October 2015 – user's Blog!

October 30, 2015

The Best Things to Buy in November

November may be all about holiday gift shopping but don’t forget that you still have plenty of time to check off your list. In order to stretch your budget as far as it can reach, you may want to jump on certain items this month and leave others for December. Here is our complete guide on the best things to buy in November.

Kitchen Goods – Restock your own cook’s corner or plan gift-buying for all the foodies and chefs on your list this month. Experts report that nearly half of all kitchen sales have featured the lowest prices of the year on top items like Pyrex containers and even KitchenAid mixers.
Stores to watch: Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond.

Major Appliances – Black Friday has been known to feature the hottest appliance sales on items like Dyson vacuums, washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators. However, the entire month of November is fair game. So while you may not be planning to gift an entire washer/dryer unit, you may consider taking this time to upgrade your own.
Stores to watch: Sears, Best Buy.

Tools – Expect to see amazing deals on select hand tools and power drill sets. This is usually typical for the colder months when people are less likely to take on household projects. However, beware. Some purchases may require in-store pickup while others will offer free shipping. Always be clear on the purchase terms before checkout.
Stores to watch: Ace Hardware, Lowe’s.

Tablets – Tap into savings with rock bottom prices on cheap tablets including Android and Windows models. Believe it or not, you may be able to score off-brand Android tablets for as low as $20 and Windows tablets for as low as $45! Want to save even more? Go with a refurbished model. If you’re an Apple user, don’t fret. The iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 are projected to drop significantly in price with the upcoming release of the iPad Pro.
Stores to watch: Lenovo, Best Buy.

Clothes – Start shopping for clothes on the Monday before Black Friday to see the most savings on apparel for the whole family. The average clothing sales for this time of year can take off over 50% while some can go as low as 80% off. Also, be on the lookout for clothing coupons that can take up to 60% off.
Stores to watch: Kohl’s, J.Crew.

Console Bundles – Black Friday is slated to bring the best prices of the year on console and game bundles including PlayStation4 and Xbox One. The best bundles will include two free video games normally priced at around $60. If you’re tempted to buy a refurbished console to save money, it may actually be a better deal to go with a bundle so be sure to weigh the costs.
Store to watch: The Hut, Game Stop.

15″ Laptops – Expect to see amazing price drops on big-name laptops that use either Intel’s current generation Core i5 processor or the Broadwell Core i5 CPU. These laptop sales will also extend to generic laptops, however, you may want to opt for higher quality at a great deal. Big names will go for about $300 while bargain bin, 11″ laptops will be as low as $150.
Stores to watch: Kmart, Microsoft Store.

Candy! – Need we remind you that Halloween has passed leaving lonely Halloween candy on shelves just waiting to be eaten? Fill those candy dishes with fun-sized errthang at next to nothing!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 28, 2015

Support Movember in Style With TOMS

Are you ready for the hairiest month of the year? Movember is all about raising awareness around men’s physical and mental health and TOMS wants you to get in on the movement. They have teamed up with the Movember Foundation, which invests in biomedical and clinical research for prostate and testicular cancer. Shop TOMS Movember limited edition shoes and shades for men and women and 5% of the retail price will go to the Movember Foundation.

Check out this special collection of TOMS shoes below.

As always, with every TOMS product you purchase, TOMS will help a person in need. One for One®.

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And if you must have more mustache…

There are plenty of ways to support Movember through sporting your support and growing your own ‘stache to raise awareness and funds. Visit us.movember.com to find out about more ways to take a stand for men’s health.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 26, 2015

12 Black Friday Shopping Tips You Need to Know

Even though it’s only October, you’re probably already starting to see Black Friday deals trickling into your social feeds and advertisements. It’s a lot of information to process and very easy to miss out on the absolute best deals amidst the chaos. We want to make sure you have the most frugal Black Friday yet! Here are 12 Black Friday shopping tips on how to zone in on the best ways to save on your holiday shopping this year.

1. Tune in now. Even if it seems too early to start paying attention to daily deals under the Black Friday label, don’t ignore them. Scope out ads from all types of stores, even ones you don’t normally shop. This will help you compare prices.

2. Browse in person. See a great online deal but not quite ready to commit to buying? This is a great time to start physically going to stores to check out products in person. Once you’re on the floor, ask a sales person about similar products and recommendations that you can also test out in the store. Take notes–this will give you a list of backup products so you can compare prices online when you are ready to buy. During this time of year, brick and mortar stores won’t be as packed with shoppers. This will make browsing a little easier as opposed to going out during the holiday rush.

3. Shop on Thanksgiving and earlier. You don’t have to wait until the stroke of midnight on Black Friday to start shopping. Thanksgiving day is a great time to start. It is historically known as the day of prime Editor’s Choice sales as well. Even the week of Black Friday has fantastic deals you don’t want to miss. Bottom line, don’t wait. As the clock ticks down to the big day, start really paying attention to those deals. As soon as one looks too good to pass up, go for it!

4. Choose to shop online or in-store. Doorbuster deals are designed to get you into the big-name stores with enormous, unbelievable savings on big-ticket items. However, we’ve seen online deals that are just as impressive. But you have to act fast! If you plan on hitting the stores, just know that this will cut into your online shopping time. This means taking the risk on missing top online deals. It all depends on what is more important to you–a visceral shopping experience or a convenient one.

5. Stay on schedule for in-store shopping. Black Friday deals go by lightning fast. You have to be in the store on time. Being even 10 minutes late can result in you leaving empty handed. Know what your day will look like timewise. Plan what time you need to leave, the best driving route possible, etc. If you need a sitter, plan to get one in advance. If you’re going with a shopping buddy, make sure they’re kept in the loop on the schedule. Plan as much extra time as possible to account for unforeseeable variables like parking, traffic and long lines. Black Friday shopping is not something you can do on a whim in a casual fashion. You’ve got to be planned and pumped!

6. Use line time to shop. If you do happen to get caught in a never-ending line, make sure your smartphone is fully charged so you can check out holiday deals on mobile sites while you wait to enter the store. Some online deals are known to pop up at the very last minute. You might even be able to purchase the item you are waiting for at a better price using your phone. Then you can just move onto the next store!

7. Stick to your shopping list. This especially applies to in-store shopping but can also be relevant to shopping online. Avoid buying impulse items to make sure you stay on budget. Rest assured that checkout lines will be bordered with tantalizing products designed to gobble up your dollars with little time to really think about it. Most of the time, these products are not of high quality and are basically clearance items. Don’t be lured by a good deal on a bad product.

8. Shop at price-matching stores. Walmart and Best Buy are among some big name stores that are known to offer price matching during Black Friday sales. This means they will match the price of an item sold for less by a competitor in order to get your business. If you plan on doing most of your shopping at one or two stores, this is a great tool to ensure you get a great deal without having to skip all over town.

9. Plan alternative products. By now, you get the idea. Black Friday deals can go out of stock in a snap. Sticking to your shopping list will ensure that you stay on budget but a little flexibility will make sure you cover all your categories. You may be looking for a deal on a specific TV but consider an alternative brand or size just in case your desired TV sells out.

10. Buy final sale items with caution. Final sale means just that–final. No returns, no exchanges. These are usually fantastic deals but they come with a little risk. Always make sure of the fit and quality of final sale items before buying.

11. Organize store credits and rebates. Things can certainly get lost in the shuffle with the chaos of Black Friday shopping. Be sure to flag all of your emails and keep all of your receipts during this time, especially those keeping track of your rebates and store credits offered as special savings. Keep a special Black Friday folder at home and in your email.

12. Be patient and stay calm. This can be a very stressful time for both shoppers and retail workers. If you need help in-store or online, being courteous will help to ensure that you will receive the best customer care possible. After all, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Happy shopping!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 25, 2015

For People Who Just Can’t Get Enough Pasta

Sunday, October 25 is National Pasta Day and we thought it would be the perfect time to celebrate all things pasta! Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, tortellini, ziti—the list is endless!

Fun Facts About Pasta:

On average, Italians eat enough spaghetti-shaped pasta to wind around the world 15,000 times.

The best pasta is cooked al dente. The literal translation is “to the tooth.” It should be firm yet still be tender when eaten.

According to the International Pasta Organization, there are more than 600 different shapes of pasta around the world!

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, we thought it would be helpful to bring together some of our favorite noodle-related products, including amazing cookbooks with delicious recipes. From wacky to practical and everything in between, there’s something on this list for every noodle buff.

For Everyone:

These three gadgets will help make your everyday consumption of pasta a little more professional and help you up your weeknight noodle game.

Joseph Joseph® Spaghetti Measure

With this handy tool, you’ll never have to worry about cooking the wrong amount of noodles again. Slide the measure to the appropriate serving and you’ll be sure that everyone gets their perfect portion.

Forghetti Pasta Forks

These cleverly designed forks feature wavy-edged tines that keep pasta put. Simply twist the Forghetti fork and the noodles will wrap right around. These forks make eating pasta easier for the little ones, and will make the grown-ups appear to be serious pasta connoisseurs to dinner guests.

Pastasaurus Pasta Server

Everyone at the table will love the fun design of the Pastasaurus Pasta Server. The teeth are designed specifically for grabbing slippery pasta, while the ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip.

For the Master Chef:

For those seasoned cooks who already know how to make pasta but are itching to go pro, we’ve rounded up the tools you’ll need to start making professional grade noodles in your own kitchen.

Weston ROMA Automatic Pasta Machine

Hand cranking pasta is a thing of the past! Let this pasta maker do the work for you and soon you’ll be treating your family and friends to a feast of homemade pasta dishes just like the savory specialties served in authentic Italian restaurants.

KitchenAid Pasta Drying Rack

Once you’ve made the noodles, you’re going to need somewhere to dry them and that’s where this well-reviewed drying rack comes in. The must-have companion when creating fresh homemade pasta.

Spiral Vegetable Slicer

For those who need their pasta fix but don’t aren’t able to consume the traditional wheat-based noodles, think outside the box and use a spiralizer to make “pasta” out of vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato or carrot.

Cookbooks:

Sometimes we need a little inspiration in order to deviate from the typical spaghetti or lasagna dish that we’ve grown accustomed to. These three cookbooks are the perfect kitchen accompaniment for all pasta lovers.

Pasta Night by Williams-Sonoma

This solution-oriented cookbook will deliver up meals that work as perfectly for busy weeknights as they do for a relaxed weekend dinner party. From homemade sauces to jazzing up the store-bought variety, from pasta fresh from your own hands to seasonal salads, you’ll find more than fifty recipes to take your pasta night from “mm, thanks…” to “Mangia! Mangia!”

The Top One-Hundred Pasta Sauces by Diane Seed

In this definitive collection, Diane Seed shares the 100 best sauce recipes she has encountered in 40 years of living, eating, and cooking in Italy. Infinitely varied, it includes specialties from regions across Italy and classics we’ve come to love that are both delicious and economical, plus a few extra-special dishes that are perfect for occasions.

Mastering Pasta by Marc Vetri

Loaded with useful information, including the best way to cook and sauce pasta, suggestions for substituting pasta shapes, and advance preparation and storage notes, Mastering Pasta offers you all of the wisdom of a pro. For cooks who want to take their knowledge to the next level, Vetri delves deep into the science of various types of flour to explain pasta’s uniquely satisfying texture and how to craft the very best pasta by hand or with a machine.

Decor:

Feast your eyes on this delicious decor! If your love for pasta extends to pizza and wine, this wall art will be a perfect pairing for your home.

Dining:

Maybe you prefer to let someone else do the cooking. With LivingSocial, Groupon and Restaurant.com, you can dine out with less guilt and get your pasta fix at a great discount. Plus, when you earn Cash Back on your restaurant voucher purchases with Ebates, things become even more scrumptious.

To celebrate National Pasta Day, enjoy a delightful dish of your favorite type of pasta topped with a scrumptious sauce. We know what we’ll be having for dinner! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favorite pasta dish?

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 23, 2015

Plan the Perfect Holiday Getaway With Groupon Deals

While most people are staying put or flying home for the holidays, why not do something different this year? Take the ultimate holiday vacation to a dream destination at incredible prices with Groupon vacation deals! If you’ve never used Groupon for your travel needs, don’t worry. Here are a few simple tips to follow in order to make sure you get the best vacation deal for your budget.

1. Research your destination. Take a look at Groupon Getaways and start browsing locations. From domestic to tropical, there are tons of options to help you vacay your way. Once you find a destination that looks too good to be true, consider that is just might be. Start looking into the weather during your booking time, local amenities, tourist attractions, etc. Don’t just rely on the pictures of the resort. Do your homework to be sure you and everyone else will have a great holiday vacation.

2. Get all the facts. Always read the fine print before booking your Groupon Getaway. This will include information on blackout dates, added fees, expiration dates and more. You may find that even with added fees, this will still be a great deal, especially if you are booking something last minute or for a particular location. Either way, it certainly helps to be prepared with all the information you can get.

3. Contact the property. Groupon’s Q&A section allows you to contact the owner/manager of your lodgings directly if you have any questions. And never be afraid to ask questions! Even confirming the details of the Groupon deal with the property manager is a good idea. Save your interactions in case there is a dispute you need to resolve later. Overall, speaking with someone directly associated with where you’ll be staying will provide a good indicator of customer service. If they take forever to get back to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

4. Check reviews from multiple sites. Try to get the big picture on what it’s actually like to stay at your destination. Reviewers not only discuss the lodgings, but also often give advice about the surroundings. Reading reviews is a great way to get all the facts you need before booking.

5. Think about it. Don’t think you have to book right this minute once you have all your ducks in a row. While some Groupons sell out quickly, a lot of them do not. This gives you ample time to really consider whether or not this is the vacation for you. Plus, even if you miss this deal, another great Groupon is bound to pop up soon.

6. Check out Groupon Coupons. If you need to stock up on some essentials for your trip, chances are you can find a Groupon coupon code to cut costs. From vacation clothes to travel electronics, there’s probably a great deal for it at Groupon.

Related Links

Bloomingdales Coupon

Anthropologie Code

American Eagle Coupons

Ulta Promotional Code

October 21, 2015

Easy Halloween Safety Tips

Can’t wait for the Halloween fun to begin? Whether you are staying in to greet trick-or-treaters or are venturing out with your little ones, it’s always important to do everything you can to avoid injury to yourself and others. Check out these super simple Halloween safety tips to make sure everyone has a happy and healthy evening.

Be visible. One of the most important safety tips for all outdoor, nighttime activities is doing what you can to be seen in the dark. Glow sticks are a simple, cheap and fun way to glow in the dark while collecting treats.

Travel in small groups. Large groups can be hard to keep together and going solo in the dark can be a little more spooky than you would like. Stick to groups of four or five. If you’re chaperoning a lot of kids, ask other adults to help keep track of your pack of ghouls.

Use soft accessories. If your costume includes staffs, swords or other faux weaponry, make sure these accessories are flexible and soft. This way, you can avoid accidentally hurting someone.

See clearly. Make sure you can see where you’re going. If you’re wearing a mask, be sure that the eye holes don’t obstruct your vision. Also, carry a super cool flashlight! You never know when street lights just won’t cut it. Pick up a few Halloween flashlights for everyone in your ghostly gaggle.

Avoid homemade treats. If you or your children receive homemade treats from strangers, consume with caution. You may just want to play it safe and throw them away, especially if anyone in your party is prone to food allergies.

Wear flame-resistant costumes. All pre-packaged Halloween costumes should indicate whether they are flame-resistant. This is extremely important since open flame from candles and lanterns will likely be encountered.

Test Halloween makeup. Using Halloween makeup is a great alternative to wearing masks that can get in your way. However, always be sure to test your makeup on a small patch of skin. If you know you are prone to skin allergies, review the ingredients before applying.

Keep Jack-o-lanterns out of the way. Again, open flame can be dangerous, even from a tiny candle. Keep Jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and walkways so costumes are less likely to brush against them.

Don’t overload extension cords. If you decorate your house with lights galore, make sure you use enough outlets to avoid a short. This could be a major fire hazard.

Have a super safe Halloween!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 20, 2015

13 Spooktacular Halloween Movies for All Ages

The weeks leading up to Halloween night are some of the best weeks of the year. Decorating the porch with ghosts and ghouls, carving spooky or funny faces into pumpkins, shopping or making costumes and decorating cookies adds to the excitement that comes on October 31st. One of the best ways to get into the spirit is to watch Halloween movies! Whether you’re gathering the kids for a night of fun or curling up on the couch for some real scares, we’ve got 13 of the best Halloween movies for any occasion. Grab the popcorn, put on the DVD (or grab the movie on iTunes and get 7% Cash Back at Ebates) and get ready for some Halloween treats and tricks!

Family Friendly

If you’re spending this Halloween with little ones around, you’ll want to be a bit more selective about your movie choices. You don’t want to put on anything too scary that can result in tears, but you’ll also want to be entertained as well. These four classics will bring back memories as well as create new ones for the whole family.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

No Halloween would be complete without Charlie Brown. This classic short features the Peanuts gang trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples and Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Recommended Age: 3 and up

The Worst Witch (1986)

Back before Harry Potter went to Hogwarts, Mildred Hubble went to Miss Cackle’s Academy of Witches. Unfortunately, Mildred just can’t seem to get it right. This sweet story will entertain children as well as adults. Recommended Age: 5 and up

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

You’ll have your little ones marching around singing “This is Halloween” for days after watching this Tim Burton masterpiece. Jack Skellington, who is tired of Halloween festivities, stumbles upon Christmas Town and decides to try his hand at that holiday. It’s a perfect film for both Halloween and Christmas. Recommended Age: 7 and up

Halloweentown (1998)

Marnie is obsessed with Halloween, which all makes sense when she discovers she is a witch. She heads off to Halloweentown after her grandmother arrives and the real tricks and treats begin. This film is the first in a triology, all of which are magical. Recommended Age: 9 and up

Teen Screams

Scary movies at sleepovers are nothing new, especially when October rolls around. If you have some tweens or teens in your household, these PG-13 movies are scary without being too horrifying or gory.

The Monster Squad (1987)

More funny than scary, The Monster Squad tells the story of a young group of monster fans who have to save their town after it is invaded by Count Dracula and his army of monsters. It’s perfect for teens who loves monster movies but don’t want to get too scared just yet.

The Others (2001)

This is subtle horror film that uses the power of atmosphere, music and suggestion to frighten rather than blood, gore and jump scares. An over-protective mother lives in an old, dark house with her two children who are sensitive to light. Over time she is convinced that the home she lives in is haunted.

The Ring (2002)

A mysterious videotape that causes the death of anyone within a week of watching it is the center of this scary movie and a journalist is determined to solve this urban legend. But if the urban legend is true, she only has seven days to solve it. It’s yet another film that skips over the blood and gore and focuses on psychological scares with a fair share of jumps and creepy imagery.

Insidious (2010)

Evil spirits are attacking a young boy who fell into a coma after a mysterious incident that took place in an attic. Referred to by many as one of the scariest PG-13 horror films of all time, it is a perfect blend of creepy and suspenseful.

Never Sleep Again

Take Halloween night to the next level and get ready to sleep with the light on. These movies are filled with blood, gore, scares and true horror. Don’t worry though, you can always cover your eyes at the scary parts.

Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Four stories. One night. This horror anthology takes place on Halloween Night and is full of both tricks and treats. A perfect mix or horror and comedy, Trick ‘r Treat is a classic that is fun to watch year after year.

Halloween (1978)

Michael Myers has escaped the mental hospital he’s been in for 15 years after stabbing his sister to death. John Carpenter’s Halloween is one of the most iconic movies of the holiday for a reason. Suspenseful, creepy and terrifying, Michael Myers will send chills down your spine.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods and proceed to release an evil force that turns its victims into monsters. A cult classic that shaped the future of zombie movies, The Evil Dead trilogy is a must-watch. Be prepared for a whole lot of blood and gore in this one.

The Conjuring (2013)

Strange things begin to happen after a family moves into a farm house in Rhode Island. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are called to examine the house and discover a satanic haunting that will test everyone involved. This nail-biting movie will have you peeking behind the covers for the whole ride.

The Best Halloween Movie of All?

Maybe you don’t have a lot of time this year to do a Halloween movie marathon. Or maybe you’re just not that into dressing up or getting scared. If you only watch one Halloween movie this year, better make it…

Hocus Pocus (1993)

This film put a spell on everyone that still lives to this day. The Sanderson sisters are back and it’s up to two teens, a young girl and an immortal cat to put an end to this reign of terror. Hocus Pocus is a family friendly movie that children and adults both enjoy and love.

Whether you’re keeping the movies fun and silly or going all in for a scare-fest, have a Happy Halloween!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 17, 2015

Top Pop Culture Halloween Costumes for 2015

Are you still searching for the perfect Halloween costume? If donning a white sheet with holes cut out for eyes is not your favorite idea for a last-minute costume, never fear. We’ve curated six of the top pop culture Halloween ideas for 2015 for both guys and girls. So whether you’re spending the evening out dancing with friends or trick-or-treating with the little ones, you’ll be sure to make heads turn with these clever and relevant costumes. Don’t forget to use Ebates for Cash Back on all your spooky shopping needs like Halloween costumes, decorations and candy!

Orange is the New Black Prisoner Costume

Take a trip to Litchfield Penitentiary and get ready to serve your time. This orange prisoner costume comes with a clip-on name tag and dry erase marker and you better fill in your name or you could get a shot from one of the officers. Keep your head down, say you love the food and you’ll be sure to survive your prison time this Halloween.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Rey Costume

Whether you’ve been a hardcore Star Wars fan for years or you’ve only just begun to love the series, Rey is the top costume choice for women this year. Add some boots (not included) to this costume which includes the top, pants, sleeves, belt with pouch and wrist cuff and channel your inner heroine.

Women’s Minion Costume

You’ll conquer trick-or-treating this year with this iconic blue and yellow Minions costume. Featuring a long-sleeved dress, goggles, gloves and knee socks, this costume is perfect with black sneakers for a night of walking or high heels for a night of dancing.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Katniss Costume

Show off pride for your district this Halloween by dressing as everyone’s favorite tribute. Braid your hair, add some black boots and a bow to this costume which includes a top with armor, pants with knee and shin guards and a Mockingjay pin to complete the look.

Jurassic World: Inflatable T-Rex Costume

Steal the show this Halloween and impress everyone by showing off your love for Jurassic Park. While your dance moves might not be as hip (those little arms will prevent you from showing off your nae nae) you can shake that tail all night long. Just don’t run into anyone dressed as Owen or Claire! This costume requires four AA batteries so make sure to stock up before your night starts.

Star Wars Han Solo Costume

He shot Darth Vader’s TIE fighter, survived being frozen in carbonite and stole the princesses heart. Han Solo is back this year and ready to still up some trouble. Show a little bit of skin with this v-neck shirt, vest, pants and boot top combo. Don’t forget your co-pilot by adding a Chewbacca backpack to finalize this costume.

Once Upon a Time Hook Costume

Have a swashbuckling good time this year by dressing up as everyone’s favorite pirate. Add a little smudged eyeliner to complete this look which includes a faux leather black jacket, vest, pants (with attached boot top covers) and the iconic hook.

American Horror Story Twisty the Clown Costume

If you’re planning to show off your darker side this Halloween, it doesn’t get much creepier than Twisty the Clown. At first you’ll look like any other clown with your pom pom top, pants and bag but you’ll transform into Twisty once you don the headpiece and mask. If you can, wear oversized shoes to perfect the clown look. Just try not to scare the children too much!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 16, 2015

13 Tips for Choosing Your Halloween Costumes

When it comes to choosing Halloween costumes, the possibilities are endless. Between browsing your local costume store and spending way too much time on Pinterest collecting DIY ideas, the abundance of choice can seem overwhelming. Let us help you break down the process with these 13 simple steps so you’ll be sure to pick a winner this Halloween.

1. Buy Early – No matter if you are planning to buy a complete costume or components and accessories to make your own, start as soon as you can. You never know when you need time to troubleshoot. The color might be off or the fit may be unflattering. Give yourself as much time as possible to return or exchange items that are vital to your look.

2. Budget – Halloween costume ideas can get lofty—fast! Before you get too ambitious or start drooling over custom-made accessories and expert-quality Halloween makeup, decide on a budget. You can even break it down by how much you want to spend on clothing, wigs, makeup and other accessories. Halloween costume coupons and promo codes will definitely help with keeping your finances on track. And Cash Back at Ebates will put money back into your pocket!

3. Style – Now you can start narrowing down costumes by what style you’re going for. Do you want to have people running for the hills with a scary costume or doubled over laughing with a silly one? Do you want to be recognizable or go for something a little more obscure? Cosplay costumes are a great example of both popular characters and little-known ones. Figure out what kind of statement you want to make and go from there.

4. Weather – Trust us. A costume that bares a little skin will be fun for exactly two minutes if there’s a chill in the air and you plan on Trick or Treating all night. Try to get a handle on the weather forecast for the night and factor in your surroundings for whatever you have planned. If you’re going to be indoors, you may not have to worry about a costume that will keep you bundled up.

5. Group Costume – There are plenty of advantages to going with a group costume with friends or family. One, it’s a bonding experience. Two, your costume-mates act as accessories so you don’t have to worry too much about making your character obvious. Three, if you all go with the same costume, it eliminates a lot of the hard work without compromising the overall statement.

6. Simple Pet and Kids’ Costumes – If you’re shopping for Halloween costumes for kids and pets to top off your group costume, know your sidekick. Keep things simple if your pet or little one is prone to fussing in an all-out get-up. Basic capes are great for dogs while loose costumes sans masks are more manageable for young kids. Keep everyone in your costume crew from getting cranky this Halloween.

7. Avoid Appropriation – Offensive Halloween costumes are seriously uncool. Don’t ruin a fun night by hurting anyone’s feelings. When choosing a costume, remember that depicting cultures and races that are not your own are absolutely off limits. Characters, occupations, historical figures and celebrities are just fine. But always depict these types of people with respect and without changing your physical features, including skin tone. Be kind, be sensitive and be courteous when putting together your Halloween look.

8. The Fine Print – So now you’ve found a great Halloween costume online. Before you click Order Now, make sure to read all the details first. Sometimes costumes are not entirely as pictured. They might not include all of the accessories in the photo, like the wig or jewelry. Reading the fine print will save you the heartache of expecting a complete look delivered to your door only to find a single piece of clothing. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to scramble for additional pieces.

9. Sizing – Use the size chart when selecting a costume online or a pre-packaged costume you are not allowed to try on in-store. Take your exact measurements before shopping to select the perfect fit. This again will save you time and ensure you will not have to return a costume due to poor fit at the last minute.

10. Try it On – Immediately after you receive a mail-order costume, take it out of the package and try it on. Do not assume everything will fit perfectly and wait until Halloween night. Obviously by then it will be too late to return or exchange your costume. You’ll be out of luck and out a few bucks.

11. Versatility – If you’re attending multiple events for Halloween and are thinking of getting more than one costume, consider buying one and changing it up for each outing. Choose a versatile costume that can be easily mixed up with the right makeup and accessories. You can go silly or sweet for family outings and spine-tingling for afterhours parties.

12. Safety First – So now you have the costume. It fits, you love it and you can’t wait until Halloween night to rock it. But safety is also very important. You need to make sure you can move adequately, see and be seen. If the eye holes of your mask are not wide enough, cut some more space for you to see. If your costume is long enough to trip on, hem or trim the bottom. Lastly, focus on visibility. If your costume is dark and you’ll be walking around at night, include a flashlight or glow stick so drivers will be able to spot you crossing the street.

13. Dress Rehearsal – Once you have all of your costume elements together in one place, give your look a test run. Put on the whole shebang—costume, jewelry, wig, makeup, everything. Chances are, practice will make perfect when it comes to nailing your Halloween look.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 14, 2015

Get Wicked: Wet n Wild Disney Villains Collection

For all of you planning Disney-themed Halloween costumes this year, dare to go devilish and let Wet n Wild help with their sinfully sensational Disney Villains makeup collection. Whether your inner villain is an evil queen or a cunning sea creature, you can play with these amazing colors and even come up with some makeup ideas of your own to make your Disney costume radiant and ruthless. These complete kits also come with makeup brushes so you can start getting your face game together for the big night of tricks and treats in a snap.

Below are just a few of our favorites from the collection, now available at Walgreens. Get them before they’re gone and shop at walgreens.com with up to 4% Cash Back at Ebates for even more makeup must-haves inspired by Disney villains.

Cast a Spell Beauty Book Ursula ($9.99) | Matte Red Lipstick Ursula ($3.49) | Spellbound Sculpting Contouring Palette Maleficent ($3.49)

Cast a Spell Beauty Book includes nine eyeshadows, kabuki brush, lipgloss, eye pencil and two blush shades
Matte lipstick is a bold red with long-staying power
Spellbound palette includes blush, contour, bronze to highlight and define your features

Perfectly Arched Evil Brow Eyebrow Kit Evil Queen ($5.99) | Leviathan Shimmering Powder Ursula ($3.49) | Wicked Shadow Shimmering Eyeshadows Ursula ($5.99)

Eyebrow kit includes two brow shades, brow wax, clear brow gel, eye pencil and brow stencil
Shimmering powder is loose and lightweight for just a touch of glam
Wicked Shadow includes eight shadows and double-sided shadow brush

Jealous Blush Evil Queen ($3.49) | Makeup Remover Wipes ($3.49) | Vixen’s Kiss Lip Color Set Maleficent ($5.99)

Jealous Blush works for most skin tones with a smooth application
Makeup Remover Wipes pack includes 25 wipes that help remove dirt, oil and makeup
Vixen’s Kiss Lip Color Set includes three lip balm stains to wear alone or as base under gloss

What are you going to be for Halloween this year? Scary or silly? Easy or expert-level? Let us know with a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.