October 2016 – user's Blog!

October 29, 2016

Hostess Gift Ideas to Make You the Best Dinner Guest Ever

With the holiday season approaching, your calendar is sure to fill with gatherings and dinner parties with friends, coworkers and family. Hostess gifts are a great way to show your appreciation to the person responsible for getting you all together under one roof. Sure, you usually bring a dish or a bottle of wine. But why not knock it out of the park with unique hostess gifts that will guarentee your spot at the table next time? We’ve rounded up some home goods and delectible treats that will make the best hostess gifts while earning you Cash Back at Ebates.

Le Souk Olivique Olive Wood Salad Hands, $28.99

The best hostess gift ideas are ones you can use right on the spot. So next time you sign up to bring the salad, pack along these salad hands to toss it up. And when the hostess compliments you on your unique utensils, tell her “They’re yours!”

kate spade new york Polka Dot Apron, $30

She may already have an apron but one this adorable? Plus, how many times has she had to look up cup to tablespoon conversions? Now she won’t have to since they are printed on the back of this super cute apron!

Rub Away Bar, $7.50

She slaved all day in the kitchen and her hands certainly smell like it. This stainless steel “soap bar” knocks out stubborn food odors. Just wash your hands with it.

White Stone with Gold Wine Stopper, $16.99

Geodes. They are hot right now. So don’t you dare bring that bottle of cab without this gorgeous stopper.

Copper Laser Cut Glass Vase, $9.98

Flowers are always a great idea but presenting them in a decorative vase from Cost Plus certainly kicks things up a notch.

Almond Roca Toffee with Vintage Tin, $14.99

You really can’t go wrong with candy. However, this tin of Almond Rocca is vintage and will make one fine kitchen accessory long after the treat is gone.

Artisanal Tea Brewing Collection Kit, $69.95

After-dinner refreshments will be a breeze with this tea brewing kit from Teavana.

Sugarfina “But First, Cocktails” Gift Set, $26

We mentioned that candy is a no-fail, right? Well this set will be a home run if she also has a taste for champagne and cocktails. These assorted treats are flavored after her favorite spirits.

Le Creuset Mini Cocottes with Cookbook, $100

The delivery of this gift is key. Make a soufflé in one of these cocottes, present the dish to your hostess, then surprise her with the rest of the set!

Charles Viancin Sunflower Lid, $8.99

That dinner party is sure to yield a ton of leftovers. Let the hostess know she can ditch tin foil and plastic wrap for good when you hand her a couple of these adorable silicone lids from Bloomingdale’s.

October 27, 2016

8 Things You Probably Forgot for Your Winter Beach Getaway

Winter is fast approaching, which means you’ll soon be longing for the beach. Give in to your desires and head somewhere warm for the ultimate winter beach getaway. Your off-season vacay means you’ll score plenty of getaway deals on everything you need to make it an enjoyable escape. Plus, thanks to holiday sales events, you can save big on some of the items that will make your vacation even more memorable. Start planning your beach-trip packing list, and don’t forget these must-have items that will earn you Cash Back at Ebates so you can have even more money in your pocket during your beach getaway.

Amazon Kindle

Reading a book at the beach with sand in your toes is the epitome of relaxation. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite gives you a glare-free screen even on the brightest of beach days. It can last weeks on a single charge, so you can read to your heart’s delight on the plane and on the beach. Best of all, with electronics at the top of the Cyber Monday sale list, you can save on your purchase when you shop during the winter.

Waterproof Tablet Bag

The beach is full of everything your electronics hate — namely sand and water. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead with a protective case designed to keep your beach reading material clean and dry. The vinyl case offers layers of protection so you can spend a long day in the sun knowing your tablet will make it home in one fully functioning piece.

Portable Security Case

The beach can be a haven for opportunists, but with a travel safe you won’t fall victim. Keep your valuables safely stowed away so you can enjoy the beach without constant worry. The strap allows it to be secured to a nearby item and uses a combination for access.

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Baby Powder

Even if you don’t have a tot in tow, baby powder is a beach must-have. You can use it to keep your body sand-free so you can go from oceanfront lounging to sipping cocktails in the hotel cabana without having to stop for a sand wash!

Scarf

Coming from a colder climate means you’re going to need to pack a few items that may seem silly for a beach trip, including the scarf you wore on the plane. But trust us: This pashmina scarf will find its way into your beach essentials. The scarf can be worn on a nice romantic night out or tied around your waist as a cover-up. It is the ultimate accessory for any occasion!

Open-Front Cardigan

Don’t give up on wearing sweaters just yet. Although you may be basking in the warm sun all day, the beach gets pretty chilly at night. You won’t want to forget a cozy sweater to keep you comfy during an evening stroll. Find a nice neutral sweater that’ll pair with several outfits and add a splash of color with space-saving scarves.

Floppy Hat

Trade in your earmuffs for a beach-friendly hat. Although most people are busy shopping for cold-weather accessories, you’ll get big savings on the perfect beach getaway attire. Maximize your out-of-season purchase with a promo code and rake in savings that will have you basking in the sun – while wearing your new floppy beach hat, of course.

Swimsuit

This seems like a no-brainer, but buying a swimsuit in the post-summer off-season will get you a great deal — often saving you 50 percent or more. Score cute swimwear so cheap you can bring multiple options for your beach vacations. For all you plus-size beauties, check out this fabulous list of 11 plus-size swimsuits to rock your curves.

October 26, 2016

Tips for Top Deals at Old Navy

Old Navy is known for having stylish and affordable clothes for everyone in your family. You can pick up trendy seasonal items as well as the must-have basics that never go out of style. From cute kids clothes to refined but fun business casual women’s wear, there are many different style possibilities at Old Navy.

You can create your perfect outfit and then accessorize it with a pair of shoes, jewelry, or maybe a fashion scarf. Don’t forget about summer swimsuits and dresses, cute and comfy sleepwear, and all of your winter outerwear, all available in hot styles at cool prices.

While the versatility of Old Navy’s style is part of why it’s so popular, the amazing prices and deals are also a huge reason why people love to shop here.

Wondering how to shop and save more at Old Navy? Here are our top tips for finding deals and saving money while shopping at Old Navy!

1. Save 10% on Your Entire Order with the Old Navy Credit Card

We love store credit cards because they save you so much money when shopping at your favorite stores. They can also help to build your credit. When you first sign up to become an Old Navy credit card holder, you’ll immediately get 10% off your first order with your new card. After that, you’ll get exclusive card member discounts, offers, and early access to sales.

One of our favorite card member sales perks is the Old Navy Stuff and Save sale that gives you a 30% off discount on your entire order, and even on clearance items. What a deal!

Your Old Navy credit card can also be used at other brand-affiliated stores such as Banana Republic and the Gap so you can save across the board at your other favorite stores.

2. Find Old Navy Coupons and Earn Cash Back at Ebates

Next time you stop at OldNavy.com, check out the coupon and promo codes at Ebates first, and get a percentage Cash Back on all qualifying orders. By combining discounts from using your Old Navy credit card with additional Ebates Cash Back, your savings will add up very quickly. Build your new wardrobe without draining your wallet when you shop at OldNavy.com through Ebates.

3. Save with Regular 15-30% off Online Sales

There’s always a deal going on at OldNavy.com. The sale section of the website has regularly rotating sale items priced anywhere between 15% and 30% off of their original prices. Department-specific sales are also common at the Old Navy website. Whether it’s 20% off all denim or $15 off all outerwear, you can always get a steal of a deal with one of the online sales. Just go to their website and see what deal pops up. Don’t forget to check the sales tab!

4. Look For the Huge Sale Section in Stores

The good deals aren’t only found online. Every Old Navy store has a sales section that’s constantly updated with new merchandise as it comes in. This is a great place to find serious discounts on your favorite items of the season before they’re gone for good. Trust us, it’s well worth rooting through the sale racks to find that perfect item at an unbelievable price.

5. Get Free Shipping & Free Returns at OldNavy.com

To get free shipping at OldNavy.com, all you have to do is spend $50 or more. You’ll also always get free returns with every single order. Spending $50 is easy at a store with so many options and items to buy, and free shipping savings really add up over time.

6. Save Your Receipts! Save with Old Navy’s Easy Price Adjustment Policy

Old Navy is always putting things on sale, and that’s part of why we love them, but wouldn’t it be frustrating if you bought some stuff and just a few days later notice that it’s all on sale now?

With the Old Navy Price Adjustment Policy, you can get a refund on the price difference of your items if they go on sale within 14 days of your initial order. This makes it easier to commit to buying that sweater you really love without waiting for it to go on sale and possibly selling out of it in your size or favorite color. Who knows, in two weeks it may be on sale and you can still get that discount!

Related Top Stores

Nordstrom Offers
Target Coupon Codes
Amazon Promo Codes
Best Buy Coupons
Priceline Deals

October 25, 2016

Everything You Need to Know for Last Minute Travel Planning

Sometimes you just have to scratch when you have the itch. So if the travel bug has been biting lately, allow us to offer some tips. If your opportunity to get away from it all is quickly approaching, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy yourself. Last minute travel doesn’t mean spending all of your savings for a family outing. With savings from top notch stores and Cash Back on your purchases at Ebates, you’ll find great deals to get out the door and on the road! Here are our top tips on how to make the most of last minute travel plans.

Turn to Social Media

It turns out your bad habit might do you some good. Use your social media savvy to your benefit and find great deals on Twitter. Follow travel blogs and travel-related companies to get the latest deals delivered right to your feed. But these deals are often limited so don’t delay or you might miss out.

Escape Dry Land With Last Minute Cruises

Your off-the-cuff adventure doesn’t mean you have to be landlocked. Fulfill your love of the open sea with a simple and luxurious last minute cruise getaway. CruiseDirect has plenty of last minute offers from ports all over that will allow you to visit several destinations in one trip. Enjoy your time on the boat or escape to a new place when the boat docks for a unique experience.

Get First Dibs

Companies often spill the beans to newsletter subscribers first. Sign up for emails from your favorite travel sites to get the details on last minute vacation deals before they’re released to the general public. Travelocity and similar sites will alert you to money-saving promo codes and special offers so your morning email ritual could get you some early bird savings.

Off Season Means Big Savings

It’s no surprise that peak vacation times are going to cost more. If your last minute travel goes against the grain, you’re going to lock in some solid savings. That means an escape to Aspen is ideal in spring when the slopes aren’t exactly a hot spot. Your favorite destination may have plenty to offer when peak tourism traffic is down.

Look For Package Deals

Bundling your travel and accommodations not only make life easier, it can also spell out some decent savings. Hotels and airlines often partner and feature package deals designed to make your adventure stress free.

Do Your Own Sleuthing

Getting the best deals means cutting out the middleman. Nix the travel agent and go straight to the source for all-inclusive package savings. Empty rooms make all inclusive resorts exactly no money so many places will offer a steep discount for last minute vacation deals. Research the resorts in the area and give them a call to find out what deals they have available for your quick getaway.

Have Fun Wherever You Go

You don’t have to plan ahead to have fun at your destination. Groupon offers a great selection of activities for families and adults alike in cities all over the world. Catch a local sports event or take that whale watching trip you’ve been dreaming of all year. Whether you would like to try a new place to eat or you’re looking for a great spot for couples massages, you’ll find plenty to do in any city you’re visiting.

Scope Out Holiday Offers

You’re not the only one that wants to get out of dodge for the upcoming holiday weekend so look out for Memorial Day deals. Plenty of hotels are hoping you’ll pick them for your big escape so they’re likely offering something a bit extra. Whether they’re offering tickets to a local event, discounts at local restaurants or even multi-night stay savings, be on the lookout to make sure you’re saving on your last minute travel at Hotels.com. Business-friendly hotels are often harder to fill when corporations go on break, so you may find better hotel deals where there are empty meeting rooms.

Pack Accordingly

Last minute travel usually calls for a quick getaway. Grab a versatile weekender bag from Nordstrom and bring the essentials. Include pieces that can be dressed down or played up for a night out. Wear bulkier items on the plane and don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat for all of your outdoor excursions.

Keep it Local

If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to escape far. Last minute travel could mean a quick flight to a nearby city. Don’t overlook the idea of a simple jaunt to a neighboring city with your friends or family. You can even use a promo code for a hotel in your own city and hit up all of the tourist spots you’ve been meaning to visit. The proximity will keep travel expenses down while allowing you to still escape the routine and have a wonderful adventure.

October 22, 2016

10 Halloween Pet Costumes That Are Next Level Cuteness

We all know how hard group Halloween costumes can be to plan. But when the dynamic duo is just you and your furry friend, the possibilities are endless! Find the perfect pet costumes from pop-culture to just plain cute, all with Cash Back at Ebates. Don’t forget to get the best deal with a pet Halloween costumes promo code.

Ghostbuster Jumpsuit Costume, $20.96

This one might just take the cake when it comes to relevant doggy Halloween costumes, especially if your pooch is a girl. Because, let’s face it, girl Ghostbusters was the highlight of the year.

Lady Dogga Costume, $13.96

You’ll have to fight off those pupparazzi all night long because she’ll be looking too fly for words in this complete Gaga look.

Queen of Bones Dog Costume, $12.60

We know your pup really is the queen of the castle so it’s only fitting to get her a costume that reflects her regal nature.

Raptor Pet Costume, $23.96

This may be one of the best Halloween costumes for small dogs. Just for one day, let little Pebbles feel ferocious!

Star Wars Darth Vader Pet Costume, $19.19

Even dogs have a Dark Side. May the Force be with Fido this Halloween with a Darth Vader costume from Toys R Us.

Freddy Krueger Dog Costume, $25.94

Spike gets the “cute” treatment every day. Let Halloween be a chance for him to get spooky with this (still totally adorable) Freddy Krueger dog costume.

Dumb And Dumber Harry Dunne Dog Costume, $23.86

Now we’re not calling your dog dumb or anything, so don’t take this the wrong way. Maybe he is just a fan of fine cinema featuring Jim Carrey.

Star Wars At-At Imperial Walker Costume, $29.87

If you’re looking for large dog costumes, look no further! This Star Wars At-At will celebrate his size in style.

Mermaid Cat Costume, $48

And let’s not forget the kitties. If you have a feisty feline companion with a penchant for pastels, this sparkly mermaid pet costume is a must.

Thrills & Chills Spider Costume, $4.97

While cats and dogs can enjoy many costume options, our tiny floofs have a few super cute options like this spider costume for guinea pigs (or even tea cup pups) from PetSmart.

How To Save on Halloween Costumes, Candy, and Decorations

Halloween, a celebration of ghoulish fun, is a holiday anyone can enjoy. In preparation for Halloween festivities, shops and homes nationwide will soon transform into faux horror houses with cotton spider web adorned porches, bright orange jack-o’-lanterns, and doorways guarded by gargoyles. Whether you’re shopping for a simple costume to wear to the office party or supplies to create a masterfully frightful haunted house, read on for some money-saving tips for a Halloween celebration that’s so affordable it’s scary.

1. Buy in Bulk.

Halloween parties can be just as fun to host as to attend. If you’re throwing a monster ball or spooky bash in celebration of the ghoulish holiday, you’ll likely be in the market for large quantities of various party staples, from candy to décor.

You can score some major savings by buying in bulk at big-box stores like Walmart and Sam’s Club. If you don’t have a membership or simply prefer the convenience of having your items delivered to your door, you can also find some great deals on multi-packs at Amazon. By shopping through Ebates, you can also enjoy some awesome Cash Back and coupons as well.

2. Go thrifting.

While you probably don’t want to buy your candy corn or bite-sized Butterfingers second-hand, you can save quite a bundle shopping second-hand for other items. Many thrift stores have a number of Halloween specials for up to two months prior to the holiday, making it easy to find gently used decor and costumes for cheap.

This can be an especially valuable option for buying kids’ costumes, as children tend to outgrow their costumes or wear out their love of certain characters. Many thrift stores also offer discounts on your next purchase if you bring in a donation beforehand, providing an excellent excuse to do some house cleaning before the winter holidays.

3. Do it yourself.

Whether you’re a champion crafter or a first-timer, Halloween is the perfect time to concoct your own decor. A quick Google search or scroll through Pinterest will produce a slew of inspirational ideas for cool Halloween fixings, whether you’re looking for something fun and family-friendly or something a little spookier. You can find supplies, as well as ideas, from stores like JoAnn Fabrics and Michael’s, and enjoy Cash Back to boot!

4. Rent.

Your local community theater or holiday supply store likely offers rentals as well as for-sale items. If you’re looking to sport a historically accurate Marie Antoinette costume or want to display an ultra-realistic undead zombie on your lawn, this can be a good option to save some major cash.

5. Shop clearance for next year.

Just as there is a plethora of end-of-season or post-season clearance deals (think buying swimwear in September or a wool coat in March), equal opportunity for major savings lies in the days immediately following major holidays like Halloween and Christmas. So though it may seem counterintuitive to order costumes or decorations you likely won’t touch for another 11 months, it can save you some serious cash, and save you some time shopping for next year’s All Hallows’ Eve.

October 19, 2016

Shop, Save, Support: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many incredible brands are supporting the cause by offering specials on their fabulous products. Just by shopping these stores, a portion of your purchase will help sponsor important breast cancer research and support programs. Take a look at some of the great items that qualify for this month’s promotions, get Cash Back at Ebates, and support an awesome cause – all in a day’s work for a savvy shopper!

Tested Tough Pink Fleece by Columbia

Tested Tough Pink Fleece $29.99 | Columbia

Wrap yourself in this fuzzy Tested Tough Pink Fleece from Columbia to stay warm this fall and show your love for all the fighters and survivors. As an added perk, every purchase from Columbia’s I Wear Pink collection sponsors a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to provide mammograms for those in need.

Pink Gear from Macy’s

Material Girl Active Pink Ribbon Graphic Hoodie, $26.99 | Macy’s

Wear pink this month to show your support with breast cancer awareness shirts, pink ribbon hoodies, breast cancer awareness socks and other accessories available online at Macy’s. The best part is that Macy’s will donate 10% of the sales from these special items, like the Material Girl Active Pink Ribbon Graphic Hoodie, to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

New Era NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Knit

New Era NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Knit, $23.99 | Champs

Purchasing this knit will have you rooting for a cause much larger than the game. The NFL regularly partners with the American Cancer Society to raise money and run awareness campaigns. This year’s campaign A Crucial Catch focuses on the importance of regular mammograms to maintain health and catch issues early on.

Knots for Hope Tie

Knots For Hope Tie, $22.50 | Belk

This cheerful ‘Knots For Hope’ Tie is a great way for men to show their support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and breast cancer awareness. Inspired by the women that have helped to build the company, Belk is also an ongoing sponsor of breast cancer awareness and research.

Bright Pink Watch from Avon

Breast Cancer Strap Watch, $20 | Avon

Sport your support on your wrist with this pretty pink Breast Cancer Strap Watch by Avon. For every watch purchase, $4 will be donated to Avon’s own foundation to support its Breast Cancer Crusade across the US.

Alex and Ani Charm Bracelet

Spiral Charm Bangle, $38 | Alex and Ani

This stylish gold Spiral Charm Bangle is both a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewelry thanks to Alex and Ani’s pledge to donate 20% of its sale price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $38 | Nordstrom

Protect your skin and support breast cancer awareness and research with each purchase of Clinique’s special edition Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Available at Nordstrom, each lotion comes with a free BCA key ring. Keep your eyes peeled for promo codes and feel good about your purchase knowing that Clinique will donate $10 from each sale of this lotion to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Origins Intensive Overnight Mask

Intensive Overnight Mask, $26 | Origins

Origins donates $5.00 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from the purchase of each of its limited-edition products like this thirst-quenching Intensive Overnight Mask. Repair your skin’s moisture barrier and support important research with your beauty regimen!

Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo

Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo, $50 | Dillard’s

Show your support with the Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo and wear these pretty pink shades that are perfect for any pout. For every sale of this duo, Bobbi Brown will donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

October 18, 2016

Easy-to-Use Halloween Makeup Kits Under $15

No matter how many hours you spend on Pinterest browsing Halloween makeup looks or how many YouTube tutorials you watch, doing your own Halloween makeup can be, well, scary. It’s a lot of work requiring a lot of tools that you may not have, nor the budget to buy them. And booking a professional Halloween makeup session? That’s not exactly cost effective. So for all of you lacking time, copious extra cash and/or a steady hand, we present you these Halloween makeup kits that are affordable, easy to use and come with Cash Back at Ebates!

The Joker Halloween Makeup Kit, $9.95

Kits are especially smart if your look requires Halloween face makeup, like The Joker. Instead of buying a whole tub of white that you will likely not use all in one sitting, this kit provides just enough coverage and all the accouterments needed to complete your transformation.

Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Makeup Kit, $9.52

This look requires some serious Halloween eye makeup since chances are, you probably don’t have red and blue shades just lying around.

Poison Ivy Makeup Kit, $9.52

Harley and The Joker may be all the rage right now but for those who like to kick it old school, this Poison Ivy kit from Hot Topic includes some killer costume makeup.

e.l.f. Witch Kit, $12

e.l.f. has a great selection of simple face kits including Ice Queen, Mermaid, Cheetah and more to complete your fantasy face.

Lady Gaga Halloween Lightning Bolt Makeup, $3.96

Whether you want to evoke Lady Gaga or the late, great David Bowie, this kit from Tanga has everything you need for a glamtastic look.

Beautiful Bones Halloween Makeup Kit, $7.22

While searching Halloween makeup ideas, you may have fallen totally in love with Calavera, the beautiful sugar skulls depicted in Día de los Muertos customs and folklore. Unless this is part of your own culture, we recommend using this makeup if you are attending an actual Día de los Muertos celebration. Celebrate, don’t appropriate!

Neon Rainbow Cat Face Tattoo, $5

A full-face tattoo is perhaps the easiest way to apply your Halloween look. Just a few simple steps and you’re out the door!

Glow-In-The-Dark Makeup Kit, $9.50

Hitting up any haunted houses or black-light parties? Then a glow-in-the-dark look is a bold move few will forget.

Fluorescent Green Glow in The Dark Nail Polish, $3

Complete your costume with head-to-fingertip luminescence. This nail polish is speckled to create a fun paint splatter effect.

Black Glitter Witch Nails, $5

Or you can ditch the extra dry time and go for quick, press-on nails like these to create some witchy digits that will leave them bedazzled.

October 13, 2016

Holiday Travel Tips: How to Find the Cheapest Flights

Holiday travel can put quite a dent in your budget. Even though reuniting with friends and family for this special time is priceless, we at Ebates still want to help you save the most money possible. Here are a few simple tips you should know before booking your flight home for the holidays care of our in-house travel expert, Grant Thomas of Travel With Grant.

When is the best time to buy tickets?

As soon as you know what your travel plans and dates are, start buying tickets. Ask yourself: Would I feel worse buying a ticket now and watching the price go down, or waiting a few days or weeks and watching the price go up?

To find the cheapest flights, you need to be flexible. Look at nearby airports to your departure and arrival city. If you live in the Bay Area, look at flights from SFO, OAK, and SJC. If you’re flying to New York, look at flights to JFK, LGA, and EWR. Most online travel agencies can search flights to and from nearby airports.

Think outside the box. Look at the price of two one-way flights versus a round trip. You can fly one airline to your destination and another airline back home. Being flexible is the best way to find the cheapest flights. If your travel dates are flexible, look at the monthly calendar on Google Flights to see which days of the month have the cheapest flights.

Should I cash in on my frequent flyer miles?

Redeeming miles for peak travel times is going to be a difficult task. You will either find no award space at all or really high redemption requirements for the flights you want. If you want to gamble, you can wait for award flights to possibly open up in the last week before departure. If you do not have airline elite status, you will pay up to $75 in “close in ticketing fees” if you book an award ticket within 21 days of departure on American Airlines and United Airlines. There are no fees for redeeming miles last minute on Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Delta Airlines.

Morning flights or evening flights?

Morning flights tend to have the shortest delays, while evening flights have longer delays. Delays stack up throughout the day, so I prefer morning flights if given the choice.

Checked bags or carry-on?

Carry-on is the preferred way to go. If you are in the first half of the boarding groups, you should have overhead bin space available, assuming you board the flight with your boarding group. If you are in the last half of the boarding groups or tend to board toward the end of the check-in period, be prepared to gate check your bags. Gate checked bags are free and will be sent to your final destination, waiting for you at the baggage claim area. This is a work around for getting free checked bags, assuming your bag fits in an overhead bin. If it won’t fit in an overhead bin, you will need to check your bag at the check-in counter and probably pay a fee.

Should I bring my own entertainment?

Assume your flight will not have WiFi, in-seat power or entertainment screens and hope you are pleasantly surprised. Always bring your own entertainment (book, magazine, iPad, laptop, etc). In-seat power is on a few fights but you should always completely charge your phone, laptop, iPad, etc. before your fight. If you are power-hungry, invest in a portable USB battery pack. Make sure to completely charge the USB battery pack before your flight.

Headphones?

Always bring a good pair of comfortable headphones, noise canceling is preferable. You never know who you will be sitting next to or how loud they will be. Prepare for the worst and hope for the peace and quiet.

Food?

Unless you enjoy purchasing overpriced airplane food, you should bring snacks or food with you on your flight. You will be lucky to get anything more than a bag of peanuts or pretzels and a small drink on most domestic flights.

Ready to start browsing flights? Search for travel deals through Ebates to get Cash Back on flights, hotels, car rentals and more!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 12, 2016

5 Spooktastic Haunted House Ideas

Decorating for Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be extraordinary. Classic creepiness can come for cheap. Find out how to make a haunted house for less and earn Cash Back at Ebates when you shop our top merchants. The key to turning your haunted house ideas into reality is to focus on ambiance. You don’t need expensive haunted house props when you have a clear idea of the kind of scene you want to create. To put some spook on your doorstep, take a look at five haunted house ideas inspired by some of our favorite horror films. Each movie matches to a store that offers incredible deals on the items you’ll need to recreate the look for less.

1. Beetlejuice (1988)

Proof that Halloween doesn’t have to be horrifying, this family friendly flick has Tim Burton’s classic creative touch. The plot centers around a house that transforms from a quaint country cottage to a modern art marvel and whose title character wears a trademark black-and-white stripe suit. To get the Beetlejuice look for your haunted house, decorate with stripes, spirals and throw in a few tentacles. Shop at joann.com and Michaels for fabric and paint to create stuffed fabric creatures and save with a promo code from Ebates.

2. Sinister (2012)

This film is absolutely not for kids or anyone who loves watching old home movies. The plot involves a bunch of old 8mm home movies that show an unfortunate family meeting its grisly end on the branches of creepy gnarled tree. This image is shown over and over again and it never stops being scary. A Sinister haunted house would feature flickering lights, white noise reels, hanging dolls, and bloody wallpaper. Pick up a roll of butcher paper from Office Depot and OfficeMax and hang long sheets splashed with red paint. Use a strobe light to set the mood and voila! You’ve officially created the spookiest haunted house in town.

3. Crimson Peak (2015)

Perhaps the most visually elaborate haunted house in movie history, the mansion of Crimson Peak is filled with beautiful things slowly going to rot. Crumbling walls, a leaky roof and a truly terrifying basement offset the home’s rich velvet upholstery, towering ceilings and huge staircases. To create the Crimson Peak, use very low lighting, let all the faucets drip and drape some cotton spider webs or thick fabrics over furniture. To complete the look, stock up on battery-powered flameless candles at Target.

4. The Others (2001)

The house in this film is enormous and claustrophobic at the same time. The residents of this huge mansion are two children who are allergic to light but certainly not dust. Every door in the house is locked, every window is covered by heavy drapes and the furniture is covered in white dust sheets. This makes for super easy haunted house ideas; all you need to do is drape all the furniture in white sheets and keep it dark. Don’t lock all the doors, though! When you shop at Kmart.com with a promo code from Ebates, you can find affordable bedding to cover everything and create an unforgettable haunted house.

5. House on Haunted Hill (1959)

This classic black and white film is full of great scary haunted house ideas that scream traditional Halloween. There are skeletons and cobwebs and black cats all around. The scary guys wiggle their fingers, the damsels are in distress and the bad guy has a dopey mustache. To get this classic haunted house look, embrace the obvious. Shop at Halloween Express to get everything you need from bat banners to skeletons in hats and things with eyes that glow. Happy Halloween!