The Ultimate Water Park Survival Guide

 

Little girl playing in water park

Summer is here and it’s a great time to load up the gang and head out for a day of family fun at a water park! Water parks are a great place for families to get outside, hit the water slides and have a seriously exciting time together. With some proper preparation, your day at the water park can be a splashing success. If you’re wondering what to bring to a water park, look over this handy checklist for water park tips, tricks and even learn how to earn Cash Back at Ebates when you’re planning for your big day out on those water rides.

 

  1. Sunscreen: Wondering what to wear to a water park? Your first order of business should be a healthy layer of sunscreen. Before you hit the slides for the day, protect your skin and your family with a good sunscreen.
  2. Swim Suit: This one may seem like a no brainer, but best to double check that everyone has packed their suits before heading out to the water park. Need a new size or style? Check for a swimsuit promo code and save a bundle on your new look.
  3. UV Protection Swim Shirt: Add an extra layer of protection from the sun, even when the sunscreen starts to wear off.
  4. Plenty of Water and Snacks: Whether you buy them at the park or can bring your own, be sure to keep your family hydrated and feeling great.
  5. Waterproof Cellphone Case: Like to keep your phone on you at all times? A watertight pouch or case is a great investment for a day at the water park.
  6. Phone Charger or Spare Battery: After a long day at the park, your battery will likely be a little low.
  7. Hair Brush & Hair Ties: If anyone in your group has long hair, they’ll thank you!
  8. Waterproof Camera: Snap some great shots of the kids at the water park without worrying about the splashes hitting your lens.
  9. Goggles: If your water park pack likes to spend time underwater, make sure to bring them a pair of goggles to protect their eyes.
  10. Unique Beach Towels: With the huge crowds at water parks, towels can easily get lost in the fray. A unique or customized towel can really pay off at the end of the day when you can dry off with your own dedicated towel.
  11. Hat With a Brim: A hat might not stay on for the fast rides, but you’ll be happy to have it when you’re riding the lazy river!
  12. Bug Spray: If you live in a particularly buggy area, this can be a lifesaver.
  13. Cheap Sunglasses: Don’t worry about losing or ruining your fancy shades during your day on the water slides.
  14. Toiletries & Medications: If you plan to be away from home all day, make sure you pack the toiletries and medications your group will need throughout the day.
  15. Pouch for Valuables: Leave anything other than the essentials at home, but keep a small pouch or bag on you with stuff like money and car keys if the park doesn’t provide lockers.
  16. Water Shoes: Protect your family’s feet from concrete catastrophes with a bright, fun pair of water shoes that add traction to prevent dangerous slips and falls.
  17. Band-Aids: In case an accident does happen, it’s best to be prepared with a mini first aid arsenal of your own.
  18. Picture of the Kids: You probably already have one in your wallet or phone, but a photo can help water park staff find your kids if they wander off.
  19. Dry Clothes: Make sure everyone has a set of dry clothes that are kept dry throughout the day for when it’s time to pack up and head home.
  20. Packable Bag: A big bag that you can fill with all your summer fun essentials is a critical part of your water park checklist and is a good investment for all your summer outings.

Editor’s Picks

 

How to Master Makeup Storage and Organization in 5 Easy Steps

Makeup neatly displayed on tableIs your makeup stash a constant center of total chaos? If you’re like most of us, your makeup collection is subject to that daily disorder created while desperately trying to dig out your favorite eyeliner. If you’re a hair product hoarder or if you get a monthly sample subscription, you probably have a drawer filled with products you love, but can’t keep arranged. If you’re tired of never being able to find what you want, when you need it most, you are probably in need of a major makeup sort and a new system to keep things tidy. Without a solid organizational system, things can devolve into disorder that will most likely leave you super frazzled any time you are in a hurry. With these five easy steps, you can learn how to sort out your products, organize your makeup with a system that sticks and reclaim your sanity in style. Whatever organizational system you choose, make sure you don’t miss out on Cash Back at Ebates on your new beauty storage makeup organizer and as always, keep your eyes peeled for extra perks like a makeup storage promo code.

Everyday Essentials

Eyelash curler and lashes on colorblock background

The first step may seem a little daunting because things are going to become more of a mess before you can achieve organized makeup storage perfection. Dig through your makeup vanity, bathroom storage and makeup bag to retrieve all of your beauty products. Spread them out on a table and pull out the stuff that you use most frequently. These are the items that you want to have on hand for those crazy mornings that would otherwise leave you cursing your disorderly makeup collection. Tuck them into a designated makeup bag or makeup organizer reserved for only those items.

Multicolored makeup bagGet something cute and portable that can go anywhere you go in a flash, like this adorable makeup bag from Vera Bradley. Once you have your essentials reserved in a dedicated pouch or bin, you’re ready to move on.

stash

Close-up shot of eyeshadow

We all have those favorite beauty products that just aren’t in our everyday rotation. Whether it’s a lip color you only wear in the winter or hair sunscreen for the sunny months, save yourself the bathroom storage overflow and tuck these seldom used products away until their proper time and place. Make yourself a backup makeup box of storage for hair products that you use no more than once a month or quarterly and tuck it away somewhere cool and dry. This is also a great time to sort out and toss all of those crusty, expired items that have been lurking in your makeup collection for ages – you know which ones we’re talking about! They may be hard to let go, but your skin and eyes will thank you!

categoryIt may be helpful if you organize beauty products into categories such as eye shadows, lip products, foundations, concealers and so on. Depending on the size of your makeup collection, you may want to make broader categories such as eye makeup or more narrow selections like eyeliners, if you happen to have a ton. Once you have your beauty storage categories established, it’s time to move on to the fun part.

organizer

Makeup brushes in a clear container

Now that you have sorted your makeup into a number of categories, find a makeup box or makeup organizer with enough spaces so that each category can have its own space. Use bins, bags or drawers, whichever you fancy the most. There are a lot of beauty organizer options out there, so decide what works best for your personal habits and space. Your makeup storage will work best if everything has an intuitive designated spot that items can return to after they’ve been used.

Clear makeup storage cubeCheck out beauty storage and makeup bags online at Sephora like this incredible CosmoCube and keep an eye out for a makeup storage promo code.

Etsy makeup brush holdersWant something unique to match your personal style? Check out fabulous custom beauty storage options like this makeup brush holder available online at Etsy. Don’t forget to activate Cash Back at Ebates to save some extra money for your new makeup fund.

tidyOnce everything has its designated spot, keeping your makeup organizer system tidy is a piece of cake if you can commit five minutes each week to putting items back where they belong. Head to your makeup vanity or bathroom storage and take a few minutes to tuck away all the products that have strayed from their respective receptacles each week. Sunday is a great day to do this as the weekend outings are over and it will give you a fresh, organized start for Monday. Tuck those brushes back in a makeup brush holder and set your next week up for neatly ordered bliss!

Cute Umbrellas to Brighten Your Rainy Days

According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is just around the corner. And as many of you know, spring means rain. Instead of being sad about the upcoming showers, get excited to shop for cute umbrellas! February 10 is National Umbrella Day and in honor of this event, we’ve found seven fun umbrellas to accessorize your wet-weather looks. So get ready to chuck that boring black umbrella and show off your style! When shopping for new spring necessities like clothes, rain boots, jewelry and of course, umbrellas, make sure to get your Cash Back at Ebates to save more.

kate spade new york Winking Eyes Bubble Umbrella

kate spade Winking Bubble Umbrella

Bubble umbrellas are not only cute, they’re super functional in providing a lot of coverage and the ability to see through them. Nothing makes a rainy day worse than constantly bumping into people with a large black umbrella! This kate spade new york umbrella not only channels your inner Audrey Hepburn, but will keep you and your outfit nice and dry.

BlueAvocado XO Ivory Roses Umbrella

Ivory Roses Umbrella

If the idea of frolicking through a field of flowers makes your day, this ivory roses umbrella from Brookstone is perfect for you. Delicate and feminine touches make this umbrella the perfect accessory for any spring day.

Totes Birds Bubble Umbrella

Clear Bubble Umbrella With Birds

Surround yourself with birds during a rainy day to bring out your inner sunshine. This bubble umbrella featuring birds, hearts and fun patterns is both charming and practical.

ShedRain Spot On Umbrella

ShedRain 16 Panel Spotted Umbrella

A gust of wind on a rainy day can turn a smile into a frown. This sturdy ShedRain 16 panel umbrella will keep its shape while keeping you fashionably dryPair that up with 8% Cash Back from eBags and you’ll be one happy puddle-stomper.

Fulton Superslim Feather Umbrella

Fulton Superslim Feather Umbrella

Big umbrellas are nice, but if you wanna keep it compact, this Fulton Superslim umbrella is right up your alley. Featuring a fun feather print and compact design, you’ll be prepared for a surprise shower any day.

Vera Bradley Pixie Blooms Umbrella

Vera Bradley Bubble UmbrellaIf you’re a fan of Vera Bradley‘s distinctive and colorful patterns, this Pixie Blooms bubble umbrella will have you singing in the rain. It’s not as see-through as the other bubble umbrellas but we guarantee it will get you in the mood to splash around and sing in the rain.

ShedRain Windpro Flatwear Vented Umbrella

ShedRain Windpro Vented Auto Umbrella

An inside-out umbrella can damper an already slick situation. This sailor inspired umbrella has a vented canopy design that ensures that it will remain upright and functional no matter how blustery the weather.

Are you a puddle-jumping, rain boot-wearing, umbrella-wielding rain lover? Which of these umbrellas is your favorite? Let us know with a comment below!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Labor Day Sales & Coupons

labordaysales

Celebrate the last weeks of summer in style while saving a buck or 10 with coupons, promo codes and Double Cash Back at Ebates. Take full advantage of free shipping offers from top stores while you soak up the sun, take a load off and lounge before fall comes knocking on your door. Whether you’re in the market for a new outfit, smartphone, furniture or something fun to do for the weekend, make Ebates your first stop for fantastic Labor Day Deals.

Clothing & Accessories:

AERO

Up to 50% off Labor Day Weekend Sale
(Exp. 09/09/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Bauble Bar

50-60% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Bluefly

Up to an extra 90% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Eddie Bauer

Labor Day Sale – Up to 60% off everything
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Gap Factory

Labor Day Event – Up to 40% off everything
(Exp. 09/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

J.Crew Factory

50% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Old Navy

Labor of Love Sale! Up to 60% off everything (restrictions apply)
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Sunglass Hut

Up to 50% off Labor Day Sale
Code: LABORDAY15
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

UNIQLO

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/09/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Vince

Up to 70% off Labor Day Sale items
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Shoes & Handbags:

eBags

Up to 70% off Labor Day Sales
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 10% Cash Back>

Famous Footwear

Buy 1 Get 1 and 15% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/15/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

PUMA

Labor Day Sale – 30% off all orders
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 4.5% Cash Back>

Vera Bradley

Labor Day Sale – 50% off select patterns and styles + free shipping
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Baby, Kids & Toys:

Baby Gap

Labor Day Event – Up to 40% off everything
(Exp. 09/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Carter’s

Labor Day Sale – 50% or more off everything + extra 25% off $40
Code: SUNNY25
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

The Children’s Place

Labor Day Sale – Up to 60% off sitewide + extra 25% off + free shipping at $75
Code: LABORDAY25
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Gap Kids

Labor Day Event – Up to 40% off everything
(Exp. 09/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Home, Garden & Tools:

Kmart

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Lowe’s

Labor Day Sale (While supplies last)
(Exp. 09/14/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Overstock

Up to 70% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Sears

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Walmart

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/09/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Electronics & Computers:

Best Buy

Labor Day Sale! Up to 30% off major appliance top deals
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 1% Cash Back>

Canon

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

HP.com

Labor Day Sale! Save up to 50% + free shipping
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Sports & Outdoors:

Campmor

Labor Day Clearance Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Eastern Mountain Sports

Up to 30% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Sport Chalet

Up to 50% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

The Sports Authority

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Travel & Vacations:

CheapOair

Up to $30 off Labor Day Deals
Code: LABOR30
(Exp. 09/05/2015)
Shop Deal with up to $13 Cash Back>

CheapOstay

Up to $40 off Labor Day Hotel Deals
Code: LABOR40
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Choice Hotels

Book your Labor Day travel early and save 20%
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Travelocity

Labor Day Early Booking Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with up to 7% Cash Back>

Food & Drink:

Godiva

Up to 25% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Harry and David

Up to 30% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Teavana

20-40% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 5% Cash Back>

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.