When I was fortunate enough to win a contest held by the fine folks of Astroglide on twitter, they sent me a happy lil care package with some fun lubes to try out.  Any toychick worth her sexy salt knows that there are almost no sex toys or acts that aren’t improved by lube, so it made getting down to business with the slippery stuff easier than scheduling a timeslot for G-spotting, or cock ring play, etc.

I am almost always trying to de-pants my mate, with the very understandable justification that he looks awesome without pants on.  Astroglide X in hand, I promptly dragged him into the bedroom to manual manual minstrations in the name of science. He once again lost the valiant struggle to retain his pants-wearing preference.

The first thing I noticed was that the lube was body temperature almost immediately. Usually, I dab a little in my palm and swirl it around so I’m not grabbing his junk whilst slathered up with girl-squeak-inducingly cold liquid. But this? It almost came out of the bottle warm. I was also expecting a thick liquid – sort of the consistency of karo syrup – as this had been my previous experience with other silicone lubricants. Not so with Astroglide X! My first impression was how very like oil it was, both in the “thin” feel and spread. It coated lightly with very little assistance, but could be runny if you didn’t get it rubbed in right away. I really felt like I was using massage oil to rub him down, so Astroglide X would be awesome for people who love oil, but have to stay away from naughty bits for condom safety (oil will break down latex, making condoms ineffective).

The lubricant stayed warm throughout the time I used it, though it is to be noted I found myself applying it more frequently than other silicone lubricants. I’m not used to “refreshing” silicone lube while I’m using it, but it really only took a few drops to do so.  I imagine it would be great for couple sex and trying it with toys, more of a slick-and-thrust sort of play, but we decided we preferred our regular water-based for handjob use. It’s not to say the Astroglide X won’t be a nearby accessory – we plan on trying it out for other play in the near future. The guy also reports that it isn’t insanely hard to clean off his naughty bits, like other silicone lubes we’ve tried. (they hold up great to shower sex, but can be a pain in the ass to wash off)

Want to buy Astroglide X? You can purchase it here for $13.99.

Unknown found via Art or Porn

Pleasurists is your round-up of the adult product reviews that came out in the last seven days from bloggers all around the sex blogosphere. Did you miss Pleasurists #20? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #22? Submit it here before Sunday March 29th at 11:59pm PST. Please re-post this list on your own blog if listed.

Note: Since there are SO MANY contests this week the Editor’s Pick is all of the contests. Enter and win something!

Want to win some free swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.

• Anal Toy GiveAway Deadline: Tuesday March 24th.
• The “Screaming O” Orgasm Contest Deadline: Thursday, March 26th at 11:59PM.
• Win a Regard Indiscret Set! Deadline: March 27th at 11:59pm PST.
• Win a $20 Gift Card to Babeland! Deadline: March 28th 2009.
• $20 Babeland GC or Quickie Kit! Deadline: Tuesday, March 31st
• Blush Contest Deadline: April 1st by midnight EST.
• Pleasurists Contest: LELO Toy Giveaway! Deadline: Friday April 10th at 11:59pm PST.
• CrashPadSeries.com Contest! Deadline: April 22, 2009.
• Do You Have an Erotic Adventure to Share? Deadline: May 31st, 2009.

Madame Editrix

Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek

On to the reviews…

Vibrators

• Sasi by Nadia West
• Venus by Sommer Marsden
• Paris Duckie by Beautiful Dreamer
• Showerbabe by Miss KissThis
• Xtreme Kit by Epiphora
• Nubby G by Beautiful Dreamer
• LELO Mia by Sienna
• Fusion Duality by Evolved by CarrieAnn
• Benjamin Bond by Epiphora
• The O Honey by Ginger Leigh
• Evolved Novelties Citron by Thursday’s Child
• Liv by LELO by Wendy Blackheart

Dildos

• Melon Crank Glass Dildo by Scarlet Lotus
• Ella by HotMoviesForHer Sex Toy Crew
• Phallix Glass 24 Karat Gold Double Happiness by Sexorcism
• Crystal Wand by HotMoviesForHer Sex Toy Crew
• Belladonna’s Magic Hand by Joe Mirabella

Anal Toys

• Power Probe by The Countess
• LELO Bob by Amber of Scarlet’s Letter

Toys for Cocks

• Fun Factory Love Ring by Beautiful Dreamer

Lube/Massage Oil/Bath Stuff

• Astroglide by Joe Mirabella
• Ginger Pheromone Massage Cream by Domina Doll
• Kama Sutra Sweet Heart Kit by Cinnamon Chambers
• Kama Sutra Sweet Celebrations Box by Catalina Loves

BDSM/Fetish

• Door Jam Cuffs by Thursday’s Child
• Shining star crop and Star Paddle by Essin’ Em
• Lovers Headgear Advanced Mask by Thursday’s Child
• Kinklab Leather Bondage Collar by Ang

Adult Books

• Best Lesbian Erotica 08 by Scarlet Lotus
• The Story of O by Sienna

Adult Movies/Porn

• The New Romantix by Epiphora
• Intimate Temptations by The Porn Librarian
• Dangerous Liaisons by FrzKey
• Tribade Sorority – Campus Life by J.D. Bauchery
• Breakin’ the Rules by The Porn Librarian
• Friends Don’t Let Friends Fuck Alone by Beautiful Dreamer
• Lesbian Life: Real Sex San Francisco by Sinclair Sexsmith
• A Transsexual Love Story by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival

Storage

• FYN Big Foot by Marla Singer

Miscellaneous

• Regard Indiscret Set by Scarlet Lotus
• Gold/Black Satin Corset by Sleeping Dreamer
• Ruby Nipple Dangles by The Countess
• Liberator Throe by Carnivalesq
• Erotique Sheer Lace Gloves by Epiphora
• La Femme Harness by Alpine Subdreams
• Regard Indiscret Set by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival
• Chocolate Party Hats.Com by That Toy Chick

Jackie Martinez (#11467) by mark sebastian used under a Creative Commons License

Pleasurists is your round-up of the adult product reviews that came out in the last seven days from bloggers all around the sex blogosphere. Did you miss Pleasurists #15? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #17? Submit it here before Sunday February 22nd at 11:59pm PST. Please re-post this list on your own blog if listed.

Want to win some free swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.

• NoFauxxx.com Membership Giveaway. Deadline: Feb 28th.

On to the reviews…

Editor’s Pick

• Tantus Beginner Ball Gag by Sleeping Dreamer

While I’ve never been heavily into BDSM, this little gag has provided me with a big opportunity (and not just a photo opportunity for you fine folks!) but the opportunity to explore outside of my comfort zone.

Includes some pretty pictures of the gag itself and the gag in action!

Madame Editrix

Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek

Vibrators

• Japanese ‘G’ Spot Velvet Touch Squirmy by Sleeping Dreamer
• I-Vibrator Egg by Sarah
• Paris Duckie by Adriana
• Petite Pink Ribbon by HotMoviesForHer Sex Toy Crew
• Elastomer Rabbit Habit by Ansley Agnello
• Berman Center Juliet by Thursday’s Child
• Tease and Please by Bad Bad Girl
• Vibrating Glass Cobalt Nubby by Miss KissThis
• Bnaughty by Kyle
• Tantus Delta by Bad Bad Girl
• Aphrodite by Catalina Loves
• Natural Contours Ideal Massager by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival

Dildos

• Blueberry Twist Juicer Glass Dildo by Sleeping Dreamer
• Energie by HotMoviesForHer Sex Toy Crew
• Indigo Intruder by Ansley Agnello
• Chocolate Chip Glass Dildo by Jezebelle
• Curve by Carnivalesq
• Beaded Glass Dildo by That Toy Chick

Lube/Massage Oil/Bath Stuff

• Toy Fluid by Ansley Agnello
• WET Naturals by Sommer Marsden
• ID Jucy Lube 10 Pack by Erin Leone
• Afterglow Candle

BDSM/Fetish

• Bondage Tape by Marla Singer
• Black Leather Whip by Erin Leone
• Strict Leather Bullhide Flogger by Bad Bad Girl
• Nipple Suckers by Domina Doll

Adult Books

• Sex, Magick and Spirit: Enlightenment through Ecstasy by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival

Adult Movies/Porn

• Corsetry La Femme Part 1 by The Porn Librarian
• Lesbian Life – Real Sex San Francisco (Scene 3) by J.D. Bauchery
• Domination Nakite by FrzKey
• Nina Hartley’s Guide to Sensual Submission #1: How to Submit to a Man by Curvaceous Dee

Storage

• Tunti Illuminated Boudoir Toybox by Essin’ Em

Miscellaneous

• Smartballs by Erin Leone
• Kama Sutra Intensifying Gel – Cooling by Jezebelle
• Shunga Secret Garden Cream by Epiphora

]]> http://thattoychick.com/2009/02/19/266/feed/ 1 http://thattoychick.com/2009/02/12/adam-and-eve-beaded-glass-dildo-review/ http://thattoychick.com/2009/02/12/adam-and-eve-beaded-glass-dildo-review/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:59:47 +0000 ThatToyChick http://thattoychick.wordpress.com/?p=258

I was probably the last sexbloggish person to get into the whole “glass” thing, having only procured my first toy last year. I like my stuff squishy, so how could I possibly like something so unyielding? Oh, I did. Frequently. There’s nothing quite like the absolutely frictionless feel of glass, how effortlessly it pops in and out and how little lube one needs to enjoy it.

Porous materials, like jelly, actually absorb some of the things that make lube…lubey…and leave you with a sticky mess afterward – all the NON water components of water based lubricants. The body will also do this, of course, but not as quickly as some of the more porous toys. Why do I mention this? Because imagine what a nice, solid, non-porous toy does to stretch the usefulness of your lube in a given sexy session. It’s the (magnified) difference between pouring lube on a glass coffee table vs a kitchen sponge.

Where my first dildo was essentially a skinny wand with a small bulb at the end (like so), this glass dildo offers a lot more girth and texture to enjoy. The fat bulb on the end makes handling it pretty easy, and the four knobs are placed perfectly for curling the fingers between, enabling the user to rub the “twisty” end against anywhere they choose.  If the large ball is held in the palm, the twisty end and first ball combine with the toy’s subtle curve to make the perfect shallow thrusting toy to arouse the sensitive vaginal entrance.

The large ball end is not so huge as to make this glass dildo unmanageable when flipped around, either.  I wouldn’t recommend this as an anal toy, however, even despite the seemingly made-for-it graduated bulges…there is no flanged base and the potential for an “oh whoops”, especially all lubed up, is high.  Also worth noting is that my toy’s swirls are separated a bit from each other, giving a little “valley” between each swirl…the picture on Adam and Eve’s site makes it seem like they are closer together. These dildos are not, to the best of my knowledge, machine-made, so each is bound to vary a bit.

The pale purple color is very nice, too. Glass toys definitely benefit from a nice pastel shade to show off their natural material.  The red velvet bag will protect from light scratches and the casual snooper, but the lack of padding won’t secure it from more serious mishandling (like dropping it on concrete or something) nor will the drawstring closure deter persistent bedroom investigators.

Price wise, there’s just no arguing it’s awesome – $24.95! It’s a really cheap glass dildo that’s high on quality, which makes for a great combo.  It’s an Adam and Eve exclusive, too, so they’re the only place you’ll find this lovely piece of purple pleasure.  The Cyberglass (essentially pyrex glass) material can be lightly heated or cooled, but use common sense and don’t overdo it..if the temp can’t be comfortably held against the skin, it’s too much for both you and the toy! If you’re looking for a decent cheap lube, I tried mine out with Adam and Eve’s Pure Essentials Water Based Lubricant.

-TTC

Geisha by Steal Your Soul Photography

Pleasurists is your round-up of the adult product reviews that came out in the last seven days from bloggers all around the sex blogosphere. Did you miss Pleasurists #11? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #13? Submit it here before Sunday January 26th at 11:59pm PST. Note: there will be no Pleasurists next week, January 19th due to the editrix moving to Seattle. Please re-post this list on your own blog if listed.

Want to be part of the Best Sex Toy Reviewers List of 2008?

• Nominate your favorite Sex Toy Reviewers! Deadline: January 25th at 11:59pm PST.

Want to win some free swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.

• Win a Pink Kink Kit! Deadline: January 26th, 2009
• Win a Hot New Sex Toy! Deadline: February 1st.

On to the reviews…

Editor’s Pick

• Fun Factory Laya Spot by Thursday’s Child

I think I might finally understand all of the buzz surrounding the Laya Spot! I’m a fan of strong vibrators, and most of the battery powered vibrators just can’t compare to my go-to vibrator, the Hitachi Magic Wand. But this funny little vibrator is strong! Really strong. And quiet, too!

Madame Editrix

Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek

Vibrators

• Cry Baby by Beautiful Dreamer
• The Shimmy Shimmy Shake (Briana’s Silicone Squiggler) by Sleeping Dreamer
• Fun Factory Laya Spot by Beautiful Dreamer
• Slender Sensations Vibe by Rebecca Deos
• Sunflower G-Spot by The Countess
• Laya Spot by Adriana
• Infared Rechargeable Massager by The Hot Movies For Her Sex Toy Crew
• Je Joue SaSi by Beautiful Dreamer
• Aqua Paradise (Aqua Wand) by Sienna
• Fleur de Lis by Panthera Pardus
• Fun Factory Delight by Betty Rocket
• Selene Vibrating Clitoral Pump by Curvaceous Dee
• Cry Baby by Epiphora

Dildos

• Ella by Carnivalesq
• Phallix Cobalt Twister by Epiphora

Anal Toys

• Wanda Anal Probe by Shasta Gibson

Toys for Boys

• The Maven by Jack Stratton
• Four Seasons Studded And Ribbed Condoms by Shasta Gibson

Lube/Massage Oil/Bath Stuff

• Universal Lube by The Hot Movies For Her Sex Toy Crew
• Hot Heart Massage Set by Sexorcism
• Lubricant Toko Aroma Champagne/Strawberry by Alpine Subdreams
• Chocolate Body Paint by Alisa

BDSM/Fetish

• My Dirty Monday: The Love Connection by Sommer Marsden
• Japanese Ball Gag by Essin’ Em
• Kinklab Wartenberg Pinwheel by Red Sneaker Diaries
• Bunny Fur Mitt by Betty Rocket
• I love nipple clamps (Clover Clamps) by Bad Bad Girl

Adult Books/Games

• Hurts So Good by Sexorcism
• Photography for Perverts by Domina Doll

Adult Movies/Porn

• Girl Train (disc 1) by J.D. Bauchery
• Horat by The Porn Librarian
• Lex on Blondes Volume 4 by The Porn Librarian
• Upload by Sienna
• The Elegant Spanking by Domina Doll

Toy Storage

• Adult Toybox by Syntax

Miscellaneous

• Kama Sutra Intensifying Gel by Beautiful Dreamer
• Deep Throat Desensitizer by Azen Eunice Aguilar
• Luna Beads by Ansley Agnello
• Nexus G-Pod by Dangerous Lilly
• Jaguar Harness by Red Sneaker Diaries
• Simply Sexy Leather Harness by Sinclair Sexsmith

————————————————————————————————————————————————

Pleasurists # 11

From Scaudon Photodesign

Pleasurists is your round-up of the adult product reviews that came out in the last seven days from bloggers all around the sex blogosphere. Did you miss Pleasurists #10? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #12? Submit it here before Sunday January 11th at 11:59pm PST. Please re-post this list on your own blog if listed.

Want to be part of the Best Sex Toy Reviewers List of 2008?

• Nominate your favorite Sex Toy Reviewers! Deadline: January 25th at 11:59pm PST.

Want to win some free swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.

• Win a Hot New Sex Toy! Deadline: February 1st.

On to the reviews…

Editor’s Pick

Madame Editrix

Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek

Vibrators

• Baby It’s Cold Outside (Power Breeze Clit Bullet) by Sleeping Dreamer
• Laya Spot by Erin Leone
• Ophoria Bliss No. 12 by Holden
• Mini Meany by The Hot Movies For Her Sex Toy Crew
• Clitoral Pump by California Exotics by Jezebelle
• We-Vibe by Lucy Vonne
• Sweet Chocolate by Eliot Bodem
• Ophoria Bliss No. 12 by Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek
• Lucid Dream Vibrating Butt Plug by Brigid Night
• Ophoria Bliss No. 12 by Urban Gypsy
• Discretion Bullet by Dangerous Lilly
• Catalina Loves Gigi by Catalina Loves
• Panty Tickler by Phaedra Fallen

Dildos

• Pure Wand by Ansley Agnello

Anal Toys

• Fun Factory Bootie by Sexorcism
• Peridise! by Panthera Pardus
• Tantus Lil’ Flirt by Beautiful Dreamer
• NJoy Pure Plug by Alisia

Toys for Boys

• One for the Men – The Fleshlight by hedonisticbitch

Sex Kits

• Shunga Carnal Pleasures Collection by Beautiful Dreamer

Lube/Massage Oil/Bath Stuff

• Jimmyjane Afterglow Candle by Beautiful Dreamer
• Afterglow Candle by Essin’ Em
• Kama Sutra Oil of Love by Betty Rocket
• Babeland Entice Lube by Radical Vixen

BDSM/Fetish

• Celebrating New Year’s With New Toys (The Super Strap Super Sheet) by Luna Orignaux
• Zeus Electrogasm by Gwen
• Under the Bed Restraints by Nadia West
• Crocodile Clamps by Nadia West
• Kinklab Vampire Gloves by Essin’ Em
• Red Acrylic Cane by Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek
• Ball Gag by Alisia
• Kinklab Piercing Forceps by Alpine Subdreams
• Basic Leather Flogger by Shasta Gibson
• Leather Paddle by Sinclair Sexsmith

Adult Books/Games

• Five Minute Erotica by Adriana
• J is for Jealousy by The Porn Librarian
• The Pleasure’s All Mine by Sinclair Sexsmith

Adult Movies/Porn

• Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to the G-Spot by J.D. Bauchery
• Girls with Desire by The Porn Librarian
• Return of Johnny Wadd by The Porn Librarian
• CrashPadSeries.Com by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival
• The Black Glove by Domina Doll

Toy Storage

• FYN Big Foot by Ansley Agnello
• FYN Big Foot Case by Beautiful Dreamer
• Big Foot Case FYN Review by Thursday’s Child
• XL Adult Toybox by Dangerous Lilly
• What’s in My Bag? (Big Foot FYN Case) by Bad Bad Girl
• Just In Case by Phaedra Fallen

Miscellaneous

• LELO Luna Beads by Sienna
• Top Five Tuesday: Our Favorites of 2008! by J.D. Bauchery & The Porn Librarian
• La Luna (Beads, that is) by Panthera Pardus
• Nipple Erector Set by Alpine Subdreams
• Luna Beads by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival
• Dominatrix Bag from FYN by Domina Doll

From this gallery on Barely Evil

Pleasurists is your round-up of the adult product reviews that came out in the last seven days from bloggers all around the sex blogosphere. Did you miss Pleasurists #8? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #10? Submit it here before Sunday December 14th at 11:59pm PST. Please re-post this list on your own blog if listed.

Want to win some free swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.

• 1000th Comment Giveaway! Deadline: when the 1000th comment is posted.
• Holiday Contest!! Deadline: December 24th.
• A Holiday Bunny Giveaway! Deadline: Friday December 26th at 11:59pm PST.
• Swag Contest: Win a Rabbit Habit or Pink Kink Kit! Deadline: December 27th, 8pm PST
• Win a Hot New Sex Toy! Deadline: February 1st.

On to the reviews…

Editor’s Pick

• Don Wands Candy Cane by Curvaceous Dee

Verdict: A gorgeous present to go in any bad girl’s stocking – or a good girl’s stocking, if you want to corrupt her in a most pleasant fashion.

Note: I couldn’t pass up picking this particularly festive toy! There are some gorgeous pictures with this review as well (as usual for Dee).

Madame Editrix

Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek

Vibrators

• Ride the Passion Wave by Adriana
• LELO’s Mia by Epiphora
• Trojan Vibrating Touch Fingertip Massager by Erin Leone
• Hitachi Magic Wand by Essin’ Em
• Acuvibe Mini by Dangerous Lilly
• We-Vibe by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival
• Mia by LELO by That Toy Chick
• The Ophoria Bliss No. 12 by Kyle of Butchtastic

Dildos

• Phallix 24-Karat Gold Double Happiness by Adriana
• Mr. Squiggly by Hot Movies For Her Sex Toy Crew
• Red Pleasure Wand by Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek
• Alumina Revolve by Sinclair Sexsmith
• Cherries Jubilee Glass Dildo by Dangerous Lilly
• Silk Lover by Monkey

Anal Toys

• My Pleasure: Pleasure Plug 2 by Ansley Agnello

Toys for Boys

• Bo! Selector: LELO Bo by hedonisticbitch

Sex Kits

• The Lovers Paintbox by Essin’ Em

Lube/Massage Oil

• Orgazyme by Lucy Vonne
• Three Lube Review by Domina Doll
• O’My O Clitoral Stimulating Pleasure Gel by Domina Doll

BDSM/Fetish

• Super Strap Super Sheet by Alpine Subdreams
• Three Restraints and a Blindfold by Scarlet Lotus Sexgeek
• Black Leather Blindfold by Ansley Agnello
• With Bells On- Spartacus Clit Clamp by Betty Rocket
• The Red Menace on Handcuffs by hedonisticbitch

Erotic Books/Games

• Never Have the Same Sex Twice by Sexorcism
• Frenzy by Sexorcism

Adult Movies/Porn

• Jenna Loves Pain by Alpine Subdreams
• Champion by Ansley Agnello
• First Dates by J.D. Bauchery
• Thickalicious by The Porn Librarian
• Rendezvous at the Golden Gate Bed & Breakfast by J.D. Bauchery
• The Fashionistas by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival
• Man’s Ruin by Winkytiki by Domina Doll

Miscellaneous

• Fly Me to the Moon – LELO Luna Beads by Thursday’s Child
• Happy Hearts Massager by Bad Bad Girl
• Luna Pleasure Bead System by Adriana
• Fantasy Glide by Bad Bad Girl
• The Female Condom by Shasta Gibson
• Foot Long Toy Case from FYN by Domina Doll

Click Here to See The Mia!

I’ve been a fan of Lelo products since I was first introduced to them a few years ago. Jelly novelty vibes with misspelled packaging are all well and good when you’re 18 and broke, but now that I’m in my mid-20s I wanted a better class of sex toy. GoodVibes.com was kind enough to send me what has become one of my new favorite toys for a test run.

Thankfully, Lelo’s resoundingly answered the call with the Mia vibrator. I was delighted to find it was all I was hoping it would be, and then some! It was just as compact and discreet as it looked, elegantly packaged, and had functions which I didn’t remember reading about, but was happy to discover upon reading the easy to understand user manual.

The box it arrives in has a glossy slipcover over a black box that is durable and perfect to use for storage. It has a tidy plastic tray that perfectly fits both the Mia and her cap, and all the accessories underneath. With this cute vibrator comes a USB cord (the Mia can also plug directly into the computer, but it’s nice to have an optional cord for discretion or tight spaces), a white satin drawstring pouch, a one year manufacturer warranty, and the user manual.

Mia is no larger than a tube of lipstick, and shaped so it would easily pass for one in the jumble of a purse. When the cap is removed and the vibrator is plugged directly into a USB port, it looks like a flash drive or memory stick, preventing any raised eyebrows or prying eyes from discovering your secret. The Mia is smooth plastic, with a rounded tip that’s perfect for clitoral play. I received the pink version, but there’s also a lovely maroon purple available.

Sure, she looks pretty, but how does Mia perform, you ask? Admirably. The vibrations are super quiet, but more than enough to deliver, especially at the highest level. The silicone pad has small + and – buttons that light up when you press and hold them, allowing you to see as you scroll through vibration speeds and three pulsing patterns. I believe there are ten speeds in all, but it’s a bit hard to tell, especially in the middle of the range. My advice is to just hold down the + key until it feels good.

Because the Mia has a silicone pad, I only used water based lubricants with it to be safe (Silicone lubricant bonds to silicone toys and can ruin them). With the cap on, there is what looks to be a silicone seal that keeps lube and secretions from messing up the USB plug, which is a nice touch. I played with Mia with the cap on, because it made it much easier to maneuver and use – I have to imagine it’s designed to be used this way.

For every two hours of charge you get 3-4 hours of play, so this is one case where a rechargeable sex toy is both hassle-free and doesn’t sacrifice power. I just keep my Mia plugged in behind my computer when I’m not using it, just like a cell phone, so it’s always ready to go. My one complaint is that it seems strange Lelo didn’t go a tiny step further and make this computer powered vibrator a computer controlled one! I’d love to see a Mia 2 that is able to be controlled remotely through the internet.

Goodvibes.com has the Mia at a very competitive price, too! Just click the banner at the top to check her out for yourself.

-TTC

(Edited to add, 12/14/09: This book is available on Amazon, here for less than 12 bucks!)

Ms. Bussel has taken the traditional erotica compilation and allowed it to breathe with her latest anthology, Bedding Down. I’m never one to turn down smut, mind you, and often use erotic literature for mental foreplay, but Bedding Down was not (if you’ll pardon the expression) your run of the mill bodice-ripper.

Bedding Down calls on a host of excellent erotica writers, most of whom I’ve had the pleasure of reading in other anthologies. These stories are not afraid to explore the darker side of winter twined in alongside sensual heat, like the embers of a fire on a snowy night. Death is lightly touched upon in two stories, and the struggle to balance between everyday life, decisions and time together is very eloquently displayed.

I enjoyed the book as a whole, with the only story I wasn’t overly fond of being the first (One Night in Winter by Kristina Wright), but only then because it took me awhile to decipher which character was which; the premise and the sex were still lovely to read. Alison Tyler adds a bit of levity with the exasperated and ever-hopeful heroine of “It’s Not The Weather”, and Sophie Mouette’s “Hidden Treasure” plunges you into a spirited romp in a dark mansion. The struggle against the cold is engagingly laid out in Gwen Masters’ “Six Weeks on Sunrise Mountain, Colorado”, and Marilyn Jaye Lewis’ “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” echoed some of my own experiences of being engaged with all the drawn out discussions on the future that entails.

My favorite story (which surprised me a bit because I’m normally more amiable towards lighthearted offerings) was definitely Isabelle Grey’s “Northern Exposure”. It made the heart ache in both sadness and happiness and actually made me tear up, which is for me the sign of excellent writing. A close second is Shanna Germain’s “Sweet Season”, which makes perfect use of setting to draw the reader into sights, sounds, and scents; I’m also partial to Vermont culture, so that didn’t hurt!

All in all, a book that I’m very pleased to own, and an absolutely stunning read in the subtle beginnings of December. Best enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa, a box of tissues, and maybe a bit of time with a handsome leading man.

-TTC

But the idea of a sex “toy” that would alter my partner intrigued me. Like entangling our sex life with some secret government serum, I wanted to fuck with his body chemistry in the name of sexual science. Semenex claims to neutralize that bitter “egg whites and seawater” taste of semen that turns a lot of women off to oral in general or swallowing in particular. I was interested, but the 16 oz GNC-sized tub seemed a little overkill and difficult to stash discreetly, but imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a tiny purse-sized canister recently. We dropped the $10 bucks and drove home, much of the way spent discussing the dubious intentions of a semen cookbook my astute twitter friends had alerted me to recently.

I cheerfully read the directions on the Semenex package, anticipating with glee trying this new sex toy o’ the future, and was dismayed to discover we just dropped $10 on a one-shot (pun intended) deal. Evidently we were supposed to drop this whole thing into a drink. The ingredients were nothing unorthodox – fruit and vegetable extracts, and as any good sexgal worth her salt knows, pineapple and apple juice will accomplish much of the proposed same effect, with much cheaper prices. But hey, might as well give it a go.

For all the instructions I’ve followed in my life, these were probably the most fun. Semenex requires the male ejaculate to get all the “bad tasting” sperm out…naturally, I was glad to help because I needed a control taste anyway. After the pre-experiment fun, my guy went and dumped the pumpkin-pie smelling powder into a glass of milk and downed it. Then we waited the minimum 12 hours, as suggested, going about our business while his semen improved itself.

Later that evening, we were both exhausted and unsexy – this is one of the perils of Semenex. Like certain sex supplements, you have a window of time to enjoy the benefits, and after that you’re out of luck. Thankfully, a couple of explicit whispers had him harder than a telephone pole, and I got to work.

I am happy to say it DOES make a very real difference. If you’re expecting your guy to start spewing sweettarts, you’ll be disappointed, but otherwise it’s great. I would strongly recommend it to anyone trying to get their partner into oral – same sex, opposite sex, or trans – because it definitely works. No bitterness or that bleachy egg white kind of taste that makes many people sadly eschew oral. I would say that if you downed it with a glass of apple or pineapple juice and avoided smoking and coffee beforehand (both of which make semen bitter), you’d have even more impressive results.

Naturally, I wish they’d make it more affordable, but if you’re going to drop the money, might as well be on something proven, right?

-That Toy Chick