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December 16, 2015

11 Amazing Holiday Home Decorating Ideas

’Tis the season for sprucing up your space with some merry and bright decorating ideas! Whether you go all out with ceiling-to-floor décor or just want a little splash of holiday style, these easy decorating ideas let you infuse your home with some Christmas spirit. From small spaces to expansive areas, add some cheer to your house with our top home decorating holiday tips! Anything you need to make your home merry and bright, you can find it through Ebates with Cash Back, home decor coupons and promo codes.

1. Welcome Guests With a Festive Entryway. If you’ve already done the basic holiday decorating, like stringing Christmas lights along your roof and decking out your tree, it’s time to spruce up your entryway. Decorating your porch or home entryway is a fun and easy way to send warm holiday wishes to guests and neighbors. Take some of those classic poinsettia plants you have around your house during the holidays and use them to perk up your porch in no time. Add a wreath to your door for some simple festive flair. While you’re out there, why not show your mailbox some love with a garland or some decorative Christmas crafts?

2. String Lights Aren’t Just for Your Tree. Get creative with Christmas lights this year and add them to unexpected places! Wrap them around stair banisters or cluster small string lights among holiday table centerpieces for a warm glow. Lining windows with Christmas lights is a fun way to create a bright border that’s sure to shine from the street. Or if you’re looking for easy holiday party ideas, use string lights to create a simple photo backdrop on a bare wall and host an unforgettable photo shoot that will light up the evening.

3. Choose Your Color Scheme and Carry it Through. Set the perfect holiday mood with color. Go red and green for a classic look, stick with metallic colors like silver and gold for a classy flair or choose all white for an elegant monochromatic touch. Tie your Christmas look together by using the same color scheme in every element from accents and centerpieces to Christmas lights and holiday ornaments.

4. Get Crafty! Add some fa la la to your living area with some festive DIY flair. Use Christmas crafts and homemade projects to give shelves character or add them to tables to take them up a notch. Hang some intricate paper snowflakes and get a winter wonderland look without a big price tag. Kids’ crafts are a fun way to bring your fridge, walls and windows to life, too!

5. Wrapping Paper is a Christmas Decorating Miracle. Wrapping paper is a fun and easy way to accent your home this holiday season. Choose your favorite patterns and use it to cover a small wall, molding, tables, cupboards and more. You can even use it to cover photos and create “hanging presents” on your walls. While you’re at it, grab some classic adhesive Christmas bows and stick them around the house for a wonderfully whimsical touch that both kids and adults love!

6. Holiday Cards Come in Handy. Showcase all those heartfelt holiday cards you get from friends and family by turning them into DIY Christmas décor. Easily string them together or tape them to a wall or the fridge for some added holiday love. Plus, these types of holiday decorations become keepsakes you can bring out year after year!

7. Fill Vases and Jars With Christmas Magic. Use mason jars, fruit bowls, clear vases or glasses to create stunning home displays. Fill them with extra Christmas ornaments, festive pinecones, glitter and more holiday accessories for instant accents. Layer them up to create visual interest and cool patterns or use all the same item for a bold look.

8. Get in Touch With Mother Nature. Natural wintery accents can be found just about anywhere. Collect sprigs of greenery or bare branches and showcase them in vases for simple yet elegant accents. You can even add extra embellishments you might already have in your stash of decorating ideas, like ribbons and glittery goodness.

9. Add a Warm Glow With Candles. Whether you use kid-friendly LED candles or the real deal, candles will create soft lighting and a gorgeous glow. Combine floating candles, tea lights and tall pillar candles to design your own display for an easy addition to your holiday decorating ideas.

10. Rock Ribbons. Use simple ribbons to adorn chair backs, pillows, door handles and more for a super simple way to accent your ambiance. Red ribbons are a classic go-to for the ultimate Christmas touch.

11. Make Your Mantel Merry. Make your fireplace the focal point that ties your room together. Add a garland, extra ornaments or small empty boxes wrapped like Christmas gifts for the perfect pop.

Now that you’ve got our favorite holiday tips for decorating your space, you can create your own winter wonderland in no time with plenty of ideas using supplies you probably already have around the house or stashed in your holiday storage boxes. Be sure to share your top decorating ideas with us below! Happy decorating and happy holidays from all of us at Ebates!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 9, 2015

How to Plan a Holiday Party

The holidays are a time to celebrate and gather with your favorite people. Great food, lively music and festive decorations are essential ingredients for any holiday party, but it also takes some thoughtful planning to pull off one of the most talked about events of the year. Whether you’re in charge of the Christmas party planning for your company’s celebration or you’re planning a private gathering for your closest family and friends, we have the tips you need to get the festivities going without a hitch.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

A successful party is rarely pulled off at the hands of just one person, so don’t be afraid to solicit the help of those around you. Consider hiring professionals who specialize in their field or simply ask a friend to chip in, because those extra hands will be a major help. There’s no need to take on too much to do by yourself and end up stressed. After all, the holidays are about having fun!

2. Create a holiday party planning checklist.

A lot goes into Christmas party planning so you’ll want to make sure you’ve covered all of your bases. You’re going to be pulled in many directions so you’ll want to create a holiday party planning checklist to make sure nothing gets forgotten. You can use traditional pen and paper or make a list on your mobile device, whichever is most convenient for you.

3. Choose an appropriate venue.

Choosing a venue is an important element to any social gathering. Your venue should be determined by the number of attendees (and their guests). Keep it simple by hosting the party at your home or workplace or you can rent a special location for your event. Choose a location that is appropriate for the gathering and be sure to discuss any house rules the venue may have. Some locations may require food or entertainment be provided by their in-house staff so make sure they meet your requirements before you commit to your locale.

4. Send out your invitations.

Once you have the preliminary decisions made, you can send your guests invitations. Vistaprint has a great assortment of invitations with easy design features or you can create an invitation all on your own. To make reservations simpler, offer your guests the option to phone in their confirmation or use an online method like email or an event RSVP service.

5. Set the stage with decorations.

The first thing everyone will notice when they walk into your party space is the decorations. If you have the time to hand-make every item, you can keep your budget low, but it’s important to remember that your time is valuable as well. Birthday in a Box offers a variety of fun and festive decorations that are sure to get people in the mood for your holiday party. Streamers, table scatter, paper lanterns and more in holiday colors and designs will create a fun atmosphere for the get together.

6. Fill their bellies with delicious food.

The food often becomes the focal point of any party so plan accordingly. Some parties will include a dinner while others may focus more on appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Be sure to offer plenty of variety so you can appease even the picky eaters. Festive recipes can be paired with classic favorites. If you’re planning on multiple dishes or just want to simplify the process, a caterer may be best for your event. Your caterer can offer a variety of options and help lighten your load so you can focus your attention on other elements.

7. Keep your guests entertained.

Whether you’re planning a major event or just a small social gathering, you’re going to want to provide entertainment. This can be as simple as Christmas party music playing from a playlist or a hired DJ to keep the party going with tunes for the occasion.

8. Take care of the extras.

When it comes to your Christmas party planning, set yourself up for all the extra little things. Plan a space for all of those winter coats everyone will be wearing. Hire an event photographer to take pictures so your guests can focus on the fun. You can even plan for a taxi in case anyone needs a ride home.

9. Send them off with a gift.

Even great parties must come to an end but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop at the door. Send your guests home with party favor gifts that remind them of the glorious evening they just had. Harry and David has a wide selection of fine gift baskets or you can choose decadent candies from Ghirardelli Chocolate. Your guests will love their holiday party favors long after the event is over.

10. Enjoy your evening.

In all of the hubbub, don’t forget to enjoy the evening yourself! You’ve put a lot of work into making the night go off without a hitch so it’s only right to enjoy it yourself as well. Partake in the food, shimmy on the dance floor and spend some well-earned down time with your fellow party-goers.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

October 17, 2015

Top Pop Culture Halloween Costumes for 2015

Are you still searching for the perfect Halloween costume? If donning a white sheet with holes cut out for eyes is not your favorite idea for a last-minute costume, never fear. We’ve curated six of the top pop culture Halloween ideas for 2015 for both guys and girls. So whether you’re spending the evening out dancing with friends or trick-or-treating with the little ones, you’ll be sure to make heads turn with these clever and relevant costumes. Don’t forget to use Ebates for Cash Back on all your spooky shopping needs like Halloween costumes, decorations and candy!

Orange is the New Black Prisoner Costume

Take a trip to Litchfield Penitentiary and get ready to serve your time. This orange prisoner costume comes with a clip-on name tag and dry erase marker and you better fill in your name or you could get a shot from one of the officers. Keep your head down, say you love the food and you’ll be sure to survive your prison time this Halloween.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Rey Costume

Whether you’ve been a hardcore Star Wars fan for years or you’ve only just begun to love the series, Rey is the top costume choice for women this year. Add some boots (not included) to this costume which includes the top, pants, sleeves, belt with pouch and wrist cuff and channel your inner heroine.

Women’s Minion Costume

You’ll conquer trick-or-treating this year with this iconic blue and yellow Minions costume. Featuring a long-sleeved dress, goggles, gloves and knee socks, this costume is perfect with black sneakers for a night of walking or high heels for a night of dancing.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Katniss Costume

Show off pride for your district this Halloween by dressing as everyone’s favorite tribute. Braid your hair, add some black boots and a bow to this costume which includes a top with armor, pants with knee and shin guards and a Mockingjay pin to complete the look.

Jurassic World: Inflatable T-Rex Costume

Steal the show this Halloween and impress everyone by showing off your love for Jurassic Park. While your dance moves might not be as hip (those little arms will prevent you from showing off your nae nae) you can shake that tail all night long. Just don’t run into anyone dressed as Owen or Claire! This costume requires four AA batteries so make sure to stock up before your night starts.

Star Wars Han Solo Costume

He shot Darth Vader’s TIE fighter, survived being frozen in carbonite and stole the princesses heart. Han Solo is back this year and ready to still up some trouble. Show a little bit of skin with this v-neck shirt, vest, pants and boot top combo. Don’t forget your co-pilot by adding a Chewbacca backpack to finalize this costume.

Once Upon a Time Hook Costume

Have a swashbuckling good time this year by dressing up as everyone’s favorite pirate. Add a little smudged eyeliner to complete this look which includes a faux leather black jacket, vest, pants (with attached boot top covers) and the iconic hook.

American Horror Story Twisty the Clown Costume

If you’re planning to show off your darker side this Halloween, it doesn’t get much creepier than Twisty the Clown. At first you’ll look like any other clown with your pom pom top, pants and bag but you’ll transform into Twisty once you don the headpiece and mask. If you can, wear oversized shoes to perfect the clown look. Just try not to scare the children too much!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 16, 2015

13 Tips for Choosing Your Halloween Costumes

When it comes to choosing Halloween costumes, the possibilities are endless. Between browsing your local costume store and spending way too much time on Pinterest collecting DIY ideas, the abundance of choice can seem overwhelming. Let us help you break down the process with these 13 simple steps so you’ll be sure to pick a winner this Halloween.

1. Buy Early – No matter if you are planning to buy a complete costume or components and accessories to make your own, start as soon as you can. You never know when you need time to troubleshoot. The color might be off or the fit may be unflattering. Give yourself as much time as possible to return or exchange items that are vital to your look.

2. Budget – Halloween costume ideas can get lofty—fast! Before you get too ambitious or start drooling over custom-made accessories and expert-quality Halloween makeup, decide on a budget. You can even break it down by how much you want to spend on clothing, wigs, makeup and other accessories. Halloween costume coupons and promo codes will definitely help with keeping your finances on track. And Cash Back at Ebates will put money back into your pocket!

3. Style – Now you can start narrowing down costumes by what style you’re going for. Do you want to have people running for the hills with a scary costume or doubled over laughing with a silly one? Do you want to be recognizable or go for something a little more obscure? Cosplay costumes are a great example of both popular characters and little-known ones. Figure out what kind of statement you want to make and go from there.

4. Weather – Trust us. A costume that bares a little skin will be fun for exactly two minutes if there’s a chill in the air and you plan on Trick or Treating all night. Try to get a handle on the weather forecast for the night and factor in your surroundings for whatever you have planned. If you’re going to be indoors, you may not have to worry about a costume that will keep you bundled up.

5. Group Costume – There are plenty of advantages to going with a group costume with friends or family. One, it’s a bonding experience. Two, your costume-mates act as accessories so you don’t have to worry too much about making your character obvious. Three, if you all go with the same costume, it eliminates a lot of the hard work without compromising the overall statement.

6. Simple Pet and Kids’ Costumes – If you’re shopping for Halloween costumes for kids and pets to top off your group costume, know your sidekick. Keep things simple if your pet or little one is prone to fussing in an all-out get-up. Basic capes are great for dogs while loose costumes sans masks are more manageable for young kids. Keep everyone in your costume crew from getting cranky this Halloween.

7. Avoid Appropriation – Offensive Halloween costumes are seriously uncool. Don’t ruin a fun night by hurting anyone’s feelings. When choosing a costume, remember that depicting cultures and races that are not your own are absolutely off limits. Characters, occupations, historical figures and celebrities are just fine. But always depict these types of people with respect and without changing your physical features, including skin tone. Be kind, be sensitive and be courteous when putting together your Halloween look.

8. The Fine Print – So now you’ve found a great Halloween costume online. Before you click Order Now, make sure to read all the details first. Sometimes costumes are not entirely as pictured. They might not include all of the accessories in the photo, like the wig or jewelry. Reading the fine print will save you the heartache of expecting a complete look delivered to your door only to find a single piece of clothing. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to scramble for additional pieces.

9. Sizing – Use the size chart when selecting a costume online or a pre-packaged costume you are not allowed to try on in-store. Take your exact measurements before shopping to select the perfect fit. This again will save you time and ensure you will not have to return a costume due to poor fit at the last minute.

10. Try it On – Immediately after you receive a mail-order costume, take it out of the package and try it on. Do not assume everything will fit perfectly and wait until Halloween night. Obviously by then it will be too late to return or exchange your costume. You’ll be out of luck and out a few bucks.

11. Versatility – If you’re attending multiple events for Halloween and are thinking of getting more than one costume, consider buying one and changing it up for each outing. Choose a versatile costume that can be easily mixed up with the right makeup and accessories. You can go silly or sweet for family outings and spine-tingling for afterhours parties.

12. Safety First – So now you have the costume. It fits, you love it and you can’t wait until Halloween night to rock it. But safety is also very important. You need to make sure you can move adequately, see and be seen. If the eye holes of your mask are not wide enough, cut some more space for you to see. If your costume is long enough to trip on, hem or trim the bottom. Lastly, focus on visibility. If your costume is dark and you’ll be walking around at night, include a flashlight or glow stick so drivers will be able to spot you crossing the street.

13. Dress Rehearsal – Once you have all of your costume elements together in one place, give your look a test run. Put on the whole shebang—costume, jewelry, wig, makeup, everything. Chances are, practice will make perfect when it comes to nailing your Halloween look.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 30, 2015

Fall Activities for All That Won’t Break the Bank

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. You get to witness the majesty of nature and how it changes before your eyes as a whole new color palette forms. These changes bring along fun seasonal activities that all ages can enjoy. Gather up your family and friends and check out these fun fall activities that won’t have you digging deep into your pockets.

1. Reach up high to pick some apples. When the next rainy day comes around, you can use your freshly picked apples to make pies, muffins, caramel apples and more.

2. Hit up the local pond with stale bread and feed the ducks. Pack a picnic and a blanket to make the trip even more memorable.

3. Take advantage of the autumn breeze and go fly a kite. For an extra challenge, make your own kite for a family-fun project.

4. Pull on some cozy socks and drink hot apple cider. For extra fun, make your own cider!

5. Find a local hay ride for the whole family to enjoy. Better yet, if that hay ride includes a trip through a corn maze, that’s a whole day of family fun on the cheap.

6. Gather the whole family up for a nature hike at a local park. Look and listen for different types of wildlife and keep a list of every one you find.

7. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. Get a great big dose of nostalgia. If you have young ones, introduce them to this childhood favorite!

8. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a can. It’s easy enough for toddlers and kids to make. Follow this recipe and roll back and forth before enjoying this tasty treat.

9. Plan a pumpkin patch day. Instead of buying your pumpkin from the local grocery store, head to a pumpkin patch and pick one out for a fun night of jack-o-lantern carving. After carving the pumpkins, gather up the seeds for roasting!

10. Rake up all the leaves into a pile and jump into them. Just make sure to wear clothes you’re okay with getting a bit dirty!

11. Create an outdoor fall scavenger hunt. Have your little ones look for pumpkins, acorns, scarecrows, fallen leaves and more.

12. Collect leaves and make a leaf rubbing for handmade fall home decor. Enjoy quality time with the family while beautifying your home for very little money.

13. Volunteer to help others. Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and see how you can donate your time or host a local food drive in your neighborhood.

14. Warm up during cool evenings with a campfire. Roast hot dogs and veggies and finish off with delicious s’mores. End the night with some spooky “ghost stories” (as long as the little ones don’t get too scared!)

15. Make a bird feeder. Gather up pinecones and create this kid-friendly bird feeder using peanut butter and birdseed.

Whether you do these activities with your friends, significant other or family, enjoy the changing seasons while saving more. Look for more autumn activities at LivingSocial and Groupon and get Cash Back at Ebates.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 18, 2015

New Fall Decor Ideas to Freshen Up Your Home

With summer over and fall beginning, it’s time to give your home a little refresher. Fall decor is warm, cozy and inviting, making it easy to add to any room. These DIY decorations are very easy so gather up your family or friends for a craft night with a mug of hot apple cider! We’ve gathered eight decor ideas that are easy (and fun) to make. Remember to shop for any craft supplies you need at Ebates with Cash Back at stores like Michaels, JoAnn and WalMart.

Add a little sparkle to traditional fall foliage with this beautiful DIY Falling Leaves Garland from House of Jade Interiors. Garlands are an easy way to dress up a plain wall and bring the outdoors into your home.

Pumpkins are usually associate with Halloween, but they make a perfect vase for dried flowers. This monochrome design from The Daily Basics is perfect as either a centerpiece or decor on a side table. Who knew pumpkins could be so classy?!

Cozy up this autumn by adding a pop of color with this easy leaf pillow from Better Homes and Gardens. It seems intimidating but by using an iron on transfer and a couple of stitches.

Mason jars aren’t going anywhere and that’s a good thing because these mason jar vases from Anything & Everything are too chic! Fill them with either artificial or real flowers for a perfect fall mantle piece.

Wreaths are not just for the winter holidays! Fall wreaths bring warmth to your doorway, making you smile every time you enter your home. Little Lovely Leaders shows us how to make this perfect burlap wreath, which you can easily make your own.

Empty vases are perfect for year round decor because you can fill them with whatever color palette fits the season. AmandaJaneBrown fills her vase with popcorn kernels, dried beans and dried peas, showing off the colors of the autumn leaves.

Another pumpkin decor, but this time in white! Better Homes and Gardens shows off how to use twisted vines of bittersweet to make this fun fall centerpiece.

Yes, more mason jars, but now as a candle holder. Learn how to apply leaves to mason jars for this warm look from Spark & Chemistry.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 11, 2015

6 Fall Makeup Trends to Get Your Face Game on Point

A new season brings opportunity to explore new styles and playing with your makeup routine is a great way to experiment with your look. Fall makeup trends that are bold and exciting are not just for runway models. You can inject a little fierce into your everyday routine with these six fashion-forward makeup trends for fall.

Vampy Lips

Dark, baroque-inspired lipstick is statement-making while completely simple. A little mascara and highlighter on your eyes is all you need for the perfect balance. Plus, dark lipstick looks amazing against fall whites and tans. Take the look a step further and pair semi-black lips with black outfits for a gothic appeal.

Dramatic Cat Eyes

Use an angled makeup brush to sweep dark eye shadow into a show-stopping cat eye. Pair this little slice of drama with a pink or nude lip to really let your eyes do all the talking.

Statement Lashes

Glitter tipped lashes and luxe long lashes will definitely up the flirt factor in your beauty routine. Make your eyes look wide and wondrous with a little white eyeliner on your waterline and ultra-black mascara.

Electric Eyeshadow

Bright jewel-toned eyeshadows in shades that contrast with your eye color will really make those peepers pop. Sweep across both your top and bottom lids to create an haute couture statement that will amp up those fall neutrals in your wardrobe.

Full-Blown Brows

via Harper's Bazaar — via Harper’s Bazaar

Gone are the days of wimpy, pencil-thin eyebrows. Full bodied brows are where it’s at. Groom yours with a good brow brush and fill in sparse areas with brow powder or brow gel for a perfect, face-framing pair.

Cray for Gray

Gray eyeshadow and, yes, even gray lipstick are striking serious notes on the runway and beyond this season. Gray shadows are fabulous with wine-colored lips and gray lipsticks pair wonderfully with brown and neutral smokey eyes.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

July 8, 2015

5 Unique First Date Ideas to Break the Ice

When’s the last time you were on a first date? Was it fun/awkward/nerve-racking? Did conversation feel too forced or not fluid enough? Maybe you two just didn’t have anything in common. Or perhaps your date plan was unoriginal and you both knew it. The best date ideas are the ones that allow you to gain an organic insight into the other’s life – their upbringing, passions, ambitions and fears – without it being too contrived. The goal is to break down the barriers as quickly as possible and let the nerves float away.

Check out our guide below for interesting date ideas that’ll melt away the first date ice. If nothing on this list resonates with you, explore Groupon coupons for more exciting date and event ideas!

Trivia Night at the Local Pub

No matter where home is, chances are there’s a local bar hosting weekly trivia. If you’re in a major city, you’ll probably have a trivia option every night of the week. Taking a date to trivia allows you to find out a lot about the other person without even asking.

A lot of anecdotes and context start to surface when someone’s forced to rack the depths of their brain attempting to answer eccentric and challenging questions. Not to mention, you’ll be playing on the same team, allowing a competitive bond to form effortlessly. After trivia’s over, stay for another drink and rehash or elaborate on tidbits that were brought up throughout the night. You may find yourself chatting until closing time, wondering where all that time went.

Go To an Improv Show

What better way to break the ice than to laugh at people performing in awkward, unplanned scenarios? An improv show or other performance arts events are great options if you don’t want the first date to be too talking intensive. Not to mention the evening will be more memorable regardless of whether or not sparks fly. If a dinner and movie are your typical date go-tos, attending an improv show will be a breath of fresh air.

Volunteer Together

Nothing takes the pressure off a first date more than spending time with someone while performing a job. Look up local places to volunteer and enjoy a fulfilling day together, slowly feeling each other out. Serve soup to the homeless, play with kids at a youth center or hang out with the elderly. No matter the activity, you’ll have plenty to relate to during, or after your volunteering session ends.

Find a DIY Project to Do Together

Remember arts and crafts time in grade school? Or how about art class in high school? It’s always fun and social to create. When we’re crafty and occupied with the creative process, it’s a relaxed atmosphere for chatting and casual conversation. If you drink coffee or tea and strive for your mugs to be beyond the ordinary, make your own custom coffee mugs together. Conversation will flow organically and you’ll end up with a cool keepsake in the process. And if you want to save a little buying supplies, you can always use Michael’s coupons from Ebates.

Have a Coffee Date and Play Truth or Dare

Yes, the coffee date is a little cliché but that doesn’t mean it’s not effective in getting to know a person. The problem is, conversation can be a little stiff and uncomfortable with two people meeting for the first time, no matter how much smiling is going on. So why not spice it up a bit and play a mild (or not so) game of truth or dare? At the least, the game might force some laughs, breaking down the barriers to freer-flowing conversation.

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

June 24, 2015

7 Revamped 4th of July Recipes

Now is definitely crunch time for collecting 4th of July party ideas to plan one killer patriotic bash. Backyard barbecues with burgers and hot dogs are as American as apple pie but a little re-imagination would take your party eats to a whole new level. Here are our seven favorite 4th of July recipes that will add a little spirit and color to your spread this holiday.

Firecracker Dogs

These dough-wrapped dogs are as adorable as they are delicious. Firecracker dogs are one of our favorite 4th of july food ideas for family parties with small kids. Mess free and on a stick, what else can you ask for?

Blueberry Strawberry Jicama Salsa

Add a summary kick to traditional chips and salsa with some patriotic colors! This scrumptious blueberry strawberry jicama salsa is sweet, tangy and zesty with a little jalapeño punch.

Patriotic Deviled Eggs

A little food coloring goes a long way to put an all-American spin on the ultimate picnic food–deviled eggs. These red, white and blue deviled eggs are, in fact, one of our favorite patriotic party ideas. 4th of July appetizers don’t get more classic than this!

Sweet Potato Salad

Everyone loves mom’s traditional potato salad but there is no time like the present to try something new with an old classic. This sweet potato salad includes bacon, goat cheese crumbles, scallions and non-fat Greek yogurt to cut some calories!

4th of July Rice Crispy Treats

And now onto 4th of July desserts! Who doesn’t get all nostalgic for classic Rice Crispy Treats? Some quality gel food coloring is all you need to give these sweet squares a patriotic pop.

Blueberry Cran Muffins

4th-of-July-Muffins-Barbara-Bakes — via Barbara Bakes

Set off some fireworks in your mouth with these delectable red, white and blue muffins with fresh blueberries and dried cranberries. A little colored sugar on top gives these baked beauties a glittering finish.

Independence Punch

Wash all that good grub down with this deliciously fruity red, white and blue punch. The trick is creating color layers in a large drink dispenser for a nice visual touch. Plus, it tastes amazing on a hot day of fun in the sun.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

May 18, 2015

Decorating Hacks for a Better Looking Home

While we’d all love to live in our dream home, not everyone can grace the paces of Architectural Digest. Thankfully for the rest of us, there’s no shortage of quick, simple, and easy ways to transform your home from average to amazing. If you’re looking for a few ways to freshen your home’s interior design, the internet DIY community is a wellspring of inspiration and fun ideas that won’t drain your back account. Here’s out guide to hacking your home design one room at a time!

Kick Things Up in the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the easiest places to start with your decorative hacking. While most of us think of it for its utilitarian purposes, your kitchen can be just as charming and design friendly as the rest of the house, even if you’re an active chef. The ladies over at I Am Momma Hear Me Roar have a great way to take a boring rubber floor mat and turn it into a stylish fabric floor covering that is not only secure, but also attractive.

With a few simple steps and a few crafty supplies, you can have an easy to clean, personalized mat that makes chopping onions oh so comfortable. And if you order your supplies using Michaels coupons from Ebates, you can make the project that much easier on the wallet.

kitchenmat — via I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

Lighten Up Your Living Room

If you’re living in an older home or apartment, there’s a solid chance you have an unusable fireplace. While we love the architectural detailing of an old mantle, a whitewashed slab in the middle of your living room feels like wasted space. The Budget Decorator will show you how t put the fireplace to use with an assortment of candles for a sophisticated, bohemian glow. After all, it’s still a flame, just a bit smaller in scale.

candlesfireplace — via The Budget Decorator

Design Details in the Dining Room

Feeling a bit blasé about your dining room? House Beautiful has some great ideas about easy makeovers you could do in a day. If it’s the furniture you’re lacking, go with the pro tip and just paint everything white. Your table and chairs might be well-loved antiques, but a fresh coat of high-gloss white paint will give your dining room a fresh, airy look. If you’re looking for a funky touch, you can get creative with your wall décor. They recommend decorating a wall with plates for a unified look that’s a cheeky take on the purpose of the room, and one that you’re dinner guests definitely won’t have seen before.

Bring Some Style to the Bathroom

Often the home’s most overlooked opportunity for design improvement, the bathroom deserves a little attention. Another utilitarian space, you might not think of your bathroom as a very style-friendly zone, but there are some little things you can do to beautify it. Take your shower curtain for instance. Real Simple suggests that instead of going with traditional metal rings, add an interesting touch by fastening it to the rod with fabric bows. It’s fun, functional, and rust-resistant.

You don’t have to undergo an entire home renovation to get a fresh new style. Follow these four simple decorating hacks and you’ll be amazed just how great your home can look!

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