Rev2 vip magazine february 2018

Foods that you didn’t know were aphrodisiacs Tips on First date etiquette These Destinations are perfect for valentines day Is an open relationship right for you

LOVE &

LINGERIE Digital Dating & Infidelity

LETTER FROM THE CEO

H STAFF CEO AND PUBLISHER Herbert Hernandez CONTENT MANAGERS Lindsey Wright Vanessa Heisenberg ART DIRECTOR Tony Fernandez-Davila DIRECTOR OF MOTION AND VIDEO PRODUCTION Erendira Parra

CHAPTER TWO

As the page to another chapter turns, it is with great pleasure that I present to you our February 2018 issue for VIP Club Scene Magazine. The month of January went by so fast! Right? Well, at least for me it did… I had so much fun traveling and partying the first month of the year. I was able to meet new people and create new memories that I can look back and say “YES!” (I did that). While talking to people and getting geared up for our February “Lust and Love” issue, I had lots of fun learning the psychology of attraction. In this issue we had the pleasure to work with Jessica Rae, (of whom I have gotten a lot of very nice compliments about) who we are featuring in this month’s issue.

Her exotic look and attractive features go great with our juicy and enthusiastic articles that we have lined up. We have a total of fourteen articles in this month’s issue so let’s kick it off with a quick review of what we have lined up for you.

Science of Love--- This article is well written, and it takes you on a rollercoaster of love, in other words you have to read it to experience the same feeling that I did.

Dating Season--- I honestly just found out what “cuffing season” means, lol… I thought it meant that this is the season when people get arrested. HAHAHAHA! Anyways, this article talks about how you should have kids and settle down. I don’t know if it’s appropriate for the party life, but hey read it and make your own opinion.To Lust and Lose--- This article has a great opening, they say that the words of an article or conversation has to capture your attention within the first two to three sentences and this article did just that, because I can relate to what this writer is talking about.

There you have it, that’s my preliminary assessment of what’s to come.

Enjoy!

Herbert Hernandez Publisher & CEO

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER(S) Lonnie Gardner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Igor Argibay – Miami Elizabeth Real – Bay Area Alice Trellakis – Illinois Xochiquetzal C. Parra – Bay Area Heather Huggins – Bay Area Roxanna Ramos – Los Angeles Kristina Johnston – Los Angeles Ian Dinsdale – New York City MODEL Jessica Rae ADVERTISING SALES Jennifer Greene PUBLIC RELATIONS Melissa Miller

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

love

LOVE

LUST

5-17

18-27

TRAVEL

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

28-33 35-43

WHAT’S HOT

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NIGHTLIFE

49-59

Valentine’s Day EXPECTATIONS

By Elizabeth Real Valentine’s Day was easy when we were in elementary school. Anybody else remember getting a cute card from every kid in your class? And who can forget the box of heartshaped candy. Nobody was left out. As we got older, though, things began to change. Suddenly only a handful of people were getting gifts while the rest wondered if and when they were going to hear from their secret admirer. In high school, for example, students had the opportunity of sending a rose or candy to their crush. Many girls would walk around, parading their balloons, stuffed animals, and roses. Others decided they didn’t even believe in celebrating Valentine’s Day or chose to celebrate Singles Awareness Day as a way of making fun of the “Hallmark holiday.”

While Valentine’s Day is, for the most part, an excuse to put your love on full display, the way in which it’s celebrated does tend to change throughout the years.

By the time you reach college, most students are still dependent on their parents, so they don’t have that much money leftover to splurge. College culture is accepting of financial woes because for the most part, everyone else is in the same boat. Besides, when Valentine’s Day comes around most

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college students are usually at a party. Sororities, frats, and clubs usually host some sort of Valentine’s Day bash. The expectations aren’t too high at this point for couples.

I remember going to Denny’s one year. I put on a pink top, so, you know, I was festive. I got a card and teddy bear from my boyfriend—most likely from CVS—but that was more than enough. We went to dinner at a Denny’s where the place had been decorated with pink and red balloons.

And that was it. That was our Valentine’s Day dinner. On a different year, we were feeling fancy, so we went to the Olive Garden.

The most important gesture at this point, though, is an Instagram post. A cute picture of the both of you and a paragraph written about how much you love each other #RelationshipGoals is a must. Don’t forget to tag your significant other so that all their friends and family can see it too!

If you’re single and in your twenties or early thirties, an Instagram post isn’t quite enough, and neither is the Olive Garden. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about.

Sure, the endless salad and breadsticks is an awesome deal, but save that for a different time. Since you’re not an item yet, now is the time to go above and beyond to impress your date. Make a reservation at a nice restaurant. Go for a nice walk together or watch the sun set as you sip on

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bottle of wine.

Romance and sophistication are key. Because you’re still in the beginning stages of dating, everything is fun and exciting. A weekend getaway might be an option where you won’t have anything to worry about but yourselves and having a good time. Spending quality time with your person of interest is going to set you apart. If it all goes well, you might be looking at your future spouse.

Once you’re married and with children, though, it might be difficult to get out on Valentine’s Day. The first thing you’ll have to figure out is who will take care of your kids while you’re away at dinner. Oh, and a balloon-filled Denny’s won’t cut it anymore. You’ve outgrown those days and a nice, quality meal sounds much more appealing.

This doesn’t have to mean that the romance is long gone. It simply means that your expectations have changed. By now, you most likely have more money too, so you can splurge a little. Plus, not having to cook or clean up at home is always a plus.

Because you have a family to take care of now, it might not be ideal to go away for an entire weekend.

Instead, coming home after dinner to watch a movie as a family might be your best bet.

There are no set rules when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, though. At the end of it all, it’s about being happy and being with your loved ones.

Everyone is different and has their own unique ways of celebrating—or not celebrating—their love. It’s up to you to figure out what’s right for you.

What will you be doing for Valentine’s Day?

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Romance and sophistication are key. Because you’re still in the beginning stages of dating, everything is fun and exciting. A weekend getaway might be an option where you won’t have anything to worry about but yourselves and having a good time. a

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FIRSTDATE Etiquette

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By Elizabeth Real

irst dates can be nerve-wracking, but exciting. A seemingly great person has agreed to go on a date with you and you want to make a good first impression. Being a little bit nervous is normal. Everyone is different, and everyone has a different idea of what their ideal first date will look like, but there are some universal etiquette rules to follow. You’ve probably heard of these before and that’s because they’re not new. There is no scientific formula to assure that you’ll have the perfect first date. Sometimes, your date is just not the right person for you. But, remembering these simple rules of etiquette will at least make you seem like a decent human being.

Be on time. There’s nothing worse than sitting at a restaurant or coffee shop alone, wondering if you’ve been stood up. Did he change his mind? Did she walk in, see me in person, and decide to bail? Plan on arriving about 5 minutes early. If you live in a busy area, like the Bay Area in Northern California, you know damn well that traffic is something to consider when making plans.

Don’t hate me, but I’ve been guilty of being late. I knew that driving to the other side of the Bay Area at 5:30pm on a weekday would be bad, but I was hoping it wouldn’t take me an entire hour to get to the restaurant. Not only that, but it was a restaurant that I had never been to. I let my date know and luckily, he didn’t hold it against me—I don’t think.

Greet your date with a hug. You know what’s awkward? Going in for a hug while your date goes in for a handshake. You’re meeting your potential future spouse or someone that you’ll eventually be intimate with, so

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why not just start off with a hug. Just don’t get too handsy! A light, warm embrace to say hello is a perfect way to break the ice.

Put your phone away! Once you’ve both sat down for coffee or dinner, put your phone in your pocket or purse. If you don’t have any pockets, put it face down on the table. You should be ready to give your date your undivided attention. You’ve already made plans to spend some time with this person, so have some respect and be present. Also, put your phone on silent or vibrate. A quick little trick that you could use is taking out your phone and saying out loud that you’re going to put it on silent at the beginning of the date. This will serve as a reminder for your date to put their phone away and they’ll most likely do the same.

Be honest. Don’t lie about your intentions. It never ends well. If you’re only looking to casually hang out or if you’re looking for something more serious, say so. You both need to be on the same page in order to move forward. Simply asking, “What are you looking for?” is usually enough to get the answer. It’s okay to say that you are looking for a serious or long-term relationship or that you do want to get married and have kids. This doesn’t mean you want to get married tomorrow, but it does let the other person know that this is your goal.

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Don’t order for your date. What kind of old-timey, sexist, patronizing world do you live in to even consider this as an option? It’s 2018 and believe it or not, women are capable of ordering their own food and drinks. Besides, it’s a first date. How do you know what I like? It’s just not cute or romantic to order for someone else. You can, however, make suggestions. For example, if she’s never been to this restaurant, you could say, “The scallops and the risotto are really good here.” Don’t assume you know what the other person would like.

Offer to split the bill. You don’t necessarily have to split the bill, but you should, at the very least, offer. It’s the polite thing to do. *Cough* Girls, I’m talking to you. *Cough, cough*. You don’t want to seem cheap or like a gold digger. If you’re going to a movie, one of you can buy the tickets and the other can pay for the snacks. So, don’t forget your wallet at home. Even if it was a total accident, it looks bad. Double check and make sure you bring some money with you. If you think the date has gone well, you could kill two birds with one stone and say something like, “Okay, you can pay for dinner this time, but only if I can treat you to a movie next time.”

Don’t do anything that you don’t want to do. Sometimes, you want the date

to continue because it’s going so well. This could mean that you suggest getting a drink at a bar nearby, going for a walk, or going back to your place. Don’t feel obligated to keep it going if you’re not feeling it or if you’re just not comfortable with their suggestion. I was on a coffee date once and after telling me about his music studio, my date asked if I wanted to see it. That would’ve meant that I had to get in his car and have him drive me to his music studio. It was my first time meeting him, so the thought of getting into a stranger’s car to who knows where sounded like an episode of Law & Order: SVU waiting to happen. I politely said, “Maybe next time.” He asked me a couple of more times throughout our conversation and I said no every time. Which brings me to the next item on the list…

Don’t be pushy. We get it, you’re excited, but if we said no to something, it means no. Don’t keep asking.

Not only is it annoying, but it makes you look desperate.

Most of the time, when we turn down a suggestion, like going to see your music studio when we just met, it’s not meant to be taken as an insult. We’re all just trying to have a good time and hopefully find a cool person that we’ll want to keep seeing. It can feel like the first date is your one and only chance to make something happen, but it’s not. The whole point of the first date is to have fun, meet someone cool, and then see them again on a different occasion. So, SLOW DOWN. You want to have something to look forward to on the next date.

Plan to meet again before the end of the date. Most people know whether they want to go on a second date about halfway through the first one. If you already know that you want to see this person again, bring it up before you part ways. If you both like to go hiking then perhaps you can suggest going hiking next weekend. You don’t have to be super formal when asking them out again either. Say something casual like, “I know of a great hiking spot, we should go together.” Or, “Well, if you like wine, I know of a great winery.”

If it feels right and you had a good connection, lean in for a kiss at the end of the date. This is a tricky one because not everyone wants a kiss on the first date.

Personally, I’m not a fan of it. It feels too soon for me, but maybe I just haven’t had an amazing first date, yet.

It’s all about what feels right to the both of you, but just to be safe, let the girl decide. If she’s clearly just going in for a hug and turns her head to the side as she puts her arms around you, don’t do it. If she locks eyes with you while embracing you and begins to lean in, then it might mean you can go for it. If she pulls back at any moment or turns her head to the side, back off immediately. Don’t take it personally if there’s no kiss at the end of the first date. Again, it’s not the end of the world. You either didn’t connect in the same way or you’ll have plenty of other chances in the next few dates.

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Don’t be pushy.

We get it, you’re excited, but if we said no to something, it means no. Don’t keep asking. Not only is it annoying, but it makes you look desperate.

Most of the time, when we turn down a suggestion, like going to see your music studio when we just met, it’s not meant to be taken as an insult.

We’re all just trying to have a good time and hopefully find a cool person that we’ll want to keep seeing. It can feel like the first date is your one and only chance to make something happen, but it’s not.

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Cuffing Season

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By Elizabeth Real

s the temperatures began to drop and the family get-togethers began to increase, many of you may have found yourselves having to repeatedly explain why and how you’re still single. My younger sister got married in December and my friend celebrated her second baby shower, so you can imagine how many, “Oh, what about you?” questions I got. Ah, cuffing season is in full swing again. I know what you’re thinking: First of all, what the hell is cuffing season?

It begins in the fall and continues through the winter season. The colder weather and holidays make many single people feel lonely. It’s cold, so they need someone to cuddle with. Not only are they spending more time indoors, they’re usually getting bombarded with questions from family members about when they’re finally going to settle down. This can lead many single peo-

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ple to rush into getting into a relationship with someone—anyone—just to avoid the loneliness and questions.

But, this idea of getting into a relationship with someone for a few months just because you’re feeling lonely or because you’re cold and want someone to cuddle with is bullsh*t, right?

Put a sweater on if you’re cold. Tell your aunt Martha to f*ck off with her questions. I’m KIDDING. Be nice to your family.

It’s weird, though, isn’t it? The type of pressure single people feel to find someone to settle down with. So much so that cuffing season exists. The pressure increases even more for people approaching their 30s. At this point, most of your friends have found “the one” and others are having children. Your parents are getting older and they start to hint—or straight up ask— about grandchildren. And women, especially, are made fully aware of their biological clocks.

To top it all off, it’s cold. Literally, cold outside.

What better way to warm up than with another warm body?

The tricky part comes afterwards. When the days begin to warm up and people are out and about again, the winter blues seem to disappear.

The “forever alone” attitude gets replaced with “I’m a strong independent woman and I don’t need no man.”

As always, it’s best to be honest with yourself and determine whether the person you have decided to pair up with is really of any interest to you or whether you’re just caught up in cuffing season. It’s all about your intentions.

If you’re just hoping to finally have someone on your arm to parade around at your family’s holiday party, you’re probably cuffing.

Of course, not everything is black and white. You could have very well met someone that you’re truly interested in during the winter months. Taking a step back to determine why you’re suddenly in a relationship again will help you avoid the downfall once the sun comes out again. Unless you’re both in agreement, you don’t want to waste the other person’s time by making them believe that you see this relationship extending beyond the holidays.

Have you ever been caught up in cuffing season?

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SPOUSE VS AFFAIR

How people keep their affairs in order

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Open relationships, do they work?

Is an affair just better?

The Truth On Open Relationships

Some couples are strictly monogamous while some are okay with sharing their significant other. Around half of all legal marriages result in divorce, with many couples reporting cheating as the reason. Some couples are stretching the traditional boundaries of relationships to maintain the spark they once had. These couples are shooting for a more open approach to a long term relationship where sexual relations with other people are allowed. Many who have tried it can attest that it’s not an easy feat, but what factors make it actually work?

The New Monogamy

Having an open relationship is definitely not a “one size fits all” type of situation. It can work really well for some couples, while others eventually become jealous, as we’re naturally stern towards our partners interacting with someone else. According to relationship experts, two types of situations usually lead couples to deciding to manage an open relationship. The first are people who are either committed to a celebrity status partner who solely seeks the status provided, while the latter group are people who genuinely enjoy having sex with a variety of people. Both of these kinds of relationships can survive with enough work, but there’s certain obstacles that need to be overcome. While one partner may enjoy the concept of total freedom for their own desires, the other might not be able to handle the other person doing the same.

Making It Work

For an open relationship to have a chance to survive, it’s crucial that both parties are fully on the same page with the idea when the time comes to actually start seeing other people. If they aren’t on the same page yet continue with experimenting mindlessly, the connection is bound to fail as frustrations reach a boiling point. The right thing to do in this situation is to allow each other enough time to get comfortable with accepting outside relationships. When

discussing being open instead of monogamous, make sure to imagine how you might feel emotionally in a variety of different scenarios in order to be mentally prepared. As the vital boundary in a traditional relationship is to never sleep with anyone else, set a list of terms for each other for what’s okay to do and what will never be tolerated. For example, some couples agree to never have sex with their friends, can only have sex with another person once, or don’t share all the nitty gritty details of each encounter. Chances are that your relationship will change over time. You should review your set boundaries together every once in awhile when they start to feel too constricting, too vague or seemingly unimportant.

Write down those boundaries in some way so that it’s easier for both people to come back to and stay accountable to them. Whatever your criteria is, the chance of your relationship’s success will drastically improve with enough time and open communication.

Are Affairs Easier?

While open relationships are on the rise, there’s plenty of drawbacks with the model. Often having an open relationship can feel isolating, especially if close friends or family disapprove or don’t understand. An undiscovered affair allows couples to keep their monogamous relationship and intimacy. They can be much easier to cover up if done right, instead of stating the obvious. In other words, the decision is either to cheat or don’t cheat, but telling their partners they want sex with new people is seen as guaranteeing relationship termination. Only around ten percent of all affairs can last a month while the rest can last (at most) up to a year. It’s rare that extramarital affairs last longer than three or four years, but all cases result in betraying the other partner’s trust indefinitely. As a result, it depends on the people in each relationship, whether or not they’d like to disclose their needs and make adjustments for a more open situation.

As couples strive to maintain intimacy with each other in a committed partnership, especially in our digital age, staying attached doesn’t have to be as difficult as it’s cracked up to be. Together, you can develop a relationship that is satisfying for both, regardless of cultural norms or expectations that may come your way.

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Digital Age of Dating Let’s be honest, dating today in our digital age isn’t easy. Some would argue that it’s not as fun either, but technology has definitely made it easier than ever with sites that bring our next date night to our fingertips. With popular apps like Tinder, a person seeking a committed relationship can be stuck in a mind numbing landscape of crotch shots and never ending comments like “nice body”, “hey ma’, or “wanna come over?”. The millions now seeking love, or casual hookups has brought an oversaturation of people on the internet. It’s hard to believe anyone has actually met a life partner online, but in cases it has been done against all odds.

Online Love

Almost everyone has experienced their parents giving them a look in pity and bewilderment when they say their boyfriend was caught and reeled in from dating apps like Tinder. ‘What do you mean, you didn’t meet in person?’ is often the common question we hear and need to be prepared to answer in the most awkward way possible. Online dating definitely is odd, it gives narcissists and genuinely uncommitted people access to other interested people who can provide them with enough praise, personal selfies, and possibly free dinners without any need for emotional investment or accountability. We’re also given a degree of too much choice, as once formal dating decades ago has evolved into an endless string of swiping left or right in search of perfection. If we do come across a person who seems friendly, interesting, and attractive enough, we have to admit that we still carry the attitude that maybe there’s something better still available. Now that there are hundreds of thousands of people in the online dating market, most of us have grown to become much more picky.

The anonymity of hiding behind a digital profile has often made conversations from dating apps like Tinder go much further than expected. Pick up lines now turn sexual very quickly and the original intent for people to meet each other has changed to exchanging pictures of each other right away.

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First Comes Swaps, Then Comes Marriage For some of us, the Tinder app acts like a slot machine for random hookups and cringe worthy encounters that we’d only tell our closest friends. However, a few lucky people have found not only their long term boyfriends and girlfriends, but the absolute love of their lives. According to the sociologist that Tinder hires to analyze their user engagement, more people than ever are committing to relationships thanks to the app. Her findings also showed that Tinder users are in fact 5% more likely to say “I love you” within the first year of dating, and only 9% of men on the app are afraid of commitment compared to 30% of men not on the platform. Many couples have reached out to the company every year and hosted their own “Tinder” weddings in thanks of scoring their random, but life changing match. This goes to show that out of the sea of lost connections and creepy compliments, people are finding great success with the help of meeting online.

Finding your own success can be possible, if done the right way. Thanks to mainstream media, daily usage, and these countless success stories, Tinder is definitely no longer a social taboo.

The days of shamed online dating are over so we can all check our matches in the open. If you choose to take part in the online dating world, be sure to take in account the following tips to boost up your profile and improve your overall dating potential.

You just might get a hot date by the time this year’s Valentine’s Day events roll around. When it comes to the profile photos, it’s okay to display an ego and feature only yourself to your potential lover. You want to be the center of attention in this case and avoid any kind of confusion on which person you actually are in your photos. Another piece of advice is to make sure your personality is shining through, be it action shots of you taking part in your favorite hobbies, an awesome vacation, or smiling with an adorable puppy. While showing off your best assets are important, you need to differentiate yourself in the pool of other candidates. As for the dreaded biography, a good rule of thumb is to keep things short and sweet while spelling out exactly what you’re looking for. Be specific and avoid overused cliches that you’re searching for “the one” or “your partner in crime”. Once you match with someone, stick with avoiding pick up lines as well say something interesting to start a conversation. Act natural and there’s no doubt that you’ll find someone who appreciates not only a good time, but the real you as well!

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TRAVEL

Luxurious Valentine’s Day Escapades

By Elizabeth Real

Private Hot Air Balloon Overseeing Napa Valley, CA

$2,200+ Sweep her off her feet with this private ride for two with Calistoga Balloons. It’s a perfect way to get a breathtaking view of Napa Valley in Northern California. You and your date will float across the sky for one hour—plenty of time to get nice and personal. Once you land, you’ll be greeted by sparkling wine and breakfast!

Emerson Wine Excursion at the Emerson Resort & Spa in New York

$1,416+ Wine is a must on Valentine’s Day. Explore wineries in the Hudson River region of New York with your honey.

This 2-night package starts off with a 7-hour chauffeured winery tour and is followed with a picnic lunch. Once your nice and full, the romance continues with a 60-minute couple’s massage. Then, head back to your room where you’ll find another bottle of wine. Whether you’re trying to impress your new lover or you’re ready to pop the question, this resort has it all. They offer engagement and elopement packages!

Gstaad Palace in Switzerland $2,057+

Snuggle up with your honey in this luxurious winter wonderland. The romantic package at the Gstaad Palace includes a 2-night stay. The room is decorated with rose petals, but if your significant other is not a fan of roses, the staff will happily use any other flower of your choosing. This romantic stay also includes a Hammam experience—a Turkish steam bath—for two.

Endless Love Package at the Villa Casa Casuarina Hotel in Florida $1086+ per night

The Villa was purchased by renowned fashion designer Gianni Versace back in 1992 and marketed as a luxury boutique hotel. If your Valentine is a fashionista, this might be the place to explore. The Endless Love Package includes a bottle of Champagne upon arrival to get things started. The hotel is home to the Million Mosaic Pool, which contains thousands of 24K gold tiles.

While you’re at the pool, you’ll sip on Versace Blue cocktails. The Villa spa offers custom treatments to get you and your love nice and relaxed.

At the end of the first night, snack on truffles and sparkling water, which are included with the package.

Romantic Escape Package at La Mamounia Marrakech in Morocco $7567+

Don’t worry about getting to and from the airport, this package has you covered. Hitch a ride in either a Daimler Jaguar or a Range Rover. This 3-night experience includes a bottle of Champagne delivered to your room, of course. A daily breakfast buffet will be served by the pool, so bring your bathing suit. No Moroccan getaway is complete without a hammam treatment in their private VIP spa. They want your stay to be passionate, so this is definitely the place to indulge. Lunch buffets and dinner a la carte are also included. Your date is sure to be impressed by this one!

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TRAVEL TRAVEL

TRAVEL TRAVEL

Aphrodisiacs A

phrodisiacs, also known as a love drug, increases your libido when consumed, increasing your sex drive all the way up. Libido is linked to testosterone because of its levels of hormones. There are many foods that stimulate this behavior because of its content.

Like Dr. Nalini Chilkov says “Love foods that stimulate desire are prized in cultures worldwide. These foods have circulatory, relaxant and muscle strengthening effects, or visual, tactile or sensory impact that stimulates the psyche. The brain, after all is the largest sexual organ in the body”. Here are some foods we love, that are considered to be aphrodisiacs.

Avocado comes from the Aztec’s native language Nahuatl. Aztecs called these fruits hanging from trees (often in pairs) “Ahuactl” meaning testicle. Aside from their sex-thetic appeal, avocados are rich in nutrients essential to sexual health including vitamin E, which is often called the “sex vitamin”, beta-carotene, magnesium and potassium. It is also rich in nutrients, folic acid, vitamin B6 and B9 that help the body produce more energy and higher levels of testosterone. Rumor is Millennials are spending a lot of money, because they cannot get enough of Avocado on their toast.

Bananas are probably the most obvious kind of aphrodisiacs out there. It’s most likely your least favorite phallic food to eat in public, but with its high levels of potassium, it will drive up a man’s sex drive naturally.

Cherries are such sexy fruits! Not only do they contain potassium and vitamin C but they also contain anthocyanins the stuff that creates their red pigmentation. It’s a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and helps maintain a healthy sex drive.

Chili peppers are aphrodisiacs as well even though it doesn’t seem like it. It is the capsaicin in the chili peppers, which is what causes them to be spicy, that will stimulate nerve endings in your tongue releasing adrenaline (epinephrine). This then causes your heart rate to increase, which then releases endorphins, the natural opiates in your body. A bite of a chili

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL

pepper might make your body temperature rise, leading you to tear off your clothes.

Chocolate, my personal favorite! The delicious and addicting sweet is made from cacao beans. The origin of the word is Aztec “Xocoatl” which was the bitter drink Aztecs brewed from the cacao beans. The Aztecs believed the cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom, which gave them so much value that they were used as a form of currency. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac because of the stimulating chemical known as phenylethlamine, that stimulates the sense of excitement and well being. According to a study by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t.

Oysters might scare away a lot of people because of its slimy appearance, but if only they knew that they are some of the most notorious natural aphrodisiacs. Oysters, the love drug, are high in zinc, which is essential for testosterone production and healthy sperm in men. They also improve dopamine levels, that boost libido in both men and women. Not only are they great for love and fertility, but oysters also contain amino acids that will trigger production of sex hormones.

Next time you’re on a date at a restaurant that serves oysters, make sure to get some with a little lemon and hot sauce, and you’ll be ready for your night.

Pomegranates might seem like that expensive super food full of antioxidants you always think twice about getting at the grocery store. Pomegranates decrease inflammation and plaque from building in your arteries. It also helps blood circulate better throughout your whole body including your genitals. Another great thing about pomegranates is that the juice has been said to help with erectile dysfunction.

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that help keep blood in your body flowing. Strawberries, bananas and Nutella are the perfect combination if you’re craving something sweet. Just like pomegranates they are loaded with vitamins vital to the production of sex hormones and chemical neurotransmitters in the brain that increase the libido. Vitamin C also helps keep your immune system up.

San Francisco’s Spanish tapas restaurant, Picaro, is perfect for a night out with your boo. Picaro has oysters that you can buy for a dollar each and are served along with lemon wedges and tobacco sauce. Once you’re there you have to make sure you order a Paella because they are filled with so much seafood and meats.

Max Brenner, the chocolate bar restaurant located on Broadway in New York City is home to rich chocolate creations. They offer thick hot chocolate, milkshakes (with chocolate) fondue experiences with strawberries, bananas, cookies, marshmallows and your choice of two chocolates. Waffles, crepes, chocolate chunk pizzas, tiramisu and of course ice cream! A night full of chocolate will be a great night for you and your lover.

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SPOTLIGHTFEATURE

Science of Love Crazy In Love

Is love really as unstoppable as it’s sought out to be?

Some people think it’s an overrated concept while others binge watch every Nicholas Sparks movie to take part in the fairytale. If you have ever felt an intense bond with another person and wasn’t sure exactly why it came about, your genes and the chemical reactions happening within your brain may be responsible. Believe it or not, there’s a complex mental process that drives our involvement with this passionate feeling thanks to our nature as humans.

It’s Easy as One, Two, Three

When you first meet someone and build up a feeling up infatuation, you are constantly in a state of chemical confusion as oxytocin or “feel good” hormones are released throughout your body. Along with sexual hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and emotional based hormones like dopamine and serotonin, you’ll feel like you’re on top of

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SPOTLIGHTFEATURE

the world. The person you’re thinking about will cross your mind frequently throughout the day, and you’ll feel addicted to their touch over time. Some people find that they can’t sleep well, eat well, and truly focus without daydreaming about being excited for the other person as well. While both of you are under the influence of infatuation, it’s not the After the appropriate time to initiate a long-term initial infatcommitment. In other words, it’s probuation stage, ably wise to not elope in Vegas after a the process of few weeks because you feel sparks of building trust chemistry. Remember that oxytocin often begins. Many lowers your response to “red flags” and couples tend heightens your sense of trust, so behavto start comiors that are otherwise harmful might be ing down from ignored while you feel butterflies. their intense After the initial infatuation stage, the honeymoon process of building trust begins. Many stage and realicouples tend to start coming down from ty begins to set their intense honeymoon stage and realin. Often, each ity begins to set in. Often, each person person within within the relationship becomes aware the relationship of the red flags they initially ignored becomes aware as they progress towards weaving their of the red flags lives together. This stage is moving past they initialfinding the best genetic fit for reproducly ignored as tion and instead discovering whether the they progress person is the right one to care for your towards weavfuture offspring. Often young couples ing their lives will experience arguments and conflict together. over traits that become annoyances over time. This is natural, as every relationship comes with learning whether or not the person will be trustworthy and reliable enough to keep around in the long term.

In the third stage of love, couples are choosing commitment and are settling down with each other in anticipation of staying together for several years to a lifetime.

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MILLENNIAL DATING Culture and the Unspoken Rules

I This is a powerful milestone, as they’ve chosen to embark on an incredible journey together. Each partner is emotionally attached at this point and are fully committed to improving the well being of each other.

This stage will only be successful if each is comfortable with monogamy and doesn’t pursue any other relationships within their life. Research shows that this level of commitment, although difficult, brings extreme happiness and satisfaction as each person is equipped with a partner for life. Couples also feel that they are more motivated than ever to improve their character for the sake of their partner and their relationship overall.

The Bottom Line Everyone will fall into the trap of love at some point

during their lifetime. Love is in fact one of the most delightful feelings we can experience as humans, and the saying “love is blind” carries truth since we can’t anticipate when we start catching such intense emotions. Once the timing and situation is just right, the chemical reaction love creates in our bodies is usually un-avoidable. Whether you ride the wave to dream about the future, find yourself lost in thought, or are confused about what’s happening inside of your mind, there’s no doubt that all the crazy things we do to chase it for the ones we care about will carry on!

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t’s hard to really pinpoint where the lack of commitment from millennial men comes from when it comes to dating. It’s a big trend amongst straight male men who are in the dating scene, not to have a title with someone who they might be seeing romantically. There are no real rules to dating but there seem to be unspoken rules that many know about. Those who have been on Tinder or similar dating apps are not always looking for the same thing you might be. A woman might be on Tinder looking for something serious, but might not necessarily put that in their bio. Men tend to have the “just looking to have fun” bio, which translates to: they’re not looking for anything serious on Tinder.

As a millennial woman, the experience of being on Tinder was one of a kind. You slowly start catching on to these “unspoken but known” dating rules. It’s a big deal to put yourself out there with all your pictures and information when you’re looking for a romantic interest. Meeting someone in a more organic way was always how I thought I would be dating, being such an extrovert and all.

Friends convinced me, after a big recent heartbreak, to sign up and try out the Tinder life. The way Tinder works is that you’re able to set up your profile connected to Facebook or your email, although most connect through Facebook, and put information in your bio that you would like others to see. You are limited to six pictures of yourself, but can also connect your Instagram to show recent pictures. If you’re really brave you can connect your Spotify for others to see what kind of music you are in to, but that was a little too much for me.

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Once your profile is all set up, you can start swiping on other people. Your preferences are adjustable in your settings on the age range you want to swipe on. A profile will pop up and you can choose to swipe right which would mean you are interested. If you swipe left that means you are not interested in talking to them. With the free Tinder profile you get one super like per day that you can use on a person you really like, and would want the app to notify them you super liked them.

Once you’re on Tinder, swiping becomes a little addicting. Receiving likes from these potential romantic interests is flattering because it means someone would like to get to know you further. I was on a mission to get over a breakup and decided I was going to go on dates. Dates don’t always go as smooth as you would expect.

My most awkward tinder date was sadly over sushi at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the heart of Palo Alto, #TaintedForever. You never know with Tinder because the conversations take place over messages, or if you exchange phone numbers, most likely it’s still just over text messages. Another unspoken rule is you don’t call the person you’re “talking” to unless you let them know you’re going to call. Having cell phones, it would make all the sense in the world to call each other, but texting and not talking on the phone is a big thing.

Why was the date so awkward you ask?

Texting this guy before the date I was hoping he was going to be nice and fun to talk to. The moment I sat down to eat with him I realized that was not accurate. He didn’t really have anything interesting to say but just kept staring. That moment was so awkward that I was just trying to come up with an excuse to leave the place in the least-rude way possible. I never saw or texted that guy again.

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My best Tinder date was at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city, which then extended to a nearby bar. After only talking to this guy for a day (texting “talking”) I knew we were going to have a lot to talk about since we were from the same area and had many things in common. I was nervous because who doesn’t get nervous before a date. The food was amazing, just like my date. He was down to get drinks at a nearby bar afterwards so we went and continued our conversation. It was the perfect date, we kept talking for a couple months after that, but nothing serious formed.

Our friendship died after that, which brings me to another unspoken rule. You have to tell the other person what you’re looking for on Tinder.

I never really told him what I was looking for on Tinder, which is the only thing I wish I had told him. I wanted something serious. Not stating what you want brings everything into assumptions. You might be looking for something serious while your person of interests is just “living life” with no commitments. Communication is key in any relationship, even friendships.

I learned the hard way that adding a potential romantic interest on all your social

media is a big no-no. If you’re still not sure how serious your relationship might get with the person you’re talking to, it is best to not add them on your social media right away. The thing I see happen the most is that once you have exchanged numbers they might want to add you on Snapchat, Facebook, or follow you on Instagram or Twitter. If you constantly post personal things that you might not want them to see yet, it’s best not to add them on social media.

The most popular trend that my friends and I have observed happen is where millennial women want exclusivity and a title from the men they talk to, but don’t get that. Men want exclusivity from women but don’t want to be official. What I mean with exclusivity is that men want to be the only man in a woman’s life, however they don’t want to be officially their boyfriend. Not having titles is a common thing to hear about, so speaking up on what you want is very import ant.

Technology has revolutionized our ways of dating. We rely on the Internet so much to live our every day lives. Whether you’re a millennial or not, its always interesting to know what unspoken rules they’re surrounded by.

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NIGHTLIFE

Love & Lingerie

W

WHAT’S HOT The model featured on the cover of our “Love and Lust” February issue, is none other than the talented Jessica Rae. She is model based in the heart of San Francisco.

Rae has made a successful career out of modeling. It was a pleasure working with Jessica Rae on this fun and sexy shoot!

On the front cover, Jessica Rae is wearing the new fishnet lace slip from Victoria’s secret, along with the Perfect Shape Full Coverage bra from the Body by Victoria collection, the Embroidered Heart Cheeky panty and Christian Louboutin Fetish Peep-Toe platform Red Sole Pumps

hen I think of Valentine’s Day, the first thing that comes to mind is love and lingerie.

Feeling sexy is such an empowerment for women. Lingerie is a luxurious way to get in THAT mood for your lover or partner. When buying lingerie, make sure that it is something you feel very comfortable in, so you can actually wear it and not leave it at the bottom of your drawer. You want to be comfortable in your lingerie outfit, allowing your confidence to radiate through, because confidence is the sexiest thing you can wear. You also want to buy quality lingerie because you will be able to feel the difference in price once you wear it. If the lingerie you choose is more of a two-piece then you need a good bra that will flatter your chest in the best way possible.

The corset bra is one of the earlier lingerie styles used. Most corsets have ties that are adjustable and will cinch your waist giving you dramatic curves. A corset bra can be worn with a very sexy lace thong or lace underwear. The corset leaves a lot to the imagination, and at the same time provides a lot of support for your breasts. They come in all sizes and colors, just make sure to choose one worth investing in because they are not cheap.

Everyone loves the Teddy style of lingerie. It is easy to wear since it’s a one piece, similar to a bathing suit, but more revealing and sexy. It is very sensual and it shows off your whole body. It can be lace, solid colors, or have all types of different style combinations. Did I mention most Teddies are meant to be stretchy and comfortable? They have minimum waist cinching which is good if you prioritize comfort over anything (usually me).

Teddies are available online or in stores at a more reasonable price than corsets would be.

Babydolls are so cute! Yes, we are still talking about lingerie here. A babydoll lingerie dress is just a short little sexy dress that tends to be sheer

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WHAT’S HOT

WHAT’S HOT

or lace. The fabric tends to flow away from the body starting right from the seam bellow the breasts. Babydolls can have a deep V-shape or triangle top (V-shapes always look great). Just like the corset, you will want to pair your babydoll lingerie dress with a cute lace thong or lace panties.

Rompers can be somewhat like the teddies because they are a one piece, but way more comfortable. They have the sexy revealing top, and have revealing shorts instead of the bikini-styled bottoms. The sexiest lingerie rompers found are the lace sheered ones with a deep V-neck. It is definitely considered more of a casual lingerie type, but still have that sexiness about them.

If you’re looking for something that is easier to put on and take off, then the slip would be perfect for you!

A slip is sort of similar to a babydoll lingerie dress but not quite. The difference is that a slip is longer in length and is more body hugging instead of flowing away from the body like the babydoll. A slip can be a little conservative and simple, for a night where you might not want anything too extravagant, or it can be completely see through for a wild night. The model in the picture is wearing the new fishnet lace slip from Victoria’s secret, along with the Perfect Shape Full Coverage bra from the Body by Victoria collection, the Embroidered Heart Cheeky panty and Christian Louboutin Fetish Peep-Toe platform Red Sole Pumps.

It’s so fun planning for a perfect night where you’re able to wear something super sexy and feel great about yourself. Lingerie isn’t just limited to the clothing but also includes accessories. Pasties and tassels can be worn along with any of your lingerie outfits. They even have edible candy pasty tassels that you can pair with a candy thong! Your lover will definitely be surprised when he sees what you’re wearing underneath. Many sites or lingerie stores also offer edible tattoos, gummy panties or body paints, which you can get as creative as you want with those.

Whether you choose a corset, a teddy, a baby doll, romper or a slip, you will love wearing lingerie as it will give you the confidence to have an adventurous night with your boo. Since you will be going through all the hard work of finding lingerie to wear for your lover, pick out some cute heels to go with it (maybe some red bottoms) and get all glammed up as well. A bold red lipstick paired with red bottoms and a teddy, will make him go crazy for you. Never be afraid or ashamed of the lingerie you choose, as long as you’re comfortable in it, that’s all that matters.

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NIGHTLIFE

Single & ready

to mingle Ok, if you’re a bachelor or bachelorette trying to go out for a night of fun in Miami and mingle, you came to the right place. This city is one of the most promiscuous places in the states, and there are a plentiful of clubs and bars to hit up if no one’s put a ring on it. We’ve narrowed it down to the three top places you should hit up if you’re going to get your freak on. Judging on how many people frequent these places to hook up or ditch their Tinder dates, these are the best party places to have a few, dance and meet a dazzling stranger.

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Bougainvilleas - Yeah, you’ve probably heard me talk about this place before, but, in all honesty, it’s not for nothing. It’s small, except for the patio, but everyone from the UM students to young business professionals go there to check out the local game. Wednesday nights is ladies night and will be one of the best times to go out there just don’t expect to get a quick drink. It’s going to take a minute before you can shuffle your way pass the throngs of dancing people and elbow your way to the bar. There’s live music on other days and other than that it’s a casual meet up for the singles in the area, but don’t let that stop you from dressing up because you’re going to have to look your best to hook the bait at this spot.

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Liv- It can’t go without mention, but if you’ve got some money to spend and you’re looking for where all the beautiful people hangout, Club Liv will “liv” up to its reputation. If you’re trying to flaunt your style there, then you better get a table, unless if you can dance your ass off.

Bottle service starts at a minimum of $1500 there, but you’ll be guaranteed to be in good-looking company.

Plus, the performances that go there are not low-brow.

This February 26th none other than Ludacris will be taking the stage, so make sure to check him out and along with any prospects you would like to take home.

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El Patio- Right in the heart of Wynwood, there is a special place for all you latin lovers. El Patio has garnered some attention these last couple of years and for good reason. It’s become a hub for that hispanic spice that Miami is rich of.

Make sure to bring out your dancing shoes for this one, though, because everyone is pulling moves out on the floor. It is what makes it a great place to meet singles. The good news is if you’re planning on buying a bottle you won’t have to wait on that crazy line in the front; the bad news is that even with a bottle you don’t get too much privacy.

It’s big place with a stage and live performances, but you’ll be shoulder to shoulder there no matter what. But that’s just another great way to meet new people as you get acquainted with every person you have to ask permission to pass as you inch your way to the bathroom.

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NIGHTLIFE

ROMANTIC Getaways

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t takes patience and compassion to be able to withstand the pangs of love. Being in a relationship takes its tolls and the rewards can sometimes be undetectable to the weary eye. When you’re both (or more, let’s not rule out polygamy and its new popularity) tired of the banality of everyday life and feeling it ripping your relationship by the seams, then it’s time that you both clock out for a while and look into a romantic getaway, in which you can enjoy the better aspects of your commitment to each other. But no need to mull over or argue where you all decide to kick back and relax, here at VIP we want to take away some of that dread and give you a few of our top choices to take your significant other (or others) to and forget about troubles. Here are our top 5 choices for romantic destinations:

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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico- Swim-up bars, plunge pools on your balcony and beautiful beaches to watch sunsets over a couple of Coronas. A little stereotypical and cliche, but it does get the job done with that extra Oooo-ahhhh that can only come from a Mattress Giant commercial. Cabo is known for its luxurious resorts that have their own unique touch of heaven. Such places like Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort pampers guest with personal butlers that tend to your every need as you look out of your ocean view private patio, equipped with a telescope to gaze at the stars with a lover.

Cabo is known as a frequent vacay for celebrities and upper class alike, but you don’t have to be ballin like Dr. Dre to enjoy all of its qualities. Aside from airfare you can budget a week trip over there for 5,000 and maybe even less if you really go shopping. Something manageable for anyone with their eyes set on a sandy resort.

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Monthey, Switzerland- For all you snow bunnies out there, there is something very unique about this part of the Alps that can help you enjoy the outdoors and Switzerland’s mountains. You can now enjoy the beauty of the Alps in Whitepods, which allow you to experience everything up close. Whitepods are like eco-friendly, igloo-shaped tents that keep you cozy and snuggled up for this romantic Swiss mountain resort. They have all sorts of outdoor activities that you can plan for like paragliding, hiking with dogs and a lot more that can even be kid friendly (in case you can’t shake the little rascals loose).

The daily rate to stay out there is about $400, but is well worth it when you count everything included especially the fact that you’ll be staying in the SCENE Alps. | FEBRUARY 2018 56 |VIP CLUB

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Phi Phi Islands, Thailand- If you are really trying to get lost and go to the least human inhabitable place, then you found yourself a winner. The scenery just to get into the islands are mesmerizing as you get rowed in river boats and feel the grandeur of nature swallow you into the Islands cliffs. One of the Islands are completely uninhabited by humans and without roads, in case you would like to welcome yourself to the jungle.

The hotels can vary and go as cheap as $80. So it’s definitely doable for the blue collar vacation goer.

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Bora Bora, French Polynesia- Of course, you can’t rule out the illustrious small Pacific Island of Bora Bora. For all you scuba divers out there, go out there and enjoy the turquoise lagoon that’s protected by a coral reef. Here, you can rent out a bungalow on stilts over the water and wake up to the picturesque scenery that the pacific has to offer.

The flight there won’t be cheap and the hotels can range anywhere from $150-$1000, but it will be something to brag about when you’re taking your coffee break round around the office.

Bird Island, Belize- Located off the banks of Placencia, Belize, you can have a whole private island to yourself. That’s right! For $595 a day you can rent out a tiny island to do whatever kinky love you like without the neighbors knocking their broomsticks next door. On the island is a three bedroom house with a cabana. The only unfortunate thing about this home away from home is that it’s booked for the next couple of years, but if you’re an early planner, this is where you should look at.

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Going out is for the fiery, youthful soul that wants to just have fun. The nightclub scene is filled with temptation, desire, drinks and dance and can be a dangerous grounds for those of us that are taken. Of course, you shouldn’t be fettered by a relationship and not allowed to go out and have fun, but, let’s be honest here, how many of us enjoy a lascivious wink from across the bar belonging to a sexy stranger.

When partying at clubs, it’s difficult to discern what cheating is to begin with. Is talking to a someone you don’t know cheating? Especially if the only reason you are talking to them is because you think they’re hot. Or is grinding on someone (ahem, dancing) just because your favorite song is on considered cheating as well.

Well, let’s just set some things straight with all that. If you’re going out without any intention of looking around or mingling then you are only lying to yourself.

The club scene is the quintessential mating ground for humans and even if you’re taken, doesn’t mean you won’t be taken over by lust. It’s very obvious that when you are looking your best that you are doing it to feel empowered and attractive, and that doesn’t mean you want glaring eyes coming your way, but there are a few that are welcomed. It’s hard to go out and not hear your devil’s voice whispering in your ear “just do it,” and that doesn’t mean that they’re sponsored by Nike. It just means that you’re human and the fact that you need to fight back shows you exactly

NIGHTLIFE

To Lust & Lose

58 |VIP CLUB SCENE | FEBRUARY 2018

VIP CLUB SCENE | FEBRUARY 2018 | 59

what you’re really doing.

Now, the initial response here will be that “I don’t go out looking for someone.” We know. But there is that little bit of you that knows that you might and will probably enjoy. There is of course the ladies night out, and we here at VIP are not trying to bash on you ladies enjoying yourselves with your girlfriends.

Hell, if anything girls night out is sacred night that should not be belittled by this bantered of cheating.

But, tell me you don’t still check out a few studs in agreement. It’s only looking after all, not cheating. We know.

But the point here is temptation and how easy it is to fall from grace when you’re young, tipsy and feeling your heart pump to the rhythm of the club. It’s all too hard to ignore. How does one even fight that human urge to be bad?

Doesn’t mean we’re all wired that way. Some of us really just want to be with our friends and dance within our designated group. But why spend all that money to do so if that’s all?

Well, to each their own, but people do cheat almost every night at the club. Some guys go and do so completely intentional because of the anonymity that comes with a dim-lit club in downtown or wherever else they might go. You don’t have to have small talk; you don’t have to get to know each other; you don’t have to find out what the other person likes to be able to interact.

You just have to be attracted to one another, and it’s that primal instinct that facilitates our raging hormones and allows us to abandon reason and fidelity. Tis why it is a deadly sin and such a rudimental aspect of our humanity.

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