BeChicMag.com

By Mercedes Sanchez

When it comes to college, many of us are familiar with loans which often take years to pay off after graduation. Then of course there are scholarships. If you’re in college and in need of some extra funds, I’m here to tell you about the Latina Smart Fund Scholarship by Kmart!

How to Apply

Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 31, eligible candidates can apply for the Latina Smart Fund scholarship by either submitting a 750-1,000 word essay or uploading a two minute video of themselves answering a topical question to Latina Smart Fund Scholarship App on their facebook page.

The top 50 contestants, or most “Liked” entries, will be rated by the Latina Smart Ambassadors (such as myself) based on criteria such as originality, style and enthusiasm.

The top 20 selections will then advance to the final round where a panel of experts in the areas of business and education will choose one $10,000 scholarship recipient and three $5,000 runner-up awards.

You can find the application app on the Facebook community page. The link to the application is on the left side of the Facebook page and titled Latina Smart Scholarship.

How do you think this new initiative will benefit Latina students?

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Disclaimer: Although this is a sponsored post from the Latina Smart campaign, all opinions are my own.

By Mercedes Sanchez

Details on giveaway and Twitter Party towards the end of the post

We have exciting news! The folks at Kmart have extended the Latina Smart campaign and this time they’re looking for five additional blog ambassadors! Do you think you have what it takes?

If so, you may have a chance at joining the existing ambassadors (such as yours truly) in judging and promoting The Latina Smart Fund, which will award $25,000 in scholarships to young Latinas!

How To Participate
If you’re a blogger who wants to be considered as one of the new five Latina Smart ambassadors we encourage you to:

1)  Join the Latina Smart Facebook page and tell us why you are, or what makes you, Latina Smart.

2)  Come up with a creative Latina Smart-worthy quote and post it on the Latina Smart Facebook page (similar to the picture above and the images below).

3) Engage by responding to questions posted on the FB page about being Latina Smart.

Then, tweet your quote using the #latinasmart hashtag as many times as you want. The folks behind the campaign (not me) will make the decision. And guess what? The chosen bloggers will be compensated! The new ambassadors will be announced the week of September 5th.

TWITTER PARTY!!

By now you must know how I love hosting a fun Twitter Party! Join us on Wednesday, August 24th at 9p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. PST using the hashtag #LatinaSmart. ‘Celebrating Latina Smarts’ will be the theme of the discussion.

I will be moderating the Twitter Party (from @BeChicMag) which will be co-hosted by the Latina Smart ambassadors @BlogsbyLatinas @TikTikiBlog @BrenHerrera and @CraftyChica. We will have giveaways of Kmart gift cards and Latina Smart tote bags. To qualify for the giveaways, make sure you’re following us on Twitter and remember to use the #LatinaSmart hashtag.

RSVP:
Let me know if you’re participating in the Twitter Party by RSVPing below with your Twitter handle:

GIVEAWAY

I’m also hosting a separate giveaway right here on BeChicMag.com where three winners will each receive a $25 gift card and LS tote bag! I will choose the three winners at random. To enter the giveaway just tell me why you’re proud of your culture!  For the giveaway only, leave your comments below.

Here are some more examples the of the quotes the folks at Kmart have come up with:

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By Mercedes Sanchez

Hi everyone! As you know, I’ve been working with Kmart’s Latina Smart campaign for the past 14 weeks with four other bloggers across the country. We’ve led discussions via blog posts, videos and through the LS Facebook page.

In my first video I gave examples as to why I’m Latina Smart. Now in my third and final vlog for the campaign, I’d like to sum up a few things I love about being Latina.

Take a look:

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What are some are things you love about your culture?

By Mercedes Sanchez

When I find a polish I really like, I tend to wear it over and over. For the most part, I can’t stay away from a classic nude or pink. However, this summer I  can say that I’ve tried to switch it up a bit. Being Latina Smart is also about diversity and personality. And if there’s one thing many Latinas have in common is their love of color. Take a look at how I’ve gotten out of my comfort tones with these fun and smart shades:

• OPI Miami Beet

Right before the summer started, I wanted a pink shade that wasn’t so bright. While browsing around at the nail salon, I came across OPI’s Miami Beet. I absolutely loved it! I tried it again mid-summer and it wasn’t the same.

If you’re looking for a fun but subtle color, this is a must-try.

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• Mesmerize by Essie

If I had to choose a favorite shade for summer 2011, it would be Mesmerize by Essie.

I tried the polish by chance at a blogging event, and I fell in love with it. I never thought I could fall for a shade of blue but I did. If you’re looking for a darker but bright color that pops, I definitely recommend Mesmerize. It looks great on all skin tones.

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• Mermaid’s Tears by OPI

I wore this shade for my Frizz-Free Hair segment right before going on vacation. It was the first time in a while that I tried a green hue. It looks nice upfront but the color looks even better in photos, especially if you have a tanned or darker complexion.

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• California Coral by Essie

Coral nails (and lips) are must-haves this summer! Definitely one of my faves. This is another shade that looks best after a tan.

What’s on your nails?

By Mercedes Sanchez

For several reasons, I’ve been trying to stick to a budget. So it was only natural that I hesitated when my cousins asked me if I wanted to rent a villa in Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic for a week- but I went! Take a look at some of the photos below. I used my Latina smarts and made this trip possible.

If you’re on a tight budget, here are some tips on how you can enjoy a few days off without spending much:

Don’t buy any new clothes

Repurpose! For last year’s vacation, I went credit card happy and bought several new outfits and expensive bathing suits. With the exception of a few Victoria’s Secret items I purchased with a gift card– I didn’t buy any new clothes for my trip. As hard as it sounds, you too can resist! Besides.. When going on a tropical vacation where you might spend most of your time by the pool or beach, there’s a good chance you won’t be wearing much anyway.

Make your own cocktails
Skip the bar! Upon arrival, hit the local liquor store or supermarket and stock up on what you’ll need to make your favorite cocktail. In my case, we went to el Jumbo in La Romana.

Split the costs
Our villa (pictured above) had eight bedrooms, full kitchen, private chef, butler, pool and jacuzzi, laundry, room service and so much more! We divided the costs (including tips, groceries, golf cart rentals, etc.) between 15 people.

For more details on the villa we stayed at, take a look at the photos on the Casa de Campo Living Web site. And take a look at my pics below:

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