Hello Ebates! This is Alyson from The Gloss Menagerie, and I am thrilled to be guest blogging for Ebates!

As a beauty blogger I often get asked what products are good and what products to avoid. Today I'll be discussing low-cost cosmetic brand E.L.F., or Eyes Lips Face and answering the age old question; Is a budget friendly cosmetic brand too good to be true, or a treasure trove of cheap thrills? The answer is yes and no. Like all makeup brands there are wins and looses. Here are my top picks. Enjoy!

Top ELF Picks

Mechanical Eyelash Curler - E.L.F. has three eyelash curlers and the cheapest one is my favorite. I actually have no preference between this $1 curler and the much higher priced Shu Uemura curler. They're both great for my eye shape and provide an excellent curl. However, if you have a flatter curve to your eyes, you may not like this curler. I find it works best for rounded eyes. The ergonomic handle design makes curling your eyelashes a breeze!

Mineral Eyeshadow Primer - E.L.F. designed this to be used with their mineral eyeshadows, but it works great with any shadow. This is part of their mineral line and therefore is at a slightly higher price point of $3, but it's still quite the bargain. This primer will perform well for almost any occasion. If you have VERY oily lids I would recommend using something stronger, but for anyone else this should be fine!

Zit Zapper - I am planning to review this on my own blog in-depth, but here's a little sneak peek! The Zit Zapper is a unique spot treatment for acne for just a dollar that REALLY works. Packed with ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and camphor, the Zit Zapper does a fantastic job of drying out and healing acne breakouts. I dab it on at night and breakouts look significantly better in the morning. Because there's no messy creams and the liquid goes on completely clear, this product is very user-friendly. Guys will feel comfortable using this one too as the packaging is completely unisex.

Lipstick - Both the $1 lipstick and the $5 mineral lipsticks are fantastic! The formula goes on smooth and creamy with excellent pigmentation. The Mineral line offers better choice of colors, but the $1 lipsticks are newer so I would imagine more colors are in the works.

Powder Brush (Studio Line) - This brush is amazing. It's one of my most used makeup brushes in my entire stash, and I have several extras for my kit. I use this brush to apply powder foundation. I get full even coverage because of the densely packed bristles with a flat top. This brush is also great for blending out liquid foundation, contouring, or applying blush and bronzer. If I had to pick just one product to recommend to try, I'd probably pick this brush because of its super high quality and many uses.

 
As ELF grows, I have seen their products get better and better. I really like them overall as a brand because not only do they have some fantastic products (at even better prices), but they really listen to their consumers. Products requested in their forum discussions often make their way to the line within months. It's so refreshing to see that! Have you tried E.L.F.? What are some of your favorites? Least Favorites?

Forgive me if I sound cliche, but where did October go? It slipped in without notice, and just like that, Sunday is Halloween. Before I get melancholy and start dreading the shorter, colder, days ahead I think I'll heat things up with this week's top sales. This week is an especially good batch with exclusive coupons, free shipping deals, and mega sales. Enjoy!


Save $50 off orders of $150+ at Puma with code PUMASAVE50. Plus 6.0% Cash Back.

Extra 25% off Select Fall Boots at Endless. Plus 7.5% Cash Back.

Save 25 - 40% on Select Merchandise at Bloomingdales. Exclusions apply. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save 20% off any order at ULTA Beauty. Code 44385 (Some exclusions apply). Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Exclusive To Ebates - Take 20% off any full-price order of $150 or more at Ann Taylor with code EBATES20. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Free Shipping on all knife sets, cookware sets, select electrics and more at Sur La Table. Plus 4.0% Cash Back.

Save an extra 20% off Sale orders at Reebok. Code SALE25. Plus 5.0% Cash Back.

Take 20% off any order at The Childrens Place. Code OCTOBER10A. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Get $5 Off $50 or more at Home Depot. Use Code FALLSAVE31. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save $10 off $40+ order at The Body Shop. Code OCTOBER. Plus 5.0% Cash Back.

Sometimes there's a story that goes along with my shopping adventures, and sometimes there's not. Today is one of those days where I would much rather shop for deals than talk about deals. Below are a few of my favorite sales going on, the items to buy, and cash back to be earned. Enjoy!

Store: Shopbop .

Sale: New markdowns on Fall items. Save up to 70%.

What To Buy: Textured sweaters by Graham and Spencer, jeans by Current Elliot.

Must Have Item: Graham and Spencer Mohair Sweater. Perfect shade of grey!

Cash Back: 6.0% Cash Back.



Store: Sephora

Sale: Select sale items 15 - 75% off.

What To Buy: Body products by Korres, Eye Make-up by Tarte, and Bare Escentuals Foundation .

Must Have Item: Marc Jacobs Lola Scent Filled Ring. A dash of scent in a quirky accessory.

Cash Back: 4.0% Cash Back.



Store: Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sale: Further Reductions. Save up to 60%.

What To Buy: Dresses by Tibi, blazers by DKNY, and boots by Dolce Vita.

Must Have Item: Cigarette Jacket by LaRok. Doubles as a blouse and blazer.

Cash Back: 2.5% Cash Back.

There are things in life I stumble onto and develop such passion that I can only think "where have you been all my life". While I realize this may be a tad dramatic, there are things that truly move me. Things like my penchant for roasted banana ice cream. My latest addition to the OMG folder is House Of Fraser. I have no clue how this went unnoticed, but the discovery of this store comes at the perfect time.

This past weekend I finally started swapping Summer items with Fall decor. As I added dried flowers and cinnamon candles to my home I quickly realized my bathroom was still pastel Spring. Problem solved with this Missoni Towel. The colors are fun, but dark enough to be considered Fall appropriate. Plus it's Missoni. I'm already imagining these folded on my bathroom shelf set next to antique bottles and my shell collection.

Of course a girl can't shop for towels without thinking of other Fall items, so I checked out the knits section and came across this fun Zebra Sweater. Am I fan of zebras? Not exactly, but I am a fan of loose fitting knits that scream "Sunday". This will go perfect with my black denim and Frye Harness Boots and with $3.50 Cash Back I can't exactly go wrong.

Check out House of Fraser for men's and women's clothing, home decor, furniture, and more. All with $3.50 Cash Back

Today I was having a discussion with a friend on algorithms for happy living, namely how to avoid certain people on Facebook. The conversation then led me to think about algorithms in general, and how shopping with Ebates solves my problem of wanting it all for less. Of course Ebates members have solved this puzzle by using our coupons section, saving with our Daily Double, and by reading Friday Sales Round-Up.

Free Shipping on $75+ order at Kohls. Plus 2.0% Cash Back.

Take 50% off one book at Barnes and Noble. Code L9T4M9W. Plus 4.0% Cash Back!

15% off all items in Halloween Store at GiftsForYouNow. Code LSSCARY15. Plus 7.0% Cash Back.

Save an extra 15% off with JCPenney Rewards Credit Card. Code CRISP15. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save $15 off $30 or $30 off $75+ order at Express. Code 2124. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save 25% off Regular/Sale items and Free Shipping on $150+ order at Lord and Taylor. Code FRIENDS. Plus 6.0% Cash Back.

Exclusive to Ebates - Take $30 off your first order of $150 or more at Bluefly - Enter EBATES30. Plus 3.5% Cash Back.

The Big Fall Sale - Up to 70% off Health & Beauty Essentials at drugstore.com. Plus 6.0% Cash Back!

Today's Guest Blogger is AmbersNotebook. Not only can she dress for success, but she knows how teach others how to do so.


I'm not one to shy away from trends, in fact I embrace them. Playing with the latest trends is always something I think about when putting outfits together. I love the challenge of wearing trends without looking over-the-top trendy.
 
I am kind of obsessed with old Hollywood movies from the 50's and 60's. I love how classy and lady like women look in old Hollywood Glamour movies. Using starlets as my inspiration I decided to update this vintage look by incorporating Fall's hottest trends: Animal print, kitten heels, and print mixing.

As you can see my outfit is on trend while still maintaining a sense of classic and timeless. Here are some of my tips for wearing some of this seasons hottest trends.

Kitten Heels:
When wearing kitten heels you should remember to wear pieces that elongate your legs. Try pairing kitten heels with a high-waisted piece or a short hemline.
 
Animal Prints:
It's easy to go wrong with animal prints. To keep to looking on trend and not tacky, look for pieces that aren't too tight or revealing. Belts, shoes, bags, scarfs, sweaters and tunics are great places to start. Look for pieces that have a classic feel to them rather then super trendy pieces.
 
Mixing Prints:
Look for prints that mimic each other in shape or size. Pairing fun prints like polka dots and stripes can also work well together. Try prints together to see what works. By wearing various prints you can add interest to any outfit.

I am wearing a Joie Top From Nordstrom, an Urban Outfitters skirt and Chinese Laundry Kitten heels from Macy's.

...and we're celebrating by throwing a Halloween Twitter Party with TheBlogFrog!

Join us today by following #frugalliving. We'll be discussing everything from delicious Fall recipes to the best ways to save using Ebates.

Whether your searching for the perfect Halloween Costume or looking for pre-holiday coupons, come celebrate Fall with us!

What: #frugalliving Halloween Twitter Party

When: Today October 20th from 4-5pm PST (7-8 pm EST)

Where: Follow #frugalliving on Twitter to join.

See you there!

Hi there Ebates lovers! My name is Monica and I am the gal behind MonicaWantsIt - a blog dedicated to all the things I want in life.
Ebates has been a great site for the regular things a twenty-something needs and wants: makeup, shoes, clothes, DVDs, etc. But recently, my love of Ebates has grown far deeper since I've become a first-time homeowner. I love DIY projects as much as any creative and budget-minded person, but sometimes you just want to buy something pretty like rugs, chandeliers and mirrors to spruce up your home. Overstock, Target and Horchow are some of the many options available for the items I just mentioned.

Chances are you can find what you need on Ebates if you take a moment to search. When it comes to building your home, take my advice and follow these top tips for getting the most out of Ebates.

Daily Double - Sometimes I'll have a specific item in mind but don't need right away. I check my Daily Double Email first thing in the morning, and if the store happens to be the Daily Double, it's easy for me to pounce on my item, and get double cash back.

Coupon Codes - A few minutes (sometimes seconds) spent searching for a coupon code can lead to bigger savings.

Special Promotions - During Man Week, my husband bought items from Sears, and during Gourmet Week, I bought chocolate for my upcoming holiday baking.

Tell-A-Friend - Who doesn't love earning money on their purchases? Spread the word about Ebates and you and your friends can reap the rewards.

Overall, Ebates is helping my husband and I make our first home fabulous and modern while helping us find the best deals possible. Rewarding us for purchases just helps us fund future projects in our home, and trust us, there are plenty of projects for us to work on. Happy buying!

When you're a single girl living in the beautiful, and expensive metropolis known as San Francisco, keeping up on trends can be a costly endeavor. In my years spent scouring stores, I've found the easiest way to score a deal is to comparison shop. Being a self-appointed deal expert, I happen to have a knack for comparison shopping.

Hard to believe it's Friday already, but a fast week is hard to complain about. It's with a positive attitude that I present this week's top sales. Last week saw the dissolution of my anti-shopping behavior, and the result was a few fabulous additions to my wardrobe. Credit cards were whipped out, charges were made, and cash back was earned. To the tune of $13 bucks. Not bad.

Save $30 off your first order of $150 or more at Bluefly. Code EBATES30. Plus 3.5% Cash Back!

Save 20% off any order at The Childrens Place. Code OCTOBER10A. Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

ENDS TODAY!! Save 40% off sitewide & Free Shipping on $30+ order at Yves Rocher. Code SPECIALFS30. Plus 9.0% Cash Back!

Save 20% off $75+ order at Spiegel. Code 404.Plus 5.0% Cash Back!

Log In & $20 off $99 or $50 off $199 with Free Shipping on $35+ order on DSW. Code SWEET15. Plus 4.0% Cash Back!

Get Away for the Holidays and Save up to 35% on Hotels & Vacation Packages at Travelocity.Plus 1.0% Cash Back!

24th Anniversary Sale - Save 24% on select Supplies at Office Depot. Plus 2.0% Cash Back!

Take $20 off orders over $125 at Linens Bargains with code Ebates20. Plus 4.0% Cash Back!

No need to introduce today's guest blogger, her name says it all. Fashion for less? Yes please!

Hi Ebates Members,

I'm Jennifer from TheLooksForLess.com and I am so excited to be guest posting for Ebates! If you've ever visited my blog before then you know that I am ADDICTED to recreating celebrity looks using pieces that are far more affordable than designer options. In addition to getting the look for less, you can save even more by getting paid to shop these items through Ebates.

My challenge for this post: recreate Jessica Simpson's look using items that are all under $100 and from stores that are all part of Ebates. Mission accomplished and to be honest, I think I actually prefer the "look for less"! What do you think? Would you wear Jessica's look for less? 

Let TheLooksForLess.com, your personal shopper, put the looks together for you and then shop through eBates to get paid for dressing as though you can afford those designer price tags.

Happy Shopping,
Jennifer - The Looks For Less


Get Jessica's Look For Less

Romeo Fleece Jacket from Nordstrom $68

Burnout Tank from American Eagle $9.95

G By Guess Denim Skinny Denim $49.50

Bangle Set from Charlotte Russe $4

Hoop Earrings from Dillard's $30

Oversized Sunglasses from Endless $19.95

Nine West Handbag from eBags $71

Faux Suede Booties from AMI Clubwear $12.99

Today's guest blogger JustDandy shows you how to create one of Fall's hottest looks while staying in budget and getting cash back!

Fall is here and I am loving it! What about you? I always feel that people enjoy the season of Autumn more than any other season; the leaves are changing, the air is cool, and the nights are brisk. Fall is the time to be comfortable, chic, and warm which is why I love to live in sweaters, leggings, and boots. This style is fit for every woman and by shopping through Ebates you'll receive cash back. I hope you enjoy this look as much as I do and I look forward to hearing how you put this look together in your own way!

The perfect fall outfit is sometimes hard to accomplish and I am here to help make it easy!

Sweaters

Old Navy Swing Coat Sweater $39.50.

Old Navy Sweater Vest $34.50.

Poncho Capelet from American Eagle Outfitters $49.50.


Leggings

Black Jeggings from Old Navy $39.50.

Skinny Jeans from Gap $29.50.

Black Leggings from Aerie $15.50.


Boots

Basic Buckle Boot from Wet Seal $29.50.

Suede Fold Over Boot from Wet Seal $29.50.

Today's guest blogger BudgetSavvyDiva has one thing on her mind: green living the frugal way. She shares her tips for green on a budget for all our eco-friendly shoppers. And those just getting started!

We all know that being frugal is important but that doesn't mean we can't be green as well. I've come up with 5 simple ways to live green while saving money.

Exercise Your Green Thumb: Growing your own veggies, fruits, and herbs is easy to do. Seriously, some things are so easy to grow, like the herbs in my window. Do a little digging and find out what fruits and veggies grow well in your area. It never hurts to toss a few seeds in the ground, add a little water, and save a little dough here and there. Don't forget to shop stores like Burpee for 5.0% Cash Back and a huge selection of seeds, plants, and more.

Reduce household waste: less garbage means less trash going to the dump. If you have curbside service and reduce your weekly amount of trash, you might even be able to get a smaller can and pay less per month, wazoo! Think before you buy heavily packaged items, and recycle everything you can. You can even use a jar to grow a potato!



Try and Buy Used: I've found so many frugal treasures this way. Great sources to look at are thrift stores, garage sales, and of course eBay. While shopping with 2.0% Cash Back I'm also saving money and sparing already overflowing landfills. Everyone wins!

 

Make Household Cleaners: You'd be amazed how easy it is to make your own household cleaner! One quick recipe is to add one part vinegar to two parts water. This makes a great all purpose cleaner. Also try green brands like Seventh Generation and Meyers. Both brands are available at drugstore.com.

 

Drive Less: Driving your car might be convenient; however, your poor wallet pays the price. Even with gas prices back down to affordable, it's a good place to cut back. Carpool and skip the mall by shopping online with Ebates!

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. In 2010 Ebates is giving you cash back again! Lame? Yeah a bit but catchy phrases have never been my fortay. Luckily shopping the best deals is, so without further adieu here are this week's top sales. If by chance you become over excited and seek even more ways to save I suggest you visit our Coupons tab for thousands of savings. And I mean thousands.

Save 20% off all orders at Shopbop. Plus 6.0% Cash Back!

Local Daily Deal - Up to 90% off on Groupon. Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

10% off $40+ order at CostumeSuperCenter. Code SPOOKY. Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

Save 20% off any order at The ChildrensPlace. Code OCTOBER10A. Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

Shop 2011 Entertainment.com Coupon Books! Buy now and get a Free $25 Restaurant Certificate + Free Shipping with your order! Plus 17.5% Cash Back!

Save 25% off any order at ColdwaterCreek. Code AFLA377. Plus 2.0% Cash Back!

Free Shipping on $35+ orders w/ login at DSW. Code SHIPR. Plus 4.0% Cash Back!

Take 12% off plus Free Shipping and Returns at Boden! Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

Save in the Outlet with special pricing on Sets at Crate and Barrel. Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

Thanks to Gourmet Week, I've been craving all things food related, including blogs. I thought I'd take a break from fashion and spend some time with blogs that make my mouth water for reasons other than boots. For those who can bake/cook you'll enjoy the yummy recipes in these blogs, but for those who would rather let someone else do the baking I suggest you shop our Gourmet Stores and add double cash back to your account.


Cupcakes and Cashmere.
The perfect blend of fashion and tasty treats, this LA based blog has been a favorite of mine for nearly 2 years.  When I pop onto this sight I can expect to see obtainable fashion (cue why didn't I think of that?) and photography that makes even the simplest of items look divine. Some of my favorite recipes include Cheddar-Dill Scones, and Merlot Poached Pears.

Dessert First.
When I stumbled onto this site a few months ago I couldn't help but think I had found my twin. I too believe desert is the best part of life, which is why this San Francisco blog has earned a spot on my favorites list. Aside from introducing me to cool restaurants, recipes, and food trends, her book A Field Guide To Cookies is a godsend to those who can't bake. Shop her book at Barnes and Noble.

The Wednesday Chef.
This blog is romantic, as in it makes you want to travel to Europe, live with a host family, and learn their culture in and out. Each recipe has a bit of a story and gives the reader a glimpse into what I like to call the good life. Favorite recipes include Austrian Potato Strudel and Moroccan Tomato Soup.   

Happy eating!

Tonight I have the pleasure of seeing Aida at the San Francisco Opera, and despite my excitement I am also stressing over what to wear. It's not often that opera's, symphonies, and formal dining are part of my repertoire, yet owning proper attire for such occasions is paramount to having a well rounded wardrobe. While tonight's outfit remains a mystery, I can prepare for the upcoming season of parties, get-togethers, and everything festive while racking up cash back.

Shopping for a dress is arguably harder than shopping for jeans as dresses are so specific. A one shouldered gown is perfect for black tie, but over the top for dinner. A strapless mini is ideal for dancing, but looks tarty if worn to the office Christmas party. Ultimately a girl should own a dress for each occasion, and for a night at the opera this Manette Dress by Diana Von Furstenberg is perfect. It's streamlined silohuette has an understated elegance not common with today's frilly frocks, but before you think boring, this dress is easy to accessorize. Add a waist belt for a downtown look, or string on pearls and keep the look high class. Either way you'll get 6.0% Cash Back and always have something to wear. Which, needless to say, is priceless. 

In celebration of Gourmet Week we asked mom-extraordinaire The Happy Housewife to share one of the mouth watering recipes featured on her blog.

One of the skills I think young adults lack when they leave home is the ability to cook. So many people rely on fast food and take out simply because they don't know how to shop, menu plan, or make a good meal. One thing that encourages kids to cook is to read books about food! This doesn't mean you have to give your kids cookbooks to read (although some would probably enjoy it) it means finding books that have food woven throughout the story line.

My daughter read one such book a few weeks ago and it has inspired her to try some new recipes. Titled Everything on a Waffle, this story follows a girl as she encounters and navigates a new life with new food. At the end of the chapter there is a recipe. Since this book was written a long time ago most of the recipes are missing exact measurements, which made it even more challenging and exciting for my daughter to make them.

Our favorite recipe so far has been the lemon cookies. We've made these lemon cookies several times and my daughter had finally tweaked the recipe to make it her own! With each cooking experience she grows more confident in the kitchen and is more likely to try new recipes, even if they don't use typical measurements!

Arden's Lemon Cookies
•    1 cup of sugar
•    2 sticks of butter (softened)
•    ¼ teaspoon of salt
•    2 eggs
•    2 teaspoons of vanilla
•    2 1/2 cups of flour
•    1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
 
Mix all the ingredients together. Allow the dough to set for approximately five minutes. Roll out and cut into circles with a drinking glass (I actually just patted the dough into circles with my hands, but if you like perfectly even cookies, a glass works great). Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look crispy. Let cool on a rack and enjoy!

Oh, and don't forget to clean up your mess. Mothers hate it when you leave mixing bowls and cookies sheets in the sink, as well as flour all over the counter!

Did you know that Halloween is the second biggest holiday of the year? It's no wonder that by the end of summer, the retail industry is all about pumpkins, ghosts, goblins and ghouls. The original observances date back to the 16th century with roots centered on religious traditions and a wee bit of folklore. Originally associated with the religious rites of All-Hallows Eve (October 31st), and the feast of all saints (November 1st ), over the centuries, Halloween has evolved from customs of medieval times, into a celebration for the kid in everyone.

So whose idea was it to dress up? It's believed that Halloween Costumes were originally used to scare off demons; but thanks to local customs, scary literature and Hollywood classic's (Frankenstein anyone?), most children are all about selecting the perfect Halloween attire. For parents this can be a scary experience...but have no fear, Lillian Vernon's Halloween Hauntquarters takes the terror out of Costume shopping. As an added bonus you'll save $20 off $100+ order with code 000770000.

Outdoor Halloween Decorating can be attributed to Fall Harvest, and many families enjoy decorating with carved pumpkins and other seasonal items such as gourds, corn, and hay. As more and more families celebrate with at-home parties, the variety of indoor décor seems to grow each year.      
 

For the biggest savings of the season, visit Lillian Vernon's Halloween Sale for great deals on unique Halloween décor, costumes and more!

Despite the near record heatwave we experienced this week in San Francisco, my thoughts are still on Fall and what better way to say hello to a new season than with food? Taste the best Fall has to offer and get cash back during Gourmet Week at Ebates. Until your tasty treats arrive, snack on these sweet deals.



Friends and Family Event - Save 20% off your order at Bloomingdales. Code FF20 (Exclusions apply) Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

20% off any full-price order of $150 or more at Ann Taylor. Code EBATES20. Plus 2.0% Cash Back!

Shop $29.99 & Under Woman's and Junior's Clearance at macys. Plus 2.5% Cash Back!

Save up to 50% off our Halloween Collection! Shop for Books, Costumes, Toys & more at Barnes and Noble. Plus 4.0% Cash Back!

Shop New Markdowns up to 80% off with Free Shipping over $150 at Urban Outfitters. Plus 2.5% Cash Back!

25% off Highest Priced Item at Brylane Home. Code BHAFF25HI. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save 20% off $40+ order at The Childrens Place. Code J3C2010. Plus 3.0% Cash Back!