Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FEBRUARY 2010
+
SPOTLIGHT
ON PUCKER UP!
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WITH THE
MODEL SEASON`S HOTTEST
+ LIP COLORS
ACTRESS
DIVINE OR
JERRITA DEVIOUS
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HEART
ROMANCE
+REALISM:
CONVERSATION
WITH AUTHOR
BRENDA
DELLA CASA
TO
HEART
LOVE YOUR BODY
WHERE
RUNWAY MEETS REALITY,
STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE
+
HAUTE MEETS HEART™
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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
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.
a
EXOTIC SCRUBS
+
Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Scrub
$15.00
www.bathandbodyworks.com
RAVES
WHAT’S
a
THRILLING US CHIC LAPTOP BAGS
Here are some This ultra stylish laptop bag by Juicy Couture
of the practical combines fashion and function. You will surely Design
things in our lives turn heads as you tote your laptop around town. Director’s
that make our Laptop Sleeve in Fuchsia
Pick
day better $98.00
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a
STYLISH COMMUTE BOOTS
LOVELY SCENTS
a
The Body Shop® offers a light, candy scent.
It’s the first Eau De Parfum to feature alcohol
made from a fair trade and organic ingredients,
promoting environmental sustainability and
biodiversity. 100% of the profits are donated
to EPCAT, an organization that aims to End Editor’s
Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Pick
Child Trafficking.
LOVE ETC...™
$29.50 ~ 1.69oz
$24.00 ~ 1oz
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RACHEL MCADAMS
DIVINE
LINGERIE
TO MATCH OR
LUXURIOUS SENSUAL HIP BABYDOLL
THE HIP G THONG YOUR MOOD
Underthings
$68/$16 Shown here as Allie Hamilton from
The Notebook, Rachel represents
our picture perfect vision of
peaches and cream
THEA BABYDOLL
THEA LR THONG
Underthings
$68/$16
SEXY LITTLE THINGS
Victoria’s Secret
$58
GIRL IN EVERY PORT BRA
RUFFLE HIGH WAIST BLOOMER
G Boutique
$64/$14
SHEER RIBBONS
COUNTOUR BRA/THONG
Underthings
$60/$22
DEVIOUS
OR
Sweet but sultry queen of modern day pin
up and burlesque bombshell, Dita is our
inspiration and the undisputed definition
of the word
8
ALL TIED UP BABYDOLL
G Boutique
$82
KOHL FLORAL CAMIDOLL/THONG
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BOUDOIR TORSOLETTE/THONG
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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
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.
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than
your fear of failure.”
~Bill Cosby
Q: Were you always overweight and how chased the pants and as I left the store I
did that affect you growing up? vowed to myself to never let my pants size
A: I have always been overweight as a exceed my age.
child, into adolescence and my early adult
years. I had low self confidence and low Q: How hard was it to begin the process of
self esteem. I had a rough childhood; my losing weight? Did you ever find yourself
mother became disabled when I was 10 tempted to go back to your old ways?
years old so I had to take on a large re- A: It was extremely hard to begin the proc-
sponsibility of helping my parents. It was ess of losing weight; the education, dedica-
beyond difficult, so in turn I would eat to tion and lack of support were the biggest
make myself happy. hurdles I had to overcome in order to get
started. I had to read and understand what
Q: Was there a particular moment when I needed to do and how I needed to do it. I
you decided to finally take control of your had to dedicate myself to sticking to my
weight problem? plan of eating healthy and making a life-
A: I was 21 years old when I decided that I style change - not dieting. Dieting works
wanted to lose weight. I remember going for a vacation or a short term fix. The deci-
shopping one day and trying on jeans. I sion to lose more than 40 to 50 pounds
was normally a size 18/20 but this particu- requires a lifestyle change to maintain re-
lar day going shopping was different. I had sults. I did not find myself tempted to go
been depressed and wanted a quick fix, and back to my old ways once I gave up those
shopping always helped! I tried on the habits, but I found it harder to keep up
18/20 but they were too small, so I tried with doing more and more to stay healthy.
on a size 22/24, which fit just right. I pur-
Before/
Jerrita in High School
at her heaviest weight.
“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 I reach my target heart rate. Weight train- A: My life at this present time is on a posi-
weight and how long did it take? What type ing allows me to tone and lengthen my tive journey. I noticed some people treating
of exercises were most effective? muscles and also increases my strength and me differently along the way because I was
A: I stayed motivated because of my family endurance. Getting outside is more for a doing something different and trying to
history of certain diseases, which was al- therapeutic experience more than anything, better myself in the process. Women usu-
ways in the back of my mind. I also desired allowing me to become one with nature. ally commend me for losing weight and ask
to lose the weight and look like a young Activities such as hiking, bicycling and how they could do what I did. Men would
lady would want to: healthy and fit by her walking are also great forms of exercise. do the same and sometimes were a bit
own standards. I found that cardio, weight more supportive in the process.
training and getting outside worked best. I Q: What is your life like now? Were you
love cardio because it gets my heart rate up treated any differently after you made Q: What has been the biggest personal
and allows me to burn more calories when the transformation? change in your life after losing weight? Do
PUCKER UP!
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18 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
CINDARELLA
WAS A LIAR BRENDA
DELLA CASA
BODY DATING
Ladies, relax. The truth is that most men Men are uncomplicated. His sense of self
are so much more forgiving of our bodies worth is not attached to whether or not he
than we are ourselves. Most of the time, gets a second date. Neither should yours.
they don’t even notice the cellulite, the
love handles or the perceived physical Don’t go into a relationship with unrealis-
imperfections that we are so insecure tic expectations or a sense of entitlement.
about and try so hard to cover up. They You should always offer to pay on the
are just so grateful and thrilled that we are first date. He may not accept your offer,
willing to be with them that they could but it shows that you were gracious and
care less. not using him for a free meal.
Confidence is the sexiest characteristic Date yourself first. Once you are person-
of all. ally fulfilled, you become a happier and a
And don’t forget - men are insecure about more confident you. And that, to a man, is
their bodies too. very attractive.
SEX LOVE
Men love the hunt and the mystery. If you True love is never about giving up your
give it up too soon, the allure is gone. The own life to be a part of your partner’s. It’s
more they have to earn the reward, the about sharing your lives together. Ask
more they’ll appreciate it. yourself: “Does he fit into my life?”
Most men watch porn because they are Carry yourself with dignity and respect.
visual creatures, not because they are The biggest mistake that women make is
attracted to you any less. not being their authentic self. Ask your-
self: “Do I feel respected?”
If he only calls you between 11pm and
3am, especially from Thursday through When taking the plunge, remember that
Saturday, then you’re only a booty call. your time and energy is better spent on
being married, not getting married.
There’s no golden rule of when you
should sleep with someone. However, Don’t over-share your intimate details
NEVER sleep with someone unless you with others. It hurts your brand as a
TRULY want to sleep with him and couple and makes it easier for others to
understand your motivations for doing so. come between you.
Happiness should never come from some-
one else. It comes from inside of you.
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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
As February begins, we often find that the Failing in the past has been a result of bottles; bring one to work and keep one at
fitness resolutions we made in January are those diets. We focus more on overall home. Commit to drinking up to 64 ounces
getting off track. According to Health Net, behavior when it comes to nutrition.” a day - more if needed, and then try to
more than 100 million Americans make Vimbor insists that those expecting instant incorporate something else along the way.
a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or results will be disappointed and that Remember to keep in mind that it’s impor-
get fit. Unfortunately, about four of every everything worth while takes time and hard tant to introduce a new behavior rather
five people who make resolutions fail to work. “We like to take things one step at than take something away.
keep them. a time. Focus on taking it slow and “There’s nothing that you have to eat or
This year, why not keep your resolution by work on one behavior until it becomes absolutely cannot eat - that’s where people
permanently eliminating the ‘D’ word– habitual. Then, it’s ok to start introducing go wrong. If you’re doing well and can’t
diet—from your vocabulary. “A lot of peo- other behaviors. It’s a slow process so get pizza out of your mind, then by all
ple have tried diets - Weight Watchers, they're not returning within a year with the means have the pizza,” Vimbor says. “If
Jenny Craig, Atkins - and it’s just a cycle. same problem.” you’re doing well the rest of the time,
They go on it, they lose weight, stop and An example of behavioral change is it won’t make a difference. It’s when you
then most gain the weight right water intake. If you're not drinking enough repeat the bad habit every day that it
back. Rather, we must work on behavior water, which is very important because it becomes a problem.”
change,” says Registered Dietician Jennifer flushes your food through, you should Another habit Vimbor tries to help clients
Vimbor of Nutrition Counseling Services pinpoint exactly how much you need based lose is being consumed with counting
in the Loop. “You don't have to fail. on your lifestyle. Buy two to three water everything they eat.
n M
26 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
BEHAVIOR CHANGE
IS THE KEY
www.chicagonutritionist.com
“Whether it’s counting calories, or count- 2. Center a program around activities you over after breaking your normal routine
ing fat - I don’t want them to develop poor like to do instead of those you find grueling over the holidays is daunting, DePaulo
habits,” she says. “And counting calories, so that you are more likely to keep offers good news.
can be dangerous behavior since it can lead doing them. “Muscle has memory, so its not going to
to eating disorders. Therefore, we work on 3. Work out with a friend. Workouts are take you as long to get back to where you
not counting so you can live without think- more fun and you can motivate each other. were before,” she says. “Don’t worry. Eve-
ing about food all the time.” 4. Incorporate cross training into your rou- ryone gets derailed and everyone takes the
One of the best ways to keep your resolu- tine, which means not only working out wrong turn sometimes. You just have to
tions is to set reachable goals, whether it’s with equipment, but taking classes as well. get back on the road.”
regarding food or exercise habits. Jen 5. Vary the types of classes you take. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and fitness
DePaulo, a certified personal trainer and Learning something new prevents you routine is a lifelong journey. You’re never
manager for Women’s Workout World in from hitting plateaus and keeps your going to reach the destination because it’s
Chicago, offers a few other tips to stay program fresh. an ongoing process.”
on track. 6. Write your goals down and post them at
1. If significant weight loss is a priority, home and at work so you are constantly
break the number down into smaller goals. reminded and motivated to achieve them.
For example, focus on losing a number of 7. Determine where you’d like to be in
pounds per month rather than focusing on 2011 so if you fall off pace, you won’t be
an overall final number. down for long. If the thought of starting
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.
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)
REUTTER
SHORT TRACK
SPEEDSKATING
Q: Have you always been a competitor? A: My dad was a big influence – he was a
When you first started skating, were the skater and coached me early on. After I
Olympics always your goal? moved to Salt Lake City to train, I lived on
my own since it would have been too diffi-
A: I started skating at the age of four. I cult to have my family travel with me eve-
originally was a figure skater, but transi- rywhere I went.
tioned to speed skating at age 5, which I
liked better. I never really began competing
Q: What’s your regular daily training
with the Olympics as my ultimate goal, but
regimen? Has it become more intense in
as I started doing well in competitions, I
the weeks leading up to the Olympics?
sort of fell into the Olympic track and
began seriously training for the event. A: It’s intense. We usually train six to 10
hours a day. Summer training is actually
Q: What types of sacrifices did you have to more intense. Between March and April we
make growing up as an athlete from a get a couple weeks to go home and visit
young age? my family.
A: When my hometown training facility Q: What are some of the most memorable
closed, I had to travel every other weekend, experiences you’ve had in your career
and soon after every weekend to train in St. so far?
Louis. I spent so much time training that I
missed a lot of things, like dances, other A: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to
extracurricular activities, normal teenage travel – to see so many new places, difficult
stuff. However, I wouldn’t trade a thing cultures and meet so many new people
since it made me who I am today and given from all over the world at my competi-
me so many other opportunities. 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
Q: What was it like when you found out
town gi rl from the Mi dwe st.
you made the Olympic team?
You realize that despite all our differences,
A: When I found out in September, I people are people.
didn’t really have time to process the fact
that I made the team. We immediately flew Q: What advice would you give to young
to China for the World Cup. It’s an honor girls who want to become an Olympian?
to represent my country.
A: Anything worth it is worth sacrificing
and working hard for. I TRULY BELIEVE
Q: Does your family travel with you when IN THE PHILOSOPHY THAT IF
you train? Are any of them athletes? 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
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
PRAGUE
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.
L
the city of love and
lights, but here are a
few other cities where
sparks will fly...
; MORE
SPECTACULAR
PHOTOS
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
Saoirse Ronan Stanley Tucci Mark Wahlberg Rachel Weisz Susan Sarandon
aaaa
Director Peter Jackson has transformed Alice (Susan Sarandon), to help care for the two Likewise, Susan Sarandon played an excellent
Sebold’s novel, The Lovely Bones, into an other children. kooky grandmother. Her constant drinking and
emotionally intense film about the life and after- The film meshes Susie’s vengeance for smoking while taking care of the household
life of Susie Salmon. her murderer with her father’s intent to solve chores were hilariously entertaining.
Susie (Saoirse Ronan) was murdered at the the mystery, her sister’s suspicions of the I really enjoyed this film. It was very heart-
lively young age of 14. She was crossing the creepily chilling neighbor and Mr. Harvey’s breaking, yet intriguing. I have not read the
cornfield to her Pennsylvania home after school skewed behaviors. novel but I will definitely add it to my list. I feel
when her awkwardly friendly, yet creepy The Lovely Bones is one of the most emotion- like most films never live up to the expectations
neighbor Mr. Harvey (Stanley Tucci) lured her into ally driven films I have seen in a long time. of the book so I’m interested to see if the book
an underground, playhouse-like shack. Some of the scenes were so intense that you will live up to my expectations after seeing the
Susie narrates most of the film as we see her could tell everyone’s hearts were racing with movie first.
family struggle over their tragic loss. While her anticipation. The suspense was thrilling and is This film is definitely geared more toward
family is in turmoil, Susie is stuck in the ‘in definitely key to the success of the film. women and I would strongly recommend
between’, a fantasy-like place before reaching Additionally, the filming of The Lovely Bones adhering to the PG-13 rating; at times it was
heaven. Susie’s ‘in between’ is not all butter- was creatively captivating. It illustrated the quite frightening and I’m sure it would be scar-
flies and rainbows. It is a place where she is drastic ranges in emotion perfectly. One scene ier for someone younger.
having an inner battle with letting go versus her would be a horrible struggle while the next
strong desire for revenge on her murderer. She would be Susie’s fairytale-like world. The film-
can often see and hear her family, friends ing was very appealing and kept the audience IN THEATRES NOW
and murderer. entertained and curious. Additionally, the realis-
Susie’s parents, Jack (Mark Wahlberg) and tic features of the fantasy world were out-
Abigail (Rachel Weisz), find it hard to standing including images of supersized glass
reconnect with one another because they are bottles crashing into the shore, a pug driven
both healing in different ways after losing sleigh and larger than life ice sculptures.
Susie. Jack’s obsession with solving Susie’s Saoirse Ronan played a beautifully curious
murder pushes Abigail away and in return Susie Salmon. She exemplified energy and
brings Abigail’s mother, crazy Grandma Lynn hope that there is a fairytale life after death.
SITES
SITES MUSIC
BLOGS WE LOVE
http://materialgirlsblog.com/chicago http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com
TONI’S BACK
studios
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FEBRUARY 2010
+
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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
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.
a
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a
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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
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.
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than
your fear of failure.”
~Bill Cosby
Q: Were you always overweight and how chased the pants and as I left the store I
did that affect you growing up? vowed to myself to never let my pants size
A: I have always been overweight as a exceed my age.
child, into adolescence and my early adult
years. I had low self confidence and low Q: How hard was it to begin the process of
self esteem. I had a rough childhood; my losing weight? Did you ever find yourself
mother became disabled when I was 10 tempted to go back to your old ways?
years old so I had to take on a large re- A: It was extremely hard to begin the proc-
sponsibility of helping my parents. It was ess of losing weight; the education, dedica-
beyond difficult, so in turn I would eat to tion and lack of support were the biggest
make myself happy. hurdles I had to overcome in order to get
started. I had to read and understand what
Q: Was there a particular moment when I needed to do and how I needed to do it. I
you decided to finally take control of your had to dedicate myself to sticking to my
weight problem? plan of eating healthy and making a life-
A: I was 21 years old when I decided that I style change - not dieting. Dieting works
wanted to lose weight. I remember going for a vacation or a short term fix. The deci-
shopping one day and trying on jeans. I sion to lose more than 40 to 50 pounds
was normally a size 18/20 but this particu- requires a lifestyle change to maintain re-
lar day going shopping was different. I had sults. I did not find myself tempted to go
been depressed and wanted a quick fix, and back to my old ways once I gave up those
shopping always helped! I tried on the habits, but I found it harder to keep up
18/20 but they were too small, so I tried with doing more and more to stay healthy.
on a size 22/24, which fit just right. I pur-
Before/
Jerrita in High School
at her heaviest weight.
“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 I reach my target heart rate. Weight train- A: My life at this present time is on a posi-
weight and how long did it take? What type ing allows me to tone and lengthen my tive journey. I noticed some people treating
of exercises were most effective? muscles and also increases my strength and me differently along the way because I was
A: I stayed motivated because of my family endurance. Getting outside is more for a doing something different and trying to
history of certain diseases, which was al- therapeutic experience more than anything, better myself in the process. Women usu-
ways in the back of my mind. I also desired allowing me to become one with nature. ally commend me for losing weight and ask
to lose the weight and look like a young Activities such as hiking, bicycling and how they could do what I did. Men would
lady would want to: healthy and fit by her walking are also great forms of exercise. do the same and sometimes were a bit
own standards. I found that cardio, weight more supportive in the process.
training and getting outside worked best. I Q: What is your life like now? Were you
love cardio because it gets my heart rate up treated any differently after you made Q: What has been the biggest personal
and allows me to burn more calories when the transformation? change in your life after losing weight? Do
PUCKER UP!
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18 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
CINDARELLA
WAS A LIAR BRENDA
DELLA CASA
BODY DATING
Ladies, relax. The truth is that most men Men are uncomplicated. His sense of self
are so much more forgiving of our bodies worth is not attached to whether or not he
than we are ourselves. Most of the time, gets a second date. Neither should yours.
they don’t even notice the cellulite, the
love handles or the perceived physical Don’t go into a relationship with unrealis-
imperfections that we are so insecure tic expectations or a sense of entitlement.
about and try so hard to cover up. They You should always offer to pay on the
are just so grateful and thrilled that we are first date. He may not accept your offer,
willing to be with them that they could but it shows that you were gracious and
care less. not using him for a free meal.
Confidence is the sexiest characteristic Date yourself first. Once you are person-
of all. ally fulfilled, you become a happier and a
And don’t forget - men are insecure about more confident you. And that, to a man, is
their bodies too. very attractive.
SEX LOVE
Men love the hunt and the mystery. If you True love is never about giving up your
give it up too soon, the allure is gone. The own life to be a part of your partner’s. It’s
more they have to earn the reward, the about sharing your lives together. Ask
more they’ll appreciate it. yourself: “Does he fit into my life?”
Most men watch porn because they are Carry yourself with dignity and respect.
visual creatures, not because they are The biggest mistake that women make is
attracted to you any less. not being their authentic self. Ask your-
self: “Do I feel respected?”
If he only calls you between 11pm and
3am, especially from Thursday through When taking the plunge, remember that
Saturday, then you’re only a booty call. your time and energy is better spent on
being married, not getting married.
There’s no golden rule of when you
should sleep with someone. However, Don’t over-share your intimate details
NEVER sleep with someone unless you with others. It hurts your brand as a
TRULY want to sleep with him and couple and makes it easier for others to
understand your motivations for doing so. come between you.
Happiness should never come from some-
one else. It comes from inside of you.
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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
As February begins, we often find that the Failing in the past has been a result of bottles; bring one to work and keep one at
fitness resolutions we made in January are those diets. We focus more on overall home. Commit to drinking up to 64 ounces
getting off track. According to Health Net, behavior when it comes to nutrition.” a day - more if needed, and then try to
more than 100 million Americans make Vimbor insists that those expecting instant incorporate something else along the way.
a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or results will be disappointed and that Remember to keep in mind that it’s impor-
get fit. Unfortunately, about four of every everything worth while takes time and hard tant to introduce a new behavior rather
five people who make resolutions fail to work. “We like to take things one step at than take something away.
keep them. a time. Focus on taking it slow and “There’s nothing that you have to eat or
This year, why not keep your resolution by work on one behavior until it becomes absolutely cannot eat - that’s where people
permanently eliminating the ‘D’ word– habitual. Then, it’s ok to start introducing go wrong. If you’re doing well and can’t
diet—from your vocabulary. “A lot of peo- other behaviors. It’s a slow process so get pizza out of your mind, then by all
ple have tried diets - Weight Watchers, they're not returning within a year with the means have the pizza,” Vimbor says. “If
Jenny Craig, Atkins - and it’s just a cycle. same problem.” you’re doing well the rest of the time,
They go on it, they lose weight, stop and An example of behavioral change is it won’t make a difference. It’s when you
then most gain the weight right water intake. If you're not drinking enough repeat the bad habit every day that it
back. Rather, we must work on behavior water, which is very important because it becomes a problem.”
change,” says Registered Dietician Jennifer flushes your food through, you should Another habit Vimbor tries to help clients
Vimbor of Nutrition Counseling Services pinpoint exactly how much you need based lose is being consumed with counting
in the Loop. “You don't have to fail. on your lifestyle. Buy two to three water everything they eat.
n M
26 ME: IN FOCUS FEBRUARY 2010
BEHAVIOR CHANGE
IS THE KEY
www.chicagonutritionist.com
“Whether it’s counting calories, or count- 2. Center a program around activities you over after breaking your normal routine
ing fat - I don’t want them to develop poor like to do instead of those you find grueling over the holidays is daunting, DePaulo
habits,” she says. “And counting calories, so that you are more likely to keep offers good news.
can be dangerous behavior since it can lead doing them. “Muscle has memory, so its not going to
to eating disorders. Therefore, we work on 3. Work out with a friend. Workouts are take you as long to get back to where you
not counting so you can live without think- more fun and you can motivate each other. were before,” she says. “Don’t worry. Eve-
ing about food all the time.” 4. Incorporate cross training into your rou- ryone gets derailed and everyone takes the
One of the best ways to keep your resolu- tine, which means not only working out wrong turn sometimes. You just have to
tions is to set reachable goals, whether it’s with equipment, but taking classes as well. get back on the road.”
regarding food or exercise habits. Jen 5. Vary the types of classes you take. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and fitness
DePaulo, a certified personal trainer and Learning something new prevents you routine is a lifelong journey. You’re never
manager for Women’s Workout World in from hitting plateaus and keeps your going to reach the destination because it’s
Chicago, offers a few other tips to stay program fresh. an ongoing process.”
on track. 6. Write your goals down and post them at
1. If significant weight loss is a priority, home and at work so you are constantly
break the number down into smaller goals. reminded and motivated to achieve them.
For example, focus on losing a number of 7. Determine where you’d like to be in
pounds per month rather than focusing on 2011 so if you fall off pace, you won’t be
an overall final number. down for long. If the thought of starting
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.
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)
REUTTER
SHORT TRACK
SPEEDSKATING
Q: Have you always been a competitor? A: My dad was a big influence – he was a
When you first started skating, were the skater and coached me early on. After I
Olympics always your goal? moved to Salt Lake City to train, I lived on
my own since it would have been too diffi-
A: I started skating at the age of four. I cult to have my family travel with me eve-
originally was a figure skater, but transi- rywhere I went.
tioned to speed skating at age 5, which I
liked better. I never really began competing
Q: What’s your regular daily training
with the Olympics as my ultimate goal, but
regimen? Has it become more intense in
as I started doing well in competitions, I
the weeks leading up to the Olympics?
sort of fell into the Olympic track and
began seriously training for the event. A: It’s intense. We usually train six to 10
hours a day. Summer training is actually
Q: What types of sacrifices did you have to more intense. Between March and April we
make growing up as an athlete from a get a couple weeks to go home and visit
young age? my family.
A: When my hometown training facility Q: What are some of the most memorable
closed, I had to travel every other weekend, experiences you’ve had in your career
and soon after every weekend to train in St. so far?
Louis. I spent so much time training that I
missed a lot of things, like dances, other A: I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to
extracurricular activities, normal teenage travel – to see so many new places, difficult
stuff. However, I wouldn’t trade a thing cultures and meet so many new people
since it made me who I am today and given from all over the world at my competi-
me so many other opportunities. 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
Q: What was it like when you found out
town gi rl from the Mi dwe st.
you made the Olympic team?
You realize that despite all our differences,
A: When I found out in September, I people are people.
didn’t really have time to process the fact
that I made the team. We immediately flew Q: What advice would you give to young
to China for the World Cup. It’s an honor girls who want to become an Olympian?
to represent my country.
A: Anything worth it is worth sacrificing
and working hard for. I TRULY BELIEVE
Q: Does your family travel with you when IN THE PHILOSOPHY THAT IF
you train? Are any of them athletes? 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
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
PRAGUE
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.
L
the city of love and
lights, but here are a
few other cities where
sparks will fly...
; MORE
SPECTACULAR
PHOTOS
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
Saoirse Ronan Stanley Tucci Mark Wahlberg Rachel Weisz Susan Sarandon
aaaa
Director Peter Jackson has transformed Alice (Susan Sarandon), to help care for the two Likewise, Susan Sarandon played an excellent
Sebold’s novel, The Lovely Bones, into an other children. kooky grandmother. Her constant drinking and
emotionally intense film about the life and after- The film meshes Susie’s vengeance for smoking while taking care of the household
life of Susie Salmon. her murderer with her father’s intent to solve chores were hilariously entertaining.
Susie (Saoirse Ronan) was murdered at the the mystery, her sister’s suspicions of the I really enjoyed this film. It was very heart-
lively young age of 14. She was crossing the creepily chilling neighbor and Mr. Harvey’s breaking, yet intriguing. I have not read the
cornfield to her Pennsylvania home after school skewed behaviors. novel but I will definitely add it to my list. I feel
when her awkwardly friendly, yet creepy The Lovely Bones is one of the most emotion- like most films never live up to the expectations
neighbor Mr. Harvey (Stanley Tucci) lured her into ally driven films I have seen in a long time. of the book so I’m interested to see if the book
an underground, playhouse-like shack. Some of the scenes were so intense that you will live up to my expectations after seeing the
Susie narrates most of the film as we see her could tell everyone’s hearts were racing with movie first.
family struggle over their tragic loss. While her anticipation. The suspense was thrilling and is This film is definitely geared more toward
family is in turmoil, Susie is stuck in the ‘in definitely key to the success of the film. women and I would strongly recommend
between’, a fantasy-like place before reaching Additionally, the filming of The Lovely Bones adhering to the PG-13 rating; at times it was
heaven. Susie’s ‘in between’ is not all butter- was creatively captivating. It illustrated the quite frightening and I’m sure it would be scar-
flies and rainbows. It is a place where she is drastic ranges in emotion perfectly. One scene ier for someone younger.
having an inner battle with letting go versus her would be a horrible struggle while the next
strong desire for revenge on her murderer. She would be Susie’s fairytale-like world. The film-
can often see and hear her family, friends ing was very appealing and kept the audience IN THEATRES NOW
and murderer. entertained and curious. Additionally, the realis-
Susie’s parents, Jack (Mark Wahlberg) and tic features of the fantasy world were out-
Abigail (Rachel Weisz), find it hard to standing including images of supersized glass
reconnect with one another because they are bottles crashing into the shore, a pug driven
both healing in different ways after losing sleigh and larger than life ice sculptures.
Susie. Jack’s obsession with solving Susie’s Saoirse Ronan played a beautifully curious
murder pushes Abigail away and in return Susie Salmon. She exemplified energy and
brings Abigail’s mother, crazy Grandma Lynn hope that there is a fairytale life after death.
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