ME

:IN FOCUS
MAGAZINE + STUDIOS

MARCH
2010

+
SPOTLIGHT
ON
VIVA
VINTAGE
ACTRESS +
ADVOCATE
WOMENS
MIERKA HISTORY MONTH
GIRTEN
SONGBIRD
JESSIE
ARLEN
OLD
HOLLYWOOD WHERE
RUNWAY MEETS REALITY,
STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE +

GLAMOUR
HAUTE MEETS HEART

www.meinfocusmag.com
ADVERTISEMENT
AN LB GROUP LLC 7
PUBLICATION 5 Scenes: Where Weve Been and What Weve
Been Doing Since Last Issue

6
Raves: Product Picks that are Thrilling Us)
Old Hollywood Style

8
Womens History Month: Our Personal Role FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Models Bian Bee Li

9
hamblyscreenprints.com

International Womens Day: March 8 EDITORIAL CREATIVE

10
Old Hollywood Glamour: With Actress and
CONTRIBUTORS
Iya Bakare
Missy LaForge
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Bian Li

Advocate Mierka Girten Kerry Sayers DESIGN DIRECTOR

Diana Dittmer

17
Old Hollywood Glamour: From Girl Next Door to
INTERN
Valencia Davis DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Rod Roberts
Red Carpet Ready PROMOTIONS/
EVENTS CREATIVE CONSULTANTS

22
Jessie Arlen: Big Dreams, Big Talent
DIRECTOR
Christine Nicholls
Alex Albrecht
Ricardo Ford

24
National Nutrition Month: Eat Right, Live Better
CONTACTS

26 ADVERTISING
adsales@meinfocusmag.com

6
christine@meinfocusmag.com
Fitness: Personal Trainer Kim Gerbosi Shares Her CONTENT
Easy Exercise Tips editor@meinfocusmag.com

28
Glam Hair: From Italy to Old Town with Paolo
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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SUBMISSIONS
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Bivona of Compagnia della Bellezza Salon GENERAL INQUIRIES

29
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info@meinfocusstudios.com

Viva Vintage Clothing: Interview with Owner Amy www.meinfocusmag.com

Mayberry www.meinfocusstudios.com

30
Jet Set: First in our Thailand Series: Bangkok

7 34
Hot Spots: Daytime Hangouts and Nighttime Haunts

35
Green Eggs & Ham: A Recipe in Honor of Dr.
Seuss Birthday and Irish-American Heritage Month
Copyright 2010 Me: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. All
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ters. These materials may not be reproduced, distributed, modified or reposted
to other publications or websites without the express written permission of Me:

ON THE COVER
36
Peter Breese: With a Passion for Gallery and
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
Mierka Girten Commercial Illustration, Peter Breese is Our marks appearing in this publication and/or the website including, but not limited
Featured Artist to: (i) The LB Group LLC; and (ii) Me: IN FOCUS and its respective logos,
images, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; are trademarks of
A Character Actress,
Mierka evokes her
favorite Old Hollywood
38
Calendar: Eartha Kitt
The LB Group LLC, its brands and affiliates. The information contained herein is
designed to be as contextual and factual as possible, per our best efforts and
the information and/or resources available 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 publication therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Some
icons. links and/or contact information provided in this publication may lead to websites

Photography by Rod Roberts
39
Buzz: Shutter Island Film Review by Brianna Calkin
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responsibility for the content of independent sites and/or nature of third party
establishments/businesses and we provide these links and/or contact informa-
of Chick Flick Reviews tion to our readers solely for their convenience.

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 3

 LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
BIAN BEE LI
SHARES HER THOUGHTS

Dear Readers,

As spring approaches, we venture into

March with a sense of renewal and are
excited for the possibilities ahead. Whether
its a new hair style or healthier habits,
this month is all about finding whats best
for you.

Just in time for the Oscars, Chicago actress

Mierka Girten channels Old Hollywood
Glamour and shares how she stays positive
and keeps moving forward despite living
with Multiple Sclerosis.

Spring is a time to be inspired and moti-

vated, and in honor of International
Womens Day and Womens History
Month, we share with you the women who
have inspired us along the way.

Join us as we make some history of our

own this month.

Be Good.
Photograph by Ricardo Ford

4 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

SCENES
ME: IN FOCUS OUT & ABOUT
& ON THE TOWN!
Where weve been and what weve
been doing since last issue

Chicago Red Dress Party photo shoot by

The Equality Project and Vanguard Art &
Fashion Collaborative. Video coverage by
Mark of Cover Chicago TV.

 Destination Capri Akira Fashion
Brunch at Tocco.
Cover Girl Mierka Girten getting her hair done
by Paolo Bivona before the shoot for this issue.

Victor Hotel 6 Senses Party with

fashion by Akira and art by Zhou B.
Gallery. Produced by Daniel Bruce
(above) of Daniel Bruce Boutique
Event Productions.

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 5

 ECCENTRIC SOAP

LOccitane offers pure plant-based scented

bars for hands and body. The soaps are blended
with mineral pigments that provide their vintage,
muted colors. Other available fragrances: linden,
honeysuckle, rose and verbena.

Bonne Mere Soap ~ Milk

$6
www.usa.loccitane.com

RAVES
WHATS THRILLING US
Here are some of the things
that add a touch of glamour
to our daily lives

SATIN SHOES

Embrace the elegance of royal purple

with this peep toe pump by rsvp. Features
crisscross, pleated satin, 4-inch heel and
leather sole.

rsvp Hart
$69
www.zappos.com

EXOTIC JEWELRY

The pinnacle of classNatural Tahitian Pearls.

HEAVEN FOR YOUR HAIR

This green tea scented shampoo

by Bvlgari is an absolute delight.
The gently cleansing formula
makes it perfect for daily use.

Parfume au th vert Shampoo

$31 ~ 6.7oz
www.nordstrom.com

6 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

 FEELING LIKE A STAR

Indulge your senses with this sweet and

earthy fragrance by Thierry Mugler.

Angel eu de Parfum
$115 ~ 1.7oz
www.bloomingdales.com

aaaa
Editors
Pick

ANTIQUE-CHIC HANDBAGS

The perfect kisslock purse for lovers of all

things vintage. The velveteen, champagne
colored material is lined with scarlet silk and
features a cell phone pocket inside. Go from
+
day to night: remove the strap from this
versatile bag and carry as a clutch. LIMITED EDITION
Effies Heart Give Me Number 9 Purse
$48
www.modcloth.com

aaaa
Design
Directors
Pick

FRAGRANCES THAT
RESEMBLE AWARDS

Marc Jacobs adds to his collection

with this sophisticated frangrance,
combining florals and fruits.

Daisy eu de Parfum
$72 ~ 1.7oz
www.niemanmarcus.com

RETRO RINGS

A funky cocktail ring by Juicy Couture.

Gunmetal finish with purple mother-of-
pearl and crystal accents.

Midnight in the Garden Mother-of-Pearl

Flower Ring
$88
www.zappos.com

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 7

 WOMENS
HISTORY MONTH
ROLE MODELS
PAST AND PRESENT
In recognition, here are
the memorable women
who have impacted our staff
SOJOURNER
TRUTH
I came across Sojourner
Truths 1851 Aint I a
Woman speech when
doing a report on womens
suffrage in middle school.
Her plain spoken, yet pow-
erful words made a lasting
impact on me. I framed a
copy of that speech in my
room and always read it
Bees
Inspirations out loud in difficult times.
To this day, whenever I
need to find courage from
within, I still repeat those
words: Look at me, aint I
a woman?
JANE
GOODALL
It was because of Jane
Goodall that I originally
wanted to be a primatologist
when I grew up. A soft
spoken woman with a quiet
determination to speak out
for our closest DNA rela-
tives. Her years of patience
and resolve paved the way
for a whole new under-
standing of the primate
world, including ourselves.
8 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010
aaaa
March
Book
Pick
COCO
CHANEL
In the Roaring 20s, Coco
helped womens liberation
through a style called
garconne (a young woman
flaunting her unconven-
tional dress and behavior).
To look un-ladylike, women
tightly wound their chest
with cloth strips to flatten it.
Her legacy inspired a new
Dianas legion of fashion icons. Valencias
Inspirations
AYN
RAND
Russian-American philoso-
pher and novelist whose
Objectivist principles reso-
nated with me at a young
age. She characterized this
view as one grounded in
reality, aimed at defining our
nature in relation to the
world in which we live.
Well behaved women seldom
make history.
~Laurel Thatcher Ullrich
Historian and professor at Harvard University
HATTIE LEANITA
McDANIEL McCLAIN
The first African American Although her life and career
performer to win an Acad- ended abruptly, she paved
emy Award for her role in the way for women of color
Gone With the Wind in (especially black women) in
1939. This achievement journalism, specifically in
opened the door for many Chicago.
performers of color to ac-
complish what has come
to fruition in the film and
music industries.
Iyas
Inspirations Inspirations
BETTIE OPRAH
PAGE WINFREY
Labeled the Queen of Pinups, From a background of
she has influenced womens modest beginnings, she
freedom of sexuality, art and branded herself and created
vintage/modern fashion alike. a mass empire in the broad-
cast journalism industry
worldwide that has lasted
almost 30 years. She sees
the importance of giving
back and actually does it.
INTERNATIONAL Gender equality and womens empow-
erment are fundamental to the global
mission of the United Nations to
A CALL TO ACTION

CARE
www.care.org

WOMENS DAY
MARCH 8
achieve equal rights and dignity for
all.. But equality for women and girls
is also an economic and social impera-
tive. Until women and girls are liber-
Half the Sky
www.halftheskymovement.org
International Center for Research
on Women
www.icrw.org
ated from poverty and injustice, all our Kiva Loans that Change Lives
Empowering women, goals-- peace, security, sustainable de- www.kiva.org
enriching society velopment -- stand in jeopardy. Women for Women International
www.womenforwomen.org
~Ban Ki Moon
U.N. Secretary General

MARCH 4
AMC RIVER EAST 21 CHICAGO CITY NORTH CHICAGO WEBSTER PLACE

7:30PM
322 E. Illinois St., Chicago 2600 N. Western Ave., Chicago 1471 W. Webster Ave., Chicago
312 596 0333 773 394 1600 773 327 1314

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 9

OLD HOLLYWOO
GLAMOUR
WITH MIERKA
GIRTEN
ACTRESS + ADVOCATE

March is Multiple Sclerosis

Education & Awareness
Month. This month our model
role model is Mierka Girten, a
Chicago actress living with
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Her
foundation, Mookie Jam,
raises funds for other artists
living with MS. Since Oscar
time is approaching, we
invited Mierka to channel Old
Hollywood Glamour as she
shares her story.

DIRECTOR OF
PHOTOGRAPHY ROD ROBERTS
www.rodrobertsphotos.com

CLOTHING
PROVIDED BY VIVA VINTAGE
www.vivavintageclothing.com

MAKEUP
& STYLING ALEX ALBRECHT
www.suedevittbeauty.com

HAIR
STYLIST PAOLO BIVONA
www.cdb-chicago.com
OD

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 11

 BEE: When were you diagnosed with MS
and how did that impact your life?
MIERKA: I was diagnosed in 1993. I was
in my first year at DePaul Universitys
Graduate Acting Department. The initial
impact caused a lot of fear and anger, but
thankfully I realized that life is short and
you have to do something great and ex-
traordinary to help others while you can.
Ultimately, the diagnosis enabled me to see
that Ive got to be the best actress and per-
son that I can be. I learned that I am not
invincible and to take it one day at a time.

BEE: What inspired you to start your own

organization, Mookie Jam, to help others
with the disease?
MIERKA: It began in 2000. The idea of
Mookie Jam stemmed from channeling
resources earned from a successful one-
woman play (With or Without Wings -
WOW), that I wrote with an adaptation by
Michael Thomas. I performed WOW for
other artists facing similar personal and
financial challenges with their MS treat-
ments and career goals.

BEE: How can our readers get involved to

help and become more informed about
MS?
MIERKA: The website, mookiejam.org,
provides information in lay terms about
MS, and also offers people the opportunity
to learn about the objectives and accom-
plishments of this organization. The Inter-
net contains a wealth of additional infor-
mation to increase public awareness. One
can start by just reaching out and extending
him/herself to somebody in the commu-
nity with MS.
BEE: Are there any common misconcep-
tions that people have about those living
with MS?
MIERKA: Yes, and they are all misguided
fictions: 1) We are intoxicated or 2) We are
unintelligent, because our speech is occa-
sionally slurred, halting or not always rapid.
3) We have to be wheelchair-bound, and
4) If we are not in a wheelchair, then we
must obviously be doing fine and feeling
pain free.
BEE: Tell us more about your theater
work. Does that help you deal with your
condition?
MIERKA: Theater is my love and my pas-
sion. Going to work in the theater is like
going to church for me. Im most happy at
the theater because I dont feel physical
pain at all. I do voiceovers and sing jingles.
People hear my voice all the time and dont
even know it, and thats kind of cool.
BEE: What are your specific goals with
respect to your acting career, as well as
your foundation?
MIERKA: The goal of the foundation is
to help as many as people as I can, while I
can with my foundation. Theres always the
fear that I could get sick and not be able to
do what I do any more. So I just push
really hard to try to make sure that I can
assist others around me. For acting, the
goal is to continue it as long as I can. Of
course, I would love to go to New York
City and do a play. I would love to star in a
Craig Wright play and there is a Tennessee
Williams play I will be in before I die. But
none of that really matters for me, as the
larger quest is simply trying to get through
each day, hoping I can continue perform-

12 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010


ing. Ive been lucky to be able to press on
and I try not to take that for granted.
BEE: Any advice you can give to our
readers about coping with MS and/or help-
ing a loved one with MS?
MIERKA: In order to cope with it you
must be patient, keep your sense of humor
and use your body. Watch what you eat,
whom you spend time with and what your
priorities are. You have to really concen-
trate on healing. With your body, you
either use it or lose it - PERIOD. You
must also be grateful for the abilities that
you DO have because there are other peo-
ple out there with even more horrible
problems and difficulties than you.
To help a loved one with MS, you have to
thoroughly and diligently educate yourself
about their situation, as well as their disease
and clearly understand that it never goes
away. This includes, but is not limited to,
situations and scenarios related to isolation,
depression, confusion, misunderstanding,
pain, irritability and fatigue.
MS symptoms can vary with each
individual. My symptoms may differ from
other people with MS.
MIERKA`S OWN
ROLE MODELS
A PERSONAL ROLE MODEL is my mother
for maintaining her sense of humor while
struggling with her own MS diagnosis, and for
having the foresight and perception to place
me at an early age in a school for creativity
and the arts.
A PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL is the entire
cast of A Red Orchid Theater, my fellow
artists. They have produced and continue to
produce some of the bravest art in Chicago,
while working with extremely limited budgets.
They never give up.
BEE: What career advice can you give to
young aspiring actresses?
MIERKA: Career acting involves a lot of
rejection, but it absolutely cannot be taken
or integrated at a personal level or lead to
desperation. Its hard to do! There do exist
elements of frustration, anger, anxiety,
worry, doubt; however remember that the
one thing that you love more than just
about anything else is performing, being in
the arts and being surrounded by great
actors. Remain focused and maintain good
energy. If you fail, get up and do it again.
The worst thing anyone can say is NO,
and honestly it probably wasnt meant to
be. It may hurt, but a big fat YES is right
around the corner.
MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 13
MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 15
 Mierka with her brain
scans that show the
signs of MS

16 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

OLD HOLLYWOOD
WITH KERRY
GLAMOUR JOURNALIST SAYERS
BEFORE + AFTER
From girl next door to red carpet ready

BEFORE

;AFTER

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 17

 DIRECTOR OF
PHOTOGRAPHY ROD ROBERTS
www.rodrobertsphotos.com

CLOTHING
PROVIDED BY VIVA VINTAGE
www.vivavintageclothing.com

MAKEUP
& STYLING ALEX ALBRECHT
www.suedevittbeauty.com

HAIR
STYLIST PAOLO BIVONA
www.cdb-chicago.com

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 19

20 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

Photograph by Tara Chumpelik
BEE: Have you always wanted to pursue
music as a profession?
JESSIE: Ive been surrounded by great
music my entire life. I have my parents to
thank for exposing me to a rich and mature
collection of artists, instruments and
sounds. When I was younger, I was actually
quite shy about expressing myself musi-
cally. I would rarely sing in front of others.
I used theater and dance as a way to ex-
press myself creatively. It really wasn't until
later in high school when I became confi-
dent with sharing my musical talents. Deep
down, Ive always known that music is an
important part of my identity and spirit.
22 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010
BEE: Your debut CD combines jazz and
soul elements. Has this always been your
preferred genre?
JESSIE: At an early age, I naturally gravi-
tated towards jazz and as a result, I am
highly influenced stylistically by the genre. I
feel a deep connection with the repertoire
and Im attracted to the sophisticated and
timeless nature of jazz, as well as its ability
to connect to a large and diverse audience.
These songs are beautiful, romantic, clever,
witty, and they tell a real story that can
connect to listeners on many different
levels. My inspiration for this recording
definitely stemmed from my love for jazz.
There is a mixture of styles present on the
JESSIE ARLEN
BIG DREAMS, BIG TALENT
Up close and personal with the
22 year old, New York based
rising star. She returned to her
native Evanston, Illinois for the
release of her debut album,
Certain Surprise.
record because I wanted to explore
different sides of my musicality. I will
always explore, cross-over and mix multi-
ple styles. I dont like to limit myself. I am
an extremely open person and I want my
music to reflect that. When writing my own
original music, I find that I fuse together
folk, jazz and pop.
BEE: Who are some of your musical inspi-
rations or influences? Whom have you
learned the most from?
JESSIE: There are so many! Ella Fitzger-
ald, of course! Bobby McFerrin, Joni
Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Andrew Bird,
Rufus Wainwright, Nick Drake, Chicago,

MUSIC
STYLE
I am an extremely open
person and I want my
music to reflect that.
THE BEATLES...the list goes on and on! I
feel like almost everything I listen to influ-
ences me in some way. As a kid, the only
radio station that I listened to was the
oldies station. I used to sit in the back of
our family's mini-van and sing along with
Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, Aretha
Franklin, Simon and Garfunkle, Marvin
GayeI would mimic their vocals and try
to sound just like them. I learned from
the greats!
BEE: In addition to having great pipes,
you sing with a lot of maturity and cha-
risma for your age. Where does that come
from?
JESSIE: I have no idea exactly where it
comes from. I often wonder if I was born
in the wrong decadeI probably lived
during the jazz age in a past life. When I
perform, I allow my spirit to shine and I
CAREER
ADVICE
Recognize the doors of
opportunity and walk
fearlessly through them.
TO PURCHASE
www.jessiearlen.com
allow the music to flow through me freely.
I feel extremely grounded and at home
when I am on stage. I can really be myself.
BEE: How did you narrow down the
songs for your debut album and how long
did it take to produce and record it?
JESSIE: All of the songs for this project
seemed to come to me naturally. I chose
songs that I felt a connection with and that
I love to sing. I also chose songs that in-
spired me to create my own unique inter-
pretations. The project took about one year
to completedefinitely a labor of love.
The whole process taught me a tremen-
dous amount about the recording proc-
essI grew as an artist from start to finish.
I had the opportunity to collaborate with
amazing and talented people, which made
the process smooth and a ton of fun!
BEE: Do you have any specific career
aspirations or goals you hope to achieve?
JESSIE: My main goal right now is to
record a full-length album comprised of
my own original music. I also want to sus-
tain a long and fulfilling career. When I am
in my 90s, I hope to still be singing
and performing!
BEE: If you could duet with any legendary
singer, who would it be?
JESSIE: Wow. It would be amazing to
perform with Stevie Wonder.
BEE: Whats the best piece of career
advice you have received?
JESSIE: Recognize the doors of opportu-
nity and walk fearlessly through
them. Also, create for othersart should
not be a selfish endeavorits your re-
sponsibility to share your unique talents
and help inspire people through your work.
LOVE OF
JAZZ
I probably lived during
the jazz age in a past life.
When I perform, I allow
my spirit to shine and I
allow the music to flow
through me freely.
MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 23
 HEALTHY LIVING
HEALTHY HABITS
If there was a quick fix we wouldnt have an
obesity problem in this country.
~Jennifer Ventrelle
Registered Dietician at Rush University Medical Center
ARE YOU TIRED of the freezing temps
and shoveling snow? Spring is quickly ap-
proaching, motivating people to get in
shape. March is National Nutrition Month,
an annual nutrition education and informa-
tion campaign sponsored by the American
Dietetic Association. According to the
Center for Disease Control, 67 percent of
people aged 20 years and over in the U.S.
were overweight or obese in 2006.
Healthy eating habits, in addition to physi-
cal activity, are essential to overall healthy
living. In order to eat healthy, you need to
know what youre eating and work hard to
stay fit. Jennifer Ventrelle, a registered di-
etician at Rush University Medical Center
and a certified personal trainer, says the
biggest myth about various diets is that
they are quick fixes. If there was a quick
fix, we wouldnt have an obesity problem
in this country, says Ventrelle.
Part of knowing what youre eating is
reading the nutrition labels on food prod-
ucts. Ventrelle admits reading nutrition
labels can be tricky because they are based
on a 2,000 calorie diet, a calorie count that
many diets cannot reach. Ignore the
percentages on the labels and look more at
serving size information because there can
be more than one serving per container,
she says. Ventrelle adds that generally
meals should be 300 to 600 calories, and
snacks should total 100 to 150 calories. In
regard to fats, total fat includes good fats
and bad fats. Both saturated fat and trans
fat are considered bad fats.
24 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010
There should be no more than three
grams of saturated fat and there should
always be zero grams of trans fat,
adds Ventrelle.
Some of Ventrelles tips in healthy diets
include foods high in fiber and minimal in
sugar, unless it is natural sugar, like sugars
found in fresh fruit. Dietary fiber is a good
source for carbohydrates. Ventrelle recom-
mends trying to consume 25 to 35 grams
of fiber a day and to consume less than 15
grams of sugar a day. Foods slightly higher
in protein tend to keep you full longer,
while foods high in carbohydrates intensify
hunger. If you are eating less than four
grams of protein with a meal, Ventrelle
THE NEW U.S. FOOD GUIDE
recommends adding another food high in
protein with it, such as spreading peanut
butter on a banana.
Ventrelle says another important part of
your diet is Vitamin D, which is found in
most dairy products, such as low fat milks,
yogurts and cheeses. It is also found in fish
(such as salmon), egg yolks and
cereal grains.
Sodium is also a significant factor in your
diet, especially if you have a history of
heart disease in your family. The American
NATIONAL
NUTRITION MONTH
NURTURE YOURSELF
Eating right and living better
BY IYA BAKARE
Heart Association recommends 2300 milli-
grams per day, which Ventrelle says breaks
down to less than 600 milligrams per meal
and less than 150 milligrams per snack.
Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama and
the Obama administration launched a cam-
paign Lets Move, an initiative to fight
childhood obesity.
I think [the campaign] is really great be-
cause its known that obesity is an epi-
demic, and its great shes taking an initia-
tive to do something about it.
Ventrelle says one of the reasons obesity
is an issue in this country is because many
parents are not modeling healthy behavior
for their children.
You have to target the parents to get
them to change their behavior, she com-
ments. Whether youre someones mother,
aunt, sister or friend, healthy living is
happy living.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
AND RESOURCES
American Dietetic Association
www.eatright.org
Lets Move Campaign Against
Childhood Obesity
www.letsmove.org
ADVERTISEMENT
 INFORM
ME

FITNESS
EASY EXERCISES
TO STAY FIT
AT HOME
OR ON THE GO
Personal trainer
KIM GERBOSI
of
HIFI PERSONAL FITNESS
shares her tips
for working out
the entire body

TO LEARN MORE PUSH UP WALL SIT WITH ANGLE

www.hififitness.com
Lie face down with your hands about three inches
wider than shoulder width. Raise your body off of
the floor so your arms are straight, legs are to-
gether and your body weight is on your hands and
toes. Keeping your body straight and abdominals
engaged, lower your body toward the floor by
bending your elbow. Then push your body back up
to the starting position by straightening the elbow.
Perform this exercise for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
a
Modifications: The push up can be done on your
knees if this is too difficult. To make it more chal-
lenging, elevate your feet on a chair or bench.
Targeted Muscles: chest, triceps, shoulders, lower
back and abdominals
Lean your back against a wall. Slide down the wall
until your knees are at a ninety degree angle.
Raise your arms to your sides so that they are at a
ninety degree angle. Your shoulder blades, arms
and hands should be touching the wall.
While keeping your legs in the wall sit position,
raise your arms up toward your head. Raise the
arms as high as you can while keeping the shoul-
ders, arms and hands on the wall. Now lower the
arms back to the starting position.
Repeat the arm movements while remaining in
the wall sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Targeted Muscles: gluts, thighs and hips. The
angle stretches the chest muscles while strength-
ening the middle and upper back

26 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010


PLANKS
Lie face down with your forearms on the floor.
Push your body up off the floor so your forearms
and toes are the only things touching the floor.
Keep your body in a straight line and contract your
abdominals. Hold this position for 10 seconds and
then raise yourself up onto your hands so you are
in a push up position. Hold this position for 10
seconds. Now lower again back to your starting
position on your forearms.
Repeat this sequence for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Modifications: If this is too difficult, just hold the
plank position on your forearms. To make it more
challenging, decrease your time in each position
to 5 seconds.
Targeted Muscles: triceps, shoulders, abdominals,
hips and back
a
BRIDGE
Lie on your back with feet hip distance apart on
top of a chair with your knees bent. Slowly raise
your hips off the ground by tightening your gluts
and stomach. Hold the position for a count of
three. Lower your body back to the floor. Repeat
this sequence for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
a
Modifications: If this is too difficult, you can per-
form the exercise with your feet on the floor.
a
To make it more challenging, you can perform this
one leg at a time.
Targeted Muscles: gluts, abdominals and lower
back
a
Photographer: Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com
TRICEP DIP
Place your hands on the edge of the chair. Your
feet are on the floor straight in front of you and
your butt is near the edge of the chair. Lower
yourself toward the ground by bending your arms.
Keep your chest up and abdominals tight. Raise
your body back up by straightening the arms.
Repeat this sequence for 30 seconds to
1 minute.
Modifications: If this is too difficult, you can bend
your knees.
Targeted Muscles: triceps, shoulders and chest
MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 27
 STYLE
ME
COMPAGNIA
DELLA BELLEZZA
CHICAGO
BROCATO Growing together on our
VERSA FIX journey to inspire, create and
Spray Gel ~ 8.5 oz take care of all of our guests
$13 needs through our passion for
www.sleekhair.com beauty...the Italian way from
our heart.
aaaa
1500 N. Wells St., Chicago
Paolos
Picks 312 944 6747
www.cdb-chicago.com

Photographer: Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com

Photo: www.cdb-chicago.com

DAVINES
MELU
Product Line
www.davines.com

PAOLO BIVONA

GLAM HAIR
FROM ITALY
TO OLD TOWN
Co-Owners Paolo Bivona
and Maria Paonessa style
the Windy City. With 21
years of experience, Paolo
shares his style tips below.

BEE: What is the most common hair care
problem among your women clients?
PAOLO: They tend to blow dry too much,
abusing their hair through over-heating. I
emphasize teaching my clients how to care
for their hair at home.
BEE: What are the current trends right
now and how often do you notice shifts in
whats in? customize a hairstyle based on individual
PAOLO: The 80s are back, along with
warm color and soft curls. I have noticed
that trends seem to shift every two to
three years.
BEE: What products do you recommend
and why?
PAOLO: I like to use products that work
to treat hair on a daily basis and improve
the damage and dryness caused by over-
heating. I recommend a weekly hot oil
treatment and a good thermal protector.
My favorites are Versa-fix spray gel by
Brocato and the MELU line of products
by Davines.
BEE: Can you describe your personal ap-
proach to hairstyling?
PAOLO: Customer service is number one.
As far as image is concerned, I always
pean way of doing hair?
style, face shape, background, body type
and career.
BEE: What styles do you suggest for dif-
ferent face shapes?
PAOLO: For square faces, a short cut is a
must to create a softer shape; more width
to the style also. For oval faces, anything
goes. Round faces need a cut with length
for elongation. For a pear shaped face,
some customization is needed in addition
to adding more height and length.
BEE: Tell us more about your salon.
PAOLO: We have eight stylists on staff at
the moment. New employees complete a
year long apprenticeship and attend weekly
classes taught by the salon to keep up with
current trends.
BEE: How would you describe the Euro-
PAOLO: Keeping with the longstanding
tradition, European salons are not rushed.
Clients are comfortable spending more
time in the salon. Beauty and softness is
emphasized in overall style. In the U.S.,
clients are usually pressed for time and
need to get in and out quickly, so the envi-
ronment is more rushed. The feeling is
similar to that of London.

28 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

Photo courtesy of Amy Mayberry

BEE: Who is your favorite vintage
designer?
AMY: I don't have a single favorite vintage
designer. Of course, well-known designers
like Christian Dior and Balenciaga made
beautiful clothing, but most often the
pieces I handle personally are ready-to-
wear items from the great old department
stores, like Marshall Field's, and sometimes
even well-constructed, home-sewn cloth-
ing. What attracts me is the quality of the
workmanship and the materials. Luckily,
with vintage, you can find high-quality
items at almost every price point from
high-end, designer cocktail dresses and
evening gowns by Yves Saint Laurent or
Amy Pucci to homemade cotton sun dresses.
Mayberry
Most vintage cocktail and evening wear
require dry cleaning and proper, gentle
cleaning will keep the clothing looking its
best. Make sure that you use an excellent
dry cleaner, and that he or she knows that
the dress is vintage and therefore may re-
quire special care, before handing it over.
It's very important to store your vintage
clothing properly. Most items can be hung
on padded hangers (or folded in boxes, in
the case of 20s beaded dresses or delicate
silk lingerie). Sweaters should be folded to
avoid stretching, accessories should be
stuffed with acid-free tissue (or at least
white tissue, not colors) and all vintage
items should be stored away from direct
sunlight to avoid fading.

BEE: What are your tips for purchasing

MODERN VINTAGE
Interview with Owner,
Amy Mayberry
www.vivavintageclothing.com
BEE: What era of clothing are you most
fond of?
AMY: I am fond of two decades in par-
ticular: the 1930s and the 1950s. The 1930s
for the long, lean silhouettes of the cloth-
ing and the whimsical and sculptural details
of the fabulous hats. The feminine shape
of 1950s clothing also appeals to me: the
full-skirted and the fitted, hourglass-shaped
dresseseverything from simple cotton
sundresses to cocktail attire. I love the
and maintaining vintage clothing?
AMY: The most important tip when pur-
chasing vintage clothing (or any clothing in
my opinion), is to know what shapes suit
your body type. For example, although I
absolutely love the skinny shape of 1930s
bias-cut evening gowns, my body is better
suited to 1950s dresses, so I tend to buy
what looks good on ME, not what looks
good on a hanger. Specific to vintage, if
you discover a piece that you love in close
to the right size, be open to the possibility
of minor alterations to make that find a
perfect fit. Also, I recommend purchasing
from reputable dealers and shops where
the clothing has already been cleaned and
any minor flaws repaired, so that you
acquire a piece that is ready to wear, in
Photograph by Rod Roberts www.rodrobertsphotos.com

boxy leather and Lucite handbags and the
dramatic rhinestone costume jewelry from
this period as well.
good condition. Be aware that the 1960s
and copied the 1920s, the 1970s copied the KERRY SAYERS
1930s and the 1980s copied the 1950s. TROPICAL ORANGE FLORAL
60S DROP WAIST DRESS
Educate yourself as to the differences so $60
that you're not fooled into purchasing one

STYLE thing while thinking that you are getting

another. For example, real 1920s dresses
will never have a zipper up the back, but a

ME 1960s flapper-style dress probably will have

one. Once you have found that perfect
vintage cocktail dress, treat it with respect.

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 29

 JET SET
L
Buddhist statue in the
Wat Pho (Temple of
the Reclining Buddha)
30 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010
BANGKOK,
THAILAND
March is an ideal time to
visit this tropical country.
With so many sights and
sounds, Bangkok is the
perfect first stop in our
Thailand series.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY BIAN LI
A solitary monk
walking through Wat
Phra Kaew

Getting around in
a Tuk-Tuk, the popular


local form of transportation
 Wat Phra Kaew
(Temple of the Emerald
Buddha). The most
sacred temple in Thai-
land within the grounds
of the Grand Palace of
the Royal Family.

Wat Arun (Temple of

Dawn) on the bank of
Chao Phraya River

32 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

 Wat Phra Kaew, west
side of the palace

A Muay Thai
(Thai Boxing) match,
Thailands national sport,
at Ratchadamneon
Stadium


 HOT SPOTS
DAYTIME HANGOUTS +
NIGHT TIME HAUNTS
Places to go, people to see

VICTOR HOTEL
Boutique hotel lounge with a sexy vibes,
stylish dcor and sophistication.

311 N. Sangamon St., Chicago

312 733 6900
www.victorhotelchicago.com

TOCCO SCHUBAS
D y
With a casual chic feel, this Italian restau- This Lakeview haunt hosts musical acts
rant is the perfect place for Sunday brunch before they get big. Half off Mac & Cheese
with friends. on Wednesdays.

1266 N. Milwaukee, Chicago 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

773 687 8895 773 525 2508
www.toccochicago.com www.schubas.com

M LOUNGE TRIAD SUSHI LOUNGE ELEPHANT & CASTLE

Intimate lounge in the South Loop thats A South Loop favorite offering traditional
perfect for an after work get together with and Japanese fusion cuisine. Affordable
colleagues or friends. pricing and laid back atmosphere. BYOB
with no cork fee.
1520 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
312 447 0201 1933 S. Indiana, Chicago aaaa
www.mloungechicago.com 312 225 8833 Editors
www.triadsushi.com Pick
This longstanding downtown British/Irish
pub offers authentic Fish & Chips and
Bangers & Mash. Bang On!
185 N. Wabash, Chicago
312 345 1710
www.elephantcastle.com

34 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

GREEN EGGS
& HAM
WE COULD EAT
THEM HERE, THERE
OR ANYWHERE!
In honor of Dr. Seuss
Birthday and Irish-American
Heritage Month

Photograph by Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com

BEVERAGES RECIPE
Serves 2

6 farm fresh eggs Chopped garlic (2 cloves)

Fresh spinach (1 cup) Sea salt (dash)
Diced ham (1 cup) Lemon-pepper seasoning
Shredded cheddar cheese (dash)
GUINNESS (to taste) Ginger powder (dash)
BEER
Cut red potatoes Olive oil (3 tbsp.)
Who doesnt love a Mustard seed (dash) Orange slices, for garnish
pint of Guinness?
Paprika (dash) Cilantro, for garnish

1. Combine eggs, salt, ginger powder and lemon-pepper seasoning mix together in
a medium-size bowl. Beat until well combined.
2. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil with garlic in stainless steel saucepan over high
heat. Pour mixture into pan and allow to settle slightly. Pour in diced ham,
spinach and cheese.
HOMEMADE
3. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until solidified. With spatula, fold in half and
SHAMROCK flip over. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until ready to serve.
SHAKE 4. Boil potatoes until soft and cut. Place 1 tablespoon olive oil with garlic in
Try blending with stainless steel saucepan over high heat. Place potatoes in pan and sprinkle in
mint chocolate chip mustard seed and paprika. Saute until golden brown and ready to serve.
ice cream and Oreo
cookies...yum! 5. Garnish with orange slices and cilantro...enjoy!

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 35

 PETER
BREESE
FEATURED ARTIST
With a passion for gallery and
commercial illustration, Peter
Breese is our featured artist.
www.peterbreese.com

COPYRIGHT PETER BREESE. 2009. 2010.

ARTWORK BY PETER BREESE

NO. 10

36 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

 ABOUT
PETERS WORK
Abandon the complexities of
your surroundings, from the
olives in your Martini to the
rhythm of the band. Let the
details fade away, all save
the siren stealing your breath
from across the room.
These private ambrosial mo-
ments define the art of
Peter Breese.
Comprised of ink, gouache
and hot pressed cotton, the
Breese woman is chic synco-
pation. Live for now.

NO. 15

MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 37

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

www.meinfocusmag.com

S M T W T F S

1 Share
2 Dr. Seuss
3 4 5 6
a Smile Birthday
Day
Read Across
America Day

7 8 International 9 10 11 12 13
Womens Barbies Girl Scout Good
Day Birthday Day Samaritan
Day

Albert Einsteins
14 Birthday 15 16 17 18 19 20 Big Birds
Ides of Everything You Do Saint Birthday
March Is Right Day Patricks
Potato Chip Day
Day First Day
Freedom of
Daylight Savings of Spring
Information Day
Time Begins
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Single
Parents Day

28 29 Passover 30 31
Begins

Womens American Irish-American National

History Red Cross Heritage Nutrition
MARCH 2010 Month Month Month Month
EARTHA KITT (CHARCOAL SKETCHING) BY BIAN LI 2009

FILM
Leonardo DiCaprio
SHUTTER ISLAND
BY BRIANNA CALKIN
aaaaa
Martin Scorsese has officially fulfilled all of the
hype I have been curiously hearing about.
Shutter Island will leave you stunned and
wanting to see the film again and again. The
plot is just that surprising and twisty.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays former U.S. Marshal
and World War II veteran, Teddy Daniels.
Along with his new partner, Chuck Aule (Mark
Ruffalo), the pair venture to Bostons Shutter
Island Ashecliffe Hospital, home to the most
dangerous and criminally insane patients/
prisoners. The two are there to investigate the
disappearance of patient Rachel Solando
(Emily Mortimer) who magically escaped.
Teddy purposely wanted the task to travel to
Shutter Island because he has ties to one of
the patients and wants to investigate the facility
further. However, upon arrival Teddy finds
himself suffering from migraines and hallucina-
tions of his beloved wife and his troubled World
War II days, making the investigation more
difficult than expected.
SITES
SITES
BLOGS WE LOVE
http://madisonplus.com
http://chicagoist.com/food
BUZZ
BUZZ
Mark Ruffalo Emily Mortimer Ben Kingsley Max von Sydow Michelle Williams
Teddy begins to interview patients as part of that Teddy misses and the tragic series of
his investigation. It seems that they are all at- events that haunt him. I feel like the hallucina-
tempting to relay the same message for him to tion scenes were the most impressive scenes
escape the island while he can. And with the Scorsese brought forth in this film.
lack of answers from his detective work, Teddy
begins to wonder if Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley) If you like thrillers, I highly recommend seeing
and Dr. Naehring (Max von Sydow) have other Shutter Island. If youre not into thrillers, you
intentions for him. are missing out! This movie is worth breaking
your comfort zone to see.
There are a crazy amount of surprising twists in
this movie that I was not expecting. Im keeping
my review relatively brief so I dont give too
much away! I definitely feel like I have to see
this movie at least a couple more times to fully
grasp all of it.
There has been a lot of hype around Martin From our friends at:
Scorsese and now I understand it. This movie
is not only a mental hospital thriller, but it
piques curiosity while remaining artistically
visual and adventurously entertaining. The
hallucinations that Teddy has of his wife,
played by the fabulous Michelle Williams,
were filmed impeccably to illustrate the love
MUSIC
http://themidwasteland.com
SADE
After almost a decade away
from the spotlight, British
singer Sade is back with her
new album, Soldier of Love.
With songs like the title track,
she reminds us why we missed
http://mayamade.blogspot.com her so much.
MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 39