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November 1, 2009

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!

Mexicana AirlinesDid 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.



October 21, 2009

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.

Personalized Canvas PrintAre 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.


Elf Pants

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!



October 17, 2009

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.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and with good sartorial reason: colder weather brings about a myriad of clothing option and creating a layered look with jackets and outwear is something I enjoy doing.

The important thing to note when buying outerwear is fit. A good coat should fit snug, not tight. It should look fitted with enough room for movement. A good rule of thumb to follow when buying outerwear is to keep going a size down until you can't no longer fit into it and then buy the next size up.

For top and trench coats, bring along and wear a blazer or jacket when you are trying the coats on so you can have an accurate feel of how it would move and look with layers underneath it.

Banana Republic Tri-Blend Military Full Button Jacket
This Banana Republic Tri-Blend Military Full Button Jacket ($198) has clean lines and an updated modern military-inspired look. The elastic loop at the neck and the button hole allows you to slip your music player into the interior pocket and loop your earphones for easy, organized use - making this perfect for running errands or for the commute to work. An 8% Cash Back makes this even more enticing.


Shades of Greige Trench Coat

Shades Of Greige is an up-and-coming label that makes stylish, quality clothing at affordable prices. This trench coat is a fine example. In a classic khaki shade, this will get you through wet days and then some. The attention to detail is commendable: from the buttoned cuffs to the buttoned back pleat to the partial plaid lining. Keep warm and dry while looking good. Best thing is, it's on sale ($249.99. Was $348)! Plus you get a 2.5% cash-back from Urban Outfitters.



Armani Collezioni Knit Jacket
If you are looking to splurge, this Armani Collezioni Knit Jacket ($575) has my vote. Its asymmetrical zip closure gives this a current, fresh feel that won't go unnoticed. The dark grey shade is classic and will serve you well for years to come. The velvet fabric on the collar, seam and elbow patch is luxurious and timeless. You can wear this in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s. That to me is the make of a coat worth every cent. And you get more than a few cents back with 2.5% Cash Back from Saks Fifth Avenue.


Richard Chai Wool Motorcycle Jacket
Another piece worth splurging on is this Richard Chai Wool Motorcycle Jacket ($695). The fusion of a classic double-breasted style with a modern motorcycle look gives this an instant kick-ass effect. The side zipper detail adds a hit of cool to this piece while the zippers on the cuffs give this a stylized rebel feel that only increases its desirability. Get 2.5% Cash Back from Saks Fifth Avenue.

As you can see you don't need many pieces to update your wardrobe or jazz up an outfit. Buying one key favorite piece and building your everyday outfits around that is a simple, easy way to get as much mileage out of your purchase as possible; giving you bang for your buck.

And getting a cash rebate for something you would already buy is just fantastic icing. So I do believe you can have your cake and eat it too. In this case, you can have your coat and cash back too.



October 15, 2009

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.

Lucky Shops at HSN.comRebecca 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.



October 10, 2009

Target CouponsI 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.



October 7, 2009

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.

iRobot RoombaIf 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.



October 3, 2009

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.

Vera Bradley toteThe 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!



September 20, 2009

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.




August 22, 2009

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.

Suite 109 SheetsBut 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.

Bed SetsNow 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!



August 15, 2009

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 AirlinesMexicana 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!



August 1, 2009

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)

Expedia Tropical Beach Sale
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!



July 18, 2009

Acuvue One Day Contact LensesThese 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.

Acuvue OasysThose 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.



June 18, 2009

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).

Target Coupons
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.



Stonewall Kitchen Coupons
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.


L.L. Bean Coupons
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!!


Dancing Deer Baking Co. Coupons

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!



SpaLook Coupons
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...



June 6, 2009

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!

Avon LipstickNow, 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.

Avon Anew

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.



May 30, 2009

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.

Best Buy CouponsI 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!



May 24, 2009

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
Barnes and Noble coupons

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 Magazines.com coupons

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 Apple iTunes Coupons

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.




April 26, 2009

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

Sephora gift setAnyone 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!



March 28, 2009

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.)



March 16, 2009

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.

charmeuse pjs.JPG 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!



February 8, 2009

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

choco fortune cookies.jpgIf 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.