So here’s your checklist to be ready for Halloween:

• Halloween Costumes – Begin planning your costume now whether you’ll be attending a Halloween party or just trick-or-treating with your kids in the neighborhood, decide if you’ll order one online or if you want to make your own Halloween costumes and of course you should decide what you’ll be and what the rest of your family will dress as.
• Halloween Decorations – Decorations can range from ghosts, bats, and witches to something more tame like pumpkins, scarecrows, and pine cones. No matter how you plan to decorate something to change up your home and move from summer to fall will help put everyone in the family in a happy mood. You can even let the kids help decorate.
• Halloween Party – Throwing a Halloween party for your friends can make a dark and dreary day bright, fun and full of laughter.  If you have little ones in your home and you don’t feel safe taking them out in the streets to ask for candy, opt for having a costume party at your place for all their friends.
• Halloween Food – If you are planning a Halloween party you can’t just have plain ‘ole food, you have to make it ghoulish. Since you probably don’t do that very often, here’s some help.

Halloween Food/Treat Ideas:

Gruesome Food

Ghoulish Appetizers

Skull full of Brain

How to choose party food

No matter how you choose to have fun this Halloween we’re here with DIY and online shopping ideas for you to help make your Halloween the best possible. If you have Halloween ideas you’ve tried in the past feel free to tell us and our readers about them in the comments below.

1. It’s Easy – Most contests are so easy to enter all you have to do is leave a comment on a blog, ReTweet a company’s tweet on Twitter, “Like” a page on Facebook, etc. Typically the larger the prize the more detailed and intricate the entry process. Either way, entering to win a gift card, an iPad, or a TV is as easy as 1-2-3 in the world of the web.

2. It’s Fun – You can’t tell me putting your name in the pot to win an expensive prize then checking your email every few hours to see if you’ve won isn’t fun. It’s thrilling!

3. Bragging Rights – When someone ‘wins’ something exciting the first thing they want to do is tell someone! Winning a contest is so fun to brag about even if no talent or smarts were required.

So if you’re like me and find internet contests Fun, Easy, and something to Brag about – Go for it! Find those contests… enter… and cross your fingers, you just might win!

Over the past year I’ve only entered about 15 contests total and I’ve won 5 of those, so the odds aren’t too bad.

If you’re looking for a fun, free contest to enter now, I’ve got the perfect one! Right here at eBillme and Shop Debt Free, we hold a brand new contest every Wednesday, it runs through Thursday (so you don’t have to wait too long to find out if you won) and it’s so easy to enter! This week we are giving away Skullcandy Lowrise Headphones from our merchant OneCall.com. Check it out! You can even pick whatever color you want if you win!

Contests for moms are always great because you can win baby gear like strollers, clothing, bottles, or diapers! Many ‘Mommy Blogger’ sites give away gift cards too. Then there are money saving giveaways, with the low economy any way to get something free is good.

So get out there and check out what contests are just waiting for you to win! Good Luck! And come back here to our blog and tell us what prizes you’ve won, we love to hear success stories. Also, if you know of any good giveaway sites we’d love to hear about where you go to enter your favorite contests.

The study surveyed US online adults, who have used or heard of Alternative Payments.  The results are:

eBillme: #1 in Customer Service with 77% customers satisfied

PayPal: 76%

Google Checkout: 75%

Bill Me Later: 73%

eCheck: 59%

We would like to thank our customers for this honor and we truly  appreciate your business. Be sure to contact eBillme Customer Service via phone, email, or live chat, anytime you have questions about eBillme, our merchant offers, and more.

eBillme customers know that checking out using eBillme has never been easier or safer. Use eBillme next time you are shopping online and take advantage of these great benefits:  free 1% cash back rewards program, best price guarantee, and hundreds of exclusive discounts and deals.

As a host, it is your job to make sure things run smoothly. It all starts with the planning. Figure out a theme for the shower and set a date. A bridal shower traditionally is four to six weeks before the wedding itself. If you feel stressed as a host, consider asking other bridesmaids or close friends for help.

Figure out a menu for the shower. Decide if you want a  full course meal, or just appetizers and snacks.

Send out invitations a month before, make sure the guest list includes women and friends from the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be’s families.

On the day of the shower:
Start out by welcoming guests with an appetizing buffet style table of food, snacks, desserts. Then have the guests get settled and introduce themselves, and how they know the bride-to-be.  Play a few “shower games” and then if a bigger meal is offered-make sure the guests are served, and then have the bride open her presents. Let the guests chat and mingle but end the shower within two hours of its start time.

For some great bridal shower game ideas check out this Shower Games from About.com.

If you are still wondering what to you get the bride-to-be for her bridal shower? Think about something that the bride could actually use for her wedding, something like a cake topper, cake server,  lingerie, or perfume.

For more gift ideas,  check out eBillme’s bridal shower gifts. With more than 800 online merchants, anyone can find the perfect gift for their bride-to-be. 

And be sure to check out our Wedding gift ideas too! Look for great deals and amazing gift ideas from eBillme’s Wedding retail specialists, including: My Jewelry Box, Scentiments, Sea of Diamonds, Wedding Rings Depot, Wrapables.com,  and more.

Brought to you by eBillme – the leader in secure cash payments.  www.eBillme.com

According to wedding etiquette, the guests have up to a year to give a gift to the couple, however it is usually expected at the wedding or when the couple gets back from their honeymoon.

So the big question is, what do you give the happy couple? This question is dependent on several factors like your relationship with the groom/bride or how long you have known them – but something to keep in mind, give what you can AFFORD. However, you may want to consider giving a more generous gift if you plan on bringing a date or your family along for a night full of food and fun. Spend what you feel is appropriate, and do NOT take into consideration the “price-per-plate” of the reception. If you are short on cash, consider going in with other family members or friends to purchase a gift.

Wedding gifts are traditionally things/items to help the new couple start their lives together. Something like a washer/dryer combo, flatware set, bakeware or even a gift basket. As a guest, you have to decide how personal you want your gift to be, whether you want to choose something unique, go the safe route (gift registry) or give the always appreciated, a cash gift .

Contrary to popular belief, a registry is generally created for convenience, not a set in stone guide of what you have to purchase. Any thoughtful gift is appreciated, so if you are looking for something more personal and unique, go with something off the registry items.

Check out eBillme’s Wedding Gift ideas for couples, or for gifts specific to the bride or groom.

Cheers to the Happy Couple!

PoolDawg offers a huge selection of 3,000+ pool cues, pool cue cases, billiards and game room supplies; check out the pool cue’s on PoolDawg, meeting your playing needs-offering everything from starter/children’s, limited edition, sports, to traditional pool cues.

As the colder seasons approach, and football season begins, sports bars and basements across the country will naturally be packed with sports fans and pool players.  Why not get a head start on your pool-playing skills and start practicing now?

Free shipping with orders $75.00 and up, same day shipping (when ordered by 1 p.m. mst) and guaranteed satisfaction.

Save $10.00 when you spend $100 or more and checkout with eBillme and use this coupon code.

Have fun shopping & see you at the Billards table!

1. Interest  and fees

One of the quickest ways to throw you off your budget plans and lower your credit score is to acquire credit card debt while you are in school. Try your best to avoid credit and fees at all costs. One great way to do this, is to use eBillme when you shop online.

2. Debt from student loans

As every college graduate knows the debt and fees from student loans are going to make an immediate impact on your take home pay. Try to avoid adding to this outgoing debt by avoiding credit all together

3. Legislation limiting credit

A direct quote from the fivecentnickel.com website, “The House version limits issuers from extending credit to those under the age of 18 and also limits college students to a single card with the credit limit being governed by the students income. The Senate version goes further, requiring those under the age of 21 to have a cosigner or otherwise provide proof of income.”

4. Teen pay

If you’re a student and you don’t have access to online bill pay through your bank, eBillme has another great suggestion for you, when you checkout simply click “teen pay” and enter the email address of a parent (or other person) and the ebill will be sent directly to them.

5. Online security

To pay a bill you log in directly to your own online bank, pay cash at one of our 75,000+ walk-in locations, or send an ebill. Your personal financial information is kept completely private by your own bank, hidden from the prying eyes of hackers and identity thieves.

6. Price guarantee

If you can find the same item at a lower cost somewhere else, simply file a claim with eBillme and we will pay the difference.

7. Promos

There are always promotions running with eBillme merchants.  Check out eBillme’s shop page, where we feature our deal of the day, selected merchant and other coupons.

8. Walk-In Payments

eBillme offers over 75,000 walk-in locations, where you can pay your bill in person. Simply choose walk-in at the checkout page, eBillme will ask for your zip code and provide you with several locations close to your home/dorm.

9. Cash back rewards

Get paid to shop with eBillme, get 1% cash back as soon as you earn ten dollars in rewards, you can redeem them at any one of eBillme’s great merchants.

10. Accessibility

If you shop online, odds are you have seen eBillme at checkout, and with over 800 great merchant sites like Shoebuy, Scentiments, Buy.com and Sears you will definitely be able to find what you need while avoiding the costly fee’s and interest associated with credit.

Good luck shopping!

1. Shutter island

Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese once again teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio in this spine-chilling thriller. When U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) arrives at the asylum for the criminally insane on Shutter Island, what starts as a routine investigation quickly takes a sinister turn. As the investigation unfolds and Teddy uncovers more shocking and terrifying truths about the island, he learns there are some places that never let you go. You can purchase Shutter Island from Buy.com for just $21.60.

2. Dear John

It was two weeks that would change their lives forever. Soon after John (Channing Tatum – Public Enemies, G.I. Joe) and Savannah (Amanda Seyfried – Mamma Mia, TV’s Big Love) fall madly in love, their relationship is put on hold. With one leaving to complete his service, and the other to complete her college education, they pass the time by exchanging a continuous stream of love letters, until they can be reunited permanently a year later. But when war breaks out their separation is extended indefinitely. Will their relationship survive the greatest test of all: the test of time? Based on the bestselling novel from the author of The Notebook, Dear John is a timeless romance that will warm your heart. You can purchase Dear John from Buy.com for just $21.21.

3. Alice In Wonderland

Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice for a fantastical new adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Burton. Inviting and magical, Alice In Wonderland is an imaginative new twist on one of the most beloved stories of all time. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny.You can purchase Alice In Wonderland from Buy.com for just $19.99.

4. The Book Of Eli

Eli walks alone in post-apocalyptic America. He heads west along the Highway of Death on a mission he doesn’t fully understand but knows he must complete. In his backpack is the last copy of a book that could become the wellspring of a revived society. Or in the wrong hands the hammer of a despot. Denzel Washington is Eli who keeps his blade sharp and his survival instincts sharper as his quest thrusts him into a savage wasteland and into explosive conflict with a resourceful warlord (Gary Oldman) set on possessing the book. You can purchase The Book of Eli from buy.com for just $20.51!

5. Cop Out

1. Camo Gear

This season, Camo is everywhere, a hot item for boys and girls of all ages.  Send your kids back to school in style.  Check out this boys Camo Shirt from Kmart.com for only $5.98. You can’t beat that!

2. The North Face outerwear

Warm and fashionable, seen everywhere on college campuses in the fall and winter. Pricier than the camo, but well worth the extra spend and everyone has one! Check out this blue Denali Hoodie.

3. Skinny Jeans

Popular for boys and girls, skinny jeans are perfect for young ones with tennis shoes or for older teen girls complemented by a cute pair of high heels. Check out these boys Levi 510 jeans.

4. Denim Leggings

For girls,  denim leggings give the appearance of skinny jeans, but without the skin tight waist and discomfort. Relax and stay comfortable while still giving the appearance of real skinny jeans. Check out these stretch leggings from Kmart.com.

5.  Scarves

Perfect for the fall and winter months or just to dress up a tank top, scarves (heavy and lightweight) are a cute way to complete or add color to your favorite outfit.

6. Military Jackets

A great way to add a twist to a basic tee and jeans, military jackets will keep you looking stylish.

7. Basic Screen T’s

For guys and gals, screen tees are always fashionable and comfortable. Boys can pair them with a pair of jeans, while girls can dress them up with accessories.

8. Watches

What used to just be a way to tell time, watches are now a popular accessory for any outfit. With more choices than ever before, watches are a way to add sophistication to your look.

9. Belts

Whether its a belt to hold your jeans up, or a thick belt to cinch around your waist, lots of belts in many varieties are a must-have this season!

10. Leather Jackets

Like military jackets, leather jackets add style to the simplest of outfits, making you look polished and ready for a night out.

With the suggestions above, you should be set for  Back to School. Good Luck! For deals on all your must-have needs, checkout all of the eBillme offers, coupons and rebates.