:IN FOCUS

FEBRUARY 2010

+
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ON PUCKER UP!
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+ LIP COLORS
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+REALISM:
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TO
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WHERE
RUNWAY MEETS REALITY,
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www.meinfocusmag.com
ADVERTISEMENT
 EDITOR’S
LETTER CONTENTS ME: IN FOCUS
Bian “Bee” Li Shares What’s Inside Who We Are
Her Thoughts This Month

Dear Readers, Scenes: Out & About and On the Town 4 FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Bian Li
Rants + Raves: 6
This issue is all about love. From Valen- MANAGER
Divine or Devious: Lingerie to Match Your Mood 8 SPONSORSHIP & EVENTS
tine’s Day hot spots to heart health, from Christine Nicholls
romance to realism, we focus on the loves Chinese New Year: Year of the Tiger 10
DESIGN DIRECTOR
in our lives - love for our passions, signifi- Diana Dittmer
Heart to Heart: With Our Model Role Model
cant others, family and friends - and more Jerrita Hall 12
importantly, love for yourself - your body, CREATIVE CONSULTANTS
Alex Albrecht
mind and soul. If you open your heart, Pucker Up!: We Send Our Love to You With the
Ricardo Ford
Hottest Lip Colors of the Season 18
love will find you.
OFFICE MANAGER
Cinderella Was a Liar: Conversation with Author
Arlene Gutierrez
and Romance Guru Brenda Della Casa 19
In addition, we pass on our love to those
most in need - for every purchase of this CONTRIBUTORS
Fabulously Single + Fabulously Attached: 20
Iya Bakare
issue and every subscription ordered in Kerry Sayers
Fond-ooh!: The Perfect V-Day Indulgence 22
February, 10% of all proceeds will go to Olivia St. Clair

the International Medical Corps for their Hot Spots: Cozy Places to Find Tables for Two 24
CONTACT
relief efforts in Haiti. Fitness: Keeping Your Promise to Yourself in the
Advertising
New Year 26 adsales@meinfocusmag.com
Be Good. christine@meinfocusmag.com
Two Olympians: Interviews with Our Hometown

b
Content
Athletes 28 editor@meinfocusmag.com
Bee Subscriptions
Jet Set: Grab Your Honey and Go 32 subscribe@meinfocusmag.com
Submissions
A Midsummer’s Night: Merida, Mexico 34 submissions@meinfocusmag.com
General Inquiries
Portrait of a Life: by Student Photographer Emily info@meinfocusmag.com
Maehl 36

e
info@meinfocusstudios.com

B e Calendar: February Never Looked Better with

Artwork by Illustrator Peter Breese 38

Buzz: The Lovely Bones Film Review by Brianna

Calkin of Chick Flick Reviews 39
www.meinfocusmag.com
www.meinfocusstudios.com

Copyright© 2010 Me: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.

All text, images, graphics and other materials in this publication and the
website are subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Me: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC and other respective contributors,
affiliates and/or submitters. These materials may not be reproduced,
distributed, modified or reposted to other publications or websites without
the express written permission of Me: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC or
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this issue, unless otherwise credited, are copyrighted property of The LB
Group LLC and express written permission must be granted for any
usage. Any photos not noted above, and not specifically credited, are
obtained from publicly shared/open license sources and/or databases. The
STYLE ME. marks appearing in this publication and/or the website including, but not
ENTERTAIN ME. ON THE COVER limited to: (i) The LB Group LLC; and (ii) Me: IN FOCUS and its respective
logos, images, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; are
INFORM ME. Jerrita Hall trademarks of The LB Group LLC, its brands and affiliates. The informa-
INDULGE ME. tion contained herein is designed to be as contextual and factual as
possible, per our best efforts and the information and/or resources
INSPIRE ME. Jerrita lets loose and available and/or provided to us at the time. We reserve the right, however,
EMPOWER ME.™ reveals her true, beautiful to make changes at any time, without notice, in the editing of the publica-
self. We asked her to tion therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some links and/or
contact information provided in this publication may lead to websites and/
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purchases, please visit: stated. ent third party owners. The LB Group LLC and Me: IN FOCUS have no
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Photography by Danny Finley contact information to our readers solely for their convenience.

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 3

SCENES
ME: IN FOCUS OUT AND ABOUT
AND ON THE TOWN!
Where we’ve been and what we’ve
been doing since last issue



We enjoyed Evanston native
Jessie Arlen’s CD Launch concert
titled ‘Certain Surprise’. Check out
her interview in the March issue.
http://jessiearlen.com
4 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
Me: IN FOCUS magazine mixes
work and play. Having a blast with
photoshoots in our studio space!
Hush Magazine pre-production celebration.
Me: IN FOCUS Editor Bee Li was interviewed for a
segment on Cover Chicago TV.
Me: IN FOCUS Studios has now
officially opened to the public due to
popular demand.
www.meinfocusstudios.com
Our January interview with rising star
and Chicago plus size model Lauren
A. Koenig was featured on Madison-
plus.com, a premier fashion website
for plus size women.
www.madisonplus.com
ADVERTISEMENT
 BURIED CARS
For those of us not lucky enough to
have designated parking, it’s never
fun to walk out to your car only to find
that the street is clean, but your car is
beneath a thick layer of snow and ice
from the plows.
FROZEN PIPES
Apparently this happens more than
we think. During winter months,
always remember to never turn off the
heat entirely to avoid flooding from
frozen pipes bursting.

RANTS
WHAT’S
ANNOYING US
While there’s
much to love about
Chicago, here are
some things that
could be better

LACK OF HEALTHY
LATE NIGHT DELIVERY
If only we had more healthy options,
then we wouldn’t feel bad in the morning
after giving in to our 3am cravings.

FROZEN PARKING METERS BROKEN HEAT LAMPS

ON EL
It’s bad enough that it’s so expensive.
Parking meter problems are never ending. Can we say BRRRRRRR?

6 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 a
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 7

7
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 9

YOU’RE
INVITED!

Like many holidays,

Chinese New Year is about
peace, prosperity and being
with friends and family. As
part of the Me: IN FOCUS
family, you're invited to join
us on February 12 as we
celebrate good fortune with
great food at our favorite
restaurant in Chinatown.

For more details and to RSVP,

please visit our website:
www.meinfocusmag.com
HAPPY CHINESE
新
年
快
乐

恭
喜
发
NEW YEAR 财
YEAR OF THE TIGER
Coincidentally, February 14 Lanterns light up
the night. They come in
is also Chinese New Year, all shapes and sizes.
the most important The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year
lunar cycle. This year is the Year of the Tiger.
holiday in the Chinese People born in this year are said to be brave,
culture. Here are some of competitive and engaging.
the ways it is celebrated
throughout the world.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIAN LI
Jiaozi (Potstickers) are a popular dish.
They symbolize togetherness as families
reunite for the holiday.
Stuffed with money,
red envelopes are given to
children and subordinates as
a token of good fortune.
A traditional custom
includes visiting a local temple
to bless loved ones and wish for
good luck in the new year.
Lighting firecrackers
are one of the most popular activities
during Chinese New Year.
 PHOTOGRAPHY

Danny Finley
www.dannyjive.com

CLOTHING

Bryan K. Osburn Collection

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Fox’s
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STYLIST

Ogi Merzier
MAKEUP

Malgorzata Gorniak

HE RT
HE RT
TO

WITH MODEL +
ACTRESS

JERRITA HALL
February is American Heart
Month. Heart disease is the
number one killer of women in
the country. It’s never been
more important to take control
of our health, starting by
improving our daily habits.
Chicago native Jerrita Hall, 29,
shares her inspiring story of
how she transformed her life
from 245 pounds (size 22) to a
healthy 155 pounds (size 8). In
addition to modeling and
acting, Jerrita is also a personal
trainer and hopes to inspire
others to be healthy.

12 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

JERRITA`S
FAVORITE QUOTE
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than
your fear of failure.”
Q: Were you always overweight and how
did that affect you growing up?
A: I have always been overweight as a
child, into adolescence and my early adult
years. I had low self confidence and low
self esteem. I had a rough childhood; my
mother became disabled when I was 10
years old so I had to take on a large re-
sponsibility of helping my parents. It was
beyond difficult, so in turn I would eat to
make myself happy.
Q: Was there a particular moment when
you decided to finally take control of your
weight problem?
A: I was 21 years old when I decided that I
wanted to lose weight. I remember going
shopping one day and trying on jeans. I
was normally a size 18/20 but this particu-
lar day going shopping was different. I had
been depressed and wanted a quick fix, and
shopping always helped! I tried on the
18/20 but they were too small, so I tried
on a size 22/24, which fit just right. I pur-
~Bill Cosby
chased the pants and as I left the store I
vowed to myself to never let my pants size
exceed my age.
Q: How hard was it to begin the process of
losing weight? Did you ever find yourself
tempted to go back to your old ways?
A: It was extremely hard to begin the proc-
ess of losing weight; the education, dedica-
tion and lack of support were the biggest
hurdles I had to overcome in order to get
started. I had to read and understand what
I needed to do and how I needed to do it. I
had to dedicate myself to sticking to my
plan of eating healthy and making a life-
style change - not dieting. Dieting works
for a vacation or a short term fix. The deci-
sion to lose more than 40 to 50 pounds
requires a lifestyle change to maintain re-
sults. I did not find myself tempted to go
back to my old ways once I gave up those
habits, but I found it harder to keep up
with doing more and more to stay healthy.
“I was 21 years old when
I decided that I wanted
to lose weight…I vowed
to never let my pants size
exceed my age.”
Before/
Jerrita in High School
at her heaviest weight.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 13
This look is custom designed
by Bryan K. Osburn:
773 673 0067

“My mother became disabled when I was 10 years old. I had to take on
a large responsibility of helping my parents...it was beyond difficult, so
I would eat to make myself happy.”
Q: How did you stay motivated to lose the
weight and how long did it take? What type
of exercises were most effective?
A: I stayed motivated because of my family
history of certain diseases, which was al-
ways in the back of my mind. I also desired
to lose the weight and look like a young
lady would want to: healthy and fit by her
own standards. I found that cardio, weight
training and getting outside worked best. I
love cardio because it gets my heart rate up
and allows me to burn more calories when
16 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
I reach my target heart rate. Weight train-
ing allows me to tone and lengthen my
muscles and also increases my strength and
endurance. Getting outside is more for a
therapeutic experience more than anything,
allowing me to become one with nature.
Activities such as hiking, bicycling and
walking are also great forms of exercise.
Q: What is your life like now? Were you
treated any differently after you made
the transformation?
JERRITA`S OWN
ROLE MODELS
A PERSONAL ROLE MODEL would be my
mother; she had three strokes at age 36. Her
livelihood was cut short though she is still
living and getting around well with assistance
from family, friends and me. She is my inspi-
ration for exploring my passions in life. If you
never try you never know the result. My mom
had dreams and could not accomplish them
due to her disability. I tell people that you
never know how it feels to want to do the
simplest things and can't because of a physi-
cal handicap. Therefore, if you have the abil-
ity, don’t let any obstacles stop you from
achieving your dreams in life.
A PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL would be
Oprah. Oprah has accomplished so much, but
she started with a dream, a genuine heart
and a strong spirit. These three important
attributes are the foundation for success. She
impacts lives of so many by being ‘free’. Heal-
ing, overcoming stereotypes and following her
own path are great inspirations in my own life.
A: My life at this present time is on a posi-
tive journey. I noticed some people treating
me differently along the way because I was
doing something different and trying to
better myself in the process. Women usu-
ally commend me for losing weight and ask
how they could do what I did. Men would
do the same and sometimes were a bit
more supportive in the process.
Q: What has been the biggest personal
change in your life after losing weight? Do

“As women, we shouldn’t
worry too much about ‘What
we should be’ or ‘What we
ought to be’ in terms of
weight. As long as you are
healthy and comfortable with
your body, then embrace it
and love yourself—Mind,
Body and Spirit.”
you still have body image issues or are you
comfortable with yourself?
A: The biggest personal change in my life
has been the level of confidence, self es-
teem and determination I gained. I do
sometimes still feel like a ‘fat’ girl stuck in a
smaller body but I have lost 90 pounds and
am proud of myself. I am just starting to
grasp the mental adjustment that needs to
happen for me to look in the mirror and be
comfortable with what I see. Although its
very difficult for women not to get sucked
into the societal expectations for a certain
weight, I believe that as long as you are
proud of yourself and your accomplish-
ments with your body, embrace it and love
yourself- mind, body and spirit.
Q: What's your fitness routine now and
how do you keep the weight off?
A: My fitness routine now consists of a
workout three to four days out of the
week. Some days, I even work out twice a
day, whether it’s a DVD workout, cardio,
Pilates, yoga, weight training, or outdoor
activities. I have a busy schedule but I al-
ways manage to fit in my exercise, healthy
eating, meditation and prayer. I keep the
weight off now by maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. I don’t overeat like I used to. I
take healthy snacks with me if I’m not at
home. I also have more self control.
Q: For those that want to make a lifestyle
transformation, what’s your advice?
A: I have overcome the past and the
struggles that held me back. Life is about
change; nothing stays the same. Still, many
people allow certain things in their lives to
hold them back from making a change for
the better. When we realize that change
must come from within ourselves, it allows
us to be free. This is how I keep the weight
off now. I am free of the old me and am
ready for the journey ahead.
“I do still feel like a fat girl
stuck in a smaller body, but
I have lost 90 pounds and I
am very proud of myself.
I am just starting to grasp
the mental adjustment that
needs to happen for me to
look in the mirror and be
comfortable with what I see.”
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 17
STYLE

PUCKER UP!
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Love,
18 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
 CINDARELLA
WAS A LIAR
CONVERSATIONS WITH
AUTHOR & ROMANCE GURU
BRENDA DELLA CASA
For her book, Brenda spent a year
interviewing over 1,500 single, married
and coupled men and women
worldwide. We sat down with Brenda
to get her expert opinion on body, sex,
dating and love. Brenda shares some
realistic words of wisdom below.
BODY
Ladies, relax. The truth is that most men
are so much more forgiving of our bodies
than we are ourselves. Most of the time,
they don’t even notice the cellulite, the
love handles or the perceived physical
imperfections that we are so insecure
about and try so hard to cover up. They
are just so grateful and thrilled that we are
willing to be with them that they could
care less.
Confidence is the sexiest characteristic
of all.
And don’t forget - men are insecure about
their bodies too.
SEX
Men love the hunt and the mystery. If you
give it up too soon, the allure is gone. The
more they have to earn the reward, the
more they’ll appreciate it.
Most men watch porn because they are
visual creatures, not because they are
attracted to you any less.
If he only calls you between 11pm and
3am, especially from Thursday through
Saturday, then you’re only a booty call.
There’s no golden rule of when you
should sleep with someone. However,
NEVER sleep with someone unless you
TRULY want to sleep with him and
understand your motivations for doing so.
BRENDA
DELLA CASA
Is an internationally
published author who
specializes in romance,
lifestyle and wellness
features. Brenda has
written for and been
featured in dozens of
major publications. She
is a recent transplant
to Chicago.
cinderellawasaliar.com
DATING
Men are uncomplicated. His sense of self
worth is not attached to whether or not he
gets a second date. Neither should yours.
Don’t go into a relationship with unrealis-
tic expectations or a sense of entitlement.
You should always offer to pay on the
first date. He may not accept your offer,
but it shows that you were gracious and
not using him for a free meal.
Date yourself first. Once you are person-
ally fulfilled, you become a happier and a
more confident you. And that, to a man, is
very attractive.
LOVE
True love is never about giving up your
own life to be a part of your partner’s. It’s
about sharing your lives together. Ask
yourself: “Does he fit into my life?”
Carry yourself with dignity and respect.
The biggest mistake that women make is
not being their authentic self. Ask your-
self: “Do I feel respected?”
When taking the plunge, remember that
your time and energy is better spent on
being married, not getting married.
Don’t over-share your intimate details
with others. It hurts your brand as a
couple and makes it easier for others to
come between you.
Happiness should never come from some-
one else. It comes from inside of you.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 19
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 21

 MANY
THANKS

to Pastoral Artisan
for their expertise and
recommendations

PAIRINGS BY
Pastoral Artisan Sommelier
Jan Henrichsen

INGREDIENTS BY
Pastoral Artisan Fromager
Cesar Olivares

22 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

FOND-OOH!
DINNER OR DESSERT,
IT’S THE PERFECT V-DAY
INDULGENCE

Go ga ga for your mate (or

your single friends) over a gooey,
warm fondue meal and a
comforting drink (or two)

CHEESE RECIPE
OPTIONS

DOMESTIC/ Serves 2 to 4
INTERNATIONAL
• 1 1/2 cups shredded COMTE or CAVE AGE EMMENTHAL cheese (4 oz. approx.)
COMTE
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$25.99/lb • Coarse sea salt
CAVE AGED • Freshly ground black pepper
EMMENTHAL • Pinch of nutmeg
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PLEASANT RIDGE • 4 oz. white wine Pastoral Artisan is an authentic
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• Boiled, chopped potatoes, for serving All of the cheeses, small batch wines
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BEVERAGE • Mushrooms, for serving at all three locations.
PAIRINGS
• Asparagus, for serving 2945 N. Broadway,Chicago
• Cooked shrimp, for serving 53 E. Lake St., Chicago
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Hickory Creek Winery,
Michigan
$18.99 1. Place 1 teaspoon salt in a fondue pot or a 2-quart stainless steel saucepan.
Rub cut end of garlic over inside of pot, starting in the sea salt and coating the
ARTISAN entire surface; discard garlic.
BEER
2. In a large bowl, mix together both cheeses and cornstarch until well combined;
GOOSE ISLAND set aside.
PERE JACQUES 3. Add wine and lemon juice to fondue pot and bring to a boil over medium-high
Chicago, Illinois
$8.99 heat. Gradually add cheese mixture, whisking constantly, making sure each
addition is melted before adding the next addition.
JK’S SCRUMPY 4. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 minute. Season with nutmeg and pepper;
HARD CIDER remove from heat and enjoy with your serving selections.
(ORGANIC)
Michigan
$8.99

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 23

 TWO
TO
TANGO
RITZ TANGO CAFÉ
Nothing says romance like the
sensuality of Argentine Tango.
Co-owners Dinah D’Antoni and
Jorge Niedas combined their
passion for dance and food into
the Ritz Tango Café. The café
is a tiny bit of Buenos Aires right
here in Chicago, where coffee
lovers and milongueros (tango
dancers) share the floor.

For more information and to

join one of their many milongas
(mixers), call or visit the website.

933 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

Photograph by Bian Li of Me: IN FOCUS Studios

773 235 CAFÉ (2233)

www.ritztangocafe.com

24 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 Good food, good
company and good
conversation. a Editor’s
Pick

SOCCA
A stylish Mediterranean inspired

HOT SPOTS restaurant in Lakeview that’s perfect

for both late night dining or a Valentine’s
Day brunch.

BEST FOR LOVE BIRDS 3301 N. Clark St., Chicago

773 248 1155
www.soccachicago.com
Cozy places to find tables
for two

YES THAI
A modern restaurant in the heart of
Andersonville with exceptional service
and yummy curries. Great for both
singles and couples.
Vegan Friendly.
D y
WEBSTER’S WINEBAR
Dimly-lit venue with gourmet, small-
portioned food selections and extensive
wine list. Their global wine flight menu
is a must try and a deliciously fun way to
start a lovely evening.

5211 N. Damen, Chicago 1480 W. Webster Ave., Chicago

773 878 3487 773 868 0608
www.yesthaichicago.com www.websterwinebar.com

ROSE ANGELIS FRANCESCA’S AMICI BISTRO CAMPAGNE

Located in a quiet part of Lincoln Park,
this hidden gem boasts a charming patio
and an intimate setting.
1314 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago
773 296 0081
www.roseangelis.com
A small, quaint restaurant located in the
heart of Elmhurst. Perfect ambiance and
lighting for a romantic night. Winner of
OpenTable.com’s Diner’s Choice Award
last year.
174 N. York Rd., Elmhurst
630 279 7970
www.miafrancesca.com
A charming, simple French restaurant
in Lincoln Square known for its organic
menu and easy atmosphere.
4518 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
773 271 6100
www.bistrocampagne.com

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 25

 INFORM
NFORM
As February begins, we often find that the
fitness resolutions we made in January are
getting off track. According to Health Net,
more than 100 million Americans make
a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or
get fit. Unfortunately, about four of every
five people who make resolutions fail to
keep them.
This year, why not keep your resolution by
permanently eliminating the ‘D’ word–
diet—from your vocabulary. “A lot of peo-
ple have tried diets - Weight Watchers,
Jenny Craig, Atkins - and it’s just a cycle.
They go on it, they lose weight, stop and
then most gain the weight right
back. Rather, we must work on behavior
change,” says Registered Dietician Jennifer
Vimbor of Nutrition Counseling Services
in the Loop. “You don't have to fail.
n 
26 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
FITNESS
KEEPING YOUR
PROMISE TO
YOURSELF IN THE
NEW YEAR
This month, it's all about
staying focused so we can
stick to our resolution

BY KERRY SAYERS
Failing in the past has been a result of
those diets. We focus more on overall
behavior when it comes to nutrition.”
Vimbor insists that those expecting instant
results will be disappointed and that
everything worth while takes time and hard
work. “We like to take things one step at
a time. Focus on taking it slow and
work on one behavior until it becomes
habitual. Then, it’s ok to start introducing
other behaviors. It’s a slow process so
they're not returning within a year with the
same problem.”
An example of behavioral change is
water intake. If you're not drinking enough
water, which is very important because it
flushes your food through, you should
pinpoint exactly how much you need based
on your lifestyle. Buy two to three water
bottles; bring one to work and keep one at
home. Commit to drinking up to 64 ounces
a day - more if needed, and then try to
incorporate something else along the way.
Remember to keep in mind that it’s impor-
tant to introduce a new behavior rather
than take something away.
“There’s nothing that you have to eat or
absolutely cannot eat - that’s where people
go wrong. If you’re doing well and can’t
get pizza out of your mind, then by all
means have the pizza,” Vimbor says. “If
you’re doing well the rest of the time,
it won’t make a difference. It’s when you
repeat the bad habit every day that it
becomes a problem.”
Another habit Vimbor tries to help clients
lose is being consumed with counting
everything they eat.
M
 BEHAVIOR CHANGE
IS THE KEY

Registered Dietician Jennifer

Vimbor of Nutrition Counseling
Services in the Loop suggests a
focus on overall behavior when
it comes to nutrition.
To learn more, visit:

www.chicagonutritionist.com

“Whether it’s counting calories, or count-
ing fat - I don’t want them to develop poor
habits,” she says. “And counting calories,
can be dangerous behavior since it can lead
to eating disorders. Therefore, we work on
not counting so you can live without think-
ing about food all the time.”
One of the best ways to keep your resolu-
tions is to set reachable goals, whether it’s
regarding food or exercise habits. Jen
DePaulo, a certified personal trainer and
manager for Women’s Workout World in
Chicago, offers a few other tips to stay
on track.
1. If significant weight loss is a priority,
break the number down into smaller goals.
For example, focus on losing a number of
pounds per month rather than focusing on
an overall final number.
2. Center a program around activities you
like to do instead of those you find grueling
so that you are more likely to keep
doing them.
3. Work out with a friend. Workouts are
more fun and you can motivate each other.
4. Incorporate cross training into your rou-
tine, which means not only working out
with equipment, but taking classes as well.
5. Vary the types of classes you take.
Learning something new prevents you
from hitting plateaus and keeps your
program fresh.
6. Write your goals down and post them at
home and at work so you are constantly
reminded and motivated to achieve them.
7. Determine where you’d like to be in
2011 so if you fall off pace, you won’t be
down for long. If the thought of starting
over after breaking your normal routine
over the holidays is daunting, DePaulo
offers good news.
“Muscle has memory, so its not going to
take you as long to get back to where you
were before,” she says. “Don’t worry. Eve-
ryone gets derailed and everyone takes the
wrong turn sometimes. You just have to
get back on the road.”
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and fitness
routine is a lifelong journey. You’re never
going to reach the destination because it’s
an ongoing process.”

U C
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 27
 TWOOLYMPIANS
GOING FOR THE GOLD
INTERVIEWS WITH TWO OF OUR
HOMETOWN ATHLETES

BOBSLED +
WEIGHTLIFTING

INGRID
Photograph by Tre Scott

MARCUM
Q: Weightlifting is typically thought of as a
non-traditional sport for women. How did
you get into it?
A: I was actually a gymnast for 20 years.
After I finished competitive gymnastics at
the age of 21, I still wanted to continue
competing since I always was a very strong
athlete. I took a weight lifting course,
discovered that I loved it and was told by
the instructor that I had potential to com-
pete. At the first meet, I qualified for sec-
ondary nationals, and I haven’t looked back
since. It’s been a great experience for me
since I never realized that unlike a lot of
other sports, there might be things you can
start on in your twenties.

Q: How did you get into bobsledding?

A: I was at a strength coaching convention.
When I was on the expo floor, two bobsled
coaches saw me lifting. They try to recruit
athletes who have built up strength and
endurance in other sports, like
weightlifting. Then they apply these skills
to bobsledding.
Q: What’s your role on the bobsled team? and now I have literally been home for two
weeks. During the actual competitive sea-
A: I’m the brakeman. The brakemen lets
the driver do his or her job. Count the son from November to February we’re in a
different city every week. The tour is differ-
curves, memorize the track and know
ent every year. So far I’ve had two weeks
where all the big turns are. We train a lot
training in Whistler. We also went to Park
for the push at the start of the race. You
City and Lake Placid. From there we flew
can lose a race with a poor start.
to Europe to race.
Q: What’s it like to be an Olympic hopeful
and what have been some highlights of Q: Of all the bobsled tracks you’ve raced
your career so far? on, do you have a favorite?
A: All together, it’s been amazing just to A: The track in St. Moritz, Austria, is pretty
have the opportunity, especially since not a amazing. It’s the only natural track in the
lot of people in two sports get to achieve world. Most tracks look like a concrete
their dreams. I love to travel the world and waterslide that they ice over. In St. Moritz,
meet people. One of the big highlights for however, they actually build the track out
me so far was when I won the National of ice and snow each year, so it’s a little

Photograph by Tre Scott

Weightlifting Championships in Chicago at different each season.
UIC last June. After that win, I went
straight into bobsled season. It’s an honor Q: For your weightlifting events, how
to represent my country in international much can you lift?
competition and to have support of
the fans. A: There are two types of lifts – the Snatch
and the Clean and Jerk. Both lifts start with
the bar over your head. The Snatch is the
Q: What’s your training regimen as the first lift event and is considered the most
Olympics approaches? technical lift. On a Snatch lift, I can lift 205
INGRID MARCUM
A: I left home on August 31. Between then pounds. With the Clean and Jerk, my best
lift has been 245 pounds.

Q: What is some advice that you would

PERSONAL SPECS
give to young women athletes?
A: Don’t be afraid to go in the gym and HOMETOWN
Elmhurst, IL
work hard. Being strong is very empower-
ing. I’m able to do the things I do because AGE
I lift, because I take care of my body. It’s a 34
great addition to your life. You’re going to
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
keep everything strong. FITNESS IS THE 5’6”/165 lbs.
ONLY FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH THAT
WE HAVE. Having muscle on my body EVENTS
makes me feel feminine and sexy. I really
want to educate women on the benefits of WEIGHTLIFTING
BOBSLEDDING
weight training. They shouldn’t have to
fear gaining muscle will make them bigger PERFORMANCE
or less attractive.
Photographs on left and right: Claus Willemer website: artistphoto.de

2009 + 2010
WORLD CUP
BRAKEWOMAN FOR
BREE SCHAAF
4th (Park City, 11/09)
5th (Winterberg, 12/09)

2009
NATIONAL BOBSLED
PUSH CHAMPIONSHIP
4th

2008 + 2009
AMERICA’S CUP
Bronze (Park City, 10/08)
Bronze #2 (Park City, 10/08)
Gold (Calgary, 11/08)
Gold #2 (Calgary, 11/08)
Bronze (Lake Placid, 11/08)
Bronze #2 (Lake Placid, 11/08)

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 29


Photographs on right and left: courtesy of Katherine Reutter
Q: Have you always been a competitor?
When you first started skating, were the
Olympics always your goal?
A: I started skating at the age of four. I
originally was a figure skater, but transi-
tioned to speed skating at age 5, which I
liked better. I never really began competing
with the Olympics as my ultimate goal, but
as I started doing well in competitions, I
sort of fell into the Olympic track and
began seriously training for the event.
Q: What types of sacrifices did you have to
make growing up as an athlete from a
young age?
A: When my hometown training facility
closed, I had to travel every other weekend,
and soon after every weekend to train in St.
Louis. I spent so much time training that I
missed a lot of things, like dances, other
extracurricular activities, normal teenage
stuff. However, I wouldn’t trade a thing
since it made me who I am today and given
me so many other opportunities.
Q: What was it like when you found out
you made the Olympic team?
A: When I found out in September, I
didn’t really have time to process the fact
that I made the team. We immediately flew
to China for the World Cup. It’s an honor
to represent my country.
Q: Does your family travel with you when
you train? Are any of them athletes?
KATHERINE
REUTTER
SHORT TRACK
SPEEDSKATING
A: My dad was a big influence – he was a
skater and coached me early on. After I
moved to Salt Lake City to train, I lived on
my own since it would have been too diffi-
cult to have my family travel with me eve-
rywhere I went.
Q: What’s your regular daily training
regimen? Has it become more intense in
the weeks leading up to the Olympics?
A: It’s intense. We usually train six to 10
hours a day. Summer training is actually
more intense. Between March and April we
get a couple weeks to go home and visit
my family.
Q: What are some of the most memorable
experiences you’ve had in your career
so far?
A: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to
travel – to see so many new places, difficult
cultures and meet so many new people
from all over the world at my competi-
tions. For example, I got to travel to China
and Japan, places I would never probably
have traveled to on my own as a small
town gi rl from the Mi dwe st.
You realize that despite all our differences,
people are people.
Q: What advice would you give to young
girls who want to become an Olympian?
A: Anything worth it is worth sacrificing
and working hard for. I TRULY BELIEVE
IN THE PHILOSOPHY THAT IF
BETTER IS POSSIBLE, THEN GOOD IS
NOT ENOUGH.
 KATHERINE REUTTER

PERSONAL SPECS

HOMETOWN
Champaign, IL
(same hometown as her inspira-
tion and six-time Olympic
medalist Bonnie Blair)

AGE HEIGHT
21 5’7”

EVENTS

500, 1,000 + 1,500 METER

3,000 METER RELAY

PERFORMANCE

2009
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
4th (1500m)
5th (1500m)
13th (500m)
Photography by of Mark Maziark

2008
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Bronze (300m)
4th (1500m)
5th (500m + relay)
19th (1000m)

2007 + 2008
Two-time Overall US Champion

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 31

 PENANG
This tropical, coastal
Malaysian city is a calmer
alternative to the bustling
capital. Known for its
cultural and ethnic
diversity, Penang is a
paradise for food lovers..

PRAGUE

Old and modern Europe

mesh in this bewitching
Czech city. Known for its
stunning fairytale-esque
cityscape, Prague is a
place to fall in love.

 BARCELONA
Bursting with Catalan
pride, Barcelona is a city
for the true romantic.
Spectacular views,
scrumptious Spanish and
Basque cuisine and world
renowned architecture
and museums.

MERIDA
Escape from the cold
to the heart of the
Yucatan. With its Mayan
heritage, colonial
influence and genuine
hospitality, Merida is a
place for both young
lovers and old souls.

VERONA
It`s easy to see how
Romeo and Juliet fell in
love in this idyllic setting.
An easy day trip from
Rome, Verona`s
antiquated streets and
Italian charm take you
back in time.

32 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

JET SET GRAB YOUR
HONEY AND GO

We all know Paris is

L
the city of love and
lights, but here are a
few other cities where
sparks will fly...

; MORE
SPECTACULAR
PHOTOS

of romantic Merida, Mexico

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 33

 A MIDSUMMER`S
NIGHT
MERIDA, MEXICO

All photographs by Bian Li of Me: IN FOCUS Studios

34 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 A cultural performance
in the town square

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 35

PORTRAIT
A LIFE
BY EMILY MAEH
Emily Maehl, 20, is a Sophomore
attending the University of Illinois
at Chicago. When Emily contacted us,
we knew we had to share her photo
essay about a woman in her life whom
she admires.

Here is Emily's story, in her own words:

 OF
“MY NAME IS EMILY Joanne Maehl.
I had a beginner photography course this
past semester and that’s when my talent
started to surface. My self-portrait work
was my most successful, and my professor
told me the photos had a fashion quality
to them. I surprised myself by having
a natural eye for fashion photography and I
HL don’t want it to go to waste. Working for a
magazine is what I envision myself
doing after college. I want to be one of
those lucky people whose profession is also
their passion.”
A TYPICAL DAY
My submission is about my friend’s mother.
Her name is Jan Horner, and she runs a
babysitting service out of her home while
having five children of her own. Many of
her children have special needs at various
levels, and Jan has made it a priority to
tend to each of their individual needs. Her
lifestyle inspired her to start a support
group for parents in similar situations
called H.E.L.P, which stands for Helping,
Encouraging and Listening to Parents with
special needs children. The group provides
aid for parents struggling to educate, disci-
pline or even love their children.
A regular meeting opens with prayer and
moves onto a guest speaker and open dis-
cussion. I have witnessed the kind of pres-
sure Jan is under, from the never-ending
pile of laundry to the stress of paying the
bills. However, her kind, positive spirit
separates her from the rest. I visited Jan at
her home to document a ‘typical day’ while
she is babysitting.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 37
STYLE ME.
ENTERTAIN ME.
INFORM ME.
INDULGE ME.
INSPIRE ME.
EMPOWER ME.™

www.meinfocusmag.com

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 National
6
Groundhog Rosa Park’s Wear Red Day
Day Birthday for Heart Health
Awareness

7 8 Martyrs' 9 10 11 12 13
Superbowl XLIV Benefit for Haiti Me: IN FOCUS
Jazz Concert Dinner at
8pm/$10 Lao Szechwan
in Chinatown
7pm/$20
National Condom
14 Awareness Day 15 Susan B.
16 17 18 19 20
Random Hubbard
Anthony’s Mardi Gras Acts of Street Dance
Chinese New Year Birthday Kindness Day at Art Institute
of Chicago
National Organ
Donor Day
21 22 23 24 25 27
Love Your Purim
Pet Day

28

National American Black

Friendship Heart History
FEBRUARY 2010 Month Month Month
COPYRIGHT, PETER BREESE 2009
ARTWORK BY PETER BREESE

FILM
Saoirse Ronan
THE LOVELY BONES
BY BRIANNA CALKIN
aaaa
Director Peter Jackson has transformed Alice
Sebold’s novel, The Lovely Bones, into an
emotionally intense film about the life and after-
life of Susie Salmon.
Susie (Saoirse Ronan) was murdered at the
lively young age of 14. She was crossing the
cornfield to her Pennsylvania home after school
when her awkwardly friendly, yet creepy
neighbor Mr. Harvey (Stanley Tucci) lured her into
an underground, playhouse-like shack.
Susie narrates most of the film as we see her
family struggle over their tragic loss. While her
family is in turmoil, Susie is stuck in the ‘in
between’, a fantasy-like place before reaching
heaven. Susie’s ‘in between’ is not all butter-
flies and rainbows. It is a place where she is
having an inner battle with letting go versus her
strong desire for revenge on her murderer. She
can often see and hear her family, friends
and murderer.
Susie’s parents, Jack (Mark Wahlberg) and
Abigail (Rachel Weisz), find it hard to
reconnect with one another because they are
both healing in different ways after losing
Susie. Jack’s obsession with solving Susie’s
murder pushes Abigail away and in return
brings Abigail’s mother, crazy Grandma Lynn
SITES
SITES
BLOGS WE LOVE
http://materialgirlsblog.com/chicago
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/frugalista
Stanley Tucci Mark Wahlberg
(Susan Sarandon), to help care for the two
other children.
The film meshes Susie’s vengeance for
her murderer with her father’s intent to solve
the mystery, her sister’s suspicions of the
creepily chilling neighbor and Mr. Harvey’s
skewed behaviors.
The Lovely Bones is one of the most emotion-
ally driven films I have seen in a long time.
Some of the scenes were so intense that you
could tell everyone’s hearts were racing with
anticipation. The suspense was thrilling and is
definitely key to the success of the film.
Additionally, the filming of The Lovely Bones
was creatively captivating. It illustrated the
drastic ranges in emotion perfectly. One scene
would be a horrible struggle while the next
would be Susie’s fairytale-like world. The film-
ing was very appealing and kept the audience
entertained and curious. Additionally, the realis-
tic features of the fantasy world were out-
standing including images of supersized glass
bottles crashing into the shore, a pug driven
sleigh and larger than life ice sculptures.
Saoirse Ronan played a beautifully curious
Susie Salmon. She exemplified energy and
hope that there is a fairytale life after death.
http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com
http://strollwithoutshoes.com
BUZZ
BUZZ
From our friends at:
Rachel Weisz Susan Sarandon
Likewise, Susan Sarandon played an excellent
kooky grandmother. Her constant drinking and
smoking while taking care of the household
chores were hilariously entertaining.
I really enjoyed this film. It was very heart-
breaking, yet intriguing. I have not read the
novel but I will definitely add it to my list. I feel
like most films never live up to the expectations
of the book so I’m interested to see if the book
will live up to my expectations after seeing the
movie first.
This film is definitely geared more toward
women and I would strongly recommend
adhering to the PG-13 rating; at times it was
quite frightening and I’m sure it would be scar-
ier for someone younger.
IN THEATRES NOW
MUSIC
TONI’S BACK
Pop diva Toni Braxton is back
on the scene. The album brings
back the old Toni that we’ve all
missed: powerful pipes and soulful
ballads. Her latest album Pulse is
released this month.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 39
Photographer: Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com
:IN FOCUS

studios
 :IN FOCUS
FEBRUARY 2010

+
SPOTLIGHT
ON PUCKER UP!
SEAL A KISS
WITH THE
MODEL SEASON`S HOTTEST
+ LIP COLORS
ACTRESS
DIVINE OR
JERRITA DEVIOUS
HALL LINGERIE TO
MATCH
YOUR MOOD

HEART
ROMANCE
+REALISM:
CONVERSATION
WITH AUTHOR
BRENDA
DELLA CASA

TO
HEART
LOVE YOUR BODY
WHERE
RUNWAY MEETS REALITY,
STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE
+
HAUTE MEETS HEART™

www.meinfocusmag.com
ADVERTISEMENT
 EDITOR’S
LETTER CONTENTS ME: IN FOCUS
Bian “Bee” Li Shares What’s Inside Who We Are
Her Thoughts This Month

Dear Readers, Scenes: Out & About and On the Town 4 FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Bian Li
Rants + Raves: 6
This issue is all about love. From Valen- MANAGER
Divine or Devious: Lingerie to Match Your Mood 8 SPONSORSHIP & EVENTS
tine’s Day hot spots to heart health, from Christine Nicholls
romance to realism, we focus on the loves Chinese New Year: Year of the Tiger 10
DESIGN DIRECTOR
in our lives - love for our passions, signifi- Diana Dittmer
Heart to Heart: With Our Model Role Model
cant others, family and friends - and more Jerrita Hall 12
importantly, love for yourself - your body, CREATIVE CONSULTANTS
Alex Albrecht
mind and soul. If you open your heart, Pucker Up!: We Send Our Love to You With the
Ricardo Ford
Hottest Lip Colors of the Season 18
love will find you.
OFFICE MANAGER
Cinderella Was a Liar: Conversation with Author
Arlene Gutierrez
and Romance Guru Brenda Della Casa 19
In addition, we pass on our love to those
most in need - for every purchase of this CONTRIBUTORS
Fabulously Single + Fabulously Attached: 20
Iya Bakare
issue and every subscription ordered in Kerry Sayers
Fond-ooh!: The Perfect V-Day Indulgence 22
February, 10% of all proceeds will go to Olivia St. Clair

the International Medical Corps for their Hot Spots: Cozy Places to Find Tables for Two 24
CONTACT
relief efforts in Haiti. Fitness: Keeping Your Promise to Yourself in the
Advertising
New Year 26 adsales@meinfocusmag.com
Be Good. christine@meinfocusmag.com
Two Olympians: Interviews with Our Hometown

b
Content
Athletes 28 editor@meinfocusmag.com
Bee Subscriptions
Jet Set: Grab Your Honey and Go 32 subscribe@meinfocusmag.com
Submissions
A Midsummer’s Night: Merida, Mexico 34 submissions@meinfocusmag.com
General Inquiries
Portrait of a Life: by Student Photographer Emily info@meinfocusmag.com
Maehl 36

e
info@meinfocusstudios.com

B e Calendar: February Never Looked Better with

Artwork by Illustrator Peter Breese 38

Buzz: The Lovely Bones Film Review by Brianna

Calkin of Chick Flick Reviews 39
www.meinfocusmag.com
www.meinfocusstudios.com

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logos, images, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; are
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INDULGE ME. tion contained herein is designed to be as contextual and factual as
possible, per our best efforts and the information and/or resources
INSPIRE ME. Jerrita lets loose and available and/or provided to us at the time. We reserve the right, however,
EMPOWER ME.™ reveals her true, beautiful to make changes at any time, without notice, in the editing of the publica-
self. We asked her to tion therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some links and/or
contact information provided in this publication may lead to websites and/
show off her natural hair: or establishments/businesses by independent third party owners. The
For single issue or subscription simple, chic and under- information presented therein is the sole responsibility of those independ-
purchases, please visit: stated. ent third party owners. The LB Group LLC and Me: IN FOCUS have no
www.meinfocusmag.com control or responsibility for the content of independent sites and/or nature
of third party establishments/businesses and we provide these links and/or
Photography by Danny Finley contact information to our readers solely for their convenience.

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 3

SCENES
ME: IN FOCUS OUT AND ABOUT
AND ON THE TOWN!
Where we’ve been and what we’ve
been doing since last issue



We enjoyed Evanston native
Jessie Arlen’s CD Launch concert
titled ‘Certain Surprise’. Check out
her interview in the March issue.
http://jessiearlen.com
4 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
Me: IN FOCUS magazine mixes
work and play. Having a blast with
photoshoots in our studio space!
Hush Magazine pre-production celebration.
Me: IN FOCUS Editor Bee Li was interviewed for a
segment on Cover Chicago TV.
Me: IN FOCUS Studios has now
officially opened to the public due to
popular demand.
www.meinfocusstudios.com
Our January interview with rising star
and Chicago plus size model Lauren
A. Koenig was featured on Madison-
plus.com, a premier fashion website
for plus size women.
www.madisonplus.com
ADVERTISEMENT
 BURIED CARS
For those of us not lucky enough to
have designated parking, it’s never
fun to walk out to your car only to find
that the street is clean, but your car is
beneath a thick layer of snow and ice
from the plows.
FROZEN PIPES
Apparently this happens more than
we think. During winter months,
always remember to never turn off the
heat entirely to avoid flooding from
frozen pipes bursting.

RANTS
WHAT’S
ANNOYING US
While there’s
much to love about
Chicago, here are
some things that
could be better

LACK OF HEALTHY
LATE NIGHT DELIVERY
If only we had more healthy options,
then we wouldn’t feel bad in the morning
after giving in to our 3am cravings.

FROZEN PARKING METERS BROKEN HEAT LAMPS

ON EL
It’s bad enough that it’s so expensive.
Parking meter problems are never ending. Can we say BRRRRRRR?

6 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 a
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This stylish and affordable Acer desktop

model is sleek and completely wireless. The
23-inch touch screen is perfect for designers. Editor’s
Pick
All-In-One Desktop PC
$899.00
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a
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a
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a
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a
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 7

7
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8 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 SHOP FOR THESE ITEMS: Frederick`s of Hollywood: www.fredericks.com, G Boutique: www.boutiqueg.com, Victoria`s Secret: www.victoriassecret.com, Underthings: 773 472 9291
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 9

YOU’RE
INVITED!

Like many holidays,

Chinese New Year is about
peace, prosperity and being
with friends and family. As
part of the Me: IN FOCUS
family, you're invited to join
us on February 12 as we
celebrate good fortune with
great food at our favorite
restaurant in Chinatown.

For more details and to RSVP,

please visit our website:
www.meinfocusmag.com
HAPPY CHINESE
新
年
快
乐

恭
喜
发
NEW YEAR 财
YEAR OF THE TIGER
Coincidentally, February 14 Lanterns light up
the night. They come in
is also Chinese New Year, all shapes and sizes.
the most important The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year
lunar cycle. This year is the Year of the Tiger.
holiday in the Chinese People born in this year are said to be brave,
culture. Here are some of competitive and engaging.
the ways it is celebrated
throughout the world.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIAN LI
Jiaozi (Potstickers) are a popular dish.
They symbolize togetherness as families
reunite for the holiday.
Stuffed with money,
red envelopes are given to
children and subordinates as
a token of good fortune.
A traditional custom
includes visiting a local temple
to bless loved ones and wish for
good luck in the new year.
Lighting firecrackers
are one of the most popular activities
during Chinese New Year.
 PHOTOGRAPHY

Danny Finley
www.dannyjive.com

CLOTHING

Bryan K. Osburn Collection

www.nationalitiesbeautyfirm.com

Fox’s
www.foxs.com

STYLIST

Ogi Merzier
MAKEUP

Malgorzata Gorniak

HE RT
HE RT
TO

WITH MODEL +
ACTRESS

JERRITA HALL
February is American Heart
Month. Heart disease is the
number one killer of women in
the country. It’s never been
more important to take control
of our health, starting by
improving our daily habits.
Chicago native Jerrita Hall, 29,
shares her inspiring story of
how she transformed her life
from 245 pounds (size 22) to a
healthy 155 pounds (size 8). In
addition to modeling and
acting, Jerrita is also a personal
trainer and hopes to inspire
others to be healthy.

12 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

JERRITA`S
FAVORITE QUOTE
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than
your fear of failure.”
Q: Were you always overweight and how
did that affect you growing up?
A: I have always been overweight as a
child, into adolescence and my early adult
years. I had low self confidence and low
self esteem. I had a rough childhood; my
mother became disabled when I was 10
years old so I had to take on a large re-
sponsibility of helping my parents. It was
beyond difficult, so in turn I would eat to
make myself happy.
Q: Was there a particular moment when
you decided to finally take control of your
weight problem?
A: I was 21 years old when I decided that I
wanted to lose weight. I remember going
shopping one day and trying on jeans. I
was normally a size 18/20 but this particu-
lar day going shopping was different. I had
been depressed and wanted a quick fix, and
shopping always helped! I tried on the
18/20 but they were too small, so I tried
on a size 22/24, which fit just right. I pur-
~Bill Cosby
chased the pants and as I left the store I
vowed to myself to never let my pants size
exceed my age.
Q: How hard was it to begin the process of
losing weight? Did you ever find yourself
tempted to go back to your old ways?
A: It was extremely hard to begin the proc-
ess of losing weight; the education, dedica-
tion and lack of support were the biggest
hurdles I had to overcome in order to get
started. I had to read and understand what
I needed to do and how I needed to do it. I
had to dedicate myself to sticking to my
plan of eating healthy and making a life-
style change - not dieting. Dieting works
for a vacation or a short term fix. The deci-
sion to lose more than 40 to 50 pounds
requires a lifestyle change to maintain re-
sults. I did not find myself tempted to go
back to my old ways once I gave up those
habits, but I found it harder to keep up
with doing more and more to stay healthy.
“I was 21 years old when
I decided that I wanted
to lose weight…I vowed
to never let my pants size
exceed my age.”
Before/
Jerrita in High School
at her heaviest weight.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 13
This look is custom designed
by Bryan K. Osburn:
773 673 0067

“My mother became disabled when I was 10 years old. I had to take on
a large responsibility of helping my parents...it was beyond difficult, so
I would eat to make myself happy.”
Q: How did you stay motivated to lose the
weight and how long did it take? What type
of exercises were most effective?
A: I stayed motivated because of my family
history of certain diseases, which was al-
ways in the back of my mind. I also desired
to lose the weight and look like a young
lady would want to: healthy and fit by her
own standards. I found that cardio, weight
training and getting outside worked best. I
love cardio because it gets my heart rate up
and allows me to burn more calories when
16 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
I reach my target heart rate. Weight train-
ing allows me to tone and lengthen my
muscles and also increases my strength and
endurance. Getting outside is more for a
therapeutic experience more than anything,
allowing me to become one with nature.
Activities such as hiking, bicycling and
walking are also great forms of exercise.
Q: What is your life like now? Were you
treated any differently after you made
the transformation?
JERRITA`S OWN
ROLE MODELS
A PERSONAL ROLE MODEL would be my
mother; she had three strokes at age 36. Her
livelihood was cut short though she is still
living and getting around well with assistance
from family, friends and me. She is my inspi-
ration for exploring my passions in life. If you
never try you never know the result. My mom
had dreams and could not accomplish them
due to her disability. I tell people that you
never know how it feels to want to do the
simplest things and can't because of a physi-
cal handicap. Therefore, if you have the abil-
ity, don’t let any obstacles stop you from
achieving your dreams in life.
A PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL would be
Oprah. Oprah has accomplished so much, but
she started with a dream, a genuine heart
and a strong spirit. These three important
attributes are the foundation for success. She
impacts lives of so many by being ‘free’. Heal-
ing, overcoming stereotypes and following her
own path are great inspirations in my own life.
A: My life at this present time is on a posi-
tive journey. I noticed some people treating
me differently along the way because I was
doing something different and trying to
better myself in the process. Women usu-
ally commend me for losing weight and ask
how they could do what I did. Men would
do the same and sometimes were a bit
more supportive in the process.
Q: What has been the biggest personal
change in your life after losing weight? Do

“As women, we shouldn’t
worry too much about ‘What
we should be’ or ‘What we
ought to be’ in terms of
weight. As long as you are
healthy and comfortable with
your body, then embrace it
and love yourself—Mind,
Body and Spirit.”
you still have body image issues or are you
comfortable with yourself?
A: The biggest personal change in my life
has been the level of confidence, self es-
teem and determination I gained. I do
sometimes still feel like a ‘fat’ girl stuck in a
smaller body but I have lost 90 pounds and
am proud of myself. I am just starting to
grasp the mental adjustment that needs to
happen for me to look in the mirror and be
comfortable with what I see. Although its
very difficult for women not to get sucked
into the societal expectations for a certain
weight, I believe that as long as you are
proud of yourself and your accomplish-
ments with your body, embrace it and love
yourself- mind, body and spirit.
Q: What's your fitness routine now and
how do you keep the weight off?
A: My fitness routine now consists of a
workout three to four days out of the
week. Some days, I even work out twice a
day, whether it’s a DVD workout, cardio,
Pilates, yoga, weight training, or outdoor
activities. I have a busy schedule but I al-
ways manage to fit in my exercise, healthy
eating, meditation and prayer. I keep the
weight off now by maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. I don’t overeat like I used to. I
take healthy snacks with me if I’m not at
home. I also have more self control.
Q: For those that want to make a lifestyle
transformation, what’s your advice?
A: I have overcome the past and the
struggles that held me back. Life is about
change; nothing stays the same. Still, many
people allow certain things in their lives to
hold them back from making a change for
the better. When we realize that change
must come from within ourselves, it allows
us to be free. This is how I keep the weight
off now. I am free of the old me and am
ready for the journey ahead.
“I do still feel like a fat girl
stuck in a smaller body, but
I have lost 90 pounds and I
am very proud of myself.
I am just starting to grasp
the mental adjustment that
needs to happen for me to
look in the mirror and be
comfortable with what I see.”
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 17
STYLE

PUCKER UP!
We send our love
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Love,
18 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
 CINDARELLA
WAS A LIAR
CONVERSATIONS WITH
AUTHOR & ROMANCE GURU
BRENDA DELLA CASA
For her book, Brenda spent a year
interviewing over 1,500 single, married
and coupled men and women
worldwide. We sat down with Brenda
to get her expert opinion on body, sex,
dating and love. Brenda shares some
realistic words of wisdom below.
BODY
Ladies, relax. The truth is that most men
are so much more forgiving of our bodies
than we are ourselves. Most of the time,
they don’t even notice the cellulite, the
love handles or the perceived physical
imperfections that we are so insecure
about and try so hard to cover up. They
are just so grateful and thrilled that we are
willing to be with them that they could
care less.
Confidence is the sexiest characteristic
of all.
And don’t forget - men are insecure about
their bodies too.
SEX
Men love the hunt and the mystery. If you
give it up too soon, the allure is gone. The
more they have to earn the reward, the
more they’ll appreciate it.
Most men watch porn because they are
visual creatures, not because they are
attracted to you any less.
If he only calls you between 11pm and
3am, especially from Thursday through
Saturday, then you’re only a booty call.
There’s no golden rule of when you
should sleep with someone. However,
NEVER sleep with someone unless you
TRULY want to sleep with him and
understand your motivations for doing so.
BRENDA
DELLA CASA
Is an internationally
published author who
specializes in romance,
lifestyle and wellness
features. Brenda has
written for and been
featured in dozens of
major publications. She
is a recent transplant
to Chicago.
cinderellawasaliar.com
DATING
Men are uncomplicated. His sense of self
worth is not attached to whether or not he
gets a second date. Neither should yours.
Don’t go into a relationship with unrealis-
tic expectations or a sense of entitlement.
You should always offer to pay on the
first date. He may not accept your offer,
but it shows that you were gracious and
not using him for a free meal.
Date yourself first. Once you are person-
ally fulfilled, you become a happier and a
more confident you. And that, to a man, is
very attractive.
LOVE
True love is never about giving up your
own life to be a part of your partner’s. It’s
about sharing your lives together. Ask
yourself: “Does he fit into my life?”
Carry yourself with dignity and respect.
The biggest mistake that women make is
not being their authentic self. Ask your-
self: “Do I feel respected?”
When taking the plunge, remember that
your time and energy is better spent on
being married, not getting married.
Don’t over-share your intimate details
with others. It hurts your brand as a
couple and makes it easier for others to
come between you.
Happiness should never come from some-
one else. It comes from inside of you.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 19
 BUY YOURSELF THROW AN
SOMETHING NICE ANTI VDAY
PARTY

www.lorisshoes.com www.lincolnkaraoke.com
www.bowlluckystrike.com

GO TO BRUNCH
WITH FRIENDS

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Who said being alone
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for yourself and for that
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20 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 TAKE A COOKING COUPLES
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 21

 MANY
THANKS

to Pastoral Artisan
for their expertise and
recommendations

PAIRINGS BY
Pastoral Artisan Sommelier
Jan Henrichsen

INGREDIENTS BY
Pastoral Artisan Fromager
Cesar Olivares

22 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

FOND-OOH!
DINNER OR DESSERT,
IT’S THE PERFECT V-DAY
INDULGENCE

Go ga ga for your mate (or

your single friends) over a gooey,
warm fondue meal and a
comforting drink (or two)

CHEESE RECIPE
OPTIONS

DOMESTIC/ Serves 2 to 4
INTERNATIONAL
• 1 1/2 cups shredded COMTE or CAVE AGE EMMENTHAL cheese (4 oz. approx.)
COMTE
France • 1 1/2 cups shredded PLEASANT RIDGE RESERVE cheese (4 oz. approx.)
$25.99/lb • Coarse sea salt
CAVE AGED • Freshly ground black pepper
EMMENTHAL • Pinch of nutmeg
Switzerland
$24.99/lb • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
PASTORAL ARTISAN
• 1 clove garlic
PLEASANT RIDGE • 4 oz. white wine Pastoral Artisan is an authentic
RESERVE neighborhood cheese shop in the
Wisconsin • 1 teaspoon lemon juice European tradition offering artisanal,
international and domestic cheeses,
$25.99/lb • Cubed bread, for serving freshly baked breads and selected wines.

• Boiled, chopped potatoes, for serving All of the cheeses, small batch wines
and artisan beers featured are available
BEVERAGE • Mushrooms, for serving at all three locations.
PAIRINGS
• Asparagus, for serving 2945 N. Broadway,Chicago
• Cooked shrimp, for serving 53 E. Lake St., Chicago
131 N. Clinton, Chicago
SMALL BATCH
WINE • Sausage, for serving 800 721 4781
www.pastoralartisan.com
• Chopped apples and pears, for serving
HICKORY CREEK
APPLE WINE
Hickory Creek Winery,
Michigan
$18.99 1. Place 1 teaspoon salt in a fondue pot or a 2-quart stainless steel saucepan.
Rub cut end of garlic over inside of pot, starting in the sea salt and coating the
ARTISAN entire surface; discard garlic.
BEER
2. In a large bowl, mix together both cheeses and cornstarch until well combined;
GOOSE ISLAND set aside.
PERE JACQUES 3. Add wine and lemon juice to fondue pot and bring to a boil over medium-high
Chicago, Illinois
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FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 23

 TWO
TO
TANGO
RITZ TANGO CAFÉ
Nothing says romance like the
sensuality of Argentine Tango.
Co-owners Dinah D’Antoni and
Jorge Niedas combined their
passion for dance and food into
the Ritz Tango Café. The café
is a tiny bit of Buenos Aires right
here in Chicago, where coffee
lovers and milongueros (tango
dancers) share the floor.

For more information and to

join one of their many milongas
(mixers), call or visit the website.

933 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

Photograph by Bian Li of Me: IN FOCUS Studios

773 235 CAFÉ (2233)

www.ritztangocafe.com

24 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 Good food, good
company and good
conversation. a Editor’s
Pick

SOCCA
A stylish Mediterranean inspired

HOT SPOTS restaurant in Lakeview that’s perfect

for both late night dining or a Valentine’s
Day brunch.

BEST FOR LOVE BIRDS 3301 N. Clark St., Chicago

773 248 1155
www.soccachicago.com
Cozy places to find tables
for two

YES THAI
A modern restaurant in the heart of
Andersonville with exceptional service
and yummy curries. Great for both
singles and couples.
Vegan Friendly.
D y
WEBSTER’S WINEBAR
Dimly-lit venue with gourmet, small-
portioned food selections and extensive
wine list. Their global wine flight menu
is a must try and a deliciously fun way to
start a lovely evening.

5211 N. Damen, Chicago 1480 W. Webster Ave., Chicago

773 878 3487 773 868 0608
www.yesthaichicago.com www.websterwinebar.com

ROSE ANGELIS FRANCESCA’S AMICI BISTRO CAMPAGNE

Located in a quiet part of Lincoln Park,
this hidden gem boasts a charming patio
and an intimate setting.
1314 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago
773 296 0081
www.roseangelis.com
A small, quaint restaurant located in the
heart of Elmhurst. Perfect ambiance and
lighting for a romantic night. Winner of
OpenTable.com’s Diner’s Choice Award
last year.
174 N. York Rd., Elmhurst
630 279 7970
www.miafrancesca.com
A charming, simple French restaurant
in Lincoln Square known for its organic
menu and easy atmosphere.
4518 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
773 271 6100
www.bistrocampagne.com

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 25

 INFORM
NFORM
As February begins, we often find that the
fitness resolutions we made in January are
getting off track. According to Health Net,
more than 100 million Americans make
a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or
get fit. Unfortunately, about four of every
five people who make resolutions fail to
keep them.
This year, why not keep your resolution by
permanently eliminating the ‘D’ word–
diet—from your vocabulary. “A lot of peo-
ple have tried diets - Weight Watchers,
Jenny Craig, Atkins - and it’s just a cycle.
They go on it, they lose weight, stop and
then most gain the weight right
back. Rather, we must work on behavior
change,” says Registered Dietician Jennifer
Vimbor of Nutrition Counseling Services
in the Loop. “You don't have to fail.
n 
26 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
FITNESS
KEEPING YOUR
PROMISE TO
YOURSELF IN THE
NEW YEAR
This month, it's all about
staying focused so we can
stick to our resolution

BY KERRY SAYERS
Failing in the past has been a result of
those diets. We focus more on overall
behavior when it comes to nutrition.”
Vimbor insists that those expecting instant
results will be disappointed and that
everything worth while takes time and hard
work. “We like to take things one step at
a time. Focus on taking it slow and
work on one behavior until it becomes
habitual. Then, it’s ok to start introducing
other behaviors. It’s a slow process so
they're not returning within a year with the
same problem.”
An example of behavioral change is
water intake. If you're not drinking enough
water, which is very important because it
flushes your food through, you should
pinpoint exactly how much you need based
on your lifestyle. Buy two to three water
bottles; bring one to work and keep one at
home. Commit to drinking up to 64 ounces
a day - more if needed, and then try to
incorporate something else along the way.
Remember to keep in mind that it’s impor-
tant to introduce a new behavior rather
than take something away.
“There’s nothing that you have to eat or
absolutely cannot eat - that’s where people
go wrong. If you’re doing well and can’t
get pizza out of your mind, then by all
means have the pizza,” Vimbor says. “If
you’re doing well the rest of the time,
it won’t make a difference. It’s when you
repeat the bad habit every day that it
becomes a problem.”
Another habit Vimbor tries to help clients
lose is being consumed with counting
everything they eat.
M
 BEHAVIOR CHANGE
IS THE KEY

Registered Dietician Jennifer

Vimbor of Nutrition Counseling
Services in the Loop suggests a
focus on overall behavior when
it comes to nutrition.
To learn more, visit:

www.chicagonutritionist.com

“Whether it’s counting calories, or count-
ing fat - I don’t want them to develop poor
habits,” she says. “And counting calories,
can be dangerous behavior since it can lead
to eating disorders. Therefore, we work on
not counting so you can live without think-
ing about food all the time.”
One of the best ways to keep your resolu-
tions is to set reachable goals, whether it’s
regarding food or exercise habits. Jen
DePaulo, a certified personal trainer and
manager for Women’s Workout World in
Chicago, offers a few other tips to stay
on track.
1. If significant weight loss is a priority,
break the number down into smaller goals.
For example, focus on losing a number of
pounds per month rather than focusing on
an overall final number.
2. Center a program around activities you
like to do instead of those you find grueling
so that you are more likely to keep
doing them.
3. Work out with a friend. Workouts are
more fun and you can motivate each other.
4. Incorporate cross training into your rou-
tine, which means not only working out
with equipment, but taking classes as well.
5. Vary the types of classes you take.
Learning something new prevents you
from hitting plateaus and keeps your
program fresh.
6. Write your goals down and post them at
home and at work so you are constantly
reminded and motivated to achieve them.
7. Determine where you’d like to be in
2011 so if you fall off pace, you won’t be
down for long. If the thought of starting
over after breaking your normal routine
over the holidays is daunting, DePaulo
offers good news.
“Muscle has memory, so its not going to
take you as long to get back to where you
were before,” she says. “Don’t worry. Eve-
ryone gets derailed and everyone takes the
wrong turn sometimes. You just have to
get back on the road.”
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and fitness
routine is a lifelong journey. You’re never
going to reach the destination because it’s
an ongoing process.”

U C
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 27
 TWOOLYMPIANS
GOING FOR THE GOLD
INTERVIEWS WITH TWO OF OUR
HOMETOWN ATHLETES

BOBSLED +
WEIGHTLIFTING

INGRID
Photograph by Tre Scott

MARCUM
Q: Weightlifting is typically thought of as a
non-traditional sport for women. How did
you get into it?
A: I was actually a gymnast for 20 years.
After I finished competitive gymnastics at
the age of 21, I still wanted to continue
competing since I always was a very strong
athlete. I took a weight lifting course,
discovered that I loved it and was told by
the instructor that I had potential to com-
pete. At the first meet, I qualified for sec-
ondary nationals, and I haven’t looked back
since. It’s been a great experience for me
since I never realized that unlike a lot of
other sports, there might be things you can
start on in your twenties.

Q: How did you get into bobsledding?

A: I was at a strength coaching convention.
When I was on the expo floor, two bobsled
coaches saw me lifting. They try to recruit
athletes who have built up strength and
endurance in other sports, like
weightlifting. Then they apply these skills
to bobsledding.
Q: What’s your role on the bobsled team? and now I have literally been home for two
weeks. During the actual competitive sea-
A: I’m the brakeman. The brakemen lets
the driver do his or her job. Count the son from November to February we’re in a
different city every week. The tour is differ-
curves, memorize the track and know
ent every year. So far I’ve had two weeks
where all the big turns are. We train a lot
training in Whistler. We also went to Park
for the push at the start of the race. You
City and Lake Placid. From there we flew
can lose a race with a poor start.
to Europe to race.
Q: What’s it like to be an Olympic hopeful
and what have been some highlights of Q: Of all the bobsled tracks you’ve raced
your career so far? on, do you have a favorite?
A: All together, it’s been amazing just to A: The track in St. Moritz, Austria, is pretty
have the opportunity, especially since not a amazing. It’s the only natural track in the
lot of people in two sports get to achieve world. Most tracks look like a concrete
their dreams. I love to travel the world and waterslide that they ice over. In St. Moritz,
meet people. One of the big highlights for however, they actually build the track out
me so far was when I won the National of ice and snow each year, so it’s a little

Photograph by Tre Scott

Weightlifting Championships in Chicago at different each season.
UIC last June. After that win, I went
straight into bobsled season. It’s an honor Q: For your weightlifting events, how
to represent my country in international much can you lift?
competition and to have support of
the fans. A: There are two types of lifts – the Snatch
and the Clean and Jerk. Both lifts start with
the bar over your head. The Snatch is the
Q: What’s your training regimen as the first lift event and is considered the most
Olympics approaches? technical lift. On a Snatch lift, I can lift 205
INGRID MARCUM
A: I left home on August 31. Between then pounds. With the Clean and Jerk, my best
lift has been 245 pounds.

Q: What is some advice that you would

PERSONAL SPECS
give to young women athletes?
A: Don’t be afraid to go in the gym and HOMETOWN
Elmhurst, IL
work hard. Being strong is very empower-
ing. I’m able to do the things I do because AGE
I lift, because I take care of my body. It’s a 34
great addition to your life. You’re going to
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
keep everything strong. FITNESS IS THE 5’6”/165 lbs.
ONLY FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH THAT
WE HAVE. Having muscle on my body EVENTS
makes me feel feminine and sexy. I really
want to educate women on the benefits of WEIGHTLIFTING
BOBSLEDDING
weight training. They shouldn’t have to
fear gaining muscle will make them bigger PERFORMANCE
or less attractive.
Photographs on left and right: Claus Willemer website: artistphoto.de

2009 + 2010
WORLD CUP
BRAKEWOMAN FOR
BREE SCHAAF
4th (Park City, 11/09)
5th (Winterberg, 12/09)

2009
NATIONAL BOBSLED
PUSH CHAMPIONSHIP
4th

2008 + 2009
AMERICA’S CUP
Bronze (Park City, 10/08)
Bronze #2 (Park City, 10/08)
Gold (Calgary, 11/08)
Gold #2 (Calgary, 11/08)
Bronze (Lake Placid, 11/08)
Bronze #2 (Lake Placid, 11/08)

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 29


Photographs on right and left: courtesy of Katherine Reutter
Q: Have you always been a competitor?
When you first started skating, were the
Olympics always your goal?
A: I started skating at the age of four. I
originally was a figure skater, but transi-
tioned to speed skating at age 5, which I
liked better. I never really began competing
with the Olympics as my ultimate goal, but
as I started doing well in competitions, I
sort of fell into the Olympic track and
began seriously training for the event.
Q: What types of sacrifices did you have to
make growing up as an athlete from a
young age?
A: When my hometown training facility
closed, I had to travel every other weekend,
and soon after every weekend to train in St.
Louis. I spent so much time training that I
missed a lot of things, like dances, other
extracurricular activities, normal teenage
stuff. However, I wouldn’t trade a thing
since it made me who I am today and given
me so many other opportunities.
Q: What was it like when you found out
you made the Olympic team?
A: When I found out in September, I
didn’t really have time to process the fact
that I made the team. We immediately flew
to China for the World Cup. It’s an honor
to represent my country.
Q: Does your family travel with you when
you train? Are any of them athletes?
KATHERINE
REUTTER
SHORT TRACK
SPEEDSKATING
A: My dad was a big influence – he was a
skater and coached me early on. After I
moved to Salt Lake City to train, I lived on
my own since it would have been too diffi-
cult to have my family travel with me eve-
rywhere I went.
Q: What’s your regular daily training
regimen? Has it become more intense in
the weeks leading up to the Olympics?
A: It’s intense. We usually train six to 10
hours a day. Summer training is actually
more intense. Between March and April we
get a couple weeks to go home and visit
my family.
Q: What are some of the most memorable
experiences you’ve had in your career
so far?
A: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to
travel – to see so many new places, difficult
cultures and meet so many new people
from all over the world at my competi-
tions. For example, I got to travel to China
and Japan, places I would never probably
have traveled to on my own as a small
town gi rl from the Mi dwe st.
You realize that despite all our differences,
people are people.
Q: What advice would you give to young
girls who want to become an Olympian?
A: Anything worth it is worth sacrificing
and working hard for. I TRULY BELIEVE
IN THE PHILOSOPHY THAT IF
BETTER IS POSSIBLE, THEN GOOD IS
NOT ENOUGH.
 KATHERINE REUTTER

PERSONAL SPECS

HOMETOWN
Champaign, IL
(same hometown as her inspira-
tion and six-time Olympic
medalist Bonnie Blair)

AGE HEIGHT
21 5’7”

EVENTS

500, 1,000 + 1,500 METER

3,000 METER RELAY

PERFORMANCE

2009
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
4th (1500m)
5th (1500m)
13th (500m)
Photography by of Mark Maziark

2008
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Bronze (300m)
4th (1500m)
5th (500m + relay)
19th (1000m)

2007 + 2008
Two-time Overall US Champion

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 31

 PENANG
This tropical, coastal
Malaysian city is a calmer
alternative to the bustling
capital. Known for its
cultural and ethnic
diversity, Penang is a
paradise for food lovers..

PRAGUE

Old and modern Europe

mesh in this bewitching
Czech city. Known for its
stunning fairytale-esque
cityscape, Prague is a
place to fall in love.

 BARCELONA
Bursting with Catalan
pride, Barcelona is a city
for the true romantic.
Spectacular views,
scrumptious Spanish and
Basque cuisine and world
renowned architecture
and museums.

MERIDA
Escape from the cold
to the heart of the
Yucatan. With its Mayan
heritage, colonial
influence and genuine
hospitality, Merida is a
place for both young
lovers and old souls.

VERONA
It`s easy to see how
Romeo and Juliet fell in
love in this idyllic setting.
An easy day trip from
Rome, Verona`s
antiquated streets and
Italian charm take you
back in time.

32 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

JET SET GRAB YOUR
HONEY AND GO

We all know Paris is

L
the city of love and
lights, but here are a
few other cities where
sparks will fly...

; MORE
SPECTACULAR
PHOTOS

of romantic Merida, Mexico

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 33

 A MIDSUMMER`S
NIGHT
MERIDA, MEXICO

All photographs by Bian Li of Me: IN FOCUS Studios

34 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010

 A cultural performance
in the town square

FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 35

PORTRAIT
A LIFE
BY EMILY MAEH
Emily Maehl, 20, is a Sophomore
attending the University of Illinois
at Chicago. When Emily contacted us,
we knew we had to share her photo
essay about a woman in her life whom
she admires.

Here is Emily's story, in her own words:

 OF
“MY NAME IS EMILY Joanne Maehl.
I had a beginner photography course this
past semester and that’s when my talent
started to surface. My self-portrait work
was my most successful, and my professor
told me the photos had a fashion quality
to them. I surprised myself by having
a natural eye for fashion photography and I
HL don’t want it to go to waste. Working for a
magazine is what I envision myself
doing after college. I want to be one of
those lucky people whose profession is also
their passion.”
A TYPICAL DAY
My submission is about my friend’s mother.
Her name is Jan Horner, and she runs a
babysitting service out of her home while
having five children of her own. Many of
her children have special needs at various
levels, and Jan has made it a priority to
tend to each of their individual needs. Her
lifestyle inspired her to start a support
group for parents in similar situations
called H.E.L.P, which stands for Helping,
Encouraging and Listening to Parents with
special needs children. The group provides
aid for parents struggling to educate, disci-
pline or even love their children.
A regular meeting opens with prayer and
moves onto a guest speaker and open dis-
cussion. I have witnessed the kind of pres-
sure Jan is under, from the never-ending
pile of laundry to the stress of paying the
bills. However, her kind, positive spirit
separates her from the rest. I visited Jan at
her home to document a ‘typical day’ while
she is babysitting.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 37
STYLE ME.
ENTERTAIN ME.
INFORM ME.
INDULGE ME.
INSPIRE ME.
EMPOWER ME.™

www.meinfocusmag.com

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 National
6
Groundhog Rosa Park’s Wear Red Day
Day Birthday for Heart Health
Awareness

7 8 Martyrs' 9 10 11 12 13
Superbowl XLIV Benefit for Haiti Me: IN FOCUS
Jazz Concert Dinner at
8pm/$10 Lao Szechwan
in Chinatown
7pm/$20
National Condom
14 Awareness Day 15 Susan B.
16 17 18 19 20
Random Hubbard
Anthony’s Mardi Gras Acts of Street Dance
Chinese New Year Birthday Kindness Day at Art Institute
of Chicago
National Organ
Donor Day
21 22 23 24 25 27
Love Your Purim
Pet Day

28

National American Black

Friendship Heart History
FEBRUARY 2010 Month Month Month
COPYRIGHT, PETER BREESE 2009
ARTWORK BY PETER BREESE

FILM
Saoirse Ronan
THE LOVELY BONES
BY BRIANNA CALKIN
aaaa
Director Peter Jackson has transformed Alice
Sebold’s novel, The Lovely Bones, into an
emotionally intense film about the life and after-
life of Susie Salmon.
Susie (Saoirse Ronan) was murdered at the
lively young age of 14. She was crossing the
cornfield to her Pennsylvania home after school
when her awkwardly friendly, yet creepy
neighbor Mr. Harvey (Stanley Tucci) lured her into
an underground, playhouse-like shack.
Susie narrates most of the film as we see her
family struggle over their tragic loss. While her
family is in turmoil, Susie is stuck in the ‘in
between’, a fantasy-like place before reaching
heaven. Susie’s ‘in between’ is not all butter-
flies and rainbows. It is a place where she is
having an inner battle with letting go versus her
strong desire for revenge on her murderer. She
can often see and hear her family, friends
and murderer.
Susie’s parents, Jack (Mark Wahlberg) and
Abigail (Rachel Weisz), find it hard to
reconnect with one another because they are
both healing in different ways after losing
Susie. Jack’s obsession with solving Susie’s
murder pushes Abigail away and in return
brings Abigail’s mother, crazy Grandma Lynn
SITES
SITES
BLOGS WE LOVE
http://materialgirlsblog.com/chicago
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/frugalista
Stanley Tucci Mark Wahlberg
(Susan Sarandon), to help care for the two
other children.
The film meshes Susie’s vengeance for
her murderer with her father’s intent to solve
the mystery, her sister’s suspicions of the
creepily chilling neighbor and Mr. Harvey’s
skewed behaviors.
The Lovely Bones is one of the most emotion-
ally driven films I have seen in a long time.
Some of the scenes were so intense that you
could tell everyone’s hearts were racing with
anticipation. The suspense was thrilling and is
definitely key to the success of the film.
Additionally, the filming of The Lovely Bones
was creatively captivating. It illustrated the
drastic ranges in emotion perfectly. One scene
would be a horrible struggle while the next
would be Susie’s fairytale-like world. The film-
ing was very appealing and kept the audience
entertained and curious. Additionally, the realis-
tic features of the fantasy world were out-
standing including images of supersized glass
bottles crashing into the shore, a pug driven
sleigh and larger than life ice sculptures.
Saoirse Ronan played a beautifully curious
Susie Salmon. She exemplified energy and
hope that there is a fairytale life after death.
http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com
http://strollwithoutshoes.com
BUZZ
BUZZ
From our friends at:
Rachel Weisz Susan Sarandon
Likewise, Susan Sarandon played an excellent
kooky grandmother. Her constant drinking and
smoking while taking care of the household
chores were hilariously entertaining.
I really enjoyed this film. It was very heart-
breaking, yet intriguing. I have not read the
novel but I will definitely add it to my list. I feel
like most films never live up to the expectations
of the book so I’m interested to see if the book
will live up to my expectations after seeing the
movie first.
This film is definitely geared more toward
women and I would strongly recommend
adhering to the PG-13 rating; at times it was
quite frightening and I’m sure it would be scar-
ier for someone younger.
IN THEATRES NOW
MUSIC
TONI’S BACK
Pop diva Toni Braxton is back
on the scene. The album brings
back the old Toni that we’ve all
missed: powerful pipes and soulful
ballads. Her latest album Pulse is
released this month.
FEBRUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 39
:IN FOCUS
Photographer: Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com
studios