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Spotting Knock-Off Designer Bags

Maia Chung-SmithOn Autism and Her New Book

Valentine’s Day Gifts You Can Enjoy Together

Hi Readers,Meet Maia Chung-Smith, a superhero in her own right as she battles the challenges of raising an autistic child and providing help to other families in need through her foundation. Also, it’s Valentine’s Day and we have some great ideas on how to

enjoy it with your partner, plus more in today’s edition.

Live.Love.

Laugh a Lot.

Editor’s Note

Quote of The Week“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but

nothing can be changed until it is faced.“

- Lucille Ball

February 14, 2011

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t’s Valentine’s Day and I’m sure that by now many persons have either given that special someone a gift or have at least secured what they plan to

give. We have noticed that over the years Valentine’s Day has become skewed, since many women often expect to re-ceive gifts without actually giving any away. If that’s you, then how about making the bold step and giving your significant other a gift? Importantly, not just a gift for him, but one that you can both enjoy. How exciting! Yes, we know that it’s the start of the work week and that might make it difficult to enjoy Valentine’s Day, but these great ideas are perfect for any day of the week.

Something SexyYou certainly don’t have to get anything new; besides, it’s probably been a while since he last saw you in that sexy lin-gerie. So break out a pair and woo him off his feet and make it an unforgettable night. Who needs chocolate when you will be too busy to eat it?

Breakfast in BedMake your partner’s favorite breakfast. Lay it out on a tray and bring it to him in bed. Include a small card on the tray wishing him a happy Valentine’s Day, and tell him how much you love him. To prevent the surprise from being ruined, leave a small note for your spouse about staying in bed for a surprise. This is the perfect way to start the work day, better yet the work week.

Dinner at HomeWe know that today is Monday and you probably made enough dinner yesterday to last until today. But it’s Valen-tine’s Day, so make an exception and prepare something short and spicy. I guarantee your mate will enjoy every last drop. If you think you will get home from the office too late to cook, order some take out and have a great candle lit date night.

Personalized Shiatsu MassageIt doesn’t matter that you’re not certified and you know next to nothing about a Shiatsu Massage outside of what you get at a spa. All that matters is that you know your partner’s spots, so work it from there and you will be well on your way. You might already know this, but a good massage can be one of the most sensual experiences you can share with that special someone.

your style eZinewww.ezineslimited.com

valentine’s day

You Can Enjoy Together

IClick on the images to watch the videos on youtube.

Your Style’s Valentine’s Day Playlist

Joe – I Wanna Know

Air Supply - Two Less Lonely People in The World

Aerosmith - Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

Bryan Adams - (Everything I Do) I Do It for you

Valentine’s Day Gifts

Maia Chung-Smith

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cover story

On autism anD Her new BOOk

n our eyes, a mother is perceived as a superhero and that per-ception never really changes. In fact, as we get older and start

having our own children, we realize even more why this is so. Maia Chung-Smith, CEO of the Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foun-dation, is one such mother who has dedicated her life to the cause. There is great value in this approach when one takes into consider-ation that there is little knowledge about the condition in Jamaica and even fewer resources for treatment. Her youngest son, Quinn, was diagnosed with ‘severe’ autism and Chung-Smith has embraced the hand she was dealt and is playing it like it’s the only one that exists.

The truth is, we all have hard times and sad stories and life rarely goes exactly how we want it. It was this realization that led Chung-Smith, mother of three boys, to take the initiative to start the first organi-zation that caters to autistic children in Jamaica. The main goal is to raise awareness. “When my youngest son, Quinn, was diagnosed with autism, I was a broadcast journalist with CVM Television, so I thought, ‘How can I marry journalism to the needs of this particular disorder?’ Since I have a voice and people know my name, why not use it to assist persons who have no information on this thing?” she explains.

Autism is a neural development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication as well as by restricted and re-petitive behaviour. Children diagnosed with autism show delays or regression in speech, social skills and physical abilities. The disorder is found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and studies have shown that it is four times more likely to affect boys than girls.

I

cover story “It is a very complex thing and that’s part of the reason why the world is still out to lunch on a cure and on a definitive cause,” stated Chung-Smith. This leads to a sense of fear and uncertainty as a parent knowing that one’s child may never grow to experience certain emotions that others enjoy. Chung-Smith admits that she faces every challenge that any other parent faces when raising children, particularly those that are disabled. “The cost for Autism is ridiculous. In the United States, the figures state that in the lifetime of an autis-tic person it takes up to US$3 million just to provide baseline care.”

While there is still no explanation in sight for autism, Jamaica is ahead of the region in terms of the number of academic institutions for autistic individuals; from primary and prep schools to high schools, inclusionary schools and exclusive autistic schools based on studies gathered by Chung-Smith’s foundation. “Right now Jamaica is doing well but sadly not well enough. One of the main missions of our foundation as an advocacy group is to get the state to understand that they need to intervene more financially,” shared Chung-Smith. As a result of a lack of financial assistance, there have been numerous cases where parents are keeping their children at home because they cannot go out to work since autistic chil-dren need special care. In her continued effort to increase awareness about the growing cases of autism in Jamaica, she urges parents to exercise a little ‘extra patience’ and ‘extra observance’ with their child because there have been known cases where autistic children have been beaten to death after being deemed unruly. Chung-Smith along with her founda-tion, have done a lot and since the inception of the founda-tion they have raised over 1.5 million dollars in fundings and resources. She says they could still use a lot more help form the government and political directorate as autism is now be-ing labelled as a worldwide epidemic.

Chung-Smith is now overjoyed as she was recently informed that her son, Quinn, will be sitting the Grade Six Achieve-ment Test (G-SAT) this academic year. Her emotions were obvious. “If my life does not value anything, this just sends me over the moon; this is a fantastic way to start my year but a lot of this is credited to the institution here in Jamaica on having people that really know about the disorder and how to deal with it,” she explained. Presently, Member of Parlia-ment and leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson-Miller is one of the lobbyists in the House of Parlia-ment for Autism. The foundation has received significant sup-port from well-known businessman Wayne Chen, since he has also been instrumental in assisting Chung-Smith with the production of her book “Maia’s Take”. The book is dedicated to the upliftment of the autist and Disabled and all proceeds go to her foundation.

Maia Chung-Smith, the author, CEO, mother, wife and national speaker indeed epitomizes a modern day superhero that saw

a need and undertook the task. She admits that it could not have been done without the help of her God, family, good friends and sponsors as she is focused on doing even more. “This year I will be focusing on helping young Jamaicans, sec-ondary school specifically to realize the imperative that will be placed on them as they matriculate into the work world and into being parents and interacting with people [who are] affected by disabilities,” said an enthused Chung-Smith.

For more information on how to contribute to the Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation you can send your questions and comments to mcautismfoundation@gmail.com or visit http://www.mcautismfoundation.org.

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DesignerBags

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spOttinG knOck-Off

When you are shopping for a designer handbag, be sure that you are getting an authentic one. Counterfeit bags are every-where and you don’t want to invest in something that isn’t the real thing. Here are some simple ways you can spot a fake bag.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELFThe best way to spot a fake handbag is to know your bags. Take a look at the real deal at the department store or de-signer’s website and take note of the logo placement, materi-als, hardware and other details.

SHOP AT REPUTABLE RETAILERSAuthentic designer handbags are not normally sold at flea markets or street stands, and they certainly aren’t sold out of the trunk of the car. Visit the designer’s website to find out exactly where you can purchase their goods. The price should be a tell-tale sign as well – many authentic designer bags aren’t cheap.

INSPECT THE BAG BEFORE YOU BUYIt’s all about the details. Take a look at the stitching and the quality of leather. Be sure the logos, monograms and insignias are aligned properly and not odd-shaped. Take a good look at the label -- you might find a serial number stitched, embossed or stamped there. Keep in mind that generally when you buy real designer handbags documentation is included, such as a certificate of authenticity.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T BUY FAKE BAGSCopyright infringement - Fake bags infringe on the copy-right of the designer in terms of the design itself and the trademarks of the brand. If designers have to spend money in court protecting their original designs, the price of their bags will eventually rise too.

Child labour - Many counterfeit bags are produced by young kids in sweatshops. Organized crime and other illegal enter-prises often back the production and distribution of these bags.

POOR qUALITY Fake bags look cheap and tacky. The leather is low quality or not leather at all. The stitching, dyes and hardware are of-ten shoddy, and overall construction is poor. A knockoff bag won’t last very long. If you can’t afford an authentic designer bag right now, shop for more affordable brands.

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Source:

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NO PARKING is permitted along the entire length of Knutsford Boulevard, around Emancipation Park, along Park Boulevard or in the NHT Parking lot.

UDC (Dust Bowl) on Park BoulevardLiguanea ClubKSAC Parking lots in New KingstonDevelopment Bank of Jamaica, Oxford Road

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