Summer Fun Guide: The All-American Barbeque

Barbeques, camping, swimming, kayaking, biking, beaches, outdoor concerts, boat rides, fishing, drive-in movies, campfires, road trips, sunshine, lemonade, warm air, hiking, s’mores, just a few of our favorite things that spell out Summer…It’s time to gear up for a fun-filled summer and DealDash can help with our Summer Fun Guide Series. Starting with the great American pastime:
The All-American Barbeque
Barbeque comes from the Spanish word Barbacoa which means, “a framework for sticks set upon posts.” Meat and fish were placed on the posts and slowly cooked to perfection.
Back in the 1950s and ’60s, the barbeque was introduced as a staple in the American way of life. Entertaining with barbeques at family celebrations, weekends, gatherings with friends and family, or just for the fun of it became a part of the American lifestyleway of life and it still is to this day. Today’s grills make it even easier then it was back in the ’50s to barbeque.
DealDash has a variety of different grills and grilling tools and accessories to fit everyones grilling style and lifestyle.
deals-on-grills
You could get great deals on a Char-Broil Santa Fe Charcoal grill  or a Blue Rhino Charcoal grill. Charcoal grills are not as easy to use as gas grills, but if you love the smoked flavor you really can’t go wrong with a charcoal grill. Charcaol grilling involves more time and energy than gas grilling – in that you have to build and light the charcoal briquettes and wait for the flame to start and believe me, this takes trial and error, but it won’t take too long before you become a grilling pro.
The Char-Broil Santa Fe Charcoal Grill has a 4 out of 5 star review, with 25 customer reviews on Amazon. 

Char-Broil grills let you master the backyard barbecue. This charcoal grill offers 435 Square Inch of porcelain coated cast iron primary surface with an additional 176 Square Inch chrome plated swing-away, giving you plenty of cooking space for all your favorites. From burgers to kebobs, this Char-Broil Santa Fe grill is sure to turn out flavorful meals. It features an adjustable-height fire grate, front access fire door, metal side shelves, cool touch handles, temperature gauge and a bottom storage shelf.

-One reviewer does cite the downside of the grills design, stating that a lot of charcoal is required to run it.
-On the other hand, one happy owner is happy with the easy set up: “Happy to be grilling over coals again! This grill arrived in good shape and ready to assemble; two hours later, I was grilling steak! I’m a woman who has listened to complaints and bandaged bloody knuckles of my husband who had to put together grills in the past. This was so much easier than I thought it might be! Even when instructions suggested I might need an additional person to help, I was able to put it together without any. The only negative is that the coal rack hangs too low, even on it’s highest level. I only need small fires most of the time. I have to build a bigger fire than needed to get (and keep) the box hot. But it’s great when I need to grill for a group!”

The benefits of gas grilling is that it’s much cleaner, easier to use and quick. No messy charchaol or smelly starter fluid and no wait time waitin for the coals to glow. Plus, there’s no ashy mess to clean up after dinner. It just doesn’t impart the grilled flavor like a charcoal grill does.
The Char Broil Quick Set Gas Grill 
Is easier to use than a grill like the Santa-Fe Charcoal grill – but the 3 star review on About.com is due to the low-quality burner, but this is a pretty inexpensive grill retailing at around $100.

  • One dual control low weight stainless steel burner 13,250 BTUs per side
  • 265 square inches of total grilling space (no warming rack)
  • 26,500 BTU total output from the main burners
  • Single push-button piezoelectric igniter
  • Porcelain coated steel wire cooking grates
  • Powder coated steel sheet metal body and frame with plastic side tables
  • Cover and propane tank sold separately

The Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand from Cuisinart
Cuisinart did a great job on this portable gas grill perfect for summer road trips – camping trips, tailgating, beach getaways or anywhere you can take it!petit gourmet grill
Beautifully designed, judging by the 4 star reviews by 243 customers if you want a grill for on-the-go you really can’t go wrong with this one!
One happy reviewer who received the grill as a gift shares, “Here is what it is: A very good portable gas grill that takes a minute or two longer to cook steaks, hamburgers, kabobs, chicken, hot dogs etc. It heats up fast, is easy to start and clean and is extremely portable. I liked it a lot and will use it a great deal this summer. To have a grill that is easily transportable and will work off of small tanks of propane is terrific.”

“The Petit Gourmet doesn’t compromise when it comes to keeping you well fed. Despite the compact size, the grilling surface is large enough to grill eight burgers, eight steaks, six to 10 chicken breasts, or up to 4 pounds of fish. The grill’s superior heating performance stems from the powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and porcelain-enameled grill grate, which combine to heat the grill quickly and evenly to more than 500 degrees F. Whether you’re grilling at a tailgate, on a camping trip with the family, or at the beach after a fun-filled day in the waves, the Petit Gourmet grill will easily feed you and your crowd.”

Not only does DealDash offer deals on barbeque grills, there are tons of accessories too. Here’s just a taste of a few upcoming auctions: 20-Piece BBQ Grill Set by Whetstone, Outset Chimney Grill Starter, Barbeque Grill Covers, Steven Raichlen Stainless Potato Grill Rack, Stainless Grill Shield for Skewers, and a Kenmore 4pc Stainless Steel Grilling Tools Set.

Will you be grilling this summer? Want ideas for what to grill and how?

These Summer Grilling Recipes from Food & Wine Magazine are packed with tips and recipes from famous chef Michael Chiarello.You’ll find recipes for grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, grilled lamb, grilled pork, grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, grilled corn, grilled vegetables, vegetarian grilling,  grilled desserts and how about some Cajun Lemonade? There are some pretty delicious looking recipes for pitcher drinks that go past the traditional lemonade in there too!

Good luck bidding and happy grilling!
 

Win Discount Gift Cards on DealDash

gift card auctions cheapDealDash is one of the best sources for getting gift cards at a discount online. There are over 100 different types of gift cards offered on DealDash, and really if you need to give a gift, or just want to save money on groceries, gas, clothing, food, furniture, or really anything, even spas & hair cuts… You should try bidding on the upcoming gift card auctions!

There’s something for everyone with these gift card auctions. For babies & kids DealDash.com has Children’s Place,  Babies R Us and Toys R Us.
Looking to spruce up your yard or home? There’s Lowes & Home Depot Home Improvement gift cards up for bid.
How about a shopping spree? When you can buy anything from toilet paper to groceries, to designer clothing and accessories, car parts, appliances, furniture, books and so much more, Amazon.com gift cards ranging from $10-$800+ are often offered on DealDash’s penny auctions.
Plus, there’s no better way than to be able to bid on gift cards and then use buy it now if you don’t win, too!
Dining out or gifting a restaurant gift card for a newlywed, friend, grad or just because?
An Outback Steakhouse can be used at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Roy’s; Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin (great veggie burgers, btw), IHOP; Darden Restaurants: Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Red Lobster gift cards, Chili’s if you’re in the mood for something Mexican, Italian: Family style? Buca di Beppo. TGI Friday’s – because in there, it’s always Friday.  LongHorn Steakhouse if you’re a meat lover. Panera Bread offers up great soups, salads and baked goods, great for a quick bite to eat or a lunch date. Fast food junkie, or just need to eat fast? There’s Burger King, Boston Market, Subway, Dunkin Donuts and Arby’s gift cards. Craving good, home country cooking and goodies in a Country Store? Cracker Barrel is the place for you.
Shopping for clothing, shoes or accessories check out gift cards to Gap, also includes Athleta, Piperlime, Banana Republic and Old Navy. Macy’s, Dillard’s and Bloomingdales if you love designer fashion. Tj Maxx, Marshalls and Homegoods if you’re a bargain hunter. JCPenney’s and Kohl’s gift cards, too!
Like to eat in, but have your food delivered? Omaha Steaks ships prime cuts of meat and fresh seafood right to your door.
Like nice soap and lotions? There’s Bath & Body Works gift cards for that!
Looking to plane a trip? American Airlines gift cards – win multiple cards and stack them, for super discounts on airline tickets. You’ll be jetsetting in no time.
Fishing season is here. Check out the Bass Pro Shops gift cards if fishing is your style.
Need just about anything for the house? There’s Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Sears gift cards.
Under the weather or just need beauty or cleaning supplies, or even snacks and electronics? CVS and Walgreen’s gift cards are also offered on a daily basis.
New Shoes: Footlocker gift cards will help you fill up your closet.
Need money to call home there’s even Skype gift cards.
Now this is something, that if you drive, you definitely need. Gas gift cards. Bid on them and if you don’t win them, just buy it now and save your bids to try again next time. Sinclair, Sunoco, BP, Shell, Texaco, ARCO PumpPass, and Philips 66 are all offered.
Health + Fitness: GNC Gift cards.
The Masters make you want to take up golf: Bid and win Golfsmith gift cards.
Bookworm? Barnes & Noble gift cards are for you. Or want to go see a movie? DealDash has AMC Theaters gift cards. Entertainment, food, drinks and fun, check out Dave & Buster’s.
A few dot com businesses are in the mix too: 1-800-Flowers for flowers (just because – everyone could use flowers!), Orbitz.com for travel bookings, Spa Finder to find a spa or hair cut,  Nintendo e-shop, PlayStation or Valve Steam Wallet if you’re a gamer. Apple App Store if your iPhone is looking pretty bare.
It’s almost summer, the weather is warmer that means it’s time for ice cream and slushies… Sonic gift cards will fuel your french fry, burger, malt, shakes, onion rings and ice cream desires.  

Again, if you bid on any of these gift cards and really want them and don’t want to waste bids if you don’t win. Use Buy-it-Now and get all of your bids back to try again next time!
Good luck and Happy Bidding, Shopping and Eating!

Springtime, How-to Spruce Up Your Home With DealDash

Source Robyn Wilson https://www.flickr.com/photos/robynw/10944930
Source Robyn Wilson https://www.flickr.com/photos/robynw/10944930

Spring is a time of renewal, fresh flowers, pastels and time for a clean house. Spring cleaning is really your first step to getting your home ready for spring and summer. I know, it’s not so fun, but DealDash can help you with that – no, there currently aren’t auctions for maids but DealDash does have  a lot of tools that can help you with cleaning!  6 Days and 6 Ways to Get Ready for Spring – Cleaning! there’s a Spring Cleaning Spotify playlist in there too.

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” 
― Leo TolstoyAnna Karenina

You can really get just about anything on DealDash thanks to the wide array of discount gift card auctions and items.
With help from DealDash auctions here’s how you can transform and spruce up your home for the spring season!
1. New paint does wonders to cheer up your bedroom walls. Artistic and colorful, check out this wall project:
This project will take time and patience as you will need to cut up a lot of wood pieces and attach them to your wall in a honeycomb pattern. Then, strategically paint inside a few of the honeycombs will get you an effect similar to this one:
vintage revivals
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beautiful, right? Here’s the before picture:
before
Pictures & the source of this very creative and beautiful project can be found on Vintage Revivals.
Win gift cards to Home Depot & Lowe’s Home Improvement or Sears stores on DealDash.com to purchase paint and wood supplies to make turn your bedroom wall into this beautiful work of art. 
2. Flowers
Flowers are a great just-because gift, even if the flowers are just because it’s spring! Win a 1-800-Flowers gift card on DealDash and surprise yourself with an elegant bouquet of roses or colorful stems of tulips.

flowers bedside
Jennifer Gosnell, Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42995371412777527/

Place flowers on a bedside table or kitchen counter and BAM!, fresh, springy goodness and all you have to do is fill a vase with water!
3. Cheerful Appliances
Swapping out your old, boring – black, industrial looking appliances for fresh and colorful colored ones is also an easy fix and displayed on your countertop Kitchen-Aid mixers in dozens of colors from Ice to Tangerine really are a functional piece of art if you cook.
spring appliances
How about a yellow coffeemaker? DeLonghi on DealDash will really add a pop of color to your kitchen!
—-  Cookies – Flower Sugar Cookies!
Speaking of Kitchen-Aids – after you win a new Kitchen-Aid mixer on DealDash be sure to make these spring flower sugar cookies Here’s the recipe from MarthaStewart.com.
spring cookie recipe
 
4. New cushion Covers or Pillows are a quick and easy way to add color and freshen up your livingroom:
Get pillows like these on Amazon.com, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Home Goods, or Target with the help of a few gift cards on DealDash.
Via Amani Bataineh
Via Amani Bataineh

 
5. Focus on colorful lighting!
Like this Safavieh Green Ceramic Paris lamp would be a perfect bedside addition placed next to your bouquet of flowers- retails for $217, but try to win it before buy it now! Click here to visit the auction page for this item!
 
safavieh lamp
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. New Dishes from Fiestaware will have you thinking spring! 
Not only is it a a colorful, timeless choice – it’s very durable and looks great on any table. While DealDash doesn’t sell Fiesta – you can use your Amazon.com or Macy’s gift cards to buy a set!fiesta ware spring tablesetting
 
Found on thelittleroundtable.com
Do you have any spring-home decor and design ideas? Let us know what you have done with any of your wins and DealDash and we will feature you on DealDashTips.com!
Happy Bidding and Happy Spring! 

Penny Auction Bidding Tips!


gooodadvice

1. The Early Bird Gets The Worm: Wee hours of the morning just may be the best time to place bids. Odds are only the dedicated bidders are up and bidding. Bidding in the morning could be both good and bad for you, as some may be really focused like you are, or others could be about to fall asleep bidding. (Note: Don’t do this yourself!). 
2. Focus: Focus on the item you want to win and only bid on that item! If you don’t pay attention and put a plan of action as to how many bids you are going to place, you are likely to lose easy.
3. Don’t chase two rabbits: There’s an old Confucius saying that goes “If you chase two rabbits, you catch none.” Avoid wasting time, money and bids, only bid on items you want to have if you win them. SO, if you really want this one item, don’t get greedy and distracted and start bidding on 4 other items at the same time. Chances are you will lose one, if not all auctions.
4. Minimize Distractions: Again, I cannot emphasize enough on focusing on the auction you are bidding on. Make sure you take care of what you need to before you start bidding. Don’t bid at work or at school, or when you may have a call or a friend stopping by.
5. FREE Take advantage of free bid promotions and discount sales! DealDash.com (Click here to check out DealDash.com and start bidding) often posts about different bid promotions on their homepage. These bid promotions allow you to save a significant discount after purchasing your first starter bid pack.
Win free bids! DealDash allows bidders to win free bids by sharing pictures with their won items on Twitter and Facebook and Pinterest! You can earn 200 free bids by sharing a photo of you with your DealDash win on Facebook: How to Get Free Bids on DealDash: Post to Facebook, and 50 free bids by pinning it to Pinterest: How to Get Free Bids on DealDash: Pin to Pinterest!, you can also get 50 free bids by sharing a photo with your win on Twitter.

.6. Have Patience. 

“Good things come to those who wait. Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” Napoleon Hill

Be patient! Don’t just throw your bids around like you have hundreds in your account (even if you do). Put on a pokerface, i.e. don’t look like you really want the item by constantly bidding over another bidder, you may just cause everyone else to hold off on bidding for awhile as you take on just 1 or 2 other bidders, this causes you to spend more than you might want to. Bid often, but wait until the timer is at 3 seconds then place a bid. But becareful! Due to Internet latency 3 seconds to you could be 1 second by the time your bid is accepted and placed.
Have you bid on DealDash? We want to know what your favorite tips are! Let us know in the comments section here.