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March 12, 2015

12 Money-Saving Healthy Kids’ Snacks

When it comes to keeping little tummies full, healthy ingredients and a steep grocery bill are always top concerns. Quickness and convenience are also key when it comes to snacking with a busy schedule.

But making your kids’ snacks can be affordable, healthy and even easy when you make large batches that will last you the whole week. Plus, some of these healthy snack recipes are kid-chef friendly and easy to make with some little helping hands. Check out these 12 money-saving healthy kids’ snacks your brood will go bananas over.

1. No-Bake Granola Bites
These sugar- and flour-free bites are better than cookies, and they make for a quick breakfast or after-lunch snack on the go.

2. Sesame-Ginger Roasted Chickpeas
Younger kids can be a little finicky about eating meat, which is why beans are a vital source of the protein, iron and fiber all kids need. These mouthwatering roasted chickpeas are the perfect substitute for fatty potato chips or buttery crackers.

sesame_ginger_chickpeas — via Honk If You’re Vegan

3. Baked Apple Chips
These simple apple chips will be an instant hit if your kids want a nice crunch or something sweet. Bake up big batches and bag them for later — your kids will always want more.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Bites
Adding cheese to veggies is a classic trick for getting kids to eat their greens, but these are just ridiculously delicious.

cheesy_brocoli_bites — via Super Healthy Kids

5. Black Bean Brownies
Beans are magical little bits of healthiness, and these delectable brownies are as simple as they are scrumptious.

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6. Spicy Kale Chips
Ditch the Lay’s and get your kids to love munching on these crunchy greens with a little kick.

7. Grape Poppers
On those rare occasions you want to give your kids a sugary treat, these candy-coated poppers can still be an opportunity to give them their daily serving of fruit. You can also swap the sprinkles for chopped nuts!

8. Banana-Zucchini Muffins
Hiding a fruit and a vegetable in a sweet little muffin? Who are you, Houdini?

banana_zuchini_muffins — via Yummy Healthy Easy

9. Ham and Cheese on a Stick
No baking or cooking required for these delicious afternoon hors d’oeuvres. A little imagination always makes eating fun for kids.

10. Fruit Juice Jell-O Squares
Make a classic treat wholesome with real fruit juice. The kids can even help you make this sweet snack.

11. Parmesan Baked Zucchini Fries
Just a light sprinkling of oil, salt and Parmesan cheese and these babies are ready to bake and be devoured by the entire family.

12. Fruity Frozen Yogurt Bites
All you need is your favorite yogurt, some berries and silicone cake cuffs to create a frozen treat perfect for hot days.

Let us know in the comments which of these recipes your kids would gobble up!

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March 10, 2015

Traditional Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is next week (March 17th) and instead of celebrating with a big bowl of Lucky Charms or eggs dyed green, why not take this time to learn about traditional Irish dishes? We’ve collected recipes for some of the most well-known Irish dishes for you to try out and add to your favorite family meals.

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March 9, 2015

Stressed Out? 5 Tips to De-stress

Living in the modern world has its perks, and while iPhones and Netflix streaming are great, modern life also comes with a fair amount of stress. With our constant connectivity, we’re “on” for longer and longer periods, making it tougher to just unplug, rewind, and recharge. Stress brings a hefty supply of negative effects with it, like headaches and sleep problems, anxiety and difficulty focusing, and changes to your eating habits. That’s no fun for anybody, so we’ve put together some easy tips for relaxing and de-stressing. Start using these five strategies and you’ll be stress-free in no time!

1. Make the Bedroom Your Zen Zone
If you’re dealing with the insomnia that can accompany high stress levels, sometimes you need to adjust your bedroom. Making your bedroom a “Zen Zone” is a good way to make sure you can take your mind off of stressors and enjoy a full night’s rest when you go to bed. Avoid eating, working from your laptop, watching television, and similar activities in your bedroom to ensure the focus of the space is for restful sleep.

2. Get More Exercise
One of the best stress relievers and ways to get your mind off of things is to get active. Exercise takes on many forms, and finding one that you enjoy is a learning process. Yoga is a great way to relax and shift your focus toward your physical activity instead of whatever is stressing you. You can join a yoga class or do it at home. If you prefer the outdoors, jogging around a local park is a great way to get some fresh air and vitamin D.

3. Start Meditating
You might get a taste of this in yoga, but meditation is a great practice that anyone can enjoy, regardless of your physical condition. There are tons of online resources and guides to help you get started, but the best methods for beginners are usually ones that focus on breathing. It’s an easy practice to incorporate into your daily routine, and the calming effect is noticeable after your first session.

4. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
While coffee keeps the world turning round, there can be too much of a good thing. If you’re a bona fide caffeine addict, you’re not doing yourself any favors in the stress department. Try cutting back to a single cup in the morning and see if you notice a difference after a few weeks. Try drinking water infused with fruit instead of reaching for coffee or a soda. Coffee isn’t an easy habit to drop cold turkey, but gradual reduction can do wonders for your stress levels.

5. Give Yourself a Home Spa Treatment
Sometimes the trick to letting go of your stress is just a little pampering. Try turning your bathroom into a home spa space. With Bed Bath and Beyond coupons at Ebates, you can get discounts and cash back on home spa products like aromatherapy bath salts, plush robes, and more.

Give these five stress relieving tips a try and see what works for you! Cheers to a new stress-free you!

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March 6, 2015

Get Your Yard Ready for Spring

Having a great outdoor space for lounging and entertaining is wonderful, but perhaps a little tough to maintain. Throughout the winter, we tend to not use our outdoor spaces as much so it’s easy to let them start looking less than perfect. But with warmer weather just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about giving your yard, balcony or patio a fresh look. Wondering where to get started? Check out these tips for a refreshed outdoor space!

1. Leaf Control
First things first, if your yard is covered in leaves from a windy, rainy season, it’s not going to be the first place people want to hang out when they visit your home. If you want to make things easier on yourself, order a leaf blower and apply Sears coupons from Ebates. You’ll save money, you’ll save time, and your yard will look presentable.

2. Make Your Table More Inviting
Once you’ve gotten the leaf situation under control, take a look at your patio table. As the focal point of your outdoor space, your table should look as inviting as possible. If it’s looking a little worn, you might want to consider getting a newer one. But if you want to opt for a quick fix, putting together a nice centerpiece arrangement is a good way to breathe new life into your table. Get a few succulents, an interesting bowl, or some candles, and it’ll look better in no time.

3. Add a Fire Pit
Giving your guest something to do while in the yard is key. Adding a fire pit, provided you have the space for it, is a great idea. While the weather may not be quite up to summer temperatures, a fire pit is a good way to make your space usable on springtime nights for a little extra warmth. And hey, if nothing else, it’s a great excuse to make s’mores. Yum!

4. Let There Be Light
Speaking of making your space more inviting at night, brightening things up a bit is essential. Try to avoid installing garish spotlights and go for more ambient lighting options. There are tons of attractive glass and ceramic lanterns that can do double time as a design accent and a light source for your outdoor space. If you want something festive, cantina string lighting is always inviting and can spice up any party.

5. Make Seating a Priority
If you don’t have anywhere to sit, nobody is going to spend very long in your yard. It’s just simple logic. Find comfortable, durable outdoor seating that goes well with your yard’s aesthetic. And it always helps to have more seating space than you think you need. Nobody wants to be left standing at the party.

Prepare your yard for spring with these five tips. Your place will look great and you’ll be all set to enjoy your outdoor space all season long!

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March 5, 2015

Clean Up Your Spring Cleaning Routine

It’s that time of year that many of us dread—spring cleaning. It may seem like an arduous task but once you’ve ditched the dirt and cleared out the clutter, you’ll feel like you’ve moved into a brand new home. To help you get started, we’ve got quite a few tips to make the process of spring cleaning go as smoothly as possible.

De-Dirt the Doormats
Your doormat is what helps prevent outside dirt from coming in, so keeping them clean is important to make sure they continue to do what they were designed to do. Shake them out, give them a wash, or swat them with a broom. If they are really bad, consider replacing them.

Clean Painted Walls
To clean a painted wall, start with a clean sponge or cloth and water. If there are stubborn stains, mix a little mild dishwashing liquid with the water and dip your cloth or sponge into the mixture. Dry the walls with a clean cloth.

Protect Wooden Floors
Guard your floor against scratches by using surface protectors on the underside of furniture legs. Replace any if they become dirty or worn. Place saucers under plants to protect against water damage. Use a damp mop with a mild soap once a week to keep your wood floor protected and clean.

Wash Windows
Using a rubber-edged squeegee instead of a cloth or paper towel makes the process of washing dirty panes a breeze. Wet your window with a sponge dipped into a bucket of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Dampen the squeegee and draw it down the pane using overlapping strokes and wiping the rubber edge with the sponge after each stroke. Dry the windowsills with a cloth after you are done.

Dust Lightbulbs
Unscrew lightbulbs and polish with a microfiber cloth dampened with water. Make sure to avoid wetting the metal screw base when cleaning. If you have recessed lighting, use a telescoping duster to clean.

Wash Blinds and Curtains
Wipe wooden blinds with a few drops of wood cleaner onto a mostly-dry sponge. For aluminum blinds, take them to the outdoors to be washed. Place on a slanted surface and scrub with water and a non-corrosive cleaner. Rise well with a hose and dry the blinds thoroughly with a towel to prevent rust. Clean your curtains by either vacuuming and steam cleaning or have them dry-cleaned.

Deep-Clean Carpets and Rugs
Rent (or buy) a shampooer/extractor for synthetic carpeting. This helps clean the fibers and removes the soap traces with hot water. After cleaning, place a small piece of wax paper under each leg to protect your carpet and keep the furniture legs from getting wet while the carpet dries. Open windows to speed up the drying process. For valuable or wool carpets and rugs, call a professional for cleaning.

Caring For Tile
When cleaning kitchen and bathroom tiles, mixing baking soda and water makes a great homemade that is free of harmful chemicals. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into 2 gallons of water and mix well. Apply the liquid to the tiles with a mop or sponge.

Clean Out the Refrigerator
This daunting task may be the scariest one on the list, but it is much more manageable to do when broken down into steps. Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent future stains. Throw out old food on a weekly basis. Every few months, wash the interior of the fridge by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a quart of warm water. Let glass shelves come to room temperature before washing. If there is a hardened stain, loosen it by wetting with the solution before wiping up. Use a toothbrush to scrub the nook and crannies. Twice a year, vacuum or brush dust the condenser coils. Built-up dust can overhead the unit causing it to shut down.

Spring cleaning seems daunting at first, but making a checklist of what needs to be done and assigning rolls over a couple of days makes the process painless and productive. What spring cleaning tip do you use each year?

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March 4, 2015

Easy Style Tips for Busy Moms

Moms. You are pretty much always in a hurry. You usually find yourself on the business end of many messes (be it food or…worse). And you usually opt for comfort over fabulous (you never know when you have to run after a little one or reach for something they dropped in ways you didn’t think your body could bend). The point is, fashion for moms is no cake walk. It’s hard to look good every single day when you have the hardest job in the world. So with you in mind and with this being Mommy Madness here at Ebates, we’ve come up with some extremely easy fashion tips you can incorporate into every day of the week, no matter how jammed-packed your schedule may be. Never fear. Style help for moms is here!

1. Scuba Skirts and Tops
If you haven’t heard of scuba tops or scuba skirts, you are seriously missing out. Not only is this bathing suit-like material stretchy and comfortable, it is also moisture-absorbent and stain-resistant. Frazzled and sweaty? No problem. Spills and oopsies? Whatever. Seriously, scuba material is a mom fashion miracle.

2. Skirts and Sneakers
We know heels just might not have a place in your everyday life with all the physical demands of being a mom. But that doesn’t mean you can’t rock your favorite dress or skirt with some super comfy sneakers. This combo is actually very high fashion but still looks lovely with a basic, conservative skirt and tee look.

sneakers_with_skirts — Via Instagram @wheresmydriver

3. Jersey Blazers
Jackets may seem a little too dressed-up but jersey jackets give you that extra structure and layering power without compromising comfort. They instantly elevate any look, day or night.

4. Infinity Scarves
Instantly take a sweater, tee, or collared shirt up a notch with an infinity scarf. Just like that, you have magically created a little visual interest with a layered look that isn’t too bulky. Extra points for prints!

black_infinity_scarf — Via modaperprincipianti.com

plaid_infinity_scarf — Via YourFashion.co

Which of these tips would you like to try? Let us know with a comment below.

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March 3, 2015

Win $100 Carter’s Gift Card!

We know that your little miracles can cost a lot of cash (it’s ok, they’re totally worth it). From how fast they grow to how much wear and tear they inflict on their wardrobe, baby and kids’ clothes take up a big chunk of your budget. We want to kick off our Mommy Madness Week by giving away a $100 Carter’s gift card!

Carter’s is the trusted brand in children’s clothing, celebrating childhood with playful prints and adorable characters. Not only are their clothes affordable, they are durable, comfortable, and easy to change on the go. Enter our giveaway to get a jumpstart on that next growth spurt with Carter’s.

With Carter’s, your little ones are sure to be the best dressed on the block!

How to Enter to Win $100 Carter’s Gift Card:

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. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

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 12, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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February 26, 2015

Packing for the Perfect Spring Weekend Trip

There’s nothing better than getting out of town for a fun springtime weekend trip. The weather is getting warmer and it’s nice to soak up some sun after the long winter. While most of us would love to be on a perma-vacation, it probably won’t happen any time soon. Instead, focus on making the vacation’s that you do have flawless.

To execute the perfect weekend getaway, it all boils down to planning. Planing what you’re going to do, what you want to see, what you are going to wear, the places you want to eat, and maybe a little room for spontaneity thrown into the mix. But perhaps the most essential component of planning for your weekend trip? Packing! We’ve put together a quick guide to help you pack confidently for your perfect weekend trip.

1. A Medium Sized Travel Bag
The first thing you need for your weekend trip is the bag to fit everything. A solid, durable weekend travel bag is essential. Save yourself the hassle of checking a bag and get something small enough to fit into an overhead compartment, lightweight enough to carry on stairs, and light enough to take in and out of a car trunk. The TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible from eBags is perfect for a short trip. With 7 colors available and tons of room (without being bulky) this bag will allow you to pack it all and go with ease.

2. The Lightweight Sweater
No matter what the season, a versatile lightweight sweater is a must. If the air conditioning is up too high on the flight, if its start to cool down at night, or for fashionable layering, your sweater is bound to come in handy. J. Crew has great sweaters and the Relaxed Merino Wool Sweater comes in an array of colors to choose from.

3. Comfortable Walking Shoes
This one should be a given, but it must be mentioned. Whenever you travel, you’re going to active, and that means doing more walking than you normally would. You don’t have to wear sneakers for the entire weekend, but you’ll want to bring along a pair of shoes that can be dressed up or dressed down for the occasion, and you won’t mind walking around in all day. Keds are classic as well as versatile, but the Champion Eyelet version from OnlineShoes takes them up another notch on the fashion scale.

4. A Button Down
A solid button down is a good go-to piece for both men and women. Arguably the most flexible piece of clothing you can bring, a button down can be styled in an endless number of ways from heading to a nice restaurant for dinner, going out at night, or just kicking around during the day. The chambray shirt is perfect for both men and women alike and this Levi’s Workwear Boyfriend Chambray Shirt from Nordstrom is easy to style with multiple outfits.

5. Dark Jeans
A nice pair of dark jeans is another essential if you’re aiming for versatility. The staple piece in any casual wardrobe, they’re the perfect thing to thrown on and head out the door, so you won’t be wasting any time on your short trip. Most people already have a pair of dark jeans but if you’re looking for a new pair, the Demi Curve Skinny Jeans from Levi’s are flattering and classic.

Pack these weekend trip essentials and you’ll have everything you need for a great time!

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February 25, 2015

Staycation Success: Tips & Tricks

The word vacation brings up images of escape, relaxation, and fun. Most traditional vacations take place away from the home. But when a traditional vacation isn’t an option, plan a staycation instead! You can easily take a break in the comfort of your own home and city. Staycations are a great choice for singles, couples, and families alike!

The Ground Rules
A staycation is meant to feel like a real getaway, so there are a few ground rules that need to be set. Deciding a start and end time to the vacation (whether it be a weekend or a whole week) and guidelines to follow ahead of time keep everyone involved and on the same page. NOTE: Not all of these examples will work for everyone, so pick and choose what works for you and your family!

No working from home
No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
Only check your phone or email when you absolutely have to (preferably not at all!)

Plan Your Staycation
Destination vacations usually include fun plans for dinners, activities, and ways to relax, so make sure you do the same for your staycation! Set a realistic budget with money set aside for eating out or a massage. Try to prep around the house in a way that makes your vacation at home as relaxing as possible. You can make sure all your laundry is done ahead of time, gathering local menus, preparing meals in advance, and using disposable dishware to cut down on doing the dishes.

Get Out and About
Just because it’s called a staycation doesn’t mean you need to stay in! There are most likely dozens of things to do around your hometown that you have never even thought of. Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Check out our Groupon and LivingSocial for coupons and discounts on local events, plus get 6% Cash Back at Ebates!

Visit your local museums
Check out your local library for activities
Root for your favorite major or minor league team
Have a board game tournament
Camp in the backyard
Catch a show at your local theater
Tour a local brewery
Take a painting or pottery class
Visit a local park
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride

Relax and Refresh
While you’ll probably be tempted to tackle a few chores during your staycation, remind yourself to kick back and enjoy the moment. Whether you have a list full of activities or one or two picked out, the attitude and commitment you have to making this time about relaxing and having fun is ultimately the most important key to a successful staycation. Take the time to let your hair down and spend time with your partner, kids, or even catch up on some “me time!”

Have you ever taken a staycation? What activities around your town would you do? Let us know in a comment below!

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February 24, 2015

Travel Essentials: 11 Items to Make Any Trip Easier

Whether you are a solo adventurer or you’re traveling with your entire tribe, getting away has its hassles. From sensible packing to keeping little ones happy (and yourself from going insane), this ultimate list of travel essentials eliminates your questions on what to pack and guarantees smooth sailing during your next “bon voyage.”

1. SHOLDIT Infinity Wrap Purse
Forget fanny packs or even the hidden ones you strap under your clothes. How uncomfortable does that sound? Instead, carry your small essentials with easy access and stay in style with this infinity scarf-turned-purse.

2. Prince Lionheart Backseat Organizer & Kickmat
Long car rides with toddles can wreak havoc on the backs of your seats. This kickmat and organizer protects your upholstery with one easy install.

3. Snack and Play Travel Tray
Another must-have for family road trips, this travel tray will keep everything your little one needs within arm’s reach to reduce the need for pull-overs or dangerous reaching behind your seat.

4. Triangular Crayons
Whether you’re in a plane, train, or automobile, these crayons will not roll away so your kids can keep creating while you get closer to your destination.

5. Travel Jewelry Case
We’ve all opened a suitcase to reveal a tangled mess of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that we have to spend precious vacation minutes untangling. Avoid this time suck with a small and simple travel jewelry case with multiple compartments and ample protective cushioning.

6. Foldable Water Bottles
That hefty plastic water bottle is great when it’s full, but takes up precious cargo room when it’s empty. These foldable bottles are reusable and roll up for easy storage when not in use.

7. EarPlanes Flight Ear Plugs
The change in air pressure on flights can be painful for tiny ears. These ear plugs relieve the pressure and reduce harsh noise naturally with their exclusive CeramX Filter.

8. Tegu Blocks
Perfect for babies and toddlers, these wooden blocks are magnetic, making them hard to slip out of little hands.

9. Travel Compression Bags
There is really no other way to pack your clothes than with compression vacuum bags. The space they take up otherwise is just ridiculous, especially if you’re planning a long trip and don’t want to deal with a Laundromat.

10. Car Seat Transporter
Car seats are heavy and bulky but can easily roll along with this simple car seat transporter. You can even strap your little one in if you need to run and catch that next flight.

11. Colorescience Powdered Sunblock
Putting on extra sunblock on the go is always a sticky ordeal. This light and airy powdered sun protection goes in on a flash so you can get back to your getaway.

What are some items you never travel without? Let us know in the comments below!

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