ME: IN FOCUS March 2010 (Backissue)

8/9/2019 ME: IN FOCUS March 2010 (Backissue)

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MEMEMEME:IN FOCUS:IN FOCUS:IN FOCUS:IN FOCUS

MAGAZINE+ STUDIOS

SPOTLIGHTON

ACTRESS +

ADVOCATE

MIERKAMIERKAMIERKAMIERKA

GIRTENGIRTENGIRTENGIRTEN

+VIVA

VINTAGE

WOMENSHISTORY MONTH

SONGBIRDJESSIE

ARLEN

MARCH2010

WHERERUNWAY MEETS REALITY,STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE HAUTE MEETS HEART

www.meinfocusmag.com

OLDHOLLYWOODGLAMOUR

OLDHOLLYWOODGLAMOUR


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ADVERTISEMENT


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5Scenes: Where W eve Been and What WeveBeen Doing Since Last Issue

6

Raves: Product Picks that are Thrilling UsOld Hollywood Style

8Womens History Month: Our Personal RoleModels

9International Womens Day: March 8

10Old Hollywood Glamour: With Actress andAdvocate Mierka Girten

17

Old Hollywood Glamour: From Girl Next Door toRed Carpet Ready

22Jessie Arlen: Big Dreams, Big Talent

24National Nutrition Month: Eat Right, Live Better

26Fitness: Personal Trainer Kim Gerbosi Shares HerEasy Exercise Tips

28Glam Hair: From Italy to Old Town with PaoloBivona of Compagnia della Bellezza Salon

29Viva Vintage Clothing: Interview with Owner AmyMayberry

30Jet Set: First in our Thailand Series: Bangkok

34Hot Spots: Daytime Hangouts and Nighttime Haunts

35Green Eggs & Ham: A Recipe in Honor of Dr.Seuss Birthday and Irish-American Heritage Month

36Peter Breese: With a Passion for Gallery andCommercial Illustration, Peter Breese is OurFeatured Artist

38Calendar: Eartha Kitt

39Buzz:Shutter IslandFilm Review by Brianna Calkinof Chick Flick Reviews

CONTACTS

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

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[email protected] INQUIRIES

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[email protected]


www.meinfocusstudios.com

Copyright 2010Me: IN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. Atext, images, graphics and other materials in this publication and the website are

subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights ofMe: IN FOCUSThe LB Group LLC and other respective contributors, affiliates and/or submitters. These materials may not be reproduced, distributed, modified or repostedto other publications or websites without the express written permission of MeIN FOCUS/The LB Group LLC or other r espective copyright holders. The photoson the following pages of this issue, unless otherwise credited, are copyrightedproperty of The LB Group LLC and express written permission must be grantedfor any usage. 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 not limitedto: (i) The LB Group LLC; and (ii) Me: IN FOCUS and its respective logosimages, emblems, phrases, slogans, designs, and mottos; are trademarks oThe LB Group LLC, its brands and affiliates. The information contained herein isdesigned to be as contextual and factual as possible, per our best efforts andthe information and/or resources available and/or provided to us at the time. Wereserve the right, however, to make changes at any time, without notice, in theediting of the publication therein for clarity, brevity, content, and purpose. Somelinks and/or contact information provided in this publication may lead to websitesand/or establishments/businesses by independent third party owners. Theinformation presented therein is the sole responsibility of those independenthird party owners. The LB Group LLC and Me: IN FOCUS have no control oresponsibility for the content of independent sites and/or nature of third partyestablishments/businesses and we provide these links and/or contact information to our readers solely for their convenience.

ON THE COVERMierka Girten

A Character Actress,Mierka evokes herfavorite Old Hollywoodicons.

Photography by Rod Roberts

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bian Bee Li

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

Iya Bakare

Missy LaForge

Kerry Sayers

INTERN

Valencia Davis

PROMOTIONS/EVENTS

DIRECTOR

Christine Nicholls

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bian Li

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Diana Dittmer

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHYRod Roberts

CREATIVE CONSULTANTS

Alex Albrecht

Ricardo Ford

AN LB GROUP LLCPUBLICATION

hamblyscreenprints.com

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MARCH 2010 ME: IN FOCUS 3


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BIAN BEE LISHARES HER THOUGHTS

Dear Readers,

As spring approaches, we venture iMarch with a sense of renewal and excited for the possibilities ahead. Whethits a new hair style or healthier habthis month is all about finding whats bfor you.

Just in time for the Oscars, Chicago actrMierka Girten channels Old HollywoGlamour and shares how she stays posit

and keeps moving forward despite liviwith Multiple Sclerosis.

Spring is a time to be inspired and mo vated, and in honor of Internati Womens Day and Womens HisMonth, we share with you the women whave inspired us along the way.

Join us as we make some history of own this month.

Be Good.

LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR

4 ME: IN FOCUS MARCH 2010

PhotographbyRicardoFord


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Victor Hotel 6 Senses Party withfashion by Akira and art by Zhou B.Gallery. Produced by Daniel Bruce(above) of Daniel Bruce BoutiqueEvent Productions.

SCENES

Cover Girl Mierka Girten getting her hair doneby Paolo Bivona before the shoot for this issue.

ME: IN FOCUS OUT & ABOUT

& ON THE TOWN!Where weve been and what wevebeen doing since last issue

Chicago Red Dress Party photo shoot byThe Equality Project and Vanguard Art &Fashion Collaborative. Video coverage byMark ofCover Chicago TV.

Destination Capri Akira FashionBrunch at Tocco.



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ECCENTRIC SOAP

LOccitane offers pure plant-based scentedbars for hands and body. The soaps are blendedwith 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

HEAVEN FOR YOUR HAIR

This green tea scented shampoo

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

Parfume au th vert Shampoo

$31 ~ 6.7ozwww.nordstrom.com

SATIN SHOES

Embrace the elegance of royal purplewith this peep toe pump by rsvp. Featurescrisscross, pleated satin, 4-inch heel andleather sole.

rsvp Hart

$69www.zappos.com

RAVESWHATS THRILLING US

Here are some of the thingsthat add a touch of glamourto our daily lives

EXOTIC JEWELRY

The pinnacle of classNatural Tahitian Pearls.



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FRAGRANCES THATRESEMBLE AWARDS

Marc Jacobsadds to his collectionwith this sophisticated frangrance,combining florals and fruits.

Daisy eu de Parfum$72 ~ 1.7ozwww.niemanmarcus.com

+LIMITED EDITION

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-PearlFlower Ring$88www.zappos.com

EditorsPick

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FEELING LIKE A STAR

Indulge your senses with this sweet andearthy fragrance by Thierry Mugler.

Angel eu de Parfum$115 ~ 1.7oz

www.bloomingdales.com

DesignDirectors

Pick

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ANTIQUE-CHIC HANDBAGS

The perfect kisslock purse for lovers of allthings vintage. The velveteen, champagne

colored material is lined with scarlet silk and

features a cell phone pocket inside. Go fromday to night: remove the strap from thisversatile bag and carry as a clutch.

Effies Heart Give Me Number 9 Purse$48

www.modcloth.com



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WOMENSHISTORYMONTH

BeesInspirations

SOJOURNERTRUTH

I came across SojournerTruths 1851 Aint I aWoman speech whendoing a report on womenssuffrage in middle school.Her plain spoken, yet pow-erful words made a lastingimpact on me. I framed acopy of that speech in myroom and always read itout loud in difficult times.To this day, whenever Ineed to find courage fromwithin, I still repeat thosewords: Look at me, aint Ia woman?

COCOCHANEL

In the Roaring 20s, Cocohelped womens liberationthrough a style calledgarconne (a young womanflaunting her unconven-tional dress and behavior).To look un-ladylike, womentightly wound their chestwith cloth strips to flatten it.Her legacy inspired a new

legion of fashion icons.

HATTIEMcDANIEL

The first African Americanperformer to win an Acad-emy Award for her role inGone With the Wind in1939. This achievementopened the door for manyperformers of color to ac-complish what has cometo fruition in the film andmusic industries.

JANEGOODALL

It was because of JaneGoodall that I originallywanted to be a primatologistwhen I grew up. A softspoken woman with a quietdetermination to speak outfor our closest DNA rela-tives. Her years of patienceand resolve paved the wayfor a whole new under-standing of the primateworld, including ourselves.

AYNRAND

Russian-American philoso-pher and novelist whoseObjectivist principles reso-nated with me at a youngage. She characterized thisview as one grounded inreality, aimed at defining ournature in relation to theworld in which we live.

BETTIEPAGE

Labeled the Queen of Pinups,she has influenced womensfreedom of sexuality, art andvintage/modern fashion alike.

OPRAHWINFREY

From a background ofmodest beginnings, shebranded herself and creaa mass empire in the brocast journalism industryworldwide that has lastedalmost 30 years. She seethe importance of givingback and actually does it


ROLE MODELSPAST AND PRESENT

In recognition, here arethe memorable womenwho have impacted our staff

MarchBookPick

aaaa

DianasInspirations ValenciasInspirations IyasInspirations

Well behaved women seldommake history.

~Laurel Thatcher UllrichHistorian and professor at Harvard University

LEANITAMcCLAIN

Although her life and carended abruptly, she pavethe way for women of co(especially black womenjournalism, specifically inChicago.


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A CALL TO ACTION

CAREwww.care.org

Half the Skywww.halftheskymovement.org

International Center for Researchon Womenwww.icrw.org

Kiva Loans that Change Liveswww.kiva.org

Women for Women Internationalwww.womenforwomen.org

INTERNATIONALWOMENS DAYMARCH 8Empowering women,enriching society

Gender equality and womens empow-erment are fundamental to the globalmission of the United Nations toachieve equal rights and dignity forall.. But equality for women and girlsis also an economic and social impera-tive. Until women and girls are liber-ated from poverty and injustice, all ourgoals-- peace, security, sustainable de-velopment -- stand in jeopardy.

~Ban Ki MoonU.N. Secretary General

MARCH 47:30PM

AMC RIVER EAST 21

322 E. Illinois St., Chicago312 596 0333

CHICAGO CITY NORTH

2600 N. Western Ave., Chicago773 394 1600

CHICAGO WEBSTER PLACE

1471 W. Webster Ave., Chicago773 327 1314


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ROD ROBERTS

VIVA VINTAGE

ALEX ALBRECHTPAOLO BIVONA

www.rodrobertsphotos.com

www.suedevittbeauty.com

www.cdb-chicago.com

DIRECTOR OFPHOTOGRAPHY

CLOTHINGPROVIDED BY

MAKEUP& STYLING

HAIRSTYLIST

www.vivavintageclothing.com

WITH MIERKAGIRTEN

OLD HOLLYWO

GLAMOUR

ACTRESS + ADVOCATE

March is Multiple SclerosisEducation & AwarenessMonth. This month our modelrole model is Mierka Girten, aChicago actress living withMultiple Sclerosis (MS). Herfoundation, Mookie Jam,raises funds for other artistsliving with MS. Since Oscartime is approaching, weinvited Mierka to channel OldHollywood Glamour as sheshares her story.


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BEE: Tell us more about your theater work. Does that help you deal with yourcondition?

MIERKA:Theater is my love and my pas-sion. Going to work in the theater is likegoing to church for me. Im most happy atthe theater because I dont feel physicalpain at all. I do voiceovers and sing jingles.People hear my voice all the time and donteven know it, and thats kind of cool.

BEE: What are your specific goals withrespect to your acting career, as well asyour foundation?

BEE: When were you diagnosed with MS

and how did that impact your life?MIERKA: I was diagnosed in 1993. I wasin my first year at DePaul UniversitysGraduate Acting Department. The initialimpact caused a lot of fear and anger, butthankfully I realized that life is short andyou have to do something great and ex-traordinary to help others while you can.Ultimately, the diagnosis enabled me to seethat Ive got to be the best actress and per-son that I can be. I learned that I am notinvincible and to take it one day at a time.

BEE:What inspired you to start your ownorganization, Mookie Jam, to help otherswith the disease?

MIERKA: It began in 2000. The idea ofMookie Jam stemmed from channelingresources earned from a successful one-

woman play (With or Without Wings -WOW), that I wrote with an adaptation byMichael Thomas. I performed WOW forother artists facing similar personal andfinancial challenges with their MS treat-ments and career goals.

BEE: How can our readers get involved tohelp and become more informed aboutMS?

MIERKA: The website, mookiejam.org,provides information in lay terms aboutMS, and also offers people the opportunityto learn about the objectives and accom-plishments of this organization. The Inter-net contains a wealth of additional infor-mation to increase public awareness. Onecan start by just reaching out and extendinghim/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 misguidedfictions: 1) We are intoxicated or 2) We areunintelligent, because our speech is occa-sionally slurred, halting or not always rapid.3) We have to be wheelchair-bound, and4) If we are not in a wheelchair, then wemust obviously be doing fine and feelingpain free.

MIERKA: The goal of the foundatioto help as many as people as I can, whcan with my foundation. Theres alwaysfear that I could get sick and not be abldo what I do any more. So I just preally hard to try to make sure that I assist others around me. For acting, goal is to continue it as long as I cancourse, I would love to go to New YCity and do a play. I would love to star Craig Wright play and there is a Tenne

Williams play I will be in before I die.none of that really matters for me, aslarger quest is simply trying to get throeach day, hoping I can continue perfo



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you DO have because there are other peo-ple out there with even more horribleproblems and difficulties than you.

To help a loved one with MS, you have tothoroughly and diligently educate yourselfabout their situation, as well as their diseaseand clearly understand that it never goesaway. 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 eachindividual. My symptoms may differ fromother people with MS.

ng. Ive been lucky to be able to press onand I try not to take that for granted.

BEE: Any advice you can give to ourreaders about coping with MS and/or help-ng a loved one with MS?

MIERKA: In order to cope with it youmust be patient, keep your sense of humorand use your body. Watch what you eat,whom you spend time with and what yourpriorities are. You have to really concen-trate on healing. With your body, youeither use it or lose it - PERIOD. Youmust also be grateful for the abilities that

BEE:What career advice can you give toyoung aspiring actresses?

MIERKA: Career acting involves a lot ofrejection, but it absolutely cannot be takenor integrated at a personal level or lead todesperation. Its hard to do! There do existelements of frustration, anger, anxiety,

worry, doubt; however remember that theone thing that you love more than justabout anything else is performing, being inthe arts and being surrounded by greatactors. Remain focused and maintain goodenergy. If you fail, get up and do it again.

The worst thing anyone can say is NO,and honestly it probably wasnt meant tobe. It may hurt, but a big fat YES is rightaround the corner.

MIERKA`S OWNROLE MODELS

A PERSONAL ROLE MODEL is my motherfor maintaining her sense of humor whilestruggling with her own MS diagnosis, and forhaving the foresight and perception to placeme at an early age in a school for creativity

and the arts.

A PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL is the entirecast of A Red Orchid Theater, my fellowartists. They have produced and continue to

produce some of the bravest art in Chicago,while working with extremely limited budgets.

They never give up.



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Mierka with her brainscans that show thesigns of MS



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OLD HOLLYWOOD

GLAMOUR

WITHJOURNALIST

KERRYSAYERS

BEFORE

;AFTER


BEFORE + AFTER

From girl next door to red carpet ready


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ROD ROBERTS

VIVA VINTAGE

ALEX ALBRECHTPAOLO BIVONA

www.rodrobertsphotos.com

www.suedevittbeauty.com

www.cdb-chicago.com

DIRECTOR OFPHOTOGRAPHY

CLOTHINGPROVIDED BY

MAKEUP& STYLING

HAIRSTYLIST

www.vivavintageclothing.com



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BEE: Your debut CD combines jazz andsoul elements. Has this always been yourpreferred genre?

JESSIE: At an early age, I naturally gravi-tated towards jazz and as a result, I amhighly influenced stylistically by the genre. Ifeel a deep connection with the repertoireand Im attracted to the sophisticated andtimeless nature of jazz, as well as its abilityto connect to a large and diverse audience.

These songs are beautiful, romantic, clever, witty, and they tell a real story that canconnect to listeners on many differentlevels. My inspiration for this recordingdefinitely stemmed from my love for jazz.

There is a mixture of styles present on the

record because I wanted to explodifferent sides of my musicality. I walways explore, cross-over and mix mulple styles. I dont like to limit myself. I a

an extremely open person and I want mmusic to reflect that. When writing my oworiginal music, I find that I fuse togethfolk, jazz and pop.

BEE:Who are some of your musical insprations or influences? Whom have yolearned the most from?

JESSIE: There are so many! Ella Fitzgald, of course! Bobby McFerrin, JoMitchell, Stevie Wonder, Andrew BirRufus Wainwright, Nick Drake, Chicag

BEE: Have you always wanted to pursuemusic as a profession?

JESSIE: Ive been surrounded by great

music my entire life. I have my parents tothank for exposing me to a rich and mature

collection of artists, instruments andsounds. When I was younger, I was actuallyquite 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. Deepdown, Ive always known that music is animportant part of my identity and spirit.

BIG DREAMS, BIG TALENT

Up close and personal with the22 year old, New York based

rising star. She returned to henative Evanston, Illinois for threlease of her debut album,Certain Surprise.

JESSIE ARLEN


PhotographbyTaraChumpelik


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BEE: If you could duet with any legendarysinger, who would it be?

JESSIE: Wow. It would be amazing toperform with Stevie Wonder.

BEE: Whats the best piece of careeradvice you have received?

JESSIE:Recognize the doors of opportu-nity and walk fearlessly through

them. Also, create for othersart shouldnot be a selfish endeavorits your re-sponsibility to share your unique talentsand help inspire people through your work.

LOVE OFJAZZ

I probably lived duringthe jazz age in a past life. When I perform, I allowmy spirit to shine and Iallow the music to flowthrough me freely.

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 thesongs for your debut album and how longdid it take to produce and record it?

JESSIE: All of the songs for this project

seemed to come to me naturally. I chosesongs that I felt a connection with and thatI love to sing. I also chose songs that in-spired me to create my own unique inter-pretations. The project took about one yearto 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 withamazing and talented people, which madethe 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 torecord a full-length album comprised ofmy own original music. I also want to sus-tain a long and fulfilling career. When I amin my 90s, I hope to still be singingand performing!

THE BEATLES...the list goes on and on! Ifeel like almost everything I listen to influ-ences me in some way. As a kid, the onlyradio station that I listened to was the

oldies station. I used to sit in the back ofour family's mini-van and sing along withStevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, ArethaFranklin, Simon and Garfunkle, MarvinGayeI would mimic their vocals and tryto sound just like them. I learned fromthe greats!

BEE: In addition to having great pipes,you sing with a lot of maturity and cha-risma for your age. Where does that comefrom?

JESSIE: I have no idea exactly where it

comes from. I often wonder if I was bornin the wrong decadeI probably livedduring the jazz age in a past life. When Iperform, I allow my spirit to shine and I

MUSICSTYLEI am an extremely open

person and I want mymusic to reflect that.

CAREERADVICERecognize the doors of

opportunity and walkfearlessly through them.


TO PURCHASE

www.jessiearlen.com


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There should be no more than threegrams of saturated fat and there shouldalways be zero grams of trans fat,adds Ventrelle.Some of Ventrelles tips in healthy dietsinclude foods high in fiber and minimal insugar, unless it is natural sugar, like sugarsfound in fresh fruit. Dietary fiber is a goodsource for carbohydrates. Ventrelle recom-mends trying to consume 25 to 35 grams

of fiber a day and to consume less than 15grams of sugar a day. Foods slightly higherin protein tend to keep you full longer,

while foods high in carbohydrates intensifyhunger. If you are eating less than fourgrams of protein with a meal, Ventrelle

recommends adding another food high inprotein with it, such as spreading peanutbutter on a banana.

Ventrelle says another important part ofyour diet is Vitamin D, which is found inmost dairy products, such as low fat milks,yogurts and cheeses. It is also found in fish(such as salmon), egg yolks andcereal grains.Sodium is also a significant factor in yourdiet, especially if you have a history ofheart disease in your family. The American

Heart Association recommends 2300 milgrams per day, which Ventrelle says breadown to less than 600 milligrams per meand less than 150 milligrams per snack.Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama anthe Obama administration launched a campaign Lets Move, an initiative to figchildhood obesity.I think [the campaign] is really great bcause its known that obesity is an ep

demic, and its great shes taking an inititive to do something about it.

Ventrelle says one of the reasons obesis an issue in this country is because manparents are not modeling healthy behavifor their children.

You have to target the parents to gthem to change their behavior, she comments. Whether youre someones motheaunt, sister or friend, healthy living happy living.

ARE YOU TIRED of the freezing tempsand shoveling snow? Spring is quickly ap-proaching, motivating people to get inshape. March is National Nutrition Month,

an annual nutrition education and informa-tion campaign sponsored by the AmericanDietetic Association. According to theCenter for Disease Control, 67 percent ofpeople 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 healthyliving. In order to eat healthy, you need toknow what youre eating and work hard tostay fit. Jennifer Ventrelle, a registered di-etician at Rush University Medical Centerand a certified personal trainer, says thebiggest myth about various diets is that

they are quick fixes. If there was a quickfix, we wouldnt have an obesity problemin this country, says Ventrelle.Part of knowing what youre eating isreading the nutrition labels on food prod-ucts. Ventrelle admits reading nutrition

labels can be tricky because they are basedon a 2,000 calorie diet, a calorie count thatmany diets cannot reach. Ignore thepercentages on the labels and look more atserving size information because there canbe more than one serving per container,she says. Ventrelle adds that generallymeals should be 300 to 600 calories, andsnacks should total 100 to 150 calories. Inregard to fats, total fat includes good fatsand bad fats. Both saturated fat and transfat are considered bad fats.

BY IYA BAKARE

NURTURE YOURSELFEating right and living better

NATIONALNUTRITION MONTH


HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY HABITS

FOR MORE INFORMATIONAND RESOURCES

American Dietetic Associationwww.eatright.org

Lets Move Campaign AgainstChildhood Obesitywww.letsmove.org

If there was a quick fix we wouldnt have anobesity problem in this country.

~Jennifer VentrelleRegistered Dietician at Rush University Medical Center

THE NEW U.S. FOOD GUIDE


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ADVERTISEMENT


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PUSH UP

Lie face down with your hands about three incheswider than shoulder width. Raise your body off ofthe 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 abdominalsengaged, lower your body toward the floor bybending your elbow. Then push your body back upto the starting position by straightening the elbow.

Perform this exercise for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Modifications: The push up can be done on yourknees if this is too difficult. To make it more chal-lenging, elevate your feet on a chair or bench.

Targeted Muscles: chest, triceps, shoulders, lowerback and abdominals

WALL SIT WITH ANGLE

Lean your back against a wall. Slide down the wuntil your knees are at a ninety degree angle.Raise your arms to your sides so that they are ninety degree angle. Your shoulder blades, arm

and hands should be touching the wall.While keeping your legs in the wall sit position,raise your arms up toward your head. Raise thearms as high as you can while keeping the shoders, arms and hands on the wall. Now lower tarms back to the starting position.

Repeat the arm movements while remaining inthe wall sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Targeted Muscles: gluts, thighs and hips. Theangle stretches the chest muscles while strengening the middle and upper back

FITNESSEASY EXERCISESTO STAY FITAT HOMEOR ON THE GO

Personal trainerKIM GERBOSIofHIFI PERSONAL FITNESSshares her tipsfor working outthe entire body

TO LEARN MORE

www.hififitness.com

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INFORMMEINFORMINFORMINFORMINFORMME



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BRIDGE

Lie on your back with feet hip distance apart ontop of a chair with your knees bent. Slowly raiseyour hips off the ground by tightening your glutsand stomach. Hold the position for a count ofthree. Lower your body back to the floor. Repeatthis sequence for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Modifications: If this is too difficult, you can per-form the exercise with your feet on the floor.

To make it more challenging, you can perform thisone leg at a time.

Targeted Muscles: gluts, abdominals and lowerback

LANKS

face down with your forearms on the floor.

sh your body up off the floor so your forearmsd toes are the only things touching the floor.ep your body in a straight line and contract your

dominals. Hold this position for 10 seconds andn raise yourself up onto your hands so you are

a push up position. Hold this position for 10conds. Now lower again back to your starting

sition on your forearms.

peat this sequence for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

difications: If this is too difficult, just hold thenk position on your forearms. To make it more

allenging, decrease your time in each position5 seconds.

geted Muscles: triceps, shoulders, abdominals,s and back

TRICEP DIP

Place your hands on the edge of the chair. Yourfeet are on the floor straight in front of you andyour butt is near the edge of the chair. Loweryourself toward the ground by bending your armsKeep your chest up and abdominals tight. Raiseyour body back up by straightening the arms.

Repeat this sequence for 30 seconds to1 minute.

Modifications: If this is too difficult, you can bendyour knees.

Targeted Muscles: triceps, shoulders and chest

a

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FROM ITALYTO OLD TOWN

Co-Owners Paolo Bivonaand Maria Paonessa stylethe Windy City. With 21years of experience, Paoloshares his style tips below.

BROCATOVERSA FIX

Spray Gel ~ 8.5 oz$13

www.sleekhair.com

DAVINESMELU

Product Linewww.davines.com

PaolosPicks

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COMPAGNIA

DELLA BELLEZZACHICAGO

Growing together on ourjourney to inspire, create atake care of all of our guesneeds through our passionbeauty...the Italian way fromour heart.

1500 N. Wells St., Chicago312 944 6747www.cdb-chicago.com

treatment and a good thermal protector.My favorites are Versa-fix spray gel byBrocato and the MELU line of productsby Davines.

BEE: Can you describe your personal ap-proach to hairstyling?PAOLO: Customer service is number one.

As far as image is concerned, I alwayscustomize a hairstyle based on individualstyle, face shape, background, body typeand career.

BEE: What styles do you suggest for dif-ferent face shapes?PAOLO: For square faces, a short cut is amust to create a softer shape; more widthto the style also. For oval faces, anythinggoes. Round faces need a cut with lengthfor 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 the moment. New employees complete year long apprenticeship and attend weekclasses taught by the salon to keep up witcurrent trends.

BEE: How would you describe the Eurpean way of doing hair?PAOLO: Keeping with the longstandintradition, European salons are not rusheClients are comfortable spending motime in the salon. Beauty and softness emphasized in overall style. In the U.Sclients are usually pressed for time anneed to get in and out quickly, so the envronment is more rushed. The feeling similar to that of London.

BEE:What is the most common hair careproblem among your women clients?PAOLO:They tend to blow dry too much,abusing their hair through over-heating. Iemphasize teaching my clients how to carefor their hair at home.

BEE: What are the current trends right

now and how often do you notice shifts inwhats in?PAOLO: The 80s are back, along with

warm color and soft curls. I have noticedthat trends seem to shift every two tothree years.

BEE: What products do you recommendand why?PAOLO: I like to use products that workto treat hair on a daily basis and improvethe damage and dryness caused by over-heating. I recommend a weekly hot oil

GLAM HAIR

STYLESTYLESTYLESTYLEME


Photo:www.c

db-chicago.com

PAOLO BIVONA


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KERRY SAYERSTROPICAL ORANGE FLORAL

60S DROP WAIST DRESS$60


MODERN VINTAGE

Interview with Owner,

Amy Mayberrywww.vivavintageclothing.com

Most vintage cocktail and evening wearrequire dry cleaning and proper, gentlecleaning will keep the clothing looking itsbest. Make sure that you use an excellentdry cleaner, and that he or she knows thatthe dress is vintage and therefore may re-quire special care, before handing it over.It's very important to store your vintageclothing properly. Most items can be hungon padded hangers (or folded in boxes, inthe case of 20s beaded dresses or delicatesilk lingerie). Sweaters should be folded toavoid stretching, accessories should bestuffed with acid-free tissue (or at least

white tissue, not colors) and all vintageitems should be stored away from directsunlight to avoid fading.

BEE: Who is your favorite vintagedesigner?

AMY: I don't have a single favorite vintagedesigner. Of course, well-known designerslike Christian Dior and Balenciaga madebeautiful clothing, but most often thepieces I handle personally are ready-to-

wear items from the great old departmentstores, 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-qualityitems at almost every price point fromhigh-end, designer cocktail dresses andevening gowns by Yves Saint Laurent orPucci to homemade cotton sun dresses.

BEE: What are your tips for purchasingand maintaining vintage clothing?

AMY: The most important tip when pur-chasing vintage clothing (or any clothing in

my opinion), is to know what shapes suityour body type. For example, although Iabsolutely love the skinny shape of 1930sbias-cut evening gowns, my body is bettersuited to 1950s dresses, so I tend to buy

what looks good on ME, not what looksgood on a hanger. Specific to vintage, ifyou discover a piece that you love in closeto the right size, be open to the possibilityof minor alterations to make that find aperfect fit. Also, I recommend purchasingfrom reputable dealers and shops wherethe clothing has already been cleaned andany minor flaws repaired, so that youacquire a piece that is ready to wear, ingood condition. Be aware that the 1960sand copied the 1920s, the 1970s copied the1930s and the 1980s copied the 1950s.Educate yourself as to the differences sothat you're not fooled into purchasing onething while thinking that you are gettinganother. For example, real 1920s dresses

will never have a zipper up the back, but a1960s flapper-style dress probably will haveone. Once you have found that perfect

vintage cocktail dress, treat it with respect.

BEE: What era of clothing are you mostfond of?

AMY: I am fond of two decades in par-ticular: the 1930s and the 1950s. The 1930sfor the long, lean silhouettes of the cloth-ing and the whimsical and sculptural detailsof the fabulous hats. The feminine shapeof 1950s clothing also appeals to me: thefull-skirted and the fitted, hourglass-shaped

dresseseverything from simple cottonsundresses to cocktail attire. I love theboxy leather and Lucite handbags and thedramatic rhinestone costume jewelry fromthis period as well.

PhotographbyRodRobertswww.rodrobertsphotos.com

PhotocourtesyofAmyMayberry

AmyMayberry

STYLESTYLESTYLESTYLEME


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LJET SET

BANGKOK,THAILAND

March is an ideal time tovisit this tropical country.With so many sights andsounds, Bangkok is theperfect first stop in ourThailand series.

Buddhist statue in theWat Pho (Temple ofthe Reclining Buddha) PHOTOGRAPHED BY BIAN LI



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A solitary monkwalking through WatPhra Kaew

Getting around ina Tuk-Tuk, the popularlocal form of transportation


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Wat Phra Kaew(Temple of the EmeraldBuddha). The mostsacred temple in Thai-land within the groundsof the Grand Palace ofthe Royal Family.


Wat Arun (Temple ofDawn) on the bank ofChao Phraya River


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A Muay Thai(Thai Boxing) match,

Thailands national sport,at Ratchadamneon

Stadium

Wat Phra Kaew, westside of the palace


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yDSCHUBAS

This Lakeview haunt hosts musical actsbefore they get big. Half off Mac & Cheeseon Wednesdays.

3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago773 525 2508www.schubas.com

TOCCO

With a casual chic feel, this Italian restau-rant is the perfect place for Sunday brunchwith friends.

1266 N. Milwaukee, Chicago773 687 8895www.toccochicago.com

TRIAD SUSHI LOUNGE

A South Loop favorite offering traditionaland Japanese fusion cuisine. Affordablepricing and laid back atmosphere. BYOBwith no cork fee.

1933 S. Indiana, Chicago312 225 8833www.triadsushi.com

M LOUNGE

Intimate lounge in the South Loop thatsperfect for an after work get together withcolleagues or friends.

1520 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago312 447 0201www.mloungechicago.com

VICTOR HOTEL

Boutique hotel lounge with a sexy vibes,

stylish dcor and sophistication.

311 N. Sangamon St., Chicago312 733 6900www.victorhotelchicago.com

DAYTIME HANGOUTS +NIGHT TIME HAUNTS

Places to go, people to see

HOTSPOTS

EditorsPick

aaaa

ELEPHANT & CASTLE

This longstanding downtown British/Irishpub offers authentic Fish & Chips andBangers & Mash. Bang On!

185 N. Wabash, Chicago312 345 1710www.elephantcastle.com



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Serves 2

1. Combine eggs, salt, ginger powder and lemon-pepper seasoning mix together ina medium-size bowl. Beat until well combined.

2. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil with garlic in stainless steel saucepan over highheat. Pour mixture into pan and allow to settle slightly. Pour in diced ham,

spinach and cheese.

3. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until solidified. With spatula, fold in half andflip over. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until ready to serve.

4. Boil potatoes until soft and cut. Place 1 tablespoon olive oil with garlic instainless steel saucepan over high heat. Place potatoes in pan and sprinkle in

mustard seed and paprika. Saute until golden brown and ready to serve.

5. Garnish with orange slices and cilantro...enjoy!


Chopped garlic (2 cloves)

Sea salt (dash)

Lemon-pepper seasoning

(dash)

Ginger powder (dash)

Olive oil (3 tbsp.)

Orange slices, for garnish

Cilantro, for garnish

WE COULD EATTHEM HERE, THEREOR ANYWHERE!

In honor of Dr. SeussBirthday and Irish-AmericanHeritage Month

GREEN EGGS& HAM

HOMEMADESHAMROCKSHAKE

Try blending withmint chocolate chipice cream and Oreocookies...yum!

GUINNESSBEER

Who doesnt love apint of Guinness?

BEVERAGES RECIPE

Photograph by Bian Li www.meinfocusstudios.com

6 farm fresh eggs

Fresh spinach (1 cup)

Diced ham (1 cup)

Shredded cheddar cheese

(to taste)

Cut red potatoes

Mustard seed (dash)

Paprika (dash)


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PETERBREESEFEATURED ARTIST

With a passion for gallery andcommercial illustration, PeterBreese is our featured artist.

www.peterbreese.com

COPYRIGHT PETER BREESE. 2009. 2010.ARTWORK BY PETER BREESE

NO. 10



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ABOUTPETERS WORK

Abandon the complexities ofyour surroundings, from theolives in your Martini to therhythm of the band. Let thedetails fade away, all savethe siren stealing your breathfrom across the room.These private ambrosial mo-ments define the art ofPeter Breese.

Comprised of ink, gouache

and hot pressed cotton, theBreese woman is chic synco-pation. Live for now.

NO. 15



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AlbertEinsteins

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DaylightSavings

TimeBegins

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ParentsDay

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Passover

Begins


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BUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZBUZZ

http://madisonplus.com

http://chicagoist.com/food

http://themidwasteland.com

Teddy begins to interview patients as part ofhis investigation. It seems that they are all at-

tempting to relay the same message for him toescape the island while he can. And with thelack of answers from his detective work, Teddybegins to wonder if Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley)and Dr. Naehring (Max von Sydow) have otherintentions for him.

There are a crazy amount of surprising twists inthis movie that I was not expecting. Im keepingmy review relatively brief so I dont give toomuch away! I definitely feel like I have to seethis movie at least a couple more times to fullygrasp all of it.

There has been a lot of hype around MartinScorsese and now I understand it. This movieis not only a mental hospital thriller, but itpiques curiosity while remaining artisticallyvisual and adventurously entertaining. Thehallucinations that Teddy has of his wife,played by the fabulous Michelle Williams,were filmed impeccably to illustrate the love

Martin Scorsese has officially fulfilled all of thehype I have been curiously hearing about.

Shutter Island will leave you stunned andwanting to see the film again and again. Theplot is just that surprising and twisty.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays former U.S. Marshaland World War II veteran, Teddy Daniels.Along with his new partner, Chuck Aule (MarkRuffalo), the pair venture to Bostons ShutterIsland Ashecliffe Hospital, home to the mostdangerous and criminally insane patients/prisoners. The two are there to investigate thedisappearance of patient Rachel Solando(Emily Mortimer) who magically escaped.

Teddy purposely wanted the task to travel toShutter Island because he has ties to one ofthe patients and wants to investigate the f acilityfurther. However, upon arrival Teddy findshimself suffering from migraines and hallucina-tions of his beloved wife and his troubled WorldWar II days, making the investigation moredifficult than expected.

that Teddy misses and the tragic series ofevents that haunt him. I feel like the hallucina-

tion scenes were the most impressive scenesScorsese brought forth in this film.

If you like thrillers, I highly recommend seeingShutter Island. If youre not into thrillers, youare missing out! This movie is worth breakingyour comfort zone to see.

http://mayamade.blogspot.com

SITESSITESSITESSITESSITESSITESSITESSITES

SHUTTER ISLANDBY BRIANNA CALKIN

aaaaa

Mark Ruffalo Emily Mortimer Ben Kingsley Max von SydowLeonardo DiCaprio Michelle Williams

From our friends at:


SADE

After almost a decade awayfrom the spotlight, BritishsingerSade is back with hernew album, Soldier of Love.With songs like the title track,she reminds us why we missedher so much.


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Documents

ME: IN FOCUS March 2010 (Backissue)