What is Ebates?

I know that the holiday seasons are just around the corner and what do we all do around this time? Shop.

So, I'd like to share my thoughts about savings to maximize your satisfaction with shopping.

I was first introduced to Ebates a couple of years ago but it wasn't until recently that I use it every time I do online shopping. Ebates is a program which gives you a certain percent cash back when you shop through their website. It's really easy to use and also really beneficial when you do a lot of shopping. It's no gimmick, you do get cash back, either direct debit or a check.

It's quite simple, you can register through here (I do get a bit of incentive if you register through the link) or here (if you don't want to use the previous link I provided for any personal reasons). Once you're registered and set up your account, you're ready to shop.

Always remember to log into your account before clicking on anything on the website.

Once you're logged in, you can view your account and how much you already got back on the upper right hand side. On the left side would be all the retailers you can shop at which gives you cash back, click on the drop down to see more. Not all brands/retailers/websites are listed here but it doesn't hurt to always check before you continue on with your shopping.

Once you found where you want to shop at, just click on it and Ebates will automatically generate a tracking ticket which it will use as proof that you had complete the purchase to give you the cash back. You can also use that tracking ticket number to contact customer service about any issues you had.

Here are some examples/scenarios that might be helpful --
(a) I want to buy an item from a big department store like Macy's, Neiman Marcus, or JCPenny (just to name a few). But the cash back on one of the stores is higher than the others but they all carry the item that I want. So here, the best bet is to purchase from the seller that gives the most cash back to maximize my cash received.
(b) I want to buy an item I found at this website because I was browsing through it, but when logged into Ebates found out that they did not participate with Ebates.com therefore I tried to search for another website which did partner up with Ebates to get the cash back (although this sometimes doesn't work because the item you want is only exclusively at that specific website).

Ebates is a great way to get some money back while shopping and it doesn't make you feel too guilty when you're buying in a big bulk because the percent cash back is taken from the total, so technically the more you shop the more you get back. Plus, with the Family and Friend sales going on now, it's a great time to sign up for Ebates.

Love,
LN

I am not affiliated or sponsored with/by Ebates.com, this entry is just my personal opinion and in hope to help my readers.

For More or For Less: Rose Gold Watch

I've been wanting a watch for the longest time but have not yet been able to settle for one. The price definitely plays a role but there's also so many different types of style. I always wanted a rectangular watch but these round watches are starting to make an impression on me.

Below is a kind that I was thinking of getting. Should I get the more expensive one as an investment or stick with an inexpensive one so I can get more watches and swatch it out here and there?

 

For More (left): Michael Kors $275

For Less (right): Titanium $22 

Love,

LN

Express:: Two Strap Heeled Sandal

I can't remember the last time I was shoe-crazed but now it has gotten the better of me. I occassionally browse through the online shops of stores and see what would be good in their "sales" tab (you would be so amazed). The only bad thing about shopping in the "sales" would be limited quantities of sizing, usually the large sizes are what's left, but that doesn't break my spirit.

Express had these Two Strap Heeled Sandal for the longest time and the first time I saw it, I knew I wanted it but shouldn't get it. I was thinking, the price is a bit too much and it would just be too difficult to choose between the fun colors they had.

I've literally given up and just forgot about it until a few weeks ago...

I went on their website and under the "sale" section, there they were! If you didn't know, Express sales page gives an additional 30% off, so it's cheap on top of cheap. The shoes retailed $49.90 and got dropped to $19.99 and with the 30% off, it came out to only $13.99. What a total bargain! Another great thing was, they had my size! I took no chance and immediately added it to my shopping cart. Little did I know, that on top of the sale and 30% I had some unused reward bucks. So ultimately, my purchase came out to be only $3.99 for each pair...and yes, I got all the colors.

I was extremely surprised and such a happy camper.
What was better was, my shoes came in yesterday.

I always worry about ordering shoes online (I'm not the only one right?). They look great on models and whatnot but the sizing can be so off. I was hoping and praying these would fit perfectly because I don't think Express takes returns on sale items.

I was hoping the shoes came in boxes but I'll live with it since it was only $4 a pair.

The neon yellow and bright pink are such fun colors. They would be perfect for summer. They're also at a pretty good height, 3.5 inches. Super comfortable, which is rare. Oh, and about the fit -- they fit perfectly. I'm between a size 7-7.5 but usually a 7 and that's exactly what I ordered which I can say fits true-to-size.

I've been really digging the ankle straps lately and even had 2 other pairs that are like this.

I know some shoes don't make the straps wide enough for those of us that have wider feet but thankfully Express does.

If you're interested, Express still has these in-stock on their website for $13.99. Still a great deal from the original price.