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FENUXE

Tyler Calkins PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF tyler@fenuxe.com Anne Clarke • Associate Publisher Anne@fenuxe.com D. David Kinney • Digital editor Mikkel Hyldebrandt • Fashion & Grooming Director Dino Thompson-Sarmiento • Senior Writer

ART Josh Murtha • ART DIRECTOR

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To advertise, please call 404.835.2016 email info@fenuxe.com or visit www.fenuxe.com Published by MEDIA POP, inc © 2014 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1599-A Memorial Drive, Atlanta GA, 30317 Phone: 404.835.2016 | Fax: 404.835.2356 Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers only. Fenuxe accepts no liability for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed in this issue are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of MEDIA POP, Inc.

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FENUXE 1.30.2014

FEATURES 16 The Joining Band 18 Dining Done Right 20 Treat Yourself To A Prettier You 22 Winter Getaway: Island of Cozumel 24 How To Put Passion Back Into Your Sex LIfe 26 Joining Hearts' Love on the Rocks 28 The Next Step: Building The LGBT Family 30 Trevor's Tool(s) 36 Tipping The Scales 44 Photo Shoot: Keeping it Tight! 66 Reservations for L'Amour

ESSENTIALS 55 56 58 60 62 64

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Fashion

Joining Band the

Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Fashion Director

MARRIAgE EQUALITY IS AdVANCINg AT A RATE MANY OF US NEVER IMAgINEd POSSIBLE. HERE’S A LOOk AT THE JEWELRY THAT JOINS TWO PEOPLE IN LOVE ANd MARRIAgE.

Everyone knows that Georgia hasn’t legalized same-sex marriage; however, you can still enjoy marital bliss by traveling to another state for your marriage ceremony. And that means shopping for wedding rings! However, this is uncharted territory for many gays who will have questions like: Should the rings match? Should you go for precious stones? Should you search beyond a ring? According to Harry Botnick at Worthmore Jewelers, gay men and women are surprisingly traditional when it comes to which type of jewelry they choose to represent their union—99.9% choose rings! Very few gays chose other types of jewelry like bracelets, pendants or watches. “Eighty ﬁve percent of our male clientele choose matching rings and most go for styles with no precious stones. If they want to go with stones, it's usually 1-3 stones,” Harris Botnick explains, “The ladies tend to go for the more traditional wedding band look, but also tend to choose two diﬀerent styles.” Michelle Shoemaker who manages Brown & co. Jewelers agrees with that assessment: “We haven't experienced anyone going for a nontraditional approach to represent their union. Everyone has been purchasing rings that are matching and the precious stone of choice is a diamond,” she tells FEnUXE. So there you have it: If you're getting hitched you’d better put a ring on it! 16 : January 30, 16, 2014 2014

White Gold Princess and Trillion Engagement Ring, $3,995 – available at Love & Pride

Yellow Gold Trillion Combination Ring, $3,950– available at Love & Pride

Chris Ploof Arcturus Meteorite Ring, starting at $1,659 – available at Worthmore Jewelers

Rony 14K White Gold KNOT Wedding Band, $900 - available at Hudson Grove & Co.

Cartier Yellow Gold Wedding Band, $1,180

Tiﬀany Moderne Ring Serling Silver, $250

Benchmark Cobalt Men's Wedding Band, $240 each – available at Brown & Co. Jewelers

Bridal by Brown & Co. White Gold and Diamond Women's Wedding Band, $3,500

Woven Wedding bands Platinum and Gold by Todd Alan Studios, starting at $923

3 HOW-TO'S ON TYINg THE gAY kNOT Who Asks Whom? Traditionally, the guy asks the the gal, but who pops the question when it's two guys? Or two ladies? Does the top ask the bottom? The butch kneels before the femme? Luckily, there's no need to go with traditional stereotypes (or gay clichés) in this matter. A quick survey among already legally joined gay couples shows that there really is no pecking order – the more romantically inclined typically proposes. Either way it's a wonderful 'coming out' as a couple – and we urge you to YouTube the proposal!

On What Hand Should Gays Wear The Wedding Band? Before the laws on gay marriage started to change it was customary for gay couples who got hitched to wear the wedding band on the right hand. It was a subtle stab at the heterosexual holy matrimony where the ring is traditionally worn on the left hand. But now we might see gay couples transitioning back to the left. Also, in Europe it is customary to wear the wedding ring on the right to make it more obvious that you're taken when you shake hands with others.

How Do You Refer To Your Signiﬁcant Other? The most common label used for being in a long-term committed relationship is undoubtedly 'partner'. But now that times are changing, the recurrence of husband and wife when referring to your same-sex partner is quickly becoming the proper term.

Put a ring on it!

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eats

other menu items include a selection of starters that include: crisp hushpuppies, deviled eggs and pierogies. the main entrees include tasty staples like a juicy pork chop, chicken ﬁngers, a whole, roasted chicken, an amazing steak frites plate and classic shrimp and grits. even though each dish may seem traditionally Southern, executive chef Scott crombie has infused each and every bite with notable and delicious contemporary twists. for example, don’t miss the amazingly smooth sauce with a slight kick that accompanies the hushpuppies. Additionally there are the buttered beans steamed to perfection with a slight hint of garlic and the mac and cheese which is topped with a cracker crumble. they’re some of the most delectable sides you can imagine.

Dining Done

Right The New Table at Ten Mikkel Hyldebrandt

The new dining concept at TEN Atlanta is simple: keep it about the food and don't over-conceptualize it. When done right, the food will resonate on its own. FENUXE sat down for a talk with Kevin Spencer and a taste of what is offered at the new Table at TEN. It's been a year since ten Atlanta ﬁrst opened its doors oﬀering a bar food-inspired menu at the popular midtown hangout. However, the fun nightlife spot hasn’t been able to shake its bar-with-bar-food image. Despite an Asian-inspired menu revision last fall, ten was overlooked by midtown diners who were looking for a bite to eat while waiting for the magic hour (10 p.m. of course) when the restaurant transforms into a nightclub... but that's about to change. Kevin Spencer, a writer and musician, along with his wife Krystee manifold Spencer (former manager of Wet Bar and guest-star on tV shows “Designed to Sell” & “curb Appeal”), marcus Sanders and nicholas Pascale have teamed up with ten owner James nelson to create a new dining experience at the popular bar – it's simply called table at ten and the aim is to do the dining experience right. Why table at ten? Because the table is a place where people come together. “We made an extensive list of what brings people together: family, food, drinks, friendship – and a table!” Kevin Spencer says about how the name came about, “It was literally right there.” the aim is

18 : January 30, 2014

to bring a sense of family back into the dining experience with well-prepared, high quality food items that are rooted in Southern food culture, but with that coveted contemporary twist. the new menu will not only comfort but also surprise and thrill every diner’s palate. But the play on family goes even deeper than that: “everyone needs a family,” Kevin Spencer says, “It may not be the family you are related to, but the friends that you surround yourself with—the people that you call family.” the strong sense of family—in all its variations— and getting friends together is also reflected in the menu. one of the highlights on the new menus is the fried chicken & friendship; a prix fixe menu consisting of traditional familystyle fried chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, mac n’ cheese, deviled eggs, and biscuits with gravy. And, of course, to top it all off there is a pineapple upside down cake for dessert! However, it’s not just the ‘homecoming’ meal itself that screams family, but the fact that the prix fixe menu can only be reserved in advance by four people or more. So before you sink your teeth into the crisp, fried chicken, tasty mac and cheese and the smoothest potato mash you’ll ever have, you have to consider who you want to share the meal with—who do you consider family?

If you wish to eat lighter, try customizing your own salad from the bottom up with their impressive list of ingredients. you can’t go wrong since very sauce, dressing and dish component is made from scratch with only the best of ingredients—a condition that Scott crombie was adamant about when hired for the job as table at ten’s executive chef. right now table at ten is open for dinner service from 5-10 p.m. with the full-bar opening for the Atlanta party crowd 10 p.m. Diners can continue the fun on the dance ﬂoor or enjoy the privacy of their cozy table. every Sunday table at ten takes over the entire bar space to serve up their already popular “Sunday Brunch At your leisure,” which features an unlimited selection of brunch faves and made to order omelettes. Similar to the the dinner experience at table at ten the idea is not to rush anything and let guests enjoy hours of delicious food, drinks and great company. future plans include extending their hours to include lunch and to introduce a grab-and-go selection between the wee hours of 2-5 a.m. this will be perfect for the party people who want to satisfy those late night munchies after a night of solely liquid ingestion. table at ten is undeniably a welcome addition to the midtown restaurant scene. It will no doubt thrill diners with its new twist on Southern cooking and refreshingly straightforward concept of—to use the exact words of Kevin Spencer—dining done right.

FENUXE.COM : 19

LOVE

HOW TO PUT PASSION BACK INTO YOUR

SEX LIFE. Mike Alvear

Think back at the most memorable sex you’ve ever had. What do you remember most--that thing he did with his tongue or the feeling of getting sucked into a vortex of sexual energy that made you temporarily forget your name? Being good in bed isn’t about what you can do to him; it’s about where you can take him. It’s not that technique isn’t important, but technique without passion just makes you a skilled worker. Passion is a funny thing. you can’t teach it because it’s not a skill. you can’t acquire it because it’s not a possession. And you can’t learn it because there are no instructions. like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it. If passion has one deﬁning characteristic, it’s energy. movement. Action. convergence. By movement I don’t mean sexual calisthenics—setting up a trapeze, swinging from the chandeliers and diving into pillowed mosh pits. there’s nothing wrong with that, but passion deﬁnes movement as something that builds and resolves anticipation. movement that creates the 20 : January 30, 2014

unexpected. movement that travels from dissonance to harmony. It can be subtle, silent or loud. It can make you shiver, sigh or scream. It can pull you down like a whirlpool, suck you up like a tornado or waft you aloft on a magic carpet. CONSIdER THE PASSIONATE kISS: He stops an inch before your lips. The space between crackles with anticipation. He doesn’t back up. He doesn’t move forward. You’re caught in his tease. Your heart climbs the stairs. He leans in. Your lips part and… This is sexual energy in motion: It holds a chord and waits for the resolving note. It pushes you to the brink and pulls you back just in time to push you again. It has an upward trajectory, transferring from one partner to the other. movement is passion’s starting point. It can be subtle— an unresolved kiss—or explicit—throwing each other around like rag dolls. Cover Your Eyes So Your Mind Can See. Want to see passion’s power? try this experiment. Blindfold each other in bed. By subtracting one sense, blindfolds require the other four to work harder. Without vision, two hands can feel like four or six. the intriguing part is that you don’t know

where the next touch or probe is going to come from. Sensations are heightened and here’s the best part: everybody looks like a million bucks! So here’s how it works: you and your partner blindfold yourselves and sit naked on the opposite corners of the bed. on a whispery count of three, slowly advance toward each other. touch, explore, discover. What do you do? Where do you go? you don’t know. that’s the point. If neither of you can see each other’s facial expressions during the action, it’ll leave you with a tingling curiosity: “What’s he thinking?” “What’s she feeling?” think of it as a blank canvas for the imagination. By depriving yourself of sight you create anticipation and heighten the senses. When that happens every position is a new position—unless darkness works its mischief and you knock him oﬀ the bed or he calls you by the wrong name. Talking. The Second Best Thing You Can do With Your Lips. Passion pretty much requires talking. Dirty talking. there’s scientiﬁc backing for this. Speaking or hearing sexually charged words is known to spike dopamine transmissions in brain chemistry, triggering sexual excitement.

this is how “tabasco talk” ignites an erotic loop: you make a sound or say something. your partner responds. His acknowledgement of your arousal arouses you. your excitement excites him and soon you’re both sucked up into a vortex of pleasure. What does talking sexy mean? most people think “talking dirty” is a vulgar, in-your-face prison-style accounting of what you want to do behind closed doors. But there’s a lot more to it than the lunatic ravings of a horny junkyard dog (although there is much to say for that, too). learning the art of sexy talk is easy. All you have to do is… Notice the sensations in your body. Express them. Ask for what you want. Talk about it. Anticipate how good it’s going to feel. Breathe heavily. Think about your fantasy. Voice it. Notice his body. Compliment him. Does it feel good? Tell him.

Do you like the way he’s touching you? Moan. Are you getting hard? Groan. Are you close? Announce it. I want to verb your noun. It’s not what you say but that you say. If you think you’ve got to come up with something flowery, StoP. Back up. let me introduce you to the first rule of tabasco talk: no Poetry. Any word with more than two syllables is a word with too many syllables. too shy? A great way to ease into it is to practice on the phone when you’re out of town. there’s no eye contact and the distance provides an emotional buffer. Another good way to get comfortable with naughty words is to play a word game I call naughtirati. your partner draws naughty words on your naked back and you guess what they are. Be playful. this isn’t serious. It’s fun. And wet, too, if your partner draws the words with his tongue.

Verb me! Verb me now! It doesn’t matter what you say but the authenticity with which you say it. Well, unless you say something that’s going to break the mood like, “Drill me with that axis of evil between your legs!” the objective isn’t creativity; it’s conductivity. think of talking in bed as caressing your lover with words. entice, excite, enchant. Don’t be captive to silence. free your tongue, the zest will follow. Oooh, Ahhh, Huff, Puff, gasp! Passion is erotic energy unleashed. the formula is simple: Words + Action = oh my! Go right, fake left, bend low, go up the middle. Get into it. Zing, zip, rest, start over. And talk, moan, laugh or groan through all of it. It’s sex tivo style: Play…fast forward…slow motion…stop… rewind…play. Pant, pant.

Michael Alvear is the author of the international sensation, “How To Bottom Like A Porn Star: The Ultimate Guide To Gay Sex.” Available at www.gaydatingsuccess.net/howtohavegaysex

FENUXE.COM : 21

Xplore

WINTER GETAWAY:

ISLAND OF COZUMEL D. David Kinney

Cozumel

Despite having spent years in New England during college there is little doubt that I’m a true Atlantan when it comes to winter weather. When the temperature dips below 40 degrees my thoughts are consumed by images of warm sandy beaches and refreshing tropical drinks. So, last month’s freezing temperatures here in the Peach State (thanks Polar Vortex…) left me searching for a warm respite.

22 : January 30, 2014

Bundled up in front of a roaring fire I started planning the perfect Caribbean winter vacation. I knew that the Southern Caribbean islands would be the warmest choice for this time of year; however, flights to Aruba and Barbados can be incredibly expensive during the winter. I wasn’t the only person looking for a tropical jaunt and the airlines know it!

plane ticket. If you fly into Cancún you can take a bus or taxi thirty miles south to the beach town of Playa del Carmen. From there catch one of the the Cozumel Ferries. They’re located at the ferry terminal in downtown Playa del Carmen and cost $10.90 one-way. The ferry to Cozumel leaves every hour starting 7 a.m. with the last ferry leaving for Cozumel at 10 p.m.

With great deals on airfare, and being a short two and a half hour flight from Atlanta, I chose the island of Cozumel as my tropical destination. Although Cozumel is a part of Mexico and sits off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula it has unabashedly retained its Caribbean island characteristics. Here you’re more likely to hear Bob Marley and steel drums than Spanish music.

Once you’re off the ferry and on tierra firme look for a taxi that can take you to your hotel (don’t worry there are plenty of taxis on the island). We suggest checking out the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. This large hotel sits prominently on Cozumel’s west coast giving guests the ultimate luxury… privacy! With 220 guestrooms the hotel is large enough to provide all of the amenities you’ll want during your tropical stay, but it is still small enough that you’ll receive a personalized vacation experience.

In addition to being sunny and warm, Cozumel is also very gay-friendly. The island, which is actually larger than the island country of Barbados, even has its own Pride celebration. Plus, gay couples can legally get married in Cozumel because Quintana Roo, the Mexican state that includes Cozumel, officially recognizes gay marriages. Before you book your flight you’ve got to make a decision right off the bat. Do you fly directly to Cozumel and pay a little more for your airfare or do you fly into nearby Cancún? Flying into Cozumel is hands down the easiest option; however, if you’re up for a small adventure you can save a good amount of money on your

After checking in to the hotel it’s best to get the requisites out of the way. Head to one of the numerous bars on the property and order up your favorite fruity beach drink. It’s the Caribbean! Drinks don’t have calories down here! Now with your drink in hand take a moment to enjoy the peace and serenity of the resort because your vacation is just starting and you’ve got tons of stuff to do! From taking a few swings on the hotel’s putting green to doing your best Rafael Nadal impression on the tennis courts this hotel has plenty for those wanting to stay active.

But we’re at the beach after all so grab your snorkel gear and head out to the half mile of sugary white sand beach in front of the Presidente InterContinental and swim out to the Palancar coral reef just offshore. The reef is part of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and is also great for diving. If you’re planning on diving make sure your certifications are up-to-date and that you’re comfortable with depths that range from fifty to one hundred and ten feet. Even if you’re just snorkeling you can expect to see great sea life including: angelfish, barracuda, moray eels, sharks, sunfish, parrotfish, sea turtles and lobster. If you’re looking for a more public beach to relax, meet new friends and play with some awesome water toys (jet skis, sea kayaks, etc.) take a taxi to Paradise Beach. For a mere $3 you get access to their beachfront, sparkling swimming pool, lounge chairs, multiple bars, changing rooms and bathrooms. When Paradise Beach opened their swimming pool in 2010 it was the largest one on the island. It’s also just a few feet down the beach from Carlos’n Charlie’s where you can party island style well into the night. Ask for a “ChiChi” which is half piña colada and half strawberry daiquiri. If all of that fun in the sun and alcohol has you a little worn out take a rejuvenating trip to the hotel’s Mandara Spa. With private rooms and rooms for couples the Mandara Spa offers several enticing spa packages including: a Mayan cooling bath ritual, an Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine facial, an outdoor soaking tub experience and private oceanside massage. After several glorious days on the island of Cozumel you’ll undoubtedly be asking where the time went and eagerly anticipating your next trip. Would work really miss you if you took a few extra days of vacation? We totally won't tell your boss if you decide to head back to Playa del Carmen for a few more days in the sun. But you’ll have to read about that adventure in a future FENUXE Xplore feature!

Grooming

Treat Yourself To A Prettier You Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Fashion Director

get New Shoes Ever get that feeling whenever you buy a new pair of shoes that it's almost like getting all new outfits because the shoes make everything look different? All the time, right? Which is why we recommend you get out and start shoe-shopping right now. get An Adjustment You know the saying that half of your confidence is how you carry yourself? Why not take that notion to the chiropractor and have him adjust your posture so it's all shoulders back and stomach in afterwards? Because remember: carry yourself like a queen and you will attract a king…

ENOUgH WITH ALL THE 'NEW YEAR, NEW YOU' NONSENSE! COUNTINg CALORIES ANd HITTINg THE gYM SEVEN dAYS A WEEk IS SO TWO-THOUSANd-ANd-FOURgET-ABOUT-IT! NOW IS THE TIME TO CHOOSE A QUICk-FIX THAT WILL HAVE YOU LOOkINg ANd FEELINg BETTER – ANd WITH ABSOLUTELY NO SWEATINg IN THE gYM IN SIgHT! SHALLOW, YOU SAY? NOT A BIT! BUT I AM dIggINg THE WAY MY SkIN LOOkS RIgHT NOW… get A Snail Slime Cream Snail Slime may be the newest thing in skin care, but don't expect to have snails crawling all over your face. Advanced extraction techniques harvest the slime, which is then used as a potent component in high-end skin care products. Try the Sesderma Snailas Facial Gel ($78), which will boost your skin's metabolism, redeﬁne its structure and reduce ﬁne lines and wrinkles. Available online at tdouglasgurleymd.com.

get A Manzilian Unwanted body hair? Let an experienced waxer take care of that—there is no hair from top to, ahem, bottom that can't be removed by waxing or sugaring. Don't be shy, you are in the hands of professionals and once that ﬁrst wax-oﬀ rip sounds, you won't be thinking of anything inappropriate for a little while... But afterwards everything from your eyebrows, to back hair and private parts will feel smooth and incredibly sexy. Try malewaxingatlanta.com.

get A Spray Tan Do you need a shovel to go with your pale? Forego the tanning booth, which will both age your skin and increase your risk of cancer. Try a spray tan instead. There is an imminent danger of too dark a hue and discolored nails, but do your research right and you can get that coveted sunkissed glow in no time—and with no telltale markings. And if you are bold, you can even have your abs enhanced (or even completely painted on) with crafty shadowing.

get A Barbershop Shave nothing transforms a man from an unkempt gargoyle to a groomed hunk like a beard trim or a full shave. If you want to treat yourself and get the best possible result, you have to go to a classic barber shop. There is just something about getting every hair in place while treating the skin with hot towels and lotions that completely relaxes you— and more importantly visibly changes your look. Try Piedmont Barbers for your shaving needs.

24 : January 30, 2014

get Your Hair did It’s amazing how you can literally feel lighter after getting a haircut. We're not talking a radical new look or letting your colorist go crazy (in fact, should you even have a colorist?), but a nice little high-and-tight trim will do wonders for how you feel and look.

FENUXE.COM : 25

Event

Joining Hearts'

Love On The ROcks D. David Kinney

Joining Hearts is teaming up with Cantoni Furniture for this year’s “Love on the Rocks” Valentine’s day themed cocktail party. the much-anticipated Joining Hearts annual event is coming soon and organizers are already preparing a great party for Sunday, february 9th at cantoni Atlanta. “love on the rocks was created seven years ago as a way of expanding the Joining Hearts events schedule and providing a new and unique opportunity to help raise additional money. the idea was to create a unique event that would attract guests and help expand the reach of fundraising for Joining Hearts,” Jerry Henderson, Joining Hearts’ Director of events, told fenuxe during a recent interview.

Joining Hearts is well-known in Atlanta for its fantastic events that range from the summertime pool party main event to its “change of Seasons” party in the Spring. With Atlantans expecting great things from Joining Hearts in 2014 the organization is prepared to start the year off right with “love on the rocks” february 9th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. “this year is shaping up to be our best event yet. the host committee has been hard at work to try and top our success from last year,” Henderson added, “Guests can expect great music from DJ Scott Anthony and hors d’oeuvres by Bridge catering. our Joining Hearts ‘Heartthrobs’ will be behind the bar serving up cocktails from Ketel one and the Silent Auction [will have] many unique and one-of-a-kind items.” So how can you join in on the fun and help raise money for Joining Hearts? there are several ways to get involved! tickets are now available at joininghearts.org and you can choose between General Admission ($25) and VIP Admission ($50). General Admission tickets will include: complimentary cocktails from Ketel one, tasty Bridge catering hors d’oeuvres and access to the Silent Auction. Want to go VIP? you’ll have access to an exclusive bar with an expanded bar menu and a private seating area. choosing the VIP ticket level at a Joining Hearts event is a fun way to donate to charity. But if you’re planning to go to all of the Joining Hearts events this year why not consider becoming a Patron or Sponsor? you will receive VIP access to all of their major events: “love on the rocks,” the “change of Seasons” tea dance, the exclusive “Private Patron & Sponsor Appreciation Party” and the Joining Hearts 27 main event pool party. In addition to purchasing tickets or becoming a patron or sponsor you can also benefit Joining Hearts by simply shopping at cantoni furniture during the event. “cantoni is thrilled to team up with Joining Hearts for its annual “love on the rocks” event and support its great work in the community in Atlanta. As part of our partnership, they will be donating a portion of sales made during the event to the organization, so please come shop. cantoni has provided the best in modern furnishings and creative interior design services to Atlantans since 2003,” Henderson explained. looking for the after party? the love on the rocks party will move from cantoni furniture to the other side of Piedmont Park at ten Atlanta. ten’s friendly bartenders and staff will keep the music going and drinks flowing well into the night. ten Atlanta will also be donating 10% of its sales on february 9th to Joining Hearts. for more information and to purchase tickets visit joininghearts.org

26 : January 30, 2014

Family

This Page Was Mislabled "Advertisement" In The Print Run Of This Issue

THE NEXT STEP

BUILDING THE LGBT FAMILY DINO THOMPSON-SARMIENTO AND CHRISTOPHER DANIEL before determining proper treatment plans. then the medical specialists counsel their patients on issues such as poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PcoS), miscarriages and poor sperm quality. each procedure selected honors the particular needs and concerns of the patient or couple. In turn, the objective is to always honor the desired outcome each patient anticipates. Any guests that enter GrS for assistance can expect a top quality, supportive environment. the lab specialists oﬀer state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and technologies used in vitro fertilization as well as hormone and sperm analyses. each doctor and nurse works in the best interest of one’s body type, religious and spiritual aﬃliation, cultural ethics, values and socioeconomic status. the doctors and nurses devise plans of action in response to the patient's medical situation. more importantly, each patient is regarded as a partner or major collaborator throughout the entire process.

With the legalization of same-sex marriage in 17 states the definition of family in America is evolving. For LgBT couples in particular, many are seeking to expand their homes with children. When it comes to planning parenthood and structuring families, no organization has been more instrumental in seeing the bigger picture quite like georgia Reproductive Specialists (gRS). GrS, a progressive medical practice with over forty employees and three offices located throughout metro Atlanta, is one of the lGBt community’s greatest miracle workers and silent heroes. Since GrS’s inception 14 years ago, the organization continues to work passionately to accommodate couples looking to conceive with personable care, technology and cost-effective services. GrS’s website IVf.com is full of helpful video demonstrations, newsletters, fact sheets, patient testimonials and statistical charts highlighting their success and cutting edge patient care. Sometimes even straight couples can’t conceive and it’s estimated that six-plus million people suffer from infertility. GrS’s staff works to ensure family building is a top priority. their diverse team of doctors and nurses use their exceptional expertise and extensive research backgrounds to build awareness and educate their clientele on various health-related issues and reproductive disorders hindering them from adding on to their families. the medical specialists will successfully determine the cause of infertility in each patient. the doctors research both the males’ and females’ medical histories. they perform fertility evaluations 28 : January 30, 2014

As part of GrS’ community outreach a specialist hosts a seminar on fertility options every second Wednesday of each month. the seminars are free sessions held after business hours from 7:00-8:30 p.m. those who attend may get a tour of the facility, experience a formal presentation and participate in a Q&A session. even patients who have no medical beneﬁts are encouraged to meet with one of the physicians for consultation. Gay male couples and single men will always have the need for donor eggs, known or unknown, and a gestational carrier or traditional surrogate. A gestational carrier has no genetic tie with the child she is carrying; donor eggs were used and IVf was performed. While rare, a traditional surrogate contributes her own eggs to be fertilized with the sperm and will share a genetic link to the child.

for women who have poor egg quality, nonfunctioning ovaries or are affected by genetics, GrS will help in matching a donor through their egg donation program. the egg donation process involves a donor selected by the recipient or recipient couple, either known or anonymous, who will go through ovulation induction to produce multiple eggs. the eggs are retrieved from the donor, fertilized with the sperm and the embryos are then transferred to the recipient. each donor is screened and matched based on the recipient’s qualifications. Despite Georgia’s ongoing battle with intolerance of the lGBt community, GrS has proven to be an ally and safe space. lGBt couples and prospective parents can go there with no judgment and they can be assured that they will be treated with respect. GrS has also been a longtime supporter of Atlanta Pride and the lGBt community. they take great pride in nurturing ongoing relationships with all of their clients and patients. the staff personally and collectively stays in contact with the families they assist. for those individuals looking to be part of a familyoriented practice while taking a step in the right direction to create solid families, look no further—GrS lays a strong foundation to ensure this success. even though marriage equality is still illegal in Georgia, GrS works tirelessly to honor and recognize family beyond conventional husband-and-wife unions.

LgBT Seminar Wednesday, March 19, 2014 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. For more information visit IVF.com or call 404-843-2229

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interview

HE IS A BEAUTIFUL BEAST, EVERYTHINg IS gARgANTUAN ANd BULgINg ON THIS MAN— HIS BOdY CARVEd BY SWEAT, dEdICATION ANd dETERMINATION. AS YOUR EYES dRINk IN HIS PERFECTLY CHISELEd PHYSIQUE YOUR HEART IS WARMEd BY HIS CHARM ANd gENTLE dEMEANOR. HE IS FUNNY ANd PLAYFUL WITH A COMMANdINg PRESENCE WHOSE SOUL BLANkETS YOU WITH kINdNESS. TREVOR AdAMS, THE PERFECT MAN IS A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS MOdEL, PREVIOUS PLAYgIRL “MAN OF THE MONTH” ANd PERSONAL TRAINER. I CALLEd HIM UP ANd ASkEd IF HE WOULd SHARE SOME OF HIS EXPERTISE WITH ALL THE FENUXE MAgAzINE gYM BUNNIES ANd AS USUAL HE WAS MORE THAN HAPPY TO SHARE HIS THOUgHTS.

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Trevor’s TOOL(S) How many days per week do folks need to work out? Trevor - Well it depends on your starting point. If you are just getting into the groove of things and the gym is a new experience for you, start off with just 2-3 days, skipping a day in between. It's always best to get your feet wet first, this allows the body and mind to adjust, and then you can make the necessary adjustments after that. It's best not to compare yourself to someone else and set your own (reasonable) goals and stick with it. If you’re a beginner, you may want to bring a workout partner or hire a trainer for motivation and instructional advice. Should I eat before a workout and if I do what should I eat? Trevor - It's best to keep it simple prior to a workout in terms of consuming food. If you have a full stomach when working out, your body is focused on digestion and not working out. During the time of digestion, (and while working out) your body is supplying the stomach with oxygenated blood so your body is also having to redirect the blood supply to the necessary muscles which will result in you feeling fatigued. I would keep the calorie count under around 300 prior to a workout with strictly carbs/protein. If you can just consume this in liquid form (shake/smoothie) then you'll thank yourself later as liquids absorb much quicker than solids and you shouldn’t feel the nauseous effects either. What should I eat after a workout? Trevor - I think most fitness enthusiasts would agree that protein and carbs are very important immediately following a workout. If you can accomplish this in a shake or smoothie formula it will absorb quicker. However, this most likely won't curb your appetite, so you may want to incorporate quality sources of food (lean meat and carbs) for optimal results. Will I have to do cardio? Trevor - Well with all things considered, you don't have to do anything, ha ha. You get out of something what you put into it - we've all heard the cliché. cardio is great for a warm-up prior to weight training exercises or it's good to do on the days where you may not have the energy for a full workout (with the weights) or if you aren't an experienced gym-goer and cardio is all you know - it's better to get in the gym and do something, however, you'll find it more rewarding if you actually

Dino Thompson-Sarmiento

enjoy the process and don't suffer through it. If you don't look forward to your workout, guess what, you won't be as enthused about coming back and you will undoubtedly quit. Should I do Cardio or Weights first? Trevor - I'd recommend cardio as a warm-up, slower speeds, progressing up to slightly faster speeds to get the muscles warmed up and then transition to weight training. casual stretching is recommended soon after cardio as the muscles are more flexible at this point. Stretching while the muscles are cold and prior to a 'warm-up' will inevitably lead to a muscle tear or strain. conversely, since weight training requires more energy, some people want to do it first, exhaust themselves, and then taper off with cardio. Either way can work - to each his own. What is the best diet for weight loss? Trevor - You’ll need to learn to start counting calories. If you don’t know your numbers, you’ll be dieting forever - there is no true way around it. That's like trying to find out how much money you spent at the grocery store if you don’t have a receipt. The receipt allows you to itemize each product purchased and see exactly what the total is. If you can’t afford something, you browse the receipt, see what item doesn’t fit your budget and put it back, the price then becomes cheaper. A nutritional plan works the same way. If your day to day eating habits (nutritional plan) are under control then you'll never have to diet again. A diet is a reduction in calories from your nutritional plan, so if your nutritional plan requires many calories per day and your diet requires much less - will you lose weight? Sure you will, however, you most likely won't enjoy the process or quality of life for that matter. In addition, you'll be yo-yo dieting for quite some time until you get your day to day eating habits under control. You can do this by counting calories and by learning the nutritional labels: protein vs fats vs carbs (macronutrients) and don’t forget to count the serving size as well. After counting your calories for each meal, beverage, and snack, (excluding water and diet sodas), jot these numbers down on a piece of paper for a week and get an average. If you don't like the way you look at the end of the week, taper back a measly 500 calories per day.

(doesn’t have to come from one meal) and watch the pounds fall off. If you want to taper off more, do so, you’re your own finish line. Best part is, you can still eat the foods you love but you now have a formula to follow to help you track your daily caloric intake and slowly lose the weight all without having to adhere to a traditional diet. Are there any secrets or short cuts? Trevor - There are many short cuts and here’s the short list: don't keep 'cheat treats' accessible; this means at the home or the office. Keeping small 'healthy' snacks accessible (fruit, yogurt, lean cuts of deli meat, canned tuna fish, etc.) is a great way to help fight the cravings throughout the day and keep your calorie count in check (and your muscles fed properly). This doesn't have to be done for every meal, again, try tapering off slowly. If you like regular soda, try switching to diet – by pouring half diet and half regular is a great way to taper off and although you probably won’t notice a difference in taste, you will see a drastic change in the calorie intake, (reg. 12 oz can of coke has 140 calories). Same with milk or other dairy products, you have the whole version of milk at 9 grams of fat per serving, all the way down to skim milk, with zero grams of fat. Jump from whole milk and taper to 2%, then 1%, then eventually skim – you can do it. You can't begin something new without finishing something old, but the best transition is a reasonable transition. If you attempt to lose weight too fast, you will be fighting an uphill battle so move at your own pace but be consistent. What are the pros and cons to using supplements? Trevor - Well as you may know, the supplement companies make a lot of money from the consumers and often times will prey on their naivety. One shouldn't always believe what the product is intended to do simply because of the athlete that endorses it. Yes protein shakes/bars are a convenient source of nourishment before or after a workout and can be cost effective and most likely won't have any negative health effects, however, food is the purest form of nutrients. I think most of the negative effects that supplements will have would be the test booster supplements and perhaps the caffeine/ephedrine/aspirin supplements, better known as the EcA stack. Anything that is a stimulant and gives you energy has the potential for heart issues (especially if overweight), so as it indicates on the bottle, it’s best to consult your Doctor prior to use so you get a clean bill of health beforehand and also so you don’t give the product that was intended for healthy individuals a bad rap.

Photo by Steven Grant

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interview

What if you are having trouble adapting to better eating habits – what can one do? Trevor - The ‘tweaking method’ that I have discussed in a previous question and in my numerous blog contributions to Fitness RX for Men explains how to count calories, all while eating your favorite foods. It goes on later to explain how to tweak or taper oﬀ the calories or even select healthier versions or alternatives to these foods so the ‘process’ is much easier. It’s easier going to the party with friends that you know versus being in a room full of complete strangers, so while sticking with the foods you’re accustomed too and learning healthier alternatives, this should get you further along in my book. If you have a healthy nutritional plan, you won’t need to diet.

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Is planking and strengthening your core as good as they say? Trevor - Absolutely, your core is your body’s infrastructure and strengthening this region is essential in total body composition. You ever notice how boxers or fighters in general have really defined abs? This is mostly so they can throw punches with great effectiveness, (and take punches) all while being light on their feet. I hear working out your legs is essential in weight loss – why is that? Trevor - Well, next to having a solid core and a pumped upper body - you can’t have the skinny chicken legs now can you? You may think you’re King Tut, however, there are people talking about you behind your back. I hear them all the time. If you saw a big tree in the woods with a skinny trunk, trust me – it’d be the first to be blown over during a storm. The quads, as you may know, are the body’s largest muscle – and muscle feeds off of fat, so the theory is – if you have more muscle development, naturally your body will make better use of the fat for energy purposes (so don’t put the burden on your upper body mass solely). This will help you maintain your preferred weight easier; however, it isn’t an excuse to eat more fat. It also provides the body with a more symmetrical look and won’t leave you looking top heavy while wearing your speedos to the beach.

What can I do during office hours that will help me stay fit? Trevor - Replace the cheat treats with healthier alternatives. For obvious reasons this will help you slim the waistline down a bit, but it will also cut down on your cravings for food so you don’t end up binge eating for lunch or dinner. Adjusting your workstation so you are standing and not sitting at the computer is not only better for the lower back, as it improves one’s posture, but you actually burn more calories while standing because your muscles are in use. If you’re able to take the stairs and not the elevator, do so. If your office is at the top of the Empire State building, get off the elevator a few floors below your floor and take the few extra flights of stairs the rest of the way. challenge yourself to take an additional flight every week until you have reached your fitness goals, even if this keeps you out of the gym. If you like to eat lunch near your office, try walking there and walking back. Lastly, try walking during your lunch break after you eat - nothing too strenuous; you don’t want to vomit, but walk comfortably at your own pace. Where there is a will, there is a way. For more information visit trevoradamsgym.com

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Trainer Tip

Tipping The Scales Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Fashion Director

You may be one of the many people who have been working on losing some weight after the holiday season. But as you know, it's not what you eat and drink during December that makes you gain weight – it's what you eat the rest of the year that counts. So, we've asked some of Atlanta's best trainers to give us some tips for a healthier and fitter 2014.

Stephen P. Smith, VIVA Fitness How do I know how much weight to lift? The standard way to determine how much weight one should lift is done through the “one rep max.” This is the maximum amount of weight you can lift in a single repetition for any given weight bearing exercise. Once your max is determined a certain percentage of that number, 50% up to 90%, is then used with that particular exercise. The percentage changes depending on the specific goals you want to achieve—be it power, strength, hypertrophy or endurance. It should be noted that before determining your one rep max, you should have a proper spotter or a knowledgeable trainer available. Equally as important, all exercises should be performed in a safe environment and executed with the correct form and technique if maximum benefits are to be achieved. Booking info: Phone 404 213 5362 | Email stephenpaulsmith@mac.com | Online vivafitnessatl.com

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Trainer Tip Nicole Gourdet, Urban Body Fitness What should I eat before working out? First, let's talk about what NOT to eat… no food at all. There's a misconception by many that exercising on an empty stomach is a superb fat-burning strategy. Your body will burn anything it has available for fuel. That's carbs, fat, protein… did I forget to mention muscle? Believe me, for that sexy shape, you don’t want to lose muscle. The right pre-workout meal helps to 1) minimize muscular damage 2) prevent low blood sugar which may lead to feeling light-headed or overly fatigued early in the workout and 3) optimize performance so that your body can be the best muscle building and fat-burning machine possible. Protein and carbs are ideal for a pre-workout meal. Most of the energy in your pre-workout meal should come from carbs. What kind of carbs? Slow-digesting carbs such as sweet potatoes, brown rice or oatmeal. Fruits such as bananas or apples can also give the body a quick boost of energy. The protein in your pre-workout meal also helps reduce the breakdown of muscle. Some healthy sources of protein are eggs, grilled/baked chicken and whey protein. Fat takes longer to digest and excessive amounts can lead to feeling sluggish while exercising. Therefore, low-fat meals are recommended. Booking info: Phone 404 405 9605 | Email Nicolemgourdet@gmail.com | Online www.urbanbodyfitness.com

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Trainer Tip Dylan Bolen, Urban Body Fitness What should I eat after my workout? Working out your body in the gym breaks down stored carbohydrates and protein structures. Therefore, the thirty minutes following your workout are crucial for replacing those lost nutrients. The fastest way to replenish them is through liquid supplements because solid food takes longer to process. Whey protein, for example, is a fast digestive protein that will provide rapid delivery to your muscles. The exact amount of protein and carbohydrates youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need vary based off your weight and workout goals. After youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve consumed your supplement your next solid meal following your workout should also be high in protein and carbohydrates, but fat free. Although essential fats are very important to your diet they will slow down the process of rebuilding your muscles after working out. Remember putting in the effort during your workout is only half the battle so be sure to replace the nutrition lost.

Booking info: Phone 404 713 0982 | Email cecil_bolen@yahoo.com | Online www.urbanbodyfitness.com

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Trainer Tip Grant Trotter, Urban Body Fitness What's the best exercise for my abs? Second to clean eating the best thing you can do for your abs is the ab rollout. Its one of the few ab exercises that focuses on the eccentric portion of the movement (think lengthening the muscle instead of shortening). When executed properly its a great way to strengthen your core and decrease the chance of injury. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also fairly easy to modify for different fitness levels by varying tempo, pivot point and the roller. Beginners can use a spring loaded ab-slide with their knees serving as the pivot point. Intermediate lifters can graduate to a regular ab-wheel and advanced lifters can use a power wheel while using the feet as the pivot point. Try completing 3 sets of 10 repetitions with perfect form before graduating to the next level. The depth of the movement should be determined by your ability to keep your lower back from sagging. If you feel your back sagging then you've gone too far out. Try slightly crunching your ab's the entire movement to help prevent your lower back from sagging. Booking info: Phone 678 327 6473 | Email granttrotter@gmail.com | Online www.granttrotter.com

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Trainer Tip Eric Pyne, Urban Body Fitness What's the best exercise for my chest? When it comes to my style of training, I like to stick to the grassroots of fitness and add a little flare of endurance pieces to get my clients to sweat. With my love of the basics, I would have to pick the bench press for the most effective chest exercise. I enjoy putting clients through strength cycles on their bench, such as Smolov. You just can't go wrong with a good three week program to add weight to your bench and mass to your chest. I have clients that see major gains in their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one rep maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bench press and physically in their chest size. Also, good old fashion push ups. I make it more interesting for a stronger pump by doing 100 push ups for time. Push ups only count when your chest reaches to the ground and you come up to a full lock out position. These are only a few of my favorites. I have many more tricks up my sleeve.

Booking info: Phone 502 424 7747 | Email Ericpyne@me.com | Online vivafitnessatl.com

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Trainer Tip Jeremy Ryan Allen When will I see actual results of my workout? I LOVE this question because everyone asks me this. My response is “how hard are you willing to push yourself?” It all depends on what your goals are and understanding that it's 40% exercise and 60% diet. Communication is key so as a trainer you have to listen and learn what the most important goals are for your client and understanding more about their lifestyle, which plays a big part in knowing how to plan for their fitness success. The fastest turnarounds have come from focusing on overall body proportion. I find it pointless to work on a bigger chest when your midsection is sticking out further. Trimming the middle first makes the chest look bigger! People have to understand that fitness and eating right should be a lifestyle. Its unrealistic to first met with a client and give them a list of DON’Ts and expect them to be successful. Lets start gradually with a few things to change every month - i.e. not drinking soft drinks and drinking more water - the goal is to create long-lasting habits that will become second nature.

Booking info: Phone 404 388 9171 | Email info@jeremyryanallen.com | Online JeremyRyanAllen.com

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Photography: JR West Photography Photography Assisant: Jay Wiggs // Styling: Mikkel Hyldebrandt // Models: Justin Tucker & Tyler Hendricks Special Thanks to Urban Body Fitness & Rad Slough FENUXE.COM : 43

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MLK WEEKEND 1.18.14 • Blake’s The weekend surge of warmer weather had people flocking to Blake’s.