:IN FOCUS

JANUARY 2010
$4.99

New +
Year, SPOTLIGHT
ON
CHICAGO

New PLUS SIZE

MODEL

You LAUREN
KOENIG

LET`S DO STYLE ME.

ENTERTAIN ME.

LAUNCH! INFORM ME.

INDULGE ME.
INSPIRE ME.
EMPOWER ME.

www.meinfocusmag.com
ADVERTISEMENT
 LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR CONTENTS ME: IN FOCUS

Bian “Bee” Li Shares What’s Inside This Who We Are

Her Thoughts Month

Let’s Do Launch: Inside Our Launch Party 4 FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bian Li

Dear Readers, Ogi Merzier and Jessica Kim: Winners of the First
Annual Me: in focus Awards 5 MANAGER
SPONSORSHIP & EVENTS
This month is not only the start of a More Fashion Show Fun 6 Christine Nicholls

new year, but also a new decade. It's Model Mashup: Meet the Models 8 DESIGN DIRECTOR
Diana Dittmer
also the exciting first edition of a new
Behind the Scenes 11
and improved Me: in focus. Thank CREATIVE CONSULTANT
Ricardo Ford
you for welcoming us into your lives. New Fit You: Fun Ways to Keep Your New Year`s
Resolution 12
We look forward to introducing you OFFICE MANAGER
New Year New You: Where Are You Headed in Arlene Gutierrez
to our growing community of fabu- 2010? 15
lous Chicago women - entrepreneurial, CONTRIBUTORS
Iya Bakare
savvy and compassionate. Every The Layers of Lauren: Getting to Know Our Model
Kerry Sayers
Role Model 16
woman has a story and by sharing Olivia St. Clair
Beauty Blog: Jessica Mazik 22
these stories we hope to help you MANY THANKS TO OUR
PAST CONTRIBUTORS
discover who you are, and not what Health in Focus: Empower Yourself, Protect Your
Mary Click
Body 24
you should be. Charbel Nasser
Kay Choi
Studio Space: Introducing Me: in focus Studios 26
Phyllis Li
That is what Me: in focus is all about - Monthly Mentions: Our Favorite Eats, Treats and
Erin McGann
focusing on what matters to you and More 29 CONTACT
all the many sides of you. Style Me, Calendar: A Random and Lighthearted Look at This Advertising
Entertain Me, Inform Me, Indulge Month 30 adsales@meinfocusmag.com
Me, Inspire Me, Empower Me. The Buzz: Women in the Media 31
christine@meinfocusmag.com
Content
editor@meinfocusmag.com
World Beat: Journey to Rajasthan 32
As I always say, with each issue we Subscriptions
subscribe@meinfocusmag.com
hope to not only open more minds, A Different Perspective: The Chicago Botanic Submissions
Garden in Winter 35
but also more hearts. It's time to make submissions@meinfocusmag.com
General Inquiries
history Herstory too. info@meinfocusmag.com
info@meinfocusstudios.com

e
Be Good.

e
www.meinfocusmag.com

B 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 other
respective copyright holders. The photos on the following pages of 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
marks appearing in this publication and/or the website including, but not
limited to: (i) The LB Group LLC; and (ii) Me: in focus and its respective
logos, images, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; are
ON THE COVER trademarks of The LB Group LLC, its brands and affiliates. The informa-

{
Lauren Koenig tion contained herein is designed to be as contextual and factual as
possible, per our best efforts and the information and/or resources
Lauren dazzles in this available and/or provided to us at the time. We reserve the right, however,
completely unretouched to make changes at any time, without notice, in the editing of the publica-
version of our cover shot. We tion therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some links and/or
contact information provided in this publication may lead to websites and/
wanted to show you that even or establishments/businesses by independent third party owners. The
without airbrushing, women information presented therein is the sole responsibility of those independ-
ent third party owners. The LB Group LLC and Me: in focus have no
can look beautiful. 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 Rod Roberts contact information to our readers solely for their convenience.

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 3

LET’S DO: LAUNCH!

PHOTOGRAPHY
BY

Lori Sapio

}
Before the party -
catwalk within our office
and studio loft space

Inside Our Launch Party! in the Ravenswood

area of Chicago.

ON DECEMBER 12, 2009, we held

our Me: in focus magazine and studios
launch party and awards presentation.

Thanks so much to all our supporters

who braved the cold and joined us in our
new studio loft space for a fantastic
evening featuring local entrepreneurs

{
and businesses.

We celebrated the best of 2009 and

presented our first annual Me: in focus
Award winners to two amazing Chicago
women who truly embody our values of
entrepreneurship and empowerment. We
topped off the night with a fashion show
that featured real, beautiful Chicago
women and local boutiques.

Check out these next few pages and see

for yourself!

4 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

...AND THE WINNERS ARE:

Left: Ogi Merzier

Right: Jessica Kim

Congratulations to Ogi Merzier and Jessica Kim,

Winners of the First Annual Me: in focus Awards!

THEIR
NOMINATORS
“ Ogi is so inspiring! She continues
to believe in herself and her abilities
more and more each passing day.
“
Jessica Kim is the Founder/CEO
of BabbaCo, an innovative baby
products company that creates “simple.
TELL WHY
THEY DESERVE
She has survived several personal functional. super cute.” solutions for
TO WIN tragedies...now she owns Fashion everyday parenting. BabbaCo’s
Fusion Vintage on Halsted and philosophy is to empower moms as
several on-line vintage e-tiques. She they go through their major transition
is also a fashion designer/stylist and of parenthood. Her ultimate vision is to
has worked with several celebrities. create a successful company to be used
She is great for Chicago and great for greater good. [Jessica] embodies
to work for!

STAY TUNED
”
- Kelly Harkin
what it means to take care of yourself in
order to take care of others. She would
inspire other women in such an
overwhelming time in a woman’s life
WHAT THEY As we share their when their individuality, sense of worth,
amazing and

”
WON! balance and abilities are challenged.
inspirational stories
with you soon.
Both ladies won a
cover story and
photo spread in an - Kathy Im
upcoming issue.

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 5

MORE FASHION SHOW FUN:

6 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 7
 MaryAnn
Marsh

Xiao
Feng

Kimberly
Lewis

MODEL
MASHUP Lita
Rouse

Tiffanie
Craddock

Shanika
Brown

Ruby
Ross

MEET THE
MODELS

Beautiful women come

in all shapes, sizes
and ages. Meet the
lovely ladies who
strutted our catwalk.

Maria
Martinez

8 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Owner and Founder Bee Li

(fourth from left) on the
catwalk with the models
after the show.

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 9

 MAKEUP BY
SUE DEVITT
BEAUTY

TO SEE BEE’S
FULL INTERVIEW
WITH SUE DEVITT,
FOUNDER OF SUE
DEVITT BEAUTY,

Check out our website

www.meinfocusmag.com

Makeup Artist
Alex Albrecht
of Sue Devitt
Beauty

HAIR BY
SPOIL ME
HAIR SALON

Adel (left), Owner of

Spoil Me Hair Salon
and assistant working
on a model

10 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

{ THANK YOU: }
To All of the Chicago Area
Businesses that Helped Make
Our Event a Huge Success!

THE BODY SHOP H2O+

773 935 9645 800 242 2284
www.thebodyshop-usa.com www.h2oplus.com

CONNECT LANE BRYANT

773 360 1520 773 755 0217
www.connect-chicago.com www.lanebryant.com

CRE8SHUNS BY LILIAN LONGEVITY SPA

773 342 2738 312 266 8765
www.cre8shuns.com www.lipodoc.com
www.longevityspa.net
DIBA SHOES
MGD 64
314 373 1280
www.bronxshoes.com www.mgd.com

ENZEE NUEVO LEON BAKERY

630 530 2965 312 243 5977
www.enzeeboutique.com
PIERRE’S BAKERY
FLOWER FETISH 773 252 8888
773 988 8688 www.pierres-bakery.com
773 987 7088 appts.
SPOIL ME HAIR SALON
www.flower-fetish.com
773 883 8944
FOX’S www.spoilmehairsalon.net
773 281 0700
www.foxs.com SUE DEVITT BEAUTY
888 870 1150
www.suedevittbeauty.com

www.meinfocusmag.com

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 11

NEW FIT YOU: BE A FLIRTY GIRL

Flirty Girl Fitness is a women's only fitness

FUN WAYS and lifestyle facility in the West Loop that
TO KEEP YOUR offers fun and entertaining classes, such as
NEW YEAR’S Flirty Flight Club and Sexy Strip. A much
RESOLUTION! appreciated alternative to your regular gym.
www.flirtygirlfitness.com

SKATE OFF
THE WEIGHT

Whether it's ice skating

at Millennium Park (burns
300 calories per hour!)
or cross country skiing in
Morton Arboretum, there
are plenty of outdoor activities
nearby to help you burn off
WII FIT the holiday pounds.
NINTENDO www.millenniumpark.org
www.mortonarb.org

GO
GARDENING

Spend a day exploring the

stark and quiet beauty of
SNOWED IN? the Chicago Botanic Garden
in winter, a striking contrast
to its summer landscape
Nintendo`s Wii Fit (see pg. 35).
is a fantastic way to work out at www.chicago-botanic.org
home. There are many cool
games like Jillian Michaels Fit-
ness Ultimatum that will pump
you up and work up a sweat.
www.wiifit.com
LACKING
MOTIVATION?

While personal trainers may be costly,

the results you achieve with one may
make it worth the expense. Trainers like
Stephanie Mansour, also a life coach,
can help you get in shape while also
motivating you to live your best.
www.stepitupwithsteph.com

Cre8shuns by Lilian:
®

Jewelry Inspired by the World

LILIAN CARTWRIGHT CREATES
jewelry that is inspired by her worldly
travels to Cambodia, Ghana, Chiang Mai,
Belize, Istanbul, Moscow and more. Each
necklace, bracelet, earring and stickpin is a
one-of-a kind or limited edition piece. She
studies the art of each culture and also
identifies rare components that are then
used in her unique pieces.

www.cre8shuns.com

12 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

WOMEN/ENTR
EPRENEURS
+
STYLE/ENTER
TAIN/INFORM
/INDULGE/INS
PIRE/UNITE
UNITE
=
CHICAGOYOU
NGWOMENS
NETWORK
www.meetup.com/chicagoyoungwomensnetwork
JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 13
 New
Year,
New
You
WHERE ARE
YOU HEADED
IN 2010?

14 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

{ }
SHOEDAZZLE
Personal stylist + shoes
delivered to your door.
What could be better?
www.shoedazzle.com

STYLE
A
ME

{ }
PAINT YOUR
WALLS HAPPY
Feel like hibernating?
A fresh coat of bright
paint is the perfect way
to cheer you up.
warm
and
{ }
GET OUT
AND DANCE!

ENTERTAIN
ME
Always wanted to learn
Salsa? Put some sizzle
in your step. Me: in focus
Studios will be offering
lessons soon! For more
fuzzy
details visit:
www.meinfocusstudios.com

{ }
RECYCLE YOUR

+
XMAS TREE
Kicking your tree to
the curb? Recycle it
INFORM instead! Contact the
ME Department of Environment
for locations nearest you.
312 774 7606

{ }
PAMPER
YOURSELF
Whether it`s taking a
bubble bath at home
or spending a blissful
day at The Peninsula
Hotel Spa, don’t forget
to take time to focus
on yourself.
INDULGE
ME

{ }
GIRLS NIGHT
OUT
Good friends, good
food and good conver-
sation. The melting pot
combines all three in
their Spa Night Event.
www.themeltingpot.com

...start to
{ }
BE A GOOD
NEIGHBOR
Winter can be
INSPIRE especially hard on
our older neighbors.
ME

2010!
Even a quick check-in
or an offer to do a
household chore
would be appreciated.

Tell us how you plan to make this new year your best ever.
We may publish your story in a future issue!

Email us at: submissions@meinfocusmag.com

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 15

THE LAYERS
OF LAUREN
Getting to know
our model role
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rod Roberts

CLOTHING
Alice Berry

model
JEWELRY
Jorie Bandauski
HAIR & MAKEUP
Jessica Mazik

www.rodrobertsphotos.com
www.aliceberry.com
www.jorieb.com
www.jesselizabeth.com

16 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

 INTRODUCTION

Each month we spotlight

one young woman who
embodies the meaning of
true beauty and whose
story can serve as an
inspiration to others.
Beautiful both inside and
out, these women are truly
model role models.

Lauren
Koenig

Age
27

Size
12

Q: You began modeling last year and
entered a tough industry in a tough
economy. Why did you do so and what
have you learned from it?
A: Sometimes, a series of unfortunate
events can lead to something great! Hav-
ing suffered from weight management and
overtraining issues for over a decade, I
finally discovered in 2008 that these issues
were caused by severe food allergies. I
immediately made the necessary lifestyle
changes in order to improve my health
and let my body recover. I began losing
the excess weight that my body retained
over those years and for the first time in
my life I felt healthy. In January of 2009, I
was laid off for the second time in three
years, most recently from a job as a web
manager for a culinary company. Feeling
empowered by the improvement of my
health, as well as the support of my
grandmother, I gained the confidence and
time needed to purse a new career in plus-
size modeling.
Over the past year, my experience as an
aspiring plus-size model has taught me
that this industry is like any other, and has
definitely taken a hit with today’s econ-
omy. I gained a significant amount of pa-
tience and professionalism, but most im-
portantly, I learned how to take
my inner self-confidence and project
it outward.
Q: What is your personal beauty
routine? Any secrets you would like
to share?
A: Growing up, I missed the memo about
hydration and staying out of the sun! For-
tunately, I learned a few years ago about
the importance of skincare in looking
youthful and have been diligently exercis-
ing good practices ever since.
I follow my beauty regime twice a day and
I never skip it! By day, I wash with
Cetaphil cleanser, followed by Kiehl’s
Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free toner, a

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 17

18 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010
 LAUREN`S OWN
ROLE MODEL

My personal role model

is my best friend Nata.
She currently lives in
London, but is originally
from Azerbaijan. We
lived together when we
attended Ball State Uni-
versity. Meeting her was
the best thing that ever
happened to me. She is
an extremely poised and
educated woman who
always knew what she
stood for and what she
believed in. She always
held her head up high
and always made things
happen. Her ability to
project such inner beauty
outward really had an
effect on who I am today.
Being around a confident
woman who strived to be
the best person she
could was contagious.
I can say that I wouldn’t
be the ‘Lauren’ I am
today had I never met
her at such an important
point in my life.

touch of acne cream and finally Eucerin
moisturizer SPF 30. At night, I apply
Neaclear Liquid Oxygen astringent and
Eucerin oil-free Anti-wrinkle Sensitive
Skin Cream. I keep Sally Hansen’s Over-
night Lip Recovery next to my nightstand
and it goes on every night, along with my
eye cream!
A few of my beauty secrets:
1. Never wear SPF lotion at night – it will
clog your pores.
2. Always use an oil-free moisturizer. They
are hard to come by but oil is unnecessary
before menopause.
3. A light sweep of toothpaste over the
lips will temporarily dry them and hold
your lip liner on longer, which will
prevent it from feathering.
4. Disposable buff-puffs are great to
exfoliate with once a week at most.
5. Dark lipstick will make your teeth
look whiter.
6. Cut your makeup remover pads into
halves or fourths. This will save you a
few extra bucks and prevent you from
wasting them.
7. Don’t condition your roots if you
like volume.
8. There are very few shampoos and con-
ditioners I would put on my hair. Biotera
and Ion are the only two products that I
believe that won`t strip your color plus it’s
cheaper at Sally’s and in bulk.
9. Apply any acne cream with the palm of
your hand, not your fingers, in sweeping
motions. This helps get the cream
deep into your skin. This is my dermatolo-
gist’s secret!
My cosmetic must-haves:
1. Listerine pre-brush whitening mouth-
wash: Nothing is sexier than a white smile.
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation
Primer: This really helps your makeup stay
put when it’s warm and you’re on the go.
3. Smashbox DNA Mascara: I’ve tried so

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 19

many mascaras but this one is incredible!
4. MAC Paint: This really keeps your eye
makeup ON! This is superior to any other
eye base in the world. It doesn’t move
until you wash it off and it really makes
the pigment in your eye makeup burst!
And the best part, absolutely NO creasing.
5. Batiste Dry Shampoo: I never leave
home without it. This is a lifesaver,
especially for blondes. Can we say ‘revive?’
6. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail lip
color: I love a dark lipstick that doesn’t
come off until you tell it to.
20 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010
Q: You mention that you would like to
become an advocate and public
speaker on issues related to self esteem
and positive body image. What’s your
message?
A: For many, body image and self-esteem
are solidified at a very young age. It’s an
extremely sensitive and important topic
during adolescence and I believe that it’s
not addressed in the correct manner. I
don’t think we’re doing all we can to help
young children love themselves. I want to
reach out to youth and counsel them on
inner beauty and confidence. After all,
beauty starts from within and works its
way out. The peace we have with our-
selves on the inside will show on the out-
side. I understand that I will never be per-
fect in everyone’s eyes. However, every
day I strive to be “the best Lauren I can
be.” I do this by rejecting negativity, hum-
bly accepting compliments and by wel-
coming constructive criticism into my life.
I once heard, “Don’t look at the person
holding the lantern - look at the light.” I
believe in this and want to practice what I
preach. If one can learn to be the best
person they can be, not only will self-
acceptance follow, but your inner light will
also shine and help inspire others.

Q: As a plus-size model, did you have
any challenges starting out in the in-
dustry? If so, how did you get past
those challenges?
A: Plus-size modeling does have a stigma
in today’s society and it comes with many
challenges. Although I think the mentality
is slowly changing, it will be a long time
before we really see a major difference.
We must realize that as consumers, we
hold the power. The fragile economy has
really forced designers and retailers to
open up other income-generating avenues
by selling to the mainstream population.
In the industry, I am considered a ‘small
accepts herself.” I love to say that “Yes, I
am a plus-model - this is what we consider
plus today. The shock value is unprece-
dented because on a scale from one to 10,
I’m a 12!”
Q: What are some important words of
wisdom you can give to aspiring
young models?
A: Many think modeling is an extremely
self-indulgent industry, which couldn’t be
further from the truth. In order to get a
great photo, you need a great photogra-
pher, makeup artist, hair stylist, designer
and lastly…model. Modeling is a
collaborative effort for all to partake in.
Once you realize that each photoshoot is a
project, and that it’s NOT only about you,
you will succeed. Pay your dues. Don’t be
cocky – be confident. There is a fine line
between the two. Practice makes perfect.
Study your film. Hand written “thank-
you” notes go a long way. Professional-
ism is extremely noticed and appreciated
in the industry. Do not flake – ever. Get
business cards and always carry them.
Networking is key. Always follow up,
twice. Reach out to others and never give
up. Until you hear three “NOs,” keep
trying. Respect yourself – think twice
about what ‘type’ of shoot you want to
partake in and how it will affect your
career later on. Take matters into your
own hands. Be the project manager and
create shoots, submit to magazines, retail-
ers, etc. Make sure everyone benefits from
the project and appreciate those you are
working with. You will have to shoot
about 30+ times before you get paid - deal
with it.
plus-model’ or ‘full-figured,’ but I am still
Find your niche, whether it’s promotional,
plus. I learned to not get frustrated when
artistic, glamour, commercial, fashion,
certain industry professionals do not want
plus, etc. This will make it easier to
to work with a plus-size model. Instead, I
market yourself.
take the frustration and channel the
Finally, you ARE marketing a product –
energy into something productive. I find
YOU. My number one piece of advice: Be
Love
someone who wants to shoot with a plus-
“the best person you can be” and
size model and produce photos that make
LOVE YOURSELF!
people ask, “Wow, she’s a plus model?”
I could easily introduce myself as just a
yourself
model, but I always make sure to put
“plus” in front of it because I love hearing
people’s reactions to the “plus” part. I feel
like my role instantly changes from saying
“I’m a model” to “I’m a woman who
JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 21
BEAUTY BLOG: JESSICA MAZIK

DURING THE WINTER MONTHS,

{ }
we sometimes tend to overlook the details
in our appearance. Jessica reminds us that
looking good in January doesn’t have to
be difficult. Moisturizer, lip gloss and well
groomed eyebrows are the basics. To
break free from the winter blahs, Jessica
suggests creating a cateye look with your
eyeliner to jazz it up.

TO LEARN MORE
Visit her website
www.jesselizabeth.com

Jessica is
a Chicago
based freelance
makeup artist
specializing
in fashion

Jessica’s Picks for January

“I love NARS
products”, Jessica
states. See
what all the fuss
is about:
www.nars.com

Benefit Cosmetics
BAD gal series is
available in plum,
blue-violet, brown
and black.
www.benefitcosmetics.com Jessica`s color
palette for January:
Silvery,
Winter,
Metallic,
www.soniaroselli.com dabbled with
warmer shades

22 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

ADVERTISEMENT

Full Service
Photography for all
of your Needs and
Wants. Portraiture,
Weddings, Children,
Pets, Events
www.lorisapio.com and Boudoir.

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 23

HEALTH: IN FOCUS
BY IYA BAKARE

NOVEMBER 1, 1991 is a day Ida W.
Byther-Smith will never forget. The world
as she knew it changed when she learned
she was HIV positive.
“I felt like I was dealt the wrong deal,”
doorstep asking for help after he was
robbed and needed a place to stay. Sepa-
rated but never divorced, she decided to
allow her estranged husband to occupy
the room of
she fell ill in 2000, Ida couldn’t keep quiet
much longer. During this time, she was
officially diagnosed with AIDS.
“You’re as sick as your secret,”
comments Ida.

“
says Ida. “I felt like God had let me down their youngest After she went
and I almost lost my mind.”
Today, Ida is one of many living with
daughter who
had left for
We as women have public with her
health status, Ida
HIV. According to the Center for Disease college. a false sense of security decided to help
Control, recent statistics show that Afri-
can-American women represented 17,507
After living
with his wife
with unprotected sex. educate others
not only about
of the AIDS cases reported in 2007 na- for months, We’re always at risk AIDS, but about
tionwide. From the beginning of the
AIDS epidemic in the U.S. in 1981
Ida’s husband
died from com-
of disease, even the important
precautionary
through 2007, an estimated 426,003 Black plications of when we’re married measures against
women have contracted the disease. AIDS in May or in relationships. the disease.
In 1987, prior to her diagnosis, Ida suf-
fered the loss of her mother and was still
grieving from her death. The following
year, Ida’s husband left her and their four
children when he decided he didn’t want
of 1996.
“He died a very
painful and slow death because he never
sought out proper medical treatment,”
admits Ida. “I used to ask him all the time
” “Ignorance will
kill you,” she says.
“We as women have a false sense of secu-
rity with unprotected sex; we’re always at
risk of disease, even when we’re married
to stay married. She later learned her hus- to go to the doctor but he never wanted to or in relationships.”
band had extramarital affairs while they go. I think he was ashamed of his condi- In an effort to give back to the commu-
were married with both men and women. tion but I hated the way he suffered.” nity, Ida started Joray House, a nonprofit
In 1996, after arriving home from church Ida admits her health status remained a organization named after her mother and
one night, Ida found her husband at her secret from many people at first, but when brother in 2004. The organization gives
assistance to homeless men with HIV.
“People ask me why I am doing this for
men, but they don’t understand I am also
DON’T
FORGET doing this for the women they may come
across and possibly infect,” Ida says.
To care about your When she has an opportunity to take a
gynecological health.
Make sure to visit break from her work, the 60-year-old
your doctor for your admits she enjoys traveling.
PAP test screening.
FROM HIV TO HPV “This is the only life you have, so you
better live it now,” she says.
Last month on December 1
we brought attention to
World Aids Day. Continuing
this issue, we wanted to
bring you a personal story
of a local woman who is
empowering others in the
fight against this disease.
This month we encourage AIDS IS A GLOBAL
you to be proactive about ISSUE
your health as it`s Cervical
Health Awareness month. To read more about
Bee`s personal
experience working
on AIDS awareness
campaigns in Africa,
visit:

www.meinfocusmag.com

January is Cervical Health Awareness month. For information To learn more about how you can join the cause of AIDS awareness
and resources on how to raise awareness in your community about and prevention locally, please visit Aids Foundation of Chicago at
Cervical Cancer and HPV Disease, please visit www.aidschicago.org
www.nccc-online.org

24 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

ADVERTISEMENT

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 25

S\t\u\d\i\o
SPACE
26 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010
 One example of an event
hosted in our studio space
during the Ravenswood
Art Walk.

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 27

 ME: IN FOCUS
STUDIO SPACE

Our 2,500 sq. ft open loft

space is perfect for a variety
of creative purposes
including: photoshoots,
exhibitions, classes
and workshops. Our studio
space offers a full-length
catwalk, perfect for any
fashion show. Other facilities
include full DJ setup, free
parking and a private
conference room. For space
rental and other inquiries,
contact
info@meinfocusstudios.com

Me: in focus Studios is

the interactive extension
of Me: in focus Magazine,
the place where we bring
our content to life.

28 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

MONTHLY MENTIONS:
WE PICK
OUR FAVORITE
EATS, TREATS
MONTANE ANTI-FREEZE
& MORE!
DOWN JACKET

Perfect for the active woman, this ultra lightweight

down jacket designed for female backpackers will
certainly keep you comfortably warm during Chicago's
brutal winters. Unlike normal bulky winter jackets, it
has a sleek, feminine design, complete with a cinchable
waist and even comes with its own dry bag.
www.montane.co.uk

HOT CHOCOLATE

Hot Chocolate offers many decadent

varieties of this classic winter comfort.
Montane Anti-Freeze
Down Women’s Jacket Perfect for any choco-holic, owner Mindy
$200 Segal also offers packaged mixes to take
home to enjoy on those cold winter nights.

1747 N. Damen Ave., Chicago

773 489 1747
HALF THE SKY
www.hotchocolatechicago.com
Half the Sky lays out an
agenda for the world's women
and three major abuses: sex
trafficking and forced prostitution;
gender-based violence including
honor killings and mass rape;
maternal mortality, which needlessly
claims one woman a minute. Through
this book, authors Nicolas Kristof
and Sheryl WuDunn urge you to join
this powerful worldwide movement
to turn oppression into opportunity.
www.halftheskymovement.org

MATSUYA
HEMA`S KITCHEN
This Lakeview gem offers yummy
sushi at very affordable prices. A longstanding favorite in Devon, Hema
The reason why we love it so Potla's restaurant cooks up delicious
much? They deliver for those late Indian fare at reasonable prices. Nothing
nights at the office. like exotic spices and bold flavors to warm
up from the cold.
3469 N. Clark St., Chicago
773 248 2677 2439 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
www.grubhub.com 773 338 1627
www.hemaskitchen.com

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 29

CALENDAR:
A LIGHTHEARTED,

}
CUTE AND RANDOM

p y
WAY OF LOOKING AT

p
THE MONTH

a
SOUPS

Hw
DID YOU KNOW
THAT JANUARY
IS THE
HOBBIES

e
OFFICIAL
MONTH OF:

N ar!
}
BLOOD DONORS

Ye SUN MON TUES WED THURS

BUT DON’T TRY

1
FRI

2
SAT

om
BOTH AT THE

r
SAME TIME! ;-)

F of4 5 6 7 8 9

all at
Bean
Festival Day Bubble
of Sleep Bath Day

!
Cuddle

u s
Day

us e: in foc
1 2
10 11 12 13 14 15 16

3
17

M 4
18 5
19 6
20 7
21 8
22 9
23

he
Squirrel

t
Cheese
Martin Luther

l
Day Appreciation

l
King Day Day

10
24
Chicago Music
11
25

A t in 12
26 13
27 14
28 15
29 16
30

bes 10!
Awards Chocolate
Cake Day
Chinese New
Year at
Navy Pier

20
31

Backwards
Day

30 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

THE BUZZ: PROFILES
NEWS

NETWORK UNTIMELY BLASIAN PROJECT OLYMPIC

WOMAN PASSING BEAUTY PING HOPEFULS

It'll be interesting to see
how Diane Sawyer`s transi-
tion from Good Morning
America to the evening slot
will do for ABC World News
ratings. For the first time in
history, two of the three
network anchors are
women. Go us!
The sad and untimely
death of Brittany Murphy,
32, was a shock. She
was an underrated talent
that shined in all her
performances. Her last
film, Abandoned, is set
to be released sometime
this year.
Half African-American and
half Chinese, 20 year old
Lou Jing shot to fame and
controversy over her biracial
background during a singing
competition in China. She
rose above the fray with
dignity and class and hopes
to use her newfound
stardom to bridge cultures.
We're rooting for talented
Chicago designer Ping Wu
as she competes in Season
7 of Project Runway!
Chicago Pride!
We're looking forward to
cheering on alpine skier
Lindsay Vonn and the other
women athletes next month
during the 2010 Winter
Olympics in Vancouver.

MOVIES MUSIC

RISING STAR BOOYAH FOR BULLOCK CELTIC WOMAN

Her kick-ass Na'vi character in Avatar, Neytiri, may 2009 was a stellar year at the box office for Sandra This group of five women
be 10 feet tall, blue and completely CGI, but the Bullock with two Golden Globe Best Actress nomina- charm us again with their angelic
actress Zoe Saldaña is very much real. With the tions for her two top grossing films, The Proposal and harmonies and natural beauty in
success of Avatar, rising star Zoe is one to watch in The Blind Side. We love the versatile Sandra for being their latest album Celtic Woman:
a smart girl's actress and hope she takes home some Songs from the Heart, to be
Hollywood this year. hardware this year. released January 26.

THE BUZZ: SITES

LOCAL BLOGS WE LIKE

www.thebudgetbabe.com www.chickflickreviews.net www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago

www.nbcchicago.com http://hoo-dee-hoo.com www.urbanmarvel.blogspot.com

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 31

WORLD BEAT

INCREDIBLE INDIA

SENSORY OVERLOAD

GREAT THAR DESERT

SHADOWS ON THE DUNES

RICH PAST
All photographs by Bian Li of Me: in focus Studios

CAMEL TREKKING

FORTS AND TEMPLES

SUN

Featured as A PHOTOGRAPHER’S DREAM

CNN Travel’s
{

Photo of
the Day

32 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

:JOURNEY TO RAJASTHAN

FOR MORE
SPECTACULAR
PHOTOS

Check out:
www.meinfocusstudios.com

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 33

 I HELD MY BREATH as we rode over
dune over dune in India’s Great Thar
Desert. Looking out into the vast golden
expanse of desert before me, I marveled at
the ripples and the shadows in the sand.
Never ending, never the same. Calmness.
Then chaos. Exposed to the elements.
Here now, then gone as our camels
stepped over their fine, fragile lines.
We were looking for a place to camp for
the night. Dune over dune over dune. The
golden desert was now turning fiery, burnt
34 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010
orange as the sun slowly set ahead of
us. Nura, our camel guide, had found the
spot. “Tonight, we rest here.” He grabbed
the rope around our camels’ necks and
pulled us towards a dune as the wind came
across us, changing the formation of the
ripples as it blew onto the sand. I saw my
chance. “Stop please, Nura.” He halted
the camels before they went any further.
Snap. I had managed to capture stillness in
that one split second. The camels stepped
forward. And just like that, it was gone.
 A DIFFERENT
PERSPECTIVE

THE CHICAGO
BOTANIC GARDEN IN
WINTER
All photographs by Bian Li of Me: in focus Studios

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 35

36 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010
JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 37
38 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010
 WHAT’S YOUR
FOCUS
THIS YEAR?

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 39

 Your Day, Your Story.

Photographer: Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com