Never Too Old for Toys

Thanksgiving is upon us, and that means winter break is right around the corner. For a lot of us, it’s the gift-exchanging time of the year. So what’s on your list this year? Adult toys perhaps? For many of us, the world of adult toys is foreign and it can be hard to find the right purchase with so many options out there. So I thought I’d give you the quick version of Sex Toys 101, with a focus on vibrators.

When one says “vibrator” the first thing that comes to mind for a lot of people is the multifunction vibrator—the Rabbit. It’s famous for making an appearance in “Sex and the City” when the character Charlotte becomes addicted to the vibrator and refuses to leave her house. Let me just note here that although worries about addiction to sex toys and not wanting “real” sexual encounters are common, they are not true. A plastic toy cannot replace post-orgasm spooning and kisses; vibrators and dildos are no substitute for the real thing—they’re something to enhance your sex life. Also, vibrators are not just for girls. Believe me, there have been guys who’ve gotten off on foot massagers.

If you have never seen one, the Rabbit is pretty overwhelming at first. It’s made of colorful rubber material and consists of a penis-shaped shaft that contains rotating beads or pearls that stimulates the G-spot. The head of the shaft swivels and, on top of all that, the bunny rabbit sits at the base of the vibrator to tickle the clit with its ears. It is intense, complicated and usually not recommended for beginners. Some only end up using the tickling ears, which seems to me like a waste of 70-some dollars.

An interesting fact I recently learned about the Rabbit is that it originated in Japan, where there are laws prohibiting the sale of “realistic” sex toys. If you’ve ever wondered why some vibrators have faces on them or are in the shape of an animal, it’s because of this law. Kinda weird, but whatever.

Let’s talk about what is recommended for beginners. Think simple! You want to pick out something that is easy to use and easy to clean. Because beginners don’t know what intensity they enjoy, and you obviously can’t try these items out at the store, it’s recommended that first-timers get something with adjustable intensity. And in general, adjustable or not, electric vibrators are stronger than battery-operated ones, which is reflected in the price.

In terms of cleaning, it is advised that you put a condom on your sex toy, especially if you’re inserting it. You might think, “Why? I’m not sharing it with anyone.” But putting on a condom is protecting you from bacteria. If not cleaned properly, bacteria can grow, and I don’t think you want to insert that back into yourself. The materials that are easier to clean are plastic, glass, silicone and acrylic. Definitely use a condom with the more porous dildos and vibrators, like rubber and cyberskin.

You should clean plastic toys with a toy cleaner and pay them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. With silicone or glass toys that don't vibrate or have electric parts, you can actually put them in boiling water, or even in the top rack of your dishwasher. Oil and silicone-based lube can damage these toys, so stick with water-based lube.

A newer type of vibrator that is popular is one that cups the vulva while stimulating the complete genital area, like the LayaSpot. They tend to be more “pretty” and don’t look like sex toys. Other types of discreet vibrators are the Tiny Touch and Fukuoku 9000(slips on your finger); these also tend to be cheaper and portable.

Finally, remember not to expect a life-changing experience with a new toy. There are a lot of people who rave about their purchase, but there are no guarantees. Talking to friends who already have one and asking lots of questions before buying are good ways to go. Don’t be deceived by the “quietness” when you turn on the demo at the store—trust me, it’s much louder in a quiet home (silicone toys tend to be quieter). My recent purchase of a vibrating cock ring was a complete flop—it tickles more than anything! I laughed uncontrollably at what sounded like my Sonicare toothbrush. Now it’s just sitting in my drawer. I should’ve listened to my own advice, and bought something with an intensity adjuster like the Ecstasy Pulsator.

Article by Akiko Ezuka

Product Review: Ecstasy Pulsator

The Ecstasy Pulsator is the perfect Stocking Stuffer! Ladies you will want to be on top with this couple pleaser. I have yet to see a more perfect toy for couples! Small control for hands that allows for a simple touch of a button to change the different pulses. Women, this will make you purrrrr!!!
-Kelly T., New Jersey

Thanks for that review Kelly! The Ecstasy Pulsator is in fact our #1 selling toy for couples. Check out our product page for more information a special offer from Bella's Pleasures.

Free Viagra sparks romance in small Brazilian town

"Since we started the free distribution of sexual stimulants, our elderly population changed. They're much happier."

The mayor of a small town in Brazil says his elderly constituents are much happier ever since he started handing out free Viagra through a program titled "Pinto Alegre" in Portuguese, or "Happy Penis" in English.

Joao de Souza Luz, mayor of Novo Santo Antonio, in the central state of Mato Grosso, said 68 men over the age of 60 had already signed up for the program, which was approved by the town's legislature.

"Since we started the free distribution of sexual stimulants, our elderly population changed. They're much happier," said Souza Luz.

But the program has also had the unforeseen consequence of encouraging some extra-marital affairs, Souza Luz said. "Some of the old men aren't seeking out their wives. They've got romances on the side," he explained..

Souza Luz said the city had decided to begin distributing the Viagra pills to the wives of the men who signed up for the program as a way to prevent extra-marital affairs. "That way, when the women are in the mood, they can give the pills to their husbands," he said.

I have to wonder if this is the same Brazillian town that proclaimed "Orgasm Day" last year. If so, I think I want to move to Brazil!

10 Ideas to keep the Romance alive during the Holidays

When we have been in a relationship for a while the romance seems to dwindle and both parties in the relationship think that the other should be more romantic. During the holidays, with all of the obligations and things on your to-do list, making time for your partner can be especially difficult.

Think back to when you first met. The first dates, wining and dining, making an effort to look your best, breakfast in bed, long weekends having frantic sex. Don't you wish it was the same? Well I bet your partner also does. Instead of waiting for him to make the first move (after all we know how slow men are. No offence guys) you take the lead and add a bit of romance into your relationship.

Here are ten ways to show off your romantic side.

1. Pick up the phone: Give him a ring while he is at the office just to let him know that you are thinking of him. Or if you are confident with phone sex tell him what you are going to do to him once he gets home and in turn what you would like him to do to you.

2. Fill the stocking: This Christmas create a special "sexy" stocking for him to open when the two of you are alone. Perhaps you can start a new tradition of opening this special stocking on Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. Visit Bella's Pleasures for some sexy stocking stuffer ideas like our Shunga Chocolate Body Paint or Caress Me Candles!

3. Feed his heart: You know the old saying the way to a mans heart is through his stomach! Well you better believe it because it works every time. Get out the best dinner set set the table with candles, put on some soft music and prepare his favorite meal. You won't even need to think of dessert because this is where he will become romantic and Wisk you of to the bedroom.

4. Flirt: When was the last time you actually flirted with your partner? Go out in public (to dinner, to a holiday party or stop off at a nightclub) and try it. It will boost both your egos bring back those old feelings of lust for one an other. Think like a single person and see what happens

5. Bedroom boudoir: Set the mood in your bedroom. Clear out all the clutter, change the bed linen (bring in some silk sheets perhaps or for a more affordable option try Silky Sheets from Bella's Pleasures) and fill the room with our Caress Me Candles for an amazing scent and a fabulous warm massage! Stand a bottle of your favorite bubbly in some ice, lay your sexiest lingerie on the bed and keep some Shunga Chocolate Body Paint near by. This is also an inexpensive way to give your bedroom a new look.

6. Use toys: If you want to add some spice to your love making then what better way then to introduce some props. We are not talking about 12" dildos (unless you want to that is) it can be something as small as a silk scarf or as daring as vibrators. Your man will need never be asked to make an effort again. For a toy that won't leave him feeling inadequate but will rock your world try our Ecstasy Pulsator.

7. Watch a flick: Rent a romantic movie, order a take away, get out a bottle of your favorite wine, take the phone of the hook turn out the lights and snuggle into each other on the sofa in front of the TV. The romantic flick will soon have the two of you in the mood for love.

8. Love letters: Leave him little notes in his pocket, on his pillow, next to his mother any where that he will find them that will give him a nice surprise.

9. Kiss.. him all of his body slowly. For more information on sensual ways to use your mouth check out Kiss of Desire.

10. Three little words: Tell him that you love him at least once a day. This will keep the love there even if you haven't always got time to express it, those 3 little words is all that you need.

Adapted from HerOnlineNetwork.com

Home Party Plans get mentioned on Good Morning America

In the month of November, Tory Johnson, "Good Morning America's" workplace contributor, is providing ideas and inspiration on making money at home. On November 11th, Tory mentions direct sales and home party plans! Below is an snippet from the article.

Nov. 11: Direct Your Attention to Direct Sales
It's not just Avon, Mary Kay and Tupperware anymore. There are thousands of exciting opportunities to make extra money through in-person and online direct sales. More than 14 million people now work as independent contractors doing just that.

Select a company that best mirrors your own passion and interest, since there's a greater likelihood that you'll be able to sell products to which you can relate.

The Direct Selling Association offers links to businesses and advice on how to succeed in direct sales. Love romance, sex, massages, and fabulous bath and body products - Consider For Your Pleasure!

Read the full article here.