Wish Valentine's Day right around the corner, there are great sales going on and plenty of time for them to arrive in time. Don't let Cupid get the best of you - have a budget-savvy Valentine's Day.

As you surely know, the New Year Closeout Sales are in full effect. There are tons of stores offering great specials, so grab your credit cards and stock up!

Now that all the holiday hoopla has subsided, there are phenomenal sales going on. It is a great time to scoop up some stellar savings AND Cash Back!

Join Ebates as we celebrate our best year yet! Enjoy Double Cash Back during our New Year, New You Sale.

Since this is a week chock full of deals, I decided to give a midweek rundown of the best post Christmas sales going on. Avoid those crazy crowds, get yourself the gift you really wanted, and earn Cash Back!

What a week! First we offer Double Cash Back at over 500 stores for Cyber Monday, and now we've kept the party going with Double Cash Back at 24 stores thanks to our December Sale. Phew! Clearly we've been busy, but that doesn't stop us from bringing you Friday Sales. Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

It seems I am never really prepared for the holiday rush like I should be. I am grateful that there are so many sales going on right now so I can keep within budget using all that great Cash Back!

Some of our special deals include 10.0% Cash Back at both Piperlime and Banana Republic, 2.0% Cash Back at Walmart, 14.0% Cash Back at Lancome, 5.0% Cash Back at Lenovo, and loads more. Check out all the participating stores!

There are loads of great sales going on right now, such a perfect time to earn Cash Back in anticipation of the holiday shopping frenzy!

Between a new Fall wardrobe and cool Autumn decor, I have a long list of items to pick up. Thank goodness for all the Cash Back I can earn. 

Now that Fashion Week is wrapping up, you have seen all the great trends that you can earn Cash Back on - from Leopard print, to extreme nail art, and crazy color-blocking, there is a trend for every style. In addition to great Cash Back on your purchases, there are deals to be had all over the place!

The holiday weekend has arrived, and as I am sure you are all aware, there are amazing sales going on. This is a great opportunity to scoop up some of the things you have been longing for all season. 

I'm Erin Chase, also known as The $5 Dinner Mom.

I have a little problem. I can not make a meal that costs more than $5, and I want to show you how to make a meal for your family that doesn't cost more than 5 bucks!Making family dinners can be difficult enough, but doing so on a budget can be even more challenging!

I started 5dollardinners.com on August 22, 2008, to inspire and equip others to cut your grocery bill in half. At the website and in both of my cookbooks, you'll learn all about the method to the $5 Dinners madness. My hope and desire is that you can start spending less of your hard earned dollars at the grocery store.On the website, you'll find meal planning advice and strategies, couponing tips and tricks, ways to spend less time in the kitchen preparing all of your favorite meals, and daily recipes that are simple to prepare and easy on the wallet.

Today celebrates the 3 birthday of 5dollardinners.com, and because I love y'all so much...I'll be giving away a cookbook every single hour of today! And also, I'm thrilled to be throwing a little party over here with the Ebates family, as we celebrate the birthday with more giveaways!

Back to School season is fully underway and Ebates is buzzing with giveaways, sales, and Cash Back! 

It has been quite a week of deals and steals here at Ebates. With our Top Ten stores giving you all that extra Cash Back, the deals seem endless. Today marks the beginning of one of my personal favorite sales: Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale! In addition to great savings you can shop through Ebates and get 3.0% Cash Back. There are plenty of other deals going on all over the web!

There are few things I love more then an excellent sale, and Nordstrom's Anniversary sale always fits the bill. It offers the best deals on the upcoming season's hottest products. Plus, get Cash Back when you shop through Ebates! Here are just a few of my favorite Nordstrom pieces.

It seems like this Ebates Top Ten store has something for everyone - and plenty of reasons to get some Cash Back! Here are my favorite Kohl's finds:

July 4th weekend has arrived! I hope everyone has a weekend full of BBQ, sunshine, and fireworks ahead of them. With the holiday weekend comes many great sales. Here are a few of the best - enjoy your extra savings and Cash Back!

An abundance of amazing sales seems to be the norm here at Ebates, and this week is no exception! Just look, there is something for everyone!

What could be better than a collection of the hottest sales from your favorite stores? We think nothing is better, so we asked fashion blog Editor's Secret to host today's Friday Sales Round Up. Enjoy!

We are loving Spring Fashion trends for 2011. Whether your favorite trend is color blocking, lace, the 70's look, or neutrals, you can update your wardrobe with coveted brands without breaking the bank! These are the deals that we are putting on our calendar.

Tory Burch.

Tory Burch Private Sale through March 28th. Plus 3.5% Cash Back!

Shoes.com.

Take 20% off sitewide plus free shipping using code SECRET20 through April 3rd. Plus 8.0% Cash Back.
 
Ann Taylor.

Take an extra 40% off sale styles using code Extra40 through April 1st. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.
 
Beyond the Rack.

Use invitation code EBATES10 to join and get a $10 shopping credit through May 31st. Plus 3.0% Cash Back.
 
Bluefly.

New Customers get an extra $30 off $150+ using code AFF30 through March 31st. Plus 3.5% Cash Back.
 
Steve Madden.

Take 30% off select spring styles through March 27th. Plus 4.0% Cash Back.
 
Linea Pelle.

Take 10% off all orders $30 or more using code EBATES10 through March 31st. Plus 4.5% Cash Back!
 
Lord & Taylor.

Take 20% off regular/sale priced items (15% off Home Store) using code SALE through March 28th. Plus 4.0% Cash Back.
 
Nautica.

Take an extra 20% off sale items using code MARCH20 through March 29th. Plus 6.0% Cash Back.
 
Nine West.

Take 25% off your favorite pumps plus free shipping through April 5th . No code needed. Plus 3.5% Cash Back.

From all of us at Ebates we wish you a very Happy New Year! Thanks for making 2010 so amazing and we can't wait to share 2011 with you.

See you in 2011!

It's beginning to look a lot like....THE HOLIDAYS!  Does hearing that phrase scare you? Does it send you into a panic over your holiday gift shopping list?  At one point in my life this was the case for me. As I have become more frugal, however, holiday shopping has become a bit exciting. I'm here to help you stay calm, earn cash back, and most of all shop smart!

Here are my tips for a frugal Holiday Season

1. Keep An Open Mind - One of my biggest pieces of advice for holiday shopping, is to shop throughout the year. This is especially true during the tail end of the holiday season, when retailers want to get merchandise out of their store.

2. Shop With Help - By shopping sales and using coupons, you're able to combine double savings and walk away with rock bottom prices. 

3. Know Your Store - Ask retailers if the price dips below what you pay, what is their policy on this situation? Many stores have a 30 day policy allowing you to get the lowest price of the month. Equally important is to know the average price. If you are looking for a gaming system, research what it retails for. This will let you know when you see a great price.

4. Shop From Home - The best time of the season to shop is right after Thanksgiving and just into the start of December. The incredible sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday means you can score amazing deals and get cash back from Ebates! I personally appreciate shopping online and not having to leave my home or fight the crowds.

5. Shop With A Purpose - Most importantly, during the holiday season shop smart. Make a list of who you need to buy for, and set a price for each of those individuals. Holiday shopping is not a time to break the bank, but rather a time to celebrate and enjoy the ones you love.

Happy shopping!

Ashley Nuzzo is the CEO of Frugal Coupon Living, where she blogs full-time finding deals both online and in the stores. She has been featured on Dr. Phil and in US News and World Report as well as The Washington Post.

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

It is officially mid-Summer. Boo, I know. However- that also means mega markdowns and clearance sales! Considering so many Summer trends are being worked into Fall, you'd be two sandwiches shy of a picnic not to shop. Trying out southern colloquialisms is my new thing.




Save $10 off $50+ School Supply orders at Kmart. Code SCHOOL10 (Exp. 07/17/2010) Plus 2.0% Cash Back.

Save 20% off any order at Old Navy & Free Shipping on $50+ order with Old Navy, Gap or Banana Card. Code ONSTUFF20 (Exp. 07/18/2010). Plus 10.0% Cash Back.

Summer Sale - Save up to 50% off at Bass Pro Shops (Exp. 07/26/2010) Plus 4.5% Cash Back.

Take 15% off Regular priced items and 25% off Sale and Clearance items & Free Shipping at Shoes.com. Code SHOEDEAL (Exp. 07/26/2010) Plus 8.0% Cash Back.

Take 20% off any one item at Brylane Home. Code BHSUMMER (Exp. 07/17/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save up to 50% off select Nine West styles + free shipping! (Exp. 07/30/2010) Plus 3.5% Cash Back.

Save an additional 30% off Clearance at American Eagle. (30% off discount is automatically applied once a Clearance item(s) is added to the shopping bag.) (Exp. 07/20/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Save 15% off most titles at Best Deal Magazines. Code PXCJ718 (Exp. 07/18/2010) Plus  10.0% Cash Back.

Save 20% off $50+ order at The Childrens Place. Code JULY2010A (Exp. 07/18/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back.

Summer Sale - Up to 65% off at Chico's. (Exp. 07/31/2010) Plus 2.0% Cash Back.

Happy Shopping!

For a lot of women (me included) the letter "B" takes on a sinister meaning when summer rolls around. Beach, bathing suit, and bikini...well you get the picture! If you're not in tiptop shape before your foot hits the water, then your plans for fun in the sun could be a wash out.

How do you make sure you're ready for the swimsuit season? For starters, a healthy diet plan is a must. focus28diet.com has a downloadable FREE High Protein Meal Plan Manual that guides you in customizing a routine for your individual weight loss goals. Not only is focus28diet.com a great source for weight loss food and tips for success, they're offering either $10 OFF orders of $50+ (through July 31st) with promo code LS10OFF50 or FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75+ until the end of the year.

As all of us diehard diet divas know, eating nutritious, healthy food is only part of the battle. Exercise plays a big part and the warm weather give you the chance to chill out while eliminating unwanted calories. Since it's not healthy to run in high temperatures, take the plunge in the nearest pool for some water walking and aerobics ...it's fun (a whole lot cooler) and you could be burning 400-800 calories! Here are some tips on how to get started:

• Warm up by walking the perimeter of the pool, then jogging in it.
• In the shallow end, do 60 seconds each of walking lunges, squats, and leg lifts to the front side and back, holding on to the edge.
• If you use an aqua free weight or flow tie it increase the feeling of resistance & will add the perfect intensity to your workout.
• Finish working the lower body with flutter kicks holding the edge or using a kickboard.
• Finally, submerge to the neck and do chest presses, reverse flies, bicep curls, and arm circles to work the upper body.

Hey guys - this work out is good for you too and your own personal meal plan will help you get buff for your romps on the beach.

As you can tell, I have lots (and I mean LOTS) of personal experience in the world of diet dining. That's why I'm glad there are now so many great choices for healthy, high protein foods that actually taste good and are good for you. What's your "red light" food(s)? Check out these awesome shakes, smoothies and puddings that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without packing on the pounds. And if your downfall is the in between meal munchies, I've found a great selection of healthy snacks.

Don't let rainy days get your down. Just follow the focus28.com Iso-Towel 5-minute workout will speed up your metabolism by combining fat burning, strength and stretch and can be done anytime or anywhere with just a towel!

Good luck...keep cool and stay slim this summer with focus28diet.com!

This week marks the beginning of two things I love; the Summer season ( as of Monday, it is officially Summer) and Health and Beauty Week at Ebates! This year, we have double cash back at nine beautiful stores including; Drugstore.com, Sephora, Nordstrom, Skinstore.com, Yves Rocher, Lancome, Ulta, Philosophy and The Body Shop. With increased cash back ( ranging from 5.0-25.0%), money-saving coupons galore and more free gifts than you can count, Heath and Beauty Week is the time to stock up on everything you need to look and feel your best.

This time of year, it is all about simplifying your health and beauty routine to maximize results with minimal effort. Warm weather brings changing skin concerns; from unwanted oiliness to melting makeup and sun protection, the key is finding the right products so that you can look your best regardless of the fluctuating temperatures. The same is true for haircare. Summer is the time to invest in frizz fighting products and a deep conditioner to combat damage from water, heat and the sun. Also, it is crucial to protect skin with the right sunblock, regardless of how much time you will spend outside. Check out this Video Blog straight from EbatesTV for ideas on everyday sunscreen options and heavy-duty formulas for outdoor activities.

Stay tuned for advice on the best Summer beauty products and how to save and earn more cash back when you stock up!

It happens every gift giving season. The perennial questions: 'What to get someone who has everything?' or 'What to get someone who is impossible to buy for?'

The answers lie at The New York Times Store- where History, Collectibles and Personalized gifts highlight their diverse catalog of items. Shopping at The New York Times Store for dads, grads or any special recipient is easy!

Unique products include:

The Times Of Your Life. The Ultimate Birthday Book which features every New York Times Front page of a special date by year. So if someone is celebrating a 70th birthday, you'll get a bound book with 70 pages, personalized cover and a personalized gold coin with the special milestone date!

Other popular gifts include the Front Page Jigsaw Puzzle. Have a special date you want to remember? Select it, and we'll customize a challenging 350 piece jigsaw puzzle of that date's New York Times front page as well as a high quality reproduction for reference and framing.

Shopping for a frequent world traveler? Then the Personalized World Traveler Map with Push Pins is the perfect gift! Personalized with a name and a message, this framed antique styled map will let anyone pin where they've been.

Numerous other personalized gifts include front page and inside reprints, custom t-shirts, coffee mugs and historic keepsakes and memorabilia.

Don't forget, as an Ebates member, we are offering an exclusive coupon: EBATES which entitles you to FREE shipping on all framed and unframed photography. The store is also a great destination for:

• Collectibles
  
• Replica models
  
• Memorabilia
  
• Newspaper reprints
  
• Sports memorabilia
  
• Historical keepsakes

Regardless of what you shop for at The New York Times Store, you will always earn 2.5% Cash Back when you shop through Ebates!

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.

The Blogmaster General could not have said it better earlier today in his Free Shipping Friday post: the weeks are ticking by and it is already Mother's Day Promotion time around here! This means we are going to give you increased cash back at twelve stores from your favorite department stores to the best online flower sellers and everywhere in between. And, as usual, we are not just giving you more cash back at the best selection of stores, but also exclusive coupons, free shipping and deals galore for more savings. For most of us, shopping for Mother's Day involves buying gifts for more mothers than just our own; friends, grandmothers, mother-in-laws, depending on your relationship, it's nice to acknowledge all the mothers close to you in your life on this special day. Luckily, when you shop through Ebates, buying all of these gifts will not leave you broke and the more you shop, the more cash back you will earn, so take advantage!

Check out all of the stores offering increased cash back and special coupons for Mother's Day and start shopping!

Tomorrow ( April 21st) from 4-5 P.M PST, Ebates and fashion-loving, deal-hunting blogger du jour Bongga Mom will be hosting a fabulous Twitter party full of prizes, fashion tips, coupons and of course cash back. Join us as we curate the party, answer your pressing fashion questions and speak about our favorite stores, coupons and deals while we dole out prizes and our deepest darkest fashion secrets! The evening's prizes include gift cards from Macy's and Bloomingdale's ($20 and $40 increments), necklaces from Dogeared and an ipod Nano! Find out how to RSVP and increase your chances to win prizes here. Here is the lowdown:

What: an Ebates Twitter Party
Why: To share ideas about style, tips on finding great deals -- and win great prizes!
When: Wednesday, April 21th 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 #ebatestyle hashtag (You can use services like TweetChat or TweetGrid to follow the conversation) -- and don't forget to follow your hosts, @bonggafinds and @Ebates, on Twitter throughout the party for contest details, updates, and prize information.

In the meantime, if you have a burning question that your Ebates Bloggers must answer, please put it in the comments below!

Hope to see you there!

I know a lot of the time people ask us "How can I save the most money possible when I shop?" Personally speaking, while shopping through Ebates should be a given, I can't over-stress the importance of using coupons. Whether you are shopping online or in stores and especially restaurants, having a coupon that will help get a little extra money off your bill is essential. That's why we are happy to offer cash back on a great money-saving opportunity: the Entertainment Book.

For those of you who aren't familiar, the Entertainment Book is a collection of coupons for greater metropolitan areas usually, where one can use coupons on a wide range of things, from restaurants to travel, museums, and other attractions all around the area. While the coupons expire at the end of November as memory serves, you'll find that there are almost more deals than you can tackle in a year. I know in the past I've used mine on car rentals, dinners, sporting event tickets, and much more, yet no matter how many coupons I feel like I've used, there still seems to be half a book when the end of the year rolls around.

Best part of all is, at the moment, since we have crept into the month of March, the books are currently just $17.50 with 25.0% Cash Back. It's scary but true, for just over $10 you can get an entire book of coupons for businesses in your area, shipped free!

Find other Printable Coupons right here at Ebates!

Happy Saturday and Happy "Day Before Valentine's Day!" Hopefully you've been able to take advantage of increased cash back during our Valentine's Day promotion, but if not that's okay. Our Presidents Day Double Cash Back is going on now, so the chances to save are endless. Speaking of savings, below is a list of just some of the amazing sales going on this weekend. Enjoy the savings and thanks for shopping with Ebates!

SkinStore - Save 20% off any order with code LUV20 (Exp. 02/15/2010) Plus 6.0% Cash Back!

Bloomingdales - Shop the Big Brown Bag Sale and take 20%-30% off hundreds of hot styles. (Exp. 02/15/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

The Body Shop - Save 25% off select Bath & Body products. (Exp. 02/14/2010) Plus 8.0% Cash Back!

Brookstone - Save up to 60% off clearance items. (Exp. 12/31/2011) Plus 6.0% Cash Back!

Cherry Moon Farms - Save 15% off gift baskets, fruit baskets, sweets and more. (Exp. 02/28/2010) Plus 4.0% Cash Back!

Eastern Mountain Sports - Save up to 60% off Ski & Snowboard Gear. (Exp. 02/16/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

Eddie Bauer - Shop the Winter Clearance Sale and save up to 70% off. (Exp. 02/26/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

Ralph Lauren -  Shop the Last Chance Sale and receive an additional 20% off select items (Exp. 03/01/2010) Plus 3.0% Cash Back!

The Great Indoors - Save 25% off all Energy Star Appliances, 20% off others + No int/pay or Free Delivery (Exp. 02/18/2010) Plus 2.0% Cash Back!

Office Depot - Save up to 40% on your favorite supplies. (Exp. 02/13/2010) Plus 2.0% Cash Back!


See all ways to save here.

Around this time every year my skin wages an outright revolt against the cold temperatures. My already-sensitive skin seems to become a hundred times more sensitive during the Winter months, and I always find myself desperate to calm my skin without having to overhaul my entire skincare and makeup regimen.

Right when I find myself desperate for a solution, I head over to Clinique and find just the right thing to calm my skin that will work with everything I already have. I have only heard good things about Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder ($32.50 with 4.0% Cash Back). Formulated to instantly reduce redness, this "unique mineral formula" cools irritated skin on contact and keeps redness at bay for hours. This sounds like just what I need to calm my red, blotchy, and sensitive skin and make it look better in no time.
And my timing is perfect because from now until January 17th, I can enjoy an exclusive (just for Ebates shoppers) offer from Clinque. When I Spend $25 or more I can get a limited edition cosmetics bag (to keep all of my beauty loot organized) and two travel sized best sellers; Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and the ultra-gentle High-Impact Mascara with code EBATES at checkout. I am always looking for travel-sized beauty items and these will be perfect. Plus, I can never resist an exclusive deal, especially when it comes with buying something I actually need.

Find more exclusive offers or free gifts and get cash back on all your winter skin solutions when you shop through Ebates!

Starting today through December 7th, shop the Macy's Friends and Family Sale (use code EBATESFF09) and get an extra 25% off with Free Shipping on orders of $99+. Plus you will earn 5.0% Cash Back from Ebates (increased for December Double Cash Back), to get even more savings on the best selection of gifts, clothing, accessories, items for the home, and much more!

Be sure to check the Ebates blog for more Friends and Family Sales!

Let's face it, everyone is on Twitter, and now Twitter has become one of the hottest spots to find the latest deals, coupons, and one-day sales this holiday season. Here are five ways you can use Twitter to help you save big this holiday season.


1) Make a List, Check it Twice. Thanks to Twitter's new list-making feature, you can follow all of your favorite brands, retailers and cash-back sites. It's an easy way to stay on top of the latest deals of interest to you. I posted a list recently of 15 to follow for the best holiday deals, including @Ebates (of course!) and @ToysRUs.

2) Fetch Money-Saving Coupons. You'll find that your favorite retailers and brands will tweet coupons from time to time, but it's a matter of waiting for those coupon tweets. Or, you can ask @CouponBot to find coupons for you. Just tweet the store name to @CouponBot and it will fetch coupons for you within seconds. Just one reminder: non-Ebates coupons can sometimes negate your cash back.

3) Find Great Deals in Every Category. One site I love is CheapTweet because it scours Twitter conversations for the best deals and then posts them by category, such as fashion & beauty, tech, entertainment & travel, food and more. The CheapTweet community then votes on the best deals so the truly great ones bubble to the top of each category.

4) Search the Best Deals. Another way to find the best deals is by using the Search box on your Twitter profile page. Just type in what you have your eye on along with the word "deal" or "coupon" to pull up relevant tweets (and possible fantastic deals!).

5) Just Ask. Sometimes you can get a deal or a coupon code by simply asking. Send out a quick tweet to @BestBuy, for example, to see if there are any hidden bargains or promo codes they can share with you. It never hurts to ask.

Have a question about using Twitter to score hot holiday deals? Just leave a comment or reach out to me directly at my blog, Coupon Cravings.  

Well folks, it's officially November. If you're still in disbelief that both the end of the year and the holidays are around the corner, join the club. You see I'm a procrastinator. Someone who shops at the last minute (I'm talking airports while waiting for my flight) and usually when I'm strapped for cash. This year I'm committed to having both ample cash in my pocket and all my presents purchased before they announce my flight is boarding. This is easily achieved now that November is Cash Back Month, during which our top merchants will have increased or doubled (some more than doubled) cash back. Aside from increased cash back, there are also plenty of sales, deals, and special coupons. So stay tuned and relax! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Here are just a few stores stores with increased cash back. See more here.


HSN                 Was 3.0% Cash Back           Now 6.0% Cash Back

Macys              Was 3.0% Cash Back           Now 5.0% Cash Back

Lancome           Was 6.0% Cash Back           Now 12.0% Cash Back

Shutterfly          Was 10.0% Cash Back          Now 15.0% Cash Back

Sears               Was 2.0% Cash Back            Now 4.0% Cash Back

Gap                  Was 2.0% Cash Back           Now 10.0% Cash Back

Sephora            Was 4.0% Cash Back           Now 8.0% Cash Back

Happy Holidays From Ebates!

As most of you are probably aware, one of the main facets of my job is just spending time on Ebates, searching for new sales and coupons to bring to your attention. Generally speaking, it isn't terribly interesting outside of the pure thrill of finding that great bargain and bringing it to all of you. But then again, some days, you get a little thrill from time to time when you are out searching. Today was one of those times.

So I was clicking around, just like any other day, and I happened across a coupon from a book merchant, Alibris. I've known the site - being a literature nerd, I tend to know most all book merchants rather well. But this coupon code jumped out at me, not just because of the interesting figure, but because of the code itself. From now through Halloween, if you enter coupon code "GANDALF" you can save $4 on any purchase $40 or more. I thought this was a wonderful idea and a great code, so I went to the Alibris coupons page. What did I discover? A whole slew of coupons, all connected to characters from Lord of the Rings, all for a different dollar amount. They were all there - FRODO, SAMWISE, GALADRIEL, even SAURON.

These are the small joys in life, when I find a fun merchant who comes up with a great set of coupons with thematic names. Of course it doesn't hurt that you also get 3.0% Cash Back. I am almost tempted to spend the next few minutes entering in other Lord of the Rings words just to see what happens. Maybe if I type in Gollum, I'll get a free ring...

What coupons will you find? Just look at the Ebates coupon page to find them all!

A little while back, I received an email about Electronics Expo being added to Ebates. I recognized the name, but only insofar as the two words looked good with one another.

But wait... weren't they the place I got something for my old Canon PowerShot a while back? And Indeed I had. I finally remembered picked up a little camera bag that was on sale with an Electronics Expo coupon I had found a while back. Everything had gone just fine; my bag was promptly shipped, it was brand new as advertised, and it came within a week. Really, what more do you need than that?

Now, they're on Ebates, which means you can earn 2% Cash Back on yet another great place to check for low prices on the internet. The more the merrier, I always say! We've got a bunch of coupons too (including a gaggle of dollar-off codes that are good for practically any order), so give 'em a look next time you're in the mood for a deal!

As not only an employee but also a shopper of Ebates, I have grown especially fond of coupons. There is nothing more satisfying than getting a great deal, cash back and then adding in a coupon for additional savings. It is for this exact reason that I always check out Sears, because not only do they have a selection that rivals most merchants (from drill bits to diamonds and everything in between) there are a ton of Sears Coupons and 2% Cash Back from Ebates.

To give you some idea just what I mean when I say that we have a ton of Sears coupons, we currently have over eighty coupons offering savings on outdoor goods, tools, tires, apparel, and more. Find Sears coupons for discounts, special sales, online only offers, and even money off coupons. One of the best offers is an online exclusive for an extra $15-$20 off lawn and garden orders of $150 or more. So you can shop already reduced lawn and garden items and take an extra $20 off and get cash back too!

Shop all the Sears coupons or coupons for all Ebates merchants.

Banana Republic has always been a leading destination for chic-yet-affordable fashion and accessories. When I am on the hunt for the perfect necklace to pair with a new top, or a flashy cocktail ring to update last season's little black dress, I head over to Ebates, then to Banana Republic and always find just what I need to spice up my wardrobe. And, with 2% Cash Back from Ebates and Banana Republic coupons, their affordable jewelery is even more affordable!

I am currently lusting for this Multi-Chain Necklace that is reasonably priced at $79.50. This piece will add a little bit of edge to even the most basic ensembles and more importantly will not break the bank either. And, I will save more when I use Banana Republic coupon code FREE150 at checkout and get complimentary shipping on my order of $150 or more!

Find a complete list of coupons at 1,000+ online stores with cash back at Ebates!

As a young buck, I spent most of my time saving my money just to blow it on some kind of designer piece; be it a handbag, top, dress, or shoes. These days, I save with the same efficiency but for more practical things like a roof over my head or sustenance. While I do get warm and fuzzy feelings about being practical, nothing replaces the excitement from buying something I really want. When I am fiending for something new and fabulous, I always check out eLUXURY, where I can get 1% Cash Back from Ebates and access to eLUXURY Coupons and special discounts.

Shop eLUXURY for designer labels like Louis Vuitton and Fendi and contemporary fashions from Rag & Bone, Elizabeth and James, Marc by Marc Jacobs and many more. And right now, they are having 40% off most of their huge selection of inventory. So swing by Ebates, check out some eLUXURY Coupons and reel in the savings with cash back and hot deals!

Find more coupons for discount clothing!

Shop on!

Here at Ebates, the Daily Doubles are starting to pick back up, so that means you now have even more opportunities to earn cash back on your purchases at some of our most popular stores. And if there is one store that is consistently in our list of "most popular stores" it would be Sears.

I don't know where to begin when discussing all the great deals that can be found at Sears; from swimwear to power tools, they really have it all! And today, they have all their great products with 4% Cash Back - that's a great one-two punch of savings! But if that weren't enough, you can check out the Sears page at Ebates for a complete listing of Sears Coupons from all their various departments. There are even some free shipping deals, and you know what a soft spot I have for those.

But hurry, starting at midnight tonight, Sears will be back down to 2% Cash Back, so if you really want to save money, you'd better act fast!

One thing that deters me from online shopping is the fact that I'm impatient and hate waiting for packages to arrive. At the same time, I hate letting "free money" with cash back from Ebates go to waste! There are several stores on Ebates where you can get the best of both worlds.

Shortly before Christmas and the arrival of my second child, I was in search of a new camera. Being the frugal shopper that I am, I wanted to find the best value. Aside from product reviews and ratings, what I was looking for were discount codes, free shipping offers, gift with purchases, rebates, and (of course) the highest percentage of cash back through Ebates.

I settled on a camera that I found at Best Buy that was on sale and came with a free memory card. Best Buy only has 1% Cash Back, but because Best Buy offers in-store pickup I was able to purchase it online through Ebates and have it in my hot little hand the very same day. I didn't have to pay shipping and I didn't have to wait anxiously for my package to arrive, yet I still earned cash back.

For in-store pickup at Best Buy just follow these easy steps:

1. Place your item in your cart and click the "Pick Up" button (this button is selectable only for products with store pickup availability).

2. Click "Select Store."

3. Enter your ZIP code or city/state and click "Find Nearest Stores."

4. Click "Select" next to the store with the item in stock where you'd like to pick up your purchase.

5. After you get through checkout, wait to receive two e-mails from Best Buy:

Order confirmation e-mail -- Verifies they've received your store pickup order.

Store pickup notification e-mail -- Confirms that your order is in stock and available for pickup. It will also walk you through the steps you'll take when you get to the store.

(This e-mail arrives within 45 minutes on average during store hours.)

There are four stores on Ebates that offer in-store pickup: Best Buy, Home Depot, Walmart, and The Container Store.

The next time you are shopping for a big ticket item like a new dishwasher or a lawnmower, don't forget about in-store pick up, and remember to shop with Ebates! Don't lose out on all that cash back!

How about that American Idol? I don't mean to spoil it for anyone with the finale sitting at home on their DVR, but yesterday saw the crowning of America's newest Idol - Kris Allen. Yes, little country boy Kris beat the flashy Adam Lambert in one of the most-watched finales in Idol history. Yet, even if you did miss the big finale (or the entire season), you can go back and watch it on iTunes and get 3% Cash Back with no promotion codes to boot!

Yes, that's right - you can get iTunes Cash Back on all your iTunes purchases. While we don't currently have any iTunes coupons, 3% Cash Back on all your music, movies, movie rentals, TV shows, and App Store purchases is such a good deal, you'd be silly to skip over it! With exclusive American Idol downloads, behind-the-scenes performances, and more, iTunes and Ebates are a perfect fit for one another!

So before you buy another song, start saving with online rebates and cash back on all your iTunes purchases. Don't forget about our Apple Store coupons and other great deals, too!

Home Shopping Network devotees like myself know to shop HSN for fashion forward brands, luxurious beauty lines, and innovative home decor. What many so-called insiders don't know, is until May 26th, you'll receive extra Cash Back of 6% at HSN. That's right, double cash back on top of HSN coupons. Need I say more?

Purveyor of all that is cool, HSN carries something for everyone. Fashionistas will love shopping Sam Edelman shoes and Paige Premium Denim. Beauty addicts will swoon over skincare by Pangea Organics and fragrances by Sarah Jessica Parker. For the queen of domesticity there's Ty Pennington furniture and Todd English cookware. With so many brand names, there's no reason to shop anywhere else. If, however, you need a little nudge (or you just love a good discount), new members will save 15% off their first purchase with HSN coupon C56574. Great deals on great products? Only with Ebates and HSN!

Enjoy huge deals and extra cash back with Ebates Memorial Day merchants!

After being on a shopping diet for a few weeks, I have emerged more eager than ever to make some serious progress on "Operation Wardrobe Rejuvenation." Stalking various retailers who offer cash back and online coupon codes through Ebates, I feel like I have all the options in the world quench my desire to shop!

Enter the Shopbop Friends and Family sale, where you can take 25% off your entire order with Shopbop coupon code INTHEFAMILY25 at checkout. I took advantage of the instant savings and bought a couple of things I had been lusting after and saved over $140 on my entire order. One purchase was this Rag & Bone Wide Stripe Top for $175, with 6% Cash Back. It will be easy to throw this on with a cute pair of jeans and a flat sandal for a look that its both understated and incredibly chic. Now is the perfect time to snag some jeans too, like these lightweight J Brands because with a 25% off Shopbop Coupon, I can get more and save more on the items I have been coveting! Success!

Looking for more Coupons?

Every woman has a weakness. For the purpose of this blog, my weakness (among many other things) is t-shirts. Lots, and lots of t-shirts. But even a t-shirt collector like myself can get tired of the basics and seek something just as comfortable but with a little pizazz. Look no further than the spring collection at JCrew where you can find an array of t-shirts and other items too that are ready to inspire even the most seasoned shopper. Shop through Ebates, get 1% Cash Back and coupons on whatever it is you love to buy at JCrew.

I am going to get this Tissue chiffon-trim tee, now on sale for just $29.50. Although there are no JCrew Coupons available to me at the moment, I am still saving when I shop for t-shirts like this one, which is on sale. Plus, I'll earn cash back through Ebates on all of my purchase. So when a girl can have cash back, a good deal and something she loves, it's hard not to get a little weak in the knees.

I've developed an obsession with shopping for engagement rings. While this may not seem strange on the surface, you should know that I don't want a wedding and I am not sure if I even want to get married. But, I do find great pleasure in browsing engagement rings that I may never receive. Why am I telling you this random, possibly embarrassing fact? Because it's my job to spread the good word, and the the good word is "Ebay with 3% Cash Back, discounts, and coupons." Shopping on Ebay through Ebates has opened up a whole new wold of fantasy engagement ring shopping. Not only do I have access to every style of ring possible both new and antique, I can also get the best price, special Ebay coupons with discounts, and I'll get cash back too (for when I am ready to take the plunge).

So if you have any fantasy shopping behavior or if you have a special someone that you would like to surprise with something sparkly, hit up Ebates and Ebay.

Find all coupons and discounts here.

Folks, you know me. I love Old Navy. Chances are if you're reading this, you love Old Navy. I also love Old Navy coupons, and while they are rare, every now and again one comes down the pipeline. Being an Ebates blogger, I keep my eye on our coupons page for Old Navy coupons, and when one pops up, I go a little crazy.

In addition to flat seven dollar shipping from Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Piperlime, there are all sorts of deals to be found on clothing, accessories, underthings, swimwear, and more. Plus, if you have an Old Navy card, you'll be saving even more money with increased online rebates both from Ebates and from Old Navy.

So head over to the Ebates coupon page, see if there are any Old Navy coupons that you can take advantage of, and start saving more with coupons and 1% cash back!

When it comes to buying "underthings" it seems that most people who enjoy shopping fall on either end of the spectrum, you either love to buy underwear or hate it. Regardless of which end you find yourself on, when the right deal comes at the right time, you just need to buy...

Like when you have a Fresh Pair coupon offering 10% off all orders (excludes sale items) with free shipping and 6% Cash Back from Ebates. With a deal like this, you must ask yourself, is there a better time to buy underwear, especially when you shop for it, in your underwear!

Find underwear, socks, sleepwear, shapewear, and much more for men and women from hundreds of top brands including Calvin Klein, Wacoal, Hanky Panky, Hanes, and many more. Fresh Pair has made intimates shopping online incredibly simple with shop by size or shop by category/fit sections so that you can seamlessly save money and get the garment you are looking for.


Discover more discount lingerie and Ebates coupons.

If you've ever been watching TV and thought to yourself "Wow, where could I get that?", ShopNBC just might be your answer. With our outstanding ShopNBC coupons and 3% cash back at Ebates, you'll be getting great deals on all that stuff you might see on TV too!

All kinds of great Shop NBC coupons, deals, sales, and free coupons can be found at ShopNBC, including sweet watches, jewelery, makeup, electronics, and more! Seeing as I don't need to beautiful my gloriously pale, nerdy skin, I opt to save on the electronics - I need a new compact about as much as any other young electronic-loving man trapped in a discount stores, sale coupons, and online coupon codes online sale blog. Or something like that. In other words: not too much.

Now that you're ready to save, hop on over to Ebates and get cash back on almost every purchase you make online. Now go get those coupons and start saving yourself some money, ya hear!?

I don't think I'm surprising anyone by saying that Sears provides amazing deals on a huge range of products from home and decor items to appliances, clothing, and even automotive supplies.  Chances are you've all been to their stores and you've all seen this selection firsthand. However, what you may not know is that Ebates has an abundance of Sears Coupons to help you get what you want for even less.

We already offer 2% cash back on all purchases at Sears, so why not save even more? Apply some Sears Coupons to save extra money on your purchases, like this coupon for an extra 10% off the sale price of appliances plus free delivery, or this coupon for $90 off a Panasonic SD flash memory camcorder.

So remember, shop through Ebates, earn cash back, and use Sears Coupons for the ultimate savings!

Easter is April 12 this year and my friend over at the Wild Planet Toy Store kindly agreed to give fellow Ebates shoppers a special discount on toy purchases.

It's simple - just go to the Wild Planet Toy Store, pick out a bunch of stuff that you wish had been around when you were a kid, then after checkout, enter EBATES in the Coupon Code field on the payment screen.

Click "Redeem It" and you'll receive 3% off the price of your purchase. This 3% discount is offered in addition to the 3% cash back you'll get in your Ebates big fat check.

Extra bonus: the discounts count toward the purchase of bundles, including those that are already discounted up to 15%. The only thing you can't use the additional discount for is the purchase of gift certificates (but you probably knew that already).

For those with toy buying needs beyond Easter, my buddy said he'd extend the discount and honor the code for all purchases made between now and (including) April 30, 2009. So you can stock up on birthday presents too!

What I like best about the Wild Planet Toy Store is that they carry the complete line of Wild Planet toys, so you can get everything at one place, which increases your savings on shipping.  (In case you're wondering, I don't work for the Toy Store, I work for the company that makes the toys - a  totally separate group of people.)

As one of few "big box" stores left standing, you're probably not too surprised to hear that Best Buy coupons are some of the most in-demand coupons around Ebates. With such a great selection of electronics ranging from washers and dryers and car stereo equipment, to HDTVs and GPS systems, Best Buy has long been the brick-and-mortar leader of all things electronics. Thanks to the 1% cash back at Ebates that you can get just by shopping online at Best Buy through Ebates, you can have all the selection of your local store at your fingertips at any time - with extra Best Buy coupons, to boot!

What kind of Best Buy Coupons do we have up to offer today? Well, for starters, there's a bevy of $4.99 DVDs to choose from (including a $5.99 Disney Animation Sale), and of course their 10% Off Select Major Appliances as well! And, in case you missed it, there's even 5% - 15% Off Select Digital Cameras and 5% - 22% Off Select GPS Receivers too!

Any way you look at it, we've got tons of great Best Buy coupons. And if you don't like Best Buy coupons, well, we've probably got whatever it is you do like. With over 1000+ merchants to choose from, you're bound to find something great at Ebates!

Alas, yet another Super Bowl Sunday in America is right around the corner. Most people have their traditions, getting together with family, deep frying things, drunken brawls with cousins post-game...I unfortunately do not have any longstanding traditions to look forward to. However, this year a very exciting event has peaked my interest (other than the prospect of baked macaroni and cheese and short lines at the supermarket during game time). In an unlikely match up, Sephora (those geniuses) is offering celebratory free shipping on every order from 1/31 to 2/2 with coupon code SUPERBOWL at checkout. Quite honestly, is there a more appropriate way to show my unbiased support of both teams and the great tradition of football than sitting in the comfort of my own home, face deep in junk food, shopping for makeup with free shipping and 4% cash back? I think not.

I can say for sure that a replacement tube of Makeup Forever Smoky Lash will be in my shopping cart, and I wholeheartedly recommend that you put one in yours too. As if I needed an excuse to praise my newest mascara obsession... allow me to list some things that make it praiseworthy. First, in a time where a $30 mascara doesn't cause beauty junkies to bat an eye, the $22 price is reasonable; especially with respect to how well this mascara works. It is at least four separate formulas in one. It thickens, lengthens, and holds a fantastic curl whilst providing the darkest black pigment without weighing lashes down. And for those of you traditionalists out there who are put off by the novelty application brush of some brands (Givenchy's Phenomen' Eyes, I still love you, I really do) Smoky Lash has the "Cadillac" of application brushes: perfect. classic. reliable. Makes any woman want to lash up.


This Superbowl, begin your own tradition with the help of Sephora and get free shipping on your favorite products (need I remind you, that it is like getting $5.95 off), 4% cash back, and something pretty to look forward to in five to seven business days.

Shop on!

In an act of utter kindness, the calendar has given us a long weekend that happens to encompass one very special day. That day would be Valentine's Day. Typically V-day falls on a Tuesday, Thursday, or the night before the big presentation is due. In the past, Valentine's Day has always consisted of running home from work, throwing on whatever looks "cute", and waiting for a table while seated at the bar. By the time the bf and I are actually able to sit down to a meal, we're both too drunk and too cranky to enjoy ourselves. The evening is a blur, and next thing I know, it's time to get ready for work again.

So much for romance.

This year, though, the stars have aligned, and I intend on making this weekend the best it can be. I'm sure you'll want to do the same. So with that in mind, here are some weekend getaway ideas. These places are sure to put the spark back in your relationship, without burning a hole in your pocket.

For those looking for a little less conversation, a little more action, Vegas is where it's at. Book by February 28th, and enjoy flight plus two nights hotel accommodations starting at $180. Shopping at Expedia gets you 1% cash back.

Note To Reader: Vegas weddings are in fact legal marriages, so please think twice.


Sailing is the new flying, only the food is way better. Shop CheapTickets and sail for as low as $47 a night, plus enjoy other savings such as free onboard spending. CheapTickets will get you $2 cash back.

Note To Reader: Although the food is delicious and abundant, consuming 10,000 calories a day will have you in the hands of the ship's nurse. Unlike the commercials, she is not a bikini goddess.


The Tudor Dynasty was an English family known for ending the War of The Roses, and for losing their wives. The Tudor Hotel in New York is known for being a historical landmark, and for having rooms as low as $107 a night. Receive $3 cash back.

Note To Reader: Book through Orbitz and say forget about it. The price, not your wife.


With the airlines needing a kidney just to check your baggage, renting a car is more sensible than ever. The perks include exploring what lays beyond the backyard, and paying as little as $13.95 to do so. Rent your car through Hotwire and receive 2% cash back.

Note To Reader: Make use of comforts such as extended leg room and a guaranteed window seat. There is no in-flight movie, however use of electronics is always acceptable.

Have a Great Trip!

While magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Lucky are showing off the must-have Spring trends, I can't help but think shopping for Spring is asinine when the weather is twenty five degrees with a chance of snow. Such was the weather during a recent trip home to the cold tundra that is Boston. While on a shopping excursion, I couldn't help but notice mannequins already donning Spring garb, as if unaware of the fresh blanket of snow that covered the city. I wandered into one of these stores and immediately ran into a woman clutching a pair of linen shorts I deemed inappropriate for anyone other than Paris Hilton. Not looking clinically insane or like a street walker, I naturally assumed she was buying resort wear. Once I overheard (eavesdropped on) her conversation, I understood the reasoning behind her out-of-season shop fest. The pile of clothing she was guarding as if she thought it might disappear was chock full of sale items. Some from as early as pre-Fall, which, having the same weather as Spring, was enough to get me digging too. When it comes to sales, I am not too proud to dig through last season's goods in search of a great deal.

When the deal's as good as an extra 30% off all items at Tobi, there's nothing stopping me from stocking up for Spring '09. Hey, why pay full price when you can look as chic for half? It's this mentality that had me scouring Tobi in search of something new and fresh to take me out of my Winter woes. Whether it's something new, or something tried and true, there's plenty to get you digging the cyber way.

This Rendezvous Clutch From Rebecca Minkoff is done in the bright neon shades I'm loving for Spring. Since this clutch is from RM's Spring Collection, getting 30% off is enough to get even the most reserved shopper swinging her Visa. Now just $263, I'll save a whopping $112 off the original. Savvy shopping never looked so good.

When it comes to men, I often feel the male of the species gets the shorter hand, and too often does Men's fashion take a backseat. Much to the dismay of the bf, it's not uncommon for the current issue of GQ to go missing, or for the latest copy of Antenna to reach my hands before he can even check the mail. I've always considered fashion an art form, with men being no exception. For those who are up on their fashion game, Tobi is home to such fashion forward labels as J.Lindeberg, PS By Paul Smith, Comme Des Garcons, and Opening Ceremony.

This Volterra Motorcycle Jacket by S.W.O.R.D. is a fresh take on what is otherwise a classic jacket. The streamlined mandarin collar and slim fit help to offset rough elbow patches and an abundance of zippers. This jacket is the perfect hybrid of downtown tough and uptown chic, making it the easiest piece in your wardrobe to dress around. Once selling for $913, this jacket is on sale for just $456. From now until Thursday take an extra 30% off, and you'll end up saving $600 off the original. Add 5% cash back, and watch the savings add up.

When thinking of what to write for today's blog, I started off the same way I always do. I found some cute items, a few sales, and a tiny anecdote to tie everything together and hopefully entertain. I started to write about my years of working retail, and always having to work on MLK weekend. I was going to do a blog on how happy I was to have a full three day weekend, and what I would buy, etc, etc, etc. The more I thought of a funny story to interject, the more I realized I was missing the point entirely. Today is not about sales, an extra day off, or increased discounts. Today is about freedom, and the impact one man had on an entire nation in pursuit of freedom. Today is about Martin Luther King Jr. Today is about the civil rights movement, equality for all, and a better world. Today is not just about how far we've come, but how far we have to go.

With that being said, it is rather impossible to escape the plethora of sales going on, and being that the economy is in the dumps, if there is any shopping you have in mind, here's a list of sales and deals to save you money. Happy shopping and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

- Receive an 18pc Gift Set with a Beauty or Fragrance Purchase of $85
Available at Nordstrom       3% Cash Back

- Get up to 75% Off During the Winter Clearance Sale
Available at Ice.com          4% Cash Back 

- Use Code AFF20 and take $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more
Available at Bluefly            4% Cash Back

- Save up to 70% during the Winter Clearance Sale
Available at Jos. A. Bank   5% Cash Back

- Extra 40% Off Outerwear For Him and Her
Available at SmartBargains  3% Cash Back

- 10pc Sample Kit With Every Purchase. Use Code SKINTREATS
Available at Sephora          4% Cash Back

- Additional 40% Off Already Reduced Sale Items
Available at WhiteHouse/BlackMarket  2% Cash Back

- 20% Off Purchase of $60 or More. Use Code WWINTER3
Available at Woman Within  3% Cash Back

- Save up to 70% On Fine Jewelry
Available at Sears             2% Cash Back

- 20% Off Entire Purchase With Code SHOP
Available at Lord & Taylor  4% Cash Back  

If there's one thing I am looking forward to during an otherwise bland month such as January, it's the upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama. Politics aside, now is a time to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than with a party? For such a significant party theme as an inauguration, there's going to be some prep involved. Luckily Ebates has countless merchants that provide everything you need to get the party started. Here's a rundown of what you'll need to throw the best inauguration party anyone's seen in eight years.

Decorations

There's something about trying to beat the living daylights out of a candy-stuffed object that's just fun. Kids love pinatas because of the candy inside. Adults however, seems to be a little too eager for cheap gum and low quality chocolate, leading me to think the reason behind trying to massacre a papier-mache form is because it offers a sort of stress release. Going with this theme, it only makes sense to pick a pinata that represents your scapegoat of stress. Unfortunately, finding pinatas in the shape of your boss's head is rather hard. Finding them in the shape of say... Dick Cheney is easy thanks to Pinatas.com. This site boasts enough pinatas to satisfy anyone's taste, including my ultra-Republican aunt. As much as I love her, talking politics with her is a sure way to cause a ruckus, in which case we simply agree to disagree. On top of pinatas, this site sells both costumes and party supplies, all with a pleasant 6% cash back. For easy planning I suggest the Election Time Party Kit. Only $39.99 this kit include plates, cutlery, streamers, confetti... you get the point.
Whatever party you're planning (or whichever party you belong to) this one stop shop has you covered.

Food and Drink


When planning a party, feeding your guests should be the number one priority. A hungry guest is likely to drink more to compensate for the lack of food, ultimately creating a house full of drunk, obnoxious people you once thought pleasant. Avoid the post-party awkward moments by ensuring there's plenty of food to go around. Unless you're the type who enjoys cooking for an army, I suggest catering as a means of effectively feeding the ravenous masses. Having aluminum tins filled with steaming lasagna can equal death to your clean carpets, so skip the furious scrubbing at 11pm and order from Appetizerstogo.com. Whether it's bleu cheese & bacon burgers, or shrimp dumplings, this site has an overwhelming selection of bite size food perfect for keeping things (and guests) normal. Another incentive should be receiving 5% cash back, something not available to you at the local deli. The mouth-watering selection is so good, I'm now starving after having browsed the site. Not wanting to keel over and die of starvation, I'm now off to satisfy my hunger of a different kind, the shoe kind.

As we are rushing towards the last day to buy gifts online and have them arrive via standard delivery in time for Christmas, procrastinators out there had better hop to it and start shopping. I bought my first gift yesterday. It was actually inadvertent. While I was not technically gift shopping for my own benefit, I was looking for gifts to feature here on the blog. While most of the time these things overlap, and I do buy the things I gush and swoon over, there are other things that come my way and get passed along that do not always make it to my doorstep.

Today I navigated to the Bloomingdale's site to find a vibrant graphic on the homepage nearly impossible to ignore. I am pretty sure most people in the office surrounding me saw the glow of the webpage coming off my computer.



There it was, staring back at me in big letters: "Our Biggest Sale...Take 40% off a Large Selection" (pictured above).

While 40% off is nothing to turn your nose at, these days it is enough to cause increased blood pressure or your memorized credit card number to start pacing around your head either. My next stop was the Ebates coupon page, where I discovered a coupon offering an additional 20% off (with code SAVEMORE) and free shipping on orders of $100+ (with code SHIPXMAS). Now I am ready to shop. Before I knew it, my brother's Christmas present was purchased and on its way to his house in five to seven business days. And my bank account was barely phased, which is even more exciting.



I picked him up a pair of these Joseph & Lyman Shearling gloves, originally $95. Once all was said and done, these ended up being just about $45 with 3% cash back. Plus, if you want to earn free shipping (by getting the order over $100) you can shop for yourself and even ship to multiple addresses!

Shop on!

Greetings gentle readers, I can't believe it's already Friday again. Time flies when you're blogging for Ebates!

So with no further ado, I'll jump right into the great free shipping deals we have to offer for the coming week. There are a few expiring today, so I'll be quick as I can be...

Friday, September 12th
- Compact Appliance is offering free shipping on hundreds of items & 15% off select product categories so you can find some great deals on the appliances of your dreams that won't take up a lot of space, then get them shipped to your door for nothing.

- Fossil is ending their free shipping deal today as well. While you're here, I feel really inclined to recommend the Drew Driver Cap from them. While I realize this may mean they sell out before I get one for myself, I haven't seen a cap this good looking in a long time, so this is the perfect way to take advantage of your free shipping option.

Saturday, September 13th
- It may be a little limited, but Best Buy is offering free shipping on all Samsung TVs right now. You may not get it in time for this week's football games, but you'll get it soon, and you'll get it shipped free.

- Keeping with the football theme, Dick's Sporting Goods is offering free shipping on all NFL jerseys and apparel, so you can wear your team's jersey and impress all your friends with your loyalty to the team, even if you're a Niners fan.

Sunday, September 14th
- eLUXURY is offering free shipping on orders over $200. Some exclusions do apply, but those of us with high-end tastes know: it doesn't take long to rack up $200 in purchases at eLUXURY.

- Lee Jeans has free shipping on all orders over $25.

- YOOX has free shipping on everything. No minimums, no restrictions, no strings attached, just good old fashioned free shipping on anything and everything.

Monday, September 15th
- Joann Fabrics has free shipping on orders over $35, so for you crafty folks, jump on free shipping and get a head start on any and all gift making fun. Just make sure you use code AUGFSA835

Tuesday September 16th
- Kohl's will ship any order over $75 for free, so you can pick out some of the latest Fall fashions for a whole lot less.

- Protect your lips and save money: Benefit Cosmetics is offering free shipping on orders if you purchase benetint lip balm with SPF15 protection. Use code BALMBENE, and your lips and your pocketbook will say thanks.

Thursday, September 18th
- REI is promoting its eVent with free shipping on all orders. This is the outdoorsman's (or women's) dream come true!

Friday September 19th
- Enjoy free shipping on orders from SmartBargains over $75. With their wide array of products, it would be hard not to find something you wanted to get shipped to your door for free.

Finally... one last heads up.  Through next Sunday, September 21st, Saks Fifth Avenue is offering free shipping on all orders over $150 with coupon code WANTIT. Show how much you want it by going crazy on all the amazing fashion there is to be found at Saks, and get it all shipped for nothing.

Good to see you all again for yet another thrilling installment of Free Shipping Friday.  Being the beginning of the month, there aren't really a ton of free shipping deals that are running out soon, but there are a couple that bear mention, plus there are a few that you've got some time to act on, but you'll want that time, because they're great deals.

Luckily for you, there are no free shipping deals expiring today, so you'll have at least 24 hours to act on anything I post today. So with no further ado, here we go...

Saturday September 6th
- For you computer-savvy folks, HP Home and Home Office is making printing a little sweeter. They are offering free next business day shipping on all HP ink, toner, and paper.

Monday September 8th
- Benefit Cosmetics is offering you the chance to take advantage of their employees' expertise, with free shipping on all of the staff picks products

Tuesday September 9th
- For the young reader in your family, The Scholastic Store is offering up to 75% off a number of their products in addition to free shipping on all orders over $39 with coupon code BTSFS08

Thursday September 11th
- Biotherm is giving you the chance to look years younger and feel even better with free shipping on all orders with the coupon code SHIP98

Friday September 12th
- Fossil has free shipping on all orders. I know this doesn't expire until next week, but it's not every day you get free shipping without a catch, and I am a big fan of a number of their products. Most people only think of watches and accessories when they hear the name "Fossil", but if you visit their online store, you'll see they have much more to offer beyond that. Also, make sure to use coupon code CJFREE08 to get that free shipping!

Sunday September 14th
- YOOX is offering free shipping on everything as well. They're even taking the ease of free shipping a step further: you don't even need a coupon code to get your free shipping! You just need to shop buy, and check out to get free shipping on everything, large and small.

Monday September 15th
- For our "crafty" users, Joann Fabrics offers free shipping on all orders over $30 with coupon code AUGFSA835. If you enjoy doing some craft work, or just want to get a jump on making your own Halloween costume, this is a great way to save some coin in the process.

There you have it -- I'll be back later this afternoon with my weekend activities pick, and I'll be back same time (give or take) next week with another installment of Free Shipping Friday!

Before I get into listings for today, I will warn you ahead of time - there are far too many coupons expiring on the 31st for me to even scratch the surface of listing them all. If you want to see every single deal to be had, click on the picture above and it should take you to the sorted list (at least I think it should, assuming my computing skills are up to snuff) where you can see every single free shipping deal sorted by their "about to expire" status.

Still, just because I am sending you in that direction, it doesn't mean that I can't keep up the end of my bargain, and let you know about some of the highlights of our free shipping deals for the upcoming week. 

Friday, August 29th
- The Palm Store has free shipping on everything. So pick up a PDA or a SmartPhone and get it shipped for free.

Saturday, August 30th
- Benefit Cosmetics is offering free shipping on all orders in the U.S. with the code AUGUSHIP

Sunday August 31st
- For all the young readers in your life who have gone back to school, The Scholastic Store is offering free shipping on all orders of $39 or more.
- For the end-of-summer baby rush, Baby Universe has free shipping for all orders over $99, so stock up on binkies and diapers while you can get them sent to you for free.
- Boden is one of my new favorite apparel stores, and ending on Sunday, they have free shipping and returns plus ten percent off. Jump on it while you can, and get 5% Cash Back from Ebates. 
- As I mentioned last week, Dickies has free shipping on all orders through the 31st. I love everything they make, pretty much, and I love that I can get it shipped to me for free.
- Ralph Lauren has an interesting offer: if you buy two or more regular priced polo shirts or chinos, you get free shipping on your order. Seems like a great deal to me.
- C&C California has free shipping on every purchase as long as you enter the code FREE808 at checkout time.
- Sephora is offering free shipping on all orders over $50
- You can get free shipping on all orders through the end of Sunday at Wet Seal

Monday, September 1st
- BagsBuy has free shipping and free returns, so over the weekend, take a chance on the handbag that you may have been hesitating on. Even if you don't like it, it won't cost you a dime to return it.

Tuesday, September 2nd
- Timbuk2 has free shipping on any orders over $75 as long as you use the coupon code ShipAug. If you're buying a new bag, chances are it's over $75 anyways, so you might as well save a little extra coin
- If you're thinking of popping the question, or just want to surprise that special someone with a diamond, Ultra Diamonds has free shipping through August 2nd with code LABOR

Wednesday, September 3rd
- Shutterfly is offering free shipping on all their photo books. I speak from personal experience when I say that these make fantastic gifts for every occasion. Plus Ebates offers 8% Cash Back as well.

Thursday September 4th
- Biotherm is making looking good a little less expensive. Through September 4th, get free shipping on any anti-aging set with the code AGEFIT.
- Cooking.com is cooking up a great deal with free shipping on all orders over $99. Get all the latest kitchen gadgets and gizmos, and get them sent to you for free with code C98859.
- Costume SuperCenter is giving you the chance to plan ahead for Halloween and make sure that you get the costume you want. Use the code SHOPEARLY and get free expedited ground shipping on any order over $40.

I'll be back shortly with the weekend fun idea. Until then, make sure you hop on some of these great deals on free shipping before the products you want get snatched up!

And we even have a banner to make it official! So as another Friday morning dawns upon us, I am happy to bring you this week's worth of free shipping deals. Some are rather time sensitive, so I'll be brief and get those out to you ASAP, and some that come later are simply too good to pass up. So with no further ado, here we go:

Expiring Friday, August 22nd:
- Lancome is offering a great deal: they are giving you Free Shipping and a Deluxe Sample Collection with code BLACKCARAT. It's only good through midnight, so hop on this for free shipping and free goodies.
- Red Envelope is offering free shipping on all orders over $75 for the rest of the day today.

Expiring Saturday, August 23rd:
- Both Best Buy and Target have a slew of free shipping offers. Too many to list here, but look either of them up on the coupons page and search by store to find all their deals.
- Radio Shack is offering free shipping on all orders over $25 ending Saturday at midnight.

Expiring Sunday, August 24th:
- Bloomingdale's is wrapping up their Free Shipping on orders of $200 or more with code SHIP17 at midnight Sunday.
- Lee Jeans also has Free Shipping on Orders of $25 or More through the end of the weekend.
- Macy's is offering Free Shipping with a $125 Home purchase. Just use the promo code SHIPHOME.

Expiring Monday, August 25th:
- Kohl's is offering Free Shipping on all orders $75 or more through Monday.
- L'Occitane has Free Shipping with the purchase of any two hair care products.
- In the spirit of Michael Phelps, Speedo USA is giving you Free Shipping on all orders with code SPFREESHIP.

Expiring Wednesday, August 27th:
- The Artful Home wants you to add a little flair to your walls, all the while enjoying Free Shipping on every order with Code: FREESHIP88.
- Catherine's has Free Shipping on all orders over $75 with code 776930604.
- Not do be outdone by her friend Catherine, Delia is offering Free Shipping on orders over $75 with code DWKAFF at dELiA*s

Expiring Thursday, August 28th:
It seems like Thursday is the last day to make your world a little bit more of a beautiful place...
- Avon is offering Free Shipping on orders of $40 or more.
- Fashion Bug is offering Free Shipping on any order of $75 or more with code 776224503.
- Giorgio Armani Beauty is also offering Free Shipping on orders over $50, and throwing in some Deluxe Samples as long as you enter the coupon code AUGUST when you check out.

Those are the head-turning deals for this week in shipping. There are a few more coming as we hit the end of August that I'll give you the heads up on two deals that I'm excited about which both expire on the 31st:

First, Champion Catalog has Free Shipping on all orders, which means you can stock up on all sorts of great tees and athletic wear for back-to-school time.  The other is that Dickies is offering Free Shipping on all orders as well. I've gushed about Dickies on this blog before, and with the 5% you get back from Ebates, I can almost guarantee I'm going to be taking advantage of this opportunity.

Greetings, shoppers. Due to popular demand this will be the first of regular weekly installments of "Free Shipping Fridays" where I will be outlining some of the tastier choices for free shipping coupons offered by Ebates merchants for the upcoming week. I'll still be displaying my dazzling with and charm in the other blog postings, but these will be all about getting the information to you in the easiest and quickest ways possible. So here we go, in order of expiration, your free shipping deals:

There are three coupons that expire at the end of the day today, August 15th:

Champs Sports is offering free shipping on all orders over $50 with coupon code LKS18CHFS.

FragranceNet is offering a sweet smelling free shipping offer, with free shipping on all orders with coupon code LNKF8.

The Horchow Collection has free shipping on all orders over $150 with the coupon code 48HOURS. This does exclude furniture, so don't think you can order a brand new four poster bed and get it shipped free.

Remember -- these all expire at midnight tonight, so if you want that free shipping, the clock is ticking.

Moving on through the weekend, there are a few more offers winding down.

Through the 16th of August, you can get free shipping on any orders of $99 or more at Foot Locker with coupon code LKS18GF9.

Sunday August 17th is the end of the weekend, but it is also the end of the free shipping offers from these two stores:

Pfaltzgraff has a weekend special offer on free shipping on any order over $100 with code AFSHAUG. This offer is only good for these three days, so jump on it while you can!

Shu Uemura has free shipping on any order, so if you don't want to pay to have some new eyelashes or any of your makeup shipped to you, this is your chance to save some green, just enter coupon code SHU08.

During the week, you'll have the chance to cash in on a few other free shipping offers as well:

As I'd mentioned in the last free shipping posting, Wet Seal has free ground shipping on any order over $15.00 as long as you place your order before midnight on the 18th.

Kohl's has free standard shipping for any order over $75, which expires on the 19th.

Also expiring on the 19th is the free shipping offer from Ann Taylor, who is offering free shipping on orders over $150, just enter the coupon code FREESHIP before you check out.

Adidas has free shipping on all orders over $99 with the coupon code ADISHIP99A, which expires on Thursday the 21st.

Next Friday, Red Envelope's free shipping offer for orders over $75 will expire, but I will remind you of that again on the day of expiration.

And last, but far from least, I will remind you all yet again that Bloomingdale's does have free shipping on all orders over $200 through the end of next weekend. That is a great deal that you'll continue to hear about in next week's edition.

For now, that's all from Free Shipping Fridays.  I'll be back later today to provide my fun and exiting idea to have some fun this weekend.

Sorry about the title, but I couldn't resist such a clever way to say "blowout". 

Now, let's get right down to brass tacks.  There are a few great free shipping deals going on right now that won't last long (some might even be gone depending on when you read this) that you probably want to know about.  So here we go, in order of expiration date.

Expiring at midnight tonight, Land's End is offering free shipping on all orders. 

Also expiring tonight, both Delia's and Alloy are offering free shipping on orders over $25.00. 
For Delia's enter code: DWJAFF
and for Alloy enter code: AHJAFF

The next offer, which expires on Thursday, comes from The Body Shop.  They are offering free shipping on all orders over $60.00 through midnight on the 14th.

The last offer expiring this week is from FragranceNet.com, and they are giving us all free shipping on every order big or small through midnight Friday.  Make your weekend a little sweeter by entering the code LNKF8 when you check out.

Looking ahead to next week's expirations, there are a few more free shipping deals that you probably want to know about.

First, for the young ladies in your life, Wet Seal is offering free ground shipping on any order over $15.00 as long as you place your order before the end of the day on the 18th.

Next, Ann Taylor is offering free shipping on anything over $150.00, so shop to your heart's content and make sure you enter the code FREESHIP before August 20th to save some extra coin.

Last, yet far from least, Bloomingdale's has free shipping on orders of $200.00 or more, and as any Bloomie's shopper will tell you, that isn't a hard total to reach.  So make your purchases, and enter coupon code SHIP17 at checkout before the end of the day on August 24th, and you're set.

Now get out there and start saving!

Happy 4th of July!

Okay, here's the deal. If you are looking for 4th of July deals and steals, here is a list of my favorite stores having great sales this weekend. Plus, get Cash Back from Ebates.

macys - 4% Cash Back

Bloomingdale's - 2% Cash Back

JCPenney - 4% Cash Back

Kohls - 2% Cash Back

FragranceNet.com - 6% Cash Back

Sears - 2% Cash Back

Home Depot - 3% Cash Back

Office Depot - 3% Cash Back

OfficeMax.com - 6% Cash Back

Shop on!

Since we launched Coupons on Demand last week, I've noticed that some Ebates members are interested in category-specific coupons, such as a coupon for electronics, or offers for baby supplies. There is an easy way to do this on our Coupons and Specials page. There, you will find three drop down menus which allow you to filter coupons in three ways:

 
• Filter coupons by  Category. For example, if you are looking for any kind of electronics coupon, select "Electronics" on the menu.
 
• Filter coupons by Offer Type. Looking for free shipping? Money off? A free gift? Simply select one from the menu and those are the only offers you will see.
  
 
• Filter coupons by Store. Got a specific store in mind? Choose it from the menu and you will only see current offers for that merchant.

There are only two things you need to know about today's Double Cash Back at Nordstrom.com: You will earn 6% Cash Back from Ebates and you'll get free shipping on all regular-priced shoes!

Need I say more?

Patent leather is hot for spring and Nordstrom's got a whole lot of it. Here are their current top five bestselling shoes for women:

 
• Guess Foxylee Flat $109.95
 
• Vince Camuto Filo Sandal $139.95
 
• Via Spiga Cove Pump $189.00
 
• Michael Kors Seaside Pump $97.95
 
• Seychelles Mile a Minute Flat   $64.95

Join Ebates now so you can earn Double Cash Back! You never know: your favorite store might be featured
next!

Now that you've received your W-2 or 1099, it's time to think about that most joyous of joys: filing your taxes! I know it's exciting, but please, cork the champagne for a moment and hear me out. You can earn Cash Back when you purchase tax preparation services through Ebates! There are currently four tax services available:

• H&R Block: 12% Cash Back
 
• TaxBrain: $20 Cash Back
 
• TaxHawk: 25% Cash Back
 
• TurboTax: 5% Cash Back

I recommend taking a look at H&R Block's Most Overlooked Deductions (under "Tax Tips"). It is so, so comforting to know that the Old Navy very expensive designer coats I donated to charity will cushion the financial blow...hey, I have receipts!

In times like these, you may want to treat yourself to something soothing: a lovely bottle of wine, some gourmet chocolates, a trip to Hawaii... Ok, so maybe the trip to Hawaii sort of negates the whole "I'm broke because of tax season" thing, but at least you'll be miserable and broke while sitting on the beach, sipping a pina colada. Oh, and you can earn Cash Back on credit card services too since you'll probably need them!

I'm such an enabler.

For those of you who subscribe to Ebates' newsletter, keep an eye on your inbox. We've given the newsletter a makeover! Not that we didn't like the old newsletter, of course. Change can be good. Healthy, even! The new newsletter will feature product reviews, hand-picked offers from our resident coupon guru, and, well, a rather thoughtful looking photo of yours truly.

It will also have information on products and services you may not have known are on Ebates. Did you know you can earn Cash Back on tax services, Netflix and designer handbags? (Real ones, thankyouverymuch!) How about car rentals, hotel reservations and groceries? 

Yes. Cash Back. All of them.

The new newsletter will be coming to you weekly, so keep your eyes peeled. Visit your Account Profile if you haven't subscribed!

Earn 4% Cash Back at eLuxury through Ebates and use coupon code GOLD at checkout to get free shipping!

Want to earn Cash Back at eLuxury? Click Here to join Ebates!

Today is an extra special Double Cash Back Tuesday- we may as well call it Quadruple Cash Back Tuesday, since we're doubling the Cash Back at two stores!

For you fashionistas out there, you'll be happy to know today's merchants are... Gap and eLuxury.com!

Today, get 10% Cash Back at Gap! Not only does Gap have great fall clothing, they have (Product) Red. If you haven't had a chance to shop Red, now's the time. You can even choose to have your Ebates Cash Back sent to the charity of your choice!

Now here's some news for the hardcore handbag lovers: Louis Vuitton prices are rumored to be on the increase tomorrow! Over at The Purse Forum, readers have been scurrying to buy their LV bags on Ebates to get Double Cash Back. If you like luxury bags, you know how hard it can be to get a discount on popular styles until they're out of season. Take advantage of today's 8% Cash Back offer!

Last week, three Ebates merchants finally took the plunge and are now offering Cash Back:  Blair.com at 6%, Newegg with 1% and Enterprise Rent-A-Car with 2%.

You may be wondering, "What good is 6% Cash Back, let alone 1%?"

Let me tell you, Cash Back really adds up fast. Ebates keeps track of your Cash and displays your lifetime earnings right at the top of the page. It's a cool feature because it's often hard to keep sight of just how valuable Cash Back can be when you're earning a little at a time.

If you buy something pricey like, say, a new computer from Newegg or a piece of jewelry from Blair, you could easily rack up a lot of Cash. A $1000 computer at 1% Cash Back gets you $10!

One awesome deal is the 50% off weekend car rentals promotion at Enterprise. Be sure to start at Ebates to earn Cash Back!

Want to earn Cash Back at these stores? Click Here to join Ebates!

"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth."

Well, maybe I'm not that serious about my Halloween costume shopping, but I sure was glad to find a great wig for my Chrissy Snow getup on BuyCostumes.com. Don't buy anything without the coupons and Cash Back available through Ebates. Coupon code 5alive gets you 5% off your order of $40 or more!

If you want to splurge, check out the theatrical quality costumes at Spirit! They've also got some very plush looking Lil' Animal costumes for babies. I'm in love with the Lil' Elephant and Lil' Monkey- so cute. Remember, Spirit also offers Cash Back through Ebates! 

Disney Shopping has some of the best deals I've seen on Halloween costumes for kids and adults. Not only does Ebates offer coupon code EBTIER10 that saves you $10, you can get 4% Cash Back AND get the money off discount offered by Disney. They're marking down costumes up to 50% off!

To see all stores that carry Halloween supplies, visit the costumes section on Ebates!

It's Double Cash Back Tuesday at Fossil!

If you're new to Ebates, I'll explain. Basically, we give you a percentage of Cash Back when you make purchases from hundreds of online merchants (who you can find on our site). Every Tuesday, we pick one merchant and double the amount of Cash Back that we give you.

Today, Fossil is the merchant for whom we're doubling the Cash Back. Usually you get 8% Cash Back from Fossil, but today you get 16%! This offer expires tonight at midnight, so do your shopping now.

I know I've said it before, but I love Target! No longer a tawdry den of puffy-painted abominations, Target  has revamped their image and offers affordable and stylish wares to  impress even the most discerning discount shopper.

There's no better time  to buy; today is Double Cash Back Tuesday at Ebates! When you buy from Target.com, you'll get 8% Cash Back!

If you want to save cash but stock up on unique, exotic home furnishings, then  Target's Global Bazaar is a great option, especially if you're a Pier One or Cost Plus World Market shopper (neither has a Cash Back program). They've got cool pieces inspired by distant locales from South Asia to Eastern Europe, and you don't have to risk a case of Delhi Belly to get them!

They've got a cute new line of women's apparel called "Paul and Joe" which features french-inspired fashions geared toward younger women. If you're not sure you can pull off the green houndstooth miniskirts, then check out the ever-popular line by Isaac Mizrahi!

To top it all off, Target is offering free shipping for a limited time on all bed and bath items and on women's apparel if you spend $50 or more!

So, you'll notice that today is a big day for The Daily Cash Back! Much like the gal in this classic film, the blog received a glamorous makeover. Though instead of a donning a new crop top and highlights, it's now being hosted by Typepad and has a stylish new header, thanks to the graphic design gurus here at Ebates.

ALSO- the 'comments' function is much more easy to use- no more waiting hours and hours to see your comments published. Why not try it out? Tell me what's on your mind!

Now, to the matter at hand: An Ebates staffer sent me a great coupon code yesterday afternoon. Rumor has it that upon making a purchase at Footaction.com or ChampsSports.com, the following codes will hook you up with an employee discount of 30%.

These merchants aren't affiliated with Ebates, so I can't guarantee that these codes work, but why not give it a shot?

These expire on August 27th, so hurry on over! Unless of course you're looking for a new day job at Foot Action- then you can just use the real employee discount. You know, that might be a good plan. Think about it; you'd be up to your neck in all the discounted Pumas you could possibly want with nary a care about things like coupon codes...or rent. Or your cell phone bill.

Foot Action
*Use promotion code EM34FF68 at checkout (8/24-8/27)

or

Champs Sports
*Use promotion code EM20FF68 at checkout (8/24-8/27)

This is one of the best back-to-school deals I've seen so far! Best Buy has put together a Dorm Room Package that includes a mini-fridge, television and microwave for $199!

This deal is so popular that it's backordered for a week or two.

Here's the low down on the goods:

• Avanti 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Thermoelectric Refrigerator:  This cute little fridge holds just enough to keep your room stocked  with cool drinks, and is big enough to hold a 2-liter bottle of of  Jarritos. Or Sprite. Because that's what you drink in college.

• Insignia 20" Flat Tube TV: So, technically it's not a flat screen TV, it's a flat tube TV...  but the screen just looks flat. Best Buy describes it this way: "Flat  picture tube produces vivid images without the glare and picture  distortion common with curved picture tubes." Whatever you want to call  it, it's a pretty darn slick looking TV for the price.

• Proctor Silex .6 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave:  Just think- with a microwave in your dorm, you can practically bury  yourself in mountains of Easy Mac! They don't tell you this in high  school, but that's what college really is all about: creamy, delicious  Easy Mac. Ramen is so '90's.

o...  you've bought some new clothes, a backpack, and you've got your  highlighters all ready to go, but where are your books for your lit  class? Barnes & Noble is marking down their Classics  50% off! Lots of them are around $2.47, and that's before Cash Back from Ebates!

Why not buy your books with a friend? If you spend $25 or more, you get free shipping!

How  often can you buy brand new books for this cheap? It's a lot better  than chipping dried chocolate off your student store used copy of "Madame Bovary".

According to Wikipedia, "'Flea season' is traditionally at the end of summer and in the early fall, but in warmer areas can last year  round." For anyone that has a carpet or knotty old wood floor, you know  how futile this battle can be! They lay their eggs in the carpet, bite  you when you're sleeping and drive your cat or dog into violent  scratching fits that make their legs go like this for hours! The little blood-suckers are more stubborn than Mariah Carey's backstage demands. There are myriad ways to keep your cat or dog flea and tick free, but how do you know which way is safest?

The East Bay SPCA says that "flea collars, powders and sprays are ineffective and are not recommended. DO NOT use anymedication or flea-killing agent not recommended by your veterinarian". In fact, on the insistence of the Environmental Protection Agency,  Hartz, a popular brand for flea and tick preventives, "has agreed to  cancel uses of several flea and tick products that may be associated  with a range of adverse reactions, including hair loss, salivation,  tremors, and numerous deaths in cats and kittens." It's comforting to  know that the EPA has steppedup on this issue. Hopefully Hartz will be able to develop non-toxic alternatives to their current line of flea and tick control products.

The widely reputed safe alternative to flea collars and drops is Advantage topical solution. Highly effective and veterinarian-recommended,  Advantage has become one of the most popular methods offlea control for  dogs and cats. The East Bay SPCA supports it, saying "Advantage works  best for fleas". This kind of effectiveness, however, doesn't come  cheap. If you buy Advantage from your veterinarian, you can end up  paying hundreds of dollars for a several-month supply (especially if  you have multiple cats or dogs)!

If you haven't visited the Pet Stores page at Ebates, take a moment to peruse the deals! You can find great  bargains on Advantage that will likely be a lot cheaper than the prices  offered by your vet. Most of these stores offer Cash Back through Ebates. Be sure to look at the coupons for each store to compare prices!:

• 1-800-Petmeds: 10% Cash Back
• PETCO.com: 8% Cash Back
• PETsMART Coupons Only
• drugstore.com 5% Cash Back
  
  

These are the dogs and kitties of Ebates staffers- click on each one to see a different deal on Advantage!

The Cell Phone: A triumph of humankind's ingenuity, and certainly one of the most significant developments of the latter half of the 20th century.

Let's face it: when someone's yacking next to you in line at Safeway, it can be more annoying than a hundred Hoodia spams in your inbox from your "pal" Richard Q. Unicorn.

Despite the petty annoyances, most of us need our cell phones simply for the convenience factor. Ebates offers Cash Back at some of the top mobile service providers:

• TMobile: $30 Cash Back
• VerizonWireless.com: $19 Cash Back

Oftentimes, the mail-in rebates from these carriers are so good that your cell phone costs zero dollars. That considered, the Cash Back from Ebates is all gravy!

Soon, we'll look at some of the hottest phones on the market!

Online Poll Using WebSurveyor

Yes, it's August- those last precious weeks of cavorting with friends, staying up late and going to the beach.      Come September, it'll be the red ink on that first history exam that'll require a pair of sunglasses!

Why not look at the bright side? Back-to-School also means Back-to-School shopping, a welcome respite when you're about to dive into the books rather than the pool.

Lets  take a quick look at some of the essentials you'll need for a proper  scholastic debut, whether you're shopping for yourself or the kids:

• A great bag: eBags and Ebates have teamed up to give you $10 off on any backpack purchase of $45 or more! They've got LiveWire bags that have an iPod holder, laptop packs, ultralight bags, as long as it's a backpack, you get a discount!

 
• A new computer: For students, a great option is the Compaq Presario V2000Z. At $399.99 after a mail in rebate, it's not a huge investment and is a great machine for word-processing and web browsing.

 
• New threads: For great Back-to-School bargains for the girls, try Delia*s or Alloy.  Both offer free shipping fororders of $75 or more. For guys and girls, another good pick is Old Navy.com. They have a flat $5 shipping rate and a ton of brand new styles in stock!

• Books: Wal-Mart is doing 97 cent shipping on all books! It doesn't get much cheaper  than that. Barnes and Noble is having a summer clearance with some  titles up to 80% off!

On a budget? Tired of leaving the Apple Store with nothing but your sleek, titanium-encased dreams? Try buying a refurbished Mac or iPod.

I know, the r-word kind of gets stuck in my throat, too. It's hard for me to imagine my iBook in the arms of another. Word on the street, though, is that refurbished Macs and iPods are just as good as the brand new ones, but at a fraction of the cost. Apple has a very stringent refurbishment process, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

If you still aren't 100% convinced, remember that all machines are covered by Apple's One Year Limited Waranty. You can even buy Apple Care for total reassurance. (Which I always recommend since the coverage is more than generous. My 2002 iBook turned out to have some irreparable glitches, so Apple issued me a new iBook- even though I'd had mine for 2 years already- all because I had Apple Care. How cool is that?)

An Ebates member named Michael (not the same one from a couple days ago!) had this to say about his experience with Apple Certified refurbished computers: "As a member of Ebates, I have purchased several refurbished products and will continue to do so over the next couple of years.  The product is just a good as new and I save several hundreds of dollars in addition to getting my big fat check."

Although most of you aren't Mac users (let's not go there), many of you love the iPod. Apple is reducing their refurbished iPods up to $80 off!

Make sure you start with Ebates so you can get some Cash Back, too!

Online Poll Using WebSurveyor

Hey! What's YOUR Best Deal Ever? Keep sending 'em in!!

I'd  like to tell you about Mike and his Best Deal Ever on Ebates. Mike is a  videographer in San Francisco who produces hundreds of DVD's on any  given week. Not one to slack on presentation, he prints a custom label  on each DVD.

Living  in the Bay Area, Mike spends most of his income on exorbitant rent and  parking fees. He needs the best deals he can find on things like cat  food, lens cleaner and, of course, ink!

When  I told him about Ebates, he scoffed and said, "I already get the lowest  prices at Inkgrabber. I don't care about this Ebay- I mean Rebates- I  mean..."

"Listen, Mike," I butted in. "You don't  understand. I know you're getting an ok deal on your ink already, but  you should really look at Ebates. You get Cash Back!" Mike,  unconvinced, returned to his editing (syncing "YMCA" to overserved,  arrhythmic groomsmen isn't easy).

A few days later, I noticed a pile of fourteen new ink cartridges in Mike's studio. "Where did you get these?" I asked.

"Actually," Mike explained, "I got them on Ebates!" Intrigued, I listened as Mike went on to explain his Best Deal Ever:

 
• First,  Mike went to Inkgrabber for a Combo Pack of his regular ink (a generic  type that's good for fliers and DVD printing). At Inkgrabber, he  normally paid $6.42 per cartridge for a pack of 7.
 
• Then, he went to 4inkjets.com through Ebates, and found the  same ink for $5.71 per cartridge for a pack of 14.
 
• Next, Mike visited the Coupons and Specials page on Ebates and found a 10% off coupon for 4inkjets.com! This brings down his cost to $5.14 per cartridge.
 
• On top of the already lower price PLUS the 10% off coupon, Ebates gave Mike 17% Cash Back at 4inkjets.com! That brought his cost per cartridge down to $4.27!
 
• Oh, and to top it all off, he got Free Shipping!

Let's review: Mike used to pay $6.42 for each cartridge, but through Ebates he pays $4.27! He got a total of $12.24 Cash Back just for buying his regular ink! Suffice it to say, Mike is now a loyal  Ebates shopper and can buy ink, live in the Bay Area and still afford  to feed his cat.

Special tip from Mike: "Generic  ink can save you a ton of money and is perfect for most printing needs,  like flyers, letters and even photos.  If you require precise color  accuracy in your prints, stick with name-brand inks.  If you can handle  a little variation in color (most people would only notice the  difference from a side-by-side comparison of prints), then save with  generics!"

There are times when having a 3.4 GHz dual-processor PC with a 30-inch display is simply a necessity. You need the fast processor speed for those visits to Sony's Running With Scissors homepage, since you can't possibly wait until fall for the movie- hey,  Flash pages can take a long time to load! And it's gotta last at least until the next season of Lost begins. What else are you going to do on Wednesday nights?

Other  times, though, you don't want to spend $3800 on a computer because you  have that pesky mortgage to pay, or you need to actually save for your  kids' college education (the degree-based meritocracy system is highly  overrated, right?).

It's times like these that you should step back, take a moment to prioritize, and say hello to the Compaq v2000z:

Pretty  cute, huh? By all means, take a moment to admire it's clean lines,  sleek aluminum-hued exterior and 1.29" thickness. I know, I know- it  looks pretty fancy. But guess what?

It starts at $399.

The HP Home and Home Office Store is offering a rebate that gets you up to $100 cash back when you buy a Compaq v2000z. It may cost scarcely more than certain other tech toys that are a fraction of its size, but it stands up pretty well to other  PC's in its class. It's got a 14" screen, a pretty darn fast processor  speed, and it's ultra-lightweight. It would make a great computer for  web browsing, CD/DVD burning, and at this price, it's affordable even  for a student.

Hey, with a computer at this price and the Cash Back you'll get from Ebates, you can get your new-machine fix, distract yourself until fall programming resumes, and still afford to keep your house!