Ebates Spotlight: Our All-Time Favorite Childhood Books

Childhood Books

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” – Garrison Keillor

Teach a child to read, and you give them a gift that lasts a lifetime. Today is International Literacy Day and we at Ebates decided to honor it with a little trip down memory lane. Some of our wonderful employees told us about their absolute favorite childhood books, ranging from classic fairy tales to modern spoofs of those timeless stories. Take a look at what books we rounded up and let us know all about your favorite children’s book in the comments, whether it’s one from your own childhood or a new favorite you read to your little ones.

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What are some of your favorite childhood books? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

 

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.

10 Tips for A+ Back-to-School Organization

organized

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.

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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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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

6 Super Hot Summer Swimwear Trends

swimwearheaderimThe sun is out. The waves are crashing. And if you haven’t found the perfect bathing suit or bikini to slip in and strut your stuff on the sand, let us get you started on your search. From full-figure friendly two-pieces to fabulous fringe bikinis, we’ve broken down the hottest trends in 2015 swimwear so you can find the best swimsuits for your style while grabbing some Cash Back at Ebates.

mixmatch

Mix and Match

Matching bikini bottoms and tops is so “last year’s swimsuit trends.” Mix it up by pairing solids and prints, like this mesh bikini top and tribal bikini bottom from ModCloth. Get creative and find a top and bottom combo that is totally you! (ModCloth, 2% Cash Back)

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Fringe

Whether you prefer one-piece swimsuits or bikinis, fringe is something you can find in a variety of fits and styles. This fringe bikini from Tilly’s also features beading and crochet to incorporate some of the hottest trends in 2015 swimwear. (Tilly’s, 2.5% Cash Back)

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Ruffles

A little ruffle goes a long way as a flirty, feminine accent to your swimwear this season. This halter swimdress is just adorable with its ruffled skirt featuring a laser-cut accent. Remember, less is more when it comes to ruffles. (Macy’s, 8% Cash Back)

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High Waist

If you love a little vintage vibe, high-waist bikinis are the way to go. This adorable two-piece from Walmart has the classic silhouette you crave with iconic polka dots for a precious pinup look. Not to mention, high-waist bikinis are extremely curve friendly. (Walmart, 2% Cash Back)

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Long Sleeves

For those who are into sporty swimsuits, a growing trend is the long-sleeve bikini. Perfect for surfers but fashionable enough for the average sunsoaker, this two-piece from AERO features a lively print for a bold beach look. (AERO, 2% Cash Back)

1cutout_swimsuit

Cut Outs

Just like the coveted cut-out dress, swimwear with cut-outs is sexy without being vulgar. This Backcountry bathing suit looks like a bikini from the back and a curve-hugging one-piece from the front with some print and colorblock action for a fashion-forward look. (Backcountry, 10% Cash Back)

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Memorial Day Sales & Coupons

memday

 

Memorial Day is one of the best times of year to shop for the upcoming summer months. We’ve brought together some of the hottest deals of the year to help make your shopping a bit easier. Send May on its way and swoon for June with fantastic deals on all you need for fun in the sun. With free shipping offers and exclusive coupon codes, you can find everything you need this season in one shopping swoop while staying on budget.

Clothing:

Macy’s

Memorial Day Sale: Get 20% off plus an extra 25% off Clearance.
Code: HOORAY
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with 8.0% Cash Back>

Lord and Taylor

Big Sale Memorial Day weekend + 20% off full-priced and Sale items.
Code: MEMORIAL
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.0% Cash Back>

Forever 21

30% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.0% Cash Back>

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th

Memorial Day Savings: Up to 70% off everything.
Code: SUMMER
(Exp. 05/27/2015)
Shop Deal with 8.0% Cash Back>

Lands End

Memorial Day Sale! Receive 30% off everything.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.0% Cash Back>

Nasty Gal

40% off Memorial Day Sale.

(Exp. 05/27/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.0% Cash Back>

QVC

Up to 50% off Memorial Day Weekend Clearance.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.0% Cash Back>

Theory

Up to 40% off Memorial Day Weekend Sale.
(Exp. 05/27/2015)
Shop Deal with 4.5% Cash Back>

 

Travel & Vacations:

CheapOAir

Up to $40 off Memorial Day Weekend Deals.
(Exp. 05/31/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to $13.00 Cash Back>

Hotels.com

Kick off summer with a Memorial Day hotel up to 40% off plus save an additional 10% on select hotels.
Code: AFEBATESMAY15
(Book by 5/24, Travel by 6/28)
Shop Deal with 6.0% Cash Back>

Orbitz

Memorial Day Hotel Deals. (travel by December 31, 2015)
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 8.3% Cash Back>

Travelocity

Up to 40% off Memorial Day Sale. (For travel between May 21, 2015 and May 25, 2015.)
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 7.0% Cash Back>

Groupon

Memorial Day Sale- Save up to an extra 20%.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 6.0% Cash Back>

Rooms to Go

Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.0% Cash Back>

 

Health & Beauty:

Perfumania

20% off Memorial Day Sale.
Code: MEM20
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 7.0% Cash Back>

Puritan’s Pride

Memorial Day Sale! Save up to 80% Off Top Sellers + Free Shipping!
(Exp. 05/23/2015)
Shop Deal with 5.0% Cash Back>

 

Shoes & Handbags:

eBags

Up to 65% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 10.0% Cash Back>

Amazon

Memorial Day Savings Event – Save 20% on select women’s shoes.
Code: FUN20SUN
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 3.0% Cash Back>

BaubleBar

Memorial Day Savings – Save 20% , Buy 3 Items and save 25%, Buy 4 or More and Save 30%.
Code: MEMORIAL20, MEMORIAL25, MEMORIAL30
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 4.0% Cash Back>

Foot Locker

Up to 50% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/27/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 2.5% Cash Back>

Onlineshoes.com

30% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 5.0% Cash Back>

Reebok

Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with Up to 5.0% Cash Back>

 

 

Electronics & Computers:

Abt Electronics

$50 off $499+ Memorial Day Sale order.
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.0% Cash Back>

Panasonic

Memorial Day Blowout Sale: Up to 65% off sitewide + free shipping.
(Exp. 05/26/2015)
Shop Deal with 4.0% Cash Back>

Best Buy

Memorial Day 4-Day Sale – Save on HDTVs, laptops, video games and more.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.0% Cash Back>

 

Home, Garden & Tools:

Sears

Memorial Day Spectacular – Up to 60% off mattresses + free delivery on $599+.
(Exp. 06/02/2015)
Shop Deal with 6.0% Cash Back>

Walmart

Memorial Day Online Sale – Up to 40% off select items.
(Exp. 05/31/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.0% Cash Back>

 

Baby, Kids & Toys:

Carter’s

Memorial Day Sale – 50% off everything + 20% off $40. (Exclusions apply, see site for details.)
Code: MAYCART
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 5.0% Cash Back>

Diapers.com

Memorial Day Sale – Get 20% off hundreds of top brands plus free 2 day delivery on orders $49 or more.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.0% Cash Back>

Osh Kosh B’Gosh

Memorial Day Sale with Extra 25% off Clearance.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

 

Sports & Outdoors:

Cabela’s

Up to 50% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.0% Cash Back>

The Sports Authority

Up to 80% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/24/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.0% Cash Back>

Backcountry.com

Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 5.0% Cash Back>

Sierra Trading Post

Extra 40-80% off select items – Memorial Day Clearance Event.
(Exp. 05/27/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Campmor

Up to 25% off Memorial Day Sale.
(Exp. 05/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

 

 

 

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Spring 2015 Runway-Inspired Nail Polish Trends

nailedit

Spring fashion doesn’t just stop at clothes and kicks. Your nails can be an important part of your look and a great way to turn heads no matter what you’re wearing. These nail polish trends are hot off the runways and we found the perfect spring nail colors to help you try them on for size. They will certainly take your everyday outfits to new, high-fashion levels.

Tie Dye Nails

Rebecca-Minkoff-Spring-2015
via PopSugar

Using jewel tones and pastels, nail artists have created this modern nod to the swinging 60s with this boho-chic tie dye look. You can, of course, use any color combo you like for a look all your own.

Half Moons

Delpozo-Spring-2015
via PopSugar

Simple and chic, these coral half moon manis create a barely-there look that will let your clothes and accessories do all the talking. Sometimes it’s all about the little details to create a big impact.

Wiped Out

Zimmermann-Spring-2015
via PopSugar

The key to this undone nail look is to apply polish like normal then simply take nail polish remover and wipe off most of the manicure. You can do this to create a neat or jagged finish. Who knew your two-week-old mani would become a hot runway trend?

Most Wanted Spring Nail Colors

 

 

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide Under $25

mothersdayggunder25

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it and while many moms out there love flowers, why not try something a little different this year? If you’re looking to keep things simple this Mother’s Day but want to still give her something small that says a lot, we’ve got the perfect gift guide for you. Items that will help her relax, pamper herself or help preserve memories will make this Mother’s Day extra special.

1. Prada Candy Florale Rollerball (Sephora) | $25
Research your mom’s favorite perfume scent (or introduce her to something new) and give her a rollerball version of it. These are great for travel or a busy mom on the go.

2. Posy Court Small Heart Dish (Kate Spade) | $20
Losing an earring or the keys can happen daily in a mother’s life. This heart shaped dish is a great solution for commonly misplaced small objects. And it’s so darn cute!

3. Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Wash & Foam Bath (Bath & Body Works) | $13
Setting aside some “me time” can be hard to schedule in. This body wash will remind her to take at least five minutes for herself daily.

4. Kate Spade ‘Asteroid Stones’ Stud Earrings (Overstock) | $22.99
Jewelry tends to be a typical Mother’s Day gift, but when it’s something she can wear daily (like these earrings) she’ll remember you every time she puts them on.

5. Pacifica Soy Candle in Malibu Lemon Blossom (Beauty.com) | $16
Soy candles are a great alternative to traditional candles as they burn clean and longer. The Malibu Lemon Blossom scent captures the Pacific Ocean perfectly, allowing her to escape for a few moments during the day.

6. Formula X The Match CLIX (Sephora) | $16
These fun nail polishes take the guessing out of which shades will flatter the skin tone. The best part of giving her this gift is you can offer to spend time giving her a manicure.

7. Mom’s Five-second Memory Journal (Walmart) | $6
This gift is perfect for the mom with only five seconds to spare. Full of fun prompts for her to jot down thoughts on life, after time it’ll be a great keepsake for her to look back on.

 

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Celebrating Earth Day with Ebates!

earthdayheader

Earth Day 2015 is just around the corner on April 22. Do you know what you’ll be doing to celebrate the 45th anniversary this year? According to the Earth Day Network’s official website, the holiday serves as a lightning rod for environmental discussion and change. “Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network (EDN) works with over 22,000 partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.”

While the organization is sparking a global conversation about the environment, you can do your part and bring the Earth Day message to your local community by making small changes. Not sure where to get started? Check out some of our ways to celebrate Earth Day this year!

Research Easy Changes
Getting started with Earth Day is as easy as taking a look at your daily habits and see what small changes you can make to reduce, reuse, and recycle. For most people, something as simple as reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower, remembering to shut off the water when you brush your teeth, and sorting out recyclables before you take out the trash. When you’re mindful about your consumption habits, small changes can add up to a big difference over time.

lightbulb

Switch Out Your Lightbulbs
One of the best small changes you can make is to switch out the incandescent lightbulbs in your home to environmentally friendly alternatives. The energy-efficient, green lightbulbs are known as CFL’s or Compact Florescent Lamp bulbs, and they can use around 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. So you’re not only saving the environment, but you’re saving money on your electricity bill while you’re at it. If you want to save even more, you can order you CFL bulbs using Walmart coupons and Ebates for discounted pricing and Cash Back on your purchase!

Start a Compost
Another way to redirect your waste toward productive uses is to start a compost. It’s easy to set up and can work wonders for your garden once you’re finished. Designate a bin in your yard for your compost heap and add organic waste like fruit and vegetables, weeds, and coffee grounds instead of throwing them out. Over time, the materials will decompose to create a nutrient rich fertilizer or your garden and reduce the amount of garbage your household generates. It’s a win-win!

Group of teenage friends gardening.

Plan an Afternoon of Volunteering
If you’re looking for ways to get your office or family involved, an afternoon of volunteering is a great way to do that. There are local volunteer events around the country ranging from community clean-up to public gardening opportunities. Find an event in your area to contribute this year!

Take on a few of these projects for an enriching Earth Day, because changing the world happens one small step at a time!

 

 

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Gardening Tips for Beginners

startagarden

Spring is the time of new beginnings. And if you’re thinking of taking advantage of the new season by spending time in your yard and starting a garden, we have a few tips for you. Make sure to check out all the stores that have Double Cash Back during Home and Garden Week over at Ebates! You’ll find some great deals on all the gardening tools you need a stores like Home Depot, Sears, and Walmart.

1. Plan
The first step may seem obvious but it is important! Plan what you want. Do you want a flower garden, vegetable garden or herb garden? Keep in mind that it is better to start small. You can always add more once your garden starts to be successful.

2. Choose a place to plant
Do you have a sunny or shady space to plant? This can be a deciding factor on what to plant as most vegetables and some flowers require about six hours of sun each day. So if you don’t have a lot of sun, look for plants that can tolerate the shade. Make sure that you plant your garden where you can’t ignore it. If your garden starts to need attention, you’ll notice it faster than if you put it in an area you rarely see daily.

garden2

3. Prepare the ground
Get rid of the sod that is covering the area you want to plant and spread compost to improve the soil. Using an organic material will boost your soil. Using compost, dry grass clippings, decayed leaves, or old manure will improve the soil and make a perfect starting point for your garden.

4. Decide on your plants
Now that you’ve picked your area and what type of garden you want to have, you’ll want to pick what you want to plant. Some plants are harder to grow and maintain than others, so we suggest these easy-to-grow plants for beginners. If you’re planning to plant flowers, try out marigolds, geraniums, pansies, or daylilies. If you’re planning to plant vegetables, go for peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers.

5. Put them in the ground
Learn about which plant you’ve chosen and when the best time to plant them is. Some plants and vegetables are picky about the cold and you will want to wait until all frost has passed. Some plants will fare better planted in autumn or late winter. Some plants, such as lettuce and sunflowers, are easy to grow from seeds. But you may find that it is easier for some flowers to buy a set plant or transplant and just pop it in the ground and grow from there.

garden1

6. Water your plants
You’ll want to water your seedlings daily, as they should never dry out. As they grow, you can taper this off. The new transplants will need watering every other day until their roots become established into the ground. After the initial process, watering depends on the humidity of your climate, soil, and how often it rains. If you see that your plants are starting to wilt, they are in need of water. Slowly water so that it is absorbed and does not run off.

7. Keep it up
You’ve started your garden! Keep in mind that the garden will take work. You need to water when needed and pull weeds before they grow large and overtake your garden. In the end, just stop and smell the roses. Or whatever you choose to plant!

Do you enjoy gardening? Are you planning to start one this year? Let us know by leaving a comment!

 

 

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Video Game Must Haves

videogamemusthavesheader

With an amazing 2015 lineup including Batman: Arkham Knight, Persona 5, Yoshi’s Wooly World, and many more, gamers are more excited than ever for what they will be playing this year. But playing video games is much more than just buying the game itself. Having the right hardware can take your gaming experience to the next level. We’ve come up with nine video game must haves to completely immerse yourself into the world of your game.

keyboard
$169.99 | Best Buy

Razer BlackWidow Chroma
One of the best gaming keyboards on the market, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma is responsive, sleek, and has a great amount of macro keys. This mechanical keyboard also has full RGB illumination so you can customize its colors in any way you want.

mouse
$70.61 | Walmart

Logitech G502 Proteus Core Gaming Mouse
It comes across as intimidating at first, but this all-purpose gaming mouse has been regarded as one of the best on the market. The Proteus Core has 11 programmable buttons and the software it comes with creates separate profiles for every game installed on your computer.

$299.99 | Best Buy

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset
The Astro brand is synonymous with gaming headsets and for good reason. The A50’s are compatible with Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC. With a long-lasting battery life, a comfortable design, and crisp sound, it’ll be even harder to say no to one last match.

SquidGrip for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Long matches of Destiny and intense boss fights in Bloodborne can leave you with sweaty hands. SquidGrip is made to help alleviate sweaty hands and improve overall grip so you’ll never miss a second of play time wiping your hands on your jeans. (Also available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.)

elgato
$172.99 | Rakuten

Elgato Game Capture HD60
If you’re interested in streaming your gameplay over Twitch or YouTube, investing in the right equipment is key. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 records and streams your footage in 1080p quality with 60 fps.

gunnar
$69.99 | GUNNAR

GUNNAR Gaming Eyewear
Give yourself the ultimate edge against your enemies with GUNNARS. The lenses make it more comfortable to play for long periods of time as well as increase on-screen contrast with the protective anti-glare coating. GUNNARS are also available in prescription. (Model shown above: Intercept.)

Xbox Live & PlayStation Plus Time Cards
If you play online with your console, chances are you’re set up with a subscription to Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus. The convenience of renewing automatically is great (not one day of down time) but at times you can scour the internet for great deals on these time cards and use Ebates to get Cash Back with them. Rakuten has one year of Xbox Live right now for $48.42, normally $59.99!

Let us know what are your video game must haves in a comment below!

 

 

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.