Recently in Food and Drink Category

October 19, 2009

It's my experience that Halloween is a rather polarizing holiday: you either love it or hate it. I can say that I fall into the latter category because I am not particularly fond of constructing an elaborate costume, dressing up, or being festive. Yet, there is one thing about Halloween that I cannot get enough of: sweet, delicious, addictive candy. Halloween is a special time of year for candy lovers because most everyone has some to give out, special edition candy is available, and you can basically eat of ton of it and rationalize your over-indulging with the fact that it only comes once a year. Another way to rationalize heavy candy consumption is shopping at Candy Warehouse, through Ebates during the Halloween Sale where nine merchants have increased cash back and offer special deals for the event. The Candy Warehouse has increased to 7.0% Cash Back and has more candy options for holidays, special occasions, and themes than you could even imagine at amazing prices. Check out the Candy Warehouse and find delightfully creepy candies like chocolate filled eyeballs (yum), candy-corn shaped lollipops, gummy earthworms, and much, much more.

7% Cash Back at Candy Warehouse
Shop at the Candy Warehouse now and save on your candy purchases that will please everyone from the die-hard candy addict to the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, and the Halloween lover.

Shop all of our Halloween Sale Merchants with increased cash back!



October 5, 2009

Cambridge Silversmith 65pc SetYou may be surprised to hear there are some things I think are best left simple. Not everything needs to be over the top and uber stylized, like for instance, flatware and dinnerware. When it comes to serving food I think it's best to keep the utensils clean and minimal. No neon swirled plates or flatware in the shape of twigs. To be brutally honest, both are extremely tacky. I mean who wants to eat with a twig? Isn't that the point of civilization? To get away from such caveman activities? But I digress. In the market for an upgrade in the food serving department, I shopped at SmartBargains where I got 8.0% Cash Back (more than double!) and found a wide selection of dinnerware, flatware, really all kinds of wares.

The above Cambridge Silversmith 65pc Set is a "do" when it comes to flatware. No crazy designs or space age looking forks, just a simple and elegant set. Selling at just $89.99, I saved 33% of the retail and thanks to Ebates Columbus Day Sale I earned 8.0% Cash Back too. That's money that I can use toward something else for my home, like sheets.


Shop the Ebates Columbus Day Sale!



October 1, 2009

I will be among the first to admit that I am a coffee snob. I have been one for years. Ever since I first tasted beans roasted on premises that were ground individually for each order, I have gone down the dark path that leads to more and more perfect cups of coffee.

But it was not always this way. I used to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee anywhere. I could go to the diner down the street and be fully content with their warmer-plate seventy five cent bottomless mug. Not to say I don't still drink it now, but I certainly notice the disparity in tastes when I do.

Starbucks VIASo it was with some skepticism when I decided to try VIA from the Starbucks Store. Being a former barista for the "green team", I know the standards to which Starbucks holds their coffee, so I was curious to see how their to-go option would translate. I have to admit, I was impressed. For being a packet of micro-ground coffee that can be tossed into a bag, briefcase, or pocket, it actually makes a solid cup of coffee. Considering you're paying less than a dollar a cup (only eight ounces, but still), with 8.0% Cash Back from Ebates it's a good deal too.

Find your perfect cup of joe in our Coffee category.



September 26, 2009

Nope, not the book of world records - I'm talking about the birthday of that fine dark Irish stout that so many of my friends (myself included) are so incredibly fond of. Yep, it's been two hundred and fifty years since Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on the now-famous St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin. Even if it hadn't been 250 years of success, I'd toast to the man for having the foresight to sign a lease that will provide him ownership of the brewery for that long.

Guinness WebStoreSo, you may have seen the toast "to Arthur" if you happened to be around a pub in the last day or two, and we here at Ebates want to provide you your chance to join in the celebration. That's partially one of the reasons we added the Guinness WebStore - so you can have all the best apparel, barware, and more, all with a crisp, refreshing 5.0% Cash Back.

So even if you're one of those folks who only ever has a pint of Guinness when St. Patrick's Day rolls around, or if you have a Kegerator full of Guinness in your house, you can now have all the accouterments.


Get your home bar in order with help from our Home & Garden category!



September 9, 2009

The Weekender ComboIt used to be that in order to save money, you had to eat at home. Grocery shopping, cooking, and bringing your lunch to work were all necessary steps in the fight to keep extra cash in your pocket. With milk, quality meats, and even produce costing three times more than they did a few years ago, eating in isn't the money saving ritual it used to be. Especially when it comes to meat. Not to fret, though, because Omaha Steaks offers top quality meats, seafood, and even appetizers at prices you can afford. Thanks to Man Week at Ebates, you'll now get 6.0% Cash Back on top of great savings on mouth watering food.

Shop the End of Summer Sale at Omaha Steaks and save 50% on filet mignons, pork chops, boneless chicken breasts, as well as half off yummy sides and dessert. They also have great deals like The Weekender Combo which offers a combination of franks, burgers, and top sirloin for just $44 dollars! That's a discount of $81! Perfect for the game, camping trip, or for later, you'll enjoy top quality meats at prices that make you wonder "Why did I ever go to the grocery store?"


Find more great deals during Man Week at Ebates!



July 24, 2009

Restaurant.com Coupons and Cash BackIf you're within driving distance of any major metropolitan area, there's no reason why you shouldn't be planning your meals alongside Restaurant.com. With up to 80% off gift cards for every type of cuisine imaginable, you'll practically be eating for free once you toss in our Restaurant.com coupons and outstanding 15% Cash Back!

Restaurant.com was one of the first places on the 'net to offer up discounted gift cards to a handful of your local hotspots. Because of this, they've carved out a little niche for themselves that allow them to post amazing Restaurant.com coupon codes like "NAPKIN" that will save you 80% off your entire order at checkout! You can get $25 gift cards for just $2 -- how can you pass up a top-notch dinner when you're just paying the tip?

Restaurant.com coupons are an easy way to save money just by shopping ahead at Ebates. But don't take my word for it -- check out our list of 1100+ stores to find out where else you could be earning your cash back today!



July 23, 2009

Sometimes people take the little things in life for granted. The biggest TV and the fastest car might be fun for show, but oftentimes little gadgets have the biggest impact on our lives. Even though these gadgets are simple, two little upgrades to your kitchen could improve your life and earn you cash back in the process!

milk frother coupons!Milk Frother
Who doesn't love a nice cafe latte in the morning? I love my coffee, but it's often hard to get a good froth going for your favorite drink. Now you can warm up the milk, froth it up with a $8 Milk Frother from Overstock, and add your favorite coffee or espresso. How relaxing!


kitchen scale coupons and cash backDigital Weigh Scale
It might not be an essential gadget to everyone, but a proper scale saves you time, money, and tummy-aches by telling you the weight of everything to the nearest gram. A co-worker swears by it for everything from pastries to main courses -- why not spend $25 at Target and improve all your meals too?



June 24, 2009

Sams clubWhether you've got a small business, or just like to buy in bulk, Sams Club has always been a great place to get lots of stuff at ridiculously low prices. But for so, so long, you could never find Sams Club coupons or get any sort of break on necessities like gallon jars of mayonnaise, 500-count snack packs, and actual boxes of candy. But no more! With 1% Cash Back at Sams Club, you can save on every purchase, regardless of size!

Even though you still have to be a card-carrying member of Sam's elite Club, the amazing values and deals on practically everything and anything just can't be beat. Plus, with shipping to your local Sam's Club, you can save big bucks on shipping all those massive things!

While we're currently low on Sams Club coupons, there's no reason to worry! You'll always get cash back on the best sales and deals at Ebates.



June 8, 2009

Omaha Steaks CouponsI am not yet a father, but I will tell you this much right now, dear Ebates users: when I become one, I only want my children to give me gifts that I can barbecue and eat. For my money, the best place to get said edibles is Omaha Steaks. Throughout the course of our Father's Day Promotion, Omaha has upped their cash back, so now through the 21st, you can enjoy 6% Cash Back at Omaha Steaks -- now that's a tasty little morsel of cash back goodness!

Now, extra cash back isn't the only thing you get when you shop through Ebates, you will also be able to take advantage of Omaha Steaks Coupons for added savings on some tasty treats and savory meats. Take a look for yourself, and give Dad the gift that keeps on eating: a thick, juicy steak.




March 31, 2009

starbucks-logo-thumb.jpgOn average I spend fifteen minutes each morning standing alongside other dreary commuters at my local Starbucks. As amusing as the time spent trying to decipher barista lingo is, I'd much rather spend it in bed. Perhaps it was sleep deprivation that motivated me to check out the Starbucks Store on Ebates, but once I did, I knew the days of waiting for a simple cup of coffee were over. Not only will I receive 8% cash back through Ebates, but I was pleasantly surprised to find my favorite Starbucks products. Great coffee and online rebates? Say no more.

The Starbucks Store offers beans from around the world, as well as brewing equipment guaranteed to excite the barista within. Choose from top products such as DeLonghi Espresso machines, Chambord French Press, and Cuisinart Electric Coffee Makers. For those who want just the beans, the average pound of coffee is just $10.95! That's half the amount I would spend in store. In fact, the prices are so low I don't need to search for online coupon codes, or wait for major sales. I will however save over 50% on my monthly coffee expenditure. In addition to saving money on Starbucks products, I'll also be getting something far more valuable than my morning java fix: extra sleep.

Check out more ways to save in our Food and Wine category!



February 14, 2009

mrspiggy.jpgAlthough today is meant to be filled with high fructose corn syrup, overbearing perfume, and depressed singles, I'm going to step outside the box and not succumb to the frenzy that is Valentine's Day. After spending two years in overpriced and overcrowded restaurants, the bf and I gave up on going out for a special night. Like a true couple, we now stay home and get everything delivered. As far as my clothing is concerned, let's just say my attire has more flannel than frills this year.

Being that this is a long weekend, I took off to my parents house located in far far away. Besides making s'mores, ignoring my wine intake, and hoping I don't get mauled by a bear, I also have cash back to think about spending. In keeping with today's love theme, I'm going to show some serious love to the most important person in my life: me. I'm taking my cue from the original self-love guru, Ms. Piggy. No other woman loved herself with such passion. She never thought twice about spoiling herself, and neither will I.





February 11, 2009

gene-wilder-willy-wonka.jpgUnfortunately for me, Valentine's Day is full of complications. From straitjacket-inspired lingerie to indecipherable menu options, there's more time spent trying to figure out what something is made of, and less time enjoying its flavors. Being a simple girl with simple tastes, there's only one thing I desire this year: Chocolate.

The world of chocolate has changed greatly over the past five years. Much attention has been paid to those who grow cocoa beans, with many businesses pledging fair trade practices, and livable wages for farmers. Alongside this new awareness has come an onslaught of new flavors from around the world. From exotic green tea, to traditional milk, your taste buds will never get bored. My search for new and interesting chocolate brought me to ChocolateSource.com (6% cash back). Not only do they carry everything chocolate (baking needs, bars, fudge, etc) but they house some of the most exotic flavors I've ever heard of. One bar that caught my eye was by famed chocolatier Dolfin. Their Dark Chocolate Infused With Earl Grey Tea sounds absolutely delightful, and the milk chocolate with cinnamon bar is sure to be a household favorite. Each pack of five is only $16.95. Considering most health food stores sell a single bar for almost ten bucks, the savings really add up.




February 7, 2009

Happy+Valentines+Day.jpgChocolates, jewelry, wine... the gift list for February 14th goes on and on. It's no wonder that men (and women) can get frazzled when trying to do something nice for the special someone in their life. Commercials bombard with overpriced truffles, diamond necklaces, and skimpy lingerie, but is this really what Valentine's Day is about? The origin of lovers' day comes from Saint Valentine. After being rejected by his mistress, Saint Valentine sacrificed his heart and sent it to her in a dramatic show of undying love. Luckily for you, modern times call for less bloodshed, with a heart-shaped card replacing the body's strongest muscle.

The point of this day is to show loved ones the true feelings that everyday can hide. While dinner at a nice restaurant is one way to celebrate, cooking a meal together can be much more intimate. Sur La Table (4% cash back) offers classes encompassing a world of flavors, including a Valentine themed "Date Night" class. For the cost of a fancy meal for two, both you and your partner can enjoy the satisfaction that comes with preparing your own unique meal taught by world class chefs.




January 30, 2009

Greetings Ebaters, today I'm throwing you a curveball.  Instead of the usual Free Shipping Friday, I'm going to give you a few ideas on how to save a little more cash.  Besides, it's almost the end of the month, and that means that, like always, there would be far too many shipping deals to list anyways. So if you want the comprehensive list, just click here.

For the rest of us, I have a little idea ripped straight out of today's headlines. If you follow the news, especially the economy, you probably heard that Starbucks is planning on some major cutbacks. According to Newsday, the coffee chain will be cutting seven thousand jobs and closing three hundred stores, above and beyond the six hundred they started closing this past summer. See, I have personal interest in this since I was a green-aproned barista all through college, so I still try to keep an eye on my old company.

So what are we coffee fanatics supposed to do? Simple: in these economic times where both time and money are at a premium, make an investment and do it yourself. I'll tell you from personal experience, it's not that terribly difficult to do. I mean, come on, I was a coffee jockey for three years. Think of the screwup kids at the local cafes - you wonder how they can manage to dress themselves, but you entrust your wakeup juice to them every morning. Instead of trusting the highs and lows of your morning caffeine fix (or decaf or tea) to some stranger, learn exactly how to make your favorite drink and make it yourself in minutes.
 
delonghi dual coffee maker.jpgI recommend the DeLonghi Drip Coffee & Espresso Maker. This beauty comes with both an espresso maker and a drip coffee maker, so you can choose to make yourself either a morning latte or a pot o' joe depending on whether you hit your snooze bar one too many times. Plus, at $139.99, if you have a $5 a day coffee habit like most of America, you can pay for it all by just foregoing buying coffee for a month.

You'll even have a better spread than we have here at Ebates:
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January 27, 2009

Since the beginning of the current economic downturn, pundits have been talking about everyone's need to scrimp and save. Everyone I know has been tightening their budget, being smarter with their money, and cutting back on luxuries that were much more commonplace as recently as nine months ago. One such way in which people are cutting back these days is the newfangled invention of the "stay-cation." The seemingly simple premise is this: you give yourself a mini vacation without ever leaving your city of residence. Sometimes you might go one or two towns away, but still, you're not booking flights or trains, and ideally you're not driving too terribly far.  I have heard of people doing things like getting massages, booking a night in a local luxury hotel and taking advantage of all the amenities they have to offer, or just treating themselves to a night out at a fancy restaurant.

Today, I'm going to take the idea of the stay-cation one further, and show you how to enjoy a nice stay-cation while leaving the car in the garage and staying within the comfortable confines of your own home. Personally, I find stay-cations are most effectively taken towards the end of the regular work week, since it's a day you might usually be in the office, and you aren't influenced to fall into your standard weekend routine. Rather you can enjoy the day by waking up late, making a nice brunch for yourself and your loved one(s). Then spend the day relaxing: take a bubble bath (assuming you have a bath tub), take a nap if you want, watch a favorite movie, or get out and get some exercise - whatever floats your boat. Then, as the evening falls, light some candles and treat yourself to a gourmet meal - delivered to your doorstep. Whatever your taste may be, you can find it all at Legal Sea Foods.


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While their area of expertise is seafood (hence the name), Legal Sea Foods has a vast array of gourmet dishes to excite and entice the palette. Whether your taste is for lobster, crab, shrimp, steak, pork chops, Angus hamburgers, or good old fashioned New England Clam Chowder, you can find it all at Legal, along with sides, appetizers, and desserts. The best part is, most of their selection comes pre-prepared, so all you're doing is warming the items up in your own microwave or oven. That means no cooking mess, and hopefully very little cleanup after the fact. If you're going to complete your stay-cation, you can get to bed a little early, and leave the dishes for another day. What's better, is not only do you save a lot of money in comparison to what you'd pay for meals like these in restaurants, you also earn 6% cash back on all your purchases, which you can put in your piggy bank to help pay for your next "stay-cation."




January 17, 2009

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

Decorations

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

Food and Drink

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



December 23, 2008

Hanukkah.jpgThe holidays are not solely about Christmas and no one knows this better than myself. Sunday night was the start of Chanukah, a celebration of family, life, and history. Most everyone has heard of The Festival Of Lights, (especially if you're an Adam Sandler fan) however most don't know the history and meaning behind this eight day celebration. What I'm sure everyone does know is the jealousy felt as a child when your Jewish friends would get presents for eight days while you only had one day of gifts. Let me clear the air and say that it wasn't eight days of jaw dropping gifts. More like two or three really great gifts, with the remainder of gifts being socks and underwear. My mother alone would supply me with enough underwear to clothe an army, and that's before my aunt and grandparents had a chance to give me anything.

The reason for the eight nights has a long, long, history. During the Maccabean Revolution of 200 B.C. the Holy Temple (center of Jerusalem) was destroyed. All that remained is what is now known as the Wailing, or Western, Wall. The temple was home to The Eternal Flame, a sign of God's eternal presence. It was thought that the oil needed to fuel this flame would last only one day, yet it lasted for eight. Cue Mel Brooks yelling "It was a miracle!" and you'll understand the significance. Each day of celebration commemorates each day the oil lasted. My Hebrew school teacher would be so proud of me.
 
Now that you've got the history down, let's get on to the good stuff...gifts, family, and of course, the food. Here's a list of my favorite Chanukah items. Being that this list was made by myself and not my mother, there will be no mention of socks, underwear, or calendars. Even if I did need socks and underwear, they never make an exciting gift. Sorry Mom.

The first item on my list addresses the most important part of this holiday - Latkes! PotatoJewish Cooking For Dummies.jpg pancakes fried to oblivion and drowned in sour cream. I don't think I need to mention how utterly fattening this is, and unless you're an Atkins follower, now is not the time to diet. Getting the mixture just right takes a bit of know-how, so if you're new to the world of Jewish cooking, fret not. Jewish Cooking For Dummies is the ultimate guide to cooking falafel, Hamantashin, and other delicious Jewish foods. Be warned: side affects may cause un-zippering of pants, and a renewed membership to Jenny Craig. Both Jewish and Italian households have a tradition where the grandmothers who have slaved in the kitchen for hours, walk around making sure everyone else has eaten. Commonly heard phrases are "You look too thin" and "When are you getting married?"

Kosher-Hanukkah-Cornucopia-Gift-Basket.jpgMy second favorite thing about Chanukah is the chance to see family. My family happens to be the kind that shouts your name out as you enter a household, and it sounds something like "Allison!, Allison's here!" "Hey look who it is!" It's such a red carpet welcome, that it will easily give anyone a superiority complex, and I firmly believe I can blame them for my big head. Considering that I am not able to see them often, this Kosher Hanukkah Cornucopia basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets makes the perfect Wish I Could Be There gift. It features dried fruits, smoked salmon, chocolate, dip, and much much more. It's enough to please the pickiest eater, and the 5% cash back is pleasing to my wallet.

So there you have it, Chanukah a la Allie. Perhaps some of you thought I would talk about the new jeans I'm eyeing, or the chic sweater I've been dying to get, but during these eight crazy nights, all that matters to me is the love of my family, the memories made and to be had, and of course the food. Happy Chanukah to all and whatever you get, as my mother says, "Use it in good health".



October 13, 2008

I have a confession to make: I am an addict. Every morning, my life revolves around getting a fix before I start going into withdrawals by early afternoon. At the first sip, my body sighs a breath of relief. A sensation of euphoria rushes over me, and the smell alone sends my brain into Pleasureville.

Ah....coffee......Espresso_machine

There is nothing more pleasing to me than to have that first cup of coffee. Coffee in the morning with a bagel, coffee in the evening with dessert. I love coffee so much that it is making me broke, not too mention the lines at those major coffee establishments take forever, and the baristas inevitably always mess up my order. Yes I love coffee, and when walking through a fancy department store I always stop by the espresso machine section hoping, just hoping, that I will find one less than $500. Needless to say, I haven't found one yet. That is until I discovered that illy caffe offers espresso memberships. Yes, you read that right: Espresso memberships. You're probably assuming an espresso membership entails monthly purchasing of coffee, which is true. However, would you ever assume that an espresso membership also gets you a Francis Francis X5 Espresso Machine for just $150? Or that it also includes espresso cups with matching saucers?

Imagine how different your life would be if you no longer had to wait twenty minutes for average coffee. No more lines or spending all that money; your coffee would be delivered every month to your front door. Instead of leaving earlier for work, you could relax and sip on Italian espresso while watching the morning news. Do I even have to mention how incredibly chic the machine is, or how it adds a touch of class to any kitchen? Didn't think so, but I will add that not only does this make an incredible gift, but you can also expect to receive 6% Cash Back. With all the extra money saved, you could fly yourself to Italy for your next cup of espresso.

Remember folks, there are only




August 27, 2008

Greetings dear readers, it is again my favorite time of the week. No, it isn't the end of the workday nor is it even happy hour. It's time for the weekly installment of "Did you know?", and oh my goodness do I have a site for you today.

I will be the first to admit it: as soon as someone says the word "barware", my ears perk up. So it should be no surprise to anyone that today's site focuses in part on all your needs as a discerning imbiber of spirits. However, as I discovered more and more about all that there was to be had from this fine site, the more I realized just how much they deserved their spot in the "Did you know?" pantheon. 

Their products include all things imaginable for the proper host or hostess, from simple things like serving platters and cocktail shakers to cheese labels and wine decanters.  Being a relatively clueless gift giver, I also appreciate the fact that they offer customized gift guides for any number of varied interests that your recipient might have.  But enough teasing, let me get down into the meat and potatoes (pun partially intended) of what it is that I like so much about this site. 

Since I set up my "meat and potatoes" pun, I'd better follow up with that first. I have never seen a product like this before, but I think it's perhaps the most genius idea ever for the devoted BBQ chef. I have seen custom aprons, monogrammed sets with tongs and spatulas, even monogrammed oven mitts (which a real BBQ chef would never be caught dead using). However, for that little extra step in personalization you need the BBQ Branding Iron. That's right, if farmers can mark their cattle, why can't you mark your steak? Use this branding iron to let your guests know exactly who it was who cooked their steak to perfection, or just call dibs on the best-looking steak in the lot.

If you're not so big on red meat, or even outdoor cooking, impress your friends by offering them raclette. Never heard of raclette?  Me neither. Apparently, it's a large amount of cheese that is melted and served along with potatoes, pickles, and any other number of side dishes. It's origin is Swiss, and it's similar to fondue, but with a much thicker consistency. So if you want to prove your continental status and impress your friends and family with your vast knowledge of all things gourmet, pick up a raclette set that allows service up to six people. I don't know for sure where you can find the raclette itself (if there is a specific cheese you have to use) but either way, it sounds like  a fun culinary experiment.

Finally, on to the drinkware. I don't know why, but this belted silver cup strikes me funny. Chances are I just find it funny that my drinkware might have an actual minature crocodile leather belt around it. I have to admit, it looks very old money, and would make me feel like a king if sipping a fine scotch out of it, but I'd imagine washing might involve some de-belting, and that might cause your cup's pants to fall off.

If silver drinkware doesn't strike your fancy, perhaps the Bottle Buddy ring might be more your speed; I can gaurantee you it's more to my liking. I think this particular piece of finery might change drinking as we know it. No longer will people have to use all sorts of tricks from bike lock keys to Bic lighters to get the caps off their bottles when no one has a proper opener. Wear this ring to a party, and you will immediately be the most popular person there. Imagine the ease of opening at picnics and barbecues where people bring their own beer but not their own opener.  Sorry ladies, these rings start at size nine, but go all the way up to size 14, so even if you've got big ol' monkey paws like myself, you can still find one to fit comfortably. 

So there you have it. Click around Klinq a little, see what you can find, check out the gift recommendations, and someday you and your special someone could be cozying up along side your own fondue set like this happy couple:
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Plus, with your Ebates account, you get 7% back on any purchases you make from these wonderful folks.




August 13, 2008

That's right folks, and I'm not just talking about my own popularity at the office when I say that we here at Ebates care about the beer drinkers. I didn't realize just how much until we added this new merchant.

Do yourself a favor and check out Bier Boot Haus, the online home for all your large-quantity beer drinking needs. For those of you who are familiar, the boot is a traditional way for Germans to serve beer, and they come most commonly in the two liter size. This site offers a wide variety of sizes of boot drink ware, along with a detailed history of the boot both in German and American culture. Considered to be the greatest test of a beer drinker's mettle, the beer boot is more commonly used as a table-wide drink, meant to be passed between friends. 

Das_boot_glass_2_liter_beer_boot Who couldn't love a gift like this?

What's even better is that the website also offers a number of both mugs and boots featuring the logos of some of Germany's most famous breweries. Or, if you prefer, they also have custom-engraved boots so that you can drink beer from a piece of glass footwear baring your name, a company logo, a team logo, or (even more intriguing), your picture.

"But Bill," you say, "Where am I going to find two liters of beer to put in a boot?  That's a lot of bottles or cans."  You know what, you're right. That's why the blog doesn't stop here. 

For those of you who ask for a little more from your beer drinking experience, I present Mr. Beer, the home brewing superstore. If you can't imagine filling giant drink ware with your favorite beer, you have no choice to brew your own. Mr. Beer makes the whole process painless with simple-to-follow recipes and more variety than anyone could have imagined, from Altbier to Zealous Bock. What makes everything taste a little better is that with your Ebates account, you will earn a 10% rebate on everything you buy from Mr. Beer.

In the end, I guess I just have to throw this out there: imagine how envious your friends will be when you greet them by saying "Come on in, would you like some of my home-brewed beer out of a giant glass boot with my picture on it?"




July 29, 2008

If you’re like me, you need a little pick-me-up every now and then, and that’s just what we’re trying to help you get here at Ebates. As I watched my coffee slowly drip down into my cup this morning, fearing I was going to miss the train to the office, I thought to myself “There must be a better way to make coffee while I'm half asleep and running late.” Being a night owl, those rough-and-tumble hours before noon are always difficult, and I hate facing them without a cup of joe, yet I hate even more the idea of waking up earlier to get that first installment of caffeine for the day.

I realize that there are coffee makers that can be set the night before so that you will wake up to a freshly-brewed cup of coffee, but it seems like such a waste to go through the process of setting up a paper filter and cleaning everything out for just one cup as I’m rushing out the door. So, after a little research, I am going to share my discovery with you all: the Keurig K-cups coffee system. Unlike those “coffee pods” that are popular in single-cup brewing, K-cups are all vacuum sealed to lock in both freshness and the coffee’s natural oils that can be left behind if ground beans are exposed to the elements. For those of you with more brand loyalty, they also offer the “my K-cup” brewer for other commercially available coffees, which incorporate the same system, except with standard supermarket or coffee shop coffees not sold through Keurig. All sorts of different K-cup brewers, pods, and accessories can be found at CoffeeForLess.com.




May 27, 2008

You've got a mouth-watering barbecue dinner all planned: succulent asaragus, juicy baby tomatoes and tender, flaky halibut. What could possibly go wrong? For one,  your delicious dinner could go up in smoke! Protect your veggies from falling through the grill rack with the Weber Stainless Steel Grilling Basket  from Cooking.com. This handy basket evenly roasts small pieces of food like shrimp, vegetables and baby potatoes. You get that delicious barbecue flavor without losing your food to the flames. This would make a great gift for Dad!

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April 7, 2008

It's easier than you think. The 2008 Entertainment Book is bursting with savings at hundreds of restaurants and attractions in your neighborhood, and beyond! Whether you like the ambiance of a fine steakhouse or a quick and cheap fast food fix, you'll find savings at your favorite restaurants, plus a few you may not have tried! For a very limited time, The 2008 Entertainment Book is reduced from $30 to just $15. Considering the thousands of dollars in savings inside every book, this handy guide pays for itself!

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November 9, 2007

From next week's Top Picks Newsletter:

Don't resort to Two Buck Chuck*; impress your guests with the finest wine without roasting your Thanksgiving budget! Affordable, top-rated reds like Chateau du Basty Régnié ($14.75) and  Château Cadillac Lesgourgues Bordeaux Supérieur ($17.95) pair exquisitely with rich turkey, roast veggies and scrumptious hard cheese, as does Villard Estates Expresión Reserve Chardonnay ($13.00). If your feast features spicy ethnic dishes,  try Domaine Loew Gewurztraminer ($17.75) for a white that pairs perfectly with turkey or thai!

*Ok, I'll be honest. I don't have a problem with Two Buck Chuck. In fact, I kind of like it. Why shouldn' t I? It was judged Best Chardonnay from California at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Has your wine been voted Best Chardonnay from California? Thought so! Do I sound defensive? I think I sound defensive.

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October 26, 2007

102507bloggourmetburgersMouth-watering filets mignons, juicy gourmet burgers- does this sound like your family dinner? If not, then it's time to step it up and treat your family to delicious gourmet meats from Omaha Steaks! One of their best-selling premium beef combos is The Family Pack. You get eight six-ounce filets mignons and sixteen five ounce gourmet burgers for just $99.99. The regular price on this deluxe package is $175- that's $75 in savings! Throw some burgers in a pan and the rest in the freezer so you'll have an easy gourmet meal at hand.





September 29, 2006

092906blogbeer_1Even if you're not in Munich this week, why not experience a little Oktoberfest magic at home? All you need is some wienerschnitzel, a little currywurst, and, of course...beer.

Several merchants at Ebates carry the Mr. Beer Deluxe Home Microbrewery Kit. I've never considered making beer at home before. I wonder if it's any good?

According to Wikipedia,

"One of greatest draws of homebrewed beer is the opportunity to enjoy beer that is 'live'. Since almost every beer available is pasteurized, it is almost impossible for the average beer drinker to enjoy beer in its natural state... Commercial brewers collect the boiled off alcohol, mix it with the pasteurized beer and force carbonate the brew...Therefore, the beer tastes considerably dissimilar from ‘live’ beer. Homebrew is never pasteurized, therefore the carbonation present is naturally produced by the yeast, the taste is a more natural flavor, and the beer will age, changing in taste, texture and color over time. Without homebrew, the general public would not be able to enjoy beer in its natural state..."

Sounds pretty good, huh? Almost as good as doing this.

Ok, maybe the lederhosen are optional.




June 30, 2006

The moment has finally arrived! Welcome to the premier of The  Daily Cash Back, the official blog of Ebates. My name is Rebecca, and I'll be featuring the top  deals and savviest shopping tips on the web offered through Ebates! Be sure to come back often so you  can stay on top of the latest deals we have to offer!

The hottest thing right now is green. No, not the color of  your aunt’s avocado-hued fridge from the ‘60’s, but being a little more aware  of how your purchases impact workers and the environment. You may be thinking,  “Well, I’d sure love to buy those organic, fair-trade, free-range ,  solar-powered coffee beans from the Chilean mountains, but for $25 a pound? NO  THANKS.” Not so fast! You can still do your part to make Earth-friendly  purchases but keep plenty of green in your wallet.

For  instance, check out REI.com. They’re having a July 4th Sale and  Clearance on clothing, camping gear, footwear and more with markdowns at 25-30% off. If you haven’t gotten a membership to  REI, I recommend that you do so, pronto! Any Joe Schmo can get discounts during  the seasonal sale, but only REI members get hooked up with a nice fat refund  check at the end of the year. The more you spend, the bigger the refund- gotta  love those Bay Area consumer co-ops (businesses that are co-owned by the  customer). Top this off with 3% Cash Back from Ebates and you’ll have two Big  Fat Checks to look forward to! Be sure to take a look at their Organic Cotton  separates for men and women that’ll come in handy for yoga, summertime hikes  through Yosemite, or even just a walk around the block.

And  that fancy coffee I mentioned earlier? Start at Ebates (to get your Cash Back!)  and check out the shipping special for MotherNature.com. They’ve got several varieties  of fair trade, organic whole bean coffees by Green Mountain that are delicious!  Their Breakfast Blend has been getting great online reviews and would be  perfect for your first cup of the morning. Pick up some of their green-friendly  Divine Dark or Milk Chocolate as well and enjoy free shipping on the whole  order!




June 26, 2006

Independence Day. It’s a day when we, as Americans, can appreciate all our forefathers gave in the name of freedom and liberty. A day when we can hold our heads high, and take pride in what our nation stands for.

Let’s be honest- it’s also a day when we barbeque, shoot bottlerockets and drink pitchers of Sangria!

If you’re in the midst of planning a July 4th party like I am, don’t break the bank on planning the perfect Stars and Stripes bash. Granted, it’s already the 29th, but if you start ordering your party supplies now, you’ll be all ready for Tuesday afternoon!    Now,  some of us have already sent out the invitations, made the phone calls, but did  you first take a look at your grill? Maybe it’s a little rusty, or just plain old. Think of how impressed your pals will be if you have a shiny new grill on  which to roast those yummy, dripping ribs! Head on over to Ebates and then to  Kitchenetc.com for a great collection of grills and grill accessories in all  shapes and sizes- buy one that’s over $69 and it’s shipped for free!    

How about Target.com? Good ol'  Target has totally revamped its image in the past few years. It's become a downright classy joint, but their prices are still fair! Right now they're doing Free Shipping on over 10,000 items in the store! Here, you should buy BIG-  we all know it's the big things that add up fast in shipping charges. They've got free shipping on some great-looking barstools that would be perfect out on the patio or even for an indoor Independence Day soiree. Ebates will hook you up with 4% Cash Back on your Target purchases, which should make you feel a little more festive!   

If you want your barbecue to be really swank, why not Hail a Cab? Not the checkered kind! MyWinesDirect.com is doing Free Shipping on these great collections of wine- you get six bottles at a time (which, if your friends are like mine, you’ll finish long before the burgers have browned!). My favorite is the collection of Cabernet Sauvignons that’ll pair deliciously with ribs, chicken, steaks- really, any kind of meat you’ve tossed on the grill! And guess what? Ebates is giving 12% Cash Back! That’s certainly a reason to raise your glass.