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September 8, 2016

5 Tips to Make You the Master of All Tailgates

Can you feel it in the air? School is back in session and your favorite team is back on the field! It’s finally tailgating season! If you, your friends and family all love tailgates, it’s time to take your tailgating setup to the next level. Bring your A game when it comes time to celebrate your team with this quick checklist of tailgating tips and essentials. Pick up all the tailgating gear you need plus get awesome Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the stores listed. Happy tailgating!

1. Set Your Camp up for Success

Setting up your spot camp for a day of tailgating fun can take quite a bit of planning but with the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to a great day. First up, you’ll need to pick up some basics to keep you and your crew comfortable. Get outdoor tailgating supplies like sunshades, coolers and camp chairs online at Cabela’s.

Pro tip: Label your coolers. Separate and label drinks, ice and food so you and your friends can grab what you need, when you need it.

2. Get the Grill That Fits Your Style

Love tailgating food? Perfecting your tailgate cooking station is essential for keeping your crew well fed and happy. You know your cooking style better than anyone else – and how to match the perfect grill to fit it. Check out all the tailgating grills and supplies at Lowe’s to find the right cooking station for your style and the size of your tailgating crew. Be the envy of the tailgate when you pick up grilling and other outdoor essentials at Lowe’s and save with a grilling gear promo code.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick up extra paper towels and make a washing station too so that a little cooking mess doesn’t ruin the day. Use a bungee cord to hand up your paper towels wherever it’s convenient and use an empty detergent container to store water and make hand washing a breeze.

3. Let Your Colors Show

If you’re serious about tailgates, don’t forget to stock up on the gear that will let everyone know which side you’re supporting. Whether it’s jerseys or flags, show your team some love by proudly flying those colors. Head online to SportsFanfare to check out team gear and get a great deal while you’re picking out this year’s banners and shirts. You can even get paper plates, grilling sets, party platters and coasters with your favorite team on them.

4. Don’t Forget to Pack the Fun

Part of the fun of tailgating comes from playing tailgate games! Don’t forget to pack the games that will make your tailgate the talk of the town. From cup games and discs to footballs and washer toss sets, you can to make your tailgate a blast and pick up everything you need at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

5. Make Packing up a Breeze

Make keeping your tailgating site clean a cinch by picking up a dirty dish bin to stash all those grill utensils and dip covered dishes that will need a good scrub at home. Be sure to pack disposable pans and cups if you expect a big crowd. Walmart features a lot of great deals on everything you need to keep your area tidy and easy to pack up at the end of the day. Stock up on sandwich bags for leftover foods and bring wipes for an easy cleanup and a mess-free ride home.

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 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 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 18, 2016

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!

June 4, 2016

Gear and Gadgets for Men Who Love the Outdoors

Father’s Day is right around the corner! Conveniently for you, it’s also the perfect time of year for sending dads or your other special guys out into the great outdoors with cool gadgets and outdoor gear from their favorite sporting goods stores. Whether you’re in search of electronic gadgets, outdoor gear or tech gifts for men, check out this handy list of awesome gift ideas that will help power outdoor adventures for years to come. Get ready to save a bundle with Cash Back from Ebates with any of these products. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for extra perks, like an early Father’s Day promo code, to stretch your tech and gadget gifts budget even further!

Asolo Men’s TPS 520 GV Anniversary Boot

These 5-star hiking boots will have your favorite hiker heading off to the trail with top-of-the-line comfort and support for his feet.

SHADOW 40+10 Backpack

A versatile hiking backpack like this one from The North Face is an essential piece of outdoor gear for any backcountry-loving hiker.

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Shopping for cool gifts for your favorite guy? At the top of every man’s gadgets wish list right now is a drone. Add the ability to capture stunning aerial photos from mountaintops or waterfalls with a lightweight drone like this one.

Patagonia Men’s Piton Hybrid Hoodie

Having the right outdoor clothing with you when you head off into the wilderness is a big part of what will make the trek a success. Check out this incredible wind blocking hoodie, available with Cash Back from Ebates online at Patagonia.

Eureka K2 XT Tent

Perfect for both summer and winter camping, this top-rated high-tech tent, made by Eureka will seriously up anyone’s camping game.

MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter

Bringing along a water filter is a great way to both cut back on the weight of your pack and make sure you can get clean water if you run out. This water filter makes a perfect outdoor gear gift for any guy.

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Mattress

A great sleeping pad can make a big difference in how much one enjoys an overnight camping trip. This lightweight sleeping mat from self-inflates and is an all around awesome outdoor gear gift.

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch

Looking for outdoorsy geek toys or cool tech gifts for men? This Garmin GPS wearable comes from a family of durable tech that specializes in building cool gadgets for men that will help any dude track his steps, elevation and activity levels on and off the trail.

May 27, 2016

How to Revamp Your Home Decor and Garden on a Budget

Spring is in full swing and it’s the right time of year to dust off the cobwebs both inside and outside your home. May is perfect for refreshing your home and garden to prepare both for summer fetes and relaxation. If you’re looking for DIY revamp house on a budget tips, check out these fabulous stores and get Cash Back at Ebates to help your money go even further when you refresh your living space.

Lowe’s

If you love DIY, Lowe’s is the perfect online destination for your kitchen revamp and stunning, but inexpensive, landscaping ideas.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the Lowe’s Savings section first to get the best deals on cheap home decorating and the supplies you need for revamping garden furniture.

Neiman Marcus

We all know Neiman Marcus for its luxurious fashion and accessories, but Neiman Marcus also has an equally fabulous selection of home and garden items like wall art and outdoor home décor.

Savings Tip:
• Stay tuned for an incredible home goods promo code online at Neiman Marcus and save up to 40% off during their spring Designer Sale. Get bedding, towels, mirrors, lighting and more at a fraction of the original price.

HSN

Head online to check out the incredible selection of accents and inspiration for cheap landscaping ideas and home decor at HSN and get ready to spend less to revamp garden furniture and bedroom décor.

Savings Tip:
• Get up to 60% off home décor and garden furniture when you shop Clearance items online at HSN.

Angie’s List

Hire the right professionals to help out with your garden and kitchen revamp and head online to Angie’s List to ask the experts. Find the best of the best to help you figure out the perfect inexpensive landscaping ideas with Angie’s List.

Savings Tips:
• AARP members can renew their Angie’s List membership with a 25% off discount.
• Keep an eye out for extra savings with an Angie’s List promo code plus don’t forget to activate Cash Back at Ebates.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Shop a complete selection of home décor essentials, bedroom ideas and refreshing bedroom decorating ideas online at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Savings Tip:
• Join the Bed Bath and Beyond email list and save 20% off an item for your home revamp project.

The Container Store

Give your home a new lease on life with some incredible storage solutions to help you banish clutter to make your kitchen revamp really stick. Sort out your home and power that budget kitchen redo at The Container Store.

Savings Tip:
• Sort out your kitchen on a shoestring thanks to the savings of up to 30% off items in the Sale section available online with The Container Store.

Cost Plus World Market

Get gorgeous accessories from around the world with their incredible cheap decorating ideas and find revamping garden furniture online at Cost Plus World Market.

Savings Tip:
• Shop bright and cheery kitchen and outdoor furniture and accents online at Cost Plus World Market and don’t miss deals like a home goods promo code, typically available at the top of the home page.

Crate and Barrel

Get great deals on classic home décor and cheap home decorating ideas online at Crate and Barrel. Refresh your home with bedroom decorating ideas and revamp your garden for less.

Savings Tip:
• Head to the Crate and Barrel Outlet section online and save up to 65% off your garden and kitchen revamp.

Design Within Reach

Revamp your home and garden in style with the beautiful styles from Design Within Reach. Shop stunning bedroom decorating ideas, bright pillow covers and summer wall art that will refresh your home in a flash.

Savings Tip:
• Keep an eye out for huge annual summer sales on outdoor furniture and save up to 15% off classic pieces.

Home Decorators Collection

The elegant selection of outdoor furniture and home décor available online at Home Decorators Collection will refresh your home and garden in a snap.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the Home Decorators Collection Outlet and save up to 50% off thousands of home décor items like wall art and elegant pillow covers.

March 24, 2015

Win an Ultimate Campers Set from Campmor

It’s a great big world out there. Come out and see it! If you’re dreaming of an outdoor adventure just in time for the upcoming sunny months, you might need a thing or two to make camping just a little more convenient and comfortable. Let us help get you started with a chance to win the ultimate campers set from Campmor, worth approximately $449! Read on to see what’s included in this package that will make roughing it just a little less rough.

What You’ll Win:

1. Marmot Traillight 2-Person Tent (1)
This tent has all the space you need for a solo or intimate camping getaway with plenty of space for two people and their gear. Color-coded poles and clips make for easy assembly, which is perfect for newbies.

2. Grand Trunk Hammocks (2)
Lightweight with bold, bright prints, these double hammocks can hold up to two people at a time. With two hammocks, they’ll be no fighting over who gets more hang time.

3. Princeton Tec Headlamps (2)
Headlamps are a must for any camping trip. Stay hands-free and ready to take on whatever jumps out at you from the darkness. Or, just be able to find the trail mix for a midnight snack.

How to Enter the Campmor Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 4, 2012

The Angie’s List Guide to Fall Cleaning

When the leaves and temperatures start falling, we at Angie’s List are making our homes cozy and comfortable for the months ahead. Make sure your fall is fantastic too by letting Angie’s List help you find the best professionals to give your home the seasonal care it needs.

Guide to Fall Cleaning

1. Clean those gutters. Those leaves sure are beautiful, but if you let them collect in your gutters, you risk serious water damage to your house when the gutters overflow. Give yourself with peace of mind by hiring a professional to do a complete cleaning.

2. Love your lawn. Besides spring, fall is the best time to show your lawn a little TLC. With weed control and reseeding, a fully fertilized and aerated lawn will reward you in warmer weather with lush landscaping.

3. Seal the leaks. Be green–and save yourself hundreds of dollars in utilities–by insulating your home and applying weather stripping along any air gaps. A professional home energy auditor will help you save even more money by finding areas of energy loss you may have missed.

4. Service your furnace. An annual inspection will make sure your heat is running efficiently and will warn you of any potential carbon monoxide leaks in the gas line before the furnace kicks into high gear for winter.

5. Check the chimney. Dreaming of evenings around the fireplace? A good, professional chimney sweep will ensure that your fireplace is fire-worthy and free of any hazards or defects. Then, sign up for local firewood delivery so the fire never dies!

You can rest easy this fall when you hire the right professionals to do the job and save yourself the time and trouble. With Angie’s List, you can find local, quality service providers quickly and easily, along with exclusive, members-only service discounts from a wide range of professionals.

Join Angie’s List now, and for a limited time receive 30% off your membership with promo code Ebates30. Act now, this special discount is only available until Sept 11th.