spring – user's Blog!

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.

April 1, 2016

#ICYMI: Our Top March Blog Posts

The best thing about this March was that it reminded us of all the reasons we love spring, including but not limited to spring fashion trends of course. A close second was redefining the St. Patrick’s Day outfit with luxury in mind. But we covered a lot more this month here at Ebates, from travel to health tips, to guides on shopping and saving at your favorite stores. Just in case you missed it, check out our top blog posts from March below.

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the World

All you need is you. Here is why solo travel is so important and where you should visit while jet-setting alone.

Read more >

4 Spring Shoe Trends Anyone Can Rock

Give your look a runway-inspired kick with these spring shoe trends including head-turning heels and flirty flats.

Read more >

How to Easily Add Healthy Snacks to Your Life

Quiet your rumbling tummy with easy yet wholesome foods, thanks to our complete guide on making and buying healthy snacks.

Read more >

19 Spring Break Survival Must-Haves

Before you say goodbye to the grind for a whole week of fun in the sun, make sure you pack these essentials to keep you comfy, safe and entertained.

Read more >

Be sure to stay tuned for more to come in April. We’re always discovering new trends, adding new stores and coupons, and rounding up more ways to get paid to shop for the things you love. Whether you’re into fashion, tech, home and garden, travel or sports, we have the inside scoop on the best products and deals online and in-store. If you’re not an Ebates member, join today to free for access to thousands of coupons and promo codes in addition to Cash Back. Then download the Ebates App and add the Cash Back Button to your browser so you never miss out on Cash Back again. Ebates is where it pays to shop!

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.

March 18, 2016

How to Get Major Relief From Spring Allergies

With spring flowers come…spring allergies! Spring is a lovely time of the year to get outside, shake out the winter cabin fever jitters and finally get some sunlight. However, if you’re one of the millions that suffer from spring allergies, this time of year can be a bittersweet mix of longing to get outside and fighting your spring allergy symptoms. But don’t give up! Here’s how to deal with allergies and take back your spring!

1. Be Prepared

Every year, spring returns and with it comes a barrage of pollen and other spring allergy triggers. You know it’s coming, so why not be prepared when spring allergies symptoms inevitably roll around? Many of the allergy-fighting medications take a couple of weeks to build up in your system before they become truly effective. Talk to your doctor to figure out what to take for allergies and mark your calendar ahead of time to prepare yourself for success when it comes to handling your allergy sniffles and sneezes. If you figure out what works for you early on, you can even stock up on your allergy meds online at stores like Walgreens or Rite Aid and get Cash Back at Ebates. Plus if you start early, you can keep an eye out for an allergy medication promo code throughout the year and score an awesome deal on the medicine you know you’ll need for spring.

2. Commit to a Treatment Routine

Starting early on allergy meds is only the first piece of the puzzle when it comes to handling your spring allergy symptoms. Allergy treatments only work if you actually take them on a regular basis so figure out what you need to help remind you to take your allergy medication, whether that means a day-of-the-week pill box or an alarm on your phone. Make sure you follow the dosage directions on whatever medication you take to optimize its allergy-fighting benefits. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about what will provide the best relief for your symptoms.

3. Keep an Eye on the Pollen Count

Did you know that you can get the daily pollen count for your area online on weather websites? Sites like The Weather Channel post daily pollen levels for many areas and can help you determine just how bad the pollen situation is outside for your spring allergies. Armed with the pollen count, you can plan ahead to avoid the high pollen count days and take advantage of the sunny ones with low pollen for your spring adventures.

4. Know What to Bring When You Brave the Outdoors

Heading outdoors into the great big spring allergy-inducing world is not for the faint of heart during allergy season, but armed with the daily pollen count and a few other items, it can be as easy as a walk in the park. Having a pair of sunglasses on hand can help protect your eyes from both sun and pollen in the air and save you some allergy grief. Pack the tissues in case your nose starts to run and have an escape plan in case you need to take a time out from your pollen problems. Make sure you don’t forget emergency allergy relief, like nasal spray, and you’re ready to take on the great outdoors!

5. Make Your Home an Allergy-Free Zone

When the pollen count outside is high, having your home as an allergy-free sanctuary is essential to surviving the ill effects of spring allergies. Find a promo code for allergen reducing air filters at stores like Lowe’s, arm your house against the pollen that spring is sure to throw your way and even get Cash Back at Ebates! Avoid using fans that draw in outside air and instead stick to air conditioners that filter and recirculate inside air.

Spring Allergy-Fighting Essentials

March 16, 2016

How to Get Kids Reading Over Spring Break

When it’s spring break season, anything school-related can sound like “homework” to young ears. Like the joke goes: if you want to see a kid on vacation laugh, ask them if they’ve read any good books lately. But there are ways you can encourage your kids to read during their spring break, and when you shop top stores through Ebates, you can earn Cash Back and find great savings while you do it. Here are our top five tips for getting kids reading on spring break.

1. Make it Special

To encourage reading at home, create a unique reading space to make reading feel special. Whether it’s a nook behind the couch, a shady spot under a tree or the perfect spot where they can cuddle up in bed, having a special place or accessory related to reading gives it a sense of importance and encourages imagination. Find a great deal on comfy reading pillows and kids’ rugs at Kohl’s, some LED String Lights at Macy’s, or a fun kids’ lamp at Walmart. Search for a kids’ room promo code at Ebates for extra savings.

2. Set the Mood

If your kids are out and about during spring break, try matching the book to the ambiance instead of the other way around. For example, ghost stories are perfectly paired with camping, as are survival/adventure stories for the young adult set or even nature-related poetry for the advanced reader.

3. Set a Trend

Reading is an adventure, and when you go on an adventure, it’s always more fun when you bring a friend. Buy two copies of a book, one for your kid and one for them to give away. This will allow your child to read along with someone else and have someone to discuss the book with. Find big savings on the hottest titles in young adult fiction and get Cash Back at Ebates while saving even more with a children’s books promo code.

4. Embrace Technology

While good old fashioned paper can never be completely replaced, reading technology is changing the way we read. We have books that read to you, eReaders that put an entire library in your pocket and smart pens that digitize your handwritten notes. It’s almost enough to make up for still not having flying cars. Search for eBooks coupons and promo codes at Ebates and get insider savings on the latest in reading tech.

5. Buy It for Life

Although the digital age is great for gadgets, and the best keepsake of a good book is the memories, holding a copy of your favorite book can feel like shaking hands with an old friend. If your child finds a book or series they fall in love with, consider getting hardcover copies for their bookshelf. Although dog-eared paperbacks are the most likely to survive childhood and college, a well-bound book can last for generations and it puts your child’s formative reading experiences close at hand.

Reading is one of life’s great pleasures and when you make it an engaging activity for your child early on, you will make a reader for life. As a bonus to our top tips for encouraging your child to read on spring break, here are eight classic children’s book titles that are perfectly good books to read for first-time independent readers (ages 8-10). You can find these titles and more at BooksAMillion, Abebooks, The Book Depository, and Better World Books. Plus when you search for a children’s books promo code at Ebates, you can find great spring savings!

April 28, 2015

bliss Beach Body Giveaway

Spring and summer bring sunshine and waves. Are you ready to shed those layers and show a little skin in a hot new bathing suit or bikini? Perfect your coast-side look and enter to win the amazing $99 bliss + kate spade saturday Beach Body Essentials set from bliss, with a total value of $203! One lucky winner will receive a bundle of summer must-haves to tone up your bod and keep your skin glowing, all in one adorable Kate Spade Saturday polka-dot cosmetic bag.

Here’s what you’ll receive in this bodacious Bliss prize package:

fatgirlslim armcandy, 4.2 oz – This arm cream’s fabulous formula features a complex of lactic acid, caffeine, white sapphire and moisture beads that also reduce redness.

fatgirlsixpack tummy-toning gel, 4.9 oz – This targeted treatment contains a powerful blend of six actives to assist in toning and firming your skin.

‘fuzz’ off bikini hair removal cream, 2 oz – Packed with vitamin E, cocoa butter and shea butter, it banishes undesired hair while moisturizing your skin. Plus, the angled precision applicator grants you the control to “style” your own way for truly customized results.

paraben free blood orange+white pepper body butter, 6.7 oz – This vibrantly scented body moisturizer instantly drenches dry skin, leaving it seriously soft and a-“peel”-ingly fragranced.

ingrown eliminating pads (50 ct) – Post-wax (or shave) pads that keep stubble from causing trouble.

How to Enter the bliss Beach Body Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Thursday, May 07, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

April 2, 2015

8 Eggstraordinary Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

With Easter just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to do some easter egg decorating. Eggs have been dyed in the traditional spring pastel colors for years, so why not get a bit more creative this year? Glitter, washi tape, and metallic markers have changed the way we decorate eggs. With so many amazing designs, you’ll want to decorate more than the usual dozen! We’ve chosen eight of our favorite designs for you to try, but there are hundreds of creative ways to decorate. On to the eggscellent decorations! (Bad pun – but we had to!)

Chalkboard paint is such a fun and creative way to spice up a wall, furniture, fall pumpkin and, now, eggs! The DIY gurus over at Shelterness show how to make these delightful eggs that can be redecorated over and over again.

If you want to keep decorating simple but allow for creativity, mom.me shows how easy it is to decorate eggs with permanent markers. The best part is there is little mess and even less clean up!

Do you love lace? Then these lace patterned eggs from DIY Til We Die will have you excited to break out the vinegar. You can use lace strips or completely cover the egg in lace for different effects.

The washi tape craze is still going and egg decorating has not been left out! Lovely Indeed explains just how easy it is to grab some tape and scissors and make fabulously festive egg decorations.

If you are planning on using eggs only for decoration, these sprinkle eggs from Studio DIY might be perfect for you. While they may look delicious, you definitely don’t want to snack on these eggs!

Marble patterns are so pretty and the creative geniuses at Camille Styles show us how to use nail polish to achieve the perfect marbleized eggs. It’s amazing to see just how differently each egg turns out!

Is there anything that you can’t decorate with glitter? Maybe, but eggs aren’t one of them! Girl. Inspired. shows off the multiple ways to decorate eggs with a little sparkle (or a lot!)

While there isn’t a goose that lays golden eggs, you can add a touch of gold to your eggs this year with this how-to from Freutcake! Gold leaf looks amazing over both bright and pastel colors.

With all these amazing tutorials, there is no eggscuse to not decorate eggs this year. (Once we start, we can’t stop!) Let us know in a comment below how you plan on decorating your easter eggs this year!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

March 31, 2015

Spring Hairstyles Anyone Can Try

Spring is a time of renewal. Whether you want to spruce up your space or breathe new life into your look, now is the moment. And if you’re looking to reinvent yourself on the outside, why not start at the top with a new ‘do? Here are nine on-trend spring hairstyles for each hair length and any occasion.

Short Hairstyles

The Shaggy Pixie: Closely cropped at the sides with fringe bangs. It’s a bold cut that brings out serious cheek bones.

Long Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs: If you’re weary of taking away all the hair around your face but still want to try a sassy short cut, this is the perfect compromise. Princess in the front, punk rocker in the back.

Rita Ora’s A-Line: Talk about attitude. This super cool coif goes to show the possibilities for simple A-Line bob haircuts. It’s all in the styling.

Medium Hairstyles

The Straight Long Bob: Lauren Conrad is throwing it back to the 90s with straight, volumized hair and a deep side part. This “lob” is on fire.

The Wavy A-Line: This medium-length A-Line bob features soft, beachy waves. Some people literally wake up like this and go about their day. Some people are lucky.

Taylor Swift’s Shag: Swifty’s brushed-out curls and rounded bangs are perfect for angular face-shapes or anyone who loves a little nod to the 70s.

Long Hairstyles

The Side Braid: This perfectly imperfect side braid is great for festivals or your everyday boho looks and is way less complicated than it looks. Check out this handy tutorial here.

Ponytail with a Twist: There are many ways to revamp your ponytail but this is one of our favorites. It’s super simple yet instantly elevates your casual looks. Click here to learn how.

The Braided Faux Hawk: Inject a little punk rock attitude into your weekend looks with this ultra-modern updo. Learn how to master this braid here.

Which of these hairstyles will you add to your beauty routine? Tell us with a comment below!

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February 26, 2015

Packing for the Perfect Spring Weekend Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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February 12, 2015

How to Wear Spring Clothes in Winter

According to our favorite furry friend, Punxsutawney Phil, we have a long winter to look forward to and shouldn’t pack away our cable knits just yet. However, if you got a jump on your spring shopping this year, don’t despair! Get ready to cut off those tags and strap in for our favorite blogger photos showing you how to wear sunny spring clothes in the winter chill.

Crop top and button-down

Protect your tum from the cold while still rocking that crop top by layering with a button-down shirt. Pop out the collar and feel free to play around with prints for a lively yet sophisticated look. (Kendi Everyday)

Crop top and giant coat

If you can still stand to show a little skin, just add a fabulous statement jacket like this amazing oversized pink coat. (Le Fashion)

Sweater over dress

Remember those cable knits we talked about? Use a chunky sweater to warm up a sundress, particularly one with a cute, flirty skirt. All you need is a good pair of tights and you’re ready for that cold morning commute. (She Finds)

Jumpsuit and faux fur vest

Give a printed flowing jumpsuit some serious depth with a turtleneck and faux fur vest. Now you’ve got a boho look that is perfect for blustery weather. (Thrifty Hunter)

Lace and leather

Take a lacy spring dress and add a little attitude with a leather jacket, leggings and booties for a perfect mix of naughty and nice. (FabFashionFix)

What’s your favorite winter-to-spring look and how will you make it your own? Comment below!

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