BeChicMag.com

It’s never too early to plan your next vacation. Our lifestyle contributor has one daring suggestion. Do you dare?

By Jessica Bianculli

Looking to kill some time on your next trip to Vegas?

We’re not fans of the NRA, but how about killing time with a semi-automatic weapon? The Gun Store, on E. Tropicana Avenue, is about a $10 cab ride from the popular Vegas strip, and offers an array of weapons to choose from as well as some creative targets.

I recently had the chance to go to Las Vegas for the first time.  In between hitting pool parties, night clubs, casinos and restaurants I visited The Gun Store.  I never shot a gun before, let alone be in the same room with one. And here I was with an AK 47, a beretta, a 50 caliber Desert Eagle and a SAW gun, ready to lock and load.

The Gun Store offers shooting packages that range between $100 – $130.  Each package consists of three different guns with a full round of bullets in each.

I purchased their coalition package.  After getting my head and eye gear on, I picked out my Osama Bin Laden target and had a store employee hand me a pistol, rifle and a saw gun as part of my package.  I got trained on my stance and on how to focus on my target and BAM! I was off on a shooting frenzy! (No one was hurt).

I went with my boyfriend, and it was so much fun to see who got a better shot of their target. Granted, the casinos, clubs and pool parties can be fun but there’s no other experience like getting the chance to shoot an automatic weapon (especially since New York state rules and regulations do not permit shooting ranges to carry automatic weapons.)

Maybe it’s the feeling of power or moxie that drives your adrenaline crazy. Whatever it is, getting to this shooting range is definitely something you should make time for on your next trip to Sin City.

The Gun Store. E. Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. (702) 454.1110

Our health contributor looks into Taco Bell’s 2010 ‘Jared’

By Shelika Baez

Meet Christine. She lost over 54 lbs and feels great! How’d she do it? Well, by eating only from Taco Bell’s new healthier Fresco menu.

If last decade taught us anything, it was that people are willing to go to any extreme in order to achieve “skinny status” of weight loss. Diet fads such as the Atkins, South Beach, Master Cleanse, and Cookie diet just to name a few were among the ringleaders in extreme dieting. Fast Food restaurants also joined in the campaign claiming that not all their food was unhealthy.

One familiar personality pioneering the “fast food can be healthy” campaign was Subway restaurant loving Jared Fogle. Contributing his dramatic weight loss to a Subway only diet changed the face of Fast Food and thus kicking off a domino effect of healthier options on the menus of competitors.

Taco Bell’s infomercial styled ad introducing the new Drive-Thru Diet claims that eating from the seven new lower calorie options will help you shed the pounds. Though we’re not sure we recommend it, visit their Web site and you can even pledge to start your own Taco-bell based diet by filling out a questionnaire.

If we have learned anything from the past is that, there is no shortcut to weight-loss. Eating less calories than what you burn off in exercise is the only way to achieve the healthy weight loss. Here’s hoping Christine doesn’t end falling off the endorsement wagon like Jared!

Happy New Year! I dedicate this post to our loyal readers and viewers who are making BeChicMag.com a success.

When launching in 2006, I envisioned the site to be an online magazine with original content, and that’s exactly what it is today. Our goals are being met everyday as we chat with experts in fashion, beauty and entertainment.

In 2009, we spoke with the best in the industry. From Vera Wang (who gives us a very nice shout out), Christian Siriano, to John Leguizamo, Shecky’s President Claudia Chan, Beyonce’s make-up artist Jackie Gomez, renowned author Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, DJ Lindsay Luv and many more prominent personalities.

BeChic TV began as an experiment where I spoke directly to my MacBook with the built-in camera reviewing the latest book, movie or make-up product. Today, BeChic TV is more than just tutorials and reviews; it’s a lifestyle channel. We produce, shoot and edit our own segments. In 2010, I personally aim to improve my editing skills.

Special thanks to four very chic and talented ladies who expressed interest in contributing. In the upcoming “Who We Are” page you will see the faces behind some of our beauty, shopping, lifestyle and politically conscious stories. But most of all, thanks to you for your support.

The best way to find out about our upcoming features and for exclusive photos and lifecasting videos, follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

May 2010 bring you all much happiness and success, and remember to stay chic!

Xoxo,
Mercedes