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October 11, 2016

The Most Relevant Pop Culture Halloween Costumes of 2016

Some love Halloween for its chills and thrills. Others love it because it’s the perfect time to tout your interests and earn some pop culture cred. Whether you are looking to wow your crew at the Halloween house party or surprise your kids with the coolest Halloween costumes on the block, check out our favorite pop culture Halloween costumes with Cash Back at Ebates. Don’t miss out on sales, coupons and promo codes from top Halloween costume stores. Get rock bottom prices on everything you need to make Halloween 2016 the best one yet.

In Memoriam

David Bowie Glam Rocker Adult Costume, $53.99 (Walmart) | Velvet Prince, $54.99 (Halloween Mart)

We lost quite a few music icons this year, but maybe none as devastating as Prince and David Bowie. Pay them tribute in style with these complete looks.

Suicide Squad

Harley Quinn Jacket & Shirt, $35.99 (Halloween Mart) | Suicide Squad Adult Joker Costume Kit, $31.99 (Costume SuperCenter)

Some call them #relationshipgoals. Others just call them good old psychotic fun. Score Joker and Harley Quinn costumes from Suicide Squad to step up your couple’s costume game.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Finn Deluxe, $49.99 (Halloween Mart) | Grand Heritage Rey Women’s Costume, $98.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes) | Bb-8 Women’s Costume, $29.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

How cruel was it that Star Wars Episode 7 came out in December last year? You’ve had to wait 10 whole months to dress up like Rey…or at least have a good excuse to do so.

Finding Dory

Disney’s Finding Dory Dory Adult Costume, $42.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

Chances are, your kids loved Finding Dory and the obsession is still going strong. This costume is perfect for those parents looking to be good sports for their family’s group costume.

The Huntsman

Ravenna Skull Dress Costume, $54.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

Some of us have serious dreams of being a princess while others would rather rule their kingdom with an iron (yet manicured) fist. If you’re the latter, try the evil queen from The Huntsman on for size.

Pokémon

Pikachu Dress Women’s Costume, $44.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

People are STILL playing PokémonGO so this sassy Pikachu is definitely trendy. Just make sure no one catches you.

Stranger Things

Stranger Things Eleven Dress, $79.00+ (Etsy)

DIY costumes are all fun and games until you realize you can’t sew. Luckily, the makers at Etsy have you covered. Create the Stranger Things costumes your friends will covet!

Stranger Things Barb Dress, $52.50 (Etsy)

In a world full of Nancys, be a Barb. With this plaid dress, all you need are thrift store glasses and a Trapper Keeper to become this beloved Bestie.

Ghostbuster Girl

Ghostbusters Girl Costume, $21.84 (Yoyo.com)

The all-female cast of Ghostbusters still continues to be a huge deal for little girls everywhere. Remind yours that she can do anything, including save the day from monsters.

Zootopia

Nick Wilde Classic Costume, $22.39 (Costume SuperCenter) | Judy Hopps Classic Costume, $23.19 (Costume SuperCenter)

If your kids think Gazelle is the greatest singer of our time, they may have watched Zootopia 10-too-many times. Just go with it and grab them a Nick or Judy costume. They’ll go savage for it.

October 7, 2016

5 Fall Makeup Trends Anyone Can Try

The best part about a new season is freshening up your look from head to toe. Andpa the best place to start is with your face! With so many fall makeup releases, knowing where to start is the hardest part. So we’ve taken the liberty of picking out five fall makeup trends that can be easily featured on all styles, budgets and skin tones. These looks are fashion-forward but can be worn for any occasion. And you can top off your new beauty routine with Cash Back at Ebates.

Full-On Cat Eye

Winged eyeliner has always made a sassy statement but this fall, we’re taking things up a notch with top and bottom, thick pointed liner. To make this look versatile, line the top by day and add the bottom liner after hours for some extra drama.

Get The Look

Benefit Cosmetics Hard Angle Brush, $20 (Macy’s) | Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $25 (Paula’s Choice)

You: Refined

Not all fall makeup ideas are so bold. Some just highlight your natural beauty to create a soft yet striking look. Easy-to-use contouring kits come in a plethora of colors and finding a nude lipstick that is just a touch darker than your own lips is an absolute must.

Get The Look

MAC Nude Lipstick, $17 (Nordstrom) | ANASTASIA BEVE RLY HILLS Contour Kit, $40 (Macy’s)

Spider Lashes

This staple of 80s beauty is back with a vengeance. While many are divided on this daring trend, one can’t deny it is a head turner. While you can get this look with a little face powder and multiple coats of your own mascara, we recommend mascaras that are specifically formulated to give you this effect.

Get The Look

Maybelline The Colossal Spider Effect Washable Mascara, $4.97 (Walmart)

Berry Nice

Brown lipsticks may be the ultimate 90s comeback but it is not the “it” shade for fall. Berries in pinks and even purples are where it’s at and look great with the tried and true fall smokey eye.

Get The Look

Lipstick Queen ‘Sinner’ Lipstick, $24 (Nordstrom)

Goth To Have It

Black lipstick is something anyone can pull off with the right finishing touches. The key is to keep your eyes bright and skin glowing with a good highlighter to really let that vampy lip have its dance in the moonlight.

Get The Look

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick, $21 (Sephora) | Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand, $29 (Macy’s)

September 17, 2016

How to Throw an Epic End-of-Summer BBQ

Summer is almost a wrap and everyone is sad to see it go – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw it a goodbye party! As the last few days of summer will soon be here, now is the perfect time to throw an end of summer BBQ for your friends and family. Check out this simple list of BBQ tips and summer BBQ party ideas and get ready to get the gang together for one last summer shindig. As an added bonus, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the mentioned stores. Happy party planning!

1. Plan Your BBQ Menu Around Summer Favorites

Your final summer BBQ is a great time to feature everyone’s favorite summer BBQ food. Grilled shrimp, lobster, chicken and burgers are all premium choices. Make sure you don’t forget about those summer BBQ side dishes that you’ll miss the rest of the year, too! Veggie skewers, portobello burger bites, grilled corn, watermelon and a classic coleslaw will round out the meal. This is no time to skimp on your summer favorites! Throw a checkered tablecloth on those tables and live up the summer fun for one more day with a summer BBQ menu before fall officially arrives. Looking for fun summer BBQ ideas? Consider doing a BBQ sauce tasting! Cost Plus World Market has a great selection of sauces available online for your summer BBQ along with a ton of other great supplies to make your BBQ ideas come to life.

2. Consider the Temperature When Planning Your Party

Depending on your region, the end of the summer can mean cooler days and even cooler nights. Take your area’s climate into consideration and either plan to host your BBQ during the day or pick up some outdoor heaters from Walmart to keep your guests comfortable outdoors at night. Be sure to keep an eye out for an outdoor heater or lighting promo code as the summer comes to a close!

3. Prep Your Food Early and Offer Pitcher Perfect Drinks

Don’t miss out on your last party of the summer by spending the whole time cooking or mixing drinks – plan ahead! Make any food and drinks you can ahead of time to save your energy for the day of the party. You can make a big batch of your favorite summer drink ahead of time and put into it into a festive punch bowl from Crate and Barrel.

4. Live it up With Some Summer Fun

Don’t forget about the games when it comes time to throw your end of summer BBQ party! Make it a party people won’t forget until next summer rolls around with great summer games like bag toss, volleyball, badminton or other summer classics. Set up some games, like an awesome horseshoes set from Rakuten.com, and be sure to keep an eye out for an end of the season promo code.

5. Pack Away All Your Summer Stuff as You Pick Up

You can plan your party décor and activities around all the stuff that will need to be packed away at the end of the summer season. If the arrival of fall means the end of your outdoor party season, get your storage containers ready for the end of the party. You’ll tackle two tasks in one when you pack up your summer party supplies and tuck them away until next year. If you need storage bins, check out the amazing supply online at The Container Store and get everything you need to keep organized so you’ll be ready to launch the next epic bash next summer!

September 13, 2016

A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Meal Planning

When it comes to family life, making meals that are tasty and filling, keeping your schedule from becoming a nonstop cook-a-thon, and not spending a fortune on groceries at the same time is a tall order.

But meal planning can fix this. Match it with coupons from Ebates and Cash Back, and what you have is a recipe for saving money, saving time, and eating better than before.

So, if you’ve never made a meal plan before, where do you start?

1. Work with what you have. There’s no need to run out and restock your entire kitchen. On the contrary, the idea is to save money and effort, so the best first step is just to stay put. Look through your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer to see what kind of food you already have. What could you creatively turn into a meal already? If you can’t make a week’s worth of meals with what you already have, what side dishes do you need to complement what you do have? Once you have used up your current selection and are running out of supplies, then you go shopping.

2. Have the “heavy hitters” for the week. If you break up your dinners into two main dishes for the week, you’re accomplishing a few things. You’re making it possible to buy those chicken breasts or lasagna plates in bulk at a lesser price than buying a small one every week for one meal. You’re saving a lot of effort by not making elaborate and different meals every day. And you’re making it possible to have leftover night with the food left in the fridge from the previous day. You can rotate what these meals are every week. Perhaps you’ll have chicken and fish one week, and pasta and burgers the next.

3. Don’t forget snacks. When the kids need something to munch on before dinner or your blood sugar is a little low, it’s the perfect concoction for messing up a meal plan. You end up making the meal early and are hungry later, or dinner is spoiled and you’ve wasted a lot of food. So make sure to add snacks to your list. Something as small and healthy as a granola bar will take the edge off and give you a boost of energy without upsetting the plan, and the best part is, they’re cheap.

4. Your shopping list is law. Laws don’t bend to the will of a toddler who really wants chicken tenders or a bag of Reese’s that is just dying to jump in your basket. In order for meal planning to actually work, you need to create a shopping list that is highly detailed and non-negotiable. Before you walk out the door, look at each item and decide if there’s a really good reason that it’s there – not just because it looks nice. Not only will this make your family healthier, but you’ll save money by not making impulse purchases. Even better: Your house won’t be full of dishes without sides that end up ruining your entire meal plan when your family feels tempted.

5. Get your calendar involved. Get yourself a new calendar, because when you start meal planning, you’re going to need a schedule. If you’re going out to dinner one evening with the whole family as a treat, then there’s no need to buy extra food to plan for that meal. If you’re having a potluck on Tuesday and are in charge of the casserole, then it’s smart to make that one of your two weekly meals so you can buy the supplies in bulk for less money (Sam’s Club is great for this). Also, by charting out what is being served for each meal every day, it eliminates that snackish feeling and cancels out the craving to just buy pizza instead – which can be both pricey and unhealthy.

6. Base your meals on sales. Planning meals is a great way to save money, and it becomes even more cost effective if you follow this next step. Browse through the fliers local stores send you to not only gain inspiration for some yummy new dishes to try out, but also to take advantage of the sales to customize the week’s meals. If beef is on sale, then chicken week is out the window – you can have burgers for much less. Browse sites like Ebates to see which stores are offering the best deals, such as Walmart.

September 12, 2016

Tasty But Affordable School Lunches

The time has come to start planning school lunches again. Whether last year’s ideas have grown boring or you’ve had to downsize your budget, it’s time to look for school lunches that are as cheap as they are tasty and new.

Here are some of the best school-lunch options. Matching them with coupons from Ebates will leave your budget in good hands.

Chicken-and-Cheese Kebabs
The brilliance of kebabs is that they allow you to mix and match different foods, and products bought in bulk can be minimized into great meals. Purchase a block of cheese and dice it into squares, then fry up a chicken breast and chop it into small portions. All you need now is to skewer them on a stick. Both chicken and cheese store well, so you can make several kebabs from a single purchase, making the cost of each individual meal as little as $2.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be boring, and those extra sugary jams your kids like aren’t necessarily healthy. Upgrade your child’s meal to something tastier and healthier without increasing the cost by slathering a tortilla with peanut butter and wrapping it around one half of a sliced banana. The other half can be used in the next lunch. Altogether, you can make each meal for as little as a dollar. Your child will get more protein and potassium, and lunch will be unique.

Soup Thermoses
Campbell’s theme is “possibilities” for a reason. With options including chicken noodle, mushroom and tomato, you can pick the perfect flavor to suit your child’s tastes and eating habits. Put the soup in a thermos, and you have a super easy lunch your child can eat anywhere. Canned soup costs barely more than pennies and can be stored forever, making it a great option for the frugal shopper — especially at stores such as Walmart, which offers Cash Back when you shop through Ebates. Include crackers in your kid’s lunchbox for dipping options, or cheese slices to add some extra taste to the meal.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
They may not sound like much, but cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are simple to make, cost little and taste amazing. All you need to do is slice some cucumbers, add them to your child’s favorite kind of bread and then slather each piece with some flavored cream cheese. If you include a cookie cutter in the lunchbox, your kid can trim away the crust and dip the sandwich in a thermos of soup for an easy and well-balanced lunch.

Egg-and-Sausage Kebabs
What’s wrong with breakfast for lunch? The morning’s breakfast can be lunchtime’s money-saver. Dice up parts of a hearty omelet and slice up some pieces of sausage, and skewer them on a stirring stick with a few chunks of pineapple, fresh strawberries, pieces of banana, olives, or all of the above. Now you have a nutritional meal that is well balanced and extremely cost effective.

Impromptu Mini Pizzas
When you hear pizza, you probably don’t think “frugal.” However, this recipe allows your child to have a tasty slice of Italy, custom made by them and custom made to fit your budget. All you need is some crackers or pita bread, tomato sauce (you can even use ketchup for extra savings), some cheese sticks and a few slices of pepperoni. If your child likes an extra punch to their pizza, olives or pineapple slices are super cheap when bought canned. All in all, these ingredients can stretch over multiple meals while giving your child the freedom (and you the free time) to build their own lunches. When you purchase these supplies in bulk from Sam’s Club with coupons and Cash Back from Ebates, you can save even more.

Pro Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Leftovers!
Frugal and tasty lunches are about being creative, and since you already have the food in the house and the meal was definitely tasty enough to enjoy once, why not enjoy it twice? Recycle leftovers from last night’s dinner to make your child’s school lunch basically for free! Pack up some extra pasta in a Tupperware and pair it with fresh fruit, or chop up some pieces of meat patties with a side of strawberries for a sweet and cheap meal.

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 29, 2016

17 Guest Bedroom Essentials You Probably Never Thought Of

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

Tulip Bouquet With Glass Vase

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

Cable Knit Decorative Throw

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

Straight Leg Luggage Rack

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

LED Lighted Vanity Mirror

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

Ambient Light/LED Reading Light

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

Laminated Bamboo Serving Tray

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

Bedside Water Carafe Set

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

Places to Go, People to See Coffee Table Book

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

Belkin MIXIT ChargeSync Dock

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

Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan

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

Park B. Smith Ultra Spa Robe

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

NEST Fragrances Reed Diffuser

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

Neatfreak Clothes Hanger

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

Bath Towels

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

Surge Protector

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

Hadley Notepad Holder

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

Philip Kingsley Jet Set Smooth & Shiny

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

August 24, 2016

How to Plan the Best Summer Picnic without Breaking the Bank

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

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

1. Reserve a table at a public park.

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

2. Have a potluck and share with friends.

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

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

3. Do some DIY.

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

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

4. Enjoy desserts to keep away the heat.

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

5. Take advantage of Cash Back.

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

August 23, 2016

20 Ways to Pamper Your Pooch on National Dog Day

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

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

August 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!