August 2016 – user's Blog!

August 31, 2016

How to Throw a Labor Day BBQ on a Budget

Nothing says summer like a weekend drenched in sunshine and barbeque sauce. With the season drawing to a close, the three-day Labor Day holiday offers the perfect opportunity for one last hurrah. An occasion geared specifically toward relaxation, it’s the ideal time to invite a few friends over and enjoy some burgers before the weather becomes too chilly for grilling. Read on for some tips for throwing a Labor Day barbecue bash on the cheap.

1. Invite friends via Evite, or create a Facebook event. We all enjoy that rare treat of an invitation or letter in the mailbox intermingled with the usual bills and advertisements. But if you’re throwing a casual get-together like a barbecue, save your stamps and send out an invitation via Evite, or create a Facebook event. Not only will this save you a couple of bucks and a trip to the post office, it’s also more efficient, as people are more likely to RSVP if it only requires a click.

Online invitations also make it much easier to collaborate with your guests ahead of time. This is especially helpful if anyone has a dietary restriction you should be aware of, or if you’re asking people to bring a dish or drink. It’s equally helpful if you need to notify the whole group at once if any unexpected changes should come up. If you’ve got pals that don’t go online often, or at all, just shoot them a text or give them a call.

2. Have a potluck. Potlucks are a surefire way to ensure everyone has at least one item they can eat and enjoy. As the host, you should provide the entrees, which we’ll get to in a moment. But you can ask your guests to bring a favorite side, such as a salad, dessert, appetizer, or drink. Some partygoers may actually prefer this method, especially if they have dietary restrictions or allergies. Alternatively, you can assign people to bring certain dishes if, for example, you know your cousin Tom has the best recipe for banana cream pie, or your college friend Rachel makes a mean chili.

Organizing a potluck is especially simple if you’ve invited the majority of your guests via Facebook or Evite, since you’ll be able to avoid the issue of having three pasta salads or 10 liters of Coke. Aside from food, you can also ask a guest or two to bring propane or charcoal so you can avoid buying a bag you may not dip into again until next year. You can also request that one or two guests provide disposable utensils and cups.

3. Make it BYOB. Maybe you’re a master chef, or feel more comfortable making all the preparations at home ahead of time. Whatever the case may be, even if a full-on potluck isn’t your style, you can still ask your guests to bring their own beverage. Depending on your estimated attendance, you could end up spending quite a pretty penny on booze alone if you offer to buy it all yourself. Ask the guests to bring their own drink, or ask everyone to bring something to share. You can provide the mixers, which you can find some awesome deals on at places like Safeway.

4. Buy in bulk. You can find some killer deals at the brick-and-mortar big box stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. If you don’t yet have a membership, the amount you’ll save on alcohol for your few yearly parties may be enough to make it worthwhile, not to mention the opportunity to buy seasonal fresh produce at a price much more budget-friendly than at the supermarket. But don’t worry if the cost of the annual membership isn’t within your budget at the moment. You can also find a bevy of excellent markdowns on bulk items online at places like Amazon. You’re not likely to save much compared to the grocery store if you’re buying single items like one bag of chips, but you can save big if you’re purchasing a multi-pack. Of course, this mostly applies to non-perishable items. But that shouldn’t be any deterrent as non-perishables are more likely to stay fresher while lying on your picnic table in the warm backyard.

5. Keep the décor simple. Let’s be honest. Most people are going to be paying more attention to the food than the decorations. Nobody needs you to transform your backyard into a tiki lounge in order to have a good time. Making things fun and festive doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re in need of some cool DIY inspiration, the Internet is a treasure trove of creative options. Places like Shindigz and Dollar Tree have excellent deals on everything you’ll need, from streamers to table settings.

August 31, 2016

How to Mix Summer Clothes Into Your Fall Wardrobe

You’ve finally rounded out your closet to create the perfect summer wardrobe for your signature style. The bad news? You blinked and then *poof* it’s fall. Don’t panic. That collection of sassy summer frocks can still take you well into the chillier months ahead with a few fashion hacks. Here are a few super easy ways to take summer staples into fall fashion while earning Cash Back at Ebates, of course.

Maxi Dress

Plus Jane Maxi Dress, $30 (Boohoo) | Round Neck Knitwear, $31 (ChicNova) | Qupid Slingback Ankle Boots, $64.99 (Kohl’s)

That statement-making maxi dress your lived in this summer can easily add a little color to your fall wardrobe with a chunky cropped sweater and ankle boots. This sweater from ChicNova is the perfect length to make your maxi look like just another high-waisted skirt.

Tee and Jeans

Simplex Apparel Deep V Tee, $18.99 (eBags) | Let Down Hem Mom Jean, $80 (Topshop) | Pinstripe Bomber Jacket, $88 (Banana Republic) | STEVEN by Steve Madden Hilda Platform Sneakers, $69 (Macy’s)

Your go-to casual combo for the summer can totally get warmed up for fall. Swap your Birks for some ultra-cool velvet slip-ons. A stylish bomber jacket, like this one from Banana Republic, will perfectly complete the look without making it too dressed up. After all, this is your weekend jam.

Plunging Jumpsuit

Backless Palazoo Jumpsuit, $27.90 (Choies.com) | Animal Print Long Sleeve Top, $33 (Dorothy Perkins) | Journee Collection Dolup Wedge, $59.99 (Kohl’s)

You may think a jumpsuit that shows some skin may be too little coverage for the fall chill (and too much sex-appeal for the office). But you can easily make turn it into a power suit with a printed long-sleeve top, like this one from Dorothy Perkins, and a popping wedge. Just make sure the top is fitted so it can easily tuck into the jumpsuit. That way, it will look like one seamless (and stunning) professional piece.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

August 29, 2016

17 Guest Bedroom Essentials You Probably Never Thought Of

When hosting overnight guests, the most important thing is to make your guests feel comfortable in your home. A great way to do this is to take some tips from the hotel industry. A hotel room is specifically designed with amenities for making guests feel comfortable. Use these same guest room ideas to welcome guests into your home. To get you started, here are our top picks for guest bedroom ideas and accessories from stores where you can earn Cash Back at Ebates. Remember to use a guest room promo code to save big when you shop for everything from guest bedding to hand soaps.

Tulip Bouquet With Glass Vase

There is no better way to make a guest room feel luxurious and welcoming than with fresh flowers. This beautiful bouquet comes with its own vase and can be delivered right to your door with next-day delivery.

Cable Knit Decorative Throw

This 100% cotton throw creates a warm, inviting look and brings comfort to any guest bed, no matter how humble.

Straight Leg Luggage Rack

Living out of a suitcase can be awkward, but this sturdy, attractive luggage rack makes it a cinch. This luggage rack can hold any size suitcase, has a rack for shoes and can even double as a bedside table.

LED Lighted Vanity Mirror

Help your guests put their best face forward with this 1x magnifying mirror from Beauty.com that will look stylish on a bureau, end table or bathroom counter.

Ambient Light/LED Reading Light

Good lighting is a key element for any comfortable guest room. With this lamp, your guests can enjoy ambient or direct LED light to help them find their way or read in bed.

Laminated Bamboo Serving Tray

Nothing compares to breakfast in bed. Your guests will be wowed with morning coffee on this elegant natural bamboo tray which can also be used as a convenient lap desk for a laptop or book.

Bedside Water Carafe Set

Save your guests the trouble of finding their way through a dark house at night for a drink of water. This beautiful customizable carafe and glass combo is convenient, beautiful and strong and would look lovely at any bedside.

Places to Go, People to See Coffee Table Book

With vibrant photographs, inspirational quotes and words of wisdom from world travelers, this coffee table book from kate spade new york makes a visual statement and is sure to spark great conversations.

Belkin MIXIT ChargeSync Dock

Give your guests a convenient place to charge their phones, tablets and other digital gadgets as well as a simple way to dock and sync them with this handy gadget from PCM.

Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan

Your guests can keep cool without the noise of fan blades with this portable bladeless fan. For those scorching hot days, dampen the included cooling sponge and the fan becomes a personal air conditioner.

Park B. Smith Ultra Spa Robe

Just like the finest hotels and spas, you can give your guests a sense of personal luxury with this mini-waffle weave cotton robe. Just don’t be surprised if they don’t want to give it back!

NEST Fragrances Reed Diffuser

A reed diffuser is a great way to bring aromatherapy into your guest room without overwhelming your guests with perfumes. The blend of orange blossom, orchid, lemon and musk is slowly diffused throughout your guest room for a subtle but memorable scent that is both relaxing and calming.

Neatfreak Clothes Hanger

Your guests will feel right at home with these professional, non-slip felt hangers that keep clothes wrinkle-free and neatly organized.

Bath Towels

This luxurious Turkish cotton towel set makes for elegant guest towels that feel rich and lush. Shop the Kohl’s Linum collection with a linens promo code to save on everything you need for your guest bath.

Surge Protector

This surge protector protects your guests from unexpected power fluctuations and also provides maximum protection for all of your sensitive electronic devices.

Hadley Notepad Holder

Memo pads are a quick and convenient way to jot down notes for your guests and this stylish notepad holder makes it easy while keeping surfaces uncluttered.

Philip Kingsley Jet Set Smooth & Shiny

Help your guests look their best with this three pack of moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and elasticizing product from LookFantastic. Way better than tiny hotel bottles, this miracle set helps keep hair frizz-free, shiny and manageable.

August 29, 2016

Fun Ways to Spend Your Labor Day

Labor Day is practically made for fun. Landing right at the heels of summer, it’s a chance for one last hurrah before autumn sets in and we begin to bundle up and bunker down for a few months spent evading the chill by binge-watching Netflix and preparing for the less leisurely holidays to come. It’s the perfect respite from back-to-school preparations and the daily 8-5 grind. Here is a list of awesome ways to make the most of your Labor Day weekend.

1. Take a hike.

From amber waves of grain to majestic purple mountains, the U.S. is filled with natural treasures. The three-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to venture out and get in tune with your wild side. Pack up your tackle box and head to the lake for some late-season fishing, or take a trip to the seaside to enjoy one last dip in the waves before the weather turns too chilly.

State and national parks are also great places to visit for a day or the weekend. The early September weather is perfect for a long hike, with typically clear skies and moderate temperatures. It’s also ideal for camping. Many parks and lake sites include camping and cabin rentals, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm late-summer night spent roasting s’mores under the stars. Check out Cabela’s and Backcountry.com for awesome deals on everything from fishing rods to knapsacks before you head out.

2. Shop the sales.

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again, and what better time to get some than on one of the biggest sale days of the year? It’s an especially great time to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothes, so if you are a student or parent of a matriculating student, check out stores like Old Navy, Target, and Kohl’s for some killer deals on everything from backpacks to blue jeans.

On the other hand, if you’re evading the dreaded “s” word, or aren’t a student or parent of a student, there’s no shortage of awesome deals on a variety of other products as well. Labor Day is also the best time of year to buy summer clothes at deeply discounted prices. To make the most of your purchases, check out the clearance racks at shops that are also offering storewide deals or Cash Back so you can double-dip on some savings. And just because you’re buying a tank top in September doesn’t mean you won’t be able to wear it until June. Consider picking pieces that you can layer underneath cardigans and jackets so you can start enjoying your savvy shopping haul right away, and all year long. Some stores touting killer Labor Day sales include Banana Republic, Macy’s, and Amazon.

3. Host a backyard cookout.

Break out the grill for one last cookout before summer’s end. Barbecues are the perfect weekend get-together, a chance for you and your friends to really kick back, relax, and enjoy some backyard volleyball or badminton. Don’t have a ball or a net? You can grab one from Dick’s Sporting Goods while enjoying 5% Cash Back and some killer discounts through Ebates.

Since nobody wants to work on Labor Day, make things easy on yourself and your wallet by asking your guests to bring a dish to share, potluck style. With everyone pitching in, there’s no need to worry that any one partygoer won’t have something to eat, which is especially helpful if you’ve got friends with dietary restrictions or allergies. You can provide the entrees, which you can get some awesome deals on from Safeway. If you’re providing the alcohol, you can also ask guests to bring a mixer, or if you’re going BYOB, provide a few mixers yourself. If you’re planning far enough in advance, order online at Amazon to save yourself some time.

August 26, 2016

4 Ways to Maximize Your Holiday Travel Budget

The holidays are coming up fast. First there’s wedding season, three-day weekends, then suddenly you’re booking last-minute plane tickets to Thanksgiving dinner and buying gifts for December. Before you know it, your travel budget is stretched to the limit.

But there’s still time to save money on airfare, cars and hotels. Here are some tips to make the most of your holiday travel budget.

1. Consider ridesharing. If you only have to travel from your hotel a couple of times a day, it may not be worth the expense to rent a car. Find out if a ride-booking service like Lyft or Uber is available at your destination and compare costs.

2. Strategize your stay. At fall weddings, you may end up in a block of hotel rooms booked by the newlyweds, which can limit the opportunity to save money, so try looking for ways to cut costs on other trips. If you’re traveling to be with your family for the holidays and need your own space, check out options such as Airbnb and HomeAway.

3. Travel light. Some airline travel cards include a free checked bag. If you must pay by the bag, go with a compact suitcase or backpack. Not only will bringing less save money, you’ll also spend less time at baggage claim.

4. Use travel credit cards strategically. You probably have a travel credit card if you travel frequently. And while it may be tempting to use those points for holiday travel, it may be better to accumulate points instead of spending them. Compare prices for flights at traditional travel sites like Priceline or Orbitz, or try newer options such as Skiplagged and Skyscanner. Check the exchange rate for your points to see if you’re getting the same or better value compared with buying a ticket. Don’t use the points just because you have them. Instead, save points for off-season travel, when points or miles will stretch further. If you belong to an airline’s rewards program, check out The Smart Shopper’s guide to making the most of your airline perks.

August 24, 2016

How to Plan the Best Summer Picnic without Breaking the Bank

When you think of summer, you might think of BBQs in the backyard, swimming in a lake, and most importantly, packing up the family or grabbing your friends to head out for a picnic. Nothing quite beats reclining in the sun or under the shade of an umbrella, eating ice cream, sipping iced tea, and enjoyed a good ol’ fashioned ham sandwich with good conversation.

If your budget is looking a little tight, you can still plan the best summer picnic without having to go overboard. Whether you’re searching for the perfect place to host your summer outing or stocking up on all your summer wear, this guide lists a few ways to create the best picnic on a budget.

1. Reserve a table at a public park.

Living in an urban area can make it difficult to find that perfect picnic location. An open green field or a cozy campsite in the woods can mean long car rides and high gas prices, and though national parks are a perfect retreat, the admission prices aren’t that great for your bank account. But who says you can’t enjoy fresh air and nature closer to home? By popping over to your local public park and reserving yourself a table, you can have that open-air experience without the expenses, and also without those pesky ants. To top it off, a public park means easier access for attendees if you’re holding an event for your company or community, or hosting a family reunion, saving you both time and effort.

2. Have a potluck and share with friends.

Dinner for one isn’t that bad, but when you’re trying to pack all the food for your friends or an event into a series of coolers, and trying to manage the numbers tallying up on your bank statement, suddenly you have a problem. Plus, if you’re not a great cook or don’t have the time to make all the food, then buying all the supplies premade can put a real dent in your budget.

Picnics are a great way to get some sun and hang out with friends, so why not make your social event even more social? Turn your picnic into a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish. Not only does this cut back on the costs and effort of preparing and carrying the food, but it’s great for sharing recipes and starting up fun conversations about where people learned to make certain dishes.

3. Do some DIY.

We all have a checklist for the perfect picnic. Sandwiches? Check. Umbrella? Check. Cooler? Uh-oh, the last one took a long walk off a short pier, and your budget just isn’t cut out for another. If you’re coordinating a huge event and need major supplies, it’s even more costly to buy not one but five coolers.

It’s time to get creative and use your own hands, leaving your credit card firmly in your wallet. There are plenty of great DIY methods for making all you need for your perfect summer picnic. For example, building your very own cooler is as easy as taking a cardboard box, lining it with a plastic garbage bag, filling it with ice packs, and then piling in your cold food. Don’t have any ice packs? Freeze some plastic water bottles that are only partly full, and enjoy both your own impromptu ice pack and a cold drink on the way back home. It’s easy, effective, and has the potential to be a great conversation starter.

4. Enjoy desserts to keep away the heat.

You’ve planned it all week and finally it’s here – your lovely family picnic out in the sunshine. Yet the weather threw you a curveball by being a lot hotter than you anticipated. Even your sunhat is ready to pack up and go home. There’s no need to rush back to the air conditioning and the boring indoors you’ve been trapped in all year; it’s time to break out the ice cream and bring down the temperature. Run down to your local Walmart and save even more, keeping you cool and your bank account calm.

5. Take advantage of Cash Back.

Helping the budget doesn’t mean turning down your favorite kind of soft drink or cutting your picnic short when your faulty umbrella decides to go haywire. Places like Overstock offer up to double Cash Back on all the supplies you could need so you can be well-equipped while keeping your budget firmly intact.

August 23, 2016

20 Ways to Pamper Your Pooch on National Dog Day

Hot diggety it’s National Dog Day! This Friday, August 26th is a day dedicated to showing appreciation for our favorite four-legged family members. It’s also a great day to save big on special treats for your pet pal with National Dog Day coupons and a promo code from Ebates. Celebrating this holiday can be as easy as giving your dog a scratch behind the ear and maybe an extra good tummy rub. After all, your best friend is pretty easy to please. But if you want to give your buddy the very best, this holiday is your chance to save big on pet supplies, dog treats and dog toys by shopping our top pet care stores while earning Cash Back at Ebates. To get the ball rolling on the celebrations, here are 20 ways to treat your dog to a special day with links to our top dog-friendly stores where you can save while you shop.

Encourage a roll in the mud. Most dogs like to get dirty, it’s just a fact of dogness. You can let your mutt get muddy without stressing about stains if you stock up on safe, natural stain and odor cleaners and dog supplies at Petco. Use a petcare promo code at checkout to save at Petco.com and find great free shipping offers too.
Make a dog-safe cake or cookies. Believe it or not, there are sweet treat recipes out there designed to delight dogs. What better way to say “I love you” than with cake!
Play advanced fetch. Although a dog can play fetch with anything from your car keys to unreasonably big sticks, there are pet toys out there designed to play long-distance fetch. These games help give dogs excellent exercise while getting in some quality pet-owner bonding time.
Open the couch for cuddles. Pet stores don’t have a monopoly on pet accessories for your home. Use a coupon code to get a great price on a easy-wash microfiber couch cover from Walmart and you can snuggle your buddy without worrying about the upholstery.
Give your pooch a paw-dicure. You can take advantage of the fashion world gone wild and give your pet a day at the nail salon with pet-safe nail-polish and other salon-worthy dog accessories.
Bring on the bling. What’s a holiday without a little bit of dressing up? PetSmart has an amazing array of gorgeous and affordable dog collars that will make your furry friend top model ready. Yes, there are ones shaped like bowties.
Make new friends. Dogs are social creatures, even the shy ones. Introduce your dog to new furry faces at the local park, at an outdoor event or just on a walk somewhere new.
Make a portrait of your pooch. The best way to truly capture your pet’s personality is with a portrait – and I don’t mean just a really good vertical photo on your cell phone. There are tons of amazing artists on Etsy that specialize in custom pet portraits.
Follow the leader. Go for a walk with your dog and surrender the navigational decision making to them. Following your dog’s nose may not mean following the roads, but it’s sure to lead to excitement.
Share with others. It has been shown that therapy animals like dogs and cats really can bring significant health benefits to people and lower stress. Keep an eye out for information on therapy dog training both locally and online. Find out more about how your dog can lend a paw to help others and get some extra special love.
Junk food. You don’t have to feed your pets unhealthy treats to indulge them because there are lots of great, healthy options available. For all the best sweet, salty, crunchy, meaty treats your pooch can handle, browse the selection of natural food and treats for dogs at Pet360.
Take a time out. Dogs are basically furry toddlers and for both of them, naptime is key. Dogs need 12-14 hours of sleep a day so why not join them for one or two – it’s the ultimate bonding activity in the dog world.
Karaoke. Seriously. Have you even heard a dog sing? It’s awesome and absolutely worth recording on video.
Play dress up. You dog might not love this one as much as you, but the photos will be worth it. Instagram gold.
Take them for a ride. Roll the windows down and let the sweet breeze flow through your pup’s fur and flap some ears. Guaranteed smiles all around.
Get a checkup. A trip to the doctor sounds like a bummer of a way to celebrate a holiday until you consider how crucial it is for you to have a good idea of your dog’s health at every age. Make sure your furry friend gets to the vet for regular checkups and save on the top-selling pet medications at PetCareRx where you can earn Cash Back at Ebates with every refill. For affordable pet prescription plans, visit Pet Plus which puts the best pet care online right at your fingertips.
Make a sacrifice. Give up an old shoe, a ragged shirt or some other worn-out item that’s usually off-limits to your dog. Let them destroy it. Witness their joy. Think about whether or not that was a bad idea later.
Write a book starring you and your dog having epic adventures. This is easier than it sounds thanks to the abundance of online publishers, like Snapfish, that can arrange, edit, print, bind and ship a photo book about you and Bowser straight to your door.
Offer a refreshment. It’s important for dogs to stay hydrated and when you search online for “flavored water for dogs” you’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have hydrating.
Remember this day. Make a dog print stepping stone, ornament or paint print to create a one-of-a-kind memento that you can keep forever and ever.

August 20, 2016

Lip Glosses Under $25 for All Skin Tones

Just less than a year ago, it was all about the mattes. Bone-dry finishes that would make your lips the boldest part of your MOTD were a total must-have. Now the tide is finally turning to a wet look that is all summer. Thankfully, there is such a huge variety of lip glosses from natural to edgy and everything in between. But before you pick your new favorite lip gloss, let us show you some of our favorite shades for every skin tone. These lip colors are all under $25 and come with Cash Back at Ebates so you can update your face game without breaking the bank.

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Lipgloss in Forbidden, $18 (Sephora) | Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Seedless Watermelon, $1.99 (Walgreens) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Bordeaux, $16 (ULTA Beauty)

Light skin tones look fabulous with a mauvey nude for day, sheer pink for the weekend, and dusty brick red for evening.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Sandstorm, $5.99, (Walgreens) | Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Like A Boss, $22 (Sephora) | NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler, $4.99 (ULTA Beauty)

Don’t shy away from a little sparkle. Olive and warmer tones should give a glittery gold a whirl, go bold with an electric violet or spicy with an orange-toned red.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss in Sunset, $10.49 (Walgreens) | Black Up Lipshine in Champagne, $19 (Sephora) | BAREMINERALS Moxie Buttercream Lip Gloss in Electric Fuchsia, $18 (ULTA Beauty)

These lip glosses for dark skin will take you from the board room to the boardwalk in a snap. Go peachy pink for day, metallic copper for evening and fiery fuchsia for the weekend.

stila Lip Glaze in Watermelon, $22 (Sephora) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Maui, $16 (ULTA Beauty) | L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Gloss in Rich Red, $5.89 (Walgreens)

Some of the best lip glosses just take your natural lip color up a notch. A sheer pink will make your lips pop ever so gently while a pale coral will look bold yet beautiful against deep-toned skin. Then, go redder than red for a sultry evening look.

Which one of these shades are you dying to try? Let us know with a comment below?

August 19, 2016

6 Easy Ways to Save for a Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a super fun endeavor but also incredibly stressful — especially when it comes to creating and sticking to a budget. But learning how to save for a wedding and figuring out how to cut wedding costs doesn’t have to be so painful.

As long as you start early, a few small, everyday changes can make a huge difference in your savings. Add in some wedding-budget tips and careful planning, and saving for a wedding will be as easy as a piece of multi-tiered cake. Check out these money-saving tips to help maximize your wedding budget without feeling totally bound by your purse strings. As a special bonus, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates at each of the stores mentioned!

1. Stop Buying Coffee: Save $100 per Month

This one is a no-brainer. Skip the daily fancy lattes and set aside an extra $2 to $5 per day. Making your own coffee can swiftly add up to an extra $100 or more per month, depending on your coffee-buying habit. That extra money set aside can help you defray wedding costs such as table centerpieces and other small essentials. Treat yourself to a simple coffee machine and supplies online at Mr. Coffee and build savings for your wedding into your daily routine.

2. Pack Your Own Lunch: Save $200 per Month

Bringing your lunch to work can easily save you $5 to $10 per day, which, over a few months, could add up to enough to cover your wedding place cards, save-the-dates or even your invitations. Invest in some nice packable lunch boxes and use a promo code to save at Bed Bath and Beyond to double up on your savings for your wedding.

3. Cut Out the Fancy Dinners: Save $120 per Month

Dining out is fun, but when you’re saving for a wedding it’s an easy expense to cut that can save you some serious money. A meal for two at a restaurant can cost you $30 or more, and dining in could add up to an extra $120 or more per month for your wedding savings account. After a few months, you could easily save enough for a tux or flowers for your wedding day.

Invite your friends and family to help support your arsenal of ways to save by setting up weekend potluck dinners rather than eating out at restaurants. This is also a great opportunity to up your cooking skills if you can invest in a couple new cookbooks. Check out the great collection available online at BooksAMillion and get ready to impress your friends and family with both your cooking and saving skills. They may even thank you for all the money they save too! Other money-saving tips include making your own brunch on the weekends, which can add up to $50 to $100 extra for your wedding savings account each month.

4. Pregame at Home: Save $120 per Month

Whether it’s date night or time for you and your girls to hit the town, get started with drinks at home rather than at a bar or restaurant. Drinks and cocktails out on the town can cost you $5 to $15 each, so skipping even one drink each every weekend could add up to an extra $120 per month. Just think of your new cocktail fund as your wedding-favors budget and get something sweet for all your guests to take home with them. If you’re not ready to give up fun cocktails altogether, pick up a great guide and start mixing them yourself!

5. Don’t Impulse Buy Pricey Wedding Accessories

Just because you found the most adorable wedding-cake topper doesn’t mean you have to buy it right then and there, especially if it comes with a hefty price tag (products labeled “wedding” often come with a markup). With a little DIY creativity, you can create these flourishes yourself and potentially save $100 to $200 to put toward your other wedding expenses. Get a head start on DIY wedding elements when you check out the awesome wedding DIY section at Michaels. Save a bundle when you order the supplies you’ll need for classic wedding items such as cake toppers, table décor and gorgeous favors.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

6. Skip the Travel

Planning your wedding in your local area can help you save on wedding costs before the wedding even starts. Whether you are planning your bachelorette weekend or picking out your wedding venue, keeping things local can help keep hundreds of dollars in your budget to spend on other essentials, such as meals for your guests or that awesome live band you’ve been checking out. You can easily divert the money saved on airfare and hotels to other essentials. Another bonus of a wedding near your home is that it makes getting all the DIY wedding items to your venue even easier when the big day finally arrives.

How to Say Goodbye to Summer With a Glamping Trip

Camping is not for everyone. The bugs. The heat. The agony. But your knack for modern conveniences doesn’t need to deter you from a wondrous weekend in the great outdoors. That’s where glamping comes in.

Glamping, a pithy mashup of glam and camping, is the new way to enjoy Mother Nature without giving up what you love so dearly. And with fantastic glamping gear on the rise, you’re bound to see more of it. You don’t have to hit up the sometimes pricey glamping resorts in order to enjoy the finer style of camping. DIY glamping is a welcomed alternative for frugal-minded readers at Ebates who love to earn Cash Back on every purchase. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights and sounds with the comforts you crave. Here’s our list of glamping essentials to get you started off right.

Spacious Living

Who says camping has to be spent inside a sleeping bag in a cramped tent? Let’s face it, a 5-person tent will comfortably hold three at most. But space doesn’t have to be an issue with a multi room tent from Walmart. The larger spaces allow you to fit multiple air mattresses so you’re comfortably off the ground. You can even designate a space for inside eating, assuming you didn’t actually meet the 12-person capacity of some of the bigger tents. Some glamping tents even have vents that conveniently fit a small air-conditioning unit!

Culinary Cuisine

Building a fire is a hassle and a skillset not all possess. A camp stove makes life easier, but one that also charges your phone makes for a happy glamper. Use a promo code and score a sweet camp stove from Newegg that uses renewable energy (versus the cumbersome and costly canisters most camping stoves use) and features a convenient charging port for any USB device.

Clean & Carefree

If you’re not living large in glamping trailers, a nice shower will seem like a luxury. But walk into campsite showers and the thought of cleanliness may seem like a long shot. The folks over at Camping World have plenty of shower systems that even include hot water, so you can take warm water with you anywhere you camp out.

Well Entertained

Even those who enjoy camping will tell you that when the sun sets, the good times kind of come to a stop. But the general lack of lighting can play in your favor if you wanted to set up a late night movie screening. Of course toting along the flat panel might be a bad idea. Instead opt for a great movie screen available at Cabela’s that you can hang from the trees or prop up on legs. Bring your projector and Bluetooth speaker and cast movies on your own private big screen. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Frilly & Fanciful

No glamping trip is complete without a few homey accessories to liven up the spot. Score some outdoor throw pillows at Overstock.com to bring comfort and color to your new home away from home. All of the glamping essentials you need to breathe life into the space are just a click away. Pick up the glamping accessories you need for your next outing and tell us all about your outdoor glamping adventures in the comments below!