Traditional Valentine's gifts can be fairly pricey. In order to save money, check out these tips for your Valentine's Day purchases.

1. Flowers Don't buy flowers from a flower shop on their busiest day of the year to be delivered to your significant other. Instead, buy flowers from your local grocer, arrange in a vase, decorate with a bow, and deliver the flowers yourself.

2. Chocolates Instead of buying an expensive box of chocolates, buy your love's favorite candy bar and wrap it in a pretty bow.

3. Homemade Desserts Try making some homemade Valentine's treats and desserts, such as chocolate covered strawberries. These types of goodies are easy to make and are a lot less expensive than traditional boxed chocolates.

4. Cards Sure, it's easier to buy a card from the store, but homemade cards are more endearing and are a great way to save money while still being romantic. Write or copy a poem, or get your kids involved for a fun Valentine's craft.

5. Jewelry Skip on the diamonds and go for colored gems, such as rubies or emeralds or even moissanite stones, if you want to save money on jewelry. Check out eBay and pawn shops to find the best deals.

Casey Slide is a contributor for Money Crashers Personal Finance where she discusses lifestyle and money topics.

Don't pay retail prices this holiday season!

If you're looking to make your holiday shopping easy by purchasing a gift card for family and friends, you don't need to pay retail prices anymore! Plastic Jungle allows you to buy discounted gift cards at major retailers across the United States. Up to 35% off face value.

If giving gift cards isn't to your liking, you still don't have to pay retail. Buy the discounted gift card for yourself before you go into the store and stretch your holiday budget. If you prefer to shop online, Plastic Jungle offers eCODES to a number of online retailers that can be delivered to your inbox BEFORE you make your purchase. Use any eCODE in combination with a coupon code you find on Ebates.com, in addition to cash back for that retailer, and you can stretch your holiday budget even further.

There is no need to pay retail prices anymore when you can buy discounted gift cards from plasticjungle.com

Happy Holidays from the team at Plastic Jungle!

Whether she's your best friend that loves spotting the latest trends, your sister who loves to throw the most fashionable parties, or your daughter who loves anything with sequins, we all have someone on our list that deserves the most stylish gift. I love that I can shop online with Ebates for all the ladies on my list. Here's what I'll be buying this gift season.

CowBoom has teamed up with our friends at Ebates to offer an exciting new promotion. With Thanksgiving around the corner and the holidays quick to follow we couldn't help but think that one lucky CowBoomer deserves a head start on their holiday shopping. That's why we're giving away a $500 Visa Shopping Spree. From 11-16 through 11-28 you can enter by "Liking" CowBoom on Facebook or following CowBoom on Twitter and Re-Tweeting our ThanksGiveaway tweet. It's that simple! What would you do with a $500 Visa Gift Card?

Utilize Smartphone Apps - There are a number of great apps for the deal hunter.  Red Laser is an example of an app that is a barcode scanner. Just scan the barcode on a product you're interested in & it will tell you where you can find the best price.

Summer has barely ended and you're probably still getting over your last family vacation, but it's never too early to start looking ahead to your next trip, especially if you want to keep costs within a budget. Fall is the perfect time to start thinking about the holidays and planning a trip to visit family or have an excuse for why you can't make it this year. Why not take the kids to Disneyland on Christmas or arrange a low-key Hawaiian holiday? With a few handy tips and the use of participating Ebates Travel Stores, you can save more than you spend. 

I'm excited to announce that Ebates has generously sponsored a $100 prize on The Education of a Stay at Home Mom blog in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Today is the last day to enter! More than 100 bloggers are participating in this blog hop, each with a prize worth at least $50. Enter to win $100 from Ebates as well as a Pink Fizz SodaStream Soda Maker, made in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. After you enter, don't forget to check out the other great prizes being offered in the blog hop! Enter Here.

What's better then going on a shopping spree and getting cash back on every purchase?  Going on that shopping spree after winning a $200 Ebates giftcard!

Happy Fashion Week lovelies! Kristin from BonBon Rose Girls here. Right now New York City is chock full of fashionistas either going to the shows are simply reveling in the electric atmosphere at Lincoln Center. Just a few days ago, I was a part of that crowd!

Being a budget traveler doesn't have to mean that you vacation on a shoestring budget and stay with locals in a mud hut. Budget traveling is about having a great time and doing more while spending overall. You can do this by finding discounts on nearly everything and also changing some of the ways you travel. One of the easiest ways to save money is to change the way you pack. By packing everything you need in a carry-on, you can save up to $35 each way, because you won't have to pay steep bag-check fees. Saving on your flight won't make a difference if you have just shelled out $70 for your bag to fly, too. You don't need to bring everything you own to look good. Here are some simple ways to pack less and keep those steep fees from breaking your budget.

 

Mix and match - Bring enough clothes to last 5-7 days, but make sure it is all within the same color pallet, so that all bottoms coordinate with all tops. This way you can wear a variety of combinations and always have a new outfit you can pull out.

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes - This is probably one of the rules women struggle with the most, but really, with so many great comfortable shoes on the market, there's no way you can't do it. Bring a wedge sandal for dressing up or going to dinner and a pair of good walking shoes for hiking and sightseeing. Wear the bulkiest ones on the plane and save space.

Accessorize! - Dress up that sundress or plain tank for a night on the town by adding some fun jewelry, a belt or a scarf. It'll turn your (probably-not-so) drab outfit into a fab one!

Bring items that multitask - This is a must. Items like a dress that is also a skirt or a beach cover-up that can be worn as a fun tunic are fantastic double-duty pieces. Even your iPad can be a multitasker. Use it to play games, listen to music, watch movies, answer your emails and as a laptop. One device, many functions.

Pare down your beauty products - How many times have you brought your entire bathroom and not used half of it? Bring the essentials and then toss in a few small things to give yourself a little oomph for a night out. Maybe a metallic eyeliner or a small pallet to give you a gorgeous smoky eye. And if you've got to bring your blow dryer or flat iron, downsize them by purchasing travel-size versions to keep in your bag at all times.

 

Travel lighter and more affordably. Make your friends jealous that you saved so much on your vacation and also can pack like a pro. If you need some extra help, find everything you need from merchants on Ebates to help you save even more. From carry-on bags to makeup, you can get cash back on it all.

Wouldn't it be great to save big on your textbooks this semester? We thought so, too! And that's why Chegg is partnering with Ebates to give one lucky student $250 towards their textbooks.

Hi there, it's Kristin from BonBon Rose Girls! I'm stopping by today to share with you a fall 2011 trend that I'm loving, leopard prints. 

Since it's health and beauty week here at Ebates, I thought now would be a great time to share my favorite summer lip color! In seasons past, I was pretty conservative when it came to my make up. You wouldn't have caught me wearing any super bright hues. That changed forever when I discovered Bobbi Brown's Cosmic Raspberry. Cosmic Raspberry is a pink so bright you gotta wear shades! I rocked that color proudly all Spring long, that is until Bobbi Brown's Guava Lip Color came into my life.

I dare you to find a lipstick that's a more perfect combination of coral and pink. Guava instantly brightens my smile and I've seen it work on a variety of skin tones. In my humble opinion, coral and Summer go hand in hand. So, if you're going to purchase one new lip color this summer, I urge you to make it Bobbi Brown's Guava! And if you purchase it through Ebates, you'll earn 4.0% cash back. So, what are you waiting for?





While we're on the subject of beauty, I hope you'll join BonBon Rose Girls for a live health and beauty chat over at the Savvy Living Community on 6/23 from 7-8 PM EST! We'll be chatting about all things health and beauty related and some fabulous prizes will be up for grabs too! Mark your calendars lovelies!

Today's guest blogger is Shereen from Shereen Travels Cheap. We've love her no-nonsense advice on traveling smart while on a budget, and we're thrilled to have her dish out advice on another savvy topic: travel and beauty.

Packing light is a must when traveling and those 3-1-1 bags aren't that big, especially when you're flying during the summer and have to squeeze sunscreen in there, too. While you can buy it once you get there, many resorts, theme parks and grocery stores have outrageous prices on these items. I have ways you can find room in your travel bag for sunscreen and still look great in all your pictures.


Tinted Moisturizer - You may be used to taking your foundation wherever you go, but a tinted moisturizer can do double-duty as a foundation and a moisturizer. Most have built-in SPF, so you don't have to bring a second sunscreen specifically for your face.

Powder Foundation - Avoid taking two products and opt for just one with a powder foundation. Not only does it save space, but a good one, like Philosophy Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas, will be long-lasting and give you a flawless finish over your moisturizer. This can be paired with tinted moisturizer to give you more coverage.

Tinted Lip Gloss - Get a fresh summery look by bringing along a tinted lip gloss that also moisturizes. Leave your heavy lipstick at home and you also won't have to tote around a tube of lip balm. Smashbox O-Gloss brings out the natural hue of your lips, plus it gives you a slight shine and locks in moisture.

Trial Sizes - Those fun trial sizes that you get with makeup purchases are your best friend on vacation. Save those tiny tubes of mascara, lip glosses, and eye shadows, and pack them in your travel bag.

Shampoo bars - Shampoo and conditioner can take up a lot of room and also contribute the most to spillage in your bag. There's nothing worse than getting to your destination and having to wash off everything in your 3-1-1 bag because your shampoo or conditioner exploded. Shampoo bars don't ever have to go in your liquids bag, they never spill and are super easy to use. They work just like a bar of soap and have all the benefits of a great shampoo. You can even get solid conditioners which will leave your hair silky and manageable.

Use Ebates to save even more on your beauty purchases, too. With awesome stores like Sephora, Philosophy, Ulta, Drugstore.com and many more, you can find everything you need for your trip, look like a million bucks, and save a few dollars, too!

Who is the most beautiful woman you know?

I bet most of you thought, "My mother." Not only is she radiant, but much of her beauty lies in the way she's raised us to conquer life's challenges and enjoy its rewards.

Mother's Day is when we show the mothers in our lives just how special they are. What better way to express that than with the luxurious gift of beauty? We've picked our most indulgent, yet practical beauty gifts that will make any mother feel as beautiful as we know she is. Plus, tell us about the most beautiful woman you know, and you could win a gift basket of Elizabeth Arden Beauty Products valued at over $350!



If you've watched your mom getting ready to go out, I'm sure you can still recall the scent of the perfume she wore. Pretty Elizabeth Arden captures that emotion and is perfect for day or night. It is a charming, floral, fragrance and the perfect last touch to her beauty routine.

For the busy mother on the go, the Ceramide Gold Capsules Deluxe Set is the best Mother's Day gift. It includes our Ceramide Gold Capsules, little "miracle workers" that are extremely portable and can be applied at any point during the day - even over makeup - for an extra boost of radiance. This comes packed in a quilted gold bag with three travel-size creams and is ready to gift!

Lipstick is a wonderful accessory and an affordable gift. New Ceramide Ultra Lipstick not only comes in 18 shades, from subtle to bold, but it is shown to last for hours, which is important for a busy mom! When she pulls this gorgeous, golden case from her pocket or purse, she'll be sure to feel absolutely beautiful.

Shop now on ElizabethArden.com and you'll also get 10.0% Cash Back and a free 16-Piece Beauty Bag with your $50 purchase when you use code EBATESMOM.

Celebrate Earth Day by pledging to go greener! When you share your pledge to go greener, you'll automatically be entered to win one of six $50 Gaiam gift coupons, and Gaiam will donate $1 to The Conservation Fund's Go Zero project to plant trees. Think of the good we can do together! Here's what people just like you are doing: Pledge Now!

"I pledge to go greener by shortening my shower time by two minutes."

"I pledge to go greener by changing one lightbulb a month to a new LED bulb."

"I pledge to go greener by taking the bus to work one day a week."

We'll be picking 1 winner every week when you enter from Earth Day through Memorial Day! Hurry, make your pledge before May 28th.

Also, don't forget to join Gaiam and Ebates for a very special Earth Day Twitter Party tonight from 7-8pm EST. Follow hashtag #EarthDay2011 to follow!

Today's guest blog comes from one of my favorite male bloggers, Zack. Zack heads CouponDad.net, and is the authority on why coupon's aren't just for the ladies.

Come on we're MEN. We don't use coupons. We drink beer out of the bottle, and not those little fruity drinks with the umbrellas. We watch action packed, blood and gut movies... not those mushy "chick flicks". We are men. We don't use coupons. We like paying FULL price. Oh wait, do we?

Makes you think doesn't it? I will be the first to tell you that when it comes to money and paying for purchases, I too have an ego. Using coupons is an ego blow and a pride squasher because our ego and pride wants us to prove our selves successful. We can take care of our family with out the help of a measly piece of paper. Besides, what's $.50 right? We are MEN (insert grunts and growls here)!!

What if I told you that I save over $12,000 per year just on groceries using coupons? I'm not talking "extreme couponing" either. Just using a coupon for the groceries I buy. That's not to mention the cash back I earn through sites like Ebates.com. Aside from using coupons for food, I also save on things like clothing, entertainment, oil changes, travel, and electronics. Doesn't sound so measly now does it?

So in 5 years with my coupon savings (the average length of an auto loan), I could pay for a BMW 528i with a 3.0L DOHC 24-valve I6 engine. How's that for manly? So in my opinion, using coupons shows not only intelligence, but that you are fiscally responsible too!

Use these money saving websites:Coupon Dad and Ebates.

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.

We're beyond excited for today's guest blogger Andrea Linett. Andrea is the co-founder of Lucky Magazine, and is now influencing the fashion world as the Creative Director for eBay Fashion. When it comes to fashion, there is no better authority. Speaking of, check out her top picks for Spring. Talk about eye candy!

I'm so ready to ditch the parka and snow boots and try out my new spring '70s look -- wide-leg jeans, big shades and a classic little trench. Everything I need to fuel my obsession, I found on eBay!

Now that it's St.Patrick's Day at Ebates, we thought everyone could use the luck of the Irish, or at the very least a fun craft inspired by St. Patrick's Day. That's why we asked today's guest blogger Angie from The Country Chic Cottage to share one of her favorite crafts. Enjoy!

Hello everyone, I'm Angie. My love for sprucing up my home on a budget gave birth to The Country Chic Cottage, a blog dedicated to thrifty decor and crafting ideas. Today I'm excited to blog for Ebates and share one of my newest crafts dedicated to St.Patrick's Day. First let me preface by saying I am not a huge Saint Patrick's Day person, and kelly green (the green of St.Patrick's Day) isn't really my color. Despite this, I challenged myself to come up with an idea that was Irish themed, but saved me from excessive green.

 

This craft is super easy, even your kids can help! Here's what you need

Freezer Paper (find it near aluminum foil in your grocery store)

Exacto Knife

Scissors or Craft Cutter

Iron

Fabric Paint

Simply cut out your pattern using an exacto knife, scissors, or a craft cutter. Next you'll need to iron your stencil, including those little center pieces that fall out when you cut them. After that paint over your stencils, peel the freezer paper off, and let dry. My daughter is very into peace signs and this seemed like the perfect St.Patty's Day t-shirt for her. All it took was a few supplies, and a bit of imagination.

I hope you will stop by The Country Chic Cottage for a visit and even more great tutorials!  Thanks so much for having me here on ebates!

~Angie~

Today's Guest Blogger is The Average Parent. Although most of the country is under snow and/or freezing temperatures, Spring is around the corner. Join The Average Parent as she gives her tips on how to shop for Spring without breaking the bank.

Here in the Midwest, we've been experiencing a bit of a heat wave. That's right, it's 45 degrees today! While it's still February, this break in temperature has got me thinking about Spring and the beginning of another shopping season for my kids. Although I have two boys, I still put a lot of effort into making sure they look extra cute. But, because they're boys, I understand they must be able to play in their clothes. Below are my favorite tricks to finding the hottest fashions for the best prices.

Online Clearance Racks - I dread the idea of picking through clearance racks for the perfect shirt. Instead, once the boys are in bed, I head online to find the best deals. Ideal places to look include Kohl's, Target, Macy's and JCPenney.

Second Hand - eBay can be a super convenient resource for finding gently-used clothing. The site allows you to sort your search by size, brand, price and more.

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons - Before you shop, check out Ebates for printable coupons and online discount codes. If you can't find a coupon online, many retailers will send you one just for signing up for their email alerts.

Get Cash Back - When shopping online, always start with Ebates. Membership is completely FREE and you can earn anywhere from 1-30% cash back at more than 1,200 stores.

Join a Rewards Program - If you have a favorite retailer, inquire about a free rewards program that will give you store credit for shopping in their store.

Store Credit Cards - A store card can get you free shipping or save you as much as 10% off your purchases. But, it's not worth it if you don't pay it off before interest begins accumulating.

Today's guest blogger is Sell Your Gold. As Ebates continues to expand, we say hello to new stores, and new ways to save you money. Here's one more example of how you can earn cash back on everything!

We all have it; a jewelry box filled with mismatched earrings, broken watch links, out of style pendants, and the like. With Valentine's Day around the corner, many of us will add to our jewelry collection, and continue to overlook these items. Seems like no big deal, but did you know you have a gold mine in your jewelry box?

Thanks to the price of gold near an all time high, many of us have begun to rethink our jewelry collection. In fact the trend is so popular The Today Show recently did a cash for gold undercover investigation comparing several companies, including Sell Your Gold which was ranked #1.



How does it work?


Sell Your Gold pays up to 90% for old gold, platinum, luxury watches, fine jewelry, and diamonds over 1 carat. Simply order a free appraisal kit and mail your old jewelry. You'll receive a check in the mail.

In addition to that, you're able to track the process from the moment FedEx picks up your items until the moment you are paid. If you are unhappy for any reason, all you have to do is call or e-mail us and we will return the items via FedEx at our expense. In addition to that, you'll receive 3.0% Cash Back when you use Ebates to order your free kit.

This Valentine's Day, while you're shopping for jewelry for your loved ones, take a second to think about what's currently in your jewelry collection. If you have unworn or undesirable items, why sit on them when you can get paid cash?

Today's guest blogger shows us how to eat healthier and save money. How? The answer lies in your kitchen gadgets! For more healthy ideas see our New Year New You sale.

If you are trying to watch your weight, portion sizes, or salt intake, you need to have the right tools. Here are 5 gadgets no healthy kitchen should be without.

Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale makes it easy to control your portion sizes. It can be used to weigh out fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, or anything else you like to eat.

Olive Oil Sprayer
An empty spray bottle is a must if you like to cook with oil. It helps to control the amount of oil you use and is much healthier than aerosol cans.


FoodSaver
A FoodSaver vacuum kit can be used to make your own low-sodium TV dinners. This handy gadget also works well for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables.

Food Steamer
Food steamers are great for cooking vegetables and fish. They do not require any oil and help food maintain their natural vitamins and minerals throughout the cooking process.


Meat Slicer
An electric meat slicer is perfect for creating your own low-fat, low-sodium deli meats. You can roast a chicken, turkey, or beef using the healthy cooking methods and cut your creations into smartly-portioned slices.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey has written for About.com, Frugally Green.org, and Alternative Consumer.com.

Just engaged over the holidays? Congrats! If you're like a lot of our brides, you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed, but don't worry - when it comes to shopping for your wedding, we've got you covered. Check out our wedding shopping basics below, all on sale this week. As a bonus, now through Friday only, take 15% off your total purchase of $90 or more! Use code JAN15 at checkout. Enjoy!

Reception Must-Haves
Personalize your reception with our brides' favorite personalized napkins, this week starting at only $17.99 per 100. See our top 20 reception essentials for matching styles in chocolates, matches, favor boxes and more, all on sale this week.

Bridesmaid Gifts
Be sure to thank your girls! Personalized totes are practical for getting ready on the big day, and they'll be used long after too. Pair with a cosmetic bag or jewelry to make a gift set she'll love - see our top 20 bridesmaid gifts for inspiration.



Groomsman Gifts
Save big this week on our top 20 groomsman gifts. Engraved beer mugs or personalized flasks are natural choices for a bachelor party. For a classic rehearsal dinner token of appreciation, try silver-plated cuff links, watches or money clips.

Need more? The Knot Wedding Shop offers weekly sales every Wednesday!

Well it's officially that time of year. The time when we make our resolutions. Most of the time we start off with amazing intentions only to forget them a few months later. At least that's how I roll. This year however, I am determined to live a healthier lifestyle! Let's face it, when we're active and feeling confident with ourselves, clothes are SO much more fun to wear. Speaking of clothes, if you read my blog, BonBon Rose Girls, you know I'm ALL about fashion!

Sticking to my resolution should give me the confidence to rock some of the bold trends that are heading our way this Spring. Think neon and stripes. Not for the meek right? Here's a snapshot of the trends I look forward to wearing, and feeling great in this Spring.

Bold Stripes
This Chevron Skirt from White House Black Market is a bold mix of black and white, one of Spring 2011's top trends. Looking good in a striped skirt requires a disciplined health regime, which means my trips to the gym may have to increase to 5x a week.

Neon
Neon has been a staple in Spring wardrobes the past few years, and this year proves no different. With the 70's a major influence this Spring, neon has taken a subdued part and can be seen mainly in accessories. This neon watch from Nine West is just the right amount of neon and will go with the other item on my healthy check list: toned arms.

What trends will you be wearing this Spring?

Today's guest blogger is also from the Frugal Living Community. Melissa from Saving Cents With Sense. Enjoy!

One of our family traditions has been to make edible Christmas wreaths each holiday season. Not only are they fun to make (and eat!), but they make nice gifts for friends or family. Plus, they are easy enough for the kids to help.



Ingredients:

Box of Cornflakes
16 ozs of Marshmallows (1 bag)
1/2 butter
Green Food Coloring
Red Hot Candies

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and rarshmallows in microwave stirring every minute until marshmallows are completely dissolved.

2. Add green food coloring to melted mixture - stir in until you reach color desired for wreath.  (Approx. 2 TBLS)

3. Pour hot melted mixture over Cornflakes. Stir quickly to coat all cereal.

4. Pour mixture over buttered bowl(s) - let fall in shape of wreath.

5. Place red hot candies around the wreath while hot, to look like berries.

6. Place one candy cane on each side of wreath.

7. Put bow at top if wanted. Remove bowl from center after partially cooled.

8. Optional: Fill center with goodies (cookies, candy, etc).

Enjoy your wreath and have a very happy holiday!

You've heard of destination weddings. Well, why let the newlyweds have all the fun? You deserve a celebration of your own and that can come in the form of a destination holiday. With the holidays coming up, for many of us, it means travel. Either we travel to visit relatives or we take advantage of Winter break to get a change of scenery. With the travel industry still in a slump, it's easier than ever to get great deals on airfare, lodgings and more. With the money you can save, your gift to your family could be going on a destination holiday this year. Here are just a few ways you can go about making holiday travel affordable.


Book Your Travel In Winter
Fall and Winter is the cheapest time to fly almost anywhere, but it's especially true if you want to visit the UK or Europe. Fly on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday for even better prices on airfare. Shops, museums and attractions will be open shorter hours than usual, but there will be fewer crowds, making it easier to see everything you want in less time.


Take advantage of rewards programs.
 Look for hotel sites that offer incentives for booking through them. At Hotels.com and HotelClub.com you can earn free nights and cash off your next stay just by booking with them. With price-matching and no-fee cancellation policies, you're completely protected should you find a lower price elsewhere, or have to put off your vacation for any reason.

Rent a house or condo to save money on food.
Make as many meals as you want on your own and your budget will stretch that much further. A fully stocked kitchen will really aid you in keeping dollars in your pocket. You can pop into a local grocer and buy enough food for breakfasts for a week for just about the same cost as going out for breakfast in a restaurant just once. Aside from the convenience of having your own kitchen, you have all the comforts of home, which usually includes cable and WiFi, and you aren't confined to just one room with beds and a bathroom.

Fly on Christmas Day to avoid crowds.
This is one of the least expensive days to fly all year, because most people traveling for the holidays want to be at their destination before December 25th. Also remember to pack less as baggage fees can cost upwards of $50!

Double your discounts with Ebates!
While you're already saving as much as you can on your trip, clicking through Ebates to participating stores can save you even more. Remember, the more you save, the more you can do when you get there. Save big and happy holiday travels!

I love to travel and find bargains. I want to help my readers to take better vacations and save money by suggesting useful budget travel tips, websites and products. Find me on Facebook or follow my budget travel blog.

Today's guest blogger is from Wine.com and offers must-read advice for anyone throwing a holiday party this year. Enjoy and Happy Holidays from Ebates!

Throwing a holiday party this year? Great move - everyone loves a good party to celebrate the season. Unfortunately, host duties can also cause a bit of stress. Avoid added chaos by making sure you've got all your wine bottles in a row. Here are some helpful tips & tricks to do so.

1. Make sure you have enough wine! You don't want to break the cardinal rule, which is to never run out of wine. Generally, you want to have a half-bottle per person on hand - that's about two full glasses per guest. If wine is the primary beverage and you're serving little else, or if the party is set to run more than 4 hours, I up that ratio to a full bottle - or at least 3/4 a bottle - per person. Just make sure you have enough of something to keep everyone happy.

2. Be diverse! Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to be boring. It doesn't have to be complicated, but offer some choice in your wine - go for a sparkling wine, two white choices and two reds. Maybe choose a rich Australian Viognier and a crisp South African Chenin Blanc for your whites, and a spicy Rhone blend and a dense and jammy Zinfandel for your red selection. At Wine.com we sort our wines by flavor profile, among other things, so it's easy to pick out something light & crisp and something rich and creamy to offset it.

3. Screw it!  When you are serving a lot of wine, the last thing you want to do is be stuck behind the bar with a corkscrew, hastily opening bottles. Screw caps aren't for bottom shelf wines anymore - top quality vino is bottled under screw cap these days, and there is nothing easier than opening one when you're rushing around a party. For cork closures, make sure you pre-open a few bottles to stay ahead of consumption.

4. Keep those white wines chilled! If you've got quite a few bottles you need to keep chilled, there is no better ice bucket than a bathtub. Throw a few bags of ice in there, mix with a bit of water and voila! instant (and large) ice bucket. Just be careful if the bathtub is also the restroom for the guests!

5. Name those glasses! If you are using actual glassware, use wine charms or tags to help people remember which glass is theirs. Saves people from losing their glasses and you from having to provide more! If you're using plastic cups, nothing like some white labels and a Sharpie! Again, cuts down on waste and half-drunk cups everywhere. You can actually use easy-stick labels and a sharpie for regular glasses as well.

6. Clean glassware in the morning! This goes against my "stay ahead of the mess" rule, but to preserve more stems and break less bowls, wait till you have a clear head and lots of patience and room to wash those glasses. Feel free to rinse them that evening, but when it comes to a good wash, save it for morning. I promise you less casualties. 

Though procrastination is all-too-popular during the holidays, we hope these tips help you prepare the beverage side of your party and avoid some chaos. Cheers, Cin-Cin & Sante!

Before the holidays get the best of you (if they haven't already) take advice from today's guest blogger: Dr.Sinatra from Healthy Directions.


Fortify Your Body with "Anti-Stress" Vitamins

The holidays can be a time of stress and feeling overwhelmed. Many of us struggle with over packed schedules and family expectations. Thankfully, there are a number of natural measures you can take to help you reduce stress and even treat yourself during the holiday season. B vitamins are often called the "stress vitamins" because they're quickly depleted from your body during times of stress. That's because your body needs B vitamins to create the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Plus, they give you the energy you need during times of stress (and shopping and cooking and wrapping and....).

Give Yourself the Gift of Massage

Massage is steeped in emotional benefits. The most obvious is its reduction of tension and stress. A brief massage can bring about a deep sense of peace and relaxation. In fact, some studies have found that massage can stimulate the production of chemicals such as serotonin, which are related to the body's innate relaxation response. In a word, massage makes you feel good.

Diffuse Your Stress with Exercise

One of the best antidotes for stress is physical activity. Exercise not only works the stress out of your muscles, it also stimulates your body's creation of feel-good endorphins.

A mile of walking--at any speed--burns as many calories as a mile of running, and I've rarely heard of people injuring muscles, ligaments, or joints while walking. I recommend walking every day for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes. To really up the stress-busting benefits, walk with a friend. Sharing time with those you love is a wonderful part of the holidays, so why not walk off the stress together.

Look at the Glass as Half Full

Research has found that optimists are not only happier, they're also healthier, live longer, and recover from illnesses better than those with less cheery outlooks. One way to start each day on the right foot is to think about what you are grateful for. However, don't just rattle off a list. Really take the time to contemplate your feelings about each thing and internalize how each positive feature makes your life better.

Breathe!  

Proper breathing is one way to reduce stress. The next time you feel stressed take a deep breath and sigh deeply. After several breaths, you should be aware of how much more you need to breathe and how much relief it offers you.


In short, offset the stress with the tips I've given you, and remember that, first and foremost, the holidays are a time of joy, gratitude, and love. This is by far the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones!

Hey Everyone,

You may remember a post I did a little bit ago for Ebates featuring a Jessica Simpson look for less. In addition to my The Looks For Less blog, I also have a website that "feeds" my addiction for cooking and baking. My sister Lauren is also addicted to food and photography, so we decided to document our recipe exchange in a blog appropriately titled In Her Kitchen. 



The recipe I decided to share with you all is the dessert that inspired the blog - my sister's famous (amongst my friends) Fruit & Nutella Pastry Cups. She came up with the recipe after we had dessert crepes together at a local French restaurant. Hope you will try it out and if you do, please let us know what you think. If you're not a baker-extraordinaire fret not, Ebates has numerous gourmet stores that sell delectable treats.

Thanks,
Jennifer


Ingredients

• 1 Pepperidge Farm puff pastry sheet
• 9 tb. Nutella hazelnut spread
• 8 oz strawberries
• 2 bananas
• 1 tb. confectioners sugar
• 1 can whip cream
• 9 tb. chocolate sauce
• Hazelnut (optional)

Directions

1. Cut one sheet of nearly room temperature pastry dough into 9 squares (3 x 3). I use a pizza cutter, which seems to work best.
2. Stretch each square out just enough to fit into an ungreased muffin tin. Fold the corners that are exposed into the tin and press until evenly covering the inside of the tin. Repeat for remaining squares. Bake for about 10-15 minutes at 350 until lightly golden brown.
3. While pastry is baking, cut bananas and strawberries into bite sized chunks. Lightly coat with confectioners sugar to give a bit more sweetness to the fresh fruit.
4. Remove the pastry from the oven when it is a light golden brown. It will puff up filling the inside of each muffin tin. While it is still warm, press gently around the inside with a spoon to open up each pastry forming a "pastry cup". Remove muffin tin from oven, and while still warm, press a spoon into each pastry to open them up. Spread a spoon full of Nutella into each pastry and spread evenly around the inside of the pastry.
5. Also while still warm, spread the Nutella into the inside of the pastry cups. It is much easier to spread when the warm pastry melts the Nutella.
6. Top each pastry with a heaping spoonful of the banana and strawberry mixture, a swirl of whip cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a shaving of hazelnut (optional).

This is my favorite desert, all time ever! Pastry, fruit and Nutella go so well together, and you feel as though it's somewhat healthy with the fruit, hahah.

Please visit our blog, InHerKitchen.com for more recipes and tons of pics documenting each recipes' directions.  You can also follow us on Twitter at @InHerKitchen and like us on Facebook.  Hope to hear from you!

Today's guest blogger is Lindsey from Stila Cosmetics. As a beauty guru she knows how to shop for that perfect gift, and get cash back from Ebates!

We've all been there - crunch time on Christmas Eve in search for the perfect gift for that special someone. If you're like most of us, selecting the perfect gift isn't an easy task - especially when you're shopping for women. Perhaps she owns everything already. Maybe she's picky. Or is it possible that you struggle to make up your mind? At stila, we like to make it easy for shoppers during the holidays, and many people are already lining up for some of our must-have gift items for the season. Plus you'll get 6.0% Cash Back by shopping with Ebates.

Color Wheel Eye Shadow Palette

This palette is a beautiful take on the ever-popular blockbuster palettes available during the holiday season. It combines the ingenuity of the color wheel with a pro artist lookbook, ensuring that every person will be able to use all 37 shades. Plus, stila created a "get the look" iPhone app to further help customers use their color wheel. All of this for only $38 - a bargain during the holidays.

 
Crème Bouquet Roller Ball

Stila fans all over the world love this soft floral scent. It smells good on anyone and is the perfect stocking stuffer/purse must-have. Every woman needs a crème bouquet roller ball in her handbag to ensure she smells great always.

 
Holiday Lip Glaze Collection

Stila's most popular gift set is back again this holiday and it's better than ever. 8 lip glazes for $25! Each gloss has 50% more gloss than our previous sets! That's a whole lot of lip glaze for your loved ones. A deal like this is hard to pass up!

Those are just a few of our favorite gift choices. Still not sure? Maybe we can entice you to try stila with an exclusive coupon for new customers only. Save 20% with code STILAAF from now until the end of the year. Which as you already know, isn't that far away!

Don't forget Stila has created an exclusive Gift Basket availble to Ebates members only! Shop it here.

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.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Ebates Members,

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

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

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

Happy Shopping,
Jennifer - The Looks For Less


Get Jessica's Look For Less

Romeo Fleece Jacket from Nordstrom $68

Burnout Tank from American Eagle $9.95

G By Guess Denim Skinny Denim $49.50

Bangle Set from Charlotte Russe $4

Hoop Earrings from Dillard's $30

Oversized Sunglasses from Endless $19.95

Nine West Handbag from eBags $71

Faux Suede Booties from AMI Clubwear $12.99

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

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

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

Sweaters

Old Navy Swing Coat Sweater $39.50.

Old Navy Sweater Vest $34.50.

Poncho Capelet from American Eagle Outfitters $49.50.


Leggings

Black Jeggings from Old Navy $39.50.

Skinny Jeans from Gap $29.50.

Black Leggings from Aerie $15.50.


Boots

Basic Buckle Boot from Wet Seal $29.50.

Suede Fold Over Boot from Wet Seal $29.50.

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

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

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

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



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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello, fellow Ebaters! My name is Lisa and I'm stopping by from FantabulouslyFrugal to talk about every closet's must-have item as the days get colder: Boots.

Fall is my favorite season for many reasons, but more than any other I love that changing leaves and dropping temperatures means boot season is just around the corner! Speaking of boots, would you believe the store that's selling the pair of boots I'm coveting the most is actually Old Navy?!  


I love these Double Buckle Boots because they're sturdy and they have a bit of an edge. They're already selling for a very thrifty $39.50, but thanks to Ebates I'd know to shop on Tuesday (save an additional 10% with Old Navy card holder's discount), and I know I'll be getting 2.0% Cash Back on my purchase. Yep, even when something costs as little as $39.50 I still like to figure out how to pay even less.

I couldn't believe it when I found out that you can get cash back for shopping at UGG! I love my UGGs, but I hate how they never go on sale. The other downside to UGGs is that once it gets a little bit colder you can hardly ever find the size and/or style you want in stores. Luckily, that's hardly ever a problem when shopping online!


I feel like I've hit the jackpot when purchasing the lovely Classic Tall Boots above online through Ebates, because I find out that shipping is free on purchases over $150 and I get 4.5% Cash Back. These two deals combined means that shopping online is definitely cheaper than stopping by the store AND I'm guaranteed to find something in my size!

Finally, I'd be remiss not to mention the creme de la creme of shoe shopping destinations, 6pm.com. If you can't find that one pair of boots you need to complete your Fall/Winter wardrobe anywhere else, check this store. Not only do they offer name-brand shoes and boots for a fraction of their original retail price not to mention you'll get 2.5% Cash Back just by shopping through Ebates!

Love boots as much as I do? Leave a comment letting me know what fab pair of boots you're coveting this season!

Today's guest blogger Free Sample Momma dishes why she loves Ebates and shopping with cash back!

Now that the weather is turning cooler, I get in the mood to update my beauty regimen whether it's changing my makeup palette to Fall tones or changing the color of my hair, I always get the bug to change things up a bit with new products.

So while I search for the latest eye shadow colors or the newest hair care products, I also search for sites that will give me a little more than what I pay for and by this, I mean free samples with your order and even better cash-back.  Ebates offers all of this and more. I can shop at my favorite beauty sites like Sephora and get a great deals like: "Free Sample Collection of 3 Bare Escentuals Best Sellers with any purchase at Sephora" or "Free Signature Collection Body Care Item ($12 value) with any $10+ order" at Bath and Body Works. I can also get cash back through Ebates so I am definitely getting more than what I'm paying for.

The best part is the fact that Ebates has everything I need to get these great deals and with their easy search options I don't have to search all over the place; the coupons codes, free deals and cash back feature is all in one convenient place.

So when you start updating your makeup collections or start looking for the latest Fall beauty trends, you should check out Ebates to shop smarter and get freebies. After all- we all love a free sample and a great deal!

One can't discuss fashion without mentioning celebrities, and when it comes to discussing celebrity fashion there's no blogger better equipped than TheHighHeelTimes. Even if you won't be walking the Red Carpet anytime soon, so can shop the same items worn by your favorite celebrities!

90210 star AnnaLynne McCord attended this event in style, but believe it or not her ensemble didn't cost a fortune. She's wearing the Juliana Dress by Alice + Olivia (available at Shopbop) and her shoes are by Pour la Victoire. The dress is Fall appropriate thanks to a velvet/leather combination, and the Bria Platform Sandals are comfortable enough for the Red Carpet thanks to a one inch platform. Not to mention they cost less than you think! Find these at Bluefly with 3.5% Cash Back.

This photo of Audrina Patridge is one for the shoe fans. Audrina wore these breathtaking Rhinestone Metallic Pumps by Balmain (a celebrity favorite) to the MTV Video Music Awards just a few days ago. Do you think you can fall in love with these? If so they're available at Barneys New York and you'll get 2.5% Cash Back.

Shop more celebrity fashion at TheHighHeelTimes.

Today's guest blogger BeantownFashionista discusses Fall fashion and her top picks for looking great on a budget!

 

Summer hasn't officially bid us adieu but I cannot wait for Fall to arrive. Why you ask? Fall fashion! I'm a big lover of all things Fall; coats, jackets, scarves, leggings, boots, layering - I love it all! With retailers pumping out email alerts to their latest fall fashions, now is definitely the time to shop. So dig in your heels ladies, and let's get ready!
 
I have been coveting the vast selection of pea coats at Express. If there is one thing that is on overload in my closet it's coats. My coat collection ranges in print and length; pretty much if it's a fitted piece of wool outerwear I'm a fan. Typically I browse through magazines to find what piece is going to be my new wardrobe splurge, however I was pleasantly surprised to find that Express had totally revamped their outerwear and included some "must-have now" pieces like this Suede Shearling Jacket. I live on a budget so purchases over $125 have to be planned ahead of time, but with 2.5% Cash Back I get something in return. This girl is on a saving spree because I MUST own this jacket!
 
Speaking of shopping on a budget, hello Wet Seal! Yes you read right, Wet Seal is for more than teeny-boppers. I love to visit Wet Seal for their skinny denim (which just so happens to be on my Fall wishlist) and fashion tops. We all know that trends are fleeting, but there's no need to break the bank trying to look current. By mixing less expensive items like these jeans priced at $19.50, with better wardrobe pieces I'm able to achieve a killer outfit for a fraction of the price. At Wet Seal you'll finds tons of options at bargain prices with 3.0% Cash Back. After the splurge of the above shearling jacket I love being able to complete the look for under $150!

Check out BeantownFashionista for more chic ideas!

Ebates' very own Ben Wilkinson knows a thing or too about men's fashion. In celebration of Man Week, he's agreed to school the rest of us in dapper dressing.

At Ebates, we like to keep everything stylin' and profilin' by giving you the best deals from the top stores. On top of that we like to let you know what's hot and what's not when it comes to design and style and hopefully we'll help you save a few bucks while doing it. With that in mind, here are the top Fall fashion must-haves for all of our male readers.

Keep your mystique with a dark Fall Suit. This Wool Suit from Banana Republic will keep you looking fresh and warm when the weather turns cold. You can get it for $325 with 2.0% Cash Back.



This Robinson Gingham Shirt will go great with either a suit, trousers, or a nice pair of jeans. Match it with a tie to stay professional, or keep it untucked for a laid back look. You can get it for $69.50 plus 1.0% Cash Back at J.Crew.



Keep things colorful with this Cashmere Sweater from Ted Baker. Not only will it keep you warm, but it's so soft and comes in several color options. You can get it for $119.99 plus 3.5% Cash Back from Bluefly.


Start Fall of on the right foot by getting a pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction Dress Shoes. You can get them for $78.99 plus 5.0% Cash Back from Online Shoes.



Finally nothing says Fall like a stylish overcoat. This water-resistant Khaki Trench will look great rain or shine. Get it at Banana Republic for $225 plus 2.0% Cash Back.

So there you have it; a few simple items that can transform any man's wardrobe. Don't forget to check out Man Week for increased cash back and more cool savings.

Today's guest blogger ForTheMommas dishes on her favorite stores to save money, and to conquer shopper's remorse!
.
Back to School Clothes Shopping is my weakness. Each year I walk into stores and marvel at perfectly coordinated outfits topped with adorable backpacks and lunch bags, and I immediately think my son needs that. As I start to rationalize how cute he would look, the logical part of me knows he doesn't need sneakers that match his backpack, which match his baseball hat.

Last school year, I didn't win the battle with my irrational desire to match my son from head to toe. This year I am resisting temptation all together by doing all of my shopping online to help save money. This way nothing randomly ends up in my cart! Here are a few stores I save big at.

Gap.
I will be grabbing all the cute fall trends for kids at Gap has this Labor Day weekend, a great sale and 10.0% Cash Back cannot be beat.  

Piperlime.
A few new pairs of shoes and a whopping 15.0% Cash Back!

Old Navy.
This is where I get my basics- you know socks, jeans and t's to coordinate with the nicer pieces from Gap. 2.0% Cash Back is just a big bonus on top of their great prices.

Office Max.
Cannot forget the rest of the school supplies and 3.0% Cash Back for buying things you already need.

Happy Shopping!

Nobody knows shoes like TheWorkingGirlsShoeCloset. As today's guest blogger she'll share her top picks from Piperlime. Shoe addicts take note! 

My name is Erica Manney, and I am usually found blogging at YouShouldOnlyKnow.com. I write about modern manners and getting out of sticky social situations. My qualifications? I am always finding myself in said sticky situations and have lots of ways to get out of them. I have prepared my own list of emergency items, practically guaranteed to get you out of a myriad of sticky social situations and climb out of etiquette breech.

Breath Mints - As a rule of thumb whenever someone offers you gum or a mint, take it. They are being polite and possibly trying to tell you something. Find it at drugstore.com.

Matches - Impromptu birthday cupcakes, mood lighting, blackout candle-lighting and more. You can substitute a lighter, but that won't help you out after a trip to the guest bathroom. Yes, I went there.

Two Quarters -  I know, I know. Everyone has a cell phone, and even meters take credit cards (at least in NYC they do) but this is advice from my dad and I always find myself in need of a quarter. How much room does this really take up?

Business Card Holder - This is less "emergency" and more "that's one classy broad." In a pinch or when you are using a clutch, it can also hold your ID and credit cards. Find it at Urban Outfitters.

Tissues - When you need one, there is just no substitute. These have saline and aloe for a clean, soft nose. Find them at drugstore.com.

Safety Pins - Depending on the kind of business card holder you get, you can even keep these little life-savers in there! Carrying these pretty much guarantees that one day you will meet your future best friend in a ladies restroom. Find them at Walgreens.

Pen - Get one with a cap that screws on. The last thing you need is to create your own sticky situation by a leak, or an errant cap. This set is by Jonathan Adler and can be found at Barnes and Noble.

Mirror -  Check for stuff in your teeth, re-touch makeup and because someone always needs one. Get one with a cover, so it doesn't break. Can you tell I'm accident prone? Find it at Sephora.

Swiss Army Knife - I have never, ever regretted carrying one of these. I'm a fan of the "card" style. Bonus if it comes with an LED flashlight. But if you are a wine drinker, I recommend the bulkier style and make sure it comes with a corkscrew. Also, make sure either style includes a bottle opener (priorities!). Word of advice leave this at home before heading to the airport. Find this at Target.

There are tons of other things I carry, if my bag is big enough. Flip-flops or ballet flats, a small flashlight, Band-Aids, a bottle of water, aspirin, a granola bar; but the above are the essentials whenever I leave the house. What else would you keep in your Sticky Situations Emergency Kit?

Buying something for Dad is always a tough one.  I did the ugly tie thing for a couple years and even though it always put a smile on his face, I knew I needed to step it up this year. I wanted something that he could show off to his friends and make them all jealous.  With his summer golf trips and the family vacation around the corner, I decided to get him a Flip video camera, which PC World just named one of the top "cool gadgets for a hot summer."

I checked out some of the Flip models and saw some cool designs, but I still wasn't sure which model would be the best fit for him. I wanted HD video, something easy for him to use and a present that was unique.  I ended up getting the new SlideHD camera, which shoots in HD 720p video, holds up to 12 hrs of video and has a 3" touch-screen. It also comes with built in Flipshare software, which is a super easy way to organize and upload your videos to YouTube, Facebook and MySpace. But the cool thing was that I uploaded my favorite photo of us on a fishing trip and Flip printed it on the front of the camera for free!  I can't wait to see his face when he realizes he didn't get a tie this year!

Plus, shop through Ebates and earn 5% Cash Back on your purchase, and enter coupon code FLIP10 at checkout to save an additional $10 on your order. The $10 off coupon is good until 6/30.

Club Med is one of the leading all inclusive vacation providers and a pioneer in the industry. No two resorts are the same and there are over 80 to choose from around the world, including Mexico and the Caribbean! What you can expect

from all their resorts are stunning backdrops, attention to detail, delicious food and fine wine, fun and unique activities (scuba diving, tennis or... trapezing, anyone?!)  and a sense of culture that is one of a kind.
Book now and you can save up to 50%* on 7-night all-inclusive getaways! Valid for Family, Couples, and Single bookings at some of Club Med's most popular luxury resorts! For example:

• Ixtapa Pacific
  
• Cancun
  
• Sandpiper
  
• Buccaneer's Creek
  
• Punta Cana
  

Everything is included in one, truly All Inclusive price:

• Enhanced accommodations: ocean view, deluxe rooms, suites and family suites - you choose the accommodation that suits your needs best!
  
• Gourmet dining throughout the day with full open bar - just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you can't eat well!
  
• Land & Water sports including tennis, windsurfing, trapeze and more. Be as active or as laid back as you want to be! There are fun activities for all and children love the options!
  
• Baby & Petit Club Med: thoughtful and specialized facilities, programs & care for babies & toddlers
  

Club Med also has some fantastic Late Deals and Early Booking Discounts. View all of Club Med's Hot Deals!

The best part is, you get 2% Cash Back on your booking when you book your amazing Club Med vacation through Ebates so book your all inclusive vacation now!

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!

Hmmm? So, can't decide if you should travel to Australia or New Zealand? Both are so amazing in their own right. Qantas has helped solve this predicament for you by offering a deal that will allow travelers to see both New Zealand AND Australia easily and for a great deal! You can use this steal to sample or further explore both countries (and save some dough at the same time.)

What's great about this offer is you save time by flying into one country and flying out of another without having to backtrack - and in today's time crunched world, that's extremely valuable! If you've been dreaming of a vacation to Australia or New Zealand, there really isn't a better time to plan your trip! Carpe Diem!

Now for the details...

Carrier: Qantas Airways
The Deal: $339* each way based on round trip travel (That's $678* round-trip!)
When you can go: Depart between April 19 - June 8 or July 24 - September 21, 2010 (Qantas has other travel dates available but leaving during these dates gets you the lowest fare.)
Offer ends: Soon! (Fares like these don't last forever...)

Plus, don't forget that you get $7.50 Cash Back from Ebates!

By the way, if you're thinking this fare means you'll be dinged for lots of extras, think again. Qantas is one of the few airlines where you still receive complimentary food (and wine!)** as well as seatback screens with more than 400 audio and video options on demand** in all of their cabins! Come on! Let's go!

* Taxes, fees and restrictions apply.

** Available on Qantas A380, B747-400 and A330-300 aircraft from the mainland U.S., subject to last minute schedule change.

Find more deals and coupons in the Ebates Travel & Vacations category.

If you watch ESPN, you've probably noticed all the ads running to hype the FIFA World Cup which runs from June 11 - July 11 in South Africa. In case you are unfamiliar with the event, the World Cup, which occurs once every four years, is a soccer tournament comprised of 32 nations and is one of the biggest events in all of sports. In 2006, the World Cup drew 829 million viewers in North America and the Caribbean compared to 141 million viewers the Super Bowl drew that same year.

In one of the most highly anticipated matches in the tournament, the United States will play England in their opening match on June 12th. This is a game that every American should watch (in my humble opinion) to show support for their country against one of the world's best soccer nations. If the USA can find a way to tie or win that match, we should be able to advance to the next round where anything can happen!

If you love soccer or just want to show your support for your country this summer, now is the time to buy your Team USA shirt from World Soccer Shop since supplies are limited worldwide. World Soccer Shop is known as one of the premier destinations for world soccer apparel and we carry dozens of items for all 32 countries participating in the FIFA World Cup. You can buy the officially licensed jersey for nearly every team and we have a wide selection of t-shirts and more at low prices.

Right now get FREE Ground Shipping on all orders of $100 or more with your exclusive Ebates discount code for Ebates members, 7WSS431, in addition to 4% Cash Back from Ebates when you buy now. Bottom line, don't wait to buy your World Cup apparel! Visit WorldSoccerShop.com today and get your gear so you can be ready to show your colors for the opening match on June 11th!

Remember, use coupon code 7WSS431 at checkout to receive FREE Ground Shipping on all orders of $100 or more plus get 4% Cash Back from Ebates. Buy now to get the best savings.

Find more World Soccer Shop offers and deals at Ebates.

For all you loyal shoppers out there, Karmaloop.com is the place to be, especially for this Holiday season! Founded in 1999 by Greg Selkoe, Karmaloop is a Boston-based online retailer. The global leader of streetwear fashion, Karmaloop carries over two hundred of the hottest and upcoming brands, both contemporary and street. Gearing up for the much-anticipated holiday shopping season, Karmaloop has provided its customers with a gift guide to make your shopping experience easy and efficient. Here are a few ideas for both guys and girls.

For guys, button-downs, varsity jackets, vests and fitted baseball caps are great trends that will keep them warm from the cold and looking fly. Check out the Pike Plaid Buttondown Shirt by RVCA, the Demons Stadium Jacket by Crooks and Castles, the Everest Vest by Artful Dodger, and the Original Snap Back Hat by KR3W.

For the ladies, fitted dresses, winter trench coats, mini skirts, crystal encrusted jewelry and woven handbags are all styles that are on every girl's wish list. Take a look at the Helen Dress by Motel, the Grable Coat by BB Dakota, the High Tide Scrunch Mini by Free People, the Swarovski Pow Gun Ring by Melody Ehsani, and the Luella Woven Hobo by Deux Lux. For more gift ideas, check out the gift guide, for full collections of all brands, check out Karmaloop, and for 6.0% Cash Back on all your orders, check out Ebates.com.

For a fun new way to save even more at Karmaloop, check out the LOCKDOWN! Sale: A new door opens daily, revealing a special offer to make this season just a little more spicy! Come back daily and check out what we have in store. We don't care if you've been naughty or nice, Karmaloop has your goods on lock!

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.  

Don't you hate it when you arrive to the airport for a trip, and the airline charges you an arm and a leg for checked luggage? What happened to the good old days of flying freight free? Well, Mexicana Airlines is taking us back to the golden age of free baggage policies. Anyone who flies with Mexicana can check two bags for free. Considering that most airlines are adding fees to everything from drinks to headphones nowadays, that's a pretty good deal! Make that deal even better with 1.0% Cash Back when you shop through Ebates too!

Did we mention that Mexicana will also provide an open bar? Not a bad to start a vacation to Cancun, which is currently on sale right now, starting at $196 round trip. Click here to see all of Mexicana's promotional fares.

So, you're probably thinking, two free pieces of checked luggage -- not bad, right?

Passengers departing from California, the home state of Mexicana's US headquarters, are getting an unbelievable deal. Fly through December 10, 2009 and check a third piece of luggage at no cost. That's three, count them; three bags. No need for skimpy packing on this vacation. Bring the surfboard, your Wii, maybe even your favorite couch! (not quite but you get the idea) If you're from California and planning a getaway before Dec 10, 2009, click here to travel in style with Mexicana Airlines' unbeatable offer.

You Better Watch Out...You Better Not Cry... and if even if you do pout, it won't stop the holidays approaching faster than a speeding sleigh. In some places temperatures are still topping 80 degrees, but other parts of the country have already experienced falling snow and cold snaps below 20 degrees leaving no doubt that summer is over and it's time to start making that list and checking it twice. 

If you drag your feet like I do, the holiday planning process starts some time around December 15th. Unfortunately that usually means a poor selection of gifts, crowds, and a mad dash to mail the holiday cards.

Sleigh bells ring - are you listening? Here's a great website, CurrentCatalog.com, that's a procrastinator's salvation. Whether you celebrate Christmas Hanukkah, Kwanza or something in between, their unbeatable selection of holiday greeting cards - personalized for free - will save you time, money, and last-minute trouble:

FREE Shipping on any order of $40+ from CurrentCatalog.com: Halloween, Kids Crafts, Holiday Gift Wrap & more. Offer expires 10/31/09.

Are you tired of giving the men ties, women slippers, and the kids gift cards? Again Current Catalog comes to the rescue with unique gifts at affordable prices. One of our family and friends favorites this year is the new Personalized Canvas Prints. You can even use your own photo for a truly personal touch.




And if it's something small and memorable you're after, the Santa and Elf Treat Pants will be hanging around for many holidays to come:

CurrentCatalog.com will also help wrap up your shopping early with seasonal gift paper, tags, decorated boxes, bells, bags and bows.

So kick back, relax and let Current Catalog be your one-stop shopping source for happy holidays without the hassle! Plus, put a little back in your stocking with 3.0% Cash Back through Ebates!

Shopping for the best deals and picking out worthy products (both clothing and grooming) is what I do for Style Flavors and today I'll be doing that for you guys at Ebates.

HSN and Lucky magazine are joining forces to create an unforgettable fashion event: Lucky Shops Designer Event! From now until November 9, the original home shopping network and the sassy gloss mag present an exclusive, limited-edition collection of designer apparel, jewelry, and accessories... all at unbelievable prices.

Rebecca Taylor, Shoshanna, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Minkoff, Abbe Held of Kooba, Helen Ficalora, and Gerard Yosca join HSN's top designer lines: Chi by Carlos Falchi, Curations with Stefani Greenfield, Sam Edelman, and R.J. Graziano in this premiere shopping event, guaranteed to make your fall it's most fashionable (and affordable!) ever.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Be sure to catch the Lucky Shops: Designer Event premiere on HSN TV tomorrow, October 16 from 8-10 pm ET and October 17 from 8-10am ET. Join the fashionable fun as these seven spectacular designers share insider tips and the real stories behind their impeccable designs.

You can also visit Lucky Shops: Designer Event on HSN.com here.

I don't remember exactly when I fell in love with Target. I think that the process was pretty swift or there was some sort of magical dust in the air. I can't put a finger on it, but suffice it to say, I've become a dyed-in-the-wool, Tar-jay loving, blogging maniac about all things Target for almost two years now. What do you want to know? Great tips on getting the most out of shopping at Target? I can help! I am a Targeteer!

To start with, go to Target.com and sign up for their email. Then chant repeatedly that you will NOT click links in their email before you log into Ebates and route your shopping trip through the Ebates site once logged in so you get credit for shopping at Target. Target emails are your "cheat sheet" to getting deals. Just search for the item after you've gone to Target via Ebates to access the deal on the item you have an interest in purchasing. Is your brain asking you why I am telling you to do it this way? It ensures that you will get your cash back from Ebates. If you click on links from just going to the Target site first, you probably will not get credit for your purchase. This is because of the tracking that takes place so that Ebates can see all the info it takes to give you credit.

Next, go to the site map for Target. It will reveal many pages that you may not have known that were there that are also money savers. There is a page for rebates on products. That is updated as merchandise rotates on and off the list. There is a link for recycling your old cell phone where you can get credit via a Target Gift Certificate.

Now take a moment and check out their clearance pages. This is where you get the greatest savings. If you will shop off-season, you'll rack up savings as high as 90%. You will have to visit the site very often as the discounts deepen to snag your deal. How about Target's Daily Deals? There are usually about five items listed. Another fairly new category is the Red Hot Shop! You'll find a dozen or so items listed there that are very interesting, usually quite affordable, and often a little quirky.

Do you have a Target RedCard? I'm not advocating debt but if you can manage your credit, this can be a sweet deal. We purchase everything on our RedCard and after $1000 in purchases you get a 10% discount card good for one day. I usually use my 10% card for a shop where I can maximize my savings and pile up clearance prices, sale prices, shopping codes or store coupons and make my own sale.

Now that you know the basics of how to grab a really good deal, here are a few frugal opportunities that caught my eye this week... Thanksgiving Turkey is sure to be a hit when you use this Stainless Steel Roasting Set! Snag this deal now for $27.99 (reg $39.99). This is a smart purchase after saving 30% and it will last for many years to come. It includes two large fork roast/turkey lifters, a jumbo roast rack, baster, reusable turkey timer and marinade injector. Baster is stainless steel with a silicone bulb and comes with needle and brush; baster holds 1.5 oz; injector holds 7 tsp.

Serve up a scrumptious pumpkin pie in the Cornucopia Pumpkin Pie Plate for $8.99! You'll be happy you have this item to place on your Turkey Day dinner table after saving 25%. If you are the guest at someone else's table, take a pie in this pie plate as a hostess gift. This item is a 10 " hand-painted stoneware and will make all of your Pilgrims smile when they learn it is also dishwasher safe.

Snuggle up under this Kingsize Sleepwarmer Automatic Blanket. Save not only 50% on this blanket at $59.98 (reg. $119.99), but also on your winter heating bills too. It is currently available in a variety of colors (king size only) and is 100% polyester and machine washable.

Every girl needs a little black dress! Check out this Merona Collection Knit Wrap Dress! It is available in XS - XXL at ONLY $14.99 (reg $29.99). You'll save 50% on this dress and you'll get tons of opportunities to wear it to all sorts of holiday parties. Just change your jewelry, shoes and dress up or down with a wrap or a jacket.

Interested in getting more deals in the store? Surf on over to AttentionTargetShoppers.com and follow along as I lead you from one deal to the next, Be sure to sign up for the email feed. I also publish a complete ad match-up to coupons item-by-item every Sunday.

Disclaimer: I am not now nor have I ever been a Target employee. I am simply a Target loving blogger who loves to share her deals. I also do NOT have any "insider" info from any Target employee past or present. I find my own deals or they are submitted by others who love shopping at Target. Follow me to Target. I will save you lots of money.

It's not that I despise vacuuming, but with our yellow lab in the house, we've got furballs rolling around like tumbleweeds if we don't drag the vacuum out twice a day.

So after hearing that iRobot makes a robotic Roomba vacuum especially for pets, we decided to give it a try. It turns out that our Roomba is a tough little machine that cleans our floors better than a human (at least the ones in our household). If iRobot just adds a wagging tail, it might even earn 'favorite pet' status.

If you haven't heard of the Roomba, it's basically a dinner-plate sized disc, a few inches tall, that sounds like a kid's radio-controlled car. It relentlessly scours your floor plan, avoiding stairs and other hazards, and is smart enough to return to its charging station when its battery is low. You can even schedule it to clean when you're not home. The machine's low profile allows it to get under many places you normally never vacuum, and its side brushes allow it to clean tight corners and baseboards. If it ever does get tripped up on something, it stops and gives you a polite beep.

iRobot makes different models for just about every floor type and cleaning chore, including the floor-washing "Scooba" and the industrial-grade "Dirt Dog". We bought one of the new model 562 Pet Series Roombas, which includes a high-capacity debris bin.

Check out their site and you'll get 3.0% Cash Back, a free gift with any Roomba or Scooba Purchase (up to a $130) value, plus free shipping.

Did you know that you can now have a Vera Bradley wedding? There are now custom bridesmaid dresses & tableware in Vera Bradley fabrics! The only reason that I know this is because I am a Vera Bradley addict. My obsession began after the birth of my first child. I had purchased my first Vera Bradley Diaper Bag and I fell in love with the fabric design & the structure of the bag (it has tons of pockets to hold everything). Since then, I have purchased at least two a year.

The prints are so eye-catching and make such a fashion statement that I can't help myself. Each week Vera Bradley seems to have a new bag on sale. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Vera Bradley has the Pinwheel Pink & Daisy Daisy bags on sale for 40% off!! Between the sale price & getting 3.0% Cash Back through Ebates, you can really get a steal of a deal!

As we all know times are tough and a little supplemental income could come in handy for many of us. If you have a computer and a willingness to learn these five ways to make money may just come in handy.

1. Ebates (of course!)

We all know that Ebates is great for saving a little money on all of our internet shopping, but the referral program is also a great way to earn some extra money. Ebates makes it easy by using the referral emails. You can also post your referral link in your signature line of your emails, forum posts, or even add a banner to your website to refer your visitors. For more information visit the refer-a-friend page.

2. Become a Virtual Assistant

The Virtual Assistant (VA) industry has been exploding the last couple years. As the name suggests VAs do assistant or secretarial work, but usually they work from home rather than at an office. A couple Google searches will yield more than enough info to get you started.

3. Blogging

A few years ago there weren't very many bloggers making money with their blogs, but more and more we are seeing bloggers using their blogs as a supplemental income. It isn't easy, but if you have the discipline to stick with it for a couple years it can be a viable source of income.

4. Write product reviews

More and more websites are offering cash or perks in exchange for product reviews. Some of the larger ones are Ciao, Epinions.com, ReviewStream.com, but there are many others. Most require a specific number of words per review and a few other minor requirements. But if you are quick with a keyboard and have an opinion, this might not be a bad way to earn a few bucks.

5. Selling on eBay

Even though eBay has been around for a while, there is plenty of money still to be made. You can start by cleaning out your closets and attic. Quality brand-name items often do well on eBay. Many of the 1,000,000+ eBay businesses began just reselling items found on clearance racks. Plus, of course, Ebates users earn 2% Cash Back on most eBay purchases.

The first time my parents visited me in college I thought my mother was going to faint. My dorm room was a bit eclectic: the curtains were plaid, the bedspread floral, and the floors bare. Surely I was brought up better than this, she lamented! Left to my own devices I "borrowed" some old sheets from the family linen closet (the ones where the pillowcases didn't match) and appropriated a long-forgotten comforter hidden on the top shelf. The window coverings...well they were the legacy of the former occupant. Money was tight and there weren't many options for budget-conscious college kids in those days.

But like they say - we've come a long way baby! Thanks to Designer Linens Outlet, college-bound kids can go off to school in style at a savings of up to 80% off retail prices. From sheets to towels, bed sets to pillows - their vast selection will fit any style, any wallet.  Not sure where to start - visit their comprehensive Back-to-School section, where they highlight the best brands like Nautica, Croscill and Christy to name a few. Each week there's a different promotion to help you save even more, and until August 31st you can either take $10 OFF orders of $99+ with promo code AFTen99, or select free shipping on orders of $49+ with promo code AFShipFree89.

Now you know where to buy and how to save, but are you still suffering from thread count confusion or cotton vs. percale? Visit Designer Linen Outlet's Sheet Buying Guide to strip down the bedding basics. Haven't decided on duvet cover vs. quilt or how memory foam can relieve those sleepless pre-test nights? DLO's Bedding Guide really simplifies linen lingo. And at last, the ultimate source on how to measure for sheets, shams, and more! Remember; studies have shown that students who get a good night's sleep get better grades. Why tempt fate? Shop for your future college graduate's Back-to-School bedding at Designer Linens Outlet and earn 4% Cash Back while you're at it!

P.S. - In case Mom and Dad are taking their student's departure as a signal to re-decorate, they too can get the best in designer bedding, bath, and home décor at the same great savings up to 80% off retail prices at Designer Linens Outlet. Why should the kids have all the fun!

Come and experience a unique beach destination in Mexico.

Los Cabos is located at the southernmost tip of the State of Baja California Sur. This area encompasses the two coastal towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Mexicana Airlines takes you to Los Cabos where you can enjoy year-round professional golf courses, spectacular whale watching, striking white sand beaches, and clear sapphire seas that provide an exceptional setting for your next escape to Mexico.

Travel from any Mexicana Airlines gateway in the US, Canada, and Europe on direct flights to San Jose del Cabo - where available - or through convenient connections via Mexico City.

With an open bar, complimentary meals, and two checked bags at no extra charge, Mexicana provides an convenient way to travel to this exotic destination. As a special offer, Mexicana.com is offering round trip airfare to Los Cabos starting at just $202 on flights booked this month. Book yours now and have a great trip! Plus, don't forget - you will earn 1% Cash Back on all your travel bookings with Mexicana when you use your Ebates account!

Vacations make people feel good, reconnect with family, and be more productive. Still, 34% of employed U.S. adults report they don't use their vacation days. Don't let this happen to you! There is still time to take a summer vacation. Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive family resort or a bungalow for two, you can find the perfect trip to suit your budget at these tropical hot spots. They offer nightlife, snorkeling, sailing, white sandy beaches, waterfalls and plenty of relaxation.

Some of the great deals include:

Cancun: Oasis Palm Beach Family Resort & Spa All Inclusive - $89 a night (70% off)
Hawaii: Castle Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki - $65 a night (50% off)
Barbados: The Palms Resort - $52 a night (60% off)
Jamaica: Legends Beach Resort - $62 of a night (40% off)
Los Cabos: Tesoro Los Cabos - $69 a night (70% off)


Plus, when you book on Expedia, you can get $100 off instantly with exclusive coupon codes for vacation packages. Simply book four nights plus a flight on a participating airline, and enter the code at checkout.



COUPON CODE                 AIRLINE                 REGION FOR TRAVEL
TBMEXICO100                   Aeromexico                      Mexico
TBHAWAII100                      United                            Hawaii
TBCARIBBEAN100              JetBlue                         Caribbean
TBSOUTHAMERICA100       Avianca                     South America
TBCENTRALAMERICA100    TACA                      Central America
TBSOUTHPACIFIC100     Air New Zealand     South Pacific (excl. Australia and N.Z.)

Book your trip to paradise by August 15th to take advantage of these deals. Plus, earn 1% Cash Back on your bookings by shopping at Expedia and using your Ebates account!

These days, people are choosing to wear contact lenses for more than just vision correction reasons. Wearers are able to alter or enhance the color of their eyes with colored or special effects lenses. Newer colors are always being introduced and anyone can purchase colors such as amethyst and sapphire, or opt for a more natural color enhancer. Coupon code: COLORS will save you 15% off any colored contacts at Coastal Contacts until the end of July.

Those who wear contact lenses for vision correction often agree that contact lenses have come a long way in terms of design and benefit, converting more and more glasses wearers. After all, they are lightweight, convenient, virtually unnoticeable, and very comfortable to wear. In addition to colored contacts, the selection at Coastal Contacts is comprehensive - everything from daily disposables to bi-weekly lenses and even extended wear lenses that can be worn continuously up to one month  - covering brands such as Acuvue Advance, Acuvue 2, Focus Night and Day, and Freshlook Colorblends, each offering unique benefits to their users. For instance, Acuvue Oasys lenses (at left) contain Hydraclear, a remarkable moisture rich element that lies throughout the lens creating a soft, silky, comfortable feel.

Whatever your contact lens needs, you can save BIG at Coastal Contacts this month with prices up to 70% off retail and a whopping 7% Cash Back with Ebates. It's as easy as entering a coupon code and taking advantage of numerous free shipping offers.

I keep hearing everyone say that they are taking a "staycation" this year instead of going out of town for a vacation. What a great idea! There are so many things to see in and around your own city that you could discover something new everyday! There are a few ways that Ebates merchants can help you make your stay at home feel like a four-star resort (while earning your valuable cash back).


Beach resorts always have plenty of torches burning by the patio at night. Try putting a few on your deck or patio to bring that beachy feel right to your own backyard. I love these beautiful LoveBracket Torches from Target. You can just clip them to your deck railing, and earn 4% Cash Back.




Nothing says vacation like good food! Stonewall Kitchen offers up specialty foods and mixes that can turn your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant, and earn you 4% Cash Back on your purchases. Go buy some shrimp from your grocery store and serve it with this Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce. Instant Caribbean Cuisine! Make sure to whip up some margaritas too.



This Quilted Sunbrella Hammock from LL Bean will really make you feel like you are somewhere special. I love laying under the trees in a Hammock... grab a book (and your margarita) and hop in. Not only is it super cute... it is on sale plus an additional 2% Cash Back through Ebates!!




Surprise your family with treats at bedtime. How surprised would your kids be if they found some yummy Dancing Deer Baking Co. cookies on their bedside table? The Molasses Clove are amazing!




At the end of your fun filled day at home you should unwind and relax in an extra special way. Soak in the tub, give yourself a facial, or paint your nails a great Summer color. SpaLook has a wide variety of pampering products to choose from, all with a solid 6% Cash Back. Too tired to treat yourself? Try the Aromafloria Inhalation Beads. Just open the cap and take a whiff.... instant relaxation.


Go ahead, create your own staycation memories and traditions. By spending very little money, earning cash back from Ebates, and staying at home you can create a special time for the whole family. Check out more ideas at my blog, Katy Shops...

Hi! I'm Sasha and I blog at Sasha Says. I'm a working mom of two who can't say no to new beauty products. I'm also a big Ebates fan too, and was so excited when they invited me to guest blog.

I absolutely love Reese Witherspoon; so much that I named my daughter Reese! So when I saw that she was the new face of Avon last year, I was intrigued. I had never tried Avon before, (in fact I always thought of it as an "older lady" company), but with her as a spokesperson, I had to try it! I first tried the Pro-To-Go Lipstick and it's been a favorite of mine for quite some time now. It retails for $9, and I love how it slides shut - no cap to lose! My current favorite color is Cherry Glisten, too bad it doesn't make me look like Reese!

Now, I'm going to admit something - I'm 35 and (gasp!) have the beginnings of some wrinkles. My Avon rep recommended I try the Anew Rejuvenate line. Right now they have a fabulous deal: you can get both the Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate and Night Revitalizing Cream for just $39.99 - that's a savings of $40! I use the Flash Facial before I apply my makeup in the morning and the Night Cream, well, at night.



I think you'll find Avon is always having spectacular deals and you can use code REPFS for free shipping too! Plus, don't forget -- whenever you shop through Ebates, you're automatically earning a solid 5% Cash Back at Avon! Happy shopping!

Stop by Sasha Says and let me know what you think about Avon.

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!

Knowledge is power - especially when it comes to managing your hard-earned dollars. Sure, you can go to the library and check out gobs of information on how to live frugally for free. But some frugal reads are well worth owning. These are great resources that you can turn to again and again.

With Ebates you can pick up some terrific deals on some frugal reads. Here are a few of my favorites:

Books

These books are a great deal when you shop through Ebates! Earn 4% Cash Back from Barnes and Noble. And don't forget: Shipping is free when you spend more than $25.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. This is the ultimate guide to getting out of debt and staying out of debt.

10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget by The Writers of Wise Bread. It's no coincidence that Wise Bread is the #1 personal finance blog. Even the most experienced frugalites will learn a few new tricks from this book.

Live Your Life for Half the Price by Mary Hunt. Hunt does a great job at helping you save on the every day things that tend to get ignored. Loaded with great advice, you'll find yourself returning to this book whenever your spending starts to get out of hand. 

The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczn. Old school advice that is still relevant today. This is frugal living to the extreme.

Magazines

No time? Maybe you'd do better with a magazine. Magazines like Taste of Home, Consumer Reports and Kiplinger'sPersonal Finance offer articles that can help you save money. Order All You Magazine and it will pay for itself in coupons! Shop Magazines.com via Ebates and you'll earn $10 cash back when you spend $22 or more on these savvy reads. Use the code "SPRINGMAGS" and save $5 on select magazines.

Audio

No time to even flip through a magazine? With three boys under the age of four, I can totally relate! Check out all of the personal finance and frugal living audio podcasts available at iTunes. There are lots of free podcasts, including The Dave Ramsey Show. You can also purchase personal finance books for download. I love listening to these downloads when I'm in the car or exercising. When you shop through Ebates, you'll earn 3% Cash Back on your purchase.

Looking for more frugal resources? Check out my blog at Northern Cheapskate. I post all kinds of freebies, coupons, and money-saving ideas to help you make the most of your money.

Everyone can take advantage of the increased cash back of 8% at Sephora and be spoiled with some freebies with their purchase. Sephora has just about every beauty brand you can imagine plus many that will be new to you. That's where the freebies come in: Sephora offers a constantly changing "sample bar" from which you can select three to add to every purchase. Plus, if you are a Sephora Beauty Insider you will earn points that will qualify you to receive even more free samples (think deluxe size samples). If you fill out or update your Beauty Profile by April 30, you will get 50 free points in May, which brings you halfway to your next deluxe sample.

I recommend that you start browsing the Sale Items if you are looking for a great deal (up to 75% off) on a specific type of product, but aren't looking for a specific brand. When browsing the sales, I always sort my list from low to high price so that I see the cheapest (and often deepest discounted) items first. If you are buying several things from Sephora, then be aware that you can have free shipping with any order over $50. Otherwise shipping is a reasonable and flat rate of $5.95.

Oh, and did I mention there's almost always a coupon code you can enter to add something extra to your bag to spoil you even more? A few of the current coupon codes I found at Ebates include:
NATURALBAG - 8 free samples of natural products, I got this sample pack with my last order and it was a great variety of new products to try
DUWOP - DuWop Prime Venom sample (think lip plumping)
PRIMER - Smashbox Photofinish Primer sample

Anyone want a free birthday present? Well, my birthday is coming up next month and I love to spoil myself with freebies. Sephora is giving me my choice of Super Shimmer Lip Gloss Trio or Vanilla Cupcake Bath & Shower bubbles with my online order. I don't even need to visit the store (but could and no purchase would be required) because they let me select my birthday present right now. Be sure that you get your birthday present from Sephora too and sign up here!

Whether you are buying yourself a gift or someone else, you are going to be so spoiled with Sephora when shopping with Ebates. I just got spoiled with twelve free samples and a birthday gift with my online purchase today.  If you've got any online shopping to do at Sephora, don't forget to do it before the special 8% Cash Back returns to the normal 4% cash back.  I love Sephora and Ebates so much that I'm spoiling one of my lucky readers with a $50 Sephora eGiftcard giveaway - you should enter right now!

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.)

The fact is, I work in my pajamas so they are pretty important to me! So how do I find some stylish and comfy new pajamas without paying full-price? Head to my favorite retailers through Ebates and only look at the "Clearance" section. The key to saving money on clothes shopping is not to think about what you need this season, but to think about what you need this year (and only browse the clearance). I found four comfy pairs of pajamas and they are all under $20 a pair. I think I just found my new work wardrobe! I'll be comfy while blogging away in my pajamas.

Would you love to lounge in these Oscar de la Renta Charmeuse Pajama Set? Well forget that $80 price tag because they can be yours for $19.99 at Macy's. Plus, Ebates pays you 4% cash back on your purchase. They are only available in Medium! I love virtual clearances because it's so much easier to dig through the deals. And while you're at Macy's virtual store you can also submit a review for a chance to win $1,000 and enter the Macy's and Clinton Kelly's Makeover America Sweepstakes. What if your new pajamas don't fit? Remember that it's easier to return a Macys.com purchase than a store purchase because you have two return options; mail it back with the pre-paid label or take it to a brick-and-mortar store. I'm feeling comfier already just thinking about the ease and comfort of shopping online for pajamas!

Declare your love with RedEnvelope's delectable edibles, which are a nice compliment to flower giving during the Valentine's season.

If you have an adventurous spirit, like Chinese tradition, and need a great Valentine's Day gift, then you're in luck. These Chocolate Fortune Cookies make a great gift for your sweetie. This is a great combination of chocolate, good fortune, and a little who-knows-what. Currently selling for $24.95.