I have been a member of Ebates.com* since the year 2000, the same year that I started sharing online deals and freebies at ShoppingBookmarks.com.  Ebates offers cash back on purchases from over one thousand online stores in the form of a monthly rebate “big fat check”.  And I’m proof that they do pay, as here is a photo of the check I received in the mail just today for $57.10.

I would’ve made the online purchases anyway whether or not I was getting cash back, so I consider this a rebate check a bonus that I use to splurge on myself!

My favorite stores that I shop at through Ebates.com are:

• goHastings
• JCPenney
• J.Crew
• J.Jill
• L.L.Bean
• Victoria’s Secret

Ebates.com also lists the current coupon codes available for the various stores listed, so there is no need to hunt down discount codes to see if you can save more.

Do you use Ebates?  If so, what’s your favorite store that offers cash back?  If not, sign up for free here!

*Disclosure: I am posting a referral link to Ebates and may yield a bonus if you join through our link.  All opinions are 100% my own.

In order to pick the right gift for the new home buyers, try to find out are they settled or they still work around their new home. This is important, because moving in the new home is difficult, complicated and stressful period of everybody’s life. Try to help your friends or relatives by picking and buying the right gift. Buy buying the right things you will show how much you care for them and they will not forget your positive attentions and good will.

My top five gift recommendations for the new home owners are:

Working gloves and some tools

If they live in the house probably they will do a lot of changes, decorations and a lot of gardening. A few pairs of working gloves will be a perfect gift. You can also drop small, medium or large general purpose pliers, because this tool is one of the most used around the new home.

Furniture

Some people have money to buy their new home, but they are short on cash to buy a furniture. Probably they will take their old furniture from their old home, but if they bought larger home they will need a few pieces more. Do not be shy and ask them what exactly they need. After all – they are your friends.

Kitchenware

Kitchen is the central part of every home. New kitchenware can be a great present for every new home. Every time when your friends will use their new kitchenware it will remind on you. Who knows – maybe they will invite you for a dinner to try the new kitchenware. Don’t be cheap, buy something nice.

Hangers & bottle of fine wine

You will never miss with hangers. As much as we buy we always miss some more. A dozen of nice stylish hangers can always find a place in a newly bought home. Now let be honest. They do not cost much so you can pick a nice bottle of wine in addition.

Scented Candles and take away food

If your friends have some additional work to do in their new home, they probably don’t have time to cook. You can surprise them with some take away food. This can be a really nice surprise for them. You can also buy a nice set of scented candles so they can relax after the busy and stressful day. Don’t stay too long. They are probably tired from the all day work around their new house.

Author Bio: Igor Gjurovski is professional blogger and internet outreach professional. In this moment he works for QuickBuyers. They are National Home Buyers in United Kingdom.

1. Start with a Healthy Lifestyle
   In many cases, beauty products exist simply to undo the damage that we inflict upon our selves. Foundations and concealers hide unhealthy skin tones and dark circles. Toners and facial masks work to rebuild damaged skin. Conditioners attempt to revitalized ravaged hair. Cut your beauty expenses by avoiding the damage in the first place. Maintain a health diet and exercise routine to give your skin a natural glow. Stay away from excessive hair color treatments to keep your hair lush and healthy. And always, always make sure to get your beauty sleep.
2. Take Advantage of Samples
   What’s most important in a beauty product is neither its brand name nor its price tag; the only thing that really matters is whether or not it works for you. Get to know your body’s preference in beauty products by trying as many samples as you can find. Many samples can be had for free, and others are inexpensive enough to warrant a try. Sample as many products as possible; you’ll quickly discover what works for you and eliminate the guess work when you shop for beauty products.
3. Make Your Own Natural Products
   There are dozens of natural household ingredients that can be used to make beauty products at home, and many of them are in your kitchen right now. Honey and olive oil are natural moisturizers that you can use to make your own skin treatments. Apple cider vinegar is a terrific cleanser that clears away dirt and oil, restores your skin’s pH balance, and helps to control acne. Raw egg whites are the perfect base for a toning facial mask that will keep you looking youthful for years. Before rushing to the cosmetics counter, see what nature has to offer.
4. Research Before You Buy
   When you can’t try before you buy, the best thing you can do is research. If you’re considering a new product, take some time to see what experts and other customers are saying about it. Looking for a better hair removal solution? Seek out an Epilator review website before committing to the uncertain purchase. Other users’ opinions and experiences will help you decide whether a given product will be the right choice for you, reducing unnecessary spending.
5. Don’t Be Taken In By Brands
   What’s in a name? Very little, as far as beauty products are concerned. Most of the brand name beauty products you see lining store shelves are made by Estee Lauder or L’Oreal, the two biggest cosmetic giants in the world. Price mark-ups between brands do not necessarily reflect better quality; the higher prices typically pay for the expensive marketing campaigns used to promote these products. Don’t trust a brand name simply out of loyalty. Find what works best for you; chances are, it won’t be the most expensive product on the shelf.

Lots of good deals at Target this week!  I went a tad over my $6 budget, but all of the deals were worth it!  Here’s how you can get the same Target deals with printable coupons!

Yoplait Simplait Yogurt 50¢ sale
- 40¢ off printable coupon here or here
= 10¢

Almay Makeup $4.99
- $4 off coupon (SS 4/14)
- $2 off Target coupon
= FREE

Flip Flops $2.50
- $2 off Target Sandal coupon
= 50¢

Coca-Cola 20 oz $1.59
- 99¢ off printable coupon (this may no longer be available)
- 50¢ off Ibotta coupon
= 10¢

Chobani Bite Yogurt 4-pack $2 price cut
- $1 off printable coupon
= 25¢ each

Ortego Taco Seasoning 71¢ price cut
- $1/2 printable coupon
= 21¢ each when you buy two

Up&Up Nail Polish Remover 97¢
- 50¢ off Target coupon
= 47¢

Up&Up Facial Tissue 99¢
- 50¢ off Target mobile coupon
= 49¢

General Mills & Post Cereals $2.75
- $5 gift card when you buy 6
- 70¢ off Fruity Pebbles (SS 4/14)
- (2) $1 off Post Shredded Wheat printable coupon
- $1 off 2 Cheerios printable coupon
= $1.30 each when you buy six

Clean & Clear $3.99 (buy 3)
- $5 gift card when you buy 3
- $1 off printable coupon
- (2) $1 off printable coupon
= $1.32 each when you buy three

Market Pantry pasta $1
- $1 off 3 Target printable coupon
= 66¢ each when you buy three

Edy’s Outshine Bars $2.99 (buy 2)
- $2 off 2 Target coupon
- (2) $1 off coupon (SS 3/17) or use $1.10/3 printable coupon (but then you have to buy three)
= 99¢ each when you buy two (the strawberry ones are delicious!)

Garnier Hydra Recharge Shampoo or Conditioner $2.99 regular price
- $1.25 off printable coupon or $1 off printable coupon
- $1 off Target printable coupon
= 74¢

Little Debbie Snack Cakes $1.50 price cut
- 75¢ off coupon (SS 2/3)
= 75¢

Up & Up Disposable Forks $1.49
- $1 off 2 Target mobile coupon
= 99¢ (stocking up on these for the twin’s graduation)

Orbit Gum 3 pack $2 sale
- 75¢ off Target printable coupon
= $1.25

Daisy Sour Cream $1.99
- 50¢ off Target printable coupon
= $1.49

Merona Espradille Shoes $8.48 clearance
- $5 off Target Merona printable coupon
= $3.48

More ways to save at Target: Get 5¢ off per reusable bag brought in. Plus an additional 5% off your total order when you use your Target Red card! And remember, if you use your Red card online at Target.com, you not only receive 5% off, but you receive FREE Shipping with NO minimum purchase.  Find  Target coupon deals at We Use Coupons and/or Pocket Your Dollars.

TARGET STORE COUPON FOR 10% OFF PATIO ACCESSORIES - IN STORE/OR ONLINE US $0.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday May-18-2013 17:07:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Those of you that know me well, know that I’m not much of a cook.  Now I love to bake, but baking and cooking are completely different in my eyes.  Probably because baking involves sweets… my weakness.  My poor children have learned to cook for themselves at young ages after getting tired of boxed frozen foods and takeout.  So when I do cook, I like to keep things simple and easy to make.  When Velveeta asked if I’d participate in their Liquid Gold campaign, I think the kids were more ecstatic about my cooking than me!

Have you seen Velveeta’s awesomely funny video commercials? When I was younger, I wanted to write and produce television commercials when I grew up, but that’s a post for another day.  But I still appreciate a good commercial.

My kids love homemade macaroni and cheese (and they eat it with peas, which they totally did not get from me), but I thought that was too boring of a recipe to share.  I didn’t care for the batch of Velveeta Fudge I’ve previously made, and Tatym said she’s getting tired of Corn Casserole (she has made it one too many times).  Both of those Velveeta recipes are here.

So I made a Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole which was a bit hit in the house!  And here’s my recipe complete with proof that I made it…

Super Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

• 1 bag shredded hashbrowns
• 1 stick margarine
• 1/2 c chopped onion (or add 1/4 c minced onions to 1/4 c water to absorb, then add)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (can substitute celery soup or cream of mushroom soup)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz Velveeta (cubed or shred 1/4 loaf)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix ingredients and place in greased 9×13 pan. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.  I also suggest stirring half way through as it is hard to mix before baking.  This can even be mixed up head of time and place in refrigerator beforehand.  Variations including adding pieces of ham or topping with bacon bits, but I don’t like pork, so haven’t tried them.

Velveeta asked me if I knew any Liquid Gold Diggers. I’ll know more soon once they taste these dishes! Why? Because Liquid Gold Diggers love the Liquid Gold of Velveeta.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Velveeta via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Velveeta.

So when I found my old potholder maker loom thingie when cleaning out my dad’s house after he died, I thought I should blog about this vintage craft maker. And it’s Thursday, so hey!

Who else remembers these?  I was surprised to find all the parts, including the metal hook and lots of extra bands should I want to make more if I can remember how to loop together the ends. If I remember correctly, it’s like crocheting?  And can you believe my daughters didn’t seem interested in learning how to make them?

Well, if you’re so inclined, I see that Amazon sells similar potholder looms.

Potholder Loom Colonial Hi-lo Looper Big Bag Jersey Loops 2 potholders US $9.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday May-18-2013 17:09:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

I’m sure every one of us is guilty of this. I know I am in the past six weeks. With the boom of online retailing, store fronts are competing with an endless line of businesses. I mostly do this with clothing, items such as shoes that I know I can get cheaper online. As an avid cyclist, I also do this with cycling clothing. Jerseys and shorts are all made a bit different, and a quick trip to a local shop eventually saves me not only time from having to ship it back if it doesn’t fit, but possibly money as well.

I came out of a bike store one day scratching my head because they were selling some jerseys at full retail price.

“Ok. What’s wrong with full retail asking price?”, you ask?

Well, these particular jerseys were the previous year’s designs and were selling on both Amazon and eBay for nearly half that.

I can understand Georgina’s frustration. She doesn’t want to be used as people’s personal shopping assistant. At the time, I’m not so sure it’s really going to prevent people from “showrooming”. I’m not a gluten-free eater, but let’s say a product retails for $50. I see it online for $35. It’s still worth it for me to pay a $5 charge, go home and still only pay $40. I’m still saving $10.

I can only see it working at her store for products in the $5-$15 range. But then again, how much of a discount am I really looking for online for a $10 item.

My advice to Georgina is to compete with the online market. Find a way to price match with what customers are finding elsewhere. Or, start her own points-reward system for frequent customers. They might be willing to pay full retail price if they know they will get a huge discount down the road. Gluten-free products are such a niche market, it would serve her well to be up to speed on the price flux that is going on within her industry anyways.

I have even showed the online price to the retail manager on my smart phone. He was more than happy (or unhappy) to compete. From a consumer’s perspective, retail stores can either compete and sell me their product, or I can go somewhere else and give somebody else my money for the same product.

Steve Bitter is a Marketing Manager with Bulwark Exterminating, based in Mesa, AZ. Bulwark Exterminating is an industry leader in providing high quality pest control service. Bulwark is fully operational in seven states, including eleven major cities. While Bulwark provides pest extermination for common insects such as ants, roaches, crickets and spiders, the company’s differentiating specialty is scorpion control. Bulwark uses the finest and most effective products in the world to solve common pest problems.

If you need to purchase a gift for a pilot, or future pilot, in your life you have many great ideas you can choose from. You can purchase gifts that are pilot related in many different varieties.

First Idea: Airfix Models 

Airfix models are great for anyone that is an aviation enthusiast. Model kits often come with everything you need for proper construction. This can include the actual model, paint, paint brush, glue, and instructions. Models should be chosen based upon skill level. This can create models that can be constructed for any skill level and any age.

Second Idea: Authentic Models 

Authentic models can provide a great way to display a favorite plane. You can find models of almost any plane that you can imagine. Models are actual replicas of planes from the past and present. If you know someone that has a favorite plane, an authentic model can make a wonderful and thoughtful gift.

Third Idea: Aviation Signs

Aviation signs can give the recipient a great way to show off their love of aviation. Signs can be placed indoors and outdoors also. This can be a great way to decorate a bedroom. You can also use signs in rooms where you have other items related to aviation that you enjoy. You can find vintage signs that are dated, and new signs. You can also find license plate covers to show everyone your love for flying.

Fourth Idea: Aviation Bedding 

Aviation bedding can help complete a decorated room related to flying. This can be great for a baby, or older child that loves planes. Airplane bedding can be a very cute way to decorate a baby’s room. This can be different from other decorations you find for babies. You can make your child’s room very different from the standard items you will likely find in any store.

Fifth Idea: Flying Toys

Flying toys can be every boy’s dream. Toys are the gifts that children want the most. You can find an assortment of flying toys that can make a wonderful gift. Many boys are fascinated with planes and pilots. You can find helicopters that children can actually fly. You can also find model planes that are scale replicas of actual planes. The type of toy you purchase will depend on the child’s age group, and their personal taste.

When you begin to explore gift ideas for pilots you will find that you have an assortment of options. This can help you to find something that makes a perfect gift. Many children are fascinated with flying and there are some wonderful gifts for children as well.

You should get to know the pilot you are buying for. They may love modern planes, or have more of an interest in the history of aviation. Either way you can easily find a gift that is perfect, and can help them proclaim their love of aviation and airplanes.

Tymothy Gabriels has worked as an aviation mechanic for the past 4 years and is a passionate aviation blogger. To find great gifts for pilots visit pilotmall.com.

VINTAGE AIRFIX VICKERS SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK 1A MODEL KIT # 01071 1:72 SCALE US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday May-18-2013 17:14:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

Krups. Keurig. Koffee … wait, that’s Coffee. In any case, these two companies, Krups and Keurig, have been engaged in a long battle for single-serve supremacy in the caffeinated beverage industry. With other competitors – less specialized manufacturers like Cuisinart or Kenmore, for instance – falling slowly by the wayside, these two continue to assert themselves as “the” in-house coffeehouse solution.

So who wins? After a highly caffeinated debate, the answer is (spoiler alert!):

A tie.

What do you mean, a tie?! Why did I read that stinkin’ paragraph?

They serve slightly different needs, and we’re also evaluating things such as the availability of Keurig and Krups coffee maker parts. Take a deep breath and read on. We’re getting to it, I promise. Here’s the lowdown:

The Company: Keurig is a Massachusetts-based company that opened in 1990. They’ve made a big splash with their custom “K-cups,” which are an incredibly simple way to brew a single cup of high-class java. Their parent company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, offer over 200 different flavors of K-cup, including coffees, teas, cocoas, iced beverages, and specialty beverages such as juices or apple cider. They make brewers for commercial and home use, and have a dominating share of the coffee market.

The Coffee: We tried the Green Mountain Breakfast Blend, one of their least expensive cups, and found it quite passable. Bold, not too thin or acidic, and it wasn’t overpowering. We also tried one of their cappucino cups and found it somewhat lacking, though passable.

The Company: Krups is a German company with a pedigree dating back to 1846, when they began manufacturing scales and balances. They manufacture and distribute coffee machines, food processors, beer brewing appliances, grills, juicers, and more. Krups uses “capsules” in place of K-cups, and while Keurig has a slight edge on variety, Krups wins pretty big on price. Some of the ritzier K-cups, despite being designed for home brew, come in at a price scarcely lower than a Starbucks. Capsules, on the other hand, are quite reasonably priced.

The Coffee: We tried Nescafe Dolce Gusto Cappucino, because it was by far the easiest thing to find, and it was excellent. It wasn’t a plain cup of coffee, but it was very good at what it was.

Final Thoughts.

We did some poking around for things like reliability and availability of spare parts. In this department, the edge has to go to Krups. Their highly prized line of Dolce Gusto machines have a venerable history of reliability, as do their older machines, many of which are still in service. Furthermore, Krups coffee maker parts were easy to find, and on the whole, not quite as expensive.

If you’re a habitual coffee drinker who wants your morning cup o’ Joe, I think I’d recommend the Keurig, provided the price tag doesn’t hurt too much. If you’re into cappucino and espresso, I highly recommend the Krups product line, because even though K-cups makes those things, Krups wins on taste and authenticity.

Eric Regan is a writer who loves to see what the world has to offer. He has written for blogs covering various topics.

JUAN VALDEZ SINGLE POD COFFEE/TEA MAKER US $24.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday May-18-2013 17:12:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

1. Download the Kelly Blue Book application. Kelly’s Blue Book is the most trusted way to look up the value of a new or used car. This book can be purchased for an inexpensive price, or the application can be downloaded for smart phones. If you download the app, or take an electronic item with you while car shopping, you will have easy access to knowledgeable and fair pricing for any car on the lot.
2. Consider the overall cost of any car that you choose. Even if you have the down payment for a car and get offered financing for the vehicle, consider the total cost of ownership. Luxury vehicles will invariably cost more over the life of the car. Premium gas for the car, the high cost of parts, and even a higher cost for the diagnostic test to tell you what the problem under the hood is will all cost you in the long run. Consider these things before signing on the dotted line.
3. When buying a used vehicle, get the car checked out under the hood. Either bring your mechanic with you if you have a particular car in mind, or drive the car to see your trusted mechanic to give the car a once over. This tip can save you from buying a lemon.
4. Always ask for a Carfax. The prior history of a vehicle is one of the most determining factors of future issues. Run a Carfax before shaking on the deal of any car to be sure that the history of the vehicle is on the up and up.

Buying a car is always a big deal. Most people get caught up in the moment of purchasing a new or used car and forget the basics. Remember that the car is both an investment and a liability. You will continue to pay money for the car over the life of the vehicle. Make sure that the car will give as much as it takes.