heat away from your body so you stay content and your face feels refreshed.
Serta Forever Cool Pillow
from Sam’s Club
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This two-in-one product will set the Zen tone for a calm and quiet night. Diffuse essential oils that promote sleep while benefitting from the built-in cool mist humidifier. Plus, the cool colors have an almost hypnotic effect.
Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier
from Overstock.com
Hot-headed (and hot-bodied) sweaters will keep cool and dry despite nighttime perspiration in these super luxurious moisture-wicking sheets.
Wicked Sheets Moisture-Wicking Bed Sheet Set
from Jet.com
White noise is your friend, whether you are trying to drown out a rowdy neighbor or create a relaxing ambiance at home. Enjoy the soothing sounds of rain, ocean waves and thunder — it’s like music to your tired ears.
HoMedics SoundSpa Sound Machine
from Bed Bath & Beyond
Sip your way to sleep with this botanical blend of calming herbs. You’ll feel the stress of the day melt away with every warm swallow.
WelleCo Sleep Tea
from Anthropologie
Spritz this deep-sleep night oil on your body or sheets, and you’ll soon feel your mind calm and your body still. Made with chamomile, lavender grape oil and vetivert, it helps with hypertension and insomnia.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day gift guides for guys, I’ve seen it all. Usually, they start with something golf-related, have a bunch of tacky gag gifts shoved in the middle and end with a wildly expensive present that no human woman would ever purchase for herself, let alone her boyfriend or husband. I’m here to fix that. These Valentine’s Day ideas are useful. They’re classy. They are, in essence, the best Valentine’s gifts for guys. And a couple of them are even designed with you in mind. To top it off, you’ll also be helping yourself by earning Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products.
Some may advise against buying your guy a watch for Valentine’s Day. Watches tend to be personal investments, and a quality timepiece can run you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. But you don’t have to drop a fortune to give him something he’ll value. The Timex Weekender is a bona fide classic, and the brand has really stepped up its game in recent years to compete with the likes of Shinola. Give him all the style and flash of a $1,000 watch with a sub-$100 price tag. You’ll save even more after you get Cash Back from Ebates.
Timex Weekender Slip-Thru Tan Leather Strap Chronograph Watch
from JCPenney
Guys like knives. That’s a fact. And this V-Day gift works on two angles. First, upon opening his gift, he’ll likely want to chop, dice and slice every vegetable in the house. Second, said vegetable chopping will result in him staring at his handiwork feeling guilty about wasting the results, and he’ll most likely make you an awesome meal. It’s a win-win! There’s no better knife to take him from everyday Joe to kitchen ninja than a Shun Classic chef’s knife. I’ve had mine for years, it’s still as sharp as the day I bought it (with proper care, of course) and it’s just as much fun gliding through onion number 1,000 as it was on day one.
Shun Classic Chef’s Knives
from Sur la Table
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There’s a good chance he already has a drill set and a toolbox full of the staples, but if I was a betting man (I’m not, but roll with it), I’d guess he doesn’t own a Dremel rotary tool. The Dremel 3000 is the chameleon of power tools. It can slice, grind, chop, polish and cut metal, wood, plastic and more. And Dremel makes a boatload of attachments, so it can be used in hundreds of ways. This thing is a monster, and it saved me time and money more times than I can count when remodeling our home. It’s something he may never buy for himself, but he’ll thank you every time he busts it out of that gray-and-blue case.
Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool Kit
from Walmart
Most guys will look for any excuse to break out the grill, but snow, ice and a gnarly windchill tend to put a damper on flame-filled festivities — unless there’s something to make it all worthwhile. Cue Omaha Steaks and the Amazing Griller’s Banquet. It’s a straight-up feast that will coax him out of hibernation to put match to flame and make him forget for a few hours that he’s tending to his prized grill in sub-zero conditions.
Amazing Griller’s Banquet
from Omaha Steaks
Collar stays (used to keep a shirt collar straight and crisp) are a man’s equivalent to hair ties, in that they always seem to go missing. But that doesn’t mean they’re not important. If he already uses them, he’ll appreciate this handsome collection from Ties.com. Since they’re fancy metal (there’s even a rose gold one, which is so hot right now), he’ll be forced to at least try not to lose them. If he doesn’t use collar stays, it’ll be a revelation. He can say goodbye to wonky-looking collars, and his sad, deformed dress shirts will be given new life.
An early alarm might be the worst way to wake up. How I get started makes a huge difference in how I feel about the day, and I often have trouble waking up, leaving me feeling sluggish and tired for hours. Transform yourself into a morning person with these suggestions for how to wake up early and energize yourself for a running start.
Begin with Mindfulness
If you really don’t want to get out of bed just yet, make yourself a deal: You’ll sit up and do some bed yoga first, and see how you feel after that. Chances are that after you finish your second seated twist pose, you’ll be thinking more clearly.
Although coffee may be your drug of choice, consider other energizers. Kombucha is a brightly flavored drink that will wake up your senses, and the probiotics it contains can help your digestive system get going. Like coffee, you can either buy some or make your own.
If fermented drinks aren’t your jam, try green tea. Sure, green tea has caffeine, but it also has components that have been shown to increase energy, enhance your mood and help with concentration.
34-Ounce Clear Glass Bottle for Kombucha
from The Container Store
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Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day (No Matter What!)
Research tells us that you go through cycles of deep and light sleep in very predictable patterns. If your alarm wakes you up when you’re in a cycle of deep sleep, it will be much harder to get up. Experiment with different wake-up times and record your findings. If a certain time is particularly painful, try 20 minutes earlier or later the next day and see how that feels. Once you find your light sleep zone, stick with it. Try to wake up at the same time every day — even weekends. If you think of it as your time regained rather than sleep lost, it will be worth it.
Blackout curtains can certainly help us ignore the signs that morning has broken, but that false dark is confusing for getting up early. If the first rays of sunlight are peeking out when you have to get up, let them reach you by getting some thin curtains or even opening the drapes before you go to bed. The natural light will help your body recognize those diurnal cycles. If you have to get up when the world is still dark, a light-brightening alarm could help.
Light from your phone messes with your melatonin production. Although it may be difficult to break your pre-bedtime habits, at least keep your phone out of reach when you settle down to sleep. Even a quick time check in the middle of the night could be enough to throw off your body clock.
Never, ever snooze
Sleep experts say this one again and again. Don’t look at the clock and then burrow yourself in deep for 10 more minutes of hibernation. You’ll only find it more difficult to get up when the alarm rings again. If you consistently find yourself waking up 10 minutes before the alarm goes off, get up! That’s your light sleep zone.
A lot of us plan to exercise first thing in the morning and then miss our chance if we hit the snooze button. The night before — no matter what — capitalize on that intention and set out your exercise clothes. The bonus of exercising in the morning is feeling productive and accomplished early in the day. That is always enough to spur on my positive energy.
Camping gear can be expensive, especially if you’re just starting out. Over the years, I’ve found the best way to venture into the great outdoors is with affordable multi-use tools that can be used both at the campsite and in everyday situations. There are plenty of specialty gadgets out there that will drain your bank account, but these tried-and-true picks will help you tackle any job — whether at work or at play — without wrecking your finances. On top of that, you’ll keep even more of your hard-earned money where it belongs by earning Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products.
When it comes to your everyday carry, a multi-tool is both a must and a piece of gear you probably already have on hand. It’s an essential piece of camping equipment — the first thing I pack before a trip. If you don’t have a proper multi-tool, the Leatherman Wave is my all-time favorite for its durability and the countless jobs I’ve tackled with it. Leatherman is a legendary brand, and the Wave has never let me down. Review your tool’s user manual and get familiar with its many features before your next big adventure. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube for most tools as well.
Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
from Campmor
Never venture out the door — especially into the great outdoors — without a trusty timepiece on your wrist. So many people rely on their cell phones for everything these days, but there’s a reason watches have been around for centuries. This one, from Casio, is powered by light, has directional and sunrise and sunset data, can give altitude readings and much more. This is the priciest item on my list, but it’s well worth the investment.
Casio Pro Trek Tough Solar Triple Sensor Men’s Aviator-style Watch
from JC Penney
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Paracord is the new duct tape. At least that’s how I see it. This affordable rope is incredibly strong and versatile, which makes it a top pick for the campsite and as an everyday-carry item. I keep a few hundred feet in my backpack for peace of mind, and I’ve had to rely on that little bundle of cord quite a few times over the years. Whether you’re rigging up a clothesline or fixing a broken tent line, you’ll be glad you spent a little dough on this proven pick.
I drink out of a Nalgene bottle almost every day at work, and I doubt that will ever change. It holds more water than others I’ve tried, it has multiple uses both from an everyday-carry perspective and as a piece of camping gear. In addition to holding water, it can also be a measuring cup, a dry container for rainy days or water adventures, a storage container to keep your food away from pests and so much more. It’s simply a superior bottle.
Nalgene Water Bottle
from Bed Bath & Beyond
You never know when the next great idea will strike you. It could be at the office, but it also could be at the campground or on the open trail. Always be prepared with the Fisher space pen. This seemingly ordinary writing utensil can transfer your thoughts to paper in nearly any situation (upside down, in high temperatures, over grease and even underwater). It’s a true everyday-carry essential at its finest.
