tips and tricks – Page 2

August 21, 2015

10 Tips for A+ Back-to-School Organization

The lazy days of summer are coming to a close, and it can be a challenge for kids and parents alike. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of pencils, backpacks, schedules, papers and lunches. But before getting overwhelmed at this thought, take the time to implement some organizational systems. You’ll be a master of the back-to-school frenzy in no time if you follow these 10 tips for keeping your kids organized.

Keep a school calendar to remember due dates and other important events. This can be a traditional wall calendar or you can have fun with a white-board calendar that can be decorated. Mark field trips, project due dates and school events so both you and your child will know what the upcoming days have to offer.

Encourage your child to check off the calendar daily. Marking something as done can be very rewarding and give your child a sense of both responsibility and accomplishment. It also makes it easy to keep track of what has been done and what needs to get done. It sounds simple enough, but these are skills children need to learn for lifelong organization and accountability.

Have a designated homework spot at home. Whether that spot is at the kitchen table or a desk in the bedroom, keep this spot uncluttered for distraction-free homework time. Have all the essentials (paper, pencil sharpener, erasers and a calculator) within reach. This will help keep those trips to another room for a pen down to a minimum, which will help keep your kids on track.

Store away projects, artwork and A+ papers for safe keeping. Have an organization system in place to store these pieces of work for the future. Decide what is worth keeping and what is OK to be recycled. A simple filing storage box or a fun rolling storage cart will keep desks clean, clear and clutter-free.

Get a backpack with lots of compartments. Having a special spot for everything will keep kids organized, as well as help them remember where everything goes. This backpack has a great multi-compartment design with a media pocket, beverage pocket and padded shoulder straps. Not only is this backpack affordable, but it also comes in lots of different colors!

Carry only the necessities. Backpacks can get heavy very quickly, and this is not good for children. Make sure only the necessary items are in daily transit to and from school. Also make sure the backpack straps are properly adjusted for safety and comfort.

Pack the backpack before bed. Nothing throws off a whole day more than scrambling to get everything together and catching the bus on time. Making sure homework is safely squared away and in the backpack before bedtime can help the morning be smooth sailing.

Invest in a good pencil case. Pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers and paperclips can become a mess and get lost in a backpack. Having a good pencil case to neatly store away these items ensures nothing gets misplaced.

Color categorize notebooks and folders. Separate folders and binders for different classes or days to avoid confusion. Have separate folders for homework to be done, work in progress and papers that are done and ready to be turned in. This system helps things transition smoothly, and makes it easy for you to keep track of as well.

Use dividers in notebooks for additional organization. Dividers can transform a notebook that was once a disaster into an organized masterpiece. These plastic dividers are more durable than the average paper ones, and they feature a pocket for holding additional papers.

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August 19, 2015

12 Kitchen Cleaning Hacks to Save Minutes and Moolah

If cleaning your kitchen always seems like a journey of epic Lord of the Rings proportions, you’re not alone. You may not have a team of men, dwarves and hobbits at your disposal but these mighty kitchen cleaning tips will always have your back. Here are 12 tips for cleaning your kitchen that will not only save you time and effort, but also a little money!

1. 2-Step Oven Cleaner: No need to buy harsh chemicals or use the self-cleaning option on your oven that will make the whole house feel like a sauna. Simply place a bowl with a ½ cup of ammonia in your completely cool oven overnight. Wipe off all the grim easily the next day with a few paper towels. Done!

2. Fight Oil With Oil: The greasy residue that collects on your kitchen backsplash is cooking oil that has collected dust to create a mess that is pretty hard to get rid of. If you’re a fan of natural cleaning products, stock up on mineral oil. Take a cloth with mineral oil and wipe the greasy areas then repeat with a clean cloth. The residue will come off with exactly zero elbow grease.

3. Easy Microwave Cleaner: Microwaves are notoriously hard to clean because they are both tiny and prone to explosive messes. Use another natural remedy to this problem by microwaving a coffee cup of white vinegar for three minutes then wiping the microwave down with a clean, damp cloth.

4. You Already Own Stainless Steel Cleaner: Chances are, you have some WD-40 in your garage but it also works double duty as a stainless steel cleaner. If not, hopefully you have a lemon and some salt in your kitchen. Sprinkle the salt onto your stainless steel sink and scrub with half a lemon. Stains come off instantly and leave a fresh scent. Bonus!

5. 10-Second Blender Cleaning: Spare yourself the hassle of taking apart your blender (and danger of cutting yourself) to clean it. After enjoying your icy beverage or smoothie, fill the blender half way with warm water and just a couple of drops of dish soap. Blend with the lid on for 10 seconds then rinse. That’s all she wrote.

6. Wave Bye Bye to Burnt-On Food: Cleaning burnt pots is perhaps the most infuriating thing ever, especially if they are Teflon-coated and you can easily damage them by abrasive scrubbing. Next time you have a sticky burnt mess on your hands, fill the pot or pan with warm water and throw in a dryer sheet to soak. In just a few minutes, it will be ready to wash and the scorched food will come off with ease.

7. Under The ‘Fridge (Not a Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Remix): Believe it or not, you don’t have to wait until moving day to clean underneath your refrigerator. If you are sensitive to dust, this should be a regular undertaking but it doesn’t have to be a back-breaker. Grab a pair of old pantyhose and roll them onto a broom or mop handle. Swipe underneath the fridge with the “hosed” end to push the dust and food particles out into the open so they can be easily swept up.

8. Freshen Up Your ‘Fridge: Keep the inside of your refrigerator smelling so fresh and so clean but also, you know, safe for food because that’s where your food lives. Take a spray bottle and fill it with two parts water and one part white vinegar with a little bit of lemon oil for a refreshing scent. Empty out the whole shebang, spray with your homemade mix, then wipe it down. It’s a little labor intensive but at least you don’t have to do it every day.

9. Deep Clean Your Cutting Boards: Remember that lemon and salt treatment for your stainless steel sink? Double up the fun and apply it to your wooden cutting boards! Again, this is not something you have to do every day but it’s pretty easy and does not require a fancy, expensive cleaner.

10. Microwave Your Kitchen Washrags: Say what? Yes, washing your washrags always works to keep things sanitary but in between washes (before they get downright dirty with food stains), give them a good microwaving to kill lingering bacteria. Rinse your rags, wring them out, then place them in the microwave for three minutes. Let them sit until cool then hang dry for a clean you can trust without waiting for laundry day.

11. De-Gunk Kitchen Cabinets: You may think you know how to clean kitchen cabinets until you notice the outsides getting dingier and greasier over time. Remember, fight oil with oil. Take soft-bristled toothbrush (that you don’t use) and scrub gently with mineral or vegetable oil to get rid of stubborn residue lightning fast.

12. Clean Your Coffee or Spice Grinder: If you don’t want to mix your coffees or spices, do a quick palette cleanse by adding stale bread or uncooked rice to your grinder and give it a few pulses. This will loosen up all the built-up powders so they will all come out with a good shake into the trash bin.

Sources: AllYou, Cosmopolitan, Apartment Geeks, Emlii

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August 17, 2015

Ease Back-to-School Stress

A child having a little anxiety about going back to school is completely normal. Children have a lot of new things to prepare for: teachers, classmates, lessons and schoolwork. It’s easy to get caught up in your own stress around the start of a new school year, so we’ve come up with a few ways to ease the back-to-school stress for your young one.

Stay Positive

It’s no secret that children pick up on their parents’ attitudes and feelings. By maintaining a positive outlook for yourself, your child will feel more at ease taking those first few steps into the classroom. Don’t dismiss your child’s feelings; instead, normalize them to let them know that everyone can feel nervous the first couple of days. Creating a positive expectation about the school year on the first day sets a precedent for the weeks and months to follow.

Take Away the Unknowns

Fear of the unknown could be one reason your child is having anxiety about the new school year. By eliminating these unknowns a few weeks before school starts, you can help ease their anxiety. If your child is going to a new school or going back to the same one, explore the school with your child. Visit their classroom, the cafeteria, the library, the nurse’s office and the playground. If your kid is taking the bus, walk with them to the bus stop to show how the routine will work. This will help take away the mystery on the first day, and they will feel more comfortable marching in with their head held high.

Create Routines

Establishing a daily routine for children to follow before the school year starts can help ease everyone into the new adjustment. Keeping a checklist to help get your kid organized and stay on schedule can help ease anxiety from rushing around in the morning. Not only will it save you frustration, but your child also will feel in charge and responsible for getting ready. Have an afternoon routine for snacks, homework and extracurricular activities. When nighttime rolls around, keep in mind children between the ages of 5 and 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. As children get older, this does not work as well since they are able to handle being up later. For the first week or two of school, keep the afternoons light, giving kids a chance to decompress from all the excitement of a new school year.

Establish Fun Traditions

If you’re excited for school, your child will follow suit. Ring in the new school year by establishing a fun tradition that they can look forward to and cherish year after year. You can have a special meal, go for a nature walk, create a pillow fort or roast marshmallows in the backyard. During this time, have a family discussion about what they are excited about for the upcoming year, as well as what they are nervous about. Being present and spending time with your children before the school year helps with the transition. Your presence is a comfort and allows them to feel open to share any concerns they may have.

Know the Rules

Knowing the rules will help both you and your child know what is expected behavior. Understand what happens if your child is late. Are they allowed to have electronic devices or cell phones on the school grounds? What is the dress code? As a parent, it’s understood that you know the rules and how to make sure they are followed. Attend parent meetings and be attentive to not only the rules, but also why they are in place at the school.

Unschedule the Kids

Having a schedule can help kids get into the back-to-school routine. But remember that there needs to be some unscheduled time as well. Allowing your child to have a “free day” during the week after school to relax and play indoors or outdoors is just as important as having extracurricular activities and time set aside for homework. Letting them choose what they want to do with their free time gives them a sense of responsibility they can benefit from in the years to come.

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August 15, 2015

How to Romance Your Partner in 15 Easy Ways

Did you know that August is National Romance Awareness month? While we’re pretty sure you all know what romance is, we think it’s important to be reminded that in any relationship, romance is important. Some people say you should never stop dating your partner, even after you move in together, have kids or get married. You’re too busy to be romantic, you say? We’ve got some great ideas to show your love that are easy and cheap but incredibly thoughtful and sweet. Here are our 15 romantic gestures to keep the sparks flying no matter how long you’re been together.

1. Closeness is key. Sitting next to each other on the couch, holding hands or even walking side by side is something you can and should do every day. When you let physical space come between you and your partner on a regular basis, you’re allowing emotional space to creep in as well. If you’ve got some PDA hang-ups, don’t worry. You can be conservative about your showing of affection, but you should show it in some fashion. Try using this rule of thumb—If you were a stranger and saw you and your partner walking down the street, would you think you were a couple? If not, try looking like one and close that physical gap.

2. Leave little love notes. If you’ve got Post-Its and pens in your house, then you’re already halfway there. This doesn’t have to be a sonnet, just something sweet or a heartfelt “thank you” for something your partner has done for your or your household lately. Get silly with a cute little doodle or even tell a short joke for an easy giggle. Leave love notes in places your partner will find them during their regular routines, whether it’s on the bathroom mirror, coffee pot or ice cream container. This act of spontaneity keeps your relationship fresh and exciting.

3. Write long love letters. OK so this one does take a little more time but this is perfect for when you are apart for business trips, vacations, etc. When you are away, pen a love letter and express your true feelings for this special person. Keep it sincere or get a little flirty. There is no wrong way to write to your lover as long as you stay away from the mundane like details about your trip or your day. There will be plenty of time to talk about stuff like that when you reunite. Send the letter in the mail, no matter when you’re slated to return. It will be a nice surprise brought right to their doorstep.

4. Send sweet texts. Sending a little text just to say “hi” will always brighten someone’s day. Any time your partner crosses your mind throughout the day is a good time to text them and tell them all about it. Maybe you heard a joke that reminded you of them or walked past an old haunt you two used to frequent back in the good ole’ days when you had more time and were just getting to know each other. Don’t let moments of missing them or feeling nostalgic pass you by. Share them in just a few taps on your phone.

5. Cook together. Plan a meal, go grocery shopping and cook that meal together. Not only are you spending time together, you are collaborating, delegating and producing something you can both be proud of and enjoy together (unless you burn it, of course). Cooking and eating is a sensual experience. Get into it! Go all out and plan three courses, complete with a decadent dessert you can share with two spoons.

6. Learn to master their favorite dish. This one is perfect for non-cohabiting couples because you’ll have plenty of space and privacy to learn this special skill in secret. Wow your partner by not only learning to cook their absolute favorite meal in the world, but by knocking it out of the park. Find a recipe, try it out, tweak it and make it your own according to their taste and liking. Seriously, they will worship you once they are done chowing down.

7. Send them cute animal pictures. If nothing makes their heart melt more than seeing a cat and dog take a nap together or a baby sloth getting a bath, send it to them via text, email or Facebook message. Make this a private exchange. It’s one thing to share these little bits of viral cuteness with the rest of your socialsphere but it’s a little more special when you send it directly to your one and only. Reddit.com/r/aww is also a chock full of adorbs.

8. Prepare a home spa. If you know your partner is about to come home after a particularly brutal day, help them unwind with an at-home spa. Run a bath, provide a clean and comfy robe, buy or make some luxurious bath bombs, light some scented candles and put on a record that will promote absolute chillness to create one zen-tastic space in which they can melt the day away. Don’t engage in conversation, just lead them toward their personal spa for one, exit and close the door behind you. There will be plenty of time to talk afterward about all the obstacles they faced, but hopefully their outlook will greatly improve by the time they towel off. This may not seem very romantic, but giving your partner some “me time” when they really need it is a loving, selfless act for which they will be totally grateful.

9. Engage in each others hobbies. Most likely, you both have some unique interests that you might not necessarily share. Whether it’s sports, music, crafting, scuba diving, stamp collecting, whatever, set aside some time to experience your partner’s hobbies. Notice, we say experience because we know you might not necessarily enjoy these things. The important thing is that you are present, you give it a try and most importantly, you witness them in their element. Even if you find out you don’t have a powerful yen for building HAM radios after all, chances are you will still get a kick out of seeing them completely geek out over something.

10. Give small, random gifts. Who doesn’t love a cheesy little gift now and then, just because? Again, this small token of affection can be anything that will make your partner laugh or remind them of special times you shared. Also, you get extra points if the gift happens to be something you partner has talked about wanting or planning to buy for themselves. This shows you actually listen to them, and believe us, that’s the best gift you can give. In the digital age when we are all glued to our phones, finding out someone is paying attention to us can be a rare commodity.

11. Take them on a surprise date. A lot of couple like to practice a regular date night. But that’s the thing about romantic ideas. If you are expecting them, they are somehow a little less romantic. Plan a surprise date! It doesn’t have to be super elaborate, maybe a nighttime picnic in the backyard or last-minute tickets to a movie with a babysitter ready to watch the kids. If your offices are close-by, maybe stop by unannounced to take your partner out to lunch. Romantic surprises like these keep your relationship from becoming completely routine.

12. Take the kids. Yes, please. Take them. Whether your partner is a stay-at-home parent or a working one, chances are they can use a little quiet time. And even though it’s something they really need, some parents have trouble asking for this small luxury they certainly took for granted before kids came along and turned their lives upside down. So without warning, take those kids to a movie, to grab a burger, to your mother’s house, to the moon, anywhere and leave your partner at home. They will feel supported and cared for, which always leaves room for romance.

13. Buy them an outfit. We know this is a tricky one because not everyone likes to be dressed by another person. But if you feel like you know your partner’s personal style well enough, splurge on an outfit for them. This will show them that you appreciate them as a delicious piece of eye candy and thought they would look great in some shiny new wrappings.

14. Get dressed up. No matter if you are staying in or going out, get all gussied up, especially if it’s been a while since your partner has seen you put your A-game on. Break out the fancy dress shoes and sport coat. Expertly apply the red lipstick and little black dress. Create the look that makes you feel like you can turn any head on the sidewalk. That confidence is always attractive.

15. Give a foot or back massage without be asked. Touch is the biggest ingredient in a romance cocktail. But touch that relieves stress or physical pain is simple amazing. If your partner has an active job (like carrying your child) or they’ve just had a rough day, give them a little massage to help ease the tension. Make them putty in your hands.

Which of these romantic ideas will you be planning to do with your partner? Comment below!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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?

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May 24, 2015

3 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Summer Party

It’s almost summer, and that means it’s almost time for the season of barbecues, pool parties, bonfires, and fun. If you’re planning to throw a party this summer, all you need to do is prepare a few key details and you’ll be all set to give your guests a great time.

1. Choose Your Theme

When the weather starts to heat up, it’s the best time of the year to plan a fun outdoor party. One of the best ways to get your guests exciting about an upcoming party is to center things around a theme. If you’re celebrating for the Fourth of July, you already have your theme ready to go, but other ideas like Kentucky Derby parties, lawn games, and garden parties are all light themes that help you in your planning for everything from invitations to libations.

If you’re looking for the subtle decorative accoutrements to accompany your theme, avoid Party City and hunt for vintage home and garden accessories from eBay. Whether you’re looking for a croquet set, chic votives, Derby fascinators, or an antique tea set, you can find tons of great deals on unique items using eBay coupons from Ebates, as well as thousands of free shipping offers.

2. Get Creative With Your Drinks

Speaking of libations, the key to any successful party is the food and drinks you serve. Get creative with your drinks and keep things in theme. While Cinco de Mayo may have already passed, a cantina-themed fiesta is going to be great all summer long, and a few margarita varieties are just the thing to get things started.

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3. Get Your Guests Involved

While a traditional dinner party is always a nice time, there’s something more exciting about heading to a party where there is a little more planned for guests. Getting your guests involved in the party doesn’t necessitate months of planning, but a few simple options can keep the party flowing, fun, and lively. Whether it’s lawn games, projecting a classic film, setting up a build your own Bloody Mary bar, or something else, a few simple activities can be the difference between a good party and a great one.

Follow these simple tips and your guests will be talking about your party for months to come. As always, your party preparations are always more affordable when you shop with the discounts and Cash Back that Ebates offers!

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May 18, 2015

Decorating Hacks for a Better Looking Home

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

Kick Things Up in the Kitchen

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

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

kitchenmat — via I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

Lighten Up Your Living Room

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

candlesfireplace — via The Budget Decorator

Design Details in the Dining Room

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

Bring Some Style to the Bathroom

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

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

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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!

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