lifestyle – Page 2 – user's Blog!

August 6, 2015

9 Ways to Get Kids Excited to Go Back to School

As the final few weeks of summer approach, you’re likely starting to get your children prepared to return to class — which can fill them with either excitement or dread. If your child has the back-to-school blues, try some of these tips to get them excited for the new school year.

Let Them Pick Out Their Own Back-to-School Styles

Think back to your first day of school, when everyone was checking out each other’s new outfits. Your children will want to feel special on the first day of school, and a few new looks will give them that much-needed boost of confidence. Bring them along when you go back-to-school shopping, and teach them some life skills by giving them a budget and a shopping list to practice math and organization.

If online shopping is more your thing, earn Cash Back on all your back-to-school purchases with Ebates.

Get Them a New Haircut

Has your child been begging you to let them change their hairstyle? Now might be the perfect time. New school years are all about new beginnings, and a haircut is a great way to represent that fresh start. Have your kids look at popular hairstyles online (Pinterest is a great resource), then take them to a local barber or salon to get their ‘do done right! They’ll feel like a big kid knowing they picked out their own style, and they’ll be ready to rock to halls.

Set Up Play Dates

Whether your child is looking for new friends or rekindling friendships from previous years, call or email a few parents to schedule some playdates as soon as the class roster comes out. Once they get together, the kids should start to remember all the fun aspects of going to school. As an added benefit, they’re also guaranteed to have at least one buddy on the first day.

Sign Up for Extracurricular Activities

Even if your child isn’t looking forward to returning to the classroom, they might be looking forward to sports, theater, music or other after-school activities. With so many types of activities to choose from, there’s bound to be something for children of all ages, capabilities and interests. “Encouraging kids to get involved in extracurricular activities and after-school programs can help foster school spirit, especially at the beginning of the school year when back-to-school apprehension can run high,” says Dr. Fran Walfish, a child and family psychotherapist and author of “The Self-Aware Parent.”

Extracurricular activities are also a great place for children to make new friends who share similar interests. Waking up with something to look forward to after school will motivate your children to get up and go learn every day!

Create Back-to-School Crafts

Don’t wait until the first day of school to dive into some neat art projects. Together, you and your kids can create some handy school tools, such as a cool purse or pencil case made from construction foam, a study sign to hang on their door to let everyone know homework is in progress or even some nice gifts to hand out to the whole class on the first day back. There’s no better way to make a first impression with new kids (and maybe even some new friends) than with a thoughtful welcome-back treat.

Creative Breakfasts

Plan out special breakfasts for the first day of school so your kids will be excited to get up in the morning to see what you made. If you can, get them in on the fun and let them help plan the menu, shop for ingredients or even help with cooking. It will take their mind off anything causing them anxiety about the first day and make them feel important. For a little foodspiration, try these super fun breakfast ideas.

Download a New App

Let Daniel Tiger help your child adjust back to a school sleep schedule with games about morning and nighttime routines, sing-a-long songs and a musical timer to help keep routines on-track. Get more info here.

Organize Their Study Space

Providing your child with a designated space for studying and homework — and letting them decorate and organize it — will get their minds in gear for learning. Make sure they are as involved in the process as possible so the space can both express their personalities and address their needs. Together, you can create a special study nook that will put them on the path to academic success.

Check Off Their Summer Bucket List

As summer winds down, ask your kids if there is anything they would like to prioritize during their last school-free days. You can create a list of activities you can complete, within reason, before the starting bell rings. Maybe they wanted to go camping but the family didn’t get around to it. Have an impromptu backyard camp-out with hot dogs and s’mores! Not only are you taking their minds off of school worries, but you’re also creating memories that will last a lifetime.

With these nine tips and tricks, your children will be begging you to go back to school!

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

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

July 27, 2015

Taking Yoga Out of the Studio

If you’ve recently started a new yoga practice, filled up your drawers with some hot new yoga gear, like Gaiam yoga wear which is available at Kohls — and find you love the comfort and style of your studio clothes so much that you can’t resist wearing them out as streetwear — you’re not alone!

Studio-to-street looks are rapidly making huge waves in the fashion world as busy women seek stylish solutions to fit workouts into their tight schedules. And it’s no wonder — with the wide range of well-designed coordinates available, it’s easy to look put-together and on trend in your yoga clothing. As a plus, yoga gear is not only chic but comfortable for any activity!

Curious about how to go from studio to street without a hitch? Try these tips and breeze from class to brunch (or beyond).

Accessorize!

The easiest way to take your yoga gear to the streets is to add accessories. Just toss your favorites on in the locker room and go. Need ideas? Consider what you would add to a “regular” outfit and give it a go with your workout clothes. For starters, you can try the following:

Tie a flannel around your waist.
Carry your favorite statement bag.
Pop a baseball cap on for a sporty, fun look.
Not into ball caps? A cowboy or sun hat can work too!
Chunky, colorful jewelry can add just the right touch to glam up your outfit for the sidewalks.

Layer It On

Another simple way to make your gym clothing appropriate for venues off the mat is to match it up with items from your everyday wardrobe. Adding “street” pieces to your yoga basics can create a cool, urban vibe. Start looking through your closet to see if any of these ideas inspire you:

Throw on a fierce bomber jacket for instant street cred.
Pull a flowing skirt over your leggings — or simply exchange your pants for one.
A tailored blouse can look surprisingly sleek on top of yoga pants — or for a more boho feel, try a peasant blouse over your tank.
You can even put on a cool blazer for an urban look.
Try a graphic T-shirt for an especially edgy look over either basic or patterned yoga pants.
Kimonos are the ultimate in style right now and look great over gym gear!

Style Your Shoes

For the final touch, simply putting streetwear on your feet can give yoga clothes the panache to strut anywhere. Shoes without an overt athletic feel can do the trick when nothing else does and elevate your outfit beyond class. If you’re ready to get off and running, give these ideas a run for their money:

Swap out your flip-flops for dressier sandals or flats. Surprise: You can even try a pair of heels, if you dare!
Consider “fun” sneakers that are more designer- than workout-oriented.
Metallic sneakers are comfy and snazzy, matching but elevating the casual vibe.
You can even try a pair of boots — classic neutral ones for a sleek look, or go hippie with fringe and suede!
Want to really toughen things up? Try moto boots with studs.

Have fun — and Namaste!

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/taking-yoga-out-of-studio/"><img alt="Taking Your Yoga Wear Out Of The Studio" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/taking-yoga-out-of-studio_IG.png" width="600px" height="3077px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/taking-yoga-out-of-studio/">Taking Your Yoga Wear Out Of The Studio</a> Created by: <a href="https://www.ebates.com/">Ebates Coupons</a>

Sources:
http://julieverse.com/2014/05/23/how-to-accessorize-your-fitness-active-wear/
Kohls.com

July 20, 2015

Accessorize Your Yoga Wear

If you’re new to yoga and getting ready to walk into your first class, it’s completely normal to find yourself overwhelmed or confused about all the gear that’s available.

Or perhaps you already have an established practice and know your way around the mat — but are looking for ways to stretch your yoga wardrobe into other sports, activities or everyday life.

Newbie or seasoned yogi, we’ve got you covered either way with this complete guide to a well-dressed practice. Read on for tips to build a starter wardrobe and toolbox, as well as how to take your gear to the streets and beyond.

Clothing

If you’re just starting out, you’ll need some basic wardrobe items plus optional props in order to be successful at your new practice. Yoga is a discipline without judgment, so you are certainly free to wear any clothing you own that allows ease of movement, but most practitioners find gear designed specifically for yoga — and all its bends, inversions, twists and poses — to be the most comfortable. If you’re looking for something new, check out Gaiam yoga wear which is available at Kohls.

Yoga is practiced barefoot, so no need for shoes! However, you’ll want to explore the various options for pants and tops. There are several different styles available for you to choose from. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Pants

Boot-cut: These are styled just like regular boot-cut pants or jeans, with a close fit through the thigh and flare at the bottom. The cut flatters most figures, but if you dislike loose fabric around the ankles when working out, avoid these!

Capri: Capris end either right below the knee or mid-calf and are great for hot yoga classes or any hot climate. Beware of scraping or rubbing exposed skin in the kneeling poses.

Leggings: These go all the way to your ankles in a close fit, revealing your shape from the waist down. If you are comfortable with the way they look on you, they can help your instructor see and correct your form.

Loose: A loose, gauzy or soft material is good for more modest practitioners and offers comfort and ease of movement. They may prove difficult for more active yoga classes, however, and are best reserved for gentle, Hatha, restorative/yin or Kundalini classes.

Wondering about undies? With all pant styles, the choice is up to you whether to wear underwear or not. Many practitioners skip them completely; others choose a thong to avoid panty lines. Do what feels right to you!

Tops

Although you may be tempted to go to yoga in your most comfy T-shirt, keep in mind that many yoga poses will cause loose shirts to flip around your ears! Instead, consider a top designed especially for your practice, or at the very least layer a sports bra under your tee.

Tanks: There are a variety of tanks for a variety of figures. You can choose anything from a tight-fitting tank to one with a longer, looser or blouson silhouette if you’re trying to camouflage trouble spots. Many tanks also have built-in shelf bras, which are extremely convenient but tend to work best for A- to B-cup women.

Sports bras: A sports bra will help everything stay in place and keep you comfortable. If you have a larger bust, consider a sports bra as a base with a tank layered on top. You can also layer a long-sleeved shirt on top of that if you want to feel extra warm and cozy.

A note: If you’re practicing bikram yoga (also known as “hot yoga”), you might be tempted to wear looser clothes, but those will quickly become bogged down with sweat and impede movement. Stick to leggings, capris and form-fitting tanks.

Props and Gear

When trying out yoga for the first time, it’s wise to try your studio’s gear first. Once you have an idea of what works for you, here are some common purchases, which you can tote to the studio or use to augment a home practice.

Don’t overspend: Yoga gear should be simple and not exorbitantly expensive. Straps and foam blocks are exactly what they sound like and shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Mat: If you’ve decided yoga is for you, the first thing you will likely want to get is your own mat. Germaphobes will definitely want their own, rather than use a “public” mat (even at the cleanest studios)!

Grip socks: If going barefoot is not an option for you, try a pair of grippy socks. Regular socks may cause you to slip on the mat.

Hot yoga towel: If you like hot yoga, you’ll want a special towel to layer over your mat. No more slippin’ and slidin’ on the sweat!

Foam block: A block can help you reach certain poses and provide support as you develop your strength and flexibility.

Strap: Straps are also invaluable for stretching poses and preventing injuries.

Streaming yoga classes: If you can’t make it to the studio, purchase DVDs to practice at home or visit services such as Netflix for a challenging variety of streaming classes.

Enjoy your new practice! Namaste!

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/accessorize-your-yoga-wear/"><img alt="Accessorize Your Yoga Wear" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Accessorize-Your-Yoga-Practice_IG.png" width="600px" height="3549px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/accessorize-your-yoga-wear/">Accessorize Your Yoga Wear</a> Created by:  <a href="https://www.ebates.com/"> Ebates Coupons</a>

Sources:
http://yoga.about.com/od/yogagear/a/basicyogagear.htm
http://yoga.about.com/od/yogagear/tp/yogasupplies.htm
http://yogigogi.hubpages.com/hub/bikramyogawearadvice

June 3, 2015

5 Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

If you’ve been feeling a little less than energized lately, you might need to take a look at your sleeping habits. There’s no need to worry because there are a lot of ways you can improve the quality of your sleep for more consistent relaxation and fewer restless nights.

Check out our guide with four tips for getting a better night’s sleep!

1. Make Your Bedroom a Zen Zone

One of the reasons why you have trouble falling asleep at night might be due to the fact that your bedroom isn’t fully established as your “zen zone.” Ideally, your bedroom should be a space devoted solely to relaxation.

Simple things like working at a desk, exercising, watching television, or eating in your bedroom can actually be disruptive to your sleep later on in the night. If you’re reserving your bedroom as a space for sleep, you’re setting yourself up for a restful mental state in a calming environment from the moment you walk in.

2. Limit Your Late Night Screen Time

As far as getting into the restful mental state is concerned, limiting your late night screen time can be another good way to prevent restlessness. The artificial light from your iPad, laptop, or cell phone can suppress your melatonin levels and affect your level of alertness, in turn taking a toll on your overall health.

If you need to read something before bed, opt for a printed book or non-light emitting device. You’ll thank us for the tip when you start sleeping like a baby.

3. Get Smarter About Meal Timing

As any nutritionist will readily tell you, it’s unwise to eat a large meal before going to sleep. Your body won’t have enough time to metabolize the meal and you’ll end up storing more fat than you’d experience with an earlier dinner.

In addition to the unwanted effects of late night dining on your waistline, a large late night snack can cause discomfort and keep you from falling asleep as you normally would. And of course, anything with caffeine like chocolate, coffee, or tea is best to avoid as well within four to six hours of going to bed.

4. Stick to a Relaxation Routine Before Bed

One of the best things you can do before settling into bed is sticking to a set relaxation routine. Taking a soothing bath with a stress relief soak formula is a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. Take advantage of savings and cash back rewards with Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons for products like the Lavender Vanilla Aromatherapy bath. You’ll nourish your skin with essential oils and natural ingredients while removing any feelings of stress for a calm, relaxing sleep.

4. Diffuse Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used both topically and through inhalation from a diffuser to improve quality of sleep. Lavender essential oil is great for wind down before bedtime, so diffuse a couple hours before you’re ready to hit the sack. It will help you feel in a relaxed mood so that when you’re ready to close your eyes you’re body is already triggered for sleep mode.

Follow these five tips and you’ll be all set to start enjoying a more relaxing, reenergizing sleep tonight!

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

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

June 2, 2015

4 Tips for Traveling with Kids

Traveling requires packing and planning at any age, but adding young kids into the mix? Things can easily get a little overwhelming. If you’re going to be traveling with your children in the near future, check out these tips to minimize stress and make your trip an enjoyable one.

1. Plan Your Destination Wisely

The best way to ensure that things go smoothly when you’re traveling with little ones is to plan, plan and plan some more. Minimize any uncertainties ahead of time by making sure that you’ve covered all of your basics with passports, visas, hotels, flights, car rentals and immunizations as far in advance as possible. As you get closer to the date of departure, things will be much easier for everyone.

Along the same lines, look into family friendly options with established resources for parents with young children. There’s no shortage of resorts that can cater to your needs. All you have to do is find them. And when you do place your bookings, use travel coupons from Ebates to find a deal.

2. Be Judicious About Your Packing “Essentials”

Let’s face it, if you’re traveling with children, you’re going to run into over-packing issues. While you might think a third sweater is necessary, your children are not going to be chilly in Orlando in mid-June, trust us.

Start off with the items that you and your family use on a daily basis like a stroller or car seat. They’re the essentials you need most when you’re traveling, but if they’re not going to fit in your overhead compartment, consider investing in a travel-friendly option using BuyBuy Baby coupons. When you’ve covered the basic essentials, move onto clothing, but bringing only what you need is the key to success when packing.

3. Bring Bribes

Inevitably, travel is going to lead to more than one incidence of an exhausted kid, and your best bet for a quick solution is a bribe. While you might not be a fan of the “bribe your kids” school of parenting at home, you have a little more freedom to indulge your kids while you’re on vacation. It’s a different frame of mind, and everyone deserves a treat every once in a while, especially if it’s going to keep them calm, happy and tantrum-free.

4. Kids in Flight

There’s a special place in heaven for parents that can keep their child peaceful for the duration of a long flight. Although there’s no set formula to guarantee a calm flight for your kids, you can certainly take a few precautions to help things out. CNN suggests flying while they normally sleep. If you can take a red-eye to your destination, the chances of getting your child to sleep through a long flight are going to be dramatically higher, making things easier for everyone. But if you’re on a shorter jaunt, just make sure you have enough hours of prerecorded entertainment to keep them busy for the length of the flight. Another episode of Sesame Street anyone?

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!

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

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 17, 2015

How To Drink More Water Every Day

Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your health, with myriad benefits to both your digestive and immune systems. While it’s easy to find reasons why we should be drinking more water, it’s a little trickier trying to put those plans into action. If you’re looking for some inspiration with new ways to incorporate more water in your daily routine, we’re here to help!

1. Make a Drinking Schedule
It may seem silly at first, but making a schedule for increasing your water intake can actually be a great strategy. Like everything else you can imagine, there’s an app for that. Waterlogged is a fun way to track your daily water intake with reminders on your phone, making it super easy to stick to your schedule. If you’re on Android, Water Your Body is number one water app to record and remind you to drink water.

2. Keep a Glass of Water on Your Bedside Table
The tried and true method of keeping a glass of water on your bedside table is a good way to stay hydrated before you go to bed and first thing when you wake up in the morning.

3. Carry a Bottle with You Wherever You Go
It might seem like a simple solution, but the biggest reason we don’t all carry water bottles with us everywhere we go is for their lack of style. Luckily water bottle designs are getting trendier these days. If you’re in the market for a more elegant drinking solution, there are plenty of chic solutions like the high tech Vessyl that you won’t feel self-conscious carrying around.

4. Punch Up the Flavor
We know, water isn’t the most exciting drink, but you can always punch up the flavor to start drinking more. Try citrus infused water with the Citrus Zinger Water Bottle Infuser (available in pink, orange and green). When you use drugstore.com coupons from Ebates, you can take advantage of 4% Cash Back on the purchase and free shipping on orders over $35.

5. Eat Fruits and Veggies Containing Water
Increasing your water intake doesn’t necessarily even need to entail drinking water. Fruits and veggies contain high concentrations of water, providing up to 20% of the average person’s fluid intake. They also provide essential fiber and nutrients while they’re at it. While a glass of water is your best bet to stay hydrated, the added benefits of eating your veggies makes it a worthwhile addition to the routine.

And as far as the benefits of drinking water? They’re innumerable. For those looking to get in shape, WebMD advises that drinking more water is a good way to control your calorie intake and energize your muscles before and after a hearty workout. You’ll prevent fatigue and have an easier time staying fit. Curing your cravings, preventing headaches, improving your skin’s complexion and helping out your metabolism all seem like good enough reasons to start drinking more water!

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

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

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!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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?

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.