Smart Shopper Tip #1: Get Paid to Shop

I know a lot of people hate shopping online, whether it be because they have a hard time ordering the right size or having to pay shipping and handling costs; but after much experience, I've officially dubbed myself an online shopping expert.

My first big trick of the trade? Get paid to shop online! 

Let me introduce you all to Ebates.

It's a website that gives you cash back when you purchase things off websites (when directed to off the Ebates site.) Aside from the cash back, it also gives a list of coupons, promo codes, and exclusive offers on their products.

Many different stores offer cash back through Ebates, such as: Nordstrom, Sephora, Target, Patagonia, Macy's, J. Crew, Nike, Bloomingdales, Victoria's Secret, Express, Piperlime, etc. -Those are just some of my favorites, but you can see the LONG list  of other sites here.

I usually just browse online, per usual, and before I put anything into my shopping cart, I'll head over to Ebates to see if they are on the list of websites that offer cash back. If it isn't, oh well, but if it is... All you have to do is click the link and it directs you over to the site through your Ebates account. The cash back percentage will then be credited to your account after your purchase. 

I recently ordered a pair of Jack Rogers off of Nordstrom and used Ebates. Here's how it works:

1. After making an account, log into Ebates. Search the store, and click on the big orange "Shop Now" button. -It'll then redirect you to the online store.

2. Shop, check out, and purchase, just as you normally would. *For Nordstrom, there was 5% cash back. My purchase was for $104.95. 

3. After your order has been confirmed by the store, you'll get an e-mail from Ebates saying your account has been credited. *An amount of $5.25 was credited to my "Cash Pending."

4. Every 3 months you'll get the cash back for all of the purchases you've made since the last time a check was sent. *I currently have a total of $10.89 in my Cash Pending which will be sent to me in a check on August 15th.

-You can even change the way you get your cash back to either: a "Big Fat Check", PayPal, or to a charity of your choice.

It's really that simple... and NOT a scam. For those of you skeptical of how this is even possible it is because the stores pay a percentage of their sales to Ebates for marketing and therefore creating traffic to their site, Ebates then shares a portion of that amount back to their users. I only briefly talked about the program in this post, but if you're still confused you can look at their FAQ.

Whenever I forget to check if I could get a cash back and order something without using Ebates, I always kick myself for it. I think of it like: I was going to make this purchase regardless of getting cash back or not... and now I'll eventually get a few bucks back later on that can buy me lunch one day.

Online shopping can have its perks!

For signing up and making my first purchase, Ebates sent me a $10 gift card to Target for FREE (they also offer gift cards to Barnes & Noble, The Home Depot, Magazines.come, and Ebates). If you guys are interested, here is my referral link. I think it's definitely something to check out, you have nothing to lose.

Will any of you try to use Ebates for your next online purchase? -I hope so!!

xo, cheri

STYLE GUIDE: Memorial Day

STYLE GUIDE: Memorial Day by cheriiiii featuring stretch jewelry

Old Navy Women's Flag-Print String Bikini; J. Crew Cabochon and Crystal Stretch Bracelet;
Free People Faded Flag Scarf; GAP White Jeggings; J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank; Tory Burch Sandals;  Crislu Colored Center Stone Sapphire Ring; Essie Red Nail Polish Shade

It's officially time to break out the white jeans without the fashion police hunting you down!

Pair them up and show your respect by mixing them with your red and blues this Monday.

(A lot of the pieces I listed could be traded out for cheaper alternatives.)

Enjoy the weekend!

xo, cheri

Beach Bags for any Budget

Even though it's FAR from beach weather here on the shoreline of CT, I've been teasing myself by looking at bikinis and beach totes for the summer. The great thing about beach bags is that you don't have to spend a fortune for a practical and stylish tote.

Here's a few of my favorites!

$22.95 from Something Greek

For all of my sorority girls, this tote with sewn on letters is perfect! Last summer, I actually saw a sister from another chapter sporting a similar one on the beach in my town. I was too chicken to go over and say anything to her, but what a great conversation piece and fun way to connect with other sisters it can be!

Custom Boat and Tote Bag

$34.95-$49.95 from L.L. Bean

There's  also totes with regular monograms, too!

Natural Sequin Straw Tote

$39.99 from TARGET

Boho-Chic and CHEAP! Never underestimate Target for cute clothes and accessories! The sequins will look gorgeous shimmering in the sunlight!

Volcom Fooled You Beach Cooler Bag

$49.50 from PacSun

Striped and leather strapped beach bag. The best part about it? The inside is a cooler! Perfect for storing some fresh fruit, waters, or Mike's Hard Lemonades to cure your dehydration on a hot summer day ;)

Lilly Pulitzer Shoreline Tote

$98 from Lilly Pultizer

This bag SCREAMS summer. I love the pattern and bright colors!

Sperry Top-Sider Beach Tote

$99.99 from Sperry Top-Sider

Simple and nautical!

Shell Beach Tote

$114.99 from vineyard vines

Love the casual feel this bag has. I have another bag by vineyard vines that has put up with 2 years of me lugging around my laptop and books to and from class everyday. Even though it may be a little pricey, I'm sure it's durable and will last you through many summers!

Look out for a follow up post on my beach bag essentials, soon! 

xo, cheri

vineyard vines flash sale TODAY!

20% off everything at vineyardvines.com from 12-2PM today when you use the promotional code "dive20" at check-out.

I am the happiest girl going to be SO broke after this.

Essie's Bikini So Teeny Summer 2012 Collection

I've continuously fell in and out of love with polishes by OPI, China Glaze, Sally Hansen, etc. But there's always one brand that's never steered me wrong. Essie. A favorite of mine by far, I love the formula, brush,  and all of the beautiful colors they come out with in every collection.

I mentioned in an earlier post of wanting to get my hands on Lights from their Poppy Razzi Collection, but after I saw pictures of their newest collection (available on June 1st) I will definitely be adding a few more to the list of  polishes that I need to pick up! I'm so impressed/obsessed with these brights summer colors.

From left to right:

1. Cascade Cool: Blue-toned-carnation pink. Not to start off on a sour note, but... At first I thought, HANDS-DOWN, this one would be my favorite out of the whole collection, but after seeing a swatch of it on Polish You Pretty I was really disappointed. It just wasn't bright enough for me! It seems more appropriate for a wedding or prom than spending a day at the beach.

2. Fear or Desire: This polish makes me beg to differ with Elle Woods when she says "Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed." This is a BEAUTIFUL tangerine color that's perfect for a LOT of skin tones.

3. Mojito Madness: A unique lime polish that seems refreshing and a perfect splash of color for any outfit. I love how Essie included a GREEN (not mint) color in the collection, it's so summery yet often forgotten about!

4. Off the Shoulder: a beach-Barbie shade of hot pink... which NOBODY can EVER have too many of. Definitely a great choice to put on your toes!

5. All Tied Up: A rich and rosey-bronzed shimmery hued polish. Not like the other bright polishes in the collection, but still an awesome shade for summer.

6. Bikini So Teeny: A pastel periwinkle/ Carolina Blue color with some subtle shimmer. I'm usually not too fond of blue nails, but this may make me change my mind. It has the cutest name and will look stunning against a tan.

The only thing I'm kind of disappointed about is that there is no bright yellow shade! Com'mon Essie! -"She wore an itsy-bitsy-TEENY-weeny-YELLOW-polka-dot-BIKINI". Oh well!

Essie polishes usually cost around $8 at any convenience or beauty supply store, but if you plan on buying the whole set or a bunch of other polishes, check out Trans Design for a discounted price. The shipping is a bit pricey, but if you're buying in bulk, it's worth it!

What do you think of the collection?!

xo, cheri

'Tis the Season to be FIT...

The problem I have with getting in shape isn't running for hours and ending up in the exact same place you started on a treadmill or the crunches that I always seem to lose count of.. it's physically getting me out of bed and TO the gym.

I love the rush I get after a good work-out. -Once I get that feeling, I always promise myself I'm really going to start making this a habit... but soon enough, I find myself taking a 2-month break in between sessions.

Since it's summer, I don't have the lousy excuses of: having to cram for an exam or having sorority events to attend. AND because, in the summer, you have to bare more skin... I've made a promise to myself to GET FIT.

I have two goals:
1. Get back to the body I had PRIOR to the "Freshman 15"
2. Run a 5k. (To some, a 5k might be NBD, but I've had this goal for a while and I still have yet to accomplish it.)

How will I stay motivated? -Shopping, of course. I swear it's the answer to any problem.

Need a reason to go to the gym? -How about getting use out of all of the cute work-out clothes? Ditch the ratty old Gildan T-Shirts from high school and invest in some quality work-out clothes that are comfortable and that will help enhance your work-out.

I-I-I-I Work Out by cheriiiii featuring nike activewear

1. bebe Headband
2. Champion Sports Bras (My person favorite!)
3. Nike Tempo Track Shorts (aka NORTS, I live in these!)
4. lululemon wunder under pants (the best thing I've ever worn...EVER)
5. Work Out Tank Tops (Dri-Fit is always a plus!)
6. Sneakers (I linked a pair I like better!)
7. Nike Pro Combat Shorts
8. Camelbak Water Bottle (Drink 24% MORE water)

There's a part 2. With all the exercise you'll be doing (in your cute new gear), soon enough you'll be back into beach-body shape. Just in time for summer! -Reward yourself with that bikini or crop top you've been eyeing!

Be sure to flaunt what you've worked so hard to get ;)

xo, cheri

Wanna see more of my motivation/inspiration? Check out my Fitness Pinterest Board, HERE.

School's Out for Summer!

               Summer Staples by cheriiiii featuring summer sandals

I'm officially done with my Sophomore year of college, it's unbelievable how fast time goes by... In my K-12 years I'd probably have a count down started as soon as Christmas was over, but I can't say that I feel the same anticipation now. I hate saying goodbye to my sorority sisters and realizing how different it'll be next year with all of my senior friends graduating. 

It's hard to believe that it's summer with the weather so gloomy hereSo, what am I looking forward to? -GETTING BRONZED & showing it off with some cute outfits to complement it! I put together a list of a few things I plan on purchasing/re-purchasing once I get some money saved up!

1. Essie's Lights. OH MY GOD, I HAVE FOUND THE SUMMER SHADE. Don't believe me? Check out this swatch, courtesy of Polish You Pretty. I saw a friend wear this and knew I had to have it. If you ask me, you can never have too many pink polishes... especially one this gorgeous. Bright hot pink toes are always my go to, can't wait to get my hands on it (...or it on my hands)!

2. Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt. Perfect pull over for cold nights by the beach. I can't decide if I want the classic navy, or to go for the white? Decisions, decisions...

3. Chino Shorts. I'm completely out of my Abercrombie & Fitch coochie cutter shorts stage. THANK GOODNESS, wish I listened to my mother when she'd yell at me for leaving the house with them on... I plan on getting these in like, every color from J.Crew.

4. Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses. I feel like I have SUCH bad luck with sunglasses, so I don't know if I'll get the ones from Rayban or a knock off version of them. Either way, love these!

5. Alex and Ani Bangles. I'll probably do a separate post dedicated to them, but until then-  know that I am OBSESSED with these bracelets. They're great to layer with other bracelets/watches to achieve the arm candy trend seen all over Tumblr and Pinterest.  They're Eco Friendly, reasonably priced, and so stylish. Check them out!

6. Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinte.  Once summer rolls around I say GOODBYE to my liquid foundation and replace it with a tinted moisturizer on days I feel that I need coverage. It's moisturizing, evens out my skin tone, feels light on my skin, and has SPF30! A lot of hype goes to Benefit's You Rebel tinted moisturizer, but I'm just not sold on it. If you're looking for a tinted moisturizer, definitely try this!

7. White FOSSIL Watch. I LOVE watches, but I'm not always willing to spend $250 for Michael Kors. I was looking for a white one to pop against my tan skin, without breaking the bank, and came across this one. I was AMAZED at how many FOSSIL has to choose from.

8.  Coozies. The ultimate summer accessory. This one is from vineyard vines, but you can find them anywhere. Perfect for hanging out by the pool, at the beach, or nights with friends! ;)

9. Jack Rogers Sandals. I normally wouldn't spend this much for sandals, but just last week I was in the middle of campus when my Bakers' sandals broke. I was so disappointed that they only made it through one season. These might be a splurge, but I've heard they're totally worth it.

10. Sports Bras. Time to get back into bikini shape, girls! As soon as I get back to my hometown I'm signing up for the gym! I'll be spending most of my time in these, paired with matching Norts of course!

10...and a 1/2. STARFISH ACCESSORIES. Last summer I picked up these hair clips, I 100% recommend this shop. They came beautifully packaged, well made, and the owner was so sweet! I got so many compliments on them. I love starfish accessories in the summer, they're so beachy and mermaid-esque! I either want to get earrings, or a stud for my cartilage piercing.

What are your summer essentials?

Perfect song on the radio,

Sing along 'cause it's one we know,

It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's summertime,

Sweet summertime.

xo, cheri