ME: IN FOCUS January 2010 (Backissue) New Year, New You!

8/9/2019 ME: IN FOCUS January 2010 (Backissue) New Year, New You!

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SPOTLIGHT

ONCHICAGOPLUS SIZE

MODEL

LAURENKOENIG

+

LET`S DOLAUNCH!

STYLE ME.ENTERTAIN ME.INFORM ME.INDULGE ME.INSPIRE ME.EMPOWER ME.

www.meinfocusmag.c

New

Year,New

You

:IN FOCUS

JANUARY 2$


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ADVERTISEMENT


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LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR

Bian Bee Li SharesHer Thoughts

ME: IN FOCUS

Who We Are

Lets Do Launch: Inside Our Launch Party 4

Ogi Merzier and Jessica Kim:Winners of the FirstAnnual Me: in focus Awards 5

More Fashion Show Fun 6

Model Mashup: Meet the Models 8

Behind the Scenes 11

New Fit You: Fun Ways to Keep Your New Year`sResolution 12

New Year New You: Where Are You Headed in2010? 15

The Layers of Lauren: Getting to Know Our ModelRole Model 16

Beauty Blog: Jessica Mazik 22

Health in Focus: Empower Yourself, Protect YourBody 24

Studio Space: Introducing Me: in focus Studios 26

Monthly Mentions: Our Favorite Eats, Treats andMore 29

Calendar: A Random and Lighthearted Look at ThisMonth 30

The Buzz: Women in the Media 31

World Beat: Journey to Rajasthan 32

A Different Perspective: The Chicago BotanicGarden in Winter35

Dear Readers,

This month is not only the start of anew year, but also a new decade. It'salso the exciting first edition of a newand improved Me: in focus. Thankyou for welcoming us into your lives.

We look forward to introducing youto our growing community of fabu-lous Chicago women - entrepreneurial,savvy and compassionate. Every woman has a story and by sharingthese stories we hope to help youdiscover who you are, and not whatyou should be.

That is what Me: in focus is all about -focusing on what matters to you andall the many sides of you. Style Me,Entertain Me, Inform Me, IndulgeMe, Inspire Me, Empower Me.

As I always say, with each issue wehope to not only open more minds,but also more hearts. It's time to makehistoryHerstory too.

Be Good.

CONTENTS

Whats Inside ThisMonth

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bian Li

MANAGER

SPONSORSHIP & EVENTS

Christine Nicholls

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Diana Dittmer

CREATIVE CONSULTANT

Ricardo Ford

OFFICE MANAGERArlene Gutierrez

CONTRIBUTORS

Iya Bakare

Kerry Sayers

Olivia St. Clair

MANY THANKS TO OUR

PAST CONTRIBUTORS

Mary Click

Charbel Nasser

Kay Choi

Phyllis Li

Erin McGann

CONTACT

Advertising

[email protected]@meinfocusmag.com

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

General [email protected]

[email protected]

www.meinfocusmag.com

Copyright 2010 Me: in focus/The LB Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. Alltext, images, graphics and other materials in this publication and thewebsite are subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights ofMe: 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 withoutthe express written permission ofMe: in focus/The LB Group LLC or otherrespective copyright holders. The photos on the following pages of thisissue, unless otherwise credited, are copyrighted property of The LBGroup LLC and express written permission must be granted for anyusage:. Any photos not noted above, and not specifically credited, areobtained from publicly shared/open license sources and/or databases. Themarks appearing in this publication and/or the website including, but notlimited to: (i) The LB Group LLC; and (ii) Me: in focus and its respectivelogos, images, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; aretrademarks of The LB Group LLC, its brands and affiliates. The informa-tion contained herein is designed to be as contextual and factual aspossible, per our best efforts and the information and/or resourcesavailable and/or provided to us at the time. We reserve the right, however,to make changes at any time, without notice, in the editing of the publica-tion therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some links and/orcontact information provided in this publication may lead to websites and/or establishments/businesses by independent third party owners. Theinformation presented therein is the sole responsibility of those independ-ent third party owners. The LB Group LLC and Me: in focus have nocontrol or responsibility for the content of independent sites and/or natureof third party establishments/businesses and we provide these links and/orcontact information to our readers solely for their convenience.

B

ee

{ON THE COVER

Lauren KoenigLauren dazzles in this

completely unretouchedversion of our cover shot. Wewanted to show you that even

without airbrushing, womencan look beautiful.

Photography by Rod Roberts

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 3


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LETS DO: LAUNCH!

Before the party -catwalk within our office

and studio loft spacein the Ravenswood

area of Chicago.

Inside Our Launch Party!

{

}

ON DECEMBER 12, 2009, we heldour Me: in focus magazine and studioslaunch party and awards presentation.

Thanks so much to all our supporterswho braved the cold and joined us in ournew studio loft space for a fantasticevening featuring local entrepreneursand businesses.

We celebrated the best of 2009 andpresented our first annual Me: in focus

Award winners to two amazing Chicagowomen who truly embody our values ofentrepreneurship and empowerment. Wetopped off the night with a fashion showthat featured real, beautiful Chicago

women and local boutiques.

Check out these next few pages and seefor yourself!

PHOTOGRAPHYBY

Lori Sapio

4 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010


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...AND THEWINNERSARE:

Left: Ogi MerzierRight: Jessica Kim

WHAT THEYWON!

Both ladies won acover story andphoto spread in anupcoming issue.

Congratulations to Ogi Merzier and Jessica Kim,

Winners of the First Annual Me: in focus Awards!Ogi is so inspiring! She continuesto believe in herself and her abilitiesmore and more each passing day.She has survived several personaltragedies...now she owns FashionFusion Vintage on Halsted andseveral on-line vintage e-tiques. Sheis also a fashion designer/stylist andhas worked with several celebrities.She is great for Chicago and greatto work for!

- Kelly Harkin

Jessica Kim is the Founder/CEOof BabbaCo, an innovative babyproducts company that creates simple.functional. super cute. solutions foreveryday parenting. BabbaCosphilosophy is to empower moms asthey go through their major transitionof parenthood. Her ultimate vision is tocreate a successful company to be usedfor greater good. [Jessica] embodieswhat it means to take care of yourself inorder to take care of others. She wouldinspire other women in such anoverwhelming time in a womans lifewhen their individuality, sense of worth,balance and abilities are challenged.

- Kathy Im

STAY TUNED

As we share theiramazing andinspirational storieswith you soon.

THEIRNOMINATORSTELL WHYTHEY DESERVETO WIN



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MORE FASHION SHOW FUN:



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MODEL

XiaoFeng

MASHUP

MaryAnnMarsh

KimberlyLewis

LitaRouse

TiffanieCraddock

RubyRoss

MEET THEMODELS

Beautiful women comein all shapes, sizesand ages. Meet the

lovely ladies whostrutted our catwalk.

ShanikaBrown

MariaMartinez



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BEHIND THE SCENES:

Owner and Founder Bee Li(fourth from left) on thecatwalk with the modelsafter the show.

JANUARY 2010 ME: IN FOCUS


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Adel (left), Owner ofSpoil Me Hair Salonand assistant workingon a model

Makeup ArtistAlex Albrechtof Sue DevittBeauty

MAKEUP BYSUE DEVITT

BEAUTY

HAIR BYSPOIL MEHAIR SALON

TO SEE BEESFULL INTERVIEWWITH SUE DEVITT,FOUNDER OF SUEDEVITT BEAUTY,

Check out our websitewww.meinfocusmag.com



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THANK YOU:

To All of the Chicago Area

Businesses that Helped Make

Our Event a Huge Success!


THE BODY SHOP

773 935 9645

www.thebodyshop-usa.com

CONNECT

773 360 1520

www.connect-chicago.com

CRE8SHUNS BY LILIAN

773 342 2738

www.cre8shuns.com

DIBA SHOES314 373 1280

www.bronxshoes.com

ENZEE

630 530 2965

www.enzeeboutique.com

FLOWER FETISH

773 988 8688

773 987 7088 appts.

www.flower-fetish.com

FOXS

773 281 0700

www.foxs.com

H2O+

800 242 2284

www.h2oplus.com

LANE BRYANT

773 755 0217

www.lanebryant.com

LONGEVITY SPA

312 266 8765

www.lipodoc.com

www.longevityspa.net

MGD 64

www.mgd.com

NUEVO LEON BAKERY

312 243 5977

PIERRES BAKERY

773 252 8888

www.pierres-bakery.com

SPOIL ME HAIR SALON

773 883 8944

www.spoilmehairsalon.net

SUE DEVITT BEAUTY

888 870 1150

www.suedevittbeauty.com

{ }



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Cre8shunsby Lilian:Jewelry Inspired by the World

LILIAN CARTWRIGHT CREATESjewelry that is inspired by her worldlytravels to Cambodia, Ghana, Chiang Mai,Belize, Istanbul, Moscow and more. Eachnecklace, bracelet, earring and stickpin is aone-of-a kind or limited edition piece. Shestudies the art of each culture and alsoidentifies rare components that are thenused in her unique pieces.

www.cre8shuns.com

NEW FITYOU:

WII FITNINTENDO

SKATE OFFTHE WEIGHT

Whether it's ice skatingat Millennium Park (burns300 calories per hour!)or cross country skiing inMorton Arboretum, thereare plenty of outdoor activitiesnearby to help you burn offthe holiday pounds.www.millenniumpark.org

www.mortonarb.org

LACKING

MOTIVATION?

While personal trainers may be costly,the results you achieve with one maymake it worth the expense. Trainers likeStephanie Mansour,also a life coach,can help you get in shape while alsomotivating you to live your best.www.stepitupwithsteph.com

BE A FLIRTY GIRL

Flirty Girl Fitness is a women's only fitnessand lifestyle facility in the West Loop thatoffers fun and entertaining classes, such asFlirty Flight Club and Sexy Strip. A muchappreciated alternative to your regular gym.www.flirtygirlfitness.com

GOGARDENING

Spend a day exploring thestark and quiet beauty ofthe Chicago Botanic Gardein winter, a striking contrastto its summer landscape(see pg. 35).www.chicago-botanic.org

SNOWED IN?

Nintendo`s Wii Fitis a fantastic way to work out athome. There are many coolgames like Jillian Michaels Fit-ness Ultimatum that will pumpyou up and work up a sweat.www.wiifit.com

FUN WAYS

TO KEEP YOUR

NEW YEARS

RESOLUTION!



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WOMEN/ENTR

EPRENEURSSTYLE/ENTER

TAIN/INFORM/INDULGE/INS

PIRE/UNITE

+

=CHICAGOYOU

NGWOMENSNETWORK

UNITE

www.meetup.com/chicagoyoungwomensnetwork



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NewYear,

NewYou


WHERE ARE

YOU HEADED

IN 2010?


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INDULGEME

INSPIREME

STYLEME

...start to2010!

+

GET OUTAND DANCE!Always wanted to learnSalsa? Put some sizzlein your step. Me: in focusStudios will be offeringlessons soon! For moredetails visit:www.meinfocusstudios.com

SHOEDAZZLE

Personal stylist + shoesdelivered to your door.What could be better?www.shoedazzle.com

PAINT YOUR

WALLS HAPPYFeel like hibernating?A fresh coat of brightpaint is the perfect wayto cheer you up.

PAMPERYOURSELFWhether it`s taking abubble bath at homeor spending a blissfulday at The Peninsula

Hotel Spa, dont forgetto take time to focuson yourself.

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:[email protected]

GIRLS NIGHTOUTGood friends, goodfood and good conver-sation. The melting potcombines all three intheir Spa Night Event.www.themeltingpot.com

BE A GOODNEIGHBORWinter can beespecially hard onour older neighbors.Even a quick check-inor an offer to do ahousehold chorewould be appreciated.

RECYCLE YOURXMAS TREEKicking your tree tothe curb? Recycle itinstead! Contact theDepartment of Environmentfor locations nearest you.312 774 7606

ENTERTAINME

INFORMME

A

warmand

fuzzy



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THE LAYERSOF LAUREN

PHOTOGRAPHYRod Roberts

CLOTHINGAlice Berry

JEWELRYJorie Bandauski

HAIR & MAKEUPJessica Mazik

Getting to knowour model rolemodel16 ME: IN FOCUS JANUARY 2010

www.rodrobertsphotos.com

www.aliceberry.com

www.jorieb.com

www.jesselizabeth.com


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my life I felt healthy. In January of 2009, I was laid off for the second time in threeyears, most recently from a job as a web

manager for a culinary company. Feelingempowered by the improvement of myhealth, as well as the support of mygrandmother, I gained the confidence andtime needed to purse a new career in plus-size modeling.Over the past year, my experience as anaspiring plus-size model has taught methat this industry is like any other, and hasdefinitely taken a hit with todays econ-omy. I gained a significant amount of pa-tience and professionalism, but most im-portantly, I learned how to take

Q: You began modeling last year andentered a tough industry in a tougheconomy. Why did you do so and whathave you learned from it?

A: Sometimes, a series of unfortunateevents can lead to something great! Hav-ing suffered from weight management andovertraining issues for over a decade, Ifinally discovered in 2008 that these issues

were caused by severe food allergies. Iimmediately made the necessary lifestylechanges in order to improve my healthand let my body recover. I began losingthe excess weight that my body retainedover those years and for the first time in

my inner self-confidence and projectit outward.

Q: What is your personal beauty

routine? Any secrets you would liketo share?

A: Growing up, I missed the memo abouthydration and staying out of the sun! For-tunately, I learned a few years ago aboutthe importance of skincare in lookingyouthful and have been diligently exercis-ing good practices ever since.I follow my beauty regime twice a day andI never skip it! By day, I wash withCetaphil cleanser, followed by KiehlsCucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free toner, a

INTRODUCTION

Each month we spotlightone young woman whoembodies the meaning oftrue beauty and whosestory can serve as aninspiration to others.Beautiful both inside andout, these women are trulymodel role models.

LaurenKoenig

Age27

Size12



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lips will temporarily dry them and holdyour lip liner on longer, which willprevent it from feathering.

4. Disposable buff-puffs are great toexfoliate with once a week at most.5. Dark lipstick will make your teethlook whiter.6. Cut your makeup remover pads intohalves or fourths. This will save you afew extra bucks and prevent you from

wasting them.7. Dont condition your roots if youlike volume.8. There are very few shampoos and con-ditioners I would put on my hair. Biotera

touch of acne cream and finally Eucerinmoisturizer SPF 30. At night, I applyNeaclear Liquid Oxygen astringent and

Eucerin oil-free Anti-wrinkle SensitiveSkin Cream. I keep Sally Hansens Over-night Lip Recovery next to my nightstandand it goes on every night, along with myeye cream!

A few of my beauty secrets:1. Never wear SPF lotion at night it willclog your pores.2. Always use an oil-free moisturizer. Theyare hard to come by but oil is unnecessarybefore menopause.3. A light sweep of toothpaste over the

and Ion are the only two products that Ibelieve that won`t strip your color plus itscheaper at Sallys and in bulk.

9. Apply any acne cream with the palm ofyour hand, not your fingers, in sweepingmotions. This helps get the creamdeep into your skin. This is my dermatolo-gists secret!My cosmetic must-haves:1. Listerine pre-brush whitening mouth-

wash: Nothing is sexier than a white smile.2. Smashbox Photo Finish FoundationPrimer: This really helps your makeup stayput when its warm and youre on the go.3. Smashbox DNA Mascara: Ive tried so

LAUREN`S OWNROLE MODEL

My personal role modelis my best friend Nata.She currently lives inLondon, but is originallyfrom Azerbaijan. Welived together when weattended Ball State Uni-versity. Meeting her wasthe best thing that everhappened to me. She isan extremely poised andeducated woman whoalways knew what shestood for and what shebelieved in. She alwaysheld her head up highand always made thingshappen. Her ability toproject such inner beautyoutward really had aneffect on who I am today.Being around a confidentwoman who strived to bethe best person shecould was contagious.

I can say that I wouldntbe the Lauren I amtoday had I never mether at such an importantpoint in my life.



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Q: You mention that you would like tobecome an advocate and publicspeaker on issues related to self esteem

and positive body image. Whats yourmessage?

A: For many, body image and self-esteemare solidified at a very young age. Its anextremely sensitive and important topicduring adolescence and I believe that itsnot addressed in the correct manner. Idont think were doing all we can to helpyoung children love themselves. I want toreach out to youth and counsel them oninner beauty and confidence. After all,beauty starts from within and works its

many mascaras but this one is incredible!4. MAC Paint: This really keeps your eye

makeup ON! This is superior to any othereye base in the world. It doesnt moveuntil you wash it off and it really makesthe pigment in your eye makeup burst!

And the best part, absolutely NO creasing.5. Batiste Dry Shampoo: I never leavehome without it. This is a lifesaver,especially for blondes. Can we say revive?6. LOreal Paris Infallible Never Fail lipcolor: I love a dark lipstick that doesntcome off until you tell it to.

way out. The peace we have with ourselves on the inside will show on the out-

side. I understand that I will never be per-fect in everyones eyes. However, everyday I strive to be the best Lauren I canbe. I do this by rejecting negativity, hum-bly accepting compliments and by wel-coming constructive criticism into my lifeI once heard, Dont look at the personholding the lantern - look at the light. Ibelieve in this and want to practice what Ipreach. If one can learn to be the bestperson they can be, not only will self-acceptance follow, but your inner light willalso shine and help inspire others.



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Love

r l

plus-model or full-figured, but I am stillplus. I learned to not get frustrated when

certain industry professionals do not wantto work with a plus-size model. Instead, Itake the frustration and channel theenergy into something productive. I findsomeone who wants to shoot with a plus-size model and produce photos that makepeople ask, Wow, shes a plus model?I could easily introduce myself as just amodel, but I always make sure to putplus in front of it because I love hearingpeoples reactions to the plus part. I feellike my role instantly changes from sayingIm a model to Im a woman who

Q: As a plus-size model, did you haveany challenges starting out in the in-dustry? If so, how did you get past

those challenges?

A: Plus-size modeling does have a stigmain todays society and it comes with manychallenges. Although I think the mentalityis slowly changing, it will be a long timebefore we really see a major difference.

We must realize that as consumers, wehold the power. The fragile economy hasreally forced designers and retailers toopen up other income-generating avenuesby 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 considerplus today. The shock value is unprece-dented because on a scale from one to 10,Im a 12!

Q: What are some important words of wisdom you can give to aspirinyoung models?

A: Many think modeling is an extremelyself-indulgent industry, which couldnt befurther from the truth. In order to get agreat photo, you need a great photogra-pher, makeup artist, hair stylist, designerand lastlymodel. Modeling is acollaborative effort for all to partake in.Once you realize that each photoshoot is aproject, and that its NOT only about you,you will succeed. Pay your dues. Dont becocky be confident. There is a fine linebetween the two. Practice makes perfect.Study your film. Hand written thank-you notes go a long way. Professional-ism is extremely noticed and appreciatedin the industry. Do not flake ever. Getbusiness 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, keeptrying. Respect yourself think twiceabout what type of shoot you want topartake in and how it will affect yourcareer later on. Take matters into yourown hands. Be the project manager andcreate shoots, submit to magazines, retail-ers, etc. Make sure everyone benefits fromthe project and appreciate those you are

working with. You will have to shooabout 30+ times before you get paid - deal

with it.Find your niche, whether its promotional,artistic, glamour, commercial, fashion,

plus, etc. This will make it easier tomarket yourself.Finally, you ARE marketing a product

YOU. My number one piece of advice: Bethe best person you can be andLOVE YOURSELF!



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{ }

BEAUTY BLOG:JESSICA MAZIK

Jessica isa Chicagobased freelancemakeup artistspecializingin fashion

Jessicas Picks for January

Jessica`s colorpalette for January:Silvery,Winter,Metallic,dabbled withwarmer shades

Benefit CosmeticsBAD gal series isavailable in plum,blue-violet, brownand black.www.benefitcosmetics.com

TO LEARN MORE

Visit her websitewww.jesselizabeth.com

DURING THE WINTER MONTHS,

we sometimes tend to overlook the detailsin our appearance. Jessica reminds us thatlooking good in January doesnt have tobe difficult. Moisturizer, lip gloss and wellgroomed eyebrows are the basics. Tobreak free from the winter blahs, Jessicasuggests creating a cateye look with youreyeliner to jazz it up.

I love NARSproducts, Jessica

states. Seewhat all the fuss

is about:www.nars.com

www.soniaroselli.com



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ADVERTISEMENT

www.lorisapio.com

Full ServicePhotography for allof your Needs andWants. Portraiture,

Weddings, Children,Pets, Eventsand Boudoir.



24/40

doorstep asking for help after he wasrobbed and needed a place to stay. Sepa-rated but never divorced, she decided to

allow her estranged husband to occupythe room oftheir youngestdaughter whohad left forcollege.

After living with his wifefor months,Idas husbanddied from com-plications of

AIDS in Mayof 1996.

He died a verypainful and slow death because he neversought out proper medical treatment,admits Ida. I used to ask him all the timeto go to the doctor but he never wanted togo. I think he was ashamed of his condi-tion but I hated the way he suffered.Ida admits her health status remained asecret from many people at first, but when

NOVEMBER 1, 1991 is a day Ida W.Byther-Smith will never forget. The worldas she knew it changed when she learned

she was HIV positive.I felt like I was dealt the wrong deal,says Ida. I felt like God had let me downand I almost lost my mind.

Today, Ida is one of many living withHIV. According to the Center for DiseaseControl, recent statistics show that Afri-can-American women represented 17,507of the AIDS cases reported in 2007 na-tionwide. From the beginning of the

AIDS epidemic in the U.S. in 1981through 2007, an estimated 426,003 Black

women have contracted the disease.In 1987, prior to her diagnosis, Ida suf-

fered the loss of her mother and was stillgrieving from her death. The followingyear, Idas husband left her and their fourchildren when he decided he didnt wantto stay married. She later learned her hus-band had extramarital affairs while they

were married with both men and women.In 1996, after arriving home from churchone night, Ida found her husband at her

HEALTH: IN FOCUS

she fell ill in 2000, Ida couldnt keep quietmuch longer. During this time, she wasofficially diagnosed with AIDS.

Youre as sick as your secret,comments Ida.

After she wenpublic with herhealth status, Idadecided to helpeducate othersnot only about

AIDS, but abouthe importantp r e c a u t i o n a r ymeasures againstthe disease.Ignorance will

kill you, she says.We as women have a false sense of secu-rity with unprotected sex; were always atrisk of disease, even when were marriedor in relationships.In an effort to give back to the commu-nity, Ida started Joray House, a nonprofitorganization named after her mother andbrother in 2004. The organization givesassistance to homeless men with HIV.People ask me why I am doing this formen, but they dont understand I am alsodoing this for the women they may come

across and possibly infect, Ida says. When she has an opportunity to take abreak from her work, the 60-year-oldadmits she enjoys traveling.This is the only life you have, so youbetter live it now, she says.

BY IYA BAKARE

We as women havea false sense of security

with unprotected sex.Were always at riskof disease, even

when were marriedor in relationships.

To learn more about how you can join the cause of AIDS awarenessand prevention locally, please visit Aids Foundation of Chicago at

www.aidschicago.org

January is Cervical Health Awareness month. For informationand resources on how to raise awareness in your community aboutCervical Cancer and HPV Disease, please visitwww.nccc-online.org

AIDS IS A GLOBALISSUE

To read more aboutBee`s personalexperience workingon AIDS awarenesscampaigns in Africa,visit:


DONTFORGET

To care about yourgynecological health.Make sure to visityour doctor for yourPAP test screening.


FROM HIV TO HPV

Last month on December 1we brought attention toWorld Aids Day. Continuingthis issue, we wanted tobring you a personal storyof a local woman who isempowering others in thefight against this disease.This month we encourageyou to be proactive aboutyour health as it`s Cervical

Health Awareness month.


25/40

ADVERTISEMENT



26/40

S\t\u\d\i\oSPACE



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One example of an eventhosted in our studio space

during the RavenswoodArt Walk.



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ME: IN FOCUSSTUDIO SPACE

Our 2,500 sq. ft open loftspace is perfect for a variety

of creative purposesincluding: photoshoots,exhibitions, classes

and workshops. Our studiospace offers a full-length

catwalk, perfect for anyfashion show. Other facilities

include full DJ setup, freeparking and a private

conference room. For spacerental and other inquiries,

[email protected]

Me: in focus Studios isthe interactive extensionof Me: in focus Magazine,the place where we bringour content to life.



29/40

HOT CHOCOLATE

Hot Chocolate offers many decadentvarieties of this classic winter comfort.Perfect for any choco-holic, owner MindySegal also offers packaged mixes to takehome to enjoy on those cold winter nights.

1747 N. Damen Ave., Chicago773 489 1747

www.hotchocolatechicago.com

Montane Anti-FreezeDown Womens Jacket

$200

MONTANE ANTI-FREEZE

DOWN JACKET

Perfect for the active woman, this ultra lightweightdown jacket designed for female backpackers willcertainly keep you comfortably warm during Chicago'sbrutal winters. Unlike normal bulky winter jackets, ithas a sleek, feminine design, complete with a cinchablewaist and even comes with its own dry bag.www.montane.co.uk

HEMA`S KITCHEN

A longstanding favorite in Devon, HemaPotla's restaurant cooks up delicious

Indian fare at reasonable prices. Nothinglike exotic spices and bold flavors to warm

up from the cold.

2439 W. Devon Ave., Chicago773 338 1627

www.hemaskitchen.com

HALF THE SKY

Half the Sky lays out anagenda for the world's women

and three major abuses: sextrafficking and forced prostitution;gender-based violence includinghonor killings and mass rape;maternal mortality, which needlesslyclaims one woman a minute. Throughthis book, authors Nicolas Kristofand Sheryl WuDunn urge you to jointhis powerful worldwide movementto turn oppression into opportunity.www.halftheskymovement.org

MATSUYA

This Lakeview gem offers yummysushi at very affordable prices.The reason why we love it so

much? They deliver for those latenights at the office.

3469 N. Clark St., Chicago773 248 2677

www.grubhub.com

MONTHLY MENTIONS:WE PICK

OUR FAVORITE

EATS, TREATS

& MORE!



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A LIGHTHEARTED,CUTE AND RANDOMWAY OF LOOKING ATTHE MONTH

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

31

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 2

3

Festival

of Sleep

4 5 6 7 8

Bubble

Bath Day

9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18

Martin Luther

King Day

19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DID YOU KNOW

THATJANUARY

IS THEOFFICIAL

MONTH OF:

SOUPS

HOBBIES

BLOOD DONORS

Chicago MusicAwards

Chinese NewYear at

Navy Pier

Cheese

Day

Squirrel

Appreciation

Day

Backwards

Day

HappyNew

Year!

}

}

BeanDay

CuddleDay

BUT DONT TRYBOTH AT THE

SAME TIME! ;-)

Chocolate

Cake Day

Allthebestin2010!

From

allof

usatMe:infocus!


CALENDAR:


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THE BUZZ: PROFILES

THE BUZZ: SITES

NETWORKWOMAN

It'll be interesting to seehow Diane Sawyer`s transi-tion from Good MorningAmerica to the evening slotwill do for ABC World News

ratings. For the first time inhistory, two of the threenetwork anchors arewomen. Go us!

UNTIMELYPASSING

The sad and untimelydeath ofBrittany Murphy,32, was a shock. Shewas an underrated talentthat shined in all her

performances. Her lastfilm,Abandoned, is setto be released sometimethis year.

BLASIANBEAUTY

Half African-American andhalf Chinese, 20 year oldLou Jing shot to fame andcontroversy over her biracialbackground during a singing

competition in China. Sherose above the fray withdignity and class and hopesto use her newfoundstardom to bridge cultures.

PROJECTPING

We're rooting for talentedChicago designerPing Wuas she competes in Season7 of Project Runway!Chicago Pride!

OLYMPICHOPEFULS

We're looking forward tocheering on alpine skierLindsay Vonn and the otherwomen athletes next monthduring the 2010 Winter

Olympics in Vancouver.

RISING STAR

Her kick-ass Na'vi character inAvatar, Neytiri, maybe 10 feet tall, blue and completely CGI, but theactress Zoe Saldaa is very much real. With thesuccess of Avatar, rising star Zoe is one to watch inHollywood this year.

BOOYAH FOR BULLOCK

2009 was a stellar year at the box office forSandraBullock with two Golden Globe Best Actress nomina-tions for her two top grossing films, The ProposalandThe Blind Side. We love the versatil e Sandra for beinga smart girl's actress and hope she takes home somehardware this year.

CELTIC WOMAN

This group of five womencharm us again with their angelicharmonies and natural beauty intheir latest album Celtic Woman:Songs from the Heart, to bereleased January 26.

MOVIES MUSIC

NEWS

LOCAL BLOGS WE LIKE

www.thebudgetbabe.com

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

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

www.urbanmarvel.blogspot.com



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WORLD BEAT

Featured asCNN Travels

Photo ofthe Day

AllphotographsbyBian

LiofMe:infocusStudios

{

INCREDIBLE INDIA

SENSORY OVERLOAD

GREAT THAR DESERT

SHADOWS ON THE DUNES

RICH PAST

CAMEL TREKKING

FORTS AND TEMPLES

SUN

A PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM



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FOR MORESPECTACULAR

PHOTOS

Check out:www.meinfocusstudios.com

:JOURNEY TO RAJASTHAN



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I HELD MY BREATH as we rode overdune over dune in Indias Great TharDesert. Looking out into the vast goldenexpanse of desert before me, I marveled atthe 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 camelsstepped over their fine, fragile lines.

We were looking for a place to camp forthe night. Dune over dune over dune. Thegolden desert was now turning fiery, burnt

orange as the sun slowly set ahead ofus. Nura, our camel guide, had found thespot. Tonight, we rest here. He grabbedthe rope around our camels necks andpulled us towards a dune as the wind cameacross us, changing the formation of theripples as it blew onto the sand. I saw mychance. Stop please, Nura. He haltedthe camels before they went any further.Snap. I had managed to capture stillness inthat one split second. The camels steppedforward. And just like that, it was gone.



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AllphotographsbyBian

LiofMe:infocusStudios


A DIFFERENTPERSPECTIVE

THE CHICAGOBOTANIC GARDEN INWINTER


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Your Day, Your Story.

Photographer:Bian

Liwww

.meinfocusstudios.com

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ME: IN FOCUS January 2010 (Backissue) New Year, New You!

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