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August 1, 2017

Super Cute School Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed

Whether you earned your own money lifeguarding all summer as a high school student or you’re adulting pretty hard with a full-time job, getting to pick out your own school supplies means you can splurge on the fun, quirky stuff you didn’t even know you needed. The best part is that you don’t even have to be in school to enjoy these. Who can resist a flat-bread pencil case or a “Dr. Who” Tardis lunch box? Check out these school supplies you didn’t know you needed but will surely want!

Graffiti-Print Backpack

This faux-leather pack has personality written all over it.

Graffiti-Print Backpack
from Asos

Flat-Bread Pencil Case

Good enough to eat. This pencil case can also be used for brushes, pens or even makeup.

Flat-Bread Pencil Case
from Etsy

Optical Illusion Bookmarks

Remember how excited you used to get over a bookmark? These optical illusion bookmarks are colorful and fun, and they’ll make you reminisce about your Dr. Seuss-reading days.

Optical Illusion Bookmarks
from Oriental Trading Co.

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Banana Erasers

You can never have enough erasers, so you might as well get some that will put a smile on your face.

Banana Erasers
from AliExpress

“Dr. Who” Tardis Tote Lunch Box

Home lunch for the win with this Tardis lunchbox. Who’s the cool kid now?

Dr. Who Tardis Tote Lunch Box
from Hot Topic

Zombie Cupcake Journal

Who can resist a crisp new notebook? Might as well get one with a cool illustration.

Zombie Cupcake Journal

from Cafe Press

Eiffel Tower Scissors

For the long school days when you just wish you could be traveling instead. Beautifully designed and practical too.

Eiffel Tower Scissors
from Target

Dachshund Stapler

For the dog-lover who wants to keep it classy.

Dachshund Stapler

from Anthropologie

July 28, 2017

5 Fab Face Masks for Every Skin Type

Summer weather takes a massive toll on your complexion — even when you’re diligent about applying sunscreen and limit your sun exposure to a minimum. Makeup-melting humidity, chlorine from the pool and all that time outdoors can lead to blemishes and sunburn, but you don’t need to book a pricey facial at a spa to remedy the situation. The most popular facial masks on the market can help leave your skin glowing, radiant and ready for the fall. The key is to find a mask that’s right for you. According to aestheticians, many people fail to see positive results because they’re using the wrong product for their skin type. Here, we’ve pulled together a roundup of the best masks for every skin woe.

Congested Skin

Combination and oily skin can really suffer during summertime, when clogged pores can leave your complexion looking tired and dull. Experts advise trying an antioxidant-rich mask with ingredients such as lavender and clay. Many clay masks can be too harsh for most skin types, so stick to ones containing gentle exfoliating citric and lactic acids. We love Blemish Clearing Organic Mask by Juice Beauty. Purifying clay helps to clear pores, while bamboo extracts soothe.

Blemish Clearing Organic Mask
from Juice Beauty

Mature Skin

Mature skin requires extra moisture to help it retain a plumped appearance — especially around the eyes. Anti-aging masks, loaded with toning ingredients and antioxidants such as green tea, are imperative. Omega-3s will help give your skin that coveted radiance with an uplifting boost. Try Shira Omega-3 Nourishing Mask to plump up skin instantly.

Shira Omega-3 Nourishing Mask
from Walmart

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Sensitive Skin

Summertime dirt and increased exposure to polluted air can be hazardous to sensitive skin, causing rashes and irritation. It’s important to take extra-good care of sensitive skin, and a five-minute mask could work wonders. A warning: Sensitive skin is particularly reactive when it comes to masks. It’s wise to avoid products with highly concentrated ingredients and mineral oils. Sensitive skin will benefit from calming and detoxing ingredients to restore radiance. Spot treat any problem areas, and be careful not to leave the product on your skin for too long. Less is more! Try AmorePacific’s Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque to hydrate while you sleep.

Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque
from AmorePacific

Combination Skin

This one can be tricky, as different areas of your face may require completely different treatments. For most people with combo skin, the T-zone is oily and the cheeks are dry. An instant fix: Double up on your masks. Approach your face-mask routine in layers, targeting areas by selecting a clay mask and a soft hydrating one. Try Aveda’s Deep Cleansing Clay Masque on oily patches and Aveda’s Intense Hydrating Masque to hydrate and cool the skin.

Botanical Kinetics Deep Cleansing Clay Masque
from Aveda

Oily Skin

Those with oilier skin should seek out a mask with oils. It’s similar to your body requiring good fat: Your skin needs oils. When it’s stripped of those essential oils, it creates more sebum, which results in an oilier complexion. The key here is looking for the right oils. Try a mask loaded with lightweight oils like tea tree and jojoba. Stay away from pore-cloggers, such as beeswax. Try the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Clay Mask to refresh the skin without drying it out.

Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Clay Mask
from The Body Shop

July 21, 2017

6 Throwback School Supplies That Will Give You All the Feels

Millions of parents are getting ready to send their 5-year-olds to kindergarten. It’s a new and exciting transition that makes us nostalgic about our first day of school and our elementary-school years. Do you remember the smell of Mr. Sketch markers? How about the Lisa Frank scratch-and-sniff stickers we decorated our folders with? If you’re reminiscing about all the school supplies you used to love while getting ready to put your kid on the school bus for the first time, we’re here to help ease your transition. We put together a school-supplies list that will remind you of the days when having a new Trapper Keeper was all you wanted out of life.

Stuffed Animal Backpacks

There is nothing practical about these backpacks, yet so many of us had one (or two). Good news: Your kid will love it!

Stuffed Panda Plush Backpack
from AliExpress

“Star Wars” Tin Lunch Box

Tin lunch boxes for the win! There are so many more high-tech lunch boxes out there, but the tin ones are classics — and you can never go wrong with “Star Wars.” We love how it’s finally cool for girls to show their allegiance to the force too! Any kid can rock this lunch box.

“Star Wars” Tin Lunch Box
from Walmart

Pop-Up Pencil Case

So many buttons. So many features. We loved how we could spend hours organizing and reorganizing our pencil case.

1993 Vintage Hello Kitty Pencil Case
from Etsy

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Gelly Roll Pens

These pens not only come in fun colors, but they are also really comfortable to use. That’s why kids never stopped loving them.

Glaze Gelly Roll Pens
from Target

Lisa Frank Stickers and Trapper Keepers

Hugging penguins, jumping dolphins, dancing tropical fruit and, of course, so many unicorns in bright, neon colors. Introduce your child to the crazy world of Lisa Frank and have her decorate her own Trapper Keeper (also a classic) however she likes.

Trapper Keeper iPad Case
from Walmart

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers

Vibrant colors, fun to use and all the smells. Remember how you would color with scented markers and then run to your parents or teacher and say, “Smell it! Smell it!” Now your kids can do the same!

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers
from Walmart

July 14, 2017

4 Splash-Worthy Summer Activities Your Kids Will Love

Summer is a great time to relax and have outdoor play time, but it can be hard for kids who thrive on structure. Kids start complaining that they’re bored, and parents may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of constantly entertaining them. Instead of feeling like you need to entertain your kids, you can facilitate fun activities they can do mostly on their own. Here are four fun outdoor activities for kids of all ages they’ll have a blast doing.

Water-Balloon Baseball

Summer is baseball season. Make it even more fun with water balloons.

What you need:

Plastic baseball bat
Rapid-fill water balloons
Something to mark bases if you are playing with a large group

Instructions:

Divide the kids into two teams, and have them play loosely by baseball’s rules. Each team gets a point for every balloon they pop. Switch up the batter after a couple of swings, and have the kids try to tag each other running from base to base.

Fun With Bubbles

Bubbles are fun for all ages, and they can be made even more fun with a few variations.

What you need:

Instructions:

Buy or make your own bubbles, and let your kids go to town with their wands and chase each other with bubble blasters.

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Making a Bird Feeder

This is an easy craft that will keep your kids outside for hours bird-watching.

What you need:

Toilet-paper roll
Sunflower butter
Bird seed
Popsicle sticks
Twine

Instructions:

Cover the outside of the toilet-paper roll with sunflower butter.
Roll the sunflower-butter-covered roll in bird seed until it is completely covered.
Thread a long piece of twine through the toilet-paper roll and tie a knot at the end.
Hang it on a tree branch where your kids can see the birds enjoying their treat.

DIY Slip ‘n’ Slide

An activity even adults will want to join in.

What you need:

Clear plastic sheeting
Tent pegs to hold down the plastic
Water from a hose
Dawn liquid soap

Instructions:

Spread out the plastic sheet on a grassy lawn, smoothing out any wrinkles with your hands. Make sure there is an incline.
Anchor the sides of the sheets with tent pegs.
Add some liquid soap down the center of the slide.
Spray the slide with water and, if possible, keep the hose running at the top of the slide.

July 11, 2017

5 Ingenious Products to Help Tame Your Morning Routine

Whether you’re a morning person or a late riser, one thing is certain: Everyone can use a few extra minutes in the morning — especially parents. These picks will help you maximize every minute and make your routine more enjoyable. And each one will help you earn Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products.

Say “So Long” to Lukewarm Coffee

Does this sound familiar? You have kids to get out the door, so you take a sip of your coffee, set the mug down and completely forget about it while you go about your other morning tasks. You return a short while later to find a cold cup of joe. It happens to the best of us, but it doesn’t have to. Ember, one of the first smart mugs, keeps your coffee or other beverage at your chosen temperature for hours. Go ahead and step away from your java. It’ll be waiting for you hot and fresh where you left it. It’ll also survive your commute — no matter how long.

Never Again Spend a Second Looking for Your Phone or Keys

In our house, the great morning key hunt happens about three times a week. It’s usually just as we’re about to head out the door when we glance over at the key rack and notice an empty hook. Happens to you too? For less than a lunch for two, Tile will make flipping over couch cushions and checking every pocket in the hamper a thing of the past.

Give Your Everyday Carry Essentials a Home

One of the easiest ways to improve your morning ritual is having a valet tray. It sounds like a no-brainer, but establishing a dedicated spot for your everyday carry items is a must — and this sleek concrete tray will get the job done in style. Once you get in the habit of storing your stuff in a single spot, you’ll have one less thing to worry about after hitting the snooze button.

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Make Waking Up Enjoyable

Few things are worse than being jolted awake by rowdy kids or a screeching alarm clock. Rise and shine on your own terms with the Wake Up Light from Philips. It progressively gets brighter, like a sunrise, to gently wake you up. It’s said this device can cure any case of waking up on the wrong side of the bed, so you should feel fresh, focused and ready to face the day each morning.

Tackle Wrinkled Clothes in Seconds

When you’re focused on getting the family out the door, the last thing you want is a hot iron perched on top of an ironing board — especially if you have little ones running around. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. The alternative? A steamer. Once you make the switch, you may never use your iron again. Simply add water and let it run while you prepare your coffee. When you’re ready to use it, simply hang up your garment and get to work. You’ll be surprised how quickly the wrinkles disappear and how fast you can steam a whole shirt. Once you get the hang of it, you can steam an entire outfit in less than five minutes.

June 23, 2017

How to Always Look Like You Got Enough Sleep

It has been more than a decade since I’ve had good sleep (#momlife). There are lots of things about parenting that are an exaggeration, but this no-sleep business is as real as it gets. I’ve been in the thick of it with three kids for a long time and, out of necessity, I have learned some tricks of the trade along the way (how not to look completely exhausted, for example). For the record, these tips are not just for moms, but also for anyone who knows they’re not getting enough Zs and wants to look rested and refreshed in the morning.

My 10-Minute Routine for Looking Well-Rested

Two Minutes Before Bed

After a long, busy day, you barely have enough energy to change out of your clothes. It’s rough. No judgement. Here is a trick that makes a huge difference and doesn’t take a lot of time: Wash your face with your daily cleanser, and then slather on this Overnight Mask from Origins. This mask will quench your skin’s thirst while you sleep, and you’ll wake up with hydrated skin.

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Eight Minutes In the Morning

I have a friend who gets up at 4:30 a.m. for Crossfit regardless of how many times her toddler got up in the middle of the night. If you have the stamina for that, then high five! I’m not a morning person, so exercising in the a.m. — especially after a short night of sleep — is out of the question. However, I have recently discovered a way to get a burst of energy in the morning without having to hit the gym. It’s called dry brushing.

At first I thought it was a silly fad, but once I started doing it I became a convert. It’s an easy way to get circulation going and feel more awake and alert when all you want to do is crawl back in bed. I dry brush and oleate my face with this Aveda kit, which takes only about two minutes. While the oil is on my face, I dry brush the rest of my body with a bamboo bristle brush for about three minutes. If you have never dry brushed before, you can find a lot of tutorials online.

After I dry brush, I take a minute to hydrate my skin with Plant Therapy peppermint body cream. The peppermint is cooling to the body and helps wake me up. After that, I go back to my face to remove the oil and give it a good, clean pampering. On rough nights when I don’t get a lot of sleep, I bust out the good stuff — Lancôme to the rescue! This Lancôme Visionnaire Starter Kit fits my budget and has all the essentials I need to finish off my routine so I can look well-rested for the rest of the day.

If I can’t treat myself to a good night’s sleep, I treat myself to 10 minutes of self-care so I can look and feel refreshed in the morning before tackling another busy day.

June 17, 2017

How to Add Summer Spice to Your Living Room

After wrapping up spring cleaning, I’m ready to jump into summer decorating. At our house, summer is a time when friends and family come to visit and we host dinner parties that extend way past our kids’ bedtimes. Summer is when our door is always open to welcome in both the ocean breeze and friends who stop by to drop off seasonal fruits or come for an extended stay. With simple changes to our living room decor that won’t break the bank, I can make my favorite room in the house inviting while keeping a summer vibe.

Bring the Color Inside

One of my favorite things about summer is how colorful everything is. The flowers are in full bloom, the trees have fruit on them and our gardens are overflowing — not to mention all the trips to the ocean and amusement parks and, oh, the drawn-out pink-and-orange sunsets. If you have the stamina to paint a wall or two, we say, “Go for it!” But if you just want a pop of color, spray paint can turn old, boring objects into something great. For example, you can spray paint the base of an old lamp or a vase that hasn’t been used lately. Adding pops of color will make your living room design look fresh and modern.

Make Seasonal Curtains (Don’t Be Intimidated; I Promise It’s Easy!)

You may not want to have pineapple-print curtains all year round (although if you do, I won’t blame you), but, during the summer months, why not? We love this pineapple-print fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics, and, with some Clip Rings, you can DIY your summer curtains with minimal sewing involved.

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Bust Out the Cookbooks

I love cooking. During the summer months, I have a few cookbooks I use constantly, such as my ice-pops, smoothies and ice-cream cookbooks. I take some of my summer cookbooks off of my bookshelf and put them in a picnic basket or on a bright serving tray on my coffee table. Making my cookbooks accessible to my guests makes for great conversations, and also gives me an idea of what people like to eat.

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Indulge in the Little Things

What are some things that remind you of summer? For me, it’s pools, fireflies and pineapples. When I see or smell a pineapple, I am often transported to some summer memory. I like to decorate with the things that evoke emotion. As you can tell by my DIY curtain print, I love pineapples so much that during summer I like to have pineapple-scented candles or pineapple votives around the house. They bring a smile to my face.

Summer is a time I can relax, when our house doesn’t have to be in perfect order to sustain the business of the school year. At the same time, I want our home to feel fresh and upbeat, and with a few little changes to our living room decorations I can make it happen!

May 26, 2017

A First-timer’s Guide to Festival Camping

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

Cozy Up Your Campsite

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

Fuel Up Wisely

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

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Keep Dirt at Bay

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

Invest in the Right Accessories

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

Two Words: Safety Pins

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

May 24, 2017

How to Throw a Summer Soiree

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

1. Keep Invitations Specific

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

2. Make Sure Everyone Has a Seat

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

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3. Beware Mosquitos

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

4. Set the Mood with Music

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

5. Keep Kids Entertained

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

May 3, 2017

Cinco de Mayo Party Essentials to Throw the Fiercest Fiesta

Warm weather, icy margaritas and a table topped with Mexican fare — Cinco de Mayo celebrations leave us with lots to be excited about. This year, use your Ebates Cash Back to step up your decorating game. You may have perfected your guacamole recipe, but these festive and fun party essentials will truly make your fete one for the books. Below, six colorful must-haves for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

Rio Tortilla Warmer

The nation is abuzz with unicorn lattes and mermaid-inspired makeup, so doesn’t it make sense to want a groovy little rainbow dish just because? This terra cotta tortilla warmer does its job with a table-pleasing burst of color.

Le Creuset Signature Palm Skillet

You spend hours obsessing over the details that will wow your guests, but what about investing in something just to please the chef? The punchy lime detailing on this perfectly sized skillet will make you smile as your veggies sizzle.

Luminarc Margarita Glass Set

Your recipe must wow, and your stemware should be simple and sized just right. Graduate from your kitschy spring-break souvenirs to these chic sippers. Rim with salt and garnish with lime, and you’re good to go.

Hay Kaleidoscope Trays

Cinco de Mayo is all about embracing bold hues that make even the simplest dishes — guacamole and cut-up veggies — come to life. These jewel-toned trays offer endless display possibilities, and they’re sure to get guests in a celebratory spirit.

Taco Rack

Organizing tacos can be a challenging feat. Keep your tacos’ insides where they belong and encourage sharing with this simple yet super effective taco rack. It holds everything in place and adds a cool, clean look to the table.

Molcajete

Freshly made guac is one of the best parts of dining at a Mexican restaurant. This authentic grinder, crafted from natural volcanic stone, brings the party home. Blend spices and herbs, or mix up mole and salsas.