I recently received my 4th BIG FAT CHECK in the mail. I signed up for Ebates a little over a year ago and basically get paid to shop!
Once you sign up you can navigate to see all of the online stores that they are affiliated with. You get anywhere from 1% - 6% back from stores based on your purchases.
They have over 1000 stores including Nordstrom, DSW, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret and Overstock.com. There are travel sites such as Expedia, Hotwire, and Cheap Caribbean.
You simply click on the link to the store and it will open up a new window at the selected website and you shop like normal. When you've done this a ticket has been opened with Ebates and you will receive credit towards your account.
You then receive quarterly checks for whatever the balance in your account is. There are no strings attached. I've been paid out $38 dollars so far. Not a ton of cash, but it's better than nothing! They also have coupon codes for each store, so you save money right up front as well!
I was skeptical at first, but after seeing articles on CNN and the BBB, I felt like it was a legit deal. I've had no problems cashing the checks and really get minimal emails from them.
The biggest problem I've had with them is forgetting to simply navigate to websites via Ebates. I could have probably earned bigger checks by now!
Are you ready to Ebates? Sign up here! Let me know if you have any questions about it!
****I have not been paid or contact by Ebates what so ever for this review. I just want to share a good thing!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes - Bookclub Discussion
I've recently joined an online/blogger book club. I've always wanted to find a fun book club to join and in the midst of my reading frenzy that has started once I got my Kindle, one of the bloggers I follow (Blue-Eyed Bride) announced that she was starting an online book club at Book Beginnings and Bookends. The first book we are reading is The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes.
The assignment this week was the first ten chapters, but the book was so good I could not put it down!
Our discussion questions for this week:
1. What was your first impression of Tim?
I really wanted Tim to be a good guy. I was weary of why a graduate student would be interested in a 16 year old waitress. Him studying Social Work made me want to like him, but I had such a hard time getting past the age difference and creapiness factor.
2. If you were in CeeCee’s position, would you be willing to help your boyfriend in the way that she is willing to help Tim?
No, absolutely not. I hope that at 16 I wasn't that impressionable to be swept up into a plan as dangerous as that.
3. Why do you think CeeCee is so eager to please Tim?
Tim is an older man who she has been eyeing for a while. Once her crush is no longer one sided, she is ecstatic about her new flame and ready to do whatever he wants/needs. Not to mention he is her first and all of the baggage that goes along with that. She is starry eyed and in lust.
4. Who do you think has it harder? Tim or CeeCee?
I think CeeCee has it hardest. She has been through some tough times, losing her mom at 12, foster care until 16 and then is out on her own. I can't imagine having to provide for myself at 16, living away from home and holding down a job. That is enough to deal with and on top of that she has Tim in her life influencing her to follow him down a dangerous path.
5. What character trait(s) about CeeCee stuck out the most to you in these first ten chapters?
I thought she was awfully naive. She fell head over heals for this older guy, blindly thinking that he is the one for her and that she is the one for him. She will follow him wherever he asks, even against her better judgement. She is so eager to keep him in her life, she trusts that he also has her best interests in mind.
6. Do you think CeeCee is as mature as she seems?
I was disappointed in the very childish decision she made to follow Tim. She seemed very young and small when she went against her better judgment. However, I think once she is embedded in the plan with Tim, she steps up to the plate. She is only 16 but has put herself in a very adult situation. It's either sink or swim and she is determined to survive although she doesn't know how that will be possible.
If you haven't read this book, check it out!!! Join the discussion at http://bookendbloggers.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Woes of Craigslist
We bought a gorgeous new couch 1/2 off at Pottery Barn after a few too many bloody mary's at brunch last month. This has left us with our old oversized couch and chair plus the new couch all stuffed into our teeny tiny condo.
We've been trying to sell the old stuff on Craigslist, but that has been such a hassle. I can't fathom taking it to the dump as both pieces are in pretty good condition. For now, I'm trying not to give them away since they should be worth at least SOMETHING.
I've had some real characters contact me regarding the furniture. The majority of the emails I get are actually just one line "is this still available?" and I respond yes. They then reply with some sad story of why they cannot come in person to get the furniture. The stories have been anywhere from blindness to a death in the family that has called them out of town. They all lead to them asking for my address and bank information to send a certified check to cover the cost of the furniture and additional for moving costs. After a quick Google search I found what these scammers are doing. They send you a check, you cash it, you have to pay their movers with the extra they've included, and several days later, the check never clears their bank. You are now on the hook to your bank for the amount of the check AND are out your furniture.
These guys will usually reply to your ad from a gmail or AOL address, once you reply that the piece is still available, their sob story and offer for certified check come back from a totally different address.
Always insist that the person come IN PERSON with CASH ONLY. Also, never invite someone to your home if you're alone! I hate that a couple people have come to our house to see the furniture, any other type of sale I would meet them in a crowded public location. I don't give my address to potential buyers, I give them a general area and then meet them to bring them back to my house. My husband is always home with our two attack dogs present. If anything, folks would leave with bitten ankles if they try anything funny.
As of last night, we finally sold the chair to a super nice woman who seems like she has found a lot of gems on Craigslist. I continue to list the couch 2-3 times a day hoping for someone to bite. I even listed it for $50 less than I've been asking if they can get it this weekend. Fingers crossed!!!
Have you had any luck selling/buying on Craigslist?
We've been trying to sell the old stuff on Craigslist, but that has been such a hassle. I can't fathom taking it to the dump as both pieces are in pretty good condition. For now, I'm trying not to give them away since they should be worth at least SOMETHING.
I've had some real characters contact me regarding the furniture. The majority of the emails I get are actually just one line "is this still available?" and I respond yes. They then reply with some sad story of why they cannot come in person to get the furniture. The stories have been anywhere from blindness to a death in the family that has called them out of town. They all lead to them asking for my address and bank information to send a certified check to cover the cost of the furniture and additional for moving costs. After a quick Google search I found what these scammers are doing. They send you a check, you cash it, you have to pay their movers with the extra they've included, and several days later, the check never clears their bank. You are now on the hook to your bank for the amount of the check AND are out your furniture.
These guys will usually reply to your ad from a gmail or AOL address, once you reply that the piece is still available, their sob story and offer for certified check come back from a totally different address.
Always insist that the person come IN PERSON with CASH ONLY. Also, never invite someone to your home if you're alone! I hate that a couple people have come to our house to see the furniture, any other type of sale I would meet them in a crowded public location. I don't give my address to potential buyers, I give them a general area and then meet them to bring them back to my house. My husband is always home with our two attack dogs present. If anything, folks would leave with bitten ankles if they try anything funny.
As of last night, we finally sold the chair to a super nice woman who seems like she has found a lot of gems on Craigslist. I continue to list the couch 2-3 times a day hoping for someone to bite. I even listed it for $50 less than I've been asking if they can get it this weekend. Fingers crossed!!!
Have you had any luck selling/buying on Craigslist?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Missing Vacation
I just realized that today is my 7th day in at work so far in August. That is more time than I spent at work the ENTIRE month of July.
Can I go back to July and vacation? It's uber hot in Northern Virginia right now and I could really use a ride around the most amazing lazy river ever. Except it's in the Bahamas. Booo.
Can I go back to July and vacation? It's uber hot in Northern Virginia right now and I could really use a ride around the most amazing lazy river ever. Except it's in the Bahamas. Booo.
Friday, August 6, 2010
I'm out of room for my hobbies
At least for the hobbies that I think I'd take up, if only I had the room to work in and a house to decorate. I hope that I can become super DIYer once we move. I imagine creating my own headboard using some of these tricks, inspired by this guy at Urban Outfitters:
When I can't find that perfect chair, I can just turn some oldies into goodies, inspired by these before and afters on Design*Sponge.
Some favs that just take my breath away:
and...
I can figure out ways to create the perfect oversized ottoman that just doesn't seem to exist anywhere but in my head by again using DIY tricks from Young House Love to get something like this:
Le sigh. I can't wait to try my hand at these beauties.
Remember when I said neither hubs or I are handy? Looks like we're going to have to learn how to use some power tools after all....
Do you have any hobbies or projects that you are just itching to get started on?
When I can't find that perfect chair, I can just turn some oldies into goodies, inspired by these before and afters on Design*Sponge.
Some favs that just take my breath away:
I can figure out ways to create the perfect oversized ottoman that just doesn't seem to exist anywhere but in my head by again using DIY tricks from Young House Love to get something like this:
Le sigh. I can't wait to try my hand at these beauties.
Remember when I said neither hubs or I are handy? Looks like we're going to have to learn how to use some power tools after all....
Do you have any hobbies or projects that you are just itching to get started on?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Movin' on up (one day)
It's no secret that husband and I are desperately trying to get out of our one bedroom condo. I bought the condo when I was 22 and in all of my wisdom, I thought 731 sq feet would be adequate living space. At the time I had just started dating this great guy, but it had only been four months, so probably not the real deal, right? well almost 4 1/2 years later we're married and have two dogs. In 731 sq feet (that includes the balcony).
Now that I'm at the ripe age of 26 (and 11 months) I've learned that this may not have been the best purchase. We bought at the height of the real estate market and have lost about 1/3 of the value. Who seriously thought $270k was a bargain for 731 sq feet?
So now we're looking at townhouses for our next home purchase. There is a new development popping up in the absolute BEST location that we've been eyeing for a while. The homes are a little pricey, but they come fully loaded with whatever we've picked out. We've been hitting the open houses every weekend looking to see what else is on the market, but each house we found either leaves us making concessions, or having to do work to improve it right away. We're not exactly weekend warriors, so home improvement projects are not ideal. Giving up things like location or garages are also not high on our list.
We keep going back to the new construction houses and will hopefully end up there. Our only challenge is dumping the condo somehow. If we sold right now we'd be out about 30k which is not so appealing. We're saving and waiting and crossing our fingers that as soon as the lot is available that we want, we can simultaneously sell the condo to break even.
So in the meantime I've been daydreaming about how I'll decorate each room when the time comes. I'm going to work on some mood boards to share with everyone.
Do you have a future home you mentally decorate? Are you ready to move to a bigger space?
Do you have an easy way to create mood boards?
Now that I'm at the ripe age of 26 (and 11 months) I've learned that this may not have been the best purchase. We bought at the height of the real estate market and have lost about 1/3 of the value. Who seriously thought $270k was a bargain for 731 sq feet?
So now we're looking at townhouses for our next home purchase. There is a new development popping up in the absolute BEST location that we've been eyeing for a while. The homes are a little pricey, but they come fully loaded with whatever we've picked out. We've been hitting the open houses every weekend looking to see what else is on the market, but each house we found either leaves us making concessions, or having to do work to improve it right away. We're not exactly weekend warriors, so home improvement projects are not ideal. Giving up things like location or garages are also not high on our list.
We keep going back to the new construction houses and will hopefully end up there. Our only challenge is dumping the condo somehow. If we sold right now we'd be out about 30k which is not so appealing. We're saving and waiting and crossing our fingers that as soon as the lot is available that we want, we can simultaneously sell the condo to break even.
So in the meantime I've been daydreaming about how I'll decorate each room when the time comes. I'm going to work on some mood boards to share with everyone.
Do you have a future home you mentally decorate? Are you ready to move to a bigger space?
Do you have an easy way to create mood boards?
Monday, August 2, 2010
back to reality
So I'm back from my month of vacations. I'm having a hard time coping with a full month of work and no more trips until Labor Day.
Since the end of June I've spent 12 days in Barbados, 4 days in Indianapolis, and 6 days in the Bahamas. I have literally eaten/drank my way through the month of July. Time to get my butt back in gear and back on the straight and narrow.
Hubs and I had an official weigh in this morning and it was not pretty. Since the wedding we have put on some serious lbs. Time to get back to our wedding shape!!!
We are going to really cut back on the eating out and find healthy options at home. Hopefully we can find some delicious dishes to add to our usual meals. Just eating at home will cut back on the portion sizes and save tons of cash as well! I think we'll also be trying to cut out the booze. Empty calories going in and not enough exercise to even the scales.
In addition to ramping up our healthy eating, I would like to try taking some evening walks with the pups after dinner and ease back into running. I started the Couch 2 5K training this summer but got off course when it was topping 100+ degrees outside. I see a week of 80's coming up next week, so maybe time to strap on the sneaks and hit the pavement. Depending on how good we do with regular exercise, it might be time to bite the bullet and sign up for a gym membership where we can benefit for legit equipment, trainers, and even a pool. Right now we have access to our Condo gym and work gym, both with equipment as old as I am that does more harm than good.
Anyone else trying to get back on track before the end of summer? How do you get back into the healthy habits and kick the bad ones? Any good (easy) recipes I need to be making?
Since the end of June I've spent 12 days in Barbados, 4 days in Indianapolis, and 6 days in the Bahamas. I have literally eaten/drank my way through the month of July. Time to get my butt back in gear and back on the straight and narrow.
Hubs and I had an official weigh in this morning and it was not pretty. Since the wedding we have put on some serious lbs. Time to get back to our wedding shape!!!
We are going to really cut back on the eating out and find healthy options at home. Hopefully we can find some delicious dishes to add to our usual meals. Just eating at home will cut back on the portion sizes and save tons of cash as well! I think we'll also be trying to cut out the booze. Empty calories going in and not enough exercise to even the scales.
In addition to ramping up our healthy eating, I would like to try taking some evening walks with the pups after dinner and ease back into running. I started the Couch 2 5K training this summer but got off course when it was topping 100+ degrees outside. I see a week of 80's coming up next week, so maybe time to strap on the sneaks and hit the pavement. Depending on how good we do with regular exercise, it might be time to bite the bullet and sign up for a gym membership where we can benefit for legit equipment, trainers, and even a pool. Right now we have access to our Condo gym and work gym, both with equipment as old as I am that does more harm than good.
Anyone else trying to get back on track before the end of summer? How do you get back into the healthy habits and kick the bad ones? Any good (easy) recipes I need to be making?
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