Warm weather is arriving in most of the country (including San Francisco) and with added sunshine comes added ways to save. Might sound cheesy, but savvy shoppers know that Summer sales all start with Memorial Day. Think of it as the kickoff to a great season of flip flops, bikini's, and sundresses galore. Speaking of Summer fashion, Nordstrom is having their half yearly sale and as part of our Memorial Day Double Cash Back Event, their offering 5.0% Cash Back.

Now that you know about the savings, it's time to get shopping! Not that I needed an excuse. :)

In terms of Summer fashion, I've already made a huge dent in dresses, tank tops, summer sweaters (this is San Francisco after all), and shoes, but what I'm really lacking is the perfect Summer bag. Considering handbag options during the hot months are so bold and bright they would suit a parrot more than a fashion conscious woman, you can understand my delight when I came across this Canvas Hobo. With so many wonderful features it's hard to know where to begin. For starters it's made from burlap canvas so it's environmentally friendly, and secondly it has just the right amount of color found in it's braided rope handle to give it  punch. Obviously I should point out this bag is just $44, and isn't so over the top that you can't wear it for years to come. Something not true of the neon yellow, bright orange, and bedazzled options out there. Perfect on the beach, the streets, and backyard bar-b-que's, this bag has left me with money to spend, and money to earn! 


Shop Memorial Day Cash Back with Ebates!

Part of my weekend ritual involves pulling up a chair to my dining room table, queuing up the laptop and doing some good old aimless 'internetting'. Fueled by coffee and a desire to lounge around, I always find myself getting lost in the labyrinth that is pointless internet research and shopping. Something that I will surely check out ( it will absolutely not be pointless but instead very dangerous to my shopping budget) is Bliss Spa. I can shop the best selection of the most coveted, results-driven skincare and beauty items, from the hottest gadgets to the best face masks, Bliss literally has it all. But before I scare you off, be sure to check it out for great deals. Not only do they offer 4.0% Cash Back, but also free shipping on any order and huge samples, gift with purchase and great deals. I am a huge fan of this All Around Eye Cream, which is hailed as the best eye cream for your buck. Priced at $28, the formula packs ingredients found in some of the $100+ eye creams and it really works. Not only does it hydrate, but it also minimize fine lines and diminishes the look of dark circles. Buy one for $28 or for a limited time get two full-size bottles for just $50. 

Ah Shopbop, the drug of choice for fellow fashion blogger Poppy and I. It needs no mentioning that we both stalk this site daily; prowling for new additions, new inspirations, and new markdowns. The latter of which is what really gets me into a shopping frenzy. Such was the case Tuesday when my inbox glowed with the happiness that is new markdowns. After reading only the title of my email I quickly signed into Ebates, and hopped over to Shopbop wondering what goodies awaited me. Well it took about 2.5 seconds to discover the dress I had been coveting for months was now marked down 70%. In both colors!

Pleased with the instant score, I was quick to whip out my credit card, because after last week's Yoox disaster, I no longer wait to buy something I love. Slightly eccentric from other items I buy, this dress by Torn By Ronny Kobo grabbed my attention weeks ago but the nude color (shown) was only 50% off. Considering the rhinestone applique, the black option (although 70% off) was too goth for my liking. But now both colors are marked down and I can't wait to wear this on the first warm day of Summer. If that day takes awhile, then I can pair this with my studded cashmere cardigan and tan leather boots for a boho vibe. Either way I saved a whopping $385, and earned 6.0% Cash Back. That's almost ten bucks!

Shop more jaw dropping sales in our Clothing category.

If you have no time to shop around this holiday weekend for the best sales, but don't want to miss out on the ample savings the long weekend has to offer, do not despair. We have scoured all of your favorite online stores to compile a list of Memorial Day's best sales. First, you will want to check out Ebates Memorial Day Sale, where we have six stores offering increased cash back, many of which have their own Memorial Day sales in addition to their cash back increase. With great sales already starting, there is no time to waste, so let's get on with it!

Here are the best Memorial Day Sales*:

Nordstrom, 6.0% Cash Back , Half Yearly Sale for women & kids.

Sears, 4.0% Cash Back, a ton of savings on home items, outdoor living and more.

Kmart, 4.0% Cash Back, Thousands of Items on Sale + Online Only Extra 5-20% off & free shipping.

JCPenney, 3.0% Cash Back, enjoy 15% off your order with coupon code: MAYSUR10.

Bloomingdale's, 3.0% Cash Back, Big Brown Bag Sale: Save 20-30% on select merchandise, plus Extra 20% with code EXTRA20.

Tobi, 2.5% Cash Back, take 25% off regular priced items with code: BEACHBUYS.

7 For All Mankind, 4.0% Cash Back, save 30% on a variety of clothing and accessories, click this link for savings.

Macy's, 3.0% Cash Back, Memorial Day Sale - Free Shipping on $99+ order & 2 Day Specials. Code KICKOFF.

Home Depot, 3.0% Cash Back, $5 OFF $50 or More. Coupon Code: MAYSAVE24. Online Only.

Gap, 2.0% Cash Back, 25% off $75+ order & Free Standard Shipping on $100+ order at Gap. Code GAPSUMMER (Not valid on sale items)


Plus, enjoy tons of travel deals, all of which can be found, here.


Happy Memorial Day from Ebates!





* For end dates, restrictions and more information, click the store name.

Hello again everyone, hope the week has treated you well. While I understand a number of you folks are enjoying some appropriately summery weather out there, here in San Francisco, we still are miring away through the rain and cloudy skies. The bad news is that with the unseasonable cold, it doesn't really feel much like summer at all, even for those of us who are used to more temperate summers than the rest of the country. The good news is, with the weather being as bad as it is, there is a lot more reason to stay inside and do some online deal hunting!

So it is in the spirit of indoor adventure that I bring you the link to this week's best Free Shipping Deals. As you will recall, as it is the end of the month this weekend, I will just turn you free to search our deals on your own. It is also Memorial Day Weekend, so if you haven't yet, make sure you check out our Memorial Day Sale for increased cash back from some of our most popular merchants.

On behalf of our whole crew here at Ebates - let me wish you a great Memorial Day weekend!

Get all the details here

*Sorry ladies, not Mr Big!

Sex and The City fans (like myself) are no doubt elated the premiere of movie number two is today. Once more fans can get lost in the world of cosmopolitans, fashion, and of course the men! Speaking of which I'm over the moon Aidan makes an appearance. Why Carrie ever left him in the first place is beyond me, but that's another blog.

In celebration of the premiere we're holding a contest perfect for all Ebates fashionistas. From now until June 4th we want you to show us your fashion knowledge by uploading a photo of yourself to the fan photo section of Facebook. On June 7th we'll decide who's fashion skills rival Carrie's, and present the winner with a super sleek Vivienne Tam Laptop by HP Home; the same one Carrie used in Sex and The City 2! Such a fabulous prize can only be meant for someone with a keen fashion sense, so be sure to look your best! Get started and upload your photo here, or for more details see here.


 


For all the details on this stylish laptop click here.


Photos courtesy of The Sartorialist.

Even though I do a lot of shopping online (most of which I document on this blog) the thing that really seals the deal for me to buy is when a store offers free shipping with no limit. A perfect example of this happened today. I received an email from Saks Fifth Avenue advertising their sale, where tons of items have been marked down and many items were up to 60% off. Of course, this got me shopping. I saw a few things I liked, added a few to my shopping cart ( a trick I learned after watching things sell out before my eyes) and imagined outfits with potential items on sale. When I noticed that in addition to up to 60% off select styles, Saks was offering free shipping on any order ( ends tomorrow, 5/28) I really got serious about buying. Savings really add up and sales really get exciting when you stack cash back and free shipping to a reduced price. I saw this Rag and Bone Drawstring Funnel Tank, on sale for $101.99 ( reduced from $255, I will save 60%), I knew I had to have it. Not only do I love Rag and Bone, but the top is different than anything I have, great for Summer and made from luxurious silk and cotton.  Plus, I will save an additional $13 for what I would have paid for shipping and get 2.5% Cash Back on the purchase.

Shop new markdowns at Saks Fifth Avenue and get free shipping on any order with code: SHOPSFA.

You may have read not too long ago when Poppy mentioned our new Wireless Category, but there are some great deals in there, and I really feel like it warrants another mention here on the blog. See, we're super-excited to offer this new service; we are offering discounts on many different wireless carriers and a whole array of phones and smartphones.

As long as you start your cell phone shopping at Ebates, you can earn up to $95.00 in cash back when you buy a new phone or alter your cell phone plan. It is worth noting that there are a handful of exceptions to these deals, and the one most relevant to the last statement is that for Verizon plans, you need to be activating a new plan, not renewing an existing plan. Also, there is the age-old issue with the iPhone, where you must order direct from Apple, and the order must take place 100% online. But outside of those two little sticking points, you can get most all of the other leading phones from the cell carrier you want with some pretty hearty cash back rewards.

One of our better deals, in my humble opinion, is the Motorola Droid, which is being offered through Verizon Wireless, which will cost you just $19.99 with $35.00 in cash back when you activate a new account. This way you are not only covering the cost of your phone, you have some money left over for the first month's payment. I can speak from personal experience, as both brother-in-law and my good friend both recently switched to the Droid - it is a really slick phone. There are tons of apps that can be downloaded, and the slide-out keyboard always has me a little envious from time to time when I'm trying to peck away at the screen on my iPhone. Plus, the processing speed on the Droid is almost as impressive as Verizon's cellular and 3G coverage.

No matter what your taste in phone is; whether you're all about the Blackberry, or if you are obsessed with the Android OS, you can find a phone to suit your needs in our Wireless Category, and you'll be eligible to earn some cash back on almost anything your heart desires.

My friend Stephanie will kill me for writing this post. She had discovered these seamless underwear and has been stockpiling and keeping the find a secret for quite sometime. Because I recently picked up this dress ( which requires the most seamless, discreet underpinnings) I asked her what she wears. Reluctantly, she gave up her secret: these Hanes Comfort Soft Boy Shorts, completely seamless, completely comfortable and only $6 for a pack of three. Of course, I had to try them out for myself and I found them at Walmart, where they had a variety of styles, all for just $6 and with 2.0% Cash Back and $.99 shipping on every order.

But in my search I realized that this style was selling out and not available at many stores and almost gone from OneHanesPlace, the home of Hanes panties! After a call to inquire, we found out that this style is endangered and will soon, like so many great things, be discontinued. Fortunately, I have my chance to stockpile, and get cash back and find a solution for all those items I own that need special undergarments.

Pick up a pack for just $6 at Walmart or at OneHanesPlace before they are gone!

If you're a fan of Ebates on Twitter you know we love a party, and if you joined us for our last Twitter party with super savvy BonggaMom you were sure to be caught up in the commotion that was prizes, coupons, and cash back. Because our last Twitter party was such a roaring success we thought we'd give it another go, although this time we're teaming up with uber cool jetsetters Traveling Mamas to bring you all the best ways to save this Summer travel season.

But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself by joining us today from 4-5pm PST. Not only will you find the hottest travel deals, but there's also prizes to be won like gift cards to Bloomingdales, travel gift certificates, and iPod Nano's and Shuffles. See you there!

What: an Ebates and Traveling Mamas Twitter Party

Why: To share ideas about travel, tips on finding great deals -- and win great prizes!
When: Tuesday, May 25th 7:00-8:00pm EST (4:00-5:00pm PST)
Where: on Twitter (You will need to have a Twitter account, it is extremely simple to sign up!)
How: Follow the #ebatestravel hashtag (You can use services like TweetChat or TweetGrid to follow the conversation) -- and don't forget to follow your hosts, @travelingmamas and @Ebates, on Twitter throughout the party for contest details, updates, and prize information.

Join us on Twitter!

Yoox is one of those websites I stay obsessed with until for whatever reason it leaves my mind as quickly as it entered. Such was the case last week when out of the blue I thought "hey I bet Yoox has great sales right now", and I quickly started scouring the enormous sale section in search of new additions to my wardrobe. Sadly this tale isn't as happy as I had hoped because the one item I was crushing on sold the day after I spotted it. Although I knew the sales at Yoox were sure to draw other savvy shoppers hunting for a deal, I had no idea just how quickly things would sell. Note to you: If you spot something, buy it! Never again will I mistrust my fashion instincts and allow myself to "sleep on it".

Yes, I am still crushed by the lose of one fabulous See By Chloe dress that I was hoping to wear with these shoes, but the show must go on and my heart is never damaged for long. What with 3.5% Cash Back how can it be? So it is with a renewed interest in shopping that I begun yet another search for life's necessities. Of course I'm talking about clothes!

With literally thousands of pages filled with items, shopping Yoox can get a tad overwhelming. So my advice is to add anything of interest to your shopping bag and sort through later. My own personal search has been focused around dresses and this Silk Dress by Jucca is a beautiful option. The floral print is more earthy than dainty, and can easily be worn in cool weather (just throw on a cardigan and boots) or by itself. I dig the hippie vibe of this dress and it may be just the thing I need for summer events. Of course considering how foggy the weather gets in San Francisco, those events may be few and far between.

Shop our Clothing category!

If you haven't yet shopped at drugstore.com during our Sun Fun Week, today is your last day. That means if you want to take advantage of 8.0% Cash Back, you'd better act fast. If you have trouble stepping up under pressure, let me help you out. See, chances are you could be saying right now "But Bill, I'm already stocked up on shampoo, painkillers, hair product, and pretty much any other toiletries you can think of." You'd be correct, of course, but my question to you is this: Do you have ample supplies of both sunscreen and aloe?

A story:
Last weekend my brother-in-law received his PhD from UC Berkeley (go bears!) and being the good brother-in-law that I am, I was in attendance. However, my home in the fog belt of San Francisco mislead me. When I pulled away from my humble little hovel, it was brisk, overcast, and in the mid-fifties. I arrived at Cal's Greek Theater (an open-air theater where the four-hour long graduation took place) I was greeted with clear skies and temperatures in the eighties. Since I seldom see the sun when I venture out of my humble abode, I didn't even think to bring sunscreen, which was mistake number one. Needless to say, poor un-pigmented me and my Scandinavian descent skin didn't fare too well, and by the end of the evening I was seared like a fine steak. Arriving home, my folly was compounded by the fact that I didn't have one aloe product to be found. When you don't see the sun, you don't burn; when you don't burn you don't need aloe. Little did I think, that big ball of light up in the sky actually does show up from time to time when I leave my neighborhood.

So learn from my mistake, and always have both sunscreen and aloe in your medicine cabinet now that Summer is starting to rear its head. If you need to stock up, drugstore.com has got you covered, with a wide selection of sunscreens and various aloe lotions and gels. Naturally, you should also be mindful of how much time you spend in the sun, even with proper skin protection, but for those times where getting some rays is unavoidable, let drugstore.com help you out with great prices and 8.0% Cash Back.

Have fun in the sun with our Sun Fun Week - which ends today!

Tonight's Series Finale of Lost comes at at time where most fans have mixed emotions about the show. There is no question that this season, and perhaps even the last two seasons have been a let down to avid fans. Nonetheless, the end of the show is still sad and although I mock, curse and swear off watching it from time to time, I will miss having it around. There are a million theories out there about what may happen in tonight's ' Series Finale Event' ( shown in an unprecedented simulcast around the world so it will not to spoil the ending for anyone!).  You can catch a nice little collection theories here, courtesy of the Vulture Bloggers at New York Magazine and prepare yourself fully for what may happen to end the show this evening. If reading wacky theories about potential endings, symbolism and far-fetched meanings is not your ideal way to prepare for the event, then catch up on stuff you may have missed the conventional way and download full episodes via the iTunes where you will get 3.0% Cash Back from Ebates. Seriously, you will want the cash back when you are fervently downloading episodes in order to chain together clues to support some supposed ending sequence. I plan on watching The Event tonight and then going back to download some of my favorite or the most crucial episodes of the season. Surely, I will end up buying the entire thing before it comes out on DVD so I will also rack up be cash back.

Shop iTunes for downloads of your favorite shows and get cash back.

I spent a little time looking around our coupons page this afternoon, and amidst our regular deals for free shipping and our coupons about saving money on specific items, I found a real corker of a deal: right now Hot Topic is doing their "Huge Clearance Blowout" which means you can get an extra 50% off of items already marked as clearance. But act quickly - the blowout ends today, so I can't speculate on what the prices will go back up to starting tomorrow morning. But if you're willing to pull the trigger, you can really score on some killer savings.

Now don't worry - I checked it out, and there are still some good deals, so it's not like just keychains and shoelaces are discounted. Rather, there is a pretty wide selection of tees, accessories, even gifts (a number of which happen to be Twilight-related, for you Twihards out there). But as I was saying before, there are some crazy deals to be had - earrings and rings starting at just $1.99, belts as low as $6.00, you can even get a can of mustache wax for just forty nine cents, which is 90% off the original price. Apparently the Rollie Fingers look isn't quite back in vogue as much as some people thought.

Once you have found some great clearance items (or even some regular items, let's not discriminate) since the clearance discounts are built in, you should be able to use coupon code HTAFREESHIP for free shipping on all orders $50 and up. So this way not only do you save 50% on a whole mess of cool stuff, you can also get it all shipped to you completely free of charge. It's a total win-win situation. Naturally, when you factor in the 4.0% Cash Back you'll earn when you use your Ebates account, you are saving even more on every order!

Find your next outfit in our Clothing category.

Congratulations to all who entered the Ebates My Favorite Purchase Contest! We love hearing your shared stories of shopping success and wish you many more! Without further ado here are the winners!


Grand Prize Winner: Nancy Dent

Grand prize winner will receive an iPod Shuffle.

Nancy's savvy shopping saved her $200, but more importantly she was able to buy a brand new clarinet for her musically talented daughter. Congratulations Nancy and enjoy!

Runner's Up: Kathy Clark, Tracy Woznak, Jeremy Stewart.

Runner's up will receive a necklace courtesy of Dogeared Jewels and Gifts.

Kathy scored a gorgeous dress just in time for her niece's wedding. There's nothing better than feeling your best!

Tracy bought herself a Nikon D40 camera. One she used to take the beautiful photo she uploaded. Now she's able to practice her love of photography and get cash back!

Jeremy purchased a 40" Samsung LCD tv and celebrated by hosting movie night with friends. Invite us next time, we'll bring the popcorn!


So there you have it folks - four members with four ways to save money and earn cash back with Ebates. For more stories of shopping success check out our photo section on Facebook and see how our members are the savviest around. Thank you to all who entered and stay tuned as we'll keep rolling out the contests!

A few weeks ago, I was flipping though a magazine grazing for new beauty products to try when I stumbled upon this unexpected and intriguing gem: Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Concealer/Brightener. As a leading brand in anti-aging skincare, I never really looked to PTR for innovations on the makeup font, however this product combines skincare innovation with a makeup staple, making it a great multi-tasker. After reading about it, I did a search for it online and discovered that it has sold out of many of our Health and Beauty Stores! Unlike other people who would give up or wait for a restock, I had to have it. Luckily, Beauty.com has a few left in the light/medium shade. Even more lucky was this discovery coincided with Beauty.com's Friends and Family Sale, where you can get 20% off, 6.0% Cash Back and free shipping on every order. Originally $35, I'll save $7 with just the Friends and Family discount alone. Plus, I will get the satisfaction of sharing it with you before the rest of them sell out and before the Friends and Family Sale ends tonight!

Shop all Beauty.com coupons and get cash back on every Heath and Beauty discovery in our category!

Hello again, savvy savers, and welcome to this week's installment of Free Shipping Friday! I hope everyone out there is doing well, is still working towards getting all sorts of cash, an iPad, a big TV, or a dream vacation through our referral program. Also, we're in the midst of Sun Fun Week, where you can get increased cash back from a handful of really exciting merchants. Either way, make sure you are taking advantage of some great Free Shipping offers - here we go!

Friday, May 21st
- Free Shipping on All Fishing Reels at Cabela's. Code 5XREEL

- Free shipping and $25 restaurant.com gift certificate with $25+ order at drugstore.com

- Free Standard Ground Shipping and 4-Piece Deluxe Eight Hour Cream Gift in a White Cosmetic Bag with $35+ order at Elizabeth Arden. Code 8HOUR

Sunday, May 23rd
- Free Shipping on $75+ order at Kohls. Code OFFER75 (Exclusions Apply)

- Free Standard Shipping & Free Deluxe Sample Eye Makeup Remover + Eye Shadow Compact with any order at Lancome

- Free Shipping with $75+ Handbag purchase at macys. Code HANDBAGS

- Free Shipping on $75+ order at Vera Bradley

Monday, May 24th
- Free shipping on $150+ orders at Saks Fifth Avenue. Code MAYSHIP

- Free Standard Shipping on $25+ order at Arden B.

Tuesday, May 25th
- Free Shipping on $35+ orders at DSW. Code SHIPR (See site for details)

- Buy a Pin and get Free Shipping on your entire order at Disney Store. Code PINSHIP

Wednesday, May 26th
- Free Shipping on $50+ order at Final Score. Code LKS1T525

Thursday, May 27th
- Free Shipping on $49+ order at Hanes.

Women tend to group articles of clothing into activities, among them being the "night out" heels, "dinner with friends" blouse, and the "Sunday errands" jeans. This method of placing restraints on clothing can lead to a closet full of unwearable garments, especially if your buying clothing for activities that never occur. Case in point my night out heels have been worn all but once. Why? Well let's just say my idea of a night out usually constitutes moccasins rather than 4 inch stilettos. In any case, my desire to look cute and stylish (without looking like I tried too hard) has lead me to an unusual group of clothing. Otherwise known as knits and tees.

After wondering why I am constantly wearing the same two shirts every weekend, I started examining my hobbies. I like to grab a beer with friends, I like to visit my mom and snuggle with her pugs (dog hair and smell included), and I really like, make that love to spend hours rummaging at flea markets. Fancy brunches, spa days, and other dainty activities are rare yet I own an entire wardrobe dedicated to such pastimes. Considering 90% of what I do calls for casual attire, it made sense to invest in some serious comfy pieces like knits and tees. But where to begin?

This Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt has a loose and comfy fit, and is perfect for lounging at home. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't lounge too hard or attempt to clean my bathroom, but for general tv watching, book reading, or internet surfing activities, this does the trick. When my presence is required outside the luxuries of home, I'm already dressed. For a day spent thrifting I can pair this with sandals, but for a rendezvous with friends, I can up the ante with a long strand necklace and wedge espadrilles. For just $69, this knit does it all. Find it at J.Crew with 1.0% Cash Back and start dressing for your life!

Shop more clothing options in our Clothing category.

 

It is Sun Fun Week here at Ebates and we have an array of stores offering increased cash back on all your sun fun essentials. Shop at Victoria's Secret, Entertainment.com, Ulta, Drugstore.com, Newport News and Aeropostale and enjoy cash back, coupons and special deals just for the event. I am going to take this opportunity to stock up on some sun care essentials with increased cash back at Drugstore.com. Not only do they have 8.0% Cash Back for the week, but they are also having an 80% off sale on Summer essentials; like allergy relief, sun protection, outdoor and garden items and much more. In my never ending hunt for the latest and greatest sunblock, I have sampled just about everything available. From organic to conventional, physical blocks to chemical, I literally have used just about every block out there. Luckily, the best of the best are available with increased cash back at Drugstore.com and now is a great time to stockpile for Summer.

I recently read about this Coppertone Sensitive Skin sunblock and gave it a try. Formulated with Zinc Oxide, this sunblock is suitable for the most sensitive skin and will protect against broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays. The SPF 50 cream glides on skin, does not leave a dreaded white cast and withstands a good amount of sweating, towel drying and swimming. This is a great sunblock for kids and those with fair skin. Currently it is on sale for $8.99 with an additional $3 off all Coppertone items.

One of the most raved about sun care lines is La Roche-Posay. If you are looking for daily sun protection with a face moisturizer, the Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen with Mexoryl, SPF 15, is a great formula. This sunblock works under makeup and protects and moisturizes skin for hours. La Roche-Posay uses an extremely effective chemical block in all of their sunscreens that provides extreme protection. Find an array of formulas and varying SPF levels in the line.

If you have ever forgotten to protect delicate areas like lips and ears, you know just how important it is to keep those places protected. Sunburns can be brutal, especially in those areas. That is why this Kiss My Face Hot Spots Organic Sunscreen stick is great to keep around and reapply to skin. Plus, its handy size is great for a purse, beach bag or travel. It is currently on sale for just $9.19 and 8.0% Cash Back.

Spend $25 on Suncare items and get an extra $5 off. Click here for a comprehensive list of Drugstore.com coupons.

and shop  all Sun Fun Week Stores!

I love it when we add new stores to the Ebates family. I especially love it when those new stores happen to feed directly into my geeky interests. That is exactly why I'm so thrilled to have the EA Store on board here at Ebates, offering 4.5% Cash Back. This means that all of my video game needs will be taken care of, whether I want to find the latest edition of John Madden Football, pick up the newly-released 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup game, if I want to shoot up zombie hordes with either of the Left 4 Dead titles, or if I have a taste for the classics and want to play The Sims.

There's another reason to love EA games: the storied gaming company is reviving/revamping one of the great titles that has been untouched for almost fifteen years: NBA Jam. Yep, you read it here first (or, you know, for the twentieth time) -- if you own a Wii, you will be able to pick up a copy of this iconic game direct from EA when it debuts in Fall of 2010. There hasn't been a price level set, but I can tell you this much - whatever the cost, I'd probably consider buying it just for my friends who have a Wii so that I could play it.

So no matter what your video game taste, you can find great deals with great cash back at the EA Store. Keep up to date on their new releases, find great discounted prices on older games, and get 4.5% Cash Back on the whole lot of them. No matter what your preferred platform - PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC, even mobile devices, EA has a great selection of their titles.

How will you spend your free time? Find great titles in our Video Game category!

Summer travel season is about to begin and here at Ebates we are all getting ready with travel deals, special coupons and cash back on all modes of getting around, blowing off some steam and having some fun in the sun. Because we know our shoppers love travel and our last Twitter Party was such a raging success, we thought there would be no better time than now to kick off the Ebatestravel twitter party! Join us on Twitter a week from today ( May 25th from 4-5pm PST) for a night of travel deals, prizes and more. We will be hosting the party with The Traveling Mammas, travel experts of family getaways and beyond. We will highlight special travel deals, share travel tips and give away a slew of prizes including iPod Nanos and Shuffles, gift cards to Bloomingadale's and travel gift certificates too. Here is what you need to know to join the party and win prizes:

What: an Ebates Twitter Party
Why: To share ideas about travel, tips on finding great deals -- and win great prizes!
When: Tuesday, May 25th 7:00-8:00pm EST (4:00-5:00pm PST)
Where: on Twitter (You will need to have a Twitter account, it is extremely simple to sign up!)
How: Follow the #ebatestravel hashtag (You can use services like TweetChat or TweetGrid to follow the conversation) -- and don't forget to follow your hosts, @travelingmamas and @Ebates, on Twitter throughout the party for contest details, updates, and prize information.


Hope to see you there!

Fading color, new holes, and stretched out waist bands are part of the life cycle of denim- regardless of cut, brand, or cost. Some have a shorter lifespan hence my devotion to designer labels but in the end, all will cease to serve their original purpose: to make my bottom half look fantastic. At this very moment I own three pairs of jeans who are in need of being retired to the "weekend only" section of my closet. A section with enough stretched out elastic, bad color choices, and sequins to resemble the retirement community of Miami. Because denim is as necessary to me as 4pm dinners are to retirees, I've begun my search for the perfect jean. However this time around I'm opting for something a little different.

Ten years ago bell bottom jeans were the de rigeur of my high school. Everyone owned multiple pairs, and the larger the opening (aka the bell) the cooler they were thought to be. Fast forward several years and skinny jeans are all the rage, but after nearly 5 years I'm over it. Not to mention trusted beauty addict Poppy has told me they can cause ingrown hairs. Not pretty when it's Summer and you want to show off your legs!

Wanting to change my standard denim uniform I began shopping for the anti-skinny jean and found these Tulip Bottom Jeans from Tobi. Not only do they feature the hip hugging and slim thigh that I loved, but they come with a subtle bell bottom. Nothing crazy like high school, but funky enough to wear over cowboy boots or with a peasant top. On sale for $149 these jeans aren't exactly cheap, but they are less expensive than other options and I'll get free shipping at Tobi. I'll also get 2.5% Cash Back added to my Ebates account. Something which I wish I had access to all those years ago!

Shop our Clothing category.

Now that we're in the heart of Spring, it's time for me to find my "Spring project" - and rather than working on my car (though my shocks sure sound like they're in a bad way) or spending more money on some sort of music project, I have decided to spruce up the old homefront. Now, I'll be among the first to admit that I don't exactly have an eye for design, and being the possessor of a whole heck of a lot of "stuff" I don't really need to change or add anything inside my humble little hovel. There is one area, however, that could stand for some fixing: my back yard. Luckily for me, today Home Depot is running their "Spring Cyber Monday Sale" and they are currently offering online only lowered prices on a whole variety of home accessories, garden supplies, and much more.

First let me clarify: when I say "back yard" you have to take into account that I have a San Franciscan back yard, which is more concrete than anything else, and save for a few flowers and shrubs here and there, would be a great added parking area behind my place. Still, as it is the home of many a barbecue, in addition to being conveniently located alongside my driveway, I find that this little patch of concrete, because it's sheltered, is a great spot to sit out and read or socialize on those rare days when it's actually warm enough to sit outside without bundling up. So what can I do to make the area more comfortable and usable? First off: outdoor speakers. This is a necessity so I can stop fooling around with batteries or extension cords so that I can bring a portable stereo outside when I'm washing my car or doing some grilling. With these Leviton Two-Way Outdoor Speakers, not only can I mount them and not worry about them again, I can rest assured that they will actually sound good, unlike many other outdoor-designed speakers I've seen used in the past.



While that improvement may prove more of a gift for me, I can make sure my friends are comfortable by picking up this Pierport Three-Piece Chat Set, where we can sit with a cocktail or cup of coffee and chat it up either on a warm evening or while the grill is going. Either way, for just $349.00 with free shipping, I can know that I'll be sitting pretty, rather than on discarded boxes, a concrete stoop, or worse, on those cheapo folding lawn chairs. Of course, you'll get all these great deals with 3.0% Cash Back and a few handy Home Depot Coupons.

What will you find in the Spring Cyber Monday Sale?

In the world of Home and Garden, finding a great deal can take a little more work. It seems that crazy markdowns, 4 hour sales, and exclusive coupons only cater to the clothing world. Brylane Home doesn't think it should be this way, which is why they're offering a chance to save 20% off any one item with code BHFRESH. Such a great discount should not be taken lightly, nor should 11.0% Cash Back for Ebates Birthday. Both offers which just so happen to end today.

Recently I've been in the market for curtain rods. I know, it's not as exciting as say chic furniture, but for those with larger than life windows (as the large bay window in my living room is) the proper curtain rod can make or break your decor. I mean think about it, does it really make sense to invest in furniture and decor, only to buy some cheap piece of plastic for your windows? No it doesn't make sense, and if curtains could talk they'd agree.

That's why I've taken steps to assure I buy a curtain rod worthy of my window and the beautiful park view that it allows me. This Classic Ball Curtain Rod comes in an antique silver finish and is large enough to accomendate my large bay window. With a max reach of 120" inches, this curtain rod is a steal at just $54.99. Take off 20% and the total for this item is $44 with nearly $5 cash back. Such a deal, but if I'm not satisfied and want even more savings, I can use code BHAQ21 to save $20 off orders of $100 or more. This offer lasts until the end of June which is perfect considering it has taken me months to choose the right pillows. But that's another blog!

Create your dream home in our Home and Garden category!

Like most of the fashion obsessed people, I keep a running tab of the things I want. Some of them are very practical like new sheets or a set of running socks other things are almost preposterous, like an extravagant designer bag or an overpriced piece of jewelry. Regardless of whether or not I will actually ever buy the things on this list, I have no way of really organizing my "To Buys" and I just mull it over from time to time when the urge to shop comes over me. With the last days of our unprecedented Birthday sale approaching, where sixty stores have increased to 11.0% Cash Back, I have consulted the list to make sure there is nothing I am missing earning double digit cash back on. There is one item on the list that I have recently reconsidered, in light of 11.0% Cash Back at Piperlime. These Vince Slouchy Jeans have remained stagnant on the To Buy List for quite sometime because the price tag was just too much for me to justify. They sell for $240. Yes, you read that correctly, two hundred and forty dollars. I originally just thought they would remain a figment of my wardrobe fantasy until I realized what Ebates' Birthday Cash Back would do to the final price. I would save about $26 and the jeans would become slightly more justifiable but still very extravagant. Adding to my state of madness is the fact that I too just celebrated a birthday and feel entitled to a little splurge. With one more day left to decide, I took the plunge. Now my wallet is aching but next quarter's Big Fat Check will be nice and robust.

If I become more rational, I can always shop for a great selection of jeans at Gap where I will still be able to take advantage of 11.0% Cash Back but save myself about $100.

Is there anything you need to buy while you can still earn double-digit cash back?

I've written in the past about how much I love Uncommon Goods - they have such a fun and unique collections of items for everyone in the family. But, as we near the end of the school year, with Father's Day right around the corner and Mother's Day not too far away to still be able to give a belated gift, it is a good time to turn to Uncommon Goods for some not-so-standard gift ideas. Yet another compelling reason to find your gift at Uncommon Goods is that currently they are taking part in our Eleventh Birthday Sale, which means they are offering 11.0% Cash Back instead of their usual 5.0%.

My recommendation? Especially for someone graduating, whether from high school or from college, as long as they have a technical bent (and in that generation, who doesn't?) get them this Solar-Powered Messenger Bag. I can't believe someone didn't think of this earlier. In an age where iPods, smartphones, and PDAs need to be charged pretty much every day or night, a messenger bag that can automatically charge those devices just makes perfect sense. Just think about it - if you're anything like me, you carry a messenger bag pretty much everywhere (or everywhere but the bars, at least), and you probably rely all too much on your phone and ipod to get you through the day. Why not make the two work together in beautiful and stylish harmony?

Yes, it is $199.00, but when you think about it, with 11.0% Cash Back, you're getting like twenty bucks in cash back, which more than covers the shipping cost. Plus, can you really put a price on the pride you feel in that family member or loved one who is finally graduating? Didn't think so.

Check out the full list of stores taking part in our Eleventh Birthday Celebration!

As mentioned in the past, I have a thing about Coffee Table Books. Despite my previous reserves, their use in decor is becoming more palatable and I've even begun to use them to create the famous "cluttered desk" look. With Ebates turning 11 and offering 11.0% Cash Back at stores like Barnes and Noble, I figured now is the perfect time to indulge in my new passion while racking up cash back for myself.

First in my shopping cart is The Selby Is In Your Place. What is the Selby? Why it's the much anticipated book from the famous design blog started by Todd Selby which features the quirky interiors of today's artists, poets, musicians, and other creative folk. Selling for $10 off the list price, I'll also save 10% off any single item when I use code W3L8N4U. Hurry though, this offer ends May 16th.








Next up is African Interiors. Truly a book dedicated to beautiful and lively photographs, this is just the thing those addicted to colorful interiors need. Featuring interiors ranging from village huts made of mud, to the modern city dwellings of Johannesburg, this book is a study on not just African culture, but of design methods. I'll save almost $10 off the list price and get free shipping on orders over $25.






Last but not least is Grey Gardens. The companion book to the 1975 documentary (later remade by HBO), this book tells the tale of Edith and Little Eddie Bouvier. Famous cousins of Jackie Kennedy Onassis who disappeared from public life only to be found living in squalor. If you haven't seen the HBO version, I implore you to do so. It's available at HBO Store where you'll get 4.0% Cash Back.

So there you have it. Three amazing books to pour over, nearly $12 cash back added to my account, and a savings of $34 off the list price. I know it's Ebates Birthday and all, but this is my birthday present. Which coincidentally is today!

During our 11th Birthday Celebration (where sixty stores are offering 11.0% Cash Back for the event) we have been getting a lot of love from our users. Lots of happy birthday wishes, lots of shopping and lots of cash back make us very, very happy. During this time of bountiful cash back, we have also added another way for our shoppers to save, now on cell phones and cell phone plans. When you shop the category, you can earn up to $95 in cash back from the top cellular phone companies including; AT&T, T Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and Nextel. Shop for phones, plans, phone accessories and more. We have also highlighted some of the best deals on phones going on through each of the carriers, so if you need a new phone, need a good deal and want a ton of cash back, check it out.

Once you have picked up your fancy new phone and loaded up on cash back in the cellular phone category equipt your phone with the latest and greatest fashion apps that will keep you stylish and in the know. Here is a comprehensive list of all the best fashion apps available for smart phones. One of the newest, that is currently just avaliable iPhones, called " Ask A Stylist" features expert fashion advice on call and at your fingertips anytime.

Find thousands of ways to save when you shop through Ebates and get expert fashion advice from the Ebates Blog!

Greetings again, I hope everyone is beginning to transition smoothly into summer - it's been odd here in San Francisco, and all over the country as I understand, with strange Winter weather being interspersed with the regular sunny days that we're used to around this time of year. No matter what the weather is doing, we're sure raining down the cash back with our current promotion: in honor of our eleventh birthday, we have over sixty stores offering 11.0% Cash Back, so you can really cash in at some of your favorite places to shop.

But this isn't the 11.0% Cash Back blog entry, this is Free Shipping Friday - so let's get down to the free shipping deals that are expiring this coming week!

Friday, May 14th
- Free Ground Shipping on $99+ order at Adidas

Saturday, May 15th
- Complimentary Gift Wrapping & Free Shipping with $65+ order at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

- Free Shipping on $50+ order at joann.com. Code AP135

- Free Shipping on $40+ order at Miles Kimball. Code 10619101001

- Free Ground Shipping on any order at EpsonStore. Code FREESHIP5

- Free Shipping on $99+ order at Sharper Image. Code AFMAY (Exclusions Apply)

Sunday, May 16th
- Free Shipping on $40+ order at Easy Comforts. Code 30619101001

- Free Shipping on $40+ order at Walter Drake. Code 20619101001

- Swimwear has arrived - Free Shipping & Returns at Piperlime

- Free Shipping on $50+ order at Tractor Supply Company

- Free Shipping on orders of $99 or more at Omaha Steaks

Monday, May 17th
- Free Shipping on $150+ order at Saks Fifth Avenue. Code MAYSHIP

- Free US Standard Shipping with order of any ultra shine lip gloss at Benefit Cosmetics. Code LIPGLOSS

- Free Shipping on $59+ order at ShopPBS

- Free Shipping on $75+ order at Urban Outfitters. Code SHIPHAPPENS (Excludes Bikes)

- Free Shipping on any order at YOOX

Tuesday, May 18th
- Free Shipping on $75+ order at Linens 'n Things

- Free Ground Shipping on $100+ order at Uniform City. Code 9130

Thursday, May 20th
- Free Shipping on all Pearl Izumi & Shimano products at REI

Friday, May 21st
- Free Shipping on All Fishing Reels at Cabela's. Code 5XREEL

- Free shipping and $25 restaurant.com gift certificate with $25+ order at drugstore.com

Lately, all I want to do is shop.

"What else is new?" you may think, because after all, I make a living shopping for the best deals around. But believe it or not the two are different. Shopping for trends, deals, and must have coupons isn't so much about my tastes as it is finding you, our loyal members, the best of what's out there. Sometimes this constant prowl can affect (more like infect) my thoughts with images of swing skirts, silky blouses, and supple leather bags. And sometimes it doesn't. With my birthday in just 2 days, I've been feeling the twinge to stop saying no to everything that catches my eye, and to instead become a yes woman. Yes I want shoes! Yes I want new tops! Yes I want to spoil myself rotten, and say to hell with saving every penny!

Sometimes shopping really is therapy.

Whatever the reason for this burst of shopping madness, there are limitations to how deeply I can indulge myself. Some might consider this a buzz kill, but I think of it as a challenge. One which I've won thanks to J.Crew. Of all the things I could buy, these Sardinia Espadrilles are on the top of my list. Not only are they uber pretty, but they're also comfortable and extremely versatile. For just $118 I consider these a great way to splurge on Summer's must have shoe while keeping reality in check.

Slightly further down my list are these Cleo Platform Sandals. Like the espadrille these too can be seen everywhere in fashion, and thanks to tanned leather straps and a suede platform, they're also versatile. A bit funkier than the espadrilles, these sandals are made to be worn with Spring trends like the military jacket, and the sailor shirt. Two items which Poppy and I can't stop talking about. Both pairs of shoes are available at J.Crew and both come with 1.0% Cash Back. Now my shopping madness has been turned into shopping success!

Find more ways to shop with Ebates Stores.

Getting a payment from Ebates in the mail is like getting a tax return check, you just don't have to work all year to get it! All you have to do is shop. The month of May means that we are sending out payments again.

This time we are sending out cash-back and bonuses that were earned prior to April 1st. Due to the size of the payment distribution, all payments are not sent at once. We will begin processing payments now so that they can be sent out in the next few days.

Your Ebates account may change, your cash-back may move from "Cash Pending" to your "Cash Back History". This process will be competed for all eligible accounts by Saturday, May 15th when the checks are mailed out. Paypal payments will be made on time, if not early.

If you are waiting on a payment, and don't see it coming, please make sure that you have at least $5.01 in cash-back for orders in your account dated prior to April 1st. Also, make sure that you provided your name and mailing address to us by May 1st. If you don't qualify, don't worry; any funds that do not get paid this time will be carried over to our next payment date in May.

We appreciate all of you using Ebates for your holiday shopping and telling your friends about us. Please enjoy your payment from Ebates, you earned it!

Happy Shopping from Ebates Customer Care

Surely, I have mentioned before that my commute to the Ebates HQ requires a significant amount of walking. If I was smart, I would pack proper footwear to make the trek and then switch into something more fashionable when I arrived at the office. Unfortunately, in terms of footwear choices, I am not smart. Today, I am wearing shoes that are too small. And my feet hurt. It is time that I think about proper shoes for walking. Luckily, Ebates is busting at the seams with eligible footwear stores, so I can surely find some shoes that are good for my feet and look cute too. That's when I came across these authentic Sweedish Hasbeens Clogs from Endless for $204 with 6.0% Cash Back and free shipping. Thanks to Chanel, the clog trend has been gaining in popularity and I think this time next year, you will see clogs all over the place. Even skeptics will jump on this trend because clogs are just so comfortable and no one does a better clog than Hasbeens ( the same brand who makes the cute clogs SJP is wearing in these stills from the upcoming Sex And The City movie). If you are wondering how to wear them, I recommend keeping the clogs casual and throwing them on with jeans and tees or khaki pants, rolled at the cuffs, like these from Vince. These pants are an ideal counterpart for the clogs because they are classic with a twist. The perfect combination that will make the outfit a little more edgy and interesting.



Shop for comfortable and stylish shoes in our Shoes and Accessories Category!

For some time now our Facebook fans have been sharing their stories of amazing deals. Whether it's a store they love, a too-good-to-be-true coupon, or a hands down amazing sale, our fans know about it. All this deal sharing has prompted us to wonder "what's your favorite Ebates purchase? Was it a huge discount on designer shoes? Free shipping on a must have electronic? A clearance sale that saved you hundreds? With so many ways to save using Ebates, we thought it would be fun to hear our member's stories of cash back success.

That's why we're holding a Facebook Photo Contest starting today May 12th, and ending May 19th. During this contest our fans will have a chance to upload photos of their favorite Ebates purchase and leave a comment telling us all about it. Four lucky winners will receive prizes including an iPod Shuffle, as well as one of three necklaces courtesy of Dogeared Jewels and Gifts. To enter and upload your photo click here. Hurry because this contest ends May 19th, so if you've got a great deal that you want to share now is the time to do it!

See Ebates on Facebook.

For official rules click here.

The long-awaited update to the Adobe Creative Suite, CS5, is finally out after months of speculation. Chances are, if you are interested in this news, you probably already knew that, but what you might not know is that you can currently get 6.0% Cash Back on any of the new Adobe products or upgrades when you shop through Ebates?

Some of you may have seen the teaser video that Adobe released back in March regarding the new content-aware fill, which is a standard feature in CS5. Also worth mentioning are the improved edge selection and new Mixer Brush and Bristle Tips integration which finally allow Photoshop to integrate a paint-like look, thanks to the ability to custom blend your colors, as other programs have allowed in the past.

Personally speaking, as much as I am blown away at the content-aware fill in particular, I don't know that I can justify the $500 price tag just for the upgrade, considering how little I use the delightful program. But, if you do a decent amount of photo manipulation, and especially if you have any means of making money as a graphic designer, this new round of features could really save you a world of time, which I imagine would definitely make the cost worthwhile. Just seeing the various teasers and tutorials online, I'm impressed at how quickly and easily these people, and granted they are experts, are able to completely change an image to their desires in a matter of minutes. I encourage you to click around YouTube to find out more about some of the new features, and if you decide to pull the trigger, make sure you go through Ebates, where you'll get 6.0% Cash Back on all your purchases from Adobe. Plus, take advantage of free shipping on CS5 and all of its components through May 31st!

Take care of your software needs with products from our Software category!

As one gets older, birthdays become less and less exciting and more and more traumatic. It really is just another day marking another notch on the ol' time line. Interestingly enough, my birthday coincides with Ebates' Eleventh Anniversary ( as Allie mentioned it is Birthday season at the Ebates HQ). Yep, Ebates is turning eleven. And unlike others celebrating their birthdays this week, Ebates has something to celebrate. We will commemorate eleven great years of cash back and millions of loyal members. I am more than happy to give up my moment in the sun and let Ebates shine as over sixty of our stores will offer 11.0% Cash Back for the occasion and a ton of ways for our users to celebrate. My own personal celebration of Ebates Anniversary will focus on the ten Health and Beauty brands giving commemorative cash back. Now is a great time to stock up on all my heath and beauty necessities and treat myself to a something special when I can take advantage of unprecedented cash back amounts from my favorite stores like; Sephora, Ulta, Bobbi Brown, SkinStore, Lancôme, Vitamin World, Puritan's Pride, Fragrance.net, Proactive Solution and Yves Rocher. Unlike the boy pictured above, I will forgo some birthday cake and instead go crazy in some cash back!

Go wild with cash back from vast selection of stores offering 11.0% Cash Back!

* photo courtesy of birthday-party-resource.com

Over the weekend, the weather here in San Francisco started warming up a bit. Similarly, the discussion heated up amongst my friends about the warrants of men and shorts. See, especially in the Bay Area, where the weather never really gets all that hot, shorts are never a "necessity" for men, and for that very reason, most of us in this part of the country can get away with never wearing shorts if you don't really want to. Still, despite having lived here my entire life, I realize that there are many areas across our fair land where wearing short pants is pretty much unavoidable.

So in the spirit of warming weather, I'm going to try to help you out with a few "do"s and a couple of very avoidable "don't"s.

"Do"s

Try to find shorts that really fit more like short pants. This means that the fit in the waist and thigh should be pretty similar to whatever you're used to in your favorite pair of pants, and they should ideally hit right around your knee or maybe somewhat higher. There should be enough room to move freely, but no so much room that you can fit both of your legs into one leg of the shorts. Take for instance these Cadet Shorts from Gap; they fall right at the knee, have a nice classic style, and good clean lines. At $39.50 they won't break the bank, and during our birthday week they'll net you 11.0% Cash Back. They're even available up to a size 46, so even someone of my more "ample build" can find a pair that will look cool this summer.

Cargo shorts are okay, if they're kept in check. Generally speaking, it is my knee-jerk reaction to dismiss cargo shorts and pants, but I think this is a byproduct of a number of people who just don't really understand the proper way to wear them. The problem is that almost no man in his everyday life needs six pockets to carry everything; really we shouldn't need four, but that's another blog. Still, if you want to wear cargo shorts, keep the cargo pockets empty, and avoid shorts that tie at the bottom - you will probably never tie your shorts shut, so it's just needless adornment. Get a nice pair like the Versatek Ripstop Cargo Shorts from Eddie Bauer and you'll be looking good with 3.0% Cash Back.

"Don't"s

Jorts. Yup, sorry guys, jeans shorts are pretty much not ever okay. Least of all when they're gigantic. Stick with cotton, khaki, or something simple like Dickies.

Cutoffs. I know distressed denim is still popular, and that there are some folks who will argue until they're blue in the face that cutoffs are back in as long as they're long enough and they fit properly, but the people who can actually pull off that look are very few and far between. Unless you are absolutely fearless in your confidence that you can pull off this look don't try. When it goes wrong, it goes really wrong.

Shorts with length issues. As I said earlier, shorts should be in the general region of your knee. If you have more than about two inches too much or too little in either direction, you kind of look terrible. Nobody wants to see a guy in hot pants. Similarly, you look like a ten year old wearing your dad's shorts if you have a pair that stop two inches above your socks. If you're that concerned about showing off your legs, just wear long pants.

Man-pris. I hope I don't need to explain this one.

Find a good looking pair of shorts and earn some cash back in the Ebates Clothing category!

May is definitely birthday month at Ebates. Not only do several employees welcome another year, but Ebates.com also celebrates it's birthday. Yes, the website you love is turning 11, and what better better way to celebrate than to give our loyal members 11.0% Cash Back? From now until May 17th enjoy 11.0% Cash Back at over 60 stores. With so many stores sharing in the festivities I can't possibly blog about everyone. Instead here's a short list. For the whole enchilada click here.






Clothing  

Macys   Gap   Old Navy   Newport News   Baby Phat                                

Shoes and Accessories

ShoeBuy   Piperlime   BagsBuy   Vera Bradley   Nine West   

Health and Beauty                 

Sephora   Vitamin World   Skinstore   Lancome   Puritans Pride                         

Home and Garden

Barnes & Noble   Brylane Home   Designer Linens Outlet   Uncommon Goods   Fabric.com   

Lately it seems that every week there is a new miracle ingredient in skincare. Every product claims to have all the right ingredients to fight aging and free-radicals with the most anti-oxidant protection. In light of all of the conflicting information out there, it is hard to know what is true and to determine which ingredients are proven wrinkle-fighters and which are pretty much useless. As always, I recommend seeking out information from a health care professional who can address your particular needs. However, in general, a rule of thumb I tend to live by in terms of skincare ingredients is that if it is good for me to ingest and I can pronounce it, it is probably good for my skin. Case in point: Vitamin C. We all know that Vitamin C is good for your immune system and a vital ingredient for overall health. What you may not know, is that topical Vitamin C is great for skin and one of the only ingredients proven to protect skin from sun-damage, one of the leading causes of premature aging. Vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation, evens skin tone and helps to impart a healthy glow. Now before you go out and buy a new skincare regime packed with Vitamin C, test out how it works with your skin with Philosophy's Turbo Booster C Powder for just $35 and 3.5% Cash Back from Ebates. This powder can boost the effectiveness of your current products ( you add a touch of the powder to your morning moisturizer) and boasts the 99.8% potency of Vitamin C. Just a few days of using this powder in my daily moisturizer and I could already tell a difference in my skin in terms of clarity and tone. And what's even better, I didn't have to buy another moisturizer.


Shop Philosophy through Ebates and get 3.5% Cash Back and a ton of coupons!

Just over a week ago, Hollywood released a re-vamped take on the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. It was pretty much a top-to-bottom change, as they have even brought in a new Freddy Krueger - Jackie Earle Hale, who most of you should recognize as "Rorschach" from last Summer's Watchmen movie.

While the new movie is getting mixed reviews, its release has taken me back to the good old days of the Nightmare series. Granted, I am a little too young to remember the release of the original movie, but I can certainly remember the first time I saw it back in the early nineties. Since then, I've seen a handful of the franchise - always avoiding number two, and now that they are releasing a new installment without Robert Englund playing the iconic razor-gloved villain, I am getting a little nostalgic for those good old movies, campy as some of them may be. This nostalgia sent me to the good ol' internet, where I went on a quest to find a reasonably priced collection of Nightmare movies.

If you follow this blog, it should come as no surprise to you that I ended up at DeepDiscount.com, where I can't seem to stop finding great deals on DVDs, video games, music, books, and more! Once, there, I found the Nightmare on Elm Street Collection, which has eight full discs containing the entirety of the Robert Englund run as Freddy Krueger, from the original Nightmare all the way up to Freddy vs. Jason. You get the whole run and can see firsthand the transition from psychological slasher film to the campy, over-the-top, and self-referential later films. Oh, and of course you can hear Dokken perform their hit "Dream Warriors" in Nightmare on Elm Street 3. The cost of this wonderful trip down memory lane? Just $36.89 - or, roughly what I'd spend were I to go with someone to watch the new movie in the theaters. Plus, when I earn 2.5% Cash Back by shopping through Ebates, I'll have almost enough to buy myself a bag of microwave popcorn to sit with throughout the whole extravaganza. As always, you will also get free shipping on all your orders from DeepDiscount.com too!

Take a stroll down memory lane with your favorite flicks in our Movies & Music category!

There is no question the "it" color for interiors is white. Make that bright white. Seen everywhere like Elle Decor and Design Sponge, this neutral color is anything but boring. Recently I decided to make the leap and paint my own house this bold color. Although there were a few moments of "what the heck did I just do", I'm overall thrilled to have such a blank canvas on which to decorate. Now, instead of the paint color dictating the design of a room, my furniture and decor are the ones who tell the story of my personal style.

Of course in the world of paint there are many options, but I settled on a color known Super White. Made by Benjamin Moore, I purchased this paint from Ace Hardware where you can save $20 off orders over $125 through April 30th plus get 5.0% Cash Back. Aside from selling everything a painter would need, Ace Hardware also has online paint tutorials that will solve any issues that may arise.

As for decor, the above photo from Home-Designing.com inspired me to shop for fabrics, rugs, and pillows in colorful patterns. While searching for these items on eBay, I came across this set of two Embroidered Pillow Cases. Made from silk suzani fabric and featuring brilliant colors set against a black background, this is just the thing I need to compliment my new wall color. Only $34, these are an affordable way to change my decor, plus I'll get 1.0-3.0% Cash Back to help replenish the cost of paint. As for help with painting, I think I'm on my own.

Shop more ideas in our Home and Garden category.

Summer is full of things to look forward to; cookouts, warm-weather, summer fashion and of course, blockbuster movies! This year, there are many big movies set to be released that will surely draw huge crowds and big bucks. Among these big movies are a few highly anticipated sequels and the sequels of sequels, such as; Sex And The City 2, Twilight: Eclipse, Shrek Forever After and Toy Story 3 ( for a comprehensive list of all the most popular summer movies, click here). In the meantime, before these movies hit the big screen, you can catch up on their predecessors when you buy the DVD's through Overstock.com and get cash back and deals from Ebates It seems unnecessary to profess my love for the Sex And The City because I am into fashion, I am an avid television watcher and member of the female sex. But, as a true fan, I enjoyed the first movie, I feel obligated to see the second one, but I also believe it could never compare to the television version. That being said, I do plan on watching the movie on DVD before I go see the sequel in theaters. I can pick up the Sex And The City Movie for just $8.02 with 4.0% Cash Back. I can also shop for all the Shrek movies for just $38 for the set or less than $15 each. Find an array of sequels, prequels and Summer movie favorites at Overstock.com!


Shop all stores with cash back in our Music and Movies Category.

Hey everybody, were here yet again, and I don't know about you, but I'm all set for another thrilling installment of Free Shipping Friday here at the Ebates blog. The weather is warming up, our deals are heating up, and we are in the last few days of our Mother's Day Sale. Keep an eye out - we are rolling out a new sales promotion on Monday!

In the meantime, here is the week's worth of Free Shipping Deals:

Friday, May 7th
- Free Shipping on $95+ order at Wine Enthusiast

- Free Shipping on $50+ order at Payless Shoe Source. Code SUMMERSHIP

Saturday, May 8th
- Free Shipping on Iron Man 2 for PSP, DS, Wii, Xbox 360, PS3 at Toys R Us

- Free Shipping on $50+ Small Appliance orders at Kmart.com

- Free Shipping on any order at Soft Surroundings. Code 3531001

- Mother's Day Free Shipping + Sale on Select Items at Target

Sunday, May 9th (Happy Mother's Day!)

- Free Shipping on all Gifts at Dancing Deer Baking Co. Code MDAY59

- Free Shipping on Mother's Day Gift Guide items at Apple Store.

- Free 2nd Day Air Shipping on $40+ order at Fannie Mae Candies. Code 10813

- Great Savings and Free 2-Day Shipping on Gifts for Mom at Kodak

- Gifts Ideas for Mom - Starting at $24.99 & Free Shipping at Newegg

Monday, May 10th
- Free Shipping on your entire order at Naturalizer

- Free Shipping on any US order at Perfume Emporium. Code MOTHER

Tuesday, May 11th
- Free Shipping on all Outdoor Rugs, Cushions, Pillows and Market Umbrellas at Home Decorators Collection

- Free Shipping and Handling on $60+ U.S. order at Bath and Body Works. Code FREESHIP60

Wednesday, May 12th
- Free shipping on Adobe CS5 products. Code adobecs5

So you've procrastinated to the very last minute and in a mad rush, you're thinking it best to run to the nearest drugstore and purchase a tin of chocolates and a card.

Don't.

It's Mother's Day after all and you are not 15 and shopping for your high school crush. No, you are an Ebates member and since it is Thursday you still have time to get a last minute gift worthy of your mom. How? Well first let's start by shopping Mother's Day with Ebates. Second, let's head over to 1800Flowers where you can shop items with same day delivery. Third, let's shop!

In the category of same day delivery (which you can order Saturday and refrigerate until Sunday) there are all sorts of bouquets for every type of mom, but I was drawn to this Make Lemonade Bouquet. Not only is it vibrant and Spring appropriate, but using a glass pitcher for a vase is as lovely as using old bottles. See an example here. Perhaps better than it's charm is a $49.99 price tag with 10.0% Cash Back. Now that you've found a gift you can be proud to give, the next step is to tell your mother how much of a savvy shopper you are. Just remember to leave out the last minute part. 

Get mom the perfect gift here.

Here at Ebates we love to reward you for doing the things you'd normally do. We give you cash just for shopping online and we give you trips to Hawaii and iPads just for referring your friends. And now, we would like to reward you for following Ebates on Twitter. Starting today through May 9th, follow Ebates on Twitter to win a bevy of fun prizes. All you need to do to win is follow us and look out for a tweet everyday about the Ebates Daily double. Then, retweet the Daily Double tweet to all of your followers. Be the fifth person to retweet and you win! For the first four days we are giving out $10 Macy's gift cards and on the fifth day (May 9th) play to win an iPod Shuffle!


For contest details and rules click here.


To follow Ebates and win prizes, click here.

Well kids, it's Cinco de Mayo. Hopefully your margarita supplies are well stocked and you have plenty of Coronas iced down (assuming you celebrate the holiday like my friends and I do), and if you are going to throw a proper celebration, you really need some over-the-top decorations and, if at all possible, silly hats. Fortunately for you, and for your party, there's Oriental Trading Company. They have everything you could possibly want to transform your back yard from "nondescript patch of grass with some folding tables" to "fun time fiesta" - all for wonderfully inexpensive prices and 2.5% Cash Back.

True, you won't quite have the time to get an order from Oriental Trading Company delivered to your house in time for a party tonight, but if you want to have a fiesta-themed party some time this Summer, or you even just want to have a belated party this weekend, I'd imagine a rush order could make it home by Friday if you were willing to pay for it. Not sure what to focus on if you want to add a little zest to your party? The easiest solution is the Fiesta group pack; it has a dozen sombreros, mini maracas, necklaces, and balloons, in addition to a whole slew of gummy chili pepper candies. All you have to do is add in some cactus-shaped shot glasses, a few mini sombreros to stash limes in, and the doorway banner to make for great photo ops. Mark my words, get these few items and as long as your friends aren't sticks in the mud, you have the formula for a fantastic fiesta that will be talked about for some time to come.

Finally, it wouldn't be a blog post from yours truly if I failed to mention that if you spend $49 or more, you will get free shipping on your order. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Ebates, click through our link for free shipping on orders of at least $49, and earn 2.5% Cash Back on an awesome party. It's a win-win!

Plan your party with the help of Ebates and our Party Favors category!

As a blogger I tend to get most of my information online. This includes everything from breaking news to fashion trends. As a creature of the online world, it's easiest for me to seek out what I need to know on the internet. But come Summer, I am typically (hopefully) away from my computer much more frequently and this is when I tend to consume many more magazines, rather than visit the online site. Thus, with Summer right around the corner, I need to manage my subscriptions to my favorite magazines and stock up for lazy, sunny days.  I will shop at Magazines.com through Ebates and get a hefty 21.0% Cash Back, up to 90% off and an additional $5 off orders with code: springmags.

At Magazines.com, I will find all of my favorite fashion publications like Elle and Vogue, while also shopping for essential reads like Women's Health and Shape. Good news for me, right now, they are offering a subscription to Elle and Women's Health for 74% off and just $25 for both! Shop now for your favorite magazines specially priced and with double-digit cash back!

Also, magazines make a great gift for mom, so shop best-selling titles and give her a gift she will enjoy all year.

Stock up on summer reads and cash back in our Books and Magazines Category.

Vintage lingerie is something I have been obsessed with for years. My collection of boned corsets done in soft cotton eyelet, silk jumpers, and knee length slips speak of my love for the 30's and 40's. A time when great attention was paid to small details like clasps, trims, bindings, and overall construction. These days it's hard to find quality as superior for inexpensive cost, yet this Spring brings some hope. With lingerie inspired fashion seen in designer collections like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, and Fendi, it's sparking a wave of ready-to-wear inspired by underwear.






As much as I love the idea of stockings being exposed with silk teddies and a cardigan, the truth is it's not very appropriate for my daily life. Surely sitting on a cramped bus followed by an office is not the time or place for such revealing clothing. But still, there are options like this Rebecca Taylor Bustier that allow me to indulge in my passion while keeping a bit of modesty. For those unfamiliar with vintage lingerie, channeling this trend takes little more than silk and lace. The aforementioned top features lace detailing and underwire boning similar to that of a corset or demi bra. If this trend seems unachievable or if you're a bit timid, check out Shopbop's trend section under "Delicate Matters". Here you'll find several looks ranging from racy to reasonable. All with 6.0% Cash Back so you can shop till you heart's content regardless of what trend you decide upon.

Shop Spring Fashion in our Clothing category!    

As Spring wears on and Summer shows us it's not too far away, I can't help but think about my accessory decisions for the warm months ahead. Of course there's always silky scarfs, panama hats, and lighter bags to consider, but rather than stockpile the mediocre, this year I'm in need of something fabulous. Well not so much need as want, but you get the idea!

As seen in fab blogs like The Glamourai and Refinery29 (who I borrowed the above image from) cat eye glasses are all the rage. After years of trendy girls such as Nicole Richie wearing sunglasses the size of her face, I'm happy to see the change. These D&G Oval Sunglasses are perfect because they have a cat eye look without seeming too retro or over the top. Selling at Saks Fifth Avenue I received free rush shipping on orders over $150 with code RUSHMOM10. I can also receive 2.5% Cash Back from Ebates, which after almost two years of being an Ebates member I know first hand how much it pays to be fashionable. It also pays to protect your eyes, so if you're not thrilled with channeling cat woman, check out the Saks Fifth Avenue Sunglasses Section for sunglasses of all shapes and sizes.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Here!

Like many women, I am somehow constantly in the process of growing out my hair. Rather than being content with the length of the moment, I always wish for longer hair or decide to sabotage the entire project and lop it all off. I am not sure if it is a way to pass the time or an effort to keep my look interesting but either way, my hair style is always in flux. And I am not alone. My current hair obsession is optimum health. I am growing out my natural hair color, banishing styling tools and investing in hair care products that will bring my hair to its most healthy state. I feel almost like my hair is on a detox diet and if you have ever tried something like that, you know the process is not always pretty. But the result is where your hard work pays off. While I retrain my hair to live without styling tools and hair color, I have been struggling to get creative with ways to style it. Luckily, braids are still a huge trend this year and also a great hairstyle for any person with a length/texture/color issue. My inspiration is from the loose side braids seen at the Alexander Wang runway show. This side braid look has been popular since the Spring 2010 runway debut because most women are in the same boat as me and want a hairstyle that is easy to do and looks good no matter what condition your hair is in. All you will need are some basic hair tools, a good shampoo that will smooth the hair shaft and some practice braiding your hair. Start with a quality shampoo like this from Kerastase, avaliable at Drugstore.com with 6.0% Cash Back. You want to make sure that your hair is smooth and full of body. Next, use a good paddle brush to add a little volume to the hair to achieve the messy look on top. Use the brush to put a deep side part in your hair and brush the excess length. Make sure to have bobbi pins and clear, inconspicuous hair ties on hand, these are ideal from Sephora. Braid your hair down the side and leave some messy pieces out, this look is not precise at all. Pin back any layers that do not fit into the braid and finish it all off with a shine-enhancing hair spray like this one from Beauty.com, where you will also get 6.0% Cash Back.

*photo courtesy of Style.com

Earn cash back when you shop our Health and Beauty Category!

I always love it when people are given incentives to do things to help the environment. That's why I was especially pleased when I read the other day in USA Today that assorted cities across the country were giving special incentives for people to switch over to electric-powered lawnmowers from the traditional gas ones they have been using. Personally speaking, I'm a San Franciscan, which means I don't really have much of a lawn to speak of, and the old manual push mower I have works just fine for the limited mowing I have to do, even if those blades scare the bejeebus out of me). But if you do have a large and luscious lawn, I encourage you to consider a battery-powered rechargeable mower.

You can consult with your officials down at City Hall to see if they have such an option available at the moment, or if they don't, see if they'd consider it. It's a movement that will hopefully only gain popularity as more and more people find out about it.

If you are looking for your own battery-powered mower for the coming Summer, here at Ebates, we'll give you an incentive to the tune of 4.0% Cash Back on purchases at Sears, which is where you can pick up this Neuton CE6 Battery-Powered Push Mower. At $499.00, it's not cheap, but when you factor in the fact that you'll never need to put gas in your mower again, and the knowledge that gasoline powered mowers contribute 5% of the total U.S. air pollution (according to the EPA), you can sleep soundly knowing you're doing your part to help make our air a little bit easier to breathe.



Find other great products in our Shop Green category!

You'd have to be living under a rock not to notice the abundance of marine inspired decor. From coral to octopus, turtles and crabs, if it belongs in an aquarium chances are it's in stores. When I first noticed this trend a few months ago I thought nothing of it, but as it grows in popularity and inhabits more and more window displays, I feel as if it's maybe worth giving a try.

The first store that started on this trend was Burke Decor with their Thomas Paul collection. Amongst items such as nautical pillows and Octopus Throw Blankets are quirky dinnerware like these Sea Life Dessert Plates. Coming in a set of four, these plates each feature a different marine animal and are one of the coolest ways to add some funk to your table without expensive designer prices. By now you know from reading my blogs that you'll get 6.0% Cash Back at Burke Decor, but as an added incentive until May10th you'll receive 15% off your total purchase with code LUVMUM.

You've probably seen red coral designs in magazines, on hip blogs like Design-Milk, and in other Ebates stores like Vivre. These Coral Reef Bowls are the epitome of chic decor and are perfect for the person who wants to channel this trend without the kitchsy feel some other marine/beach items can have. Bloomingdales carries this and other Michael Aram pieces, all with 3.0% Cash Back. Another coral favorite of mine is his Coral Reef Candle Holder. Truly an artistic piece to have in one's home!

Last but least is an item not featured in the animal kingdom but equally reminiscent of the ocean. This Driftwood Mirror from Crate and Barrel reminds me of Summers spent on Martha's Vineyard and has the same weathered shingle look as the quaint cottages that line it's shore. Shopping at Crate and Barrel will put 3.0% Cash Back in your Ebates account, and as for placement of this item my suggestion is to hang it above a dresser lined with other sea worthy items like bottles made from sea glass, and a collection of shells.

Shop our Home and Garden category for more ideas!