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March 22, 2017

15 Reasons to Love Spring Explained in GIFs

We at Ebates — and surely most of you — are so ready to say,”See ya later, winter, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” It is now officially appropriate to get supremely tickled about spring re-entering your chilly little life. And if it feels like last spring was 393,120 minutes ago (because it was) and you can’t possibly remember how great it was, let us remind you in a series of GIFs why spring is awesome.

1. Warmer weather: The weather’s warmer and you’re excited to remove some of those layers. Let’s just hope your New Year’s resolution to shed that winter weight actually stuck.

2. Driving with the windows down: Sure, you won’t be able to have an audible conversation and your car stereo will sound terrible, but WHO CARES IT’S FINALLY SUNNY!

3. Spring cleaning: Yikes. You really let the place go while you hibernated the winter away. Time to break out that Swiffer.

4. April showers: Don’t worry. You don’t have to dance in it. Stay in and enjoy the pitter patter on your rooftop, and then stand by for some serious rainbow action.

5. May flowers: A frolic through the flowers is not only healing for the soul, but also a terrific backdrop for selfies. Just stock up on the Claritin first.

6. Easter: Sure, Easter means more than bunnies and chocolate — but really, CHOCOLATE! It brings out the creeper in all of us.

7. Spring break: Fashions may have changed, but the shenanigans stay the same. Time to cut loose and shake that caboose.

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8. Cinco de Mayo: There’s no better time of year to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and get a tasty education in Mexican food. (Note: *This* is not how you do that. And there are far better Mexican food items than tacos. Get your hands on some menudo. You won’t regret it.)

9. Festival season: All those leftover Halloween costumes and accessories you have collecting dust in the attic? They’ve got you covered for Coachella, Sasquatch, SXSW, etc.

10. Barbecues: Barbecues and crab boils are perfect excuses to bring the crew together and consume way more food than you should. Enjoy a big hunk of beef on your plate. (The hunk cooking it isn’t too bad, either.)

11. Gardening: Sure, gardening and yard work seem like a chore. But don’t forget that you get the chance to bring life to things and then turn around and cut them down like a boss. Get it!

12. Freshly cut grass: Piggybacking off No. 11, cutting the grass might be a chore but the intoxicating smell that follows is worth it. Or is that gas fumes from the mower?

13. Romantic picnics: Let the outdoors ignite your passions. But beware of prying eyes.

14. New beginnings: With the seasons changing and nature in a state of renewal, spring is the perfect time to try a new haircut, travel to an exotic place or start killing it on those big life goals.

15. Sprucing up your spring wardrobe with Ebates: Update your look and get Cash Back? How is that not the best part of spring? Shop Double Cash Back stores to bring your fashion into focus this season.

May 27, 2016

How to Revamp Your Home Decor and Garden on a Budget

Spring is in full swing and it’s the right time of year to dust off the cobwebs both inside and outside your home. May is perfect for refreshing your home and garden to prepare both for summer fetes and relaxation. If you’re looking for DIY revamp house on a budget tips, check out these fabulous stores and get Cash Back at Ebates to help your money go even further when you refresh your living space.

Lowe’s

If you love DIY, Lowe’s is the perfect online destination for your kitchen revamp and stunning, but inexpensive, landscaping ideas.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the Lowe’s Savings section first to get the best deals on cheap home decorating and the supplies you need for revamping garden furniture.

Neiman Marcus

We all know Neiman Marcus for its luxurious fashion and accessories, but Neiman Marcus also has an equally fabulous selection of home and garden items like wall art and outdoor home décor.

Savings Tip:
• Stay tuned for an incredible home goods promo code online at Neiman Marcus and save up to 40% off during their spring Designer Sale. Get bedding, towels, mirrors, lighting and more at a fraction of the original price.

HSN

Head online to check out the incredible selection of accents and inspiration for cheap landscaping ideas and home decor at HSN and get ready to spend less to revamp garden furniture and bedroom décor.

Savings Tip:
• Get up to 60% off home décor and garden furniture when you shop Clearance items online at HSN.

Angie’s List

Hire the right professionals to help out with your garden and kitchen revamp and head online to Angie’s List to ask the experts. Find the best of the best to help you figure out the perfect inexpensive landscaping ideas with Angie’s List.

Savings Tips:
• AARP members can renew their Angie’s List membership with a 25% off discount.
• Keep an eye out for extra savings with an Angie’s List promo code plus don’t forget to activate Cash Back at Ebates.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Shop a complete selection of home décor essentials, bedroom ideas and refreshing bedroom decorating ideas online at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Savings Tip:
• Join the Bed Bath and Beyond email list and save 20% off an item for your home revamp project.

The Container Store

Give your home a new lease on life with some incredible storage solutions to help you banish clutter to make your kitchen revamp really stick. Sort out your home and power that budget kitchen redo at The Container Store.

Savings Tip:
• Sort out your kitchen on a shoestring thanks to the savings of up to 30% off items in the Sale section available online with The Container Store.

Cost Plus World Market

Get gorgeous accessories from around the world with their incredible cheap decorating ideas and find revamping garden furniture online at Cost Plus World Market.

Savings Tip:
• Shop bright and cheery kitchen and outdoor furniture and accents online at Cost Plus World Market and don’t miss deals like a home goods promo code, typically available at the top of the home page.

Crate and Barrel

Get great deals on classic home décor and cheap home decorating ideas online at Crate and Barrel. Refresh your home with bedroom decorating ideas and revamp your garden for less.

Savings Tip:
• Head to the Crate and Barrel Outlet section online and save up to 65% off your garden and kitchen revamp.

Design Within Reach

Revamp your home and garden in style with the beautiful styles from Design Within Reach. Shop stunning bedroom decorating ideas, bright pillow covers and summer wall art that will refresh your home in a flash.

Savings Tip:
• Keep an eye out for huge annual summer sales on outdoor furniture and save up to 15% off classic pieces.

Home Decorators Collection

The elegant selection of outdoor furniture and home décor available online at Home Decorators Collection will refresh your home and garden in a snap.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the Home Decorators Collection Outlet and save up to 50% off thousands of home décor items like wall art and elegant pillow covers.

March 31, 2016

The Best Things to Buy in April

Spring is finally here and with it comes great savings! Now is the time to take advantage of the deals that are popping up like daffodils. Spring is the best time to get a head start on the rest of the year. By doing a little preparation now, you can set yourself up to save big months from now and avoid paying peak prices on your must-haves for 2016. Start the season right by earning Cash Back at Ebates when you shop our top stores and get the most out of these exciting online bargains for the best things to buy in April.

Boost Your Basics

One great thing about changing seasons is the opportunity to shop for all types of weather at once. As retailers gear up for the transition to spring and start clearing out their cold-weather stock, you can find outstanding deals on last season’s winter clothing. Stock up now on winter basics like coats, socks, sweaters and scarves to avoid paying the premium prices come autumn. You can find great shopping opportunities for spring clothing too, from sandals and sneakers to sundresses and shorts. Plus when you shop with an Ebates spring fashion promo code, you can find even bigger savings!

Stores to Watch: adidas, Kohl’s, Macy’s

Get Organized

Make the most of your spring cleaning push and clear out the cobwebs of winter while you prepare for the coming year. As you put your winter gear in storage and break out what you need for spring, you have the opportunity to organize both seasons at once. Find great deals on plastic storage bins, labelers and more when you search for an office supplies promo code at Ebates. Spring is also the perfect time to get a jump on your future needs by taking advantage of great savings on school supplies, home office supplies and craft goods so you can be prepared for whatever the year brings you.

Stores to Watch: Swingline, SuppliesOutlet

Grow Your Savings

With the right garden supplies, you can take a big bite out of your grocery bills and have the freshest possible produce right at hand. Whether you have a big backyard garden or just enough space for a window box, you can easily start herbs, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and more indoors and give your green thumb a workout. With Cash Back at Ebates, you can save big on seeds, soil supplements, how-to guides, planters and everything you need to start your own home garden and spring into savings.

Stores to Watch: Ace Hardware, Ben Meadows, Blain’s Farm and Fleet

Get Away From It All

It might be a surprise, but spring is one of the best times to find great savings on cruises and vacation deals. Shop now for a spring trip or for a getaway later in the year and you can find savings as deep as the blue sea at Ebates when you search for vacation promo codes or a travel promo code. While you’re at it, you can put some of those savings toward new summer needs like swimwear, cover-ups and sunglasses and get more for less.

Stores to Watch: Ritchie Swimwear, Travelocity

CLEARANCE CANDY

Easter sweets will still be on clearance at your local drugstores and grocers so getting your sugar rush has never been cheaper. But if you see any Sweetarts Jelly Beans, save a bag or 10 for our Social Media Associate, Whitney. She’s jonesing.

July 23, 2015

3 Low Maintenance Houseplants

While we can all appreciate the value of an attractive houseplant, we don’t all have the green thumb that it takes to keep them alive for more than a few weeks. If you’re like us and you want a good looking but low maintenance houseplant, we’ve got your covered. Spritz these plants with a splash of water every couple weeks and you’ve got yourself a growing, thriving and happy houseplant. Don’t forget to head over to Ebates for discounted price deals and Cash Back offers on your favorite Home and Garden stores.

Jade

Easily identifiable by their thick oval leaves and deep green color, jade plants grow quickly and require relatively little attention to keep healthy. These succulents tend to be more attractive than the average fern, and they’re easier to maintain as well.

Aloe

While we all know of aloe as a component in a huge range of skincare products, the plant is also surprisingly easy to maintain. Aloe thrives in dry soil environments, meaning that depending on the humidity levels of your home or office, you can get away with only watering the plant once every other week. For those of us that tend to forget about those watering obligations, aloe seems like it might be just the right match.

Air Plants

In addition to their incredibly easy upkeep and maintenance routines, air plants are also one of the coolest plants in terms of options for potting. Because they don’t require soil to grow, there are a ton of cool ways to hang your air plants for a unique display. And all you need to do to keep them thriving is to mist once a week with a water bottle.

According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, maintaining houseplants have myriad benefits ranging from improving your mood and sense of well-being, to reducing anxiety and stress levels, giving a better sense of stability, and making it easier to relax.

Whether you want them to help filter indoor pollution, do a little stress relief, or just brighten up an otherwise lackluster corner of your home, houseplants can do the trick! While you might not think you have the green thumb, ordering a few of these super easy to maintain houseplants should be able to convince you otherwise.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 22, 2015

Mother’s Day Gift Guide Under $50

Every mom is special in her own way, which can make it hard to find the right gift to show you care. However, we think we’ve picked out some pretty awesome Mother’s Day gifts under $50. From something pretty to wear everyday to luxury gift sets that will make her feel as beautiful as you see her, these gifts for mom have you covered with your budget in mind.

1. Rose Gloves (Gardener’s Supply Company) | $39.95
If Mom’s idea of heaven is a Sunday spent in the garden, show that you care about her interests and get her something she can actually use like these high-quality rose gloves.

2. Prettiest Portions Measuring Cups (ModCloth) | $29.99
Cute kitchen items are usually a safe bet for Mother’s Day, especially if your mom is a culinary wiz. These printed measuring cups will make her think of you every time she’s whipping up another tasty treat. Maybe she’ll even share it with you.

3. Carol Brodie: Accessorize Your Life Perforated Patent Tote (HSN) | $39.95
Most women also need a reliable tote bag, especially if she’s a busy mom on the go. Help keep her organized yet ever fashionable with this on-trend bag.

4. Elephant Reversible Yoga Mat (Gaiam) | $34.98
Whether Mom is a novice yogi or a zen master, encourage her to take some time to center herself and do something good for her body with this festive yoga mat.

5. Wine Bites Cookbook (Crate & Barrel) | $24.95
If Mom has been known to throw one heck of a party, this cook book of small plates expertly paired with fine wines will help her take her next get-together to new levels.

6. L’Occitane Pretty en Provence Set (Sephora) | $38
Nothing will make Mom want to take care of her skin more than a basket full of high-end bath products. Help her grow her glow with luxurious bath oils and moisturizing creams from L’Occitane.

7. Alex and Ani ‘Mom’ Adjustable Wire Bangle (Nordstrom) | $28
Give Mom a gift straight from the heart with this gorgeous yet simple Alex and Ani bangle. She can wear this little token of your affection every day for years to come.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 16, 2015

Gardening Tips for Beginners

Spring is the time of new beginnings. And if you’re thinking of taking advantage of the new season by spending time in your yard and starting a garden, we have a few tips for you. Make sure to check out all the stores that have Double Cash Back during Home and Garden Week over at Ebates! You’ll find some great deals on all the gardening tools you need a stores like Home Depot, Sears, and Walmart.

1. Plan
The first step may seem obvious but it is important! Plan what you want. Do you want a flower garden, vegetable garden or herb garden? Keep in mind that it is better to start small. You can always add more once your garden starts to be successful.

2. Choose a place to plant
Do you have a sunny or shady space to plant? This can be a deciding factor on what to plant as most vegetables and some flowers require about six hours of sun each day. So if you don’t have a lot of sun, look for plants that can tolerate the shade. Make sure that you plant your garden where you can’t ignore it. If your garden starts to need attention, you’ll notice it faster than if you put it in an area you rarely see daily.

3. Prepare the ground
Get rid of the sod that is covering the area you want to plant and spread compost to improve the soil. Using an organic material will boost your soil. Using compost, dry grass clippings, decayed leaves, or old manure will improve the soil and make a perfect starting point for your garden.

4. Decide on your plants
Now that you’ve picked your area and what type of garden you want to have, you’ll want to pick what you want to plant. Some plants are harder to grow and maintain than others, so we suggest these easy-to-grow plants for beginners. If you’re planning to plant flowers, try out marigolds, geraniums, pansies, or daylilies. If you’re planning to plant vegetables, go for peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers.

5. Put them in the ground
Learn about which plant you’ve chosen and when the best time to plant them is. Some plants and vegetables are picky about the cold and you will want to wait until all frost has passed. Some plants will fare better planted in autumn or late winter. Some plants, such as lettuce and sunflowers, are easy to grow from seeds. But you may find that it is easier for some flowers to buy a set plant or transplant and just pop it in the ground and grow from there.

6. Water your plants
You’ll want to water your seedlings daily, as they should never dry out. As they grow, you can taper this off. The new transplants will need watering every other day until their roots become established into the ground. After the initial process, watering depends on the humidity of your climate, soil, and how often it rains. If you see that your plants are starting to wilt, they are in need of water. Slowly water so that it is absorbed and does not run off.

7. Keep it up
You’ve started your garden! Keep in mind that the garden will take work. You need to water when needed and pull weeds before they grow large and overtake your garden. In the end, just stop and smell the roses. Or whatever you choose to plant!

Do you enjoy gardening? Are you planning to start one this year? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.