You've Gotta Know About...Ebates

I've decided to start a Back-to-School series since we are rapidly approaching that dreaded time of year once again. So, to get things started here's a look at something I thought you've just gotta know about before diving into your back to school shopping routine. At the end there should be some really great links for coupons and other amazing things so keep a look out!

There I was just scrolling through Instagram one day a couple of months ago when I see this...

In case you can't see, boys and girls, that's a lovely little check for almost $600! Definitely worthy of "amazing" and "omg!" in my opinion. 

After reading the description and finding out that she actually earned this check by shopping online through a website called Ebates I thought, "Oh well, I could never get as lucky to have something like that happen to me" and went on about my day. 

It wasn't until a few weeks later when I was shopping around online that I thought about the site again and decided to check it out for myself.
I was shocked by how many stores (or sites really) participated in the partnership with Ebates. 
See, Ebates pairs up with these sites to sort of advertise for them and even offer coupons directly from their site in and in exchange for moving costumer's toward the store's site the store actually gives Ebates a percentage of the money from your purchase. Ebates, being the kind folk that they are, then just returns that percentage to you!
How cool is that?

If you've been around here a bit longer than a minute than you might be able to guess that some of my favorite sites to shop on involve beauty products and clothing...shocking, right?
Well, that can be a bit of a drain on the bank account but getting a bit of that money back makes things far less painful. 

So, you now know how Ebates gets the money now let's talk about how the money gets to you. Once you got to Ebates, pick the store you want to shop on, activate Cash Back (all that involves is clicking the pop up that comes at the to of the screen), and make your purchase you will see that your little (or big) shopping trip has been recorded in your Ebates account.
After a couple of days you'll see that that shopping trip has now turned into Cash Back! 

My first experience with Ebates was great. After signing up I added the Ebates extension to Google Chrome so that I would be alerted every time I was on a site that worked with Ebates. So there I was renewing my subscription to Microsoft Office when the little pop up alerted me that I could activate Cash Back prior to checking out, so I did. 
I only purchased a month's worth of Office access which came out to around $7, a few days later I noticed that my Ebates account said that my purchase had qualified me for $10 back. That's right. I made $3 just from shopping online. 
Not bad.
Since I had made my first purchase through the site Ebates went on to inform me that I was eligible for a $10 gift card to a store of my choosing (they gave me like 3 options I think) so I picked a Walmart gift card because those suckers are always handy.
After making another purchase worthy of $10 back the quarter was up and I was sent my Big Fat Check AND my gift card.
All in all, I made $30 extra bucks from 2 online shopping ventures that cost me less than $10 each. 
I'll say it again...not bad.

Ebates breaks the year into quarters meaning that if you're a frequent Ebates user you could see a Big Fat Check every 3 months. However, if you're like me and trying to save up your cash like crazy you might see that you're Cash Back rewards are pretty low. That's okay, if your rewards amount to less than $5.01 then Ebates will just roll that money over to your next check. No worries. 

Another awesome thing about Ebates? You can choose 3 different forms of payment...the Big  Fat Check through the mail, PayPal, or if you're an incredibly generous soul you can even have your check sent to a family member or a charity organization. Pretty sweet if you ask me.

If you're not convinced enough then let me show you just how much cash you can get back from stores you know you love

Apple Store - 3% Cash Back
Forever 21 - 4% Cash Back
Sephora & ULTA - 4% Cash Back
American Eagle - 5.3% back on jeans, 4% everything else
Gap - 8% Cash Back
TOMS - 10% Cash Back + a really great coupon code
Proactiv+ - 30% Cash Back

This is just a small portion of the sites available to shop from Ebates but when you think about it that's some serious Cash Back on all your Back-to-School needs. 

If you're finally on board and you just can't wait to get your hands on one of those Big Fat Checks then I highly suggest you click the link below to sign up to Ebates immediately...it's definitely worth it.

EBATES INVITE LINK

EBATES COUPONS!

I hope you've enjoyed this look at the awesomeness that is Ebates.

Leave me a comment below letting me know what you think of the site and if you signed up.

until next time,

xo

Merisa

Follow Friday

Hey guys! 

So apparently I decided to take a little blogging break over Spring Break this year, even though I had every intention to do the opposite. But oh well, I'm here now and I thought since I'm away I would do a quick Follow Friday post. 

However, this is gonna be a little different from my previous Follow Friday posts...this one's just going to be a shameless plug! :) 

Because, really, if you like what we've got going on here at Monogrammed Magnolias then I would like to think that you'd love my other social media outlets so let's get to it!

Twitter!

You can follow me, @angelmerisa23 by clicking this link ---> Follow Me!

I love Twitter and think it's a great way to keep up to date on everything from Awards Season, March Madness, or what the girl in front of you in Stats class is really thinking. Plus, Twitter has turned into my main news source nowadays. That's how I found out that my childhood favorite band's lead singer had a baby...and made a video about it...which you should so totally watch below! 

(I know that's incredibly random but it's gone crazy viral and I wanted to include it, 

plus it's is seriously the cutest thing ever!)

Instagram!

Hi, my name's @angelmerisa23 and I'm addicted to Instagram. 

I try not to be a typical white girl but sometimes you've just gotta post a lunch time pic...plus, I'm obsessed with photo editing so if your Starbucks pic features some cool filter or frame it'll probably get a like from me no matter what. 

Pinterest!

I know I throw this phrase around a lot but I am...OBSESSED with Pinterest! Like seriously, it's kinda crazy...I've got over 50 boards and 7K+ pins...that means you should definitely follow me!

SIDE NOTE: I started this post then the Kansas State/UK game came on and it's no longer Friday but I am determined to get this post together...perseverance is the motto! By the way, we're winning! Go CATS!

Tumblr!

Tumblr is like my guilty pleasure...which is probably what every Tumblr user says but it's also like my baby blog and where I go to complain to the internet without fear of my grandma seeing it...thanks, Facebook.

 follow me at angelintheoutfield.tumblr.com

Spotify!

This is a crazy one because honestly I don't think a lot of people know about Spotify but I've had it for like years now and it's like the best of both worlds between Pandora and iTunes...a music library with literally every type of music ever! I'm not so sure how the whole music sharing stuff goes with Spotify but they recently made it to where you can download their app to your phone (I've been using the desktop version until now) and listen to playlists on the go. You can check out my playlists that range from my obsession with anything British to music for my Southern Belle soul! 

to check out my Spotify playlists click THIS LINK!

 Thanks so much guys I hope you've enjoyed this peek into my social media world, feel free to follow me on any of the sites mentioned! Thanks!

until next time, darlings

xo

Merisa

How I De-Stress

Like it or not the stress of this semester is creeping up on us and after the insanity of last semester (I still have nightmares reliving the finals week from hell) I refuse to let all that stress bring me down. 

So, I've started to do a little personal research on what exactly helps me to destress and the results were quite overwhelming...so of course, I had to share them! Duh!

• Have a Cup of Tea: Now, this might just be the fact that I was meant to British and the stork just got lost on its way across the Atlantic but there is really nothing more calming, warming, and relaxing than a nice cup of tea. It really is a great way to wind down from the day. I seriously suggest a vanilla chai, but that's just me. 
  
• Yoga: I freaking love yoga! So much so that I'm actually researching yoga a little right now and do it whenever I can fit it in, I may have done it in the shower while waiting for my deep conditioner to set in. :) Plus, it's way more than just stretching, like it's kinda mind blowing. I highly suggest you look into yoga a little for yourself because you just might find that it's a really great relaxation tool for you too!
• Make a List: Seriously, though even making a list of the tasks at hand or goals for the week can help my stress levels drop. Also, nothing is better than checking off those pesky tasks. It's a good way to keep yourself on track too. And yes, I have "Make a List" typed out in a list, deal with it. 
  
• Take a moment: I cannot stress how important this is for my destressing. I've realized that a lot of my stress is actually caused when I start to panic about things that are a little nerve racking or just not something I want to do. So, in those times of stress I just step away for a second and do something I actually want to do. Depending on my mood that can be anything from Tumble a little, text a friend, creep on Instagram, or get a few yoga moves in. Find what works for you but remember not to let your responsibilities slip away from you (ohemgee, I sound like my mother!).
• Dance it Out!: I'd like to thank the girls of Grey's Anatomy for this little habit I've developed. (seriously, if you haven't seen stressed out surgeons dance around in their underwear than I don't know if we can be friends.) It sounds a little ridiculous but even picking one song and just dancing around your room can get you moving and your blood flowing. Plus, what did we learn from Elle Woods in the Brooke Windham trial?
  

I hope some of these tips can help you keep your head on straight this semester! Good luck, lovelies!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

My Latest Obsession: Ashley Brooke Designs

In case you couldn't tell from the title, I am obsessed with Ashley Brooke Designs and just have to share her amazingness with you guys! 

I honestly can't remember where I first heard of this diamond brand but I follow her on Instagram 

(If ya wanna see some extra cute sneak peeks at her blog posts and product offerings you should definitely follow her too!)

and she blows me away with how she styles her products. Speaking of her products, she sells the cutest most swoon-worthy items on her website and my dream would be to own one of everything!

Seriously, how cute are these mugs? They're all over Instagram and Tumblr!

Dream Big Mug, Miss Fancy Pants Mug, Dollface Mug

Something else that's just downright fabulous about ABD?

She does customizations and brand consultations!

Translation: You can work with her directly to create your own personalized Ashley Brooke Design and even get ABD to help you build the perfect brand for your blog or business!

I am in love with the personal stationery she has available.

The Tailored Collection: Fancy Girl is kinda the perfect way to get your name out there and would make a really great addition to your own personal stationery collection.

I'm hoping to pick up a few of these for my Monogrammed Magnolias contributors! Too cute!

Speaking of Monogrammed Magnolias, how perfect are these Collegiate Couple cards for all you belles and your beaus? I'm partial to the Crimson couple (Roll Tide Roll!) but there are plenty of other color customizations available too!

In case that doesn't have you hooked yet, she even has t-shirts and tanks...

(if this Work It tank doesn't get you motivated I don't know what will)

...and she has notepads that are a blogger's dream. A pretty place to write down all my Happy Thoughts and Brilliant Ideas? I'm totally in and will be picking up some very soon!

I hope y'all check out her site because by the looks of it, it's only going to get better!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

OMG! I forgot to include one of my absolute favorites!
Every month ABD shares a free download on her site to use as wallpaper for any of your devices from your phone to your desktop.
This month's features from favorite quote from Inception.

Click Here to download your own from the site (be sure to do it from a desktop) and check back every month for new goodies!
Whew, glad I got that in! 

all pictures above are from Ashley Brooke Designs and ashleybrookedesigns.com.

This was not a paid or sponsored post, all statements above are my own personal opinions.

Madness Monday!

This is going to be a super quick post because today is the true definition of Madness Monday and I am super behind on homework (I have two reviews to write for Comparative Government AND a research paper for World Mythology, which is about Harry Potter so at least I have that to look forward to!) but I'm also super behind on blog stuff and don't want to neglect my fellow Monogrammed Magnolias!

So here it is folks, a super quick run-down of my favorite and most used apps on my phone! Woo!

I hope you enjoy!

This is my home screen which is filled with my most used apps and my Lilly print background, that I adore!
I am Instagram obsessed! As you'll see in the next screen shot, I post a lot of pictures and love photo editing apps too! (A Beautiful Mess is amazing for fun stickers and borders!) Feel free to go creep! Haha

Next up I have Twitter, which I use more like a news app. Like seriously, if something happens at my school 99% of the time I'm going to find out about it on Twitter. It's good to stay in the know.

I love my avi and background! Don't be freaked out too much my the name @prissasizzle, I've had it since high school (my friend came up with it) and I seriously just can't come up with anything as creative. But you should totally follow me, it's hard telling what kind of craziness is going to come to my kind and end up on twitter! Haha! Plus, it's a great way to keep up with the blog too!

I'm absolutely addicted to Tumblr, my best friend and I can literally monitor each other's moods by the amount of stuff we tumble! (angelintheoutfield.tumblr.com if you wanna check it out!)

Now, I know I've already said it like a billion times about my other apps but I am seriously obsessed with addicted to Pinterest!

I am always on Pinterest, in case you couldn't tell by almost 6,000 pins! Eek! That's a lot! It is seriously the best place to find anything and everything! Check it out if you're not already addicted like me.
Next is the Bloglovin' app which you should totally follow Monogrammed Magnolias on! You can read a little bit more about it in our previous Bloglovin' post.
Also, the Blogger app, which I'm typing this on right now actually. It is super handy for random uploads on the go. I also have the YouTube app which is how I keep up to date on all my favorite British YouTubers and Beauty Gurus! I'm addicted to Itunes Radio, as you can see I don't have Pandora listed on my home screen anymore, that's because the Music app has taken it's place. Sorry Pandora!
I'm a self-proclaimed Sephora addict, if you couldn't already tell by following this blog and seeing the many products I accumulate from them. The iphone app is super great because it lures me into shopping on the go or even in between classes. Way to go, Sephora! This next app, Silk, is actually one I downloaded after receiving a coupon to get it free from the Sephora app (see, always helpful!). It is so relaxing and reminds me of those scrolling, spinny things I had when I was little (sorry, I have no clue what it was called) that let you make pictures using spinning stencils.
Here's an example:

You can change the color and shape you make so when I'm having a super stressful moment I just pull out my phone and draw a few doodles. It works too!
The Weather Channel app is sorta obvious, I hope. I use Newsstand to read my issues of British Cosmopolitan, which I am also obsessed with.

Then I have two very special apps: Glo Bible and Elevation Church! I love these so much because they are so perfect for a girl-on-the-go like myself. When I'm in a particularly stressful or challenging moment I can pull up a sermon from Elevation Church and get a little more control and peace over myself then I can use Glo Bible to look up verses and reflect on the sermon I just listened to. A super amazing set of apps and I highly recommend them!

To finish off the set I have Student TA and Event Book which are really great apps to keep all of my school, work, extracurriculars, and even blog activities organized. They both sync with the Calendar app to keep everything together.
I hope you've enjoyed that look into my Iphone and all of my favorite apps! This post actually wasn't as quick as I thought it would be so I'm off to finish my paper on the Perils of Presidentialism versus the Parliamentary System! The struggles of a Political Science major.
xo
aFm