BeChicMag.com

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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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.

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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!

By Mercedes Sanchez

Nike invited us to preview their Fall/Winter 2011 collection, and let’s just say it makes me want to get up and move. We met the designers of their new bra and pants series. We even had a private working out session with Rihanna’s trainer Ary Nunez!

Take a look at our video recap towards the bottom of the post or watch it in its entirety on our BeChicTV Channel.

Why you’ll love their new line:

*The Victory Bra series includes a variety of styles including the Adjust X Bra which comes with adjustable straps and a chest band for targeted support.

*The bras’ molded mesh under-bust support helps lighten weight and moves with your body.

*The Legend Regular Pants come in sizes from XS to 3X.

*A subtle v-shape connecting the waistband to the legs enhances the curves and shape of the rear, while the rise is lowered in the front and tilted up at the rear for more coverage.

Here are some images of the new products:

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Video Recap:

What do you think of their new line?

Stay in shape with these at-home pilates moves

By Mercedes Sanchez

Have you ever played a virtual game of tag? I did for this week’s Latina Smart post!

Take a look at the video below to find out how this tag game works and to see what makes me Latina Smart. Let me know your thoughts on using the streets of New York City as my backdrop.

(I may have had a little too much fun on this vlog!)

You can also watch this video (and many others) on our BeChicTV lifestyle channel.

We want to know: How would you answer these same questions. Leave your comments below.

Liked my outfit? Get all the details here.

Update: I tagged blogger Shelika Baez from Orlando who packed her bags and moved to Spain for a year. Take a look at her video here.

By Mercedes Sanchez

I’ve managed to make several excuses for not exercising: I can’t afford to lose weight and I like to think that I don’t have the time.  But thanks to the folks at Degree Women, I woke up at dawn for a private Zumba class with instructor Sam Salazar at Exhale spa with a few other beauty bloggers.

Celebrities on Heart Disease at Red Truth Fashion Show

Win Prizes & Send me to a Yoga Weekend in Arizona
To get people like me moving again, Degree Women launched Get into the Move- a Facebook application that allows you to track your movement and exercises. The more you move, the more motionMILES you can redeem for the chance to win great prizes.

Here’s how it works:

• *Register for the Get into the Move application on the Degree Women Facebook page here.

• Log Your Movements: Select what kind of activities you did from fitness to everyday activities, or even insert your own activity
• Sharing: Earn miles for sharing the app with your friends
• Enter Code: GetMoving007 **this is how they track if I can go to Arizona!
• Redeem your motionMILES for chances to win
• Prizes for you include:

*Instant prizes or grand prizes like a surfing trip in Hawaii, designer shoes, gift cards and more

• Good luck and remember to insert code: GetMoving007

Summer exercise tips