The Principles of Pleasure

Tomorrow night in LA... ORGASMS!

2009-11-10T16:06:00.002-05:00

This Wednesday, FREE! 8-10 pm

Uncovering the O: Female Orgasms and More! More! More!

Join sex educator and author Jamye Waxman, M.Ed. as she leads this workshop, open to all genders, designed to teach the ins and outs of pleasing the female body. Learn how to turn on female-bodied partners or, if you’re the proud owner of one, how to turn yourself on and how to bring yourself to a whole new level of satisfaction and comfort with masturbation techniques and frank talk about sex and anatomy.

BDSM for Beginners

2009-11-02T15:36:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned before, we have some exciting web changes coming soon. Until then, we've all been seriously busy (sex) bees curating, creating, and coming up with new ways to connect with our lovely clientele (that's you).

Here is little taste of what's to come in our expanded information and education sections of our website.

BDSM for Beginners

You’ve probably seen some form of BDSM depicted on television, in movies, or even snuck into an otherwise “vanilla” porno. Maybe it made you curious, maybe it turned you on, or maybe it turned your partner on and now you sleep with one eye open, afraid that some night you’ll wake up to get a glass of water and find yourself tied to the bed. Well fear not, adventurous friend, for BDSM is all about mutual consent and negotiated boundaries. There’s a whole lot to learn, and we carry several books and DVDs to help you along on your journey, but this is quick guide to get you started.

We hear a lot of questions from people about BDSM. Here are some common ones:

“Wait, what is BDSM again?”

BDSM is the commonly used catchall term for bondage, discipline, submission, dominance, sadism, and masochism. It can include role-playing with dominant and submissive roles, restraints, sensation play (exploring with ice cubes or hot wax, or deprivation with gags or blindfolds), impact play (such as spanking or flogging), and much more.

“Doesn’t all this hurt? Why would anyone like pain?”

The idea that BDSM is all about pain is incorrect, although most agree that certain things that would be painful in a street fight, like someone scraping their nails across your skin, can feel great and be totally hot in the right context. For many BDSM players, the pleasure is not only in the sensation, but the connection and intimacy between partners in a situation where communication and trust is of the utmost importance. The power dynamics involved in BDSM, whether you are playing master and submissive or calculus teacher and failing football star eager to get the grade, can be extremely erotic.

“Okay, so maybe I like it when my partner blindfolds me and tickles my feet no matter how much I try to wiggle away, but what if I REALLY want them to stop?”

In the BDSM world, players make up a “safe word” to let their play partner know when they need to stop or slow down. Words like “stop” or “ouch” don’t work well as safe words because, especially in the midst of intense power play or discipline, they can seem like part of the action. It’s important, for that reason, to pick a very specific safe word that you and your partner will remember easily. It can be as simple as “yellow” for slow down and “red” for stop, or you can get more creative, as long as it stands out.

“I’m really liking the sound of this. Uh oh, does that mean I’m a freaky sexual deviant?”

No way! The thing to remember is that the motto for the BDSM community is “Safe, Sane, and Consensual.” Sometimes, especially as depicted in the mainstream media, scenes of BDSM can seem intimidating at best and downright abusive at worst. This is not the case at all because, in real life, people involved in BDSM acts have discussed their boundaries, desires, and safe words ahead of time. They discourage or ban use of drugs or alcohol during play or playing with an unclear mind.

Keep in mind that enjoying BDSM doesn’t mean you have to give up your job at Pottery Barn and move into a dungeon. Some people are “lifestyle players” within their relationships or daily lives, but many choose to only bust out the ball gag late at night or bring out the suspension hooks on the weekends or simply add a little spice to their regular sex lives with a blindfold and ice cubes. You can incorporate as much or as little BDSM into your life as you want. It’s all about what turns you and your partner on.

“Wow, thanks! I totally feel so much better! Should I go out and get a leather face mask, bullwhip, and spreader bar right now???”

Enthusiasm noted and appreciated, but no. When beginning to explore BDSM, it’s best to start out slowly, not only for safety’s sake, but for your wallet as well, until you know a little more about what you like and how to use more advanced implements. Since communication is so important in the practice of BDSM, the first place to start, of course, is by talking with your partner. If you need some guidance, use the Yes/No/Maybe List, one of our favorite tools to get people talking about sex, desires, and boundaries. Depending on your comfort level you can try role-playing and begin to play with power dynamics.

Reading books like The New Bottoming Book and The New Topping Book, SM 101, or Fetish and watching instructional or erotic BDSM DVDs like the classic fetish extravaganza Fashionistas can help you learn new tricks and figure out what kinds of things tickle (or slap) your fancy the most. Speaking of a sexy slap session, spanking is a great place to start exploring. Use your hand at first so you have optimal control of the impact and stroke. Focus on fleshy parts like the ass and thighs, and eventually you can try something like a crop or slapper.

“Is there any other gear you’d recommend for beginners?”

As far as restraints go, we highly recommend using cuffs made of neoprene or leather that buckle at the wrist or ankle. You can attach them together using a piece of chain, rope, or an Under the Bed Restraints kit. Traditional handcuffs or silk scarves can tighten suddenly and cause pain and loss of circulation. We also love guiding absolute beginners to the PC Bondage Tape because it is safe and versatile. The vinyl tape sticks to itself but not your skin, so it’s sturdy but easy to remove. You can practice using it to bind hands, feet, as a gag or blindfold, even for total mummification without the fear of cutting off circulation or ripping off anything important when it’s removed. A light flogger, pinwheel, or adjustable nipple clamps are a great for exploring sensation play.

The most important thing to remember (aside from your safe word) is that communication and trust are key elements to enjoyable BDSM play, and any sex, really. It’s okay to experiment and have fun, just as it’s okay to have a deep spiritual experience. Our bodies and their varied responses to stimuli are what make sexual encounters so exciting and pleasurable.

Big Bang in the Big Apple (Sorry, we had to go there)

2009-10-16T17:26:00.003-05:00

The east coast leg of our Big Bang Sale kicks off tonight in our New York store with a FREE happy hour from 6-9 pm!

Life in the big city can be fast and hard, and maybe you like it that way, but there's always time to catch a great deal. At the Big Bang Sale, you'll get at least 25% off every single item in the store and save even more on last chance items. Not to mention paying a visit to a major site of New York cultural history; The Rabbit episode of Sex and the City was filmed here!

FREE happy hour cocktails Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 6-9 pm. See you there!

FREE Workshop Tonight at the Los Angeles Store!

2009-09-30T15:10:00.002-05:00

Queering Your Sex Wednesday, September 30th 8-10 pm, FREE!

Geared toward all gender-variant, gender curious folks, or anyone looking to incorporate some type of gender or non-traditional power play into their sex. The class covers communication and negotiation, anatomy (including trans bodies), strapping it on, blowjobs on non-bio cocks, role-playing, and tips, tricks and toys for hot queer sex.

This is a complimentary workshop with seats on a first come basis. Registration not necessary.

Queering Your Sex is for everyone, and all gender and sexual identities are welcome. I'll be there representing queer high femmes who sometimes think it's okay to wear chanclas (flip flops), especially the day after a pedicure. That's a real identity, by the way.

See you there!

And the Bang goes on...

2009-09-28T14:06:00.004-05:00

With barely a chance to catch our breath following the orgasmic success of the Big Bang Sale in LA, we're ready to bring the Bang to our Chicago store!

We could totally make a joke right now about the windy city blowing even better this weekend, but we won't. Because we're classy.

Join us on Friday 10/2 at 7 p.m. for a preview party with cocktails, DJ, and deals like 25% off the entire store, including products that have already been marked down, then get ready for Saturday 10/3 - Sunday 10/4 when the Pleasure Chest annual Big Bang Sale officially hits Chicago!

And, as if October in Chicago could possibly get awesome enough, we're also bringing you a FREE workshop, The Ultimate O, on Tuesday, Oct. 6th from 8-10 p.m. Maybe you’ve never had one, maybe you have but you’re still not sure what all the fuss is about, or maybe you’re a total orgasm overachiever with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Whatever your reason for taking this workshop, there will be an A+ for everyone ready to learn all about anatomy, techniques for coming with a partner or solo, how masturbation can help expand your orgasm, g-spot orgasms, anal orgasms, and, of course, tips and toys that will boost your GPA (General Pleasure Average). Come early, because this first-come first-served workshop will fill up fast.

We can't wait to see you there!

The Big Bang Sale is going to be, well, Bangin'!

2009-09-22T18:07:00.006-05:00

We here at The Pleasure Chest wouldn’t necessarily call ourselves size queens, but we love big surprises and even bigger announcements. So, as you might imagine, it was pretty hard for us to keep our Big Bang Sale under wraps.

We’re so excited we could burst! In fact, that’s the plan.

Come in to the Los Angeles store Friday 9/25 – Sunday 9/27 to save an explosive 25% off everything in our store. Sale savvy folks will want to come in early for our sneak preview party on Thursday 9/24 starting at 7 p.m. with free cocktails and a DJ.

There's going to be huge discounts on our products, and we're not talking about overstock bottles of lube here. In fact, there's actually no such thing, as we use any surplus for lube wrestling matches to settle employee disputes. Just kidding, we totally don't do that.

What we will be doing, however, is introducing some fabulous new products, showcasing our all-time favorites, and giving you multiple discounts (and orgasms?) on products that have already been marked down!

For example, let's say we're discontinuing High End Brand X vibrator in the color blue, that means those will be marked anywhere from 15-25% off. On top of that, you're going to get the Big Bang discount of 25% off your entire purchase. Yup, that's a perfectly pleasing blue vibrator for up to 50% off! Totally awesome news, unless you hate blue. Good thing that was just hypothetical; we have lots of colors to choose from.

And what perfect timing to go holiday shopping for loved ones or grab yourself a sexy Halloween costume. What??? Costumes on sale BEFORE Halloween??? We know, totally outrageous, but true.

Feeling left out in the cold in Chicago and NYC? Don't worry, this is a bang big enough to be felt far and wide, but we're just not that easy. You'll have to wait until the week before for more info. Stay tuned and turned-on! ;-)

Sexy Serenity

2009-09-18T19:22:00.003-05:00

Come join us for Sexy Serenity: An evening of earthly delights! Our Sex Specialists will be talking about toys and tips at this exclusive event featuring delightful drinks, gourmet goodies, relaxing mini spa services, and, of course, intelligent conversation.

We firmly believe that sex positivity goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle, and that's a beautiful thing!

Check out ChillOutLA.com and SirensMag.com for more info.

Exciting Changes

2009-09-10T13:56:00.002-05:00

As fall peeks its head around the corner, we're looking forward to the changes we're continuing to make in our stores and online. We're also quite fond of spiced cider and actually find flannel sheets kind of sexy, but that's another matter.

Our blog will soon have a whole different look and voice, but here's a preview of what's to come. Those on our email list already know about our email goodies, such as exclusive coupons, discounts, insider events, and our newest addition, Risqué Q&A, where we answer real sex questions from you! Here is a sampling to whet your appetite. See you soon!

"I’ve never orgasmed during sex! What do I do?"

As this is a question most frequently asked by women, we will take a risk and make the assumption that you’re a woman.

Our first piece of advice is to relax; it’s common not to achieve orgasm with penetration alone. Most women need clitoral stimulation, even vibration, to come with a partner. Simultaneous orgasms are rare, but practicing sure is fun, and being comfortable, honest, and playful with your partner will heighten intimacy and satisfaction.

A great way to learn what you like is to masturbate. Do you respond best to direct or indirect clit stimulation? Do you prefer a side-to-side motion or are you partial to a series of circles? Do you require a vibrator to climax? These points may seem minor, but they can help guide you on your orgasmic journey. In fact, how you masturbate can even train your body to respond to certain positions, such as on your back or stomach, so switch up your solo sex for variety and adaptability. If you feel comfortable, try masturbating in front of your partner and showing him or her the way you like to be touched.

If you love vibration during sex, we’d pair you with the silent and waterproof Little Chroma. To give both partners a thrill, we love vibrating cockrings, like the wildly popular, rechargeable Lelo Bo, or partner vibes like the revolutionary We-Vibe, which can actually be worn during sex to share the love with your clit, your g-spot, and his penis.

"Should I masturbate before a date so I can last longer?"

As much as we wish we could give you a simple answer to this oft-asked question, the best we can offer is “maybe.” There is a chance that rubbing one out before the big moment could help delay your orgasm during sex, but this isn’t true for all men across the board. For some, it can actually decrease the degree of hardness they are able to achieve the second time around. Trial and error until you find what works for your body will help you figure out if this method is for you, and practicing with a masturbation sleeve like the Fleshlight Endurance Jack has helped a lot of guys train for the real deal.

A foolproof way to guarantee a more satisfying encounter for your partner is to indulge her favorite fantasies and spend time enjoying her arousal spots with your fingers and mouth. The clit is your friend. If you spend enough quality time with it, it will definitely put in a good word for you, but don’t forget about the rest of her body. Awakening areas like her neck, shoulders, and thighs can make her more receptive, expand her orgasm, and enhance the overall experience. Making you and your partner feel good = absolute success.

End of Summer Special 25% Off!

2009-08-27T13:20:00.003-05:00

Say goodbye to summer with a bang!

Print out this exclusive one-time coupon for 25% off on purchases in our Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago stores between August 26th and August 31st 2009. Stock up on toys, lubes, DVDs, and more to keep you warm when the weather starts to get cold. Well, for our L.A. friends, "cold" really means slightly less warm, but do you really need an excuse with 25% off?

And, if you're in Los Angeles, stop in after work tonight, Friday, and Saturday between 4-8 p.m. for Happy Hour. Our bartender will be serving up free beer and wine while you shop. A drink, some kink, and a coupon!

We'll see you there.

Pleasure Re-Post

2009-08-23T21:54:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry to say that this is my last post here on Pleasure Happens. Someone brand new will be taking up the charge of informing and educating you on all things sexy, but I've really enjoyed my time here, so thanks for reading!

In the meantime, because it's Sunday and there are plenty of interesting things happening in the world of sex and pleasure, it's time for another Pleasure Re-Post. I'm taking a quick spin around the blogosphere to bring you some worthwhile sex-related news. Though I use that classification loosely and at my discretion, naturally.

Lots of people espouse the virtues of sex on the beach, but I personally could never figure it out. Do you need a towel to cover yourself in? Or just wear a skirt? And what kind of fine are we talking about here if you get caught? Fortunately, Lemondrop.com has created an easy little how-to on the best way to indulge in that favorite of activities.

Did you accidentally leave your virginity behind at some Junior year Prom post-party? Do you find yourself living in a community that values a woman's virginity to the point that you need to fabricate the presence of one? Well, have no fear, the Artificial Hymen is here. Yep, it's for real.

I know I've talked about this issue from time-to-time, but there's a constant stream of reinforcement of the importance of non-toxic sex toys. Read on for more info, plus usage of a word that I love: ecosex.

The Christian Love Toys site is launched as a portal for Christian couples to explore the saucier side of Missionary, but while still maintaining the values and virtues of their faith. I love the niche markets!

Sexy Style

2009-08-20T21:06:00.014-05:00

One of my absolute favorite fashion & style blogs is Fashion Intel. The beauty with the brains behind the blog, Natalie, has such a fabulous eye for what's fresh and edgy. This isn't the same old stuff regurgitated from the fashion mags. Natalie presents an educated look at style.

She and I recently went back and forth about the intersection of style and sexiness. Just like fashion, sex toys have evolved into a world that appreciates high design and sophisticated aesthetics.

So we got our lusty lady brains cranking and curated a small collection of fashion pieces and their highly styled erotic toy counterparts. What resulted, as you can see from Natalie's brilliant layout above, was the marriage of sexy and style for the most epicurean of connoisseurs. Check out the list below.

Just goes to show, you can have it all! For more on what's evolving in today's world of style and fashion, follow Natalie over at her blog, Fashion Intel, or on Twitter (@FashionIntel).

Pleasure Re-Post

2009-08-16T11:24:00.004-05:00

Because it's Sunday and there are plenty of interesting things happening in the world of sex and pleasure, it's time for another Pleasure Re-Post. I'm taking a quick spin around the blogosphere to bring you some worthwhile sex-related news. Though I use that classification loosely and at my discretion, naturally.

Looks like the famed CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and the Adult Entertainment Expo will no longer be sharing a venue in 2010. CES has decided to move their event to another venue, although it will still be taking place over the same few days. I'm curious to see what this means for AEE, since so many of the geeks visiting CES would filter over to check out the porn stars and their gear.

You know all of those vibrating razors for women that are cropping up all over the place? Well, supposedly they give you a closer shave, but we all know what that vibration was for. Now there is a razor that is also a vibrator! The brand new My Tinge has been getting some pretty sweet reviews so far, and I'm dying to try one.

I have long recommended that people use condoms over their sex toys. It's safer and it's easier clean-up. But often times, even the largest condoms don't fit properly over large or oddly shaped sex toys, so it was a game of stretch and tuck. Now that Maxpro has introduced their Toy Covers, that should be a thing of the past.

Canines need love too? Apparently Brazil's Petsmiling thinks so. They've created a prototype of the first doggie sex doll, called DoggieLoveDoll, meant to curb your little guy from humping every leg that walks through your door.

Vibrators For Beginners

2009-08-10T22:52:00.004-05:00

I recently got an email question that I thought was so good, I decided to answer it on the blog. She asked what was a good starter vibrator that wasn't too expensive, without being total crap.

It can be very difficult to navigate all of the products that are on the market these days, so I'm going to highlight two of my favorite beginner vibes, each of which are under $40.

bgood

The bgood is a 7" waterproof vibe made of a silky touch material. I'm not a huge fan of the hard plastic, so this gives you something firm that is a little more friendly. It can easily be taken into the bath or shower, and it's obviously a very stylish little non-realistic.

The cons to a vibrator in this price range are that it usually only has a life expectancy of 6 months to a year, and the older it gets, the louder it's going to become.

Waterproof Silicone Vibrator

While the name really isn't that creative, The Waterproof Silicone Vibrator is a straight-forward vibe that delivers. With adjustable speed settings, this vibe can also be taken into the bath and shower, and it has a unique quality unlike most vibrators: it's made of silicone.

Silicone vibes are usually quite pricey, but this vibe has a soft, outer layer made of hypoallergenic silicone, which warms nicely to the temperature of your body. It's a realistic, which could be either a pro or a con, depending on your taste. Also, the soft, outer skin is quite thick, which makes it a bit vulnerable to little tears and such.

Stormy Daniels

2009-08-08T10:01:00.002-05:00

Apparently Stormy Daniels, who has been in the news quite a bit lately, is set to be arraigned in September on domestic violence charges. She is accused of attacking her husband because she was "upset because the way the laundry had been done." Hm. I guess we know where her stage name comes from.

If you don't know, Stormy Daniels is the one who has been contemplating a run for the Senate seat from Louisiana. She's been doing some listening tours, to see what the constituency has to say. I was 100% behind her on this idea, however, last time I checked, voters aren't really keen on spousal abuse.

If you don't know Stormy, here's an interview with her. I think she looks a little like a bleached Anne Hathaway.

Anal August!

2009-08-05T22:25:00.002-05:00

That's right, it's Anal August at The Pleasure Chest, which means that you can 20% off on our staff anal favorites. With everything from the Aneros to nJoy toys featured, there's a little something for everyone. Whether beginner or expert, everyone's bum could use a little more TLC.

Also, don't forget to check out our list of free upcoming workshops at each of our three boutique locations nationwide. It's just our little way of saying thanks for beings so sexy over the past 40 some-odd years we've been in business!

Howcast Does Sexy Videos

2009-08-03T21:11:00.002-05:00

You know, I was watching sex-related videos on YouTube the other day, and some of these are really hilarious. They are how-to videos, some of which are clearly parodies, and others, I'm not so sure. Some of them are really borderline offensive...well, to people who aren't me. This one for instance. What do you think, tasteless or brilliant?

8th Day

2009-08-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

Adam & Eve, the company that was behind the multi award-winning Pirates XXX, have announced the launch of the microsite for their upcoming release 8th Day.

The movie is a post-apocalyptic story starring Kayden Kross. From the official press release:

"The 8th Day" tells the story of Samantha, played by Kayden Kross, who awakens from a cryogenic sleep to find the world she knew is gone and her city is overrun by brutal tribes of lawless proto-humans. After Samantha is rescued by a scrappy scavenger girl played by Amber Rayne, she is led to a desolate desert village known as Elysium Fields. But when the charismatic ruler takes Samantha under his wing, he discovers who she really is — and decides that she must make the ultimate sacrifice."

Upcoming Workshops

2009-07-31T20:52:00.003-05:00

In celebration of the various communities that have supported us over the past nearly 40 (!) years that we've been in business, The Pleasure Chest is beginning to offer free workshops at each of our boutiques.

Next week we start off by welcoming the legendary Nina Hartley to our NYC boutique location. She's doing 3 workshops in 3 days, so get while the gettin's good, since it's first come, first serve. Check our calender in the right sidebar for more upcoming events!

"All-Around Oral with Nina Hartley

Tuesday, August 4th 7-9 PM FREE!

Want to be gifted at going down? Learn the tricks of the trade with nurse gone sexpert Nina Hartley. She will cover male and female anatomy, blowjob tricks, deep throating, skillful clit licking, sucking, and other sexy secrets that are sure to have them begging for more. This is a private salon with only 15 spaces available. Wine and cheese will be served."

Organic Lube

2009-07-29T19:54:00.002-05:00

People often ask me for suggestions on simple (and inexpensive) ways they can improve their sex life. One of my main tips is always to pay closer attention to your lubricant. Don't just go into the drugstore and buy whatever, really take some time to figure out what you need and want from your lube. Depending on who you are having sex with and how you're having it, lube can make a major difference in sensation.

Something relatively new to the market is Sliquid Organics Natural Lubricating Silk.

First and foremost, it's glycerin free, which is important for the women among us with sensitive, yeast infection prone vaginal tissue. Made with organic botanicals, it's water-based, so it's perfect to use with any toy and won't stain your sheets.

It's also vegan and not tested on animals, meaning that we can all feel good about using this lube.

The consistency is creamy and smooth, despite its being water-soluble, so it's also moisturizing and protects from chafing and rawness through long wear.

Pleasure Re-Post

2009-07-26T21:36:00.002-05:00

There's a new iPhone app. called "Purity Ring," which encourages its user to take one of those abstain-until-marriage pledges in exchange for a virtual "ring" displayed on their phone.

David Steinberg's hilarious and fascinating account of being singled out and searched on his way through airport security while carrying on sex toys. If this has happened to you, you can laugh with him. If it hasn't happened to you, then take notes so you can handle it with equal humor and grace.

Forbes reports that pregnancy and STD's are on the rise among American teenagers again. Maybe all of that "abstinence-only" sex education really isn't the way to go. Hm.

Looks like Kim Cattrall will be flying solo for the filming of the sequel to the Sex & the City movie. She and her much younger boyfriend are rumored to have broken up.

Celebrity Sightings

2009-07-24T06:58:00.003-05:00

According to the gossip rags, Lindsay Lohan got a basket full of sex toys for her recent birthday. She and partner Samantha Ronson are said to slip into our Pleasure Chest West Hollywood location late night to snag sexy treats. Well, the LA boutique does stay open really late, you know...

Read more at Celebrity Smack Blog.

LiLo isn't our first celebrity admirer, we're proud to say. Halle Berry has been quoted loving on The Pleasure Chest and reminding single women that "you can't forget your sexuality...you can still embrace your body."

And there was quite the photo opp when Victoria Beckham made her entrance into our West Hollywood boutique, unabashedly purchasing whatever her heart desired. Now that's what we like to see!

As for whether or not certain celebs shop under the cover of darkness to escape the Paps? Well, we'll never tell...

The Pleasure Chest Photos & Classes

2009-07-21T10:23:00.003-05:00

I was stoked to see this little photo set pop up on LA.com: it's photos of the We-Vibe event held recently at The Pleasure Chest LA. If you haven't heard about the We-Vibe yet, you've got to read up on it. It's absolutely the next generation of erotic tools: silicone, rechargeable battery, award-winning, and designed for mutual pleasure. What's not to love?

Check out the complete photo set here.

Also for those of you living in LA, we've got a class coming up tomorrow night called "Strap-on, Get Off: Mastering the Art of Harness Play." Here's the official description:

"Become acquainted with the arousing possibilities of strap-on sex. We'll show you that strap-on sex can be for anyone: men, women, queers, homos, and heteros. Among the subjects covered will be how to choose the best harness and dildo for you, enhancing mutual satisfaction, double dildos, techniques for bending over your bedroom buddy, queer gender expression, and sucking silicone cock. A perfect class for beginners and seasoned strap-ers.

Class is on a first come first serve basis so arrive early to reserve your spot!"

It's a free class, so come early to grab your spot. These classes are always a lot of fun, plus you get to go shopping for new toys afterwards!

Pride 2009!

2009-07-18T07:30:00.001-05:00

The Pleasure Chest can never resist a good ol' fashion Pride celebration, and our 3 boutiques are happily located in cities with some of the largest Pride parties in the country! In case you missed out on the fun (and free spanking paddles), here's a quick photo round up.

Los Angeles

To see more from LA Pride, click on our Flicker photo set here.

Chicago

To see more from Chicago Pride, click on our Flicker photo set here.

New York City

Burning Angel Launches Magazine

2009-07-15T18:29:00.003-05:00

If you're a fan of tattoos, pink hair, and all things alt porn, then you will be among the most stoked to learn that BurningAngel.com, the site where alt girls get naked, just launched a magazine.

I think this is an interesting step, because this isn't a typical path for a porn site. Magazines and print porn are kind of like these purist throwbacks, because why go out of your house and track one down when you have access to anything you want online? The magazine plans to have interviews and articles as well, so it could possibly develop a following similar to that of a hardcore, alt Playboy.

I'm not a huge fan of the design of the magazine, it looks a little preteen for my taste, but I'm also probably not their target demo. You can read Sarah Estrella's review of the magazine over at The Examiner, plus snag a peek at the press release.

Pleasure Re-Post

2009-07-12T20:36:00.002-05:00

Because it's Sunday and there's plenty of interesting things happening in the world of sex and pleasure, it's time for another Pleasure Re-Post. I'm taking a quick spin around the blogosphere to bring you some worthwhile sex-related news. Though I use that classification loosely and at my discretion.

A Baltimore man reminisces about his old days of creating dirty imagery in the peep-show/porn theater era of yore. The Urbanite hosts his compelling essay on the accessibility of contemporary porn.

Motherlode blog reports that one couple in Sweden decided to keep their toddler's sex a secret in order to try and raise the little one without all of the burdensome societal influences on gender. Fascinating!

Come Back Shane! snagged a leaked trailer of the upcoming thriller flick Deadgirl, and it looks horrifying. Two boys find a zombie-ish girl in an abandoned mental institution and decide to keep her locked up to be their sex toy. It got great reviews at The Toronto Film Festival, apparently.

The Earth Angel: an eco-friendly sex toy. Made entirely of recyclable materials, you can hand crank the thing for 4 minutes to get 30 minutes of vibration.

Pleasure Your Palate with MoSex

2009-07-09T06:06:00.004-05:00

What are you doing on this hot, muggy Thursday that is somewhat threatening rain? If you're like me, you really want to be doing it up hot and steamy with a little after-hours soirée thrown by The Museum of Sex.

Tonight from 7:30pm - 10pm, The Museum of Sex will be hosting a wine tasting care of New York City Experience. Sponsors Casa De Vinos and B. Smith's Restaurant will hook you up with white wines and savory snacks provided by Pranna Restaurant to compliment your expanding palate. The whole event will feature tracks from DJ Twist.

Tickets are only $25 for the whole experience, including all of the above, and late-night admission to the museum's exhibits, as well. Just think of all of the scandal you could create...

Sex & Food Advertising

2009-07-07T05:52:00.004-05:00

We all know that sex sells. But, does sex sell everything equally as effectively? Well, no. Not at all. Especially if you somehow manage to associate your food product with messy porn or the idea of a woman trying to fellate a much-too-large member.

Case-in-point numbers 1 & 2:

Burger King -

I get that Burger King was going for the whole "bigger is better" thing here, but the woman's shocked and somewhat horrified expression doesn't convey anything but the impending activation of the gag reflex and saliva glands, neither of which are activities you want to associate with your brand's sandwich. It's not Burger King's first foray into tacky innuendo. Remember the Paris Hilton commercial thing? But at least that was understood to be somewhat campy.

Quizno's -

I mean, seriously? What the hell were they thinking? Since when do you ever, and I mean ever, want to have your food even obliquely associated with poo? Aren't they supposed to teach you that the first day of your Marketing 101 course?! Yuck.

Erotica LA Pics

2009-07-04T17:41:00.003-05:00

In case you missed out on the throngs of sexiness seekers that converged upon the Los Angeles Convention Center in mid-June for Erotica LA, here are some photos to keep you in the loop.

Many thanks to Freddy and Eddy, and Fashion Intel for allowing me to repost their photos! They each have a little something to say about Erotica LA, so be sure to check out their sites as well.

These photos are by Jeff from MXPFoto:

And these are courtesy of Fashion Intel. Check out Belladonna with blonde hair!

Nearly Half of Americans Use Vibrators

2009-06-30T23:02:00.004-05:00

A scientific study has finally confirmed what we at The Pleasure Chest have known for years: Americans are into vibrators.

The study, which was funded by Trojan condom's parent company, shows that it isn't just women who are vibe users: 45% of men have also confessed to using them as well, with heterosexual men typically using them during intercourse and foreplay.

The study also goes on to say that people, both male and female-bodied, who use vibrators were more likely to have had gynecological and testicular exams on a regular basis, and claimed higher levels of sexual satisfaction. I think this is sort of a chicken-and-egg argument, because you really can't know for sure that these people aren't just more in tune with their bodies on a holistic level, taking better care to stay healthy. Although personally, I'd like to believe that the pleasure they experience from their vibrator usage encourages them to be sure their bits are healthy for many orgasms to come.

In the market for a brand new vibe? This is one of the best bets for under $25 - The Waterproof Silicone Vibrator. Although it isn't my favorite aesthetically, what is so wonderful about this vibe is that you can use it in the bath or shower, and it's made of silicone, which is hypoallergenic and typically jacks the price of a toy way up.

This vibe has a soft, almost jelly feel to it, and as you can see from the photo, it's a bit more realistic looking than some other vibrators. But for about the same price as a week of Starbucks lattes, this is a smart investment that gives a great return.

Vibrating iPhone App

2009-06-27T12:55:00.003-05:00

There's been a great deal of buzz (ha!) recently about a new vibrator iPhone app recently approved by Apple. The vibrator app, created by MyPleasure.com, turns your sleek little iPhone into an innocuous, 3G vibrating wonder.

According to the press release, the vibrations are limited by the level of vibrating power on the iPhone, which seems to have bummed out at least a few of the people who've given it a first-run test drive. I, on the other hand, think this is brilliant. It's a tease, and what is a tease if not something that just makes you crave more. This app is clearly meant for you to use discreetly under the table at boring dinners with your partner seated next to you, or at a crowded bar when you're getting hot-n-heavy with that person you are hoping to wake up next to in the morning. Or how about on long plane flights while that guy next to you is snoring at top volume? Oh, I could write a whole post on uses for this thing...

Meanwhile, this apparently isn't the first vibrator app for the iPhone, but it is the first one that is both free and approved by Apple. As you can see from the photo above, it's extremely discreet.

If you want a little more vibe bang for your iPhone buck, then consider going for the OhMiBod. It's a vibrator triggered by your incoming and outgoing cell phone calls, and the 5 pattern vibrating sequence lasts for the entire call.

Chicago Pride

2009-06-24T07:04:00.002-05:00

If you're planning on being in and around Chicago for Pride this weekend, then consider this sweet deal: The Pleasure Chest Chicago is offering a $100 gift card for marching with them in the parade!

You can read more of the details here, at The Inqueery.

Or, follow The Pleasure Chest Chicago on Twitter!

Safer Sex NYC

2009-06-23T06:56:00.003-05:00

What are you doing this week, NYC? If you're in the greater Metro area, you should consider hitting up this safer sex event, sponsored by The Museum of Sex. It benefits the organization AIDS Service Center NYC, which helps to fight the spread of AIDS in an age when new cases of infection are back on the rise.

Drag queen legend Flotilla DeBarge will be making her presence know, as well as a bevvy of other performers and celebs. If the tickets to this event are a little steep for you, then visit The Museum of Sex online for a $3 off coupon to hit up all their exhibits for a little dose of sex in the city.

Fun With Bondage Tape!

2009-06-20T11:22:00.003-05:00

A couple of people have been making mention of bondage tape on Twitter recently, and it got me thinking about all of the fun uses there are for bondage tape. It's such a fun thing to play with because it's versatile: if you're just starting out in the world of bondage, it's unintimidating enough to be a starter. If you're a pro, though, then you should have no problem using it to hogtie in a snap.

Bondage tape makes sexy little easy-to-remove lingerie outfits. See the above photo for inspiration. You can even complete the deal with some cuff bracelets and choker! That's an entire bedroom outfit for $6.95. I'd like to see Victoria's Secret pull that off.
Bondage tape, in case you didn't know, is a tape that only sticks to itself, so you can use it on any body part without the fear of almighty repercussions (like a big strip of bare on your guy's chest). That makes it perfect for crafting a quick little blindfold that won't leave you bald.
You can also use it with other props without ruining them. Say, if you were tying someone to a chair, for example...

Start small, by binding your partner's hands behind their back. I'm guessing some other ideas will come to you pretty quickly after that.

ESPN Investigates Gay Porn Wrestlers

2009-06-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

Apparently ESPN is investigating the case of two University of Nebraska wrestlers who were dismissed from the team for appearing nude in scenes for FRATMAN TV.

The two were featured in nude spreads as well as masturbation scenes on the amateur site, according to Outside The Lines, which the school found objectionable based on the assertion that athletes aren't supposed to receive any financial compensation for promoting their images. That sounds like thinly veiled discrimination to me.

I think the great thing about this particular case is that these guys aren't cowering and apologizing. They said they work hard on their bodies, they should be able to show them off, and they aren't blaming the incident on being Roofied or coerced. They did it because they wanted to! Imagine that...

Emotional Bliss

2009-06-10T22:45:00.003-05:00

When I first found out about these toys, I thought "that's an interesting name for a sex toy." Not because I am questioning whether or not sex toys can leave you in a borderline catatonic state of bliss...because they can. It's just a very feel-good, California-y name for an otherwise sleek looking piece of equipment (just playin' CA, you know I <3 you).

Each of the Emotional Bliss toys is contoured to fit a woman's shape, and they all sport the ability to be recharged, which is the way of more and more quality toys these days. They are meant to be quiet, with varying speeds and setting functions, as well as (get this) the ability to warm up. A little heat to go with your purr.

In addition, the literature claims that they are covered in a special "antibacterial agent," which sterilizes them after a few minutes of use and being wiped down with water. No word yet on what the "antibacterial agent" is, but I've got a request for information submitted. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, here are some product shots of the Womolia and the Femblossom, the two models that heat up. I'm hoping to get to take these bad girls for a spin sometime and give you my feedback.

Love Design

2009-06-08T22:01:00.005-05:00

Okay, I may be a few months behind on the actual exhibit itself, but I got a peek of the "Love Design" book in all of its big, colorful glory. It showcases some of the sensual genius design that was on display for 5 days in Milan.

The exhibit was meant to explore the intersection of love, pleasure, and design, culling works from some of the most inventive product designers around. And the proof is absolutely in the pudding, just take a look at some of shots from the show. I've picked a few of my favorites, but you can catch a few more on Fast Company.

Crafted by Arik Levy, a jar made of wood with a removable vibrator sticking out of the top like a handle.

French designer Matali Crasset was responsible for the textured bliss of this silicone pad with 8 freely-moving balls.

And my personal favorite, a lamp with a removable silicone sex toy at its base by Matteo Cibic.

The World Air Sex Competition On Tour!

2009-06-05T19:51:00.002-05:00

I don't really believe in trying to put words to things that you just have to see, but I will say that I definitely said "oh. my. god." more than a few times while watching this video. Apparently, this video was made in Austin, Tx at The Alamo Drafthouse, and it gives you just a mere taste of the mind blowing levels of performance that you can expect in this particular genre.

For more information about when The World Air Sex Competition will be coming to a city near you, be sure to visit their website for a schedule.

Via LaughingSquid

VIMBY - Air Sex

Erotica LA

2009-06-02T22:58:00.003-05:00

It happens once a year in LA: the convention center is descended upon by hundreds of porn starlets and thousands of sex toy retailers and inventors for, Erotica L.A., one of the largest sexy gatherings in the country. It differs from the AVN Awards in that there is a strong retail component to it: i.e. - it's the place to check out what's new and hot in the industry.

You can catch some of your favorite porn stars making their rounds, check out a sexy lingerie show, or watch some eye-popping L.A. burlesque starlets shimmy and shake up the stage. The Pleasure Chest will even be on-hand to teach some of our famous workshops. It's a hot way to spend a steamy weekend, so if you're planning to go, we've got a treat for you.

When purchasing your tickets on www.ticketweb.com, enter the code "PPC" for a $5 discount. And then head to the L.A. Convention Center June 12-14th for an eye full. Oh, and take some photos!

Pleasure Re-Post

2009-05-31T12:34:00.002-05:00

It's now time for another weekly edition of the Pleasure Re-Post, where I suss out some informative, funny, and downright ridick sex news. You should see my inbox, people, it's filled with Google Alerts for this shit and it is all for the sake of keeping you informed. You're welcome!

We are all well aware of how tripped up the country is with Obamamania, but who knew it would go this far? Clutch Magazine profiles some of the most ridiculous and occasionally downright offensive products that have been created in the name of change. Including the Obama dildo. Oh yes, it's true: check out photo #9.

Are your parts fatigued from too much sex? Lucky bastard. If you are finding yourself a little sex hung over, then here are some easy Sunday tips from Creative Loafing to get your junk back in working condition before you go in for another round next week.
In case you're experiencing the same level of Sasha Grey infatuation that the rest of the movie/porn world is, then you can fulfill your week's quota of info on her by peeping this interview done by IFC online.
Apparently in the UK, people working in the I.T. industry make the best lovers. Just check out the research from TurnMeOn.com. Makes that geeky guy from your tech support network look just a bit more appealing, huh?

Adult Responds To Prop 8 Decision

2009-05-29T06:41:00.004-05:00

In case you've been without access to CNN or major newspapers for the past week, California courts have decided in favor of upholding Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. However, the 18,000 couples that did manage to get married in the time between when Prop 8 was initially defeated and now will be allowed to keep their legal status, leaving them in an awkward social purgatory.

The adult industry absolutely had something to say about this decision, especially because so many companies call California home (ever heard of "Porn Valley?"). As a matter of fact, The Pleasure Chest is headquartered in L.A., and our largest boutique is located in the West Hollywood area of the city.

You can read more about the adult industry's reaction to the decision, especially the LGBT companies. Meanwhile, feel free to download this poster, which is the gorgeous work of an artist by the name of *Eddie. I was turned on to it via Geek Porn Girl's blog, and I personally think it's very rad.

Thoughts about Prop 8?

Adult Toy Design Contest

2009-05-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

Homemade sex toys make occasional appearances in the news, mostly as an "oh my god!" type story which winds up with someone in the hospital. That kind of negative news coverage can really kill the buzz of creative, at-home inventor types. And really, aren't they typically the ones who conceive all of our favorite sex toy designs before they become prototypes?

In celebration of the at-home sex toy guru, Better Sex is sponsoring a contest seeking out the best homemade sex toy, with the prize being $100,000. That's some start-up cash to build your empire! Oh, and lest you wonder if the people at Better Sex know what they're doing: they are the inventors and creators of The We Vibe, that during-sex device that's getting so much (excuse the pun) buzz these days.

Craigslist Tantric Massage

2009-05-23T22:31:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, Craiglist is on a bad PR motivated kick to begin cracking down on the "Erotic Services" portion of their site. What has apparently been something of a free-for-all is going to become a nice, well-manicured suburb.

In the meantime, The Daily Beast sent its reporter Arianne Cohen on an assignment to book and receive a tantric massage with the help of Craigslist. Since neither I nor anyone I know has ever had a tantric massage (major fail), I was really interested to read this piece and find out exactly what it is.

Does this mean Craigslist is going to tone it down? I doubt it. Because that'd be boring.

Craigslist Nixes "Erotic Services"

2009-05-18T11:20:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it recently, Craigslist.com has decided to drop its "Erotic Services" section in lieu of something more regulated by the site's staff called "Adult." I guess they are hoping that this measure will help get authorities off their virtual back after some wacked out med student killed girls that he met from that site last month.

This strikes me as a classic case of displacement. It's like blaming street corners for the drug problem in this country. Instituting more rules and enforcing them just sends illegal activity elsewhere, it doesn't get rid of it. I didn't hear any mention of outreach strategies that would help educate these service providers on how to keep themselves safe, or any discussion by law enforcement about how to better monitor illegal activity that is transacted online and moves offline.

Regardless of how you feel about the legalization of prostitution, it's pretty obvious that blaming this on Craigslist is like blaming school violence on Marilyn Manson. It just doesn't make sense. And considering how much stigma is already attached to prostitution, is it really helpful to drive these people further into the dark?

10 Sexy Banned Commercials

2009-05-17T22:38:00.003-05:00

Sure, this is the kind of behavior that you'd expect from beer ads or sports organizations, but these sexy commercials run the gamut. From Centrum Silver to Microsoft XP, these commercials, all of them banned in the US, give new meaning to the phrase "sex sells." Even if the "sex" part is a stretch...

Just so you know, the text at the end of this commercial says "Need new glasses?" It's kind of important to know that...

Identical Twin Porn

2009-05-13T13:05:00.000-05:00

Now, this just fascinates me...

As far as taboos go, two identical twins having sex together must really be pretty up there. Firstly, you have the obvious incest issue, but secondly, there's also some pretty high-level narcissism involved as well. I mean, you are just so into yourself that you need to have sex with someone that looks exactly like you.

Apparently the new gay porn "Double Czech 2009" features identical twins Adam and Konrad Richter in the starring roles. I wonder what exactly their relationship is like and how they got to the point that they decided to do porn together. That would really be a fascinating behind-the-scenes interview, to be honest.

Meanwhile, is this obviously very niche-y market a big enough demographic to warrant their own film? Apparently so. But I'd like to know more about this identical twin thing, so if anyone has any information, please post in the comments section.

Pleasure Re-Post

2009-05-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

I was trying to do these once a week, since there is just so much amazing sex and sexual health content out there. Though I am not always diligent about the once-a-week thing (ahem), I am back to bring you some highlights that you may have missed while perusing the web.

~ Ypulse highlights Text Ed, which is a program where health educators answer questions from teens about sex. It's a great, outside-classroom way of reaching out to teens where they are. They already text compulsively, why not provide them with accurate information, as well?

~ Happy Mother's Day! Em & Lo, who are now blogging for The Sundance Channel's new online blog about everything (well, they blog about sex, specifically), whipped up the 10 things that your mother taught you about sex without realizing she was doing it. Teaching you, I mean. Not sex...

~ Insert eye roll here. If you didn't already hear about Bristol Palin (yes, THAT Bristol Palin) is the new ambassador for abstinence. I guess we'll all just ignore the child she had at 17 with some irresponsible teen boy and assume hypocrisy runs in the Palin family.

~ When beloved teen book author Judy Blume ("Are you there God? It's me, Margaret.") teamed up with Planned Parenthood and made a call for action to support the organization, the pro-life shit hit the fan. Apparently, Blume began receiving death threats in the midst of the backlash.

~ For a bit of a review on the ever-popular We Vibe, visit Scarlet's Letter's blog. She's definitely on top of the sex toy trends, and quite the piece of eye candy herself.

Facebook Manners!

2009-05-09T19:36:00.003-05:00

If you haven't checked out Your Tango, it's a site for relationship, sex, and dating advice. This is one of their videos made in-house, which I think is really hilarious and also (sadly) apt. Mind your Facebook manners!

The Body Shop's "Yes Yes Yes!" Campaign Contest Winner!

2009-05-04T21:06:00.002-05:00

Congrats to Toni, who will be taking home a ridiculously delicious prize pack from , who is taking home a delicious prize pack from The Body Shop, a company committed to supporting campaigns for safe sex!

We can totally get behind that. In the meantime, take a quick peek at their commercial for the campaign, which is really meant to target teens and young adults, one of the most rapidly growing demographics with new HIV/AIDS cases.

Twitter A Fad?

2009-05-03T20:08:00.002-05:00

First Oprah does a show about Twitter and now Xbiz is doing an article on whether or Twitter is a fad.

Hm. I think millions of users + new ones daily might equal more than just a passing fad. But don't ask me, ask my Twitter account:

@pleasurehappens

Female Condom Humor

2009-04-29T19:40:00.001-05:00

Female condoms are confusing? Funny? Both?

Yes, both. See the videos below for evidence.

Jenna Has Twins

2009-04-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't heard yet, Jenna Jameson, the original porn crossover artist, had twin boys back in March. She was apparently on bed rest for quite some time so that she could carry them to term. I mean, she's pretty open on her Myspace blog, so if you want the full rundown, she's happy to give it to you. And I have to agree with the general consensus that Jenna looks much better with her baby weight on her. Not so terrifying and skinny...

She named the boys Jesse Jameson and Journey Jette. And while I think she went totally overboard with the trashy "J" names, nothing less could be expected and I wish her luck and happiness with her new motherhood.

Photos via Dana's Dirt.

The Body Shop's "Yes Yes Yes!" Campaign Contest

2009-04-25T11:57:00.003-05:00

Every so often, I get the opportunity to be a part of some really rad collaborations. I absolutely think this is one of those instances, and I'm very impressed to see a global corporation like The Body Shop stepping up to the plate to spread the message about safe sex.

A lot of organizations would shy away from a potentially divisive topic like sex and the usage of condoms, but The Body Shop has long been a conscientious company that allows their ethics to help govern their business, and not vice-versa.

The Body Shop has teamed up with MTV's Staying Alive Foundation for their "Yes Yes Yes!" campaign, and according to their research, 6,000 young people aged 16-24 are newly infected with HIV every day. That's a stunning an unacceptable figure in a country with as many resources as we have.

The Body Shop is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of their Tantalizing Lip Butter to The Staying Alive Foundation to help spread the safe sex message. You can read more about it in this post on The Body Shop's blog.

In the meantime, The Body Shop has given me an incredibly delicious safe sex prize pack to give away, valued at over $100 and including:

Wild Cherry Soap
Wild Cherry Body Scrub
Wild Cherry Shower Gel
Wild Cherry Body Butter
Wild Cherry Puree Body Lotion

Sensual Massage Oil
Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist
Tantalizing Lip Butter

Twin Ball Massager
Exotic Home Fragrance
Folding Oil Burner

and Durex condoms!

Now that is one hell of a prize pack. It's everything you need to prepare for and have a sexy night in. All you have to do to be entered to win is leave a comment on this blog post with your favorite or the funniest euphemism for sex that you've heard. I would personally have to say "bumping uglies" is the funniest/worst euphemism I've heard for sex, and sadly, some people use it seriously.

I'll choose a random winner on Wednesday night, so don't forget to enter your email address properly when you leave your comment, and good luck!

Sundance Gets Unfiltered

2009-04-22T05:51:00.003-05:00

Looks like the Sundance Channel online has just introduced a new blog, complete with "unfiltered" content about sex and culture, hence the cheeky name "SUNfiltered." And guess who's behind the writing? Why, it's none other than Em & Lo, and Lux Alptraum of Fleshbot!

The blog is cute and interesting, but shies away from being outright pornographic, for obvious reasons. They cover sex toys and issues concerning sexual health and happiness, but nothing too racy. I think it does say something that the Sundance Channel thought to include coverage of sex-related topics in its blogaverse. Baby steps, right?

The blog is pretty new, so skip on over there to offer them some support and give your feedback. These things get better when you put in your two cents, you know!

Violet Blue Does JimmyJane

2009-04-19T21:43:00.003-05:00

I've been a fan of JimmyJane's sleek-n-sexy designs for many years now. I remember when the Little Chromas first arrived in our New York City boutique. We pulled them out of their customized boxes and slid them into our hands. I didn't know whether to turn it on or prop it up on my coffee table. It just seemed like the kind of luxury toy that indicated an entire lifestyle. I wanted it for the same reason people want a BMW: because I wanted beauty and superior design.

I could turn this into an entire love letter to JimmyJane designs: the way they purr so quietly, unlike other, more cheaply made toys that can sometimes be mistaken for a leaf blower. Their replaceable motors, built to last that eliminate the need for the tackiness of swapping out Double A's. Their temperature sensitive metal bodies, which take to the water just as well as dry land, versatile little lovers that they are.

I could go on and on, but I don't really need to. Violet Blue did all of the work for me in this bit about her trip to the JimmyJane offices. Lucky, lucky girl. Read on for more gorgeous design sexiness.

The Naughty Library Book

2009-04-15T21:38:00.003-05:00

I love Em & Lo...They write all about sex in today's world with a savvy and non-patronizing voice. There's nothing that bothers me more than those red-rose-edible-panties sex blogs. This is a new era, get with the program.

Em & Lo are so much the program that they wrote a book about it called Sex: How To Do Everything. Damn. And it seems that, after a complaint by a local pastor about the "appropriateness" of their book for a public library, all 3 copies of the book have gone missing in a Michigan library.

Huh. Now that is one heck of a mystery. Wonder how that could have happened. Read on for more on the whodonit...

Oprah Tackles Teens and Sex

2009-04-11T17:52:00.003-05:00

Sex and teens. They go together like Hef and blondes, orange juice and vodka, and schools and abstinence-only sex education. But recently Dr. Laura Berman, Oprah's resident sexpert, went on the show to talk about healthy ways of encouraging your teen to explore their sexuality.

Dr. Berman should know. She is the creator of an entire line of excellent sex toys that we've been carrying in our stores for years now. Nothing inspires consumer confidence like the face of a doctor on a box, assuring you that it's okay to get it on.

Meanwhile, it never hurts that the article gives a little shout-out to The Pleasure Chest...oh, and all of our new items in stock.

World's Most Expensive Vibrator

2009-04-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

It's a piece crafted by the Swedish sex toy geniuses, Lelo. Her name is INEZ, and at $1,500, she is the world’s most expensive vibrator.

Check out the lower left hand corner of the photo. She is the 18 karat gold-plated little oval, bent just a bit to snuggle comfortably up to the pubic bone.

Now, I have a birthday coming up, so...

Bonk at The Bodies Exhibition

2009-04-05T06:20:00.002-05:00

If you've never had the chance to visit Bodies, The Exhibition, I highly recommend you can whatever preconceived notions you have about it and buy a ticket. I went a few years ago, amidst all the controversy surrounding the sources of these bodies, and despite some initial trepidation, was throughly entranced.

An even better reason to visit the exhibit, if you're in New York City, is because The Museum of Sex has teamed up with Mary Roach, the author of Bonk, to create an evening dedicated to the intricacies of sex and the human body.

The event is free, and she'll be diving into discussions about researching sexual physiology, not to mention signing a few books, I'm sure. A not-to-be-missed event!

Bodies, The Exhibit
Monday, April 6th
7pm

www.bodiesny.com

Introducing: Pleasure Chest Intimate Touch

2009-04-01T22:56:00.000-05:00

You know how you know that you've arrived? When you get to create your own signature line of a product. All of the famous salons do it, celebrities lend their names to all sorts of clothing lines and spray tan. Well, we've been developing our signature line for some time now, and we're proud to introduce The Pleasure Chest personal lubricant.

This lube is first and foremost water-based. The brilliant thing about it (aside from the tasteful packaging, of course) is that it is a non-glycerin formula. Glycerin, which is really just a form of sugar, is sometimes found in lubricants and can cause yeast infections in sensitive tissue. It is also responsible for that sticky tack that can sometimes be left behind when using other brands of lube.

Our lubricant is formulated to protect even the most sensitive skin, and its water-based formula means that it is the perfect choice for all the naughty positions you can get yourself into.

Want To Be In Wallpaper Magazine?

2009-04-01T22:21:00.002-05:00

Want to be in Wallpaper Magazine? All you have to do is masturbate for the camera!

That's right, Wallpaper is doing a spread on people in the throes of pleasure, using only portrait shots from the shoulders up, so none of the naughty bits. They're going to be high-end, fashion shots to be published in the magazine and possibly used for a gallery show.

From the official press release:

"A short interview/casting will be held in Manhattan around the 4th of April and the shoot will take place around the 11th and 12th. Successful candidates will be left alone in a room to watch porn, either online or on DVD, whilst their head and shoulders are filmed. Usage will be as still images in the magazine as well as online video and exhibitions in art galleries. If this sounds interesting, please reply to this ad to see examples of past work from the same project. The series is part of an ongoing project in which the artist records the faces of people watching different types of media, or playing video games.

This is an innovative, provocative, challenging art project.

To read and view more regarding the technique and feel of IMMERSION, visit www.robbiecooper.org"

To apply, please email immersioncasting@gmail.com and include your:

Name
Age
Contact number
Current/recent photo or headshot

Twitter Whore

2009-03-30T22:07:00.001-05:00

Okay, maybe I just think this is funny because I'm totes on Twitter all the time ;)

Sexy Spring Break Ideas

2009-03-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Frisky has you covered with this article about how to have a sexy Spring Break. And for those of you that are no longer of the age where one actually gets a Spring Break type vacay, then you need to take the weekend off in search of sex. I'm serious.

Just take The Frisky's Six Sexy Ways to Spend Spring Break suggestions and modify them slightly. Add a weekend with a Monday back to work and bam! Instant mini-break. If you need a little extra help, then try visiting one of The World's 100 Most Sexy Hotels. Even if you go by yourself, you're sure to find some trouble pretty quickly...

Porn Stars On Twitter!

2009-03-26T22:59:00.003-05:00

Now it's easier than ever to keep up with your favorite porn stars on Twitter!

Just hit up PornStartTweet.com to catch up on the likes of Teagan Presley, Nikki Benz, and Ashley Steel and what they ate for breakfast or who they're flirting with. And if you, say, keep in touch with networking contacts via Twitter, and you don't want them to see you following a whole slew of porn stars, this aggregator is a great way to get your fix without giving yourself away.

If you prefer your women a little more pierced and tattooed while possibly screwing each other with strange objects, then ALTGirlTweet.com might be more your speed. You can find Belladonna, Jessie Lee, and a slew of God's Girls tweeting it up on this site. Easy Breezy.

Don't worry, you can send your thank you's in an @ message to @pleasurehappens ;)

Porn Star Protest

2009-03-24T23:30:00.003-05:00

I love it when people get all shocked that porn stars have opinions and use their status and clout to get coverage for the issues they care about. I mean, has no one seen Jenna's PETA ads?!

Italian porn star Laura Perego made the political personal when she stripped down and painted her body like the Italian flag before climbing up on a table in the Milan stock exchange and shouting "Italy is down to its underpants!"

She was trying to make a point about the way the financial crisis has been managed and how it was affecting regular citizens. But it was apparently the nudity that truly got her global press coverage. Way to leverage your assets, I say.

Italian porn star strips in Milan stock exchange - Watch more free videos

Sex Toys 101 - Chicago

2009-03-22T19:40:00.003-05:00

Add this to your list of things to do this week: we're hosting a Sex Toys 101 at our Chicago location. Check out the newest toys (and how to use them), get a discount on your purchases, and the best part is: it's free!

Wednesday, March 25th 8-10pm

"Join our in-store specialists Matt and Antoinette as they take you through a crash course of all things that go BUZZ in the night. Topics include: condoms, lubricants, vibes for beginners or pro's, couple's toys, cleaning, & safety. Stick around afterwards for coffee, cakes, enlightened conversation, and a 15% discount. Class is on a first come first serve basis so arrive early as seats tend to fill up fast. The first thirty attendees get a free gift!"

Check our directions to our Chicago store, if you're in the area!

Second Life Begins To Resemble...First Life

2009-03-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well...

Looks like the Second Life-o-sphere is getting a little more conservative these days. Apparently the creators of Second Life, Linden Media, are attempting to "clean up" the site in a bid to attract more companies to the virtual world. They think part of the reason that companies are staying away is because the virtual community has become populated by seedy characters.

The company is going to attempt to move all adult activities into a designated area, much like a red-light district in what we all know as "actual life." They're hoping this move will attract more mainstream advertisers, even though the sex-related activities are thought to make up the majority of Second Life's economy.

Sounds a lot like what happened a few years ago when we moved to our new store in Chicago. People got upset. Looks like the citizens in Second Life are about to get some zoning standards as well...

Sex Positions For Deep Throat

2009-03-18T23:29:00.004-05:00

I recently had a question come through my inbox: how does a relatively petite woman comfortably give her much-taller partner deep throat head? Specifically, we're talking about positions here. Deep throating requires quite a bit of concentration for some, especially those that struggle with an active gag reflex.

You also want a position that isn't going to strain anyone's back, so sitting and standing positions have to be negotiated carefully.

First suggestion is the most obvious: both partners lying down, him on the bottom, her on top. This way she can access him in whatever way is most comfortable, or flip around for a little 69 action.

Second suggestion is a little more advanced. He kneels over her (as in the picture) or stands beside the bed, facing her. She lays on her back, with her neck hanging slightly off the bed, and then he can just slide his penis right into her throat, using his hips to help move in and out.

And finally, this is one of my favorites because of the ease of lying on your back and having your partner guide your head. Just be sure your partner takes it slowly and doesn't force the deep throat action in this position.

Thanks to all of my Twitter followers who gave feedback! Got any other suggestions? Leave them in the comments!

Sex Toy Recycling

2009-03-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

I've been wondering about this for awhile, because we've been incorporating more and more green sex toy into our catalog. By that I mean toys that are rechargeable and don't run through batteries, toys that are solar powered, and toys that are made out of materials that will last. But as far as what to do with old, used sex toys, well, that's a little more difficult. No matter what shape it's in, there's no Goodwill for your old sex toys.

Then I read this article, citing a service offered by David Kowalsky, who is the CEO of a company called Dreamscapes. They actually created a sex toy recycling program that is certified and carefully handles all different kinds of silicone, rubber, and latex products, all of which, he assures, are recyclable.

Anyone, anywhere can participate in this program, which we all should. I'm going to add this to my list of links on the right sidebar, because after all the years of pleasure those sex toys have given you, you should make sure their demise doesn't cause the planet any pain...

Homemade Sex Machine Injuries

2009-03-14T16:19:00.002-05:00

Oh my...

A woman in Maryland and her partner decided to try and create a little homemade sex machine...using a SAW. Apparently they attached a dildo to the end of it, which the saw promptly tore through. Ouch.

The woman is okay, but let this be a lesson about the unsupervised use of a power tool as a sex toy. And, if that's your thing, then try visiting a site like www.fuckingmachines.com or something. Then you can get some safe ideas for how to fulfill that particular desire without winding up in the ER.

Vergenza Dildo A Threat

2009-03-13T09:27:00.001-05:00

I *heart* Vergenza big time. I met these guys when they were just finishing up business school and preparing to launch a luxury line of toys. So this is even funnier to me because of that.

Apparently, the cast and crew of a porn were detained in Houston after a Vergenza Mk. 1 Classic was discovered in their carry-on bags. Confusion and hilarious hi jinx ensued.

Next time I fly, I'm taking one in my carry-on. Just to see...

New Nippies Natural!

2009-03-11T21:01:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited about these new Nippies Naturals. I can't wait to get my hands on a pair...

I love Nippies. They're fun and sexy, and they stay on. I'm a woman of petite proportions, and even though I don't need to wear a bra, I still feel self-conscious when my headlights pop on unexpectedly. Especially when I'm, I don't know, in a meeting. Out with the fam. Take your pick...

These are matte and supposedly made out of a silicone material, so I'm sure they'll be extra comfortable. The best part: the edges are tapered so you get a totally tapered, invisible look. Perfect for that summertime meeting.

The Long Island Lolita Does Adult

2009-03-08T00:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, I understand that Amy Fisher may be the easiest person on the planet to talk smack about, but now she's made herself an even more vulnerable target: she's decided to go into porn.

That's right, the Long Island Lolita herself will be doing hardcore, according to this article by Xbiz. I mean, is anyone really surprised? How else was she going to capitalize on her sordid, trashy tale? And actually, Joey Buttafuoco has already beat her to the punch with his porn tape.

However, just to clarify, Amy is making the decision to do porn professionally after her "homemade" sex tape had so many of her fans asking for more...according to her. So, I ventured on over to her website, www.amyfisher.com, to do a little investigating for myself. Lo and behold, the woman got the most enormous, badly done boob job I've seen in awhile. I mean, if you're gonna do porn, you can't go and get some awful hack job from a discount Long Island surgeon. Ugh.

There are a couple bizarre video clips up on the site, like the ones of her in pigtails playing on a swing set, acting like a child. And one where she's awkwardly trying to dirty talk two other native Long Islanders. And the most offensive part to me is that on her homepage copy, the last line states: "I'm bearing it all for you!"

Amy, honey, unless you've become a hairy gay man, I think what you meant was "baring it all." Just FYI.

Bad boob jobs are one thing. But bad boob jobs and incorrect spelling and grammar is unacceptable.

Incognito Sex Toys

2009-03-07T21:30:00.001-05:00

This is such a cute post from The Frisky, all about discreet sex toys, including a dildo hidden under the base of a lamp! Now that's functional and fun.

I had to chime in with one of my favorites that they left out, which is the Lelo Mia. She's been my partner in crime for sometime, kept hidden in my bag, because when you rummage around, she just seems like some other mysterious makeup/writing/organizational tool. Brilliant.

The other great thing about Mia is that she won't give you away by cranking up like a lawn mower when you turn her on, so you can be sure that what happens in the work bathroom, stays in the work bathroom.

Aw...

2009-03-04T07:29:00.000-05:00

Monogamy Vaca

2009-03-02T23:43:00.003-05:00

I've been meaning to write about this article for a bit, but am just now getting around to it. Inspired by the recent furor over Ashley Madison commercials and such, it seems an appropriate time to cover the issue of consensual marital non-monogamy.

In Details magazine, Aaron Gell recounts his tale of wife-sanctioned non-monogamy in a piece titled "A Family Affair." I think it's interesting how mainstream media has begun to give more attention to the whole concept of "open" relationships, and I use that term quite loosely. In general, I really regard this dialog as a positive thing, regardless of the shape it takes, because any time you can get people talking about something, there's more of a chance of being honest about it. And isn't that one of the fundamentals of a healthy relationship?

In my opinion, monogamy does not a relationship make. I know plenty of people who are monogamous and miserable, because it's not a good fit for everyone. I'm glad that more people are discussing alternatives, because with the divorce rate at 50%, something ain't working.

His article is interesting for its "male" perspective, and not that it is by any means representative of all guys' experiences in this type of situation, but he does say some funny stuff about having to remember how to "use a condom." Definitely worth a read.

Hello Kitty Goes S&M

2009-02-28T11:20:00.002-05:00

From .a.p.h.r.o.d.i.t.e.

I love M.A.C. makeup. I swear, a good chunk of my monthly income goes toward supporting a M.A.C. habit, so it's a good thing I don't have many other vices. I have to admit, though, I didn't really understand their new obsession with Hello Kitty because I am, after all, a grown woman. I've never been much for cartoon characters, anyway.

But, I should have known, M.A.C. took poor Hello Kitty and gave her THE S&M makeover of all time. Much better. And to celebrate the introduction of her new look to the world, they have a character they refer to as "Porno Kitty," who makes the rounds at their stores and parties. As you can see, he's pornoriffic. Well, played, M.A.C.

And lest you think that M.A.C. is the innovator of this particular phenomena, check out these photos of a Hello Kitty themed S&M suite of a hotel in Japan from Hello Kitty Hell. No joke.

You just didn't know that she was such a naughty girl, didja?

Vivid Courts Octo-Mom

2009-02-27T01:47:00.000-05:00

Vivid, ever on top of the news, wasted no time in setting forth an offer to get Nadya Suleman, brand new mother to octuplets, to star in one of their porns. And they're offering to pay her a million dollars plus cover the health insurance for her entire family (including the 6 other kids) for a year.

I mean, it's not a bad deal. Health insurance for that family has got to be next to impossible to afford, and it's not like the woman has a job right now. Vivid is a big time porn company, and I've always liked the work they do. It's big budget with a long pedigree of the most famous female adult performers in the game: Jenna Jameson, Tera Patrick, Savanna Samson...I mean, the Octo-mom could do a lot worse.

Besides, it would be a great feminist opportunity to buck the whole Madonna/Whore dichotomy, and to show that even mothers of 14 can be sexy.

Kama Sutra Me

2009-02-24T22:31:00.002-05:00

Kama Sutra is one of those solid brands in the business. They've been helping people get delicious since 1969, and their products are consistently high-quality, which is saying a lot in an industry with not a lot of regulations. They also have an incredible mission as a company trying to help people find more satisfying intimacy. I love the little video they have on their "About Us" page.

This month at The Pleasure Chest, we're offering 30% off of all our Kama Sutra products, which is the perfect opportunity for you to try some of their tasty treats if you haven't already. My personal favorite is the Body Souffle.

Choose either chocolate or strawberry in this delicious spread, which can be used as a massage cream, or as a tasty moisturizing treat for your skin before the fun starts. It quite honestly makes my skin softer than almost any other lotion or cream I've ever tried, so I have a trick I use before I go out on dates. I spread Kama Sutra's strawberry Body Souffle all over my neck, collarbone, arms, and decolletage rather than wearing any perfume. The scent is really incredible, plus if I get a kiss on the neck or shoulder, they kisser pulls away with delicious sweetness all over their lips.

I don't know, maybe then they might think I'm sweet everywhere...

Got any favorite Kama Sutra products?

Pleasure Re-Post #5

2009-02-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

It's time again for another Pleasure Re-Post. I love doing these on Sundays, because it gives me the chance to highlight some of the stuff I've been reading over the week and share the gems with you.

~ We all like makin' out, no doubt. And we all know how important that skin-on-skin contact is for our all-around well being (not to mention sexual frustration). But there's a whole host of chemical reactions happening that researches have managed to pin-point, highlighted over at The S Spot in "Kissing Science." A fascinating read, and way better than what you ever learned in Chem class.

~ I love the Form 6, one of the many genius inventions by Jimmy Jane, and so does Lucy over at Sexy Blogtime. Check out her review of the second generation Form 6.

~ Take 5 minutes out of your day to check out Make Love Not Porn, which tries to dispel some of the myths associated with porn. Contrast the movie experience with the real deal, and you'll remember, they've got make up artists and editors.

~ I was beyond stoked to see that Agent Provocateur now has a blog, their lingerie treats being some of my most favorite. I was also stoked to see that she has a sense of humor. Check out this post on How to Be Sexy, where she asks the question "Is a little leg all that it takes?"

Happy Ending for Women

2009-02-21T22:32:00.002-05:00

So I was thinking...

Let's say, maybe a woman like myself was thinking about what she'd like for her birthday this year. And let's also say that this woman would really like a massage for her birthday, but not just any massage, a full body massage. FULL body. And let's also say that this woman is single, and can't place this birthday gift task in the capable hands of her lover. She must seek outside assistance.

There is plenty of conversation about Happy Ending massages for men. I know plenty of places you can go in Little Korea for a full-service table scrub deal, that isn't news to anyone. But what about for women?

I took this question to Twitter, and was able to discover a few massage places that fit the bill. My inner crunchy hippie was very pleased to note that these are therapeutic, tantric erotic massages, which is so much more fulfilling than thinking of it as just a jerk-and-go. Although you might find some of the more "spiritual" touches to these websites a little off-putting, try and keep the bigger picture in mind.

Madison Holistic -

With locations in both New York City and New Orleans, I have to say that this is the practice that appeals to me the most. I think it's because of the website. I just feel like, if you have a good website, then you probably have it together enough to give me a massage I won't forget. Also, the therapists are beautiful, and not like that's the only thing that matters, but let's be honest, it counts.

White Lotus East -

Another practice located in New York City, but with affiliate practitioners all over the country. The website is a bit of a mess, but is very informative, which is helpful when you don't know what you're in for. It's always best to ask questions beforehand, and this website anticipates those questions in detail.

Temple of Bliss -

Okay, this website is wack, but again, try and be open-minded. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, they are also affiliated with a practitioner in Sedona, Arizona, and they have a slew of therapists skilled in many different modalities. Who also happen to be, again, quite cute. Just sayin'.

I'm curious to know if any of you know of any other practitioners or if you've had any experiences with erotic massage. Do tell in the comments section!

Ha!

2009-02-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

Extra-Large Condoms

2009-02-15T16:17:00.002-05:00

Recently I got a request from an extremely well-endowed man, looking for a condom suggestion. At 10.5", Magnum XL's just aren't doing the trick, because (and most people don't realize this) XL condoms, in general, aren't really that much bigger than "normal" sized condoms. So here's a run-down on the larger-sized condoms that I am recommending he try, and that you should give a shot, too, if you or your partner is a man of larger size.

Lifestyles MEGA

Flared shape. 7.5" long and 2" wide. You can read some customer feedback here.

Lifestyles XL

More flared at the head, but as you can see from the dimensions, not that much longer than an average condom. This one is touted at the right condom for stockier penises. Read some customer reviews here.

Trojan Natural Lamb Lubricated Condoms

These are said to be much roomier than standard condoms, but since they are made from lambskin, they don't protect against STD's...only pregnancy. Which defeats the purpose if you're using a condom for both reasons.

Trojan Magnum XL

Head Width = 2.7", Shaft Width = 2.12", Base Width = 2", Length = 8.12"

Durex XXL

These seemed to be the largest condoms I could find commercially available, but they're still a bit shy of the 10.5" that I'm looking for. Also, I haven't seen these available at just any old drug store, so I'm fairly certain you'd have to purchase them specially online. This means stock up so you don't get caught with your pants down and no protection.

I've also heard murmurs of sized-to-fit custom condoms called TheyFit, however, the don't seem to be available in the US anymore, which is a shame. Perhaps they could be purchased abroad and then shipped to the US? This warrants further investigation.

Anyone have any additional suggestions or leads. Leave them below in the comments section!

Nippies Contest Winner

2009-02-13T07:02:00.001-05:00

ZOMG!

That was fun. Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. I'm gonna have to do another one of those soon. I used randomizer.org to "randomly" select my winner and...

The winner is Frosted Betty!

Thanks again, ya'll. And don't forget, if you <3 Nippies as much as I do, you can still visit their site and get a 15% discount valid until 2/14 when you shop at Bristols6.com. Just enter the promo code PLEASURE at the checkout.

Sex Toys 101 in Chicago

2009-02-11T00:22:00.000-05:00

If you've always wondered exactly what you're supposed to do with that shiny metal toy, and how much is too much vibration anyway, then you need to swing by our Sex Toys 101 course in our Chicago boutique.

It's free of charge, and the best part is that afterwards, you'll get cake and a discount. What could possibly be better than that?

Wednesday, February 11th 8-10 PM FREE

"Valentine's Day is almost here so come on down to The Pleasure Chest to join our in-store specialists as they take you through a crash course of all things that go BUZZ in the night. Topics include: condoms, lubricants, vibes for beginners or pro's, couple's toys, cleaning, & safety. Stick around afterwards for coffee, cakes, enlightened conversation, and a 15% discount. Class is on a first come first serve basis so arrive early as seats tend to fill up fast."

Nippies Contest!

2009-02-09T20:24:00.004-05:00

If you haven't ever heard of Nippies, then you have maybe been living in a closet of modesty, because these bad girls have been around since all of those scandalously low-cut numbers have been in fashion. Not to mention that the likes of Carmen Electra, Rachel Bilson, Vanessa Hudgens, Rihanna, and Kate Bosworth have all been seen sporting a flashy pair of Nippies.

I wear them in the summertime, underneath sheer or low-cut tops, because the last thing you want is to be flashing the girls for free. I happen to be a petite-breasted woman, but Nippies come in 2 sizes to make sure your ladies remain covered. I love Nippies because they're saucy and serve a very practical purpose, and I love a well-rounded product.

Because I love them so much, I am happy to announce that I'll be giving away a pair of Hot Lips Nippies in honor of Valentine's Day. All you have to do is answer one little question:

What shapes do the black and white striped Nippies come in?

All you have to do is visit the Nippies site and then leave the answer to the question in my comments section. I will randomly select a winner from the comments, and someone will go home with some bling for their boobs. It's a win.

Also, the lucky readers of my blog will get a 15% discount valid until 2/14 when they shop at Bristols6.com. Just enter the promo code PLEASURE at the checkout.

Good luck!

How To Give A Massage

2009-02-08T15:51:00.004-05:00

Okay, the alternate title to this is "Valentine's Gift Idea #2," although "Valentine's Gift #1" also related to massage. I know you are sensing a theme here, but there's a reason. Most people do not engage in enough foreplay. And to be honest, sometimes you want to get right to the boning, and that's hot, but a lot of issues with premature ejaculation and women who are unable to climax could be alleviated with more foreplay. True story.

So this is the gift that keeps on giving for both partners. And since none of us can afford to go spa-ing as much as we'd like, here's how to give an excellent DIY massage.

Set-Up - Ambiance is everything. Take the time to lower the lights, burn some aromatherapy candles, and warm up the room. It sounds cheesy, but play some soothing music for added effect. If you're going to do this, you really need to get into it, people.

Advanced Tip - Roll up a towel to place under your partner's knees to take the pressure off when they're laying on their back. This makes a huge difference, believe me.

Smooth On - Choose a lotion or massage glide that won't feel greasy or clog pores. Nothing is less hot than being basted, and your partner is not a turkey.

Advanced Tip - Place the bottle of lotion in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes prior to using it. That way you won't be dripping cold oil on to your partner's warm skin.

Sweet Spots - If you're giving an erotic massage (or one that you hope will lead to some erotic activity) then pay close attention to the erogenous zones. Will over at The Daily Spank has some pointers for those with female massage partners. Plus, he's charmingly guy-ish in his delivery.

Advanced Tip - Study reflexology charts. Putty, my friends, putty...

Seduction - Add some extras to your massage. Get a Jimmy Jane candle that turns into massage oil when melted. Or maybe you just happen to have your Fukuoku Massage Glove hanging out nearby, so that you can begin to move your massage to other, more intimate areas.

And because a picture is worth a thousand words, I've attached a video of one of my favorite massage therapists on Expert Village. I don't know if it's her soothing Midwestern accent or her sensible shoes that do it for me, but I really enjoy this woman's work.

Back of Neck Massage Techniques -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

Ashely Madison's Banned Commercial

2009-02-04T22:33:00.003-05:00

So, this commercial was apparently banned in all states but Texas, where, Ashley Madison reports over 200,000 members, according LA Snark.

If you didn't know, Ashley Madison is an online dating site for people who are already married, so basically it takes the Craig's List out of having an affair. I love it that people are so incensed by this pretty benign commercial. I mean, at least the people on the site are honest about their status and don't go around lying and tricking people into thinking that they're single. I think honesty goes a long way, but that's just me...

Best Condom Commercials

2009-02-01T21:18:00.002-05:00

Before talking about condoms yesterday, I was searching around online and happened to stumble across some really hilarious condom adverts from all across the world. Apparently lots of cultures can easily find the humor in condoms. Some are funny, some are funny and educational, some are funny and gross, some are borderline offensive. So, I've compiled a post of those ads for your entertainment pleasure. Enjoy!

Review: MaxPro Condoms

2009-01-31T17:10:00.002-05:00

I don’t know how condoms got to be such a confusing purchase. Most people, overwhelmed by all of the different options on the market today, will just go to the drug store and buy the same condom that they’ve been using since they were 15 and stealing them from their older brother’s pockets/the Walgreens.

So let me just tell you: that’s the wrong way to do it. Condoms are made in different sizes and styles, so just like with shoes, you need to find the right fit. And, like shoes, they tend to run true to their own “fit.” For example, Kimonos are made for a shorter, slimmer penis, and we all know about the famed Trojan Magnums and their size.

MaxPro condoms have been around since 1991, according to their website, but I’ve never heard of them, to be honest. This is really unfortunate, because MaxPros have what I consider to be a really cool and unique feature: they’re covered with silicone lubricant, rather than water-based lube. Most condom companies don’t do this because silicone lube is substantially more expensive than water-based. However, silicone lube is hypoallergenic, and much less likely to cause any sort of reaction. Not to mention it just last so much longer.

I long ago began buying unlubricated condoms because I was too sensitive for the lubrication most companies use, but adding lubrication is just an extra step that is delaying my gratification. So imagine how stoked I was to make this discovery about MaxPros.

As for the size, I needed to use the XL size with my partner, who is about 7 ½ “ long. The regular size was just too snug, but the XL was a much more comfortable fit. As far as the length of the other styles, they pretty much matched the industry standard. I was beyond ecstatic about finding a condom that fit my partner and had silicone lubricant on it. This was definitely a first.

I also tried the Mint MaxPros, which I initially thought referred to the taste. However, it wasn’t a reference to the flavor so much as the sensation, so don’t buy these bad boys expecting that giving head with one will remind you of a breath mint. The lube on these condoms gave a very gentle tingling sensation, very mild, not like the burning sensation that can sometimes accompany condoms with “warming” lubricant on them.

Another thing I loved about the MaxPros is that they came in a sleek, aluminum case. This is essential for me, because I often carry condoms around in my bag, and they get buried under all of the other contents. If you have a typical drugstore box of condoms, they run the risk of getting crushed under your strappy black stilettos and potentially damaged. This case design is a brilliant idea, and far more sophisticated for a girl-on-the-go like myself.

The one thing I wasn’t so hot on was the actual design of the packaging. The swirls and colors are a little too early-90’s for my taste, but honestly, that’s such a minor detail. I can get over it.

At around $13 for a 12-pack of condoms, these guys run around the same price as other brands, which is kind of surprising, since they use more expensive, higher-quality lube. Though they don’t have the name recognition of some of the bigger brands, I think I might just have to make these a permanent part of my sexy stockpile.

My rating: 4 out of 5

<3
<3
<3
<3
<3

Valentine's Gift Idea #1

2009-01-28T22:33:00.002-05:00

Okay, don't hate. Valentine's Day is coming up, and whether you're single and scoping or happily occupied, the day must be celebrated. And what better way to celebrate than with sex?

Oh, don't be coy. We all know Valentine's Day is not about the chocolates and flowers, it's about having an excuse to buy that red lingerie set from Agent or indulging in a high-end toy as a gift for yourself (and/or someone else!). And I am here to guide you in that pursuit.

I'll start you off slowly and then work you up to the more forward. First things first, massage puts everyone in the mood. And not just any massage, but erotic massage, which requires a particular touch. If you're unsure of what you're doing, pick up a book. Like Reading Rainbow always said, "Take a look, it's in a book," and you can give yourself a quick crash course before the big day. You don't have to be a professional, it's all about the hand-to-skin contact, and trying to help your partner relax, but this book will give you some useful pointers.

Next, make sure you have the right massage lotion. The System JO Massage Glide is perfect, in my humble opinion, because it's silicone-based and therefor not oily. Silicone is hypoallergenic and won't clog pores, which is always a huge concern of mine when I got to get a professional massage. It softens skin like a lotion, but is able to cut friction enough for you to give a really great massage.

Plus, a little dab does the trick, so this bottle will last you a lot of steamy ass nights. Just sayin'.

Pleasure Re-Post #4

2009-01-25T14:37:00.002-05:00

I read so many great sex/love/relationship related posts all over the blogosphere, and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you. Sunday is the perfect day for a recap, which will get you all squared away for the new week. So, it is with pleasure that I present to you the Pleasure Re-Post.

~ Having My Cake and Eating It Too tackles the current issue of censorship and porn in a post about the Extreme Pornography legislation.

~ Stiletto Diaries was lucky enough to get her, er, hands on a sex machine, and she's kind enough to give us a review of her good times before we go out and drop the big bucks on it.

~ Gwyneth Paltrow always takes on those good girl roles, but Sex Secrets has gotten wind of her attempt to thrust off her goody two-shoes image for something a little more arousing.

~ Debauchette takes on one of my favorite topics: Real Dolls! She explores the photos, literature, and documentaries that exist on Real Dolls and their owners.

Inside Deep Throat

2009-01-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

Just watched a fascinating documentary that Netflix suggested for me called "Inside Deep Throat." It's about the famed adult film of the 70's that was an international phenomena and grossed over $600 million. One of the most hotly contested releases of all time, the documentary looks into the life of the film, the lives of those that were involved in making it, and what happened to them afterwards. It also highlights the legal and political battles that were fought over obscenity and smut.

It's fascinating to watch, particularly after Linda Lovelace begins to recant her performance, citing an abusive ex-boyfriend who coerced her into performing in the film for next to no pay. The conversation about government regulation is, sadly, still relevant, but toward the end the film starts to get a little preachy about the current state of the adult industry. I certainly admit that porn has its problems, but it's a little obvious to rag on the industry for all of its issues.

Incidentally, if you don't know how to deep throat, the lovely women of Cherry TV are happy to help you out with some pointers. This women give sound and honest sex advice, which I find beyond refreshing. It's time that all women had a space to talk openly about things like how to deep throat without gagging.

Durex Condoms Commercial

2009-01-21T07:33:00.000-05:00

Brilliant. This new Durex condoms commercial is just brilliant...

French Tickler

2009-01-19T16:01:00.004-05:00

Today I was driving back into town from being out in the rural part of the state for a night, when I pulled over at a gas station to use the bathroom. Upon entering, I noticed a vending machine inside of the bathroom that sold both condoms and French Ticklers.

I had no idea what a French Tickler was, and I figured that was pretty shameful, considering that I write copiously about sex. So, I did what any good researcher would do, and I looked it up on Wikipedia. Apparently, it's a condom with bumps on it. Not very thrilling.

What was interesting was the vending machine it was dispensed from (please see above), which was borderline unbelievable. Priceless, actually. The photo isn't mine, but I am grateful to thedustoflife blog for posting a photo of the exact same one that I saw.

For some hilarious childhood misconceptions about those gas station condom machines, read up on IUsedtoBelieve.com. Brilliant.

Itty Bitty Titties

2009-01-17T17:13:00.003-05:00

I've noticed a trend recently in the world of all things scandalous. Not only are natural breasts coming back into vogue (thank goodness - those horrible silicone jobs were really getting painful to look at), but now it seems that smaller breasts are finding more and more appreciation.

See the gratuitous nude photo on Fleshbot today for further evidence. And I agree with the first commenter: cute boobs!

As a rather demurely breasted woman myself, of course, this is excellent news to me. Us itty bitty titties haven't gotten our proper due as of late, what with all the Pamela Anderson's of the world running around.

For more on XS breast appreciation, visit the post on the Extra Small blog for hilariousness and some great tips on where to find petite bras.

Twatter About Sex

2009-01-13T22:51:00.000-05:00

Twatter is Twitter chatter, and Twitter is fascinating. People are using it to view little slices of other people's lives. The ultimate voyeurism, so to speak. And, of course, people use it to talk about sex, but that's nothing new. As long as people keep creating new tools for communication, they will talk about sex.

Here's a snapshot of the Twatter about sex right now:

Fabulous Boy Butter

2009-01-11T18:58:00.002-05:00

Boy Butter, of both lube and packing fame, are at it again. When it comes to promoting their product, these guys leave no method untapped. And now they've got a drag queen spokesperson.

That's right, Hedda Lettuce, to be exact, the NYC drag queen that guest starred on last season's Project Runway, for those of you that are fans of the show. Miss Lettuce agreed to do a commercial for Boy Butter, and as you can see, the results are definitely going to grow their fan base. Ha!

Facebook Nixes Breastfeeding

2009-01-09T21:54:00.002-05:00

Oh lordy.

Now Facebook done gone and pissed off the mommies, which, in my experience, is never a good idea. Apparently, Facebook decided that photos of mothers breastfeeding were considered "indecent," and have been deleting them off people's profiles on the site. This, obviously, raised the ire of the mommies of the aforementioned photos, not to mention their supporters.

Now, is being signed in protest and an online collage of breastfeeding photos are being collected. I guess this is what you could call Facebook's "growing pains" after opening up their site to more http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthan just college students.

New Year, New Buzz...

2009-01-07T22:50:00.003-05:00

Now that the holidays have ended, I know we're all feeling a lot right now: relieved, exhausted, crushed by debt. People feel really burnt out after the pressure of the holiday season, and so part of the turn of the new year is taking the time to recharge and take care of yourself.

An excellent way to take care of yourself is with the Slimline G, which, as you could anticipate, is one of our favorite G-spot vibrator. It's got a deliciously enlarged head, is smooth and sleek, and is guaranteed to deliver in dividends. This month, we're offering 20% off of our favorite G-spot toys, reminding you that the best New Year's resolution to make is one for your own pleasure...

Pleasure Reviews: The Oui

2009-01-04T11:16:00.003-05:00

The Oui is a brand new vibrator on the market, just released by the folks over at California Exotics, who, if you didn’t know, are responsible for a huge quantity of the erotic toys that you purchase and enjoy. I had the opportunity to review The Oui recently, and I thought I’d share my findings with you before you head over to the store to make your purchase.

The first thing I have to say is that I am consistently disappointed with Cal Exotic’s packaging. It always looks cheap and tacky, which is counterproductive to their efforts to produce a toy that looks more sleek and sophisticated. A little packaging redesign would go a long way in helping them redefine their image, in my humble opinion.

The Oui is a small, thin vibe, about the size of the palm of my hand, and I have small hands. It has a sleek look because of that, and I think it’s meant to be shaped like lips, which I’m really not crazy about. But the shape is sort of abstract and you can choose to overlook that if you like.

It has one small button at the top that turns it on and off, and despite its size, it has amazing vibration strength, which I loved. Definitely strong enough to be used alone or during intercourse. Its sleek look comes from the fact that it’s made of plastic, so it gets a bit slippery when wet, but it super easy to keep clean.

Some other features I really liked: it only uses 1 AAA battery, and it comes with a little carrying pouch, which made it discreet to stash in my bag. This is the perfect traveling companion toy, without a doubt.

Because of its inexpensive price-point and unintimidating, discreet design, I would say this is a really great purchase for toy beginners or as a travel toy. I gave mine to a friend that was headed out of the country for awhile because it was easily slipped into her carry-on, won’t be an embarrassment if it gets strewn about on the security desk, and packs enough power to keep her satisfied in South America!

Overall, I give it 3 hearts out of 5 for being a solid purchase.

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