Peach v2 i06 issuu

More to

Love Love on the Agenda Perfectly Packaged: V-day Gifts

Stop Worrying and Love Being Single

There’s so Much More to Love

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 07, 2018

V2-06

PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925B Peachtree St. NE, Suite 168 Atlanta, GA 30309 404.835.2016

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

15

8

EDITORIAL

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Rodney Belcher Graphic Designer

rodney@peachatl.com

SALES

32

Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

From the Editor It is time to celebrate that four-letter word! Of course, you should feel the love all year round, but whether you are into it or not; Valentine’s Day is almost here!

This year, we wanted to spread even more love, so Peach has partnered with the organization More to Love, a volunteer organization which supports local charities in creative, unexpected, and fun ways. You can read much more about More to Love in this issue in our Q&A with founder Chad Wick who also happens to be Peach of the Week, and we highly recommend you join us for the More to Love: Dangerous Liaison event on February 9 at Amsterdam Atlanta where Peach is the presenting sponsor.

We also give you perfectly packaged V-Day gifts, strategies on how to deal with all the lovey stuff, and we’re introducing a new writer to the fold; Scott King, who writes about why you should love being single in this issue.

James Hicks Gregg Shapiro Tony Kearney Casey Deynton Branden Lee Jamie Kirk

DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Enjoy, Peaches!

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director

ONLINE

peachatl.com

PRINT

At Distribution Points Across the City

SOCIAL

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The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

6 | 02.07.18

More to Love For their second annual event, the nonprofit organization More to Love is going bigger and bolder with a new space and a Renaissance-style Dangerous Liaison theme. Amsterdam Atlanta will open up their entire venue to accommodate the event, which will feature beats by DJ Chris Gris and a special debut performance by the lovely Penni Posterior. All proceeds from the event will benefit Lost-n-Found Youth this year.

The Dangerous Liaison event will also have raffle prizes sponsored by local Atlanta businesses, and you will be able to immortalize the evening at the selfie station and photo booth. This event will surely be one for the books, so break out your tallest wig, powder that face, and rouge those cheeks, because …

Do you have a heart, Queen?!

When: February 9, 8 pm – 3 am.

Where: Amsterdam Atlanta, 502 Amsterdam Ave NE A, Atlanta, 30306 $15 Suggested donation at the door – all proceeds benefit Lost-n-Found Youth.

Peach is the presenting sponsor of More to Love presents Dangerous Liaison.

8 | 02.07.18

PERFECTLY PACKAGED: V-DAY GIFTS FOR YOUR VALENTINE Valentine’s Day is often a lamented holiday by singles since it reminds them they’re alone. It’s lamented by those in relationships that are annoyed they have to put in the effort to spend money and make whoever they’re dating feel special. Don’t let bitterness or being broke ruin your Valentine’s Day, especially if it’s your first one with your new significant other. Here are some packaged gift ideas for your Valentine’s Day date.

By Branden Lee

T R O B I S

&

B A R

ECLECTIC

V O T E D “ Midt o w n At lan t a’ s be s t n e igh bo rh o o d ge m ” “ At lan t a’ s be s t Am e ric an C o n t e m po rary f o o d”

TUE - SUN D INNE R S U N D AY BRUNC H H A P PY HO UR PR I V AT E P ART I E S C A T ERI NG

404-426-7728 www.eclecticbistroatlanta.com 1425 PIEDMONT AVE. NE, ATLANTA, GA, 30309

LOCATED BETWEEN THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS & BOY NEXT DOOR 10 | 02.07.18

1. Cliché Package If you want to show your significant other you care, but not really think outside the box then just go for the basics.

Get them a card, some candy, flowers, a stuffed animal, and take them out to dinner.

Shows you care and doesn’t require too much thought. It is possible your partner could be turned off by your lack of originality, but any effort is better than none.

2. Homemade Package Trying to get a reservation on Valentine’s Day, looking for parking, and the hiked up prices obviously sounds like a nightmare. Some partners may prefer to stay home instead of going out for Valentine’s Day because

Valentine’s Day is ultimately about doing something special with the person you love.

Make a home cooked meal that’s your partner’s favorite.

Drink some wine or cocktails.

Binge watch romantic movies, or a new show.

3. Big Spender Package Some people show how much they care with how much money they spend. Go all out for Valentine’s Day. Go to the most expensive restaurant in the city. Book a hotel room.

Order champagne. Show your partner you care by dropping as much cash as possible.

Maybe even surprise them with some expensive jewelry or an engagement ring.

4. Vegan Package Arrange a picnic in the park with your favorite veggies and woodland creatures singing you songs about how much you and your partner love each other. Then be one with nature rolling around in the dirt.

5. Love Package Whether it’s going out or staying in. Spending tons of money or none at all. All that matters is you spend Valentine’s Day with the one you love doing whatever is best for you two.

Branden Lee is a writer and actor now living in Atlanta.

Follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram @Brandeness. and watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

peachATL.com | 11

WHISKEY & WIENERS

wednesdays

February 18, 2018 • 5:00PM - 8:00PM The Wimbish House 1150 Peachtree St NE $45 adv • $50@door 21+ • ID Required

Beats by DJ MIKE POPE Cocktails by

joininghearts.org

There’s So Much More to Love The More To Love team (from left to right): Chris Cassidy, Chad Wick, Thomas Le, Brian Pollard, and Chris Griswold.

More To Love (MTL) is a local organization comprised of volunteers who provide an environment and creative outlet to help raise money for charities within our very own community. We caught up with More To Love founder, Chad Wick, to talk about the organization and its goals in the community.

may change charities, event locations, etc. The traditional card is also called “Mother of Higher Love.” It commands powerful emotions of empathy and compassion with a flair for the dramatic.

Where does the name More To Love come from?

It is a fundraiser event but every year the recipient changes as well as the need. 100% of proceeds go directly to the charity. The desire for our February event is that each attendee is entertained in many facets throughout the night: various social outlets, incredible dance music, and live entertainers interacting with you. Every year and every event is different to keep the atmosphere interesting and exciting: sometimes competitions, sometimes live shows, but always fresh. Our next event is on February 9th at Amsterdam Atlanta – the theme will be Dangerous Liaison, and it will be amazing with DJ Chris Gris, a special performance by Penni Posterior, and so much more!

During Valentine’s season, our culture has capitalized on only one aspect of love; romantic love. Even though I’m happily involved in a romantic relationship, I have always felt inspired to challenge this mindset. If we are going to celebrate love, why do we not celebrate love in its entirety? Love takes on many shapes and plays many roles, yet we limit ourselves by focusing on just one avenue in how it is demonstrated. More To Love stems from just that idea; it is an avenue to help celebrate all forms of love, and hopefully, a refreshing reminder to everyone during thisseason of these many avenues to love those around us.

So, is it only one event per year?

That’s how it started. Our February event is our biggest event; however, we have started teaming up with other great, local organization who have a similar mission as MTL. So, you will see us sporadically throughout the year.

Queen of hearts is your organization’s logo. Why is that?

Our team wanted a staple that could represent More To Love as an organization even though we

14 | 02.07.18

What can people expect when they attend a More To Love Event?

Anything else you would like to mention about MTL? Yes, we are always looking for new, creative ideas and sponsorships for each event. If you would like you and your company to be a part of a future event, please message the More To Love Team on the FB More To Love Page (@ATLMTL). Here you can also find all future events MTL is involved with throughout the year; so, like and follow!

Love on the Agenda

By Mik Hyldebrandt

Sure, Vday can be oh so challenging – but we’ll help you do things right! Whether you’re spending it with your one and only or going it alone, this event lineup might even have you enjoy cupid’s lovefest after all!

Love on the Brain

Our Founding Valentine’s

Fernbank’s After Dark event series gives you Love on the Brain which lets you discover and learn how biology influences your relationships and emotions.

A Valentine's Day-inspired evening at the beautiful museum. Fernbankmuseum.org

Atlanta Pride Committee and Touching Up Our Roots presents a night of celebrating LGBTQ pioneers from 2000-2010.

February 13 at the Out Front Theatre Company

February 9 at the Fernbank Museum

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Sips Under the Sea: Cupid’s Crush

Why not take in the beauty and sensuality of the world-renowned dancers with your special someone as the famous dance company gives you an array of their best pieces. Foxtheatre.org

The Georgia Aquarium has been transformed into a romantic venue where you kiss surrounded by whales and manta rays. The romantic extravaganza will also feature romantic tunes, sweet cocktails, and delicious small plates. Georgiaaquarium.org.

February 9 at the Georgia Aquarium Valentine’s in the Garden This is a crowd pleaser because it is so damn romantic! Experience the beautiful botanical gardens transformed into a romantic haven for you and your boo. Make sure you get your tickets in advance though! Atlantabg.org.

February 14-18 at the Fox Theatre Love on the Rocks Joining Hearts annual fundraising Valentine’s cocktail party is the perfect way to show your love on so many levels. Tickets and info at joininghearts.org.

February 18 at the Wimbish House

February 10 at the Botanical Gardens

The First Wives Club at the Plaza WUSSY returns with their monthly campy feature fantastico, which this time is a Valentine’s special screening of the 1996 classic The First Wives Club!

February 14 at the Plaza Theatre Valentine’s Massacre In need of a proper antidote to Vday? Mary’s has got you covered with a drag queen event that will surely kill any kind of romance.

February 15 at Mary’s

peachATL.com | 15

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) sex partners. is a prescription medicine that is used together ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for infection.

HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat talk openly with your healthcare provider about HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete your sexual health. treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice treat over time. safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: share needles or other items that have body fluids ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. on them.

TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA What is the most important information I without first talking to your healthcare provider, should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do tested to make sure that you do not already not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the positive, you need to take other medicines with risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not to be HIV-negative. a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become in a person who has recently become harder to treat over time. infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B could have recently become infected with infection.

HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had What are the other possible side effects of a flu-like illness within the last month before TRUVADA for PrEP? starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in check your kidneys before and during treatment the neck or groin. with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic may not keep you from getting HIV-1. acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking healthcare provider right away if you get these TRUVADA for PrEP: symptoms: weakness or being more tired than ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and your healthcare provider right away. vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or ® To further help reduce your risk of getting lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

HIV-1: ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right your partners. away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for infections. Other infections make it easier several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area for HIV to infect you. pain.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following pages.

We’re adventurous, not reckless.

We know who we are. And we make choices that fit our lives.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA.

Learn more at truvada.com

® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

IMPORTANT FACTS

(tru-VAH-dah)

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected.

Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices.

Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

• See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. w

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• Bone problems.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0136 08/17

FRIENDS FRIDAY 80'S CHARITY SHOW AT MIXX PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

20 | 02.07.18

Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018 and receive:

5,000

Up $ To Towards Closing Costs* When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

Enclave at Druid Hills

Gated Community | Townhomes from the upper $500s For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

– PLUS –

25,000

Up $ To

in Flex Credits**

Towards Design Center options and upgrades, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Enclave at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Up to $25,000 Seller provided Flex Credits may be applied to available upgrades and options at Seller’s Design Center, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs. Availability of items may vary, including whether buyer’s lender permits such credits. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL491

peachATL.com | 21

BLAKES PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

22 | 02.07.18

peachATL.com | 23

COWTIPPERS FINAL HEIFER REVIEW PHOTOS:Kevin Bennett

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 24 | 02.07.18

Chad has lived in Atlanta for seven years and works as a Doctor of Physical Therapy with expertise in ergonomics, functional movement assessments, and wellness coaching. He has continuously been active in the Atlanta community, which also led to the creation of the More to Love charity organization last year. He lives in Reynoldstown with his partner Tomas and their bulldog Aonghus. For 2018, Chad wants to expand his health and wellness education and is kicking off the year with a bigger and better edition of his More to Love event on February 9th at Amsterdam Atlanta.

Chad Wick

Towns at Druid Hills

Gated Community | Townhomes from the low $500s Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018 and receive:

5,000

Up $ To Towards Closing Costs* When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

– PLUS – For Quick Move-in Homes with unfinished basements:

Half Price Off,

Up To

$25,000 Value**

For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Towns at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Receipt of up to 50% off discount (up to $25,000 value) the costs of unfinished basements is applicable only to quick move-in homes that have unfinished basements. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice.

Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL491

Feb 08 – Feb 14

DANCE // 90’s & 00’s dance party Bucks Meat Raffle: A different kind If you’re into dancing like no one’s watching, have no of Bachelor Auction problems with a little bit of sweat, and love getting weird with new friends, then DANCE that specializes in 90’s and 00’s dance music is right up your alley.

Saturday, February 10 The Basement STAFF PICK!

The Bucks will be auctioning off date packages, complete with beefy Bucks bachelors. Some dates will be single players while others will be in a group setting.

Saturday, February 10 Woofs on Piedmont

EAYC Lovecrafts: Valentine’s Artist Market The Valentine’s edition of the popular artists’ market will give you ample opportunity to pick out something truly special for your one and only.

Sunday, February 11 Euclid Avenue Yacht Club

Fat Tuesday Drag Queen Bingo Come dressed to impress, and the cast of Lips will surely throw you some beads at their Fat Tuesday Drag Queen Bingo brought to you by PALS Atlanta.

A Shameless Valentine w/ Alex Mecum

Tuesday, February 13

Come Celebrate Valentines Day - or Singles Awareness Day – in the most shameless way at Blake’s with special guest Alex Mecum.

Lips Atlanta

Wednesday, February 14 Blake’s on the Park

30 | 02.07.18

peachATL.com | 31

One Message Fits All

By Jamie Kirk

I

have managed to come up with the perfect little “one size fits all” message for this upcoming holiday called Valentine’s Day. I am actually shocked I was able to get this message across without having to write three separate articles, with three separate messages. I figure, let’s just get this outta the way quick, fast, and in a hurry.

Please Read If… …You Are in a Relationship Hang in there. Make this the best relationship you have ever had. Take the lessons you have learned from previous relationships and apply them to this one. Make sure you continually are looking for win/win situations and that you are giving more than you are taking. Remain focused, committed and dedicated to allowing the relationship to take its natural course. Be the one that offers up the apology first.

Be the one that forgives first. Be the one that compromises first. Be the one that puts the other person’s needs and wants above your own. Avoid having to be right. Let peace be the umpire. Be kind.

… You Are in Search of a Relationship Try everything. Cast your net where you least expect it, and there could be fish. Try dating apps, blind dates, being set up by co-workers, try dating outside of what you typically go for. Call the chat lines, use the dating apps, DM folks on Instagram, put yourself out there. Open up to all races, all religions, and guys that are big-boned or guys that need to eat a few extra meals. Be the first to flirt. Send the first XXX picture. Ask a stranger to dinner. Make eye contact at Starbucks. Don’t limit yourself. Take a new route to work.

Email an old flame. Recycle an ex. Take a chance on love.

What’s the worst that could happen? If it doesn’t work out, and you’re single again, so what?

… You Are Just Getting Over a Relationship Better to be lonely than unhappy. Losing out on love is hard, but you will live. Allow the tears to only flow at night. Put on a brave face. Take the time you need to heal before you jump back in the saddle. Create a journal of things you want to

32 | 02.07.18

address or change in the next relationship. Write down the red flags that you ignored, so that you clearly see them next time.

Make time for other interests like reading, learning to play the piano, hiking, etc. Something that YOU enjoy, not something YOU BOTH used to enjoy. Re-create the life you want. When you are ready to date again, you will know it. Sometimes a new love will sneak in a door, you didn’t even realize you had left open. Be patient and take all the time you need to get back to your “old self” should that be someone you want to reconnect with.

... You Are Bitter Betty About Relationships Who cares, Valentine’s Day is just a day created by Hallmark and the restaurant industry to get you to spend money, you don’t have, on someone you don’t really even like for a day/ night that goes away in a twinkling of an eye. Life is way too short to be committed to one person and allow one person (who is probably not even being faithful and honest with you) to have control points in your life. Just ignore this dumb day.

Make sure that all your friends that are coupled pay for drinks this weekend because they are idiots and should come out of pocket for you since they did it for someone they met six days ago. Screw it, this day comes and goes. Take yourself out to eat, but make sure to eat the dessert first!!

The One Message that Fits All Hopefully one of these buckets fits your scenario. There are so many more, but not enough room on the page. Bottom line, DO YOU. Whatever your situation is or is not, make the best of it. Don’t allow anyone else motives or ideas on how this “day” should be spent or not spent. Make sure that whatever you decide to do, however you decide to acknowledge it or celebrate it, the end result is that you did what you wanted too, not what someone else has guilted you into doing. As we mature and get wiser with age, we have to come to realize that life is hard enough to be spent unhappy. Make the best of this day and every day.

Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad

One Singular Sensation (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Being Single)

By Scott King

I’m not single; I’m singular. Where’s my parade?

Palm Springs.

I don’t have time for that. I’m married to the world.

Whenever I walk down the street and take in the aesthetic beauty of my neighborhood, or exchange empathetic smiles with a young mother and her child in its stroller, that’s all I need. I don’t need someone to hold me. I can hold the world in the palm of my hand.

I’m 36. The way I figure it, I only need to find 37 more guys with whom to have similar adventures and then I will thankfully be dead. Or incontinent. I am the very model of a modern major-general.

I’m an extrovert, but I’m also a loner. When I go to a party, I don’t need a date. I can walk in, say hello to friends and acquaintances, and prove once again that I’ve never met a stranger. After all, one of them is bound to be my next great love.

Even then, I don’t date. I leave it up to fate. What is more toxic to a relationship than those last 4 minutes of a party where we are exchanging numbers and promising to get together? Instead, I take the path of the true Romantic. I stalk a bitch on Facebook.

Is he funny? Is he vain? Is his narcissism profound or banal? What did he look like before beards were trendy?

Once I have concluded this preliminary investigation, then I go in and make myself known.

I owe you a dinner. Have you seen Stranger Things 2?

I have 12 beers at my house that need to be DRANK. Say yes or say no.

My last relationship was the perfect relationship. We met at Madonnarama in August. Eye contact, earnest conversation, connection. I stalked him on Instagram.

He started liking everything I posted. Then we started chatting. We decided to have a bromance and go from there. Chomp and Stomp 2017 was one of the happiest, drunkest days of my life. Our first official mandate was Halloween. Yes, we watched Stranger Things 2. I drank; he smoked. We had sushi right after New Years. We saw a string of soon-to-be Oscar-nominated films together. I thought I was in. Then, just in time for Valentine’s Day, he told me I was moving too fast.

Maybe I shouldn’t have liked ALL of his photos from 34 | 02.07.18

With friends, I’m more loyal. More patient. Less myopic. From what my married friends tell me, your non-gendered life partner will turn into your best friend anyway. So why not have adventures with bromance ingénues along the way?

What I am saying to you is, have your astrological chart done. Even if it’s all made up, it will tell you who you really are. What you want, what you need, and what your flaws are. I have Venus in Cancer with both Mercury and Mars in Gemini. That means I’m a hoe but not a silly hoe. I’m cerebral.

I’m not going to tell you about how you have to be your own best friend or your own lover. That’s a different talk show. The world is not your oyster. The world is your lover, with whom you can share an oyster platter if that is your thing. Every moment of every day is love. Is sex.

Is a fist fight. Is divorce. It is what you make it.

Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you want to BE love? And hate. And passion. And brilliance. And ambivalence. And ironic, knowing smiles. And leisure time. And getting the job done.

Don’t be these things in order to attract a mate. Just be these things.

For the past three years, I’ve been single. Singularly in love with the world.

We are very happy.

Scott King is an Atlanta-based writer, consultant, and political activist. He enjoys tennis, hiking, rock concerts, and having drinks with friends. He is currently working on a novel about a hooker with a heart of Bitcoin.

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HENRYS

PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

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MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6 12th St. NE

18

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Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

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10th St. NE

10

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19

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e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charles Allen Dr. NE

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

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13

BARS Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends The Model T My Sister’s Room Ten Atlanta

5

Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE

9 10 11 12

10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

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14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

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991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE

fitness

retail 8 Barking Leather

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

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G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda

219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE

billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio

www.SavedAndGay.com NEW COVENANT Church of Atlanta

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Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

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Piedmont Park

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BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE

Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd 805 Lambert Dr. NE, Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Jungle

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2115 Faulkner Rd NE

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

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Burkhart's Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's

2103 Faulkner Rd NE 2135 Liddell Drive NE

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t ha nks T H A N KS TO AL L OF OUR F RIEN DS A N D S P O N S O R S! S EE Y ’AL L N EXT YEA R !

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10 SUPER ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO…

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1 2 4

Make LOVE to each other!

Get a (fake?) tattoo with your boo’ name

6

3

Give each other naughty vouchers

Take a bath together

7

Spend a day in bed

9

Do a romantic scavenger hunt

46 | 02.07.18

Write a love letter

Breakfast in bed

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Text your Peach Pits to 256-60-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com Illustrations by: Jerel Ely

This winter is lasting forever and ever. January ended on like the 78th!

Midtown smells like fish right now. I’ve never wanted to be at the beach more.

Shade of the day: You are so smart and funny – and that’s so much more important than being pretty!

Somebody once told me that working out releases happy endorphins – Maybe I’m just not ready to feel happy right now!

Drunk guy at bar: are you famous or a celebrity? I have seen you somewhere!

Me: Maybe on Scruff?

Asking for a friend: Does eating Tide pods clean skid marks in your underwear?

It’s official: I’ve already ruined my 2018 vow of eating healthy!

48 | 02.07.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

Your stubborn refusal to admit you’re wrong in a conflict with your partner has him hopping mad. You don’t know when he changed the locks to the house, but sleeping in your car has gotten mighty old. It takes a big man to admit his mistakes, so ask for his forgiveness today, and a new key to the house.

That little voice in your head won’t stop nagging, and it’s become worse than your mother. But unlike your mother, you can’t hang up on it, so listen to what it’s trying to tell you today. It’s a voice that knows you well, and it could have the answers to some of your bigger questions. So listen to that part today, and not the one telling you to clean up your room and stop slouching.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You’re attracted to beautiful things today, so stop gazing at yourself in the mirror long enough to consider the myriad of other possibilities. Take time to admire the cut flowers you display in pretty vases, art museum exhibits, early winter sunsets or the sexy trainer at the gym. With all this eye candy at your disposal, it will be easy to indulge your senses in all things beautiful.

You can debate with the best of them, and you weren’t captain of the high school forensics team for nothing.

You love showing that talent off, and sometimes you goad people into unnecessary arguments. Unfortunately, you often force your partner to become an unwilling contestant. Is this a subconscious way of proving your superiority? It won’t take much debate to reveal the truth.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

You skim across the surface so quickly that you often miss the small details, and that could stop you dead in your tracks today. Detailed work has never been for you, but you will have to pay full attention if anything’s going to get done. Formulate your plan of attack, approach with confidence and you’ll get what you want in no time at all.

After much delay, the cute guy you’ve been pursuing is giving you the go-ahead. Your first impulse is to blast full steam ahead. But racing forward may actually have you falling behind, as he may be turned off by such aggression. Your efforts will be rewarded if you take a slow and methodical approach today, the same one you will bring to the bedroom once sexy time kicks in.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

You’ve invited him to your house for dinner for the first time, and you’ll be busy making preparations today.

Of course, you’ll design a menu fit for a king, but your castle looks like the aftermath of one of those Henry VIII banquets. Spruce up your house before you start rattling those pots and pans. You only have one chance to make a good impression. If not, it could be off with your head.

You have your brain clock set to Sydney time, and you can’t stop thinking about the mate you met at Mardi Gras. You know he’s feeling the same about you, but jumping on a plane isn’t an option today. The miles won’t seem so vast if you use all the gadgets at your disposal. Or just call. It won’t be like being there in person, but he’ll get a rise from your conversation, and so will you.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

The lion is locked in his den today, and he’s not taking calls or visitors. A recent heartbreak may have you laying low, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Licking your wounds is therapeutic, but your pride doesn’t want others to see you so low. Use this alone time to analyze what went wrong, and how you can prevent it from happening again.

You’re a culture vulture, and you have an opinion about everything. You can go on and on about Lindsay’s many meltdowns, the pointlessness of reality TV or John Mayer: True pop phenomenon, or derivative and banal.

Find a way to express your opinions by writing them out. There are many websites and indie pubs that can use thoughtful and articulate pop culture writers, and you’re the guy for the job.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

You will use your amazing powers of detailed thinking to help others get organized today. Whether you help plan a budget, or find the perfect furniture arrangement, you will bring order from chaos. You may help one guy in particular organize his train of thought, and he may start thinking of you as something more than a helpful friend.

You’ve been known to help guide friends through difficult relationship issues, and they appreciate your thoughtful analysis. But now you have your own partner problems, yet you’re reluctant to turn to those same friends. Don’t let pride keep you from letting others help you today. You have had solutions for them in the past.

They may have the answers you need, if you’d only let them ask the questions.

50 | 02.07.18

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and we’ll give you the answers served straight up and with a little ice.

I’m currently dating a couple as their boyfriend, and it is going well so far, but I’m beginning to feel more attracted to one over the other. I really like them both, and the sex is incredible, but I just connect more emotionally with one of the guys. They have been together for a long time, and even though we have a good triad relationship, I also know that in the long run, I’m the odd one out. So, what do I do? Stay or go?

Sincerely Party of Three Dear Party of Three Being two in a relationship is hard, and being three is even harder. It is not easy to go against traditional relationship structures and build something new. Whether you want to or not, feelings, connections, and dynamics will develop and diminish with time – like with any relationship. Sometimes to make things easier, and sometimes to complicate matters.

Your position, as you mention yourself, is the odd one out.

You are the addition to the union, and no matter how many deep and genuine feelings may develop between the three of you, you are still not part of the ‘original’ duo. What you should be asking yourself is if you are truly capable of foregoing the more traditional notion of a relationship and embrace a non-traditional union like the one you are in.

You may be feeling comfortable in it for now, but you are obviously finding yourself slipping into a more conform way of thinking about a relationship as a ‘twosome’ and therefore preferring one over the other. Once you sort your feelings out about the whole three or not to be thing, you will probably also find the answer to if you should stay or you should go too.

I am very happy with my boyfriend! That is until I accidentally saw and old Facebook chat with his ex. Granted, I totally snooped because the computer was open and I scrolled down to find it, and the chat was from way before we got together, but now I’m consumed with jealousy because it seems like the relationship was so much more than what we have now! I want to let go of this feeling, but how?

Sincerely Snoopy Dear Snoopy First of all, snooping is never a good idea, because, as you have learned, you probably won’t like what you see or read.

A glimpse into somebody else’s personal affairs rarely brings anything good with it. Secondly, the urge to snoop is hard to cope with and probably most anyone who reads this

52 | 02.07.18

page will nod and think ‘I would have done the same.’ Thirdly, comparing past and present relationships is like comparing apples and oranges – they simply aren’t the same! There is a reason why he is with you and not his ex. Maybe they were more in tune with each other in writing, and you are better at talking to him? Stop. Just stop comparing yourself to something or someone else. You are not the same. Leave it behind and just be happy with your boyfriend, who didn’t even do anything ‘incriminating,’ but who – surprise, surprise - has a past. And hopefully next time you’ll know better about the snooping!

I’m on all the apps, and I love the flirting and exchanging pics – it thrills me, and sometimes it even gets me off. That also means that I often don’t show up to hookups, or plainly forget that I actually made a hookup date. More than a few guys have started to out me on it, and I feel bad, but isn’t that the thing with online/app hookups – sometimes they just don’t come true?

Sincerely No Guarantees Dear No Guarantees Technically, you don’t owe a stranger online an explanation.

Those are the liabilities of online dates, hookups, and flirts.

But depending on the level of communication – like actually making a date to see a guy – you move into an (albeit grey) area where your integrity and just plain good karma are at play. You’re now experiencing some reactions to your online behavior, so maybe you should start thinking about acting a little more politely even though the conversation may be everything but that? A little better behavior even towards an online hot body will surely make you feel better in no time.

NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS VIA OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.