15 Reasons to Love Spring Explained in GIFs

tumblr_m00iiahrbC1r7zde8o1_500We 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.

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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!

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

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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.giphy-1

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.

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

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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.)

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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.

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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.)

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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!giphy-6

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?giphy-5

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

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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.

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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.

Related Links:
Spring Coupons
Alice + Olivia Deals
Asos Promo Codes
Deals on Dresses
Sunglasses Coupons

#ICYMI: Our Top March Blog Posts

vintage background of overlapping stripes #ICYMIThe 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

Woman Taking a Picture of a Mountain

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

Women's legs in orange shoes. Bright orange shoes and bag. Blue coat, orange classic ladies shoes and tote bag. Rainy day. Street fashion. Street style. Business casual look. Autumn outfit.

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

Trail mix with dried fruit and nuts

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

Beach Blanket and Bikini on Grass

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!

 

 

How to Get Kids Reading Over Spring Break

Little girl excited to read a bookWhen 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.

Shot of a young father lying in a tent fort with his children and reading them a book1. 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.

Boy reading on a tablet or iPad4. 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.

Portrait of cute girl sitting under blanket and reading a book5. 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!

 

 

19 Spring Break Survival Must-Haves

Beach Blanket and Bikini on GrassWe know spring break couldn’t come any sooner and you’ve been dreaming about fun-filled days in the sun. But before you hit the road, set sail, or take flight to your spring break destinations, make sure you are prepared with this complete checklist of items to ensure a successful, stress-free trip. From hair care essentials to electronic accessories, you can find it all with Cash Back at Ebates and maybe even cut costs with a promo code or two.

  1. Dry shampoo – A MUST when you get too busy site-seeing and partying to shower everyday
  2. Sunblock
  3. Lip balm with SPF – Because sun-burned lips are no bueno
  4. Sleep mask – Especially good for camping when you don’t feel like waking up with the sun
  5. Face cleansing wipes
  6. Ear plugs – For spring breakers headed to concerts. Also, your crew may rise earlier or pass out later than you, so pack a pair to keep you in dreamland.
  7. Folding water bottle – Easily conserves room in your bag for light packing
  8. Water shoes – Beach hikes get treacherous.
  9. Mobile charger
  10. Fanny pack – For hands-free partying
  11. Electronic key finder – Because things get misplaced in the middle of shenanigans
  12. Ibuprofen
  13. Sun hat
  14. Mini flashlight – Outdoor evening concerts only become a situation when it’s time to use the port-o-potty.
  15. 2 swim suits – Because there’s nothing worse than having to slip into a damp suit. Brrr!
  16. Cheap sunglasses – You are going to lose them. Just make peace with it now.
  17. Snacks
  18. Magazines/books – Kick it old school with paper and save the juice on your phone.
  19. Small card games – They take up little space and are great for those one or two chill evenings you may need to recoup.

Editors’ Party-Rocking Picks