Peach v2 i04 issuu

The

Cool Season Fashion: Keep It Toasty Cozy AF: Scented Candles

The Mother Lode at the Golden Globes Snowed In & Snuggles

Amsterdam Atlanta

Performances by:

February 9 8pm - 3am

Penni Posterior DJ Chris Gris

*Sponsorships still available

CONTENTS

JANUARY 24, 2018

V2-04

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

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

16

8

EDITORIAL

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

rodney@peachatl.com

SALES

32 From the Editor

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Freezing temperatures, snow days, and bundling up. Yes, Winter has indeed come! The unpredictability of this winter season has us all tip-toeing on black ice and dreaming of just a little bit warmer weather.

And because winter hasn’t let go yet, we guide you to some fashionable cold weather accessories to spruce up that winter coat. To keep you warm, we invite you to get cozy (AF!) with a selection of mood-setting scented candles, and you are guided to what you need to snuggle up and heat things up with your boo. This week’s Screen Savor about a few of the stand-out Golden Globe winners is a good bet as to what could be streaming while cuddling up.

On the health side, Jamie Kirk urges you to take some time to refocus your energy, while Darren Floro-Bryant gives you tips to how to let a change in your routine become a new and healthy habit.

Enjoy, Peaches!

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

DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director

ONLINE

peachatl.com

PRINT

At Distribution Points Across the City

SOCIAL

Facebook, Twitter Instagram and SnapChat | @peachatlmag

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

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

6 | 01.24.18

One Last Time: Cowtippers After 25 years in business, the casual steakhouse and “avid supporter of the community, of whimsy, and of downright good old-fashioned fun,” will close its doors on January 28, 2018.

The Metrotainment Cafes restaurant group is still contemplating several options for the property including selling, but in the interim, the space will be used for private events handled by Epic Events, the group’s catering company.

The news of the closure was received with both surprise and shock in the Atlanta gay community where Cowtippers located on Piedmont Avenue has been a staple in the restaurant and bar nightlife of the city for decades and has hosted a slew of events, including the popular Heifer Review which was coming up on its one-year anniversary this spring.

In a statement prepared by Jeff Landau, founder, and CEO of Metrotainment Cafes, he states: “The restaurant has been a part of our restaurant group for a very long time, and we’re proud of the more than 20 years we have been in business, but with the changing climate of the city, we are going to close the restaurant and turn our attention to our other successful concepts including Hudson Grille, Einstein’s, Joe’s on Juniper, Hudson FC and Guaco Joe’s.”

The closing of Cowtippers will be marked by a special edition of the Heifer’s Review hosted by the incomparable Ruby Redd (who also has a burger named after her on the menu).

If you want to experience the unique atmosphere, the well-poured drinks, and casual dining of Cowtippers, we recommend you make a reservation as the place has experienced a popularity surge after the news of the closing hit. As the saying goes; ‘you don’t know a good thing until it’s gone’, and we will surely miss the eatery in Atlanta’s Midtown area.

For reservations call 404-874-3751.

Address: 1600 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 303024 cowtippersatlanta.com 8 | 01.24.18

SNOWED IN & SNUGGLES GUIDE It’s an uncharacteristically cold and snowy winter this year. Since Atlanta is a city that loves to shut down at the first sign of a snowflake, that means there will be plenty of opportunities to be trapped inside for a snow day. Hopefully, you’ve got someone special to be trapped inside with. Here’s a list of essentials to help you and that special someone make it through being snowed in together.

By Branden Lee

T R O B I S

&

B A R

ECLECTIC

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

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

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

LOCATED BETWEEN THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS & BOY NEXT DOOR 10 | 01.24.18

1. Condoms and Lube

3. Streaming Services

The snow outside shouldn’t be the only thing getting plowed during a snowstorm. When trapped in bed all day, might as well have plenty of sex. Make sure you’re stocked up on condoms and lube since these snow days happen unexpectedly.

Whether it’s Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube Red, or whatever. Make sure you’ve got some streaming service on hand. Being trapped inside all day due to inclement weather is the perfect time to cuddle up, binge-watch a new show, or watch a movie you’ve had in your queue for months.

Streaming services give plenty of variety so you and your special someone can take turns picking what you guys watch.

2. Food and drinks Don’t want to be trapped home hungry or thirsty. So make sure, if you know snow is in the forecast, well, even in general, always have something to eat and drink in the house. Plus you can turn being snowed in with your partner into a time to try cooking a new recipe. Make a romantic night of being trapped together.

4. Alcohol Alcohol should always be in stock at home, especially during a blizzard. Alcohol helps keep you warm. Alcohol makes you horny. Alcohol helps you fall asleep when that special someone you’re

snowed in with starts getting on your nerves.

5. Winter Accessories Make sure there’s coats, gloves, scarves, and snow boots for two. After enough time stuck in the house, you may want to venture out. Go for a romantic snowy walk together. Have a snowball fight. Build a snowman together. Make some snow angels. Just as much fun can be had outside together as inside.

Branden Lee is a writer and actor now living in Atlanta. Follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram @Brandeness. and watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

peachATL.com | 11

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

Beats by DJ MIKE POPE Cocktails by

joininghearts.org

Keep It

Toasty

By Mik Hyldebrandt

Neck Wrap

Apparently, the wintry weather is an on-and-off thing in Atlanta this year, which has us layering up one day and shredding the same layers the next. By now, you should have a decent winter coat, but there’s always room for a bit of added style with a few choice items that will keep you toasty and cute at the same time – plus, all you need regarding winter wardrobe is probably on sale right about now!

A scarf is the easiest way to add color to your layers and can be worn inside and out for extra warmth and comfort.

H&M Plaid Scarf, $15 Banana Republic Extra-Fine Merino-Knit Scarf, $60

Get Puffing A puffer jacket is perfect for layering and a lightweight and comfortable way to keep warm in the cold Columbia Men’s Frost Fighter Jacket, $150

14 | 01.24.18

Hands-On Gloves (or mittens if it’s really cold) are nice to keep those digits frost-free. These even have a smartphone feature so you can operate calls and social media without removing them.

Old Navy Performance Gloves, $7

Buy a Beanie A knitted beanie is a quick way to update your look, keep you warm, and even take care of a bad hair day situation.

The North Face Salty Dog Beanie Grey, $39 Burton All Day Long Beanie, $15

Fancy Footwork You may only wear winter boots for a brief time during the year, but an investment in solid footwear for cold weather will last you a lifetime.

Red Wings Heritage Classic MOC, $270 Viking Kuling Mid GTX M, $294

peachATL.com | 15

Break the Routine and Make It a Habit

By Darren Floro-Bryant

Pressed for time, but still want to add some healthy lifestyle changes to your routine? By adding a few simple exercise and dietary changes to your regular routine, you will start developing habits contributing to a healthier and fitter YOU!

you feel full, possibly contributing to healthy weight loss.If you find the transition difficult, try those convenient water flavor packs or simply add some lemon or lime wedges, lemon juice, cucumber or even mint to the water.

Change from processed sugar to natural raw sugars or sweeteners for your coffee or tea. Low-calorie Little and hardly noticeable chang- coconut sugar or zero-calorie Stevia, es in your diet make a big long-term are just a couple healthy ways to cut difference for your health and calories from your diet. They both now come in convenient “on the go� well-being. packets too.

Drink 16oz of water first thing in the morning. Not only is it a great to Pre-pack your snacks for the week. get your body hydrated after a long By portioning out your snacks in sleep, but it also helps fire up your advance or purchasing pre-packmetabolism and helps flush out aged portioned snacks (ex. 100 calorie almond packs), you can control toxins. your caloric intake, and you will have Cut out soda and many juices with easy access to healthy snacks when high sugar content. Also, try to unhealthy cravings hit. avoid the artificial sweeteners in diet sodas.Switch to water; it will help

Cutting Extra Calories

16 | 01.24.18

Sneak Exercise into Your Daily Routine Squats and push-ups are a fantastic way to get a lot of muscle groups working together, and these will help “kick start” your metabolism.

Find an area along your wall and do 12 wall squats (facing the wall) Then find a space on the floor and do 12 push-ups (any variation that works for you). Switch between each until you’ve done three sets of each. You can add more reps, sets, or other exercises as you become more comfortable with this change to your routine.

Give yourself little challenges, like 50 pushups and squats in a 5-minute time frame and gradually increase the quantity as they become easier.

Make it a game like the “ladder” 1 squat: 10 pushups, 2 squats: 9 pushups, 3 squats: 8 pushups…and so on.

Working your way down the “ladder” until you are doing 10 squats: 1 pushup. Then when ready you can climb back up the “ladder.”

These are just a few simple suggestions to help you add healthy lifestyle changes into your daily habits without greatly disrupting your routine. You will most likely find that these additions will become second nature to you and you will be eager to add other positive changes. It is always recommended to consult your physician before starting any exercise program or significant changes to your diet.

Darren Floro-Bryant is originally from Ontario, Canada, but now lives and works in Atlanta, GA. Darren has worked as a certified Group Fitness Instructor, Fitness Coach, and Personal Trainer for more than 25 Years. Currently, he owns DFB Fitness and Foundation Fitness, operating out of Gravity Fitness.

DFBFitness.com / FoundationFitness.co.

peachATL.com | 17

Screen Savor

Hitting the “Mother” Lode at the Golden Globes

By Gregg Shapiro

L

ady Bird (A24), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Fox Searchlight) and In the Fade (WB/Magnolia), three movies that took top honors at the Golden Globe Awards in January 2018, and look to be strong Academy Award contenders, have more in common than you might think. Each are contemporary stories with strong female characters.

Equally significant is the way that the maternal characters in all three are portrayed with intelligence and respect, in spite of the situations in which each finds themselves. The three actresses tasked with these demanding roles – Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird), Frances McDormand (Three Billboards…) and Diane Kruger (In the Fade) – exceed expectations in every possible way.

Greta Gerwig may lack range as an actress, but it’s possible that her real talent lies behind the camera instead of in front of it. With Lady Bird (A24), her second full-length feature film as writer/director, Gerwig joins the ranks of acclaimed female filmmakers such as Jill Soloway, Nicole Holofcener, Dee Rees, Lisa Cholodenko, Gillian Robespierre and Sofia Coppola.

18 | 01.24.18

Within the first few minutes of the Sacramento-based, 2002-set film we discover that Christine aka Lady Bird (Golden Globe-winner Saiorse Ronan) and her nurse mother Marion (Metcalf) don’t get along. A directionless and unpopular student on scholarship at Immaculate Heart High School, Lady Bird lives “on the wrong side of the tracks” with her mother, father Larry (Tracy Letts), and older brother Miguel (Jordan Rodriguez) and his girlfriend Shelly (Marielle Scott).

Buckling down to maintain her scholarship as well as having something to offer the colleges to which she is applying, Lady Bird finds herself in a variety of precarious and often humorous situations. Along with best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein), she gets cast in the school play, where she falls for the male lead, rich kid Danny (Lucas Hedges, from Three Billboards… and Manchester By the Sea), only to have her heart broken when she discovers him kissing a male classmate.

She then explores her bad girl side, befriending popular girl Jenna (Odeya Rush) and dating musician Kyle (Timothée Chalamet of Call Me by Your Name renown). Not surprisingly,

this only creates a greater rift between Lady Bird and Marion, leading to an emotionally draining confrontation that forever changes their mother/daughter dynamic.

That rare combination of comedy and drama, fresh and original writing matched with strong direction and mesmerizing performances from Metcalf and Ronin are mesmerizing, Lady Bird is a soaring triumph.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, now appears to be the one to beat come Oscar time. That’s especially true in the case of McDormand, who could handily score another gold statuette.

Mildred (McDormand) ruffles more than a few feathers in her small Missouri town when she rents the titular billboards on a relatively quiet stretch of road a few months after the brutal, unsolved rape and murder of her daughter Angela. The emotional and psychic pain that the loss and ongoing mystery causes in Mildred’s daily life is palatable. It even spills over onto her son Robbie (the previously mentioned Hedges).

The billboards get Mildred attention, both welcome and unwelcome. Sheriff Bill (Woody Harrelson), who is called out by name on one of the billboards, tries to reason with Mildred.

Although aware that Bill is dying of cancer, Mildred refuses to back down. Police officer Jason (Globe-winner Sam Rockwell), an alcoholic with a history of racist behavior, also gets on Mildred’s case. She almost comes to blows with her ex-husband Charlie (John Hawkes) and is harassed by a stranger at the gift shop where she works in a particularly frightening scene.

It is Mildred’s determination to see her mission through to its end that is at the broken heart of the movie. McDormand’s portrayal of a griev-

ing mother is raw and authentic, setting the bar even higher for any actresses that follow.

Fatih Akin’s IntThe Fade (WB/Magnolia), which won Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language at the Globes, is separated into three sections – “The Family”, “Justice” and “The Sea”. In the first, Katja (Diane Kruger) is happily married to Turkish ex-con and reformed drug dealer Nuri (Numan Acur). Nuri works as a tax advisor in Hamburg, Germany and they have a six-year-old son named Rocco (Rafael Santana). A few hours after dropping Rocco off at Nuri’s office so she can meet a friend at a hammam, a bomb explodes on the sidewalk in front of Nuri’s place of business, killing the father and son. Katja is devastated by the loss and determined to aid in the investigation find the killers.

In the second aptly titled section, In the Fade becomes a courtroom drama. We agonize along with Katja as she sits through trial, listening to the horrific details of the bombing’s aftermath.

At one point, when she flips out in court and attempts to attack one of the accused bombers, a female Nazi, we feel her pain. The trauma only increases when the woman and her husband are acquitted.

The third, and final section, follows Katja to a seaside town where she tracks down the married Nazi couple. The movie shifts gears, becoming a story of retribution. The last few minutes are alternately captivating and shocking. Undeniably topical in light of the current refugee crisis and changingattitudes towards immigration, In the Fade is especially notable for Kruger’s portrayal of Katja. It ranks as the most spellbinding performance of her career.

peachATL.com | 19

TEN

PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

20 | 01.24.18

peachATL.com | 21

BLAKES PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

22 | 01.24.18

SmartCare Welcomes Dr. John Destito as Our New Medical Director.

www.smartcareuc.com peachATL.com | 23

17TH BAYARD RUSTIN &AUDRE LORDE BREAKFAST MLK DAY PHOTOS:Sher Pruitt

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 24 | 01.24.18

WHISKEY & WIENERS

wednesdays

As a barber, Rolando uses his talent and creativity to make all his clients look their best.

In 2016, he pursued a personal dream and opened the Trophy Room in Kirkwood, Atlanta - his own ideal barber shop with a bunch of his personal ideas and touches. He also co-owns a 16-acre mountain property that he loves to retreat to, and once you get in his chair you will also notice that he is a very funny guy.

Trophyroombarbershop.com

Rolando Rubi

Towns at Druid Hills Townhomes from the low $500s

GATE D C O M M U NIT Y

Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018 and receive:

Up To

Towards $5,000 Closing Costs*

When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

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

Half Price Off,

Up To

$25,000 Value**

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

Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Towns at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Receipt of up to 50% off discount (up to $25,000 value) the costs of unfinished basements is applicable only to quick move-in homes that have unfinished basements. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Completion and/or move-in dates are estimated. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.

Jan 25 – Jan 31

Record Redux Launch Party

Unity Deep

Come meet author Quentin Harrison as he launches his Unity Deep featuring the best in Deep House, Tech third book celebrating the music and life of music icon House and Progressive House featuring some of Donna Summer.

Atlanta’s best DJs getting you primed for the weekend.

Thursday, January 25, 7 pm

Thursday, January 25

Noni’s

The Music Room

STAFF PICK!

The Music of Prince with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Join Conductor Brent Havens and Vocalist Marshall Charloff as they explore the eclectic body of work created by Prince as uniquely presented with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and a full band.

Friday, January 26 Atlanta Symphony Hall

Coffin Classics: Goth Industrial Darkwave Music Video Night

AV200 Rider Recruitment Hosted

by Jerusalem House

Requests always welcome at this video dance party with multiple screens throughout the club.

Join fellow riders and potential riders to learn about the AV200 and the important mission of Jerusalem House and the Emory Vaccine Center.

Saturday, January 27 Amsterdam Atlanta

Saturday, January 28 Henry’s Midtown

30 | 01.24.18

Enclave at Druid Hills Townhomes from the upper $500s Sign a purchase contract on a quick move-in home between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018 to receive:

Up To

Towards $5,000 Closing Costs*

When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

– PLUS –

Up To

in Flex $25,000 Credits**

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

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

Available only when you close on the purchase of a select quick move-in home in the Enclave at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Up to $25,000 Seller provided Flex Credits may be applied to available upgrades and options at Seller’s Design Center, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs. Availability of items may vary. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.

peachATL.com | 31

Hocus Pocus Let’s Focus

By Jamie Kirk

W

ell, we are reaching the “ho-hum” part of the year. The holidays are over. The binge eating and making excuses is over. The next most celebrated holiday, which is Good Friday is light years away. The few days of no work because of snow or ice are kinda over.

The nephews and niece piggyback rides have come to a halt. The credit card statements reflect Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and alas, we have about 88 more days of this crap.

During this bleak period, it is important to recalibrate and (as Kirby Smart said: “honker down”) on the goals we set, the relationships we said we would mend and our dedicate our attention to being the NEW YEAR NEW ME title we have been shouting from the rooftops about.

The next first months the weather is gloomier, the days get darker faster and our ability to get outta bed on some days is just simply challenging. On days like this, it is important not to allow the days to become weeks and the weeks to become months. If we know that we are prone to SD or commonly called Seasonal Disorder, it is up to us to face it head-on. The method that works for me is to count to 10, then just do it.

Counting to 10 allows me to focus on the intent and the good feelings I will have after the number 10. Try it.

When you don’t feel like going to the gym, count to 10 and let your feet hit the hardwoods and get dressed. When you don’t feel like running errands because it is too cold out, count to 10 and get your butt to the Marta station or in the driver’s seat. If you want to respond back curt and disrespectfully to your coworker, count to 10 32 | 01.24.18

and allow a more reasonable approach and tone to prevail. The method of counting to 10 immediately shifts your thought process and paves the way for positivity and peace (or at least that is way my yoga instructor has convinced me of).

If you are single, use this time to take yourself on dates. If you are in a relationship, try new things in the bedroom or go places you seldom frequent.

If you are in school and can afford it, take a class that is not related to your major. This “ho-hum” part of the year should be welcomed as a time to refocus areas of our life that impact your faith, family, finances, and friends. ALL of these areas should not become stagnant. It is up to us to set the stage and allow the foundation for growth to be present.

There is so much to be gained by slowing down and using this time to see how far, oops, I mean if, we are off from your 2018 strategic plan. Go on the offense and take note of what is working.

Don’t be too critical and just allow this brief period to be controlled by you and not allow this period to control you. It does not have to be viewed as the enemy, let’s make this time our friend, by rolling out the welcome mat. Hello, “ho-hum” period, I’m glad you stopped by and trust me, don’t get comfortable ‘cause you won’t be staying.

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

peachATL.com | 33

Cozy AF

The weather is not yet for frolicking outside, so be prepared for more time indoors. Scented candles are not only decorative, but they instantly turn up the cozy factor in your home while setting a mood or even underlining your style.

By Mik Hyldebrandt

For the Fashionista This candle is not only for the fashion aficionado but for anyone who loves the powdery elegant and slightly flowery scent of lily.

Dior Bois d’Argent Scented Candle, $80

Under the Boardwalk Simply Luminous Shed a little light in the winter darkness with this marine blend-scented candle which will remind you of fresh air and warmer weather.

This candle will instantly transport you to a warmer place with notes of salted caramel and popcorn like a classic boardwalk fairground.

Bath and Body Works Summer Boardwalk Scented Candle, $12

The Rolls of Candles Delicate and warm, the scent of fig will have your guests asking ‘what smells so nice?’ – and of course, Diptyque delivers the equivalent of the Rolls Royce of scented candles.

DW Home Luminous Topaz Candle, $14

Diptyque Figuier Scented Candle, $64

Boy Smells Nice!

So Fresh and Clean Sometimes you just want a fresh and clean smell – so why not get a candle that matches your cleaner?

Mrs. Meyers Basil Soy Candle, $8 34 | 01.24.18

This isn’t a traditional woodsy scent but rather a sweeter version of the ‘log burning’ – and this bad boy smells really good!

Boy Smells Cedar Stack Candle, $28

Thank you, Atlanta, for helping brighten the lives of local families in need! featuring DJ Liz Ellis Presented by

special thanks to

sponsored by

RBR Financial LLC

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Dance 101 Innerfusion fitness the other show Rainbow trout

AMENITI ES, OPTIMI ZED

Our 27-story high-rise in the heart of Tech Square features three levels of the most unique amenities in Atlanta (if not the U.S.!).

Experience our stunning collection of features and imagine your life, optimized.

Penthouse units will be available early 2018.

1/8 Mile Running Track Heated Saltwater Pool with Resistance Lane Membership-Class Fitness Center with Yoga Studio Internet-Enabled Fitness Equipment and Outdoor Crossfit Stations 95 8th Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30309 P. 855.208.3555 ModeraMidtown@MillCreekPlaces.com ModeraMidtown.com peachATL.com | 37

FRIENDS ON PONCE: NEW FACES PHOTOS: Andrea Dwyer

38 | 01.24.18

Cowtippers regrets to confirm that we will be closing our doors later this month after more than 20 years in business. We are extremely thankful for the thousands of patrons who have dined with us over the years and been so supportive of our restaurant.

As we near our closure, we hope you can join us one last time before January 28th!

January 28th @1pm The Final Herd: Songs of 1993 Hosted by Ruby Redd Performances by queens of the past and present

MIDTOWN 1

Monroe Dr. NE

14

Amsterdam Ave.

NE ve . tA

Piedmont Park

on

11

dm

6 12th St. NE

18

Pi e

Juniper St. NE

14th St. NE

7

9

2

10th St. NE

10

. NE

19

oe Dr

e. NE Piedmont Av

Juniper St . NE

Peachtree St. NE

3

Monr

Charles Allen Dr. NE

12 W. Peachtree St. NW

15

16

4th St. NE

8

13

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

5

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

9 10 11 12

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

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

spa/bath 15 Flex Spa

40 | 01.24.18

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

fitness

retail 8 Barking Leather

4

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ponce De Leon Pl. NE

Spring St. NW

17

76 4th St. NW

16 17 18 19

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

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

billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio

www.SavedAndGay.com NEW COVENANT Church of Atlanta

404.929.1400

Cheshire 23

ansley 21

37

ge

R

on

Piedmont Park

ir .

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

Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

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

clubs 28 Heretic 29 Jungle

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2115 Faulkner Rd NE

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

Spa / bath 31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

32 33 34 35 36

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

2103 Faulkner Rd NE 2135 Liddell Drive NE

1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Dining 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro

Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights

NE

38

tC

BJ Roosters Opus 1 Tripps Woof's

e. nt mo ed

39

d.

BARS 20 21 22 23

41

Pi

28 20

25 rid

Av

ge Rd Brid hire

.

24

B ire

E

Ches

.N

35

29

r.

Dr

h

Rd

40

32

oe

dm

es

ll D

36

nr

Pi e

Ch

idde

31 er

Mo

Manchester St. NE

Piedmont Rd. NE

22

42 L

kn

27

33

. NE

26

ul

IX

34

x Rd

Fa

BL

Le no

30

Lambert Dr.

PU

St.

.

A l co

1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE

Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness

1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L

NOT SHOWN

The Cockpit Atlanta Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta

465 Boulevard SE 1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

Bars & Clubs

OSCAR’S

MIDTOWN

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

AMSTERDAM 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

ATLANTA EAGLE

THE COCKPIT

amsterdamatlanta.com

atlantaeagle.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE

BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MODEL T modeltatlanta.com 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com

oscarsatlanta.com

thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com 465 Boulevard SE

MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch.com 466 Edgewood Ave SE

SWINGING RICHARDS swingingrichards.com 1400 Northside Dr NW

Dining MIDTOWN

66 12th St NE

10TH & PIEDMONT

TEN ATLANTA

communitashospitality.com

DEKALB LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE

Retail MIDTOWN BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

CHESHIRE BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ANSLEY BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

GCB & PLEASURES

tenatlanta.com

991 Piedmont Ave NE

brushstrokesatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

EINSTEIN’S

1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

einsteinsatlanta.com 1077 Juniper St NE

Fitness

FROGS CANTINA

MIDTOWN

CHESHIRE HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr

G’S BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com

communitashospitality.com 219 10th St NE

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

HENRY’S

OPUS 1

132 10th St NE

graviteeatl.com

JOE’S ON JUNIPER

2201 Faulkner Rd NE

joesonjuniper.com 1049 Juniper St NE

Spas/Baths/Adult

LA HACIENDA

MIDTOWN

1086 Alco St NE

TRIPPS 1931 Piedmont Circle N

WOOFS woofsatlanta.com

henrysatl.com

lahaciendamidtown.com

GRAVITEE FITNESS

900 Monroe Dr NE

FLEX SPA

ANSLEY

CHESHIRE

76 4th St NW

BURKHART’S

LAS MARGARITAS

CHESHIRE

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

MANIFEST 4U manifest4u.org

2425 Piedmont Road NE

burkharts.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

THE HIDEAWAY

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ROXX 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

ANSLEY

MIXX

COWTIPPERS

mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE

42 | 01.24.18

cowtippersatlanta.com 1600 Piedmont Ave NE

flexspas.com

2103 Faulkner Rd NE

THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE

REGGIE’S HOT MASSAGE Hot towels • Hot stones Hot shower Private studio in Inman Park $100 for 60 minutes no up charges Licensed Professional

404-536-3340

FULL BODY MASSAGE by Walter @ 404-872-5671 (8th St. @Monroe Dr.) Only $40..Shave too License No. MT003122

Hot Tub and Swim Spas

60% OFF RETAIL AquaLivingStores.com 404-382-5329

ADVERTISE In Atlanta's newest and

ONLY LGBT MAGAZINE for as little as

35 per week!

$

Call 404.439.9838 or email jeff@peachatl.com for more information. peachATL.com | 43

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

ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL Oct. 13-14, 2018 | atlantapride.org

10 THINGS FOR YOUR WINTER BUCKET LIST

THESE WILL KEEP YOU WARM AND TOASTY!

1

2

3

4

5

Plan a Summer Getaway

6

Cook Something Your Mama Used to make

7

Go Dancing!

8

Host a Get-Together

9

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Drink a Hot Chocolate Toddy

Light a fire and sit around it

Watch a favorite movie

Dress Warm and Go for a Walk

46 | 01.24.18

10

Donate to a Charity

Sunday Funday = Playmates and soul mates...

MISERABLE MONDAY

MAKE MONDAY YOUR B#TCH! feel better faster with Intravenous (IV) Therapy

20% Off Your first visit Promo code: davidmag 404.939.7666 | replenishIV.com | Hours: 10am-6pm 549-6 Amsterdam Avenue NE | Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta:

678-528-2525

18+ MegaMates.com

peachATL.com | 47

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

My favorite winter sport? Walking to the nearest bar.

Asking for a friend: Can an iPhone/Spotify guy ever really connect with an Android/Pandora guy?

Me: Ok, I’m over this cold weather and winter! I want summer The world is not full of a**holes – they’re just strategically placed so you’ll come across one every damn day.

Him: So, you’re tired of winter and want to fastforward to bitch about how hot summer is instead?

Me: …

Why do people feel the need to say things like “you’d be hotter if you ______.”Um, you’d be hotter if you jumped into a pool of molten lava.

When I’m in Atlanta, I like to drink and f**k – and I’m almost out of vodka!

Boys who want to sleep with me: we not doing one word texts in 2018. Thx, mgmt.

48 | 01.24.18

peachATL.com | 49

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

Things may happen right under your nose this week, and you may not even be aware of it. The thing that will be obvious is your reaction to the situation when this hidden event suddenly comes to light.

Your playful attitude is apt to be opposed by someone who refuses to see things your way. Walk away from those who aren’t committed to helping the situation.

Prove to others that even though you may be happy, it doesn’t mean you’re gullible.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

It could be that close friends or family members are in sharp disagreement regarding a certain issue. Try not to be too distressed by divisions among the people you love.

This is one of those weeks where you’re trying to paint a large area, but you only have a small brush. Go easy on yourself and get a large brush. Make your strokes gigantic so you can cover more area with less effort.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

There is a great deal of emotion and drive to the day, just the way you like it. Make sure you don’t get stuck with the short end of the stick as the day comes to a close.

You may be barking up the wrong tree this week. Before you waste all your energy on your podium proclaiming your thoughts to the world, it would behoove you to stop, look around, and notice your audience.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

You’re going to be a valuable asset to others today because of your rational mind and ability to think things through clearly. Do your best to avoid fights, even though it will be tempting for you and others to want to let off some steam.

In an attempt to merge with infinity, you might overlook some basic life principles. Be careful about being seduced by those who want you to be involved in their drama. You may not even realize how deep a hole you’ve dug until it’s too late.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

In your attempts to always be the nice, helpful one, you might find that you’re compromising some of your values. Know that balance and harmony are wonderful things, but they aren’t always worth the price of self-sacrifice.

Feel free to stand up for yourself, a cause, or another person this week, even if you know it will cause tension among the others around you. A heated argument is likely to ensue, and it wouldn’t be surprising if you were the catalyst.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

Actions could be quick and intense this week.

Things may hit you like lightning, so be prepared for just about anything. Mentally stabilize yourself before interacting with others. Dress to demonstrate your power.

Your mind is apt to be fixed on one thing this week, and you won’t rest until you’ve obtained it. Don’t be surprised if you have to put up a bit of a fight in order to accomplish this goal, whatever it may be.

50 | 01.24.18

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

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

My family went into crisis mode when my older sister came out to my parents. They are very religious, and they have no contact with her today. As it turns out I am also gay, but the experience with my sister has me terrified to even mention it to my parents. Luckily, I don’t live at home anymore, but I’m going to school that is financed by my parents, so I tread very, very carefully. I have a good connection with my sister (unbeknownst to my mom and dad), and she is starting to pressure me to come out. I’m just so scared of it, but I also want to live an honest and real life. What do I do?

the case, you may need to see a specialist. Other questions you should be asking yourself is if you are sexually satisfying yourself enough (sex or masturbation)? Not ‘taking care of business’ can often lead to more unwarranted erections than usual. The problem is no doubt annoying but learning not to focus too much on it can also help you diminish the impulse for an erection. And of course, wearing clothing that can cover up your situation will mostly lower the incidents where people overstep their boundary and grab you.

Sincerely Not-so-Proud

My boyfriend and I want to open up the relationship, but we are unsure of how to go about it. Do we go by a don’t-askdon’t-tell policy or do we keep certain sexual scenarios within the relationship? Or do we simply open up only together?

What are some good rules for opening up the relationship?

Dear Not-so-Proud

Sincerely Monogo-Maybe?

Coming out is never easy – and your circumstances complicate matters even more. You’re traumatized by the experience with your sister, and you feel a financial stronghold from your parents that could disappear at a moment’s notice if you disclose your true self to your parents. So naturally, you are feeling pulled in many directions. Listen to what your sister has to say about coming out. I’m sure phrases like she ‘feels more real’ and ‘it gets better’ will come – because it does! But you need to find your own courage and your own time to come out to the world. It probably will not be easy, and it will probably change many close relations including with your mom and dad. Coming out is as personal as your DNA, and there is no one right or wrong way to come out – even though it’s important, it is also entirely your process. So listen to your own voice and try not to feel too much pressure from your surroundings, and in time, you will find the right time and the courage to live your true life. And believe it when people say it gets better because it really does.

Dear Monogo-Maybe?

I have an embarrassing problem that has started to interfere with my social life: I often and very easily get an erection (and I’m not even close to being in my teens anymore). I try to suppress it by wearing tight underwear but it doesn’t work, and I end up with a noticeable boner in my pants. It happens at every hour of the day, and if I’m out at the bar, apparently a hard-on is an open invitation for people to grab me, which makes me very uncomfortable. Is there anything that can be done?

Sincerely Bonerville Dear Bonerville First of all, random erections are normal and generally no reason for concern. You do have to ask yourself if this has occurred more frequently lately or if you are experiencing pain before, while or after you have an erection. If that is

52 | 01.24.18

As long as there is respect for each other and the relationship, there is a good shot at opening up the relationship successfully.

If these rules can’t be followed, an open relationship will test the boundaries and perhaps even ruin the relationship. So ask yourselves if you are ready for it because opening up means risks. Don’t-ask-don’t-tell is usually not the best scenario from the get-go because while you are trying to build a new trust between you, you are also deliberately inserting a level of uncertainty between the two of you; did they fool around?

What did they do? Was that all? The same goes for keeping certain activities within the relationship; did they really only do oral and so on… So, for starters, playing together with a third seems to be the best. There are no secrets, and you have a foundation for building trust together. Maybe along the way, you’ll have enough trust in the strength of your relationship that you can open up more. Just always keep in mind that relationships are not unbreakable, in fact, they are fragile, so whatever you do, proceed with caution.

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