A big Smooch to all Lipstik readers! We have so much fun putting together this magazine for you! I am originally from a small town in Missouri, two hours Southwest of St. Louis. I've been in Advertising Sales for 20 years, starting my Freshman Year at Mizzou. I've spent almost all of that time working for newspapers - I must have ink in my veins! I've lived in Palm Springs, Des Moines, Chicago and spent the last 10 years in the Metro St. Louis area, which is coming home after living in California. I love being close enough to my parents, brother, niece and extended family to see them often. I couldn't survive without my girlfriends - we shop, see movies and just hang out. Please give us your feedback and story ideas - and don't forget your Lipstik! Contact mmason@bnd.com.

Hello, I'm a lifelong resident of the area and have worked at the News-Democrat for almost 30 years. My husband and I have been married for 32 years and we have a daughter who is the light of our life. I have witnessed many changes in the newspaper business and the introduction of the internet with lipstikmag.com is very exciting. I'm always looking for colorful story ideas on gals in our area. If you are an artist or poet send your work to lipstikmag@bnd.com. Who knows you may just be in the next issue of Lipstik Magazine. All the best to you! Contact Patti at pklepac@bnd.com or send your ideas to lipstikmag@bnd.com.

Hello everybody. I have lived in Belleville for most of my life. I've been married for 22 years, and I have two sons, 17 and 7. My three boys are everything to me. I have always wanted to be a writer, and I was encouraged to do so until everyone realized I was serious about it. After all, few people can make a living as a writer so why not become an engineer or a doctor and write on the weekends. I seriously considered their suggestions, but I always came back to the written word as my solace and my inspiration. As a result, I have persevered earning two degrees in writing, a bachelors of science from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. My passion is fiction, and I've been published in a few obscure literary journals. My other passion is Lipstik Magazine where I get to meet and write about amazing women in the area. You can't believe how busy women are. They work, create, and come up with all kinds of things to do for themselves and their families. It's been so much fun, and it's been a privilege to meet our readers and write about them.

Hello! I was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado and came to Belleville in 2006 courtesy of the Air Force. We couldn't have chosen a more perfect place, and plan on calling this area home for many years. My husband and I have been married for more years than either one of us can count and we are blessed with two beautiful daughters. One in college and one in preschool. How's that for crazy? But crazy is right up my alley and that is why I love Lipstik. I come to work everyday with a smile on my face knowing that I will spend the day with incrediable co-workers and get to know the fantastic businesses that advertise in the magazine and at lipstikmag.com. So...whether logged on or curled up with a copy, enjoy Lipstik! Contact Teresa at thessel@bnd.com.

I knew in 4th grade that I wanted art to be my job. I was lucky enough to have teachers that encouraged me to pursue it and not be too hard on me for wanting art class to be all day and just skip all those other subjects. After I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1997, I was hired at The Belleville News-Democrat. I am grateful that they took a chance on me when I didn't have much design experience other than my coursework.I was excited to be approached with the Lipstik project and I am inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and hard work of my fellow Lipstik staffers. I am truly proud to be in their company.We hope you find something in every issue that brightens your day, inspires you & makes you laugh out loud.

I have worked at the Belleville News Democrat as a graphic designer for 15 years. In that time, my sanity has slowly slipped away, allowing me to be in a state of mind to write Musings From A Fat Chick. However, I am blessed with co-workers who inspire me each and every day, especially my friend, who I'll call "Nicole". In addition to graphic design, I dabble in photography and animal dentistry. If you've ever attended a Belleville News Democrat function, you may have seen me walking around with a camera and a small hand mirror. Be sure to look for your photo in our Spotted on the Scene section. (I try not to take pictures of people in the middle of chewing.( If you would like to read previous Fat Chick articles or see some of my photos, please check out my websites: www.musingsfromafatchick.com and www.bethwphotography.com.

Greetings, Lipstik Readers! I am a life long resident of Belleville, 29 years old and married to "The Husband" for 17 years (don't bother doing that pesky math). I have two children, a son and a daughter, ages 16 and 12 respectively. My family is my muse for most of my writings. I am a proud graduate of McKendree University with a Bachelor's in English. When I'm not writing for Lipstik, I am a full-time sales assistant for the advertising department, proofreading real estate ads. I also write for our other magazine, Adult Lifestyle, for people over 50. I have wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl (Erma Bombeck was my hero), so to be able to write and proofread as a career, I am truly living my dream! As an added bonus, I also get to work with some of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Life is good!