BeChicMag.com

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:

[Show as slideshow]

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

By Mercedes Sanchez

I never thought I would travel from Manhattan to Queens on a private boat much less go surfing! But this Saturday, Nike invited a small group of editors and bloggers to its beach house in Far Rockaway as part of Rockaway 11.

I had no idea a surfing community existed right here in New York City. Before my first surf lesson ever, we previewed the Nike 6.0 Fall/Holiday 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 collections and learned about the technology that goes into their surfing and snow boarding gear.

Take a look at the photo gallery and brief video below:

[Show as slideshow]

12►

We want to know: Do you practice an action sport? If so, which one? Is there a sport such as snow boarding or surfing that you want to try out one day?

Work out tips from Rihanna’s personal trainer

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

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:

.

What are some are things you love about your culture?

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:

[Show as slideshow]

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

By Mercedes Sanchez

Giveaway winner announced below

In my previous video for the campaign, I told you why I’m Latina Smart. This week, I hit the streets of The Big Apple to find out what New Yorkers have to say about being Latina Smart and correcting stereotypes.

.

Take a look:

GIVEAWAY UPDATE

And congratulations to Ana, Joscelyn and Cindy for winning last’s week giveaway taking home this super chic tote and a $25 gift card. Thanks to everyone who participated!