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February 6, 2017

Heading to Wine Country? Here’s What to Pack

Everything is stressful right now: work, watching the news, social media — even conversations with friends are walking the line. Although there are few things in the world that seem relaxing right now, there’s nothing a long weekend of self-indulgence and blissful gluttony can’t take care of. California’s wine country is a haven of escapism that’s filled with friendly local faces, more tasting rooms than you can imagine and endless supplies of critically acclaimed food. It’s enough to make any stress-junkie forget to check Facebook for an entire weekend.

Planning your trip to wine country doesn’t require a lot of gear, but it does require packing precisely the items that will make you feel as relaxed and happy as possible — and leaving plenty of room in your bag for take-home wine. You should be able to fit everything you need in a small suitcase, and you can get it all while earning Cash Back at Ebates.

Go for Practical

Comfortable and casual attire for men and women is always in season in Napa and Sonoma — unless it’s mid-summer. You’ll probably spend as much time outdoors as indoors in wine country, and you’ll move from the day’s activities into the evening’s without much of a break. That means you’ll want jeans or a comfortable pair of black pants that can transition seamlessly from day to night.

You’ll want practical shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty but also look great as you stroll into a restaurant in town. Burgundy is always trendy—find options for men and women at Target—especially when red wine spills are a risk.

Northern California can be chilly in the winter months, which means a jacket is almost a must. If you’re traveling to Monterey or Paso Robles in Southern California, on the other hand, fewer layers are necessary (which means more room in your bag for wine!).

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A messenger bag is never a bad idea for anyone willing to schlep it around wine tasting. It’s more chic than a backpack, but you can still fit a reusable water bottle, an extra layer or two and any picnic food you pick up along the way.

All About the Wine

Clothes are not the only important items to consider packing; you’re going to want to bring wine-related items as well. An instructional book that offers wine-tasting tips or a history of the region is a great way to prep for the trip on the plane ride out. “The 24-Hour Wine Expert” will give you a basic understanding of the wine world, and just what you’re getting yourself into. At least you’ll have some intriguing questions to ask at various wineries throughout your trip.

A corkscrew may sound like a no-brainer, but you’ll be grateful you brought it when you pull it out of your bag just before your significant other tries the “shoe trick.” (If you don’t know what this is, don’t worry because you’re prepared with your corkscrew!) Bring one that doesn’t have a blade attachment, so you can stick it in your carry-on and forget it.

After hours of wine tasting, you’re going to want to bring some bottles home with you. That means your carry-on will become a checked bag. Prepare for it beforehand and you’ll avoid the hemming and hawing that eventually leaves you in an over-packed, under-prepared situation on the way home. Bring bubble wrap or a wine sleeve, which will protect your bottles from breaking on the journey back and save anything that’s not already wine-colored.

The most important part of your trip to wine country is your attitude. If you go in ready to relax, learn, indulge and disconnect, it will be one of the best long weekends you’ve ever had. If not, at least there’s wine.

January 6, 2017

Throw the Ultimate Party for the Big Game

Hosting a viewing party for the big game? Don’t fumble — score big points with your guests with these tips for ensuring a football party touchdown!

1. Set the mood.

Go beyond wearing your team’s jersey. For your bash, set out themed football party decorations, such as these paper plates. Depending on how your team performs, you’ll be too psyched — or sad! — to do the dishes after the game is over anyway.

Football Tailgate Navy and Silver Party Pack (Target)

2. Keep kids (and some adults) occupied.

Hosting some kids? How about some grown-ups who just aren’t into football? Set them up with a bean bag football game that’s in keeping with the spirit of the day and will keep them entertained throughout the night.

Wild Sports Football Field Tailgate Toss Cornhole Set (Walmart)

3. Get creative with the drinks.

Beer may seem like the go-to beverage to serve during the big game, but the designated drivers and non-drinkers in attendance would appreciate something other than water to drink. Mix up some fun mocktails for the teetotalers at the party (this recipe book can help) that are themed to team colors!

Mocktails: The Complete Bartender’s Guide (Book Depository)

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4. Keep those game-day snacks coming!

You don’t need to research elaborate, Pinterest-worthy game-day party recipes to keep guests happy. Football food is fried food, so think chicken wings, mozzarella sticks or pizza rolls. And keep those fried treats hot and fresh — and plentiful! — with a deep fryer. (And, let’s face it, nobody eats salad during the big game.)

3.7-Liter Professional Style Stainless Steel Deep Fryer (Oster)

5. Don’t forget about what’s most important: the game!

Make sure everyone can hear what’s going on by ramping up your home theater game with top-quality speakers.

LG 3.1 Channel Soundbar System with Wireless Subwoofer and Digital Amplifier (Best Buy)

December 27, 2016

11 Easy Tips to Get Fit at Home

With a little self-discipline and the patience to sort through the wide world of online workouts, getting fit at home is easier than ever. Smarter, more efficient fitness starts at home with everyday activities that take only minutes and don’t require trudging to and from the gym. They key is regularity. Relying on a tough one-time workout is much less effective than including simple, healthy fitness in your daily routine. Some at-home workout equipment can earn you Cash Back at Ebates and will help you simplify your workouts and bring a little fitness to your home life.

1. To work on core strength and balance, try standing on a balance board instead of sitting on the couch next time you’re watching Netflix. Using a balance board works your back and abs, and enhances proprioception—your body’s tiny muscular corrections that help you stay balanced throughout the day.

Steppie Balance Board (Walmart)

2. A kettlebell is the perfect size for your workout at home. Carve out a few minutes of your day and 5 feet of space, and bring your squats to a new level. Try this exercise: Stand with your feet hip distance apart and the kettlebell on the floor between them. Squat and grab the kettlebell with one hand, and raise it up to shoulder level in front of you with a straight arm. Then squat to lower the kettlebell back to the ground, switch hands and repeat.

GoFit Contoured Kettlebe ll (Target)

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3. Outside of basic squats, there are dozens of kettlebell exercises that can work the entire leg. Try speed skating: Start with both feet shoulder width apart and slide your right leg behind your left, bending your left leg at the same time, as if you’re ice skating. Holding the kettlebell with both hands, follow your arms’ natural swing down and to the right. Alternate legs and repeat for your preferred number of reps.

4. The next time you have a few minutes after work or just before bed, grab your yoga mat and turn on some yoga videos. A regular yoga practice is great for your heart, and it relieves pain and improves flexibility and brain function. Just 12 minutes of yoga at home each day can help your bones—and reverse osteoporosis.

Yoga Mat (Gaiam)

5. Feel free to skip that next barre class. You can practice some of the strength-training barre techniques at home with just a yoga mat and a high-back chair. Kick off your shoes and socks, and get in a couple of plié squats or a few reps of ronds de jambe while dinner is cooking.

6. Rolling out your muscles is an easy way to keep them loose and prevent soreness. Lie down on the floor, placing a foam roller beneath you wherever there may be tightness. Foam rolling works best when the roller focuses on one location for a few seconds, rather than rolling quickly over the entire backside of the body.

Weider 18 Inch Fo am Roller (Sears)

7. Take your rolling to the next level by using a few tennis balls to dig into more specific muscle areas. Place the tennis ball against the area that has tension and either press against a wall or use your body weight against the floor. The ball works to break up muscle tissue that can lead to tightness that’s often caused by poor posture or repetitive motions. Part of getting fit is making sure all your muscles are loose and blood can flow freely throughout the body.

8. Make time for a detox bath a few times a week to reduce inflammation in your muscles and throughout your body. Try scooping 2 cups of Epsom salt into your bathwater and soak for about 20 minutes. The warm water and Epsom salt will bring the toxins in your body to the surface of the skin. As the water cools, those toxins will leach out into the bathwater, leaving you with less inflammation.

9. Stability-ball crunches are an easy way to work your core without putting too much pressure on your neck. Lower your back onto the ball, and crunch up for a few reps of 10 to 20. This is an easy abdominal workout that requires only a few minutes and almost no space. Plus, this is another workout that works just as well in front of the TV—no gym required.

Gold’s Gym 65cm Anti-Burst Body Ball (Walmart)

10. Work your triceps with stability-ball push-ups. Using the ball elevates your feet and makes push-ups slightly easier. Start facedown in a plank position with your feet on top of the ball and your hands on the floor directly below your shoulders. Bend at the elbows for a few reps of 10 push-ups. Less intensity means you’ll be able to fit in more reps and tone those triceps even more.

11. The screen and phone time that takes up our days certainly doesn’t help our postures. Hunched backs and rounded necks—especially when they’re practiced over long periods of time—can lead to unnecessary body pain. Good posture is one way to help avoid muscle pain, which can often be the result of underutilized muscles shortening. Sitting and standing up straight also improves core strength while allowing blood to flow properly to the entire body.

November 13, 2016

90’s Throwback: Black Friday 1996

Ah, the ‘90s. The era of bucket hats, butterfly clips, the first Macintosh computers, “Friends,” and phones made for the sole purpose of actually making calls. A lot has changed in the decades since, and Black Friday is no exception.

Though the biggest sale day of the year has always drawn hearty crowds of savings-hungry shoppers, the craze of the holiday has increased tenfold in the past two decades. What was once a day of wildly low prices on the year’s most-wanted items is now a cultural phenomenon spanning an entire week, with its cousin Cyber Monday immediately following.

In 1996, we could watch the morning news broadcast live interviews with those few dedicated shoppers camped outside of electronics stores, determined to be the first to grab one of a limited stock of coveted Macintosh computers or Nintendo 64s.

This year, we’ll scroll through Twitter to see online versions of local news broadcasts showing interviews with scores of similar dedicated Black Friday veterans, though they’re more likely to be awaiting a chance to snag a new 50-inch TV, or an Apple product exponentially more advanced than that of its ’96 predecessors.

To see just how much things have really changed, check out this list of comparisons between Black Friday ads and sales in 1996 to projected Black Friday ads in 2016.

Electronics

Not only did technology — and the world — not come to a screeching halt in the year 2000, but the world’s fascination with and reliance upon technological innovation has increased tenfold in the years since.

Aside from the aforementioned Macintosh desktop, some of the other biggest electronics buys in ’96 were the 1.2 GB hard drive ($220 after rebate); the Motorola flip phone (free with contract); the Walkman (between $15 and $60); the 4MB memory upgrade ($30); 28.8 kbps modem ($280); 13-inch TV with built-in VCR ($300); CD Rom drive ($150); pagers ($70); and the Packard Bell desktop computer ($1,467 after rebate).

This year’s list of most-wanted tech items looks pretty similar to that from 1996, though much more advanced. Although most Black Friday 2016 ads aren’t live yet, there are some predictions based on previous years and current sales. According to TheBlackFriday.com, one of the hottest items on sale at Best Buy right now is the LG 55-inch 4K Ultra Smart HD TV, which may also be a Black Friday favorite. In 1996, we could barely fathom a smart TV, let alone an ultra-smart one. Also, some Black Friday aficionados are suggesting drones will be a big hit this year, though these are a bit of a wild card.

Games

Games, too, are traditionally a huge draw for Black Friday shoppers. In 1996, besides the Nintendo 64, the Sega Saturn was a major deal, selling for $200. The Super Game Boy was advertised at $40, as were PlayStation games. And lest we forget, before there were smartphone apps like Pokémon Go, there was the Tamagotchi, which, in ’96, sold for just a few weeks’ allowance, or $15.

This year, some Black Friday experts are suggesting the release of the Xbox One S and the rumored release of Sony’s PlayStation Neo, along with the discontinuation of Xbox 360s and Disney Infinity, will lead to major steals on gaming consoles. There are also a host of remastered video games about to be released, such as Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, leading many to suggest that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.

Toys

Of course, no Black Friday would be complete without a mad dash to the toy aisle for the season’s most beloved toy. In 1996, the champions of children’s hearts everywhere were by far the Tickle Me Elmo doll and Beanie Babies. As for the latter, these were also a big hit with many teens and adults, rumored to gain significant value over time.

Today, some of the hottest toys of 2016, as named by Walmart, include the Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster, Razor Scooter, Paw Patrol Zooming Marshall, and the Sky Viper Streaming Drone. No word yet on which of these will be available for deep Black Friday discounts, but it’s likely the drone won’t be the only one flying off the shelves.

Entertainment

When it comes to pop culture, though the faces have changed, our hunger for it has stayed the same. While most of us nowadays watch TV and movies from our computers or flat-screens, back in ‘96 the wide-screen TV marked the dawn of a new era. Some of the hottest Black Friday deals on movies included films like “Forrest Gump,” “True Lies,” and “Braveheart” available from $9.99 to $15.95—or about the price of one month’s subscription to Netflix. When it came to the still-popular VHS, some of the coolest buys were “Buffy,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Good Son” and “Alien Nation,” all on sale for $5.99 a piece.

This year, predictions for some hot entertainment buys include DVDs of popular movies like “Anchorman 2” and “Magic Mike XXL” on Blu-Ray for $9.72. You’ll also be able to grab titles like “The Walking Dead” and “True Detective”—full box sets for about $10 each.

Clearly, Black Friday has changed quite a bit over the past 20 years, but our love of shopping will never end.

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!

September 1, 2016

The Ultimate Guide to Tax-Free Shopping Days

Unless you live in a state with no sales tax like Oregon or Delaware, you’ve probably gotten accustomed to calculating that extra eight percent or so onto every purchase that isn’t food from the grocery or convenience store. Particularly for parents doing back-to-school shopping, or students ordering new computers and peripherals for the upcoming year, the extra dollars and cents can add up quickly and make a dent in your budget.

However, even if you don’t have the time or means to make your way to a neighboring sales tax-free state, you may still have an opportunity to avoid paying taxes on certain items if your timing is just right.

Each year, several states elect to offer tax-free shopping days, most of which take place over a weekend at the end of summer or just before the school year begins. As the name implies, during a tax-free period, consumers don’t have to pay sales tax on certain items. In participating states, stores can choose whether or not to participate, so you will want to double check the ones that do in your area before heading out (or online) with your shopping list. Most who do will advertise as such.

In some areas, like the southeast United States, tax-free days apply to items like emergency hurricane-preparedness supplies and are intended to help residents prepare themselves for hurricane season. A handful of states also offer tax-free days on firearms. But for the vast majority, the primary intention of the tax-free day(s) is to allow consumers to save a few bucks on back-to-school supplies, so it’s especially beneficial for students and parents of matriculating students. However, the opportunity to save is open to anyone.

Below is a list of states offering tax-free days in 2016, as well as some of the types of items that qualify for the tax reduction. Almost all states have a limit on how much you can spend on these items while still receiving the tax-free benefit. These limits are also listed where applicable.

Alabama’s tax-free weekend is the first weekend in August and includes clothing (up to $100), school supplies (up to $50), books (up to $30), and computers (up to $750).
Arkansas’ is also the first weekend in August and includes clothing (up to $100), school supplies (no limit), and clothing accessories and equipment (up to $50).
Connecticut residents can purchase clothing and footwear (up to $300) tax-free for a full seven days, the third week in August.
Florida residents can purchase clothing (up to $100), school supplies (up to $15), and computers (up to $750) tax-free for three days during the second week of August.
Georgia’s tax-free weekend is the first weekend of August and includes clothing (up to $100), school supplies (up to $20), and computers (up to $1,000).
Iowa’s is the first weekend in August and is applicable to clothing (up to $100).
Louisiana residents can shop for all tangible personal property (up to $2,500) while paying half of the regular sales tax the first weekend in August. This means a reduction from a six percent sales tax to three percent. After 2019, the state is slated to make the weekend and subsequent tax holidays completely tax-free.
Massachusetts residents since 2009 have been able to purchase clothing items tax-free the second weekend in August. In 2016, however, the tax holiday was cancelled as lawmakers contended it would be too great of a blow to the state’s suffering budget.
Mississippi’s tax-free weekend is the last weekend in July, and residents can purchase clothing and footwear tax-free (up to $100 per item).
Maryland residents can purchase clothing and footwear (up to $100) tax-free August 14-20.
Missouri’s tax-free weekend is the first weekend in August and includes clothing (up to $100), school supplies (up to $50), and computers (up to $3,500).
New Mexico’s is also the first weekend in August and includes clothing (up to $100), school supplies (up to $30), and computers (up to $1,000), as well as computer equipment (up to $500).
Ohio residents can purchase school supplies and school instruction materials tax-free the first weekend in August.
Oklahoma residents can purchase clothing (up to $100) and school supplies tax-free the first weekend in August.
South Carolina’s tax-free weekend is the first weekend in August and includes clothing, school supplies, and computers, as well as bed and bath items.
Tennessee’s is the first weekend in August and includes clothing (up to $100), school supplies (up to $100), and computers (up to $1,500).
Texas’ is the first weekend in August and includes clothing, backpacks, and school supplies (all up to $100 total).
Virginia has a few tax-free days throughout the year, but the first weekend in August is geared specifically toward back-to-school shopping with clothing (up to $100) and school supplies (up to $20) tax-free.

As may be the case if you visit a year-round sales tax-free state like Oregon or Delaware, if you’re a resident of a non-participating state and you purchase tax-free goods, you may still have to pay a use tax on those items when you return home.

Once you’ve determined if and when your state of residence has a tax-free day or days, you can log onto Ebates.com to score some additional deals and Cash Back and reap even more savings benefits at stores like Old Navy, Amazon, and Target.

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.

May 11, 2016

10 Best Drugstore Makeup Must-Haves

A swipe of lip gloss and a dusting of eye shadow can make you feel like a whole new person. You can walk into a room ready to take on any obstacles thrown your way. But you don’t have to spend the department store prices to exude the same confidence. Before you write off the drugstore labels or drugstore makeup dupes, give these products a try and discover that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks! These 10 makeup and skin care essentials are not only budget-friendly without compromising quality, they all give you Cash Back at Ebates. Take a look and see which ones you’ll be adding to your next beauty shopping list.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Professional Matte Lip Color

Get the bold ruby red lip you long for or keep it neutral with a light rose shade with this drugstore makeup must have. The price is so nice you’ll be able to stock up on a few shades so you can match any outfit or mood.

New York Color Lovatics By Demi Eyeshadow Palette

Skip the overpriced neutral makeup kits in favor of this budget-friendly array that will help you get that glamorous look for less. You’ll love the shimmer this eye shadow palette offers and you’ll be looking good day or night.

NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer

Red-toned and acne-prone skin can be hard to cover but this primer will prep you for your day whether you’re facing a camera or not. Get rid of the redness and help your makeup glide on smoothly and last longer with this drugstore makeup must have that will get you great results at half of the price of other primers while earning you Cash Back at Ebates.

CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Volume Mascara

Shop at Walgreens to get long luscious lashes and incredible volume with CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Volume Mascara. This mascara is a favorite of makeup artists across the world and can be applied in layers to get the dramatic look you love. You can purchase it with a drugstore coupon and save even more making this a top notch buy.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Contour Contour & Highlight Palette

The hottest trend in makeup these days can’t go unmentioned. Get professional level contouring with this compact and simple contouring palette from drugstore.com. Accentuate all the right corners quickly and with ease while using a promo code from Ebates for extra savings.

BhCosmetics Studio Pro HD Brow Pencil

Get the perfect brow with this pro-level eyebrow pencil and brush in one. Your brow will look full and flawless with five shades to choose from. Flip the pencil around and you’ll be able to use the brush end to blend and create a natural finish.

Wet n Wild Kabuki Powder Brush

The same brand that made your favorite lip balms and nail polishes in middle school offer a nice selection of makeup brushes that aren’t going to cost you an arm and a leg. You won’t spend over $4, making the full makeup brush set extremely affordable.

Physicians Formula Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Trio

Take your smokey eye game to the next level with eye-popping liners from Physicians Formula. Trios come in multiple colors so you can go neutral for the office and bold for after hours.

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water

At the end of the day, you’re going to need to remove all of that glorious discount makeup. This fantastic product from ULTA Beauty gets the job done and also cleans and hydrates! Best off all, there’s no excuse for late night laziness because it doesn’t require any rinsing. Just grab a cotton ball and swipe and you’re done.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer

Whether your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in between, you should be moisturizing your skin every day. The same goes for sunscreen. And what better way to get the job done than a lightweight moisturizer with broad spectrum sun protection already added? Use this non-comedogenic lotion every day to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

For even more drugstore makeup favorites, check out the huge selection of makeup brushes, bags and kits at stores like Target, Sears, and Walmart (have you heard of Walmart’s Beauty Box? Check it out if you love trying new product samples for less.). What are your top picks for the best drugstore makeup products? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

May 6, 2016

10 Stores That Price Match & Offer Cash Back

Retailers know that the competition out there is fierce. A price match policy helps customers shop with confidence and stay loyal. Rather than wasting your valuable time hunting for stores that price match, we’ve assembled this handy guide to help you keep track of each store’s price match policy and to give you a savings boosting tip for each. Make sure to activate Cash Back at Ebates for each one before checking out so you can see your price matching savings soar!

1. Staples Price Match

The price match policy at Staples goes above and beyond to help you save big on top office supply brands. Staples will price match a competitor’s prices on identical items and will even take an additional 10% off to sweeten the deal.

Savings Tip:
• Get the best prices any day of the week from Staples when you shop the fantastic bargains in the Deals section with an office supply promo code.

2. Target Price Match

Target is one of many fabulous clothing stores that price match. The Target price match policy allows for price adjustments for up to 14 days after your purchase if you can find a better price on the same item at select competitor’s stores.

Savings Tip:
• Check out the great name brands in the Clearance section and save up to 60% off the original price!

3. Office Depot and OfficeMax Price Match

Following their big merger, the price match policy from this office supply giant is even more powerful. Office Depot and OfficeMax will happily match competitor’s prices within 14 days.

Savings Tip:
• Get 10% back on paper and copying, ink, toner, printing and shipping purchases when you sign up for Office Depot and OfficeMax’s rewards program.

4. Best Buy Price Match

The Best Buy price match policy means you can shop with total confidence when you buy new tech or electronics. Determined to never get beat on prices, Best Buy will match competitor’s prices on identical items.

Savings Tip:
• For the lowest prices on the hottest tech, check out the awesome electronics available in the Outlet online at Best Buy for deals that other stores wish they could match.

5. Toys R Us and Babies R Us Price Match

Babies R Us and Toys R Us share one awesome price match policy that will help your dollars go even further to get your kids everything they need to be happy and healthy. Toys R Us will honor a price match for in-store purchases – just show Customer Service the same item in a competitor’s printed ad or website, or on their website. Toys R Us will also match competitors including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more.

Savings Tip:
• Find the hottest toys and accessories for your family at a guaranteed lowest price and get it delivered for free thanks to the free shipping offers available online from Babies R Us and Toys R Us.

6. Lowe’s Price Match

Lowe’s price match policy is perfect for helping your home improvement projects stay on budget. Lowe’s price match policy guarantees an extra 10% off beyond their competitor’s prices. If you find a lower price on an identical item at a competitor, just show them the current ad and Lowe’s will beat their price by 10%. You’ll also get price protection when shopping online with the lower of the online store price or the local Lowe’s store price.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the Clearance section online at Lowe’s for rock bottom prices you won’t find anywhere else!

7. Walmart Price Match

Walmart is known for helping you save money, so expect nothing less from the Walmart price match policy. If you can find a lower price at another store, Walmart will match it with only a few exceptions.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the deals in Walmart’s Daily Savings Center for the lowest prices on your name brand favorites.

8. Bed Bath & Beyond Price Match

With something for every room in the house, Bed Bath & Beyond is a great destination for an advantageous price match policy. Bed Bath & Beyond will match direct competitors’ prices as long as the items are identical. You can request a price match in any store, by phone, or by email. However, If you have a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon, you can either price match the item or apply the coupon (whichever provides the best discount). The two offers cannot be combined unless the competitor would also accept the coupon at the price being matched.

Savings Tip:
• Get up to 60% with clearance items and save hundreds with Bonus Gifts Cards from their Savings Center. You’ll get everything you need for less with a home goods promo code when you shop Bed Bath & Beyond.

9. Abt Electronics Price Match

Abt Electronics understands that buying a new appliance is a major investment. The Abt Electronics price match policy is intended to help you feel confident that you’re making the right choice when it comes to your purchase.

Savings Tip:
• Once you secure the best price online at Abt, take advantage of their free shipping offers on thousands of items and be sure to check for instant and mail-in rebates!

10. Sears Price Match

Sears offers a great 14-day price match guarantee on identical brand and model number merchandise on sale at all local competitors. You can even price match within the Sears brand stores and websites, allowing you to rest easy knowing you have received the best merchandise at the best prices, both at Sears and in your local area.

Savings Tip:
• Get Free Store Pickup or haul away old appliances, and don’t forget to check for coupons and Cash Back!

Related Links

Toys R Us Deals

Lowes Black Friday Deal

Target Cyber Monday Promo

Abt Electronics Coupons

Note: Cash Back percentages and price match policies subject to change.

February 3, 2015

Valentine’s Gifts For Her Over $50

If this Valentine’s Day is extra special and you’re planning to splurge on gifts for your one-in-a-million lady, let us help you make an educated purchase. We’ve come up with a list of some of our favorite high-quality, luxury gifts that any woman would adore. Whether she’s a fitness nut, an expert in the kitchen, or just loves a good purse (who doesn’t?), we’ve got you covered with our selection of Valentine’s gifts for her over $50.

1. Kate Spade ‘Cedar Street – Large Monday’ Crossbody Bag (Nordstrom) | $198
Every woman needs a “LBC” (little black clutch) and this one fits the bill. With its simplistic yet classic design, it can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

2. Tory Burch T Logo Stud Earrings (Tory Burch) | $68
These large graphic earrings exude class and sophistication yet are big enough to make a bold statement.

3. Ray-Ban New Aviator Mirrored Sunglasses (Bloomingdales) | $170
With an updated take on the classic mirrored sunglasses, these pink tinted frames are sure to give her a rosy view on life!

4. KitchenAid® Artisan Design Series 5 Qt Stand Mixer (Target) | $399
If she’s Queen of the Kitchen, she’ll love the extra pop of color and radiance this expert, all-purpose mixer adds to her counter tops.

5. Kate Spade New York Glitter Leather Strap Watch (Saks Fifth Avenue) | $225
The whole world will see her shine (the way you see her every day) with this knockout piece. She will be sure to light up every room!

6. L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Idalia Lace Playsuit (Bloomingdales) | $180
This seductive playsuit is for bedroom eyes only.

7. BALENCIAGA Florabotanica Perfume (Sephora) | $70-$130
Florabotanica evokes ambivalent bewitching beauty. Velvety and thorny, flirting with hemp and vetiver roots. The wearer is beautiful but dangerous, like some rare botanical species.

8. Nike Free 5.0 2014 (Foot Locker) | $99.99
Practical yet fun, a new pair of workout kicks might be just what she’s hoping for. A pop of pink will put some pep in her step every time she hits the pavement.

Which of these gifts for her do you think will complete the perfect Valentine’s Day? Comment below!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.