Lunapads Review

Delux Kit via Lunapads.com

Warning: I'm about to talk about periods and reusable menstrual products.  If that makes you uncomfortable, don't read on.

I've been going back and forth, trying to decide if any menstrual product reviews would fit on my blog, as it's mostly about sexuality, marriage, and sex toy reviews.  But as another blogger pointed out, the reproductive system is an important part of sexuality.  So, I'm going with it.

Let me start by giving you a bit of background on me.  I have insanely heavy periods.  Like, crazy holy-crap-how-have-I-not-bled-to-death kinds of periods.  It got even worse after I had my IUD put in. Yes, I've consulted the doctors and they pretty much agree that there's nothing wrong with me.  I just am.  A super pissed off uterus is evidently my lot in life.  Now, think of how many pads and tampons I went through every period.

When I heard of reusable pads, my first thought was eww.  But then I thought, hey, I did cloth diapers with my kids.  How is this worse?  Then I thought, hmm.  And finally, worth a shot.  I didn't have anything to lose by trying washable pads, and I had heard somewhere that some people have a reaction to the chemicals in disposable pads that make their periods worse.  Mind you, that's just anecdotal and I have no idea if there was any truth to it, but at this point I was willing to try anything.  Enter my discovery of Lunapads.

Pad and liner via Lunapads.com

A little bit about them:  Lunapads are reusable, washable cloth pads.  They are cotton with a PUL interior to prevent leakage.  They're easy to use and attach by using a snap button on the wings, securing them to your underwear.  The female side of the snap is on one wing, the male side on the other, and when you wrap them around the back of your underwear, they snap together and hold the pad in place.

There are two ric-rac straps on each pad.  That's the zig-zag ribbon looking strap for you non-sewers.  The ric-rac straps are used to hold extra liners, or "inserts" in place.  Having a heavier day?  You can stack more than one insert together on the same pad.

Please note: Lunapads also sells panty liners, which are all-in-one pieces that you don't use inserts with, and underwear designed for periods.  

You may be wondering how they get washed.  Honestly, I just give them a quick hand wash before throwing them in the washing machine.  Never had a problem.

What I loved: Lunapads are ridiculously easy to use.  Unlike other cloth pads that are all one piece, those clever inserts that Lunapads has allow you to just change the insert if you don't bleed through.  That is all sorts of handy and means less laundry.  When I tried other cloth pads that were all one piece (all the padding was inside the pad) they were difficult to wash and took forever to dry.

I was really worried about the ick factor with using washable pads, but I have to say that it's really not that bad.  After one cycle, using washables seemed perfectly normal.  I know a lot of people think it's going to be some sort of horror show, but really, it's not.  It's no more horrifying than pre-treating your shirt after you spilled coffee.

Now, on to how well they work.  After a couple of times through the wash, the pads are very absorbent and very comfortable.  The fact that the inserts can be stacked for heavier days, making them fully customizable, is just brilliant.  I'm not sure that I've ever, in the many years I've used them, had a leak-through.  No sticky, plasticy discomfort that you get with disposable pads, either.  No disintegration in your underoos.  Have you ever had a disposable pad suddenly disintegrate in your undies for no apparent reason?  Not awesome.

Can I talk about the smell for a second?  We all know that periods have a certain amount of smell.  That's why disposables have the perfumes and whatnot.  But, after I made the switch to cloth, the smell pretty much disappeared.

What I didn't: You know what?  There wasn't really anything I didn't love.

Final thought: I'm in love with Lunapads.  They are so simple to use, and come in a variety of colors, patterns, sizes, and absorbencies.  They're so much more comfortable than disposables, better for the environment, and did I mention they save money?  They save money.  They may look expensive, but think about how much the average person spends on pads and tampons each year.

I was hoping that my period would magically lighten up when I made the switch, like some people claim theirs did.  Honestly, it did lighten up, but just a tiny bit.  However, most of my very worst period symptoms vanished or greatly improved.  I had less severe cramps and I felt like I could actually move around on my period, which I had struggled with for years.  Does that mean I am one of those mythical people that was having a reaction to disposables and didn't know it?  Maybe.  Not being a doctor or scientist, I can't say for sure, but I suspect my body did not like the disposables.

After a few cycles, I decided to pair Lunapads with a Mooncup (UK, not US.  They're different companies).   It's been exactly what I needed.  The Mooncup catches most of the flow, and the Lunapads do the rest.  On lighter days (and note, my light days are medium days for everyone else), I just use one or the other.  I can now leave the house, do chores, and carry things on my heavy days.  I wasn't able to do that before.

It's been over six years since I first started using Lunapads, and am just now thinking that I should maybe purchase a replacement set, as mine are starting to show some wear.  In all this time, the only issue I've had is one snap on one of the pads wore out.  In six years, that's it.  They certainly hold up well.

If you are wondering whether reusable menstrual products are right for you, I highly recommend giving Lunapads a try.  Still need a reason to try?  Lunapads will send you your own sample pantyliner for just the cost of shipping.

Tantus Echo Review

My love of Tantus products continues.

During the last sale, I discovered the have a Grab Bag section.  Same fun toys, but with unique, one-off colors and a lower price.  I knew I wanted the Echo, and since I didn't particularly care what color it was, I went with the Grab Bag instead of the standard Midnight Purple and Pearl White.  I'm so very glad I did.  I received this gorgeous color, which I think is black.  Or, it may be a very, very, very dark purple.  Either way, I don't have any other toy this color.  And if you look closely, it's got teeny, tiny little sparkles.  It is gorgeous.

And did I mention it came with stickers?  Stickers, ya'll.

Echo next to B-Bomb and stickers

A little bit about it: The Echo is a textured dildo made of silicone.  It has an insertable length of 6.5 inches (total length of about 7.5 inches), with a circumference of roughly 5 inches at its widest point.  It's covered in wave-like ridges along one side with a smooth underside.  At the base there is a hole where you can place the included bullet vibrator or use your own, like the Salsa.

What I loved:  Let me say the obvious.  The ridges are amazing.  They hit my G-spot with every move.  With my muscles relaxed, I can barely feel the ridges, but can definitely tell it's not a smooth toy.  It's like a gentle vaginal massage against my G-spot.  When I tighten my muscles, I can feel every single ridge as it bumps past my ring of muscles.  Unlike most G-spot toys where only the head of the toy hits the G-spot, this one hits it with every ridge.

Now about that bullet hole.  Most toys with bullet holes create a suction on the bullet vibe so that it's hard to remove, even with lubricant. [Side note: always use lubricant when placing a bullet vibe in a bullet hole.  It will be much easier to remove.]  This is even a problem with some other Tantus toys.  The Echo, however, has an extra ring of ridges on the inside of hole, helping to greatly reduce the suction problem.

What I didn't:  I'm not crazy about the bullet vibe that came with it.  It's buzzy and one speed.  But...meh.  I never really intended to use it with a bullet anyway, and if I want to use a bullet vibe with it, I'll use my Salsa.  But, to be thorough, I tried it with the bullet it came with.  It was tingly, pleasant even, but hardly orgasmic.  I'm not too disappointed, though, since I just wanted it as a dildo, not a vibrator.

Final thought:  I love the Echo.  It's large enough to be satisfying without being so large that it takes lots of effort to use it.  And the ridges...oh, the ridges!  It's like my G-spot getting bumped every time I move it an inch.  Worth the price?  Oh, yes.  Yes, it is.

Want your own?  Choose your color or snag one from the Grab Bag.  Have mobility or reaching problems?  Tantus also sells an Echo with a handle, but it does not vibrate..

Rare Assembly Bondage Bow Review

~I received this item for free as a prize from a mini-contest run by Rare Assembly.~

Not too long ago, the American Psychiatric Association decided that just because someone has a kinky streak, that doesn't make them mentally ill.  That's great news for bedroom adventurers everywhere.  How many have tried at least a little bondage?  Tough question, and it seems it depends on which study and/or survey you are looking at.  They mostly seem to hover between 30 and 50% of the population, with some as low as 2% and some as high as 75%.  The only thing I've found studies agree on is that the number of people that at least try light BDSM (like blindfolds or toy handcuffs) is on the rise.  But why the huge variety in survey and study outcomes?  I suspect it has to do with perception.  What one person considers kinky, another considers perfectly vanilla.

So let's say a person that has always been vanilla wants to do a little experimenting.  Looking around at BDSM shops online can be a frightening experience for someone just looking for a set of silk scarves, fuzzy handcuffs, or pretty blindfold.  What to do if you want to see if a little adventure is your thing without the in-your-face aspect?  Enter the Bondage Bow.

A little bit about it: The Bondage Bow (large) is a long band of rubber latex that comes wrapped as a...wait for it...bow.  It's about 75" long and just shy of 1.25" wide.  There are perforations down the middle that slide onto a large metal tack in the package, holding it in a bow shape.  Once unraveled, it lays flat.  It's extremely stretchy and made for exactly what it sounds like: bondage.  Or, as the company says in it's slogan, "Unwind this bow and tie somebody up."

What I loved: The best thing about the Bondage Bow is the aesthetics of it.  The bow shape is sweet and non-threatening.  A lovely, springy bow seems far less scary for a beginner than a coil of rope.  It's pretty without being cutesy, and the colors they offer seem to be changing.  I own it in black, but they currently they offer it in cherry red and honey gold.

Because of the tack that is used to hold the bow in shape when it's in the package, the Bondage Bow has perforations in the center all the way down the length.  I was worried that this would cause the bow to easily rip apart, but it didn't, even when I tugged on it width wise to purposely try to get it to rip.

There's a certain simplicity to the Bondage Bow.  It's not incredibly long, so there is only so much you can do with it.  OK, really, it's for tying wrists or ankles, but if you are brand new to the idea of bondage, that's probably all you're going to be doing, anyway.  So, it's pretty, simple, and pretty much a bit of kinky for those that don't necessarily consider themselves kinky.

What I didn't: My biggest complaint is that it is uncomfortable.  Really, really uncomfortable.  I know other reviewers have raved about how comfy it is, but that's not how I found it.  I even experimented by tying my ankles while doing some computer work, but only got about ten minutes in before the heat of it became unbearable and I had to take it off.  During sex, it's fun but only for a very short amount of time because of the same issues.  I mean, it's latex rubber.  It doesn't breathe.  My skin felt funny for an hour afterward as a result, and no, I don't have an allergy.

If you are interested in experimenting with being restrained in a manner that you can't escape, this is not your toy.  The stretchiness of the material makes it very, very easy to escape from.  When I tied it as tight as I felt was safe, I was able to escape in 3 seconds.  I timed it.  When I tied it slightly tighter than I would think is safe (with NO intention to stay that way and done in a safe and easily undone manner), I couldn't escape, but it pulled my skin and tiny hairs.  Ow.  The fact that you would have to tie it tighter than safe to make it "real" bondage is a big no-no for anyone looking to be actually restrained.  The Bondage Bow, it seems, is for looks only.  There's nothing wrong with that if that's what you are looking for, as long as you know the limits of your material.

Finally, the material sticks to itself.  It's nice to have the friction to help restrain, but it makes tying decent knots almost impossible.

Final thought:  The Bondage Bow retails for £18, or $25-30 (depending on the shop) which is not a bad asking price.  I've seen much worse toys go for much more money, but it's up to you to decide if it's worth it.  It is lovely and non-threatening, making it a nice introductory piece for vanilla people looking to experiment.  Like I said, it's a bit of kinkiness for people that don't consider themselves kinky.  However, any buyer needs to understand that the Bondage Bow is mostly for looks and the accompanying psychological affect.  It is not great for anything but brief wear, due to the fact that it doesn't breathe and can get uncomfortable on the skin.

So, is it worth it?  That depends on why you want it.  If you are just looking for an introductory toy, this is nice to have.  If you are interested in restraint that actually restrains, this is not for you.

~I received this item for free as a prize from a mini-contest run by Rare Assembly.~

Tantus Splash Review

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

Tantus has always been on my sex blogging radar.  Most bloggers sing in praise of their high-quality, silicone products.  One day, I wondered how many of their products I already owned.  Five?  Ten?  I checked my toy box and was shocked.  One.  Just one.  Just the Ace that I bought long ago, when I first started exploring toys.  I owned one product from one of the most reputable, sex-positive, customer friendly, quality companies.  How did I let this happen?  This must be fixed!  I set my sights on the Splash.

A little bit about it:  The Splash is a textured, silicone dildo that is O-ring compatible.  It starts with a wide, pearly white head about 5.5" around (by my measurements) that tapers down in size until it reaches the purple base, totaling about 7.5" long.  It's covered with texture that changes as it goes down.  Near the top, there is a series of mild ridges, followed by smooth, raised drip designs.  Past the drips where the color changes from white to purple, the texture also changes from smooth to slightly rough, almost grainy.  I know "grainy" doesn't sound like a very pleasant texture, but it's the closest word I can come up with to describe it.  It's not an uncomfortable texture, just different from the super smooth drips.

What I loved:  The Splash is one of those toys that's both simple and elegant.  The smooth drips are just present enough to be felt, but not so much texture that I find it overwhelming.  It's almost a massage kind of feeling that stimulates all over, instead of just one specific spot.  The drips are kind of like elevator music: it's pleasant, but not the main event.

The ridges near the head, meanwhile, command a little more attention, but still not so much that they are uncomfortable.  The ridges aren't very deep, but combined with the gentle curve of the shaft they are simply amazing for G-spot stimulation.  The ridges drag across my G-spot, but in a good way.

The firmness is just right.  I'm one of the many people that need firm pressure on my G-spot to get any sort of sensation out of it.  The Splash is firm enough to deliver, but at the same time, the silicone has a little bit of give so it's not completely unforgiving.

The size is wonderful.  The head, shaft girth and shaft length are large enough to be filling, but not so huge that it's unwieldy or challenging.  Please note that I do tend to like larger toys, so my "not huge" may not be your "not huge."  However, I will say that if I had to classify it, I would say that the Splash is a toy on the larger side of medium.  For me, that makes it a great go-to dildo when I want great stimulation but don't want something so big that it takes a warm-up.

What I didn't like:  I don't really have something to say here, but if I were pressed, I guess I would say that it would be nice if it came in other colors.  Purple/white mix is the only option at the time of this review.

Final thought:  Worth it.  The Splash runs about $75, which I know sounds like a lot for a toy that doesn't even vibrate.  I thought so, too, at first, but I was quickly won over.  The size, shape, texture, all of it is just perfect.  I don't have to say this toy is good for ____, but not good for _____.  It's filling but not overly so, has great texture but not to the point that it's irritating, great for G-spotting, and is firm enough to allow pressure with just a bit of pleasant give.  It's easy to clean, body safe, will last a really, really long time, and is just fantastic.  It's easy to buy a curved dildo from another company for less, but I guarantee that it won't compare to safety or quality.

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

The Adventurous Couple's Guide to Sex Toys 2nd Edition Review

~I received this item for free in exchange for an honest review.~

Every now and then a friend will come to me for advice.  "Is this the kind of toy I want?  What about this material?  What do you think of this shop?"  I always answer as best and honestly as I can, although often my answer is "Walk away from that right now."  This is mostly because the toys that appeal to people new to sex toys are not only shiny and colorful and cheap, but also tend to be poor quality and potentially dangerous.  Add that to the fact that manufacturers and shops aren't always totally honest and the world of sex toys can seem to be a rather treacherous field to navigate.  That's where Violet Blue's The Adventurous Couple's Guide to Sex Toys comes in.


A little bit about it:
If you've never heard of Violet Blue, you should know she is a renown sex educator, author, and editor.  I'm a fan of her writing and own several of her books.  In The Adventurous Couple's Guide to Sex Toys, she takes on the confusing maze of sex shopping and breaks down the different types of toys, what each toy is used for, different materials, and even how to avoid getting ripped off.

I need to point out that I am reviewing the 2nd edition of this guide.  Both editions were published by Cleis Press.

What I loved:
I knew I was going to love this book when right off she breaks down the difference between "novelties" and toys properly designed for sex, pleasure, and safety.  This is such an important distinction, and one that is easily overlooked by newbies.  After all, if you didn't know any better, why would you buy a $150 silicone rabbit vibrator, when you can purchase a $30 jelly one?  Because one is a novelty, one is a sex toy, and it is vitally important for shoppers to know the difference, which she goes into detail about.

There is, of course, a breakdown of different toy types, materials, and cleaning basics.  There is more than enough information to help a newbie choose their first (or next) toy.  But of course, this is a book aimed not only at individual shoppers, but couples as well.  Bringing up the idea of sex toys, especially if a couple doesn't have very frank conversations, can be tough.  Don't worry.  Ms. Blue has it covered with some handy tips for opening up the conversation.

But let's say a couple is feeling truly adventurous and wants to go beyond the simplicity of adding a vibe to intercourse.  If that's the case, get ready, because after the basics, you'll find sections on kinky toys, strap-ons, sex machines, sex furniture, and even "teledildonic" toys!

If you know what you want, but don't know where to get it, she's got you covered there, too.  Not only does she give a list of reputable dealers both at the end of the book and peppered throughout the chapters, but she also gives tips and warnings to help you find a decent shop and what to watch out for.

What I didn't:
I have very few complaints about the book, but there were just a few things that I felt may be outdated. For one, she mentions that most books do not talk about prostate play, or gloss over it quickly.  That seemed odd to me, so I pulled out all the books I had that mentioned male pleasure, and all contained pretty significant information on prostate stimulation, even the books that I thought were terrible in other regards.  However, it's possible that I just happen to have books that are good with that particular piece of information.

She also mentions plug-ins and rechargeable toys as being not that common, but it seems to me, as a consumer, that they are becoming more prevalent and sought after.  But then again, if you compare the number of rechargeable toys to the vast number of battery toys, I imagine rechargeables are rare by comparison.

Final thought:
The Adventurous Couple's Guide to Sex Toys is definitely worth a buy.  For those just starting their sex toy experience, or for those that are already acquainted with toys but are looking for something different, this guide is full of information.  It contains more in depth information than any other toy guide I've yet read.  For those that may consider themselves sex toy experts, there probably isn't new information for you, but it is an extremely handy reference guide to have in your library.

If you'd like your own copy of The Adventurous Couple's Guide to Sex Toys, you can buy it here from Cleis Press.

~I received this item for free in exchange for an honest review.~

Follow-Up Friday: LELO Mona 2

~I originally received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

How I felt about it then:
I was floored by the sheer awesomeness that is the Mona 2 when I first reviewed it back in June.  The vibrations nearly rival a Magic Wand, and although it's not particularly girthy, the shape combined with the vibrations make it so I don't even notice the lack of girth.  For me, that's really saying something.  I've had other toys that fall flat with me because they simply aren't big enough.  And can we say G-spot stimulation?  My G-spot has never, ever responded to vibrations before, and has never responded in the same way with any toy since.  In short, I loved the thing.  I wasn't expecting to love it, and in fact wouldn't have bought it if other reviewers hadn't sworn up and down that it's incredible.

How I feel about it now:
Nothing has changed.  I still love the Mona 2.  In fact, it's the only toy I took traveling with me over the summer.  And why not?  Rechargeable, waterproof, has a travel lock, strong, and very, very quiet.  It's the perfect travel toy.  I still love it and have had no problems with it dying on me, battery life issues, or any other malfunctions.

Revised Final Thought:
I had said that if you buy only one toy this year, you should seriously consider the Mona 2.  I stand by that.  It works for both clitoral and G-spot stimulation, and most important, it does both well.

~I originally received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

Follow-Up Friday: Njoy Eleven

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

How I felt about it then:

My Njoy Eleven came at the beginning of June.  I remember my barely contained excitement when I was finally able to order it, being shocked and delighted at just how big it really is when it arrived, and then the sad meh feelings that followed use.  It was supposed to be the perfect vaginal toy for me, but I found it to be just fine.  Not rock-your-world awesome, but not crushingly disappointing, either.  It was decent if I was particularly in the mood for it, but mostly it just sat in it's beautiful bag.  My main complaint was that even though it is curved for G-spot stimulation, the curve and shape weren't quite right to do anything more than occasionally brush past my G-spot.  Like many women, I need a bit more of direct pressure/rubbing on my G-spot than just flirting with it.  In short, it was just OK, but for such a very pricey toy, I expect better than just OK.

How I feel about it now:

A few days ago, Husband offered to operate the Eleven for me.  It had been a while since we used a vaginal toy in our intimate time, so I said yes even though I wasn't crazy about the Eleven.  As soon as he started using it on me, everything changed.  The Eleven jumped from meh to wow!  When I'm using it just by myself it's almost impossible for me to be able to hold it at the right angle, and even if I get there, I can't hold it for long.  The Eleven becomes too heavy and awkward.  However, when Husband used it on me at a different angle (that I wasn't able to achieve alone), my G-spot received much more stimulation.  The downside is that since the Eleven has no give to it, whatever partner is handling the toy has to be careful not to insert it too far or too roughly to avoid some very painful sensations.

Revised Final Thought:

When using the Eleven alone, it's still just meh.  With a (careful) partner, the angle can be controlled better and provides much better stimulation.  For me, it's still mildly disappointing since I can't get reliable stimulation unless Husband is controlling it, and that's only going to be occasionally.  For the most part, it just takes up space by my toy box.

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

Book Review: Casting the Net

~I received this item for free in exchange for an honest review.~

When I was offered a copy of Julie McDowall's new book, Casting the Net-Volume 1: True Adventures In Online Dating to review, I was a little skeptical of whether it would fit in with my other ramblings.  This is, after all, a sex and marriage blog, but after a few moments I decided that a book about the adventures and misadventures in dating totally goes with sex blog.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

A little bit about it: Casting the Net is a shortish book that chronicles Julie McDowall's first experiences in the online dating scene, from trying out different dating sites to the dates themselves and their aftermath.  Sometimes the tales are hilariously painful, sometimes painfully hilarious, but always entertaining.

What I loved:  The writing style here isn't the typical stiff, formal, and perhaps even self-important ramblings you may expect from a serious autobiography, but instead has a delightful, informal, blog-style.  Of course, that's not surprising since some of the tales began their life in her dating blog.  It reads like your best friend is explaining her latest romantic disaster.

Ms. McDowall's dating choices are truly interesting.  She doesn't just bounce from Boring Man 1 to Boring Man 2 to Boring Man 3, but instead presents the reader with a true cast of what can only be called characters.  How about a lying clown?  A melancholy comedian?  A kinky psychology lecturer/amateur actor that wants to have a baby, like, now?  And that's just to name a few.

Since she dates a wide variety of people, she also witnesses and experiences a range of hazards that come with dating.  She writes about everything from broken dates, hurt feelings, and adult tantrums to accidentally getting drunk because of nervousness, differences in sexual desires, and separate life goals.  Even though she experiences so much, she never once gets on her high horse to give advice.  What lessons we may or may not gleam from her tales is our business.  I like that.

To be honest, for a while I thought the author was a bit shallow.  She clearly gives more than a passing thought about potential dates' occupations.  How terrible!  Why should she care that so-and-so is actually a janitor?  And then I realized that she's not shallow.  She's honest.  If I was currently dating, what the man did for a living would certainly have a bearing on my opinion of him as a potential partner.  I may just lack the conviction to say so out loud.  In her writings, she has no problem saying what she liked and what she would not tolerate.

What I didn't: Here's where it gets a bit tricky.  In the early pages of the book, she talks about dating a clown--I mean a literal clown with big shoes--and says that she was "intrigued, despite his ginger hair." I read such disdain into those words that I thought, surely, she must be talking about his clown wig.  A bit later she says of him, "...on the downside, he had ginger hair."  Ok...so...we're clearly not talking about the wig.  I was really, really confused about what the issue with red hair is.  It's stated in such an obvious way that I should just know what the problem is with red hair.  Of course, when I looked over at my redhead husband, I couldn't help but feel insulted.  This was early enough in the book and I was bothered enough by it that if I had not promised a review, I would have put the book down and not read any further.  Any author that was going to be so harsh without reason on redheads was just not OK to me.

Since this is a UK author, I went to some of my friends from the UK and asked if there was an issue with red hair across the pond.  Each friend told me that in the UK, red hair is not exactly considered an attractive trait.  That's baffling to me.  Different cultural ideas, I guess.  But then, the author also has red hair, so I'm still not overly sure what the issue is.

The only other time where my hackles raised a bit was when she mentioned finding a Christian CD in a date's glove compartment and immediately asks him if he's some sort of "Bible basher."  *sigh*  Let me very briefly explain why it bothered me a bit.  If you haven't picked up on this, I'm a sex blogger.  Since I do talk about sex, other bloggers automatically assume that I am not religious at all and proceed to bash my own religion to me.  They assume that religious people, particularly Christians, are automatically evil, stupid, judgmental, or all of the above.  Fighting the (often wrong) assumption of sexuality, personality, and religion gets exhausting.  If I had not experienced so much of the sentiment very recently, I probably would have just rolled my eyes and thought nothing more of it.  Still, I couldn't help wonder how I would react if a date looked in my glove compartment, ignored my Mumford & Sons and Flogging Molly CDs and chose to focus on why I also own Rich Mullens and OC Supertones.

Final thought:  I ended up loving this book more than I thought I would.  It's funny and painful and embarrassing.  Sometimes I wanted to hug her and tell her that it's OK.  Sometimes I wanted to reach through the screen, shake her and screech, "What's wrong with you?!  This is a really, really bad idea!"  But isn't feeling anything, whether it's embarrassment, rage, or delight evidence of a great story?

Julie McDowell is a gifted storyteller and I look forward to seeing more from her.  If you'd like to see more of her, you can visit her site!

~I received this item for free in exchange for an honest review.~

LELO Mona 2 Review

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

When I first saw the Mona 2, I wasn't particularly impressed.  It looked like it would be too small and I was unsure if the vibrations would be strong enough. But it was so...gorgeous.  There is a definite elegance to the design, and those that aren't crazy about penis-shaped toys will be pleased with the artistic curves.  But as your mother always told you, looks aren't everything.  I've seen many beautiful toys that didn't really do much for me.  The Mona 2, though, definitely lives up to the hype.

A little bit about it:  The Mona 2 is a G-spot vibrator that also works well as an external clitoral vibrator.  It's waterpoof, rechargeable, multi-speed and multi-pattern, comes with a travel lock feature, and is made of silky matte silicone with a plastic handle.  By my measurements, it is about 4.5 inches around at the widest point, and 8.75 inches long if you follow the outer curve. On the upper side of the widest part of the shaft, the shape comes to a rounded point along the length.  I haven't seen that particular shape in a toy before, and I'll admit it is very hard to describe.  I've rewritten my description several times.  Let's see if a picture will do:

What I loved:  Let's talk shape.  As I said before, I wasn't too sure whether the Mona 2 would be big enough.  It almost looks tiny in comparison to other toys, but let me say that I found in this case, size doesn't matter.  The Mona 2 really does have curves in all the right places, so even though it's not particularly filling, I don't really feel like the size and shape is lacking.

And now, let's talk vibrations.  Wow.  Mona 2 really does deliver in the power department.  I'm talking almost as strong as the Magic Wand.  No kidding.  The vibrations are deep and rumbly (not buzzy) and amazing for clitoral stimulation.  As for G-spotting, I have to say that I am beyond impressed.  You see, my G-spot has never responded to vibrations, and vibrating G-spot toys were kind of a waste for me.  Then I saw that some other reviewers claimed that their G-spots never responded to vibrations either, but they did with the Mona 2.  I admit I was skeptical that my vibration-ignoring G-spot would take notice, but I held out hope.  They were right.  I'm not sure if it's Mona's shape or the vibrations are just right, but suddenly my G-spot is paying attention in amazing ways.

So, let's talk battery life.  Do you remember in my Salsa and Touch reviews when I said that the vibrations were excellent, but the battery life was something to be desired?  That's not true here.  I used the Mona for 3 sessions of about 30 minutes each before I felt like it was time to recharge.  That, to me, is a huge deal.  Who wants to grab a toy just to realize you forgot to charge it?

What I didn't: Well, if I have to say something, I would say that the tip is a little more sharp than I'd like.  That's it.

Final thought:  I'm not sure that I've ever said this before, but if you can only buy one toy this year, you should seriously consider the Mona 2.  I actually uttered the words, "I think this will replace my Magic Wand."  Husband said, "What, really?"  Really.  It is both a clitoral and a G-spot vibrator, and does both jobs amazingly well.

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review.~

Njoy Eleven Review

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for a review.~

Did you ever see something just beautiful and fall in love with it, and then you saw the price tag?  But what if you really, really want it?  Is it worth making that happen?  A lot of sex toy users see the Njoy Eleven and want it, but since it carries a $300 price tag, not many are willing to take the chance without assurance that it is awesome.

A little bit about it: The Njoy Eleven is a huge stainless steel G-spot toy.  Did I mention huge?  Seriously, it's huge.  It is 11 inches long with two usable heads.  The smaller head has a circumference of around 5.5 inches, and the larger head has a circumference of around 6.5 inches.

Packaging: I don't always talk about packaging, but seriously, I need to talk about the packaging here. The Eleven comes packaged in a leather clutch lined in hot pink material, and closes magnetically.  If you live a vegan lifestyle, the leather may be upsetting.  For everyone else, it's a very nice touch of class that shows attention to detail.

What I loved: The Njoy is a beautiful piece of metal.  Shiny, smooth, hefty, with two large, usable ends.  Each end is gently curved for G-spot stimulation.  Although the steel has a lot of drag to it and lubrication is recommended, you can use whatever lubrication you want and a little goes a long way.

The solid, large, heavy sensation of the Eleven is not like any other toy.  I can't say it's like ___, because it's not really like anything.  Like the Stronic Eins, it's totally unique in the toy world.  You can squeeze your vaginal walls against it all you want.  In fact, work your Kegels while you're at it.

I didn't love the Eleven by itself, as it's not quite right for me to get satisfying stimulation from it alone, but when I pair it with a clitoral vibrator, it's pretty fabulous.

What I didn't:  I'm not sure why, but I had to reapply lubricant with this toy more than other toys I've owned.  However, since it is perfectly smooth stainless steel, only a little lubricant at a time is necessary.

Since the two ends are pretty bulbous, it's easy to hit your G-spot, but it's not that simple to stimulate it.  Although the slight curves allow the G-spot to be hit, it doesn't allow it to be hit well.  Because of the shallow angle coupled with the large size, I find it difficult to reliably hit the G-spot in a way I find satisfying.

Final Thought: I like the Eleven.  It's a unique sensation from a toy that's made with high quality materials and comes in classy packaging.  The size and heft of it provide pretty great stimulation both at the vaginal entrance and along the vaginal walls.  But the question is, do you need one?

Do you like metal toys?
Do you like heavy toys?
Do you like large toys?

If you answered yes to any one of these and can afford the price tag, then the Eleven is worth having in your collection.  However, if you can't afford it or you're not sure the Eleven is for you, don't panic.  Really, even though the Eleven is perfectly lovely, you can live without it.  If you are looking for a high quality stainless steel toy, but aren't too interested in the size, shape, or price of the Eleven, I'd suggest getting the Pure Wand instead.

~I received this item at a discount in exchange for a review.~

Rocks Off 7 Speed RO-80 Review

~I received this item for free in exchange for an honest review.~

Generally, I don't like hate despise bullet vibes, with the exception of luxury rechargeables like the We-Vibe Salsa or Tango.  At the same time, I love compact vibes.  Trying to find a vibe that is small but doesn't succumb to the same pitfalls that most buzzy, weak bullets fall into is not that easy.  When Vibrator Kingdom was kind enough to offer me a bullet from Rocks Off, I had to admit that though I've tried a lot of bullets, I've never tried one from that manufacturer.

I'd like to thank Vibrator Kingdom for sending me the RO-80 to review.  Also, check out the wrapping job they did.  Nice, yes?  I love the little touches they do.  Seriously, I can get lost in their site.  In a good way.

A little bit about it: The RO-80 is a small, bullet vibrator made for external use on the clitoris.  It's waterproof, runs on one N battery, is operated by one button, has 7 settings, and comes in a range of colors.  A cute little black storage bag is included, which is a nice touch.

Packaging: I have to say the packaging is fairly nice.  Not a porn star to be seen.  It's not discreet, but it is classy.  I have seen toys around this price that come in boxes covered with women with giant, bare breasts before, and occasionally toys that come in nothing more than a plastic bag with an informational card.  Nope, not kidding.  Rocks Off clearly took some time in designing a package that didn't go overboard, but is still nice.

Also, I'm easily amused.

Ten points if you can find the punctuation error that's driving the grammar nazi inside me insane.

What I didn't love: Yep, today I'm doing this backwards and telling you what I didn't like first.  Trust me, it makes more sense in this case.

First off, one of the 7 Speed RO-80's selling points is that it has, well, 7 speeds.  I thought that's pretty darn impressive.  7 speeds?  Really?  Unfortunately, it actually doesn't.  Not the way I think of it, anyway.  Instead, it has 7 settings: 3 speeds and 4 patterns.

Let's talk about the 3 intensities for a minute.  The first setting is low, somewhat weak (of course, it's on low) and rumbly.  The second setting feels like a cross between rumbly and buzzy.  It's nice, but not strong enough.  So, bumping it up to the third setting, which should be enough, I encountered a big problem.  The vibrations went right to buzzy.  I hate buzzy.  Buzzy makes me go numb before I ever reach orgasm.  For that point alone, the RO-80 is not for me.

Husband and I tried to use it together during intercourse, placing it between us like we do with the Touch or Salsa, or even the Hitachi, but the vibrations aren't strong enough.  It just sort of got lost between us.

What I loved: I wrote this backwards because even though *I* didn't like the RO-80, it does have redeeming value that I think other people will like.

So many people start off using vibrators by purchasing a bullet.  Bullets, though buzzy, are cheap and you are not out much money if you don't like it or it breaks.  That's both the great and horrible thing about them.  So what sets the RO-80 apart?

I'm not going to lie.  The vibrations are buzzy.  I think that's just what you are going to get without a serious jump in price.  But the RO-80 has some things going for it that other bullets don't.  For one thing, the company appears to have actually put some thought into it.  They even seemed to understand that not every woman goes nuts over pink, so their RO-80 comes in a variety of colors and patterns including gold, purple, and--I kid you not--pinto (which may be referring to the cow or the horse.  I'm not sure which).  I have scads of respect for companies that understand this very simple idea of individual aesthetic value.  Further, even though I hate buzzy vibrations, not everyone does.  Some people like them and will absolutely love this toy.

The RO-80 can be used as stimulation by proxy.  Since I didn't like these vibrations directly on my clitoris, I tried using it with a silicone dildo.  I turned the vibe on, and touched it to the bottom of the dildo (externally), which then came to life with a very pleasant hum.  It was a different sensation than you get with a typical vaginal vibrator, and really rather nice.

Final thought: So, here is who I am and am not recommending the RO-80 to.

Beginners:  This is a great starter toy.  It has both buzzy and rumbly vibrations, so you can see the difference.  It has patterns, so you can see if patterns are your thing.  This will help you in future purchases.  It's relatively cheap at 13.99 GBP (around $21 USD).  If someone came up to me today and said they are looking for their first vibrator and have a tight budget, I think I could be comfortable in recommending this one as a starting point.

Advanced users: As a clitoral toy, you are not going to love this unless you have a preference for buzzy vibrations.  However, it's not a bad foreplay toy.  A combination of movement with the vibrations on the clitoris actually feels pretty nice, even if not quite orgasm inducing.  Also, I noticed the vibrations carry very well through toy materials, so if you have a dildo with a bullet hole, the RO-80 is great for that.  Not only can you have your inexpensive bullet to use alongside  or inside other toys, but have it in style.  Purple Python, anyone?

~I received this item for free in exchange for an honest review.~

iGino One Review

~I received this item from iGino for free in exchange for an honest review.~

Companies more and more are recognizing vibrators can come in more shapes than have already been explored.  Rianne S came out with the Matryoshka, a small vibrator that resembles Russian stacking dolls.  Lelo has the Mia 2, shaped like a lipstick. Fun Factory has a UFO.  Joining the tradition of it's-not-what-it-looks-like is the new iGino One.


A little bit about it:  The iGino One is a compact, rechargeable clitoral vibrator (external use only) that at first glance looks nothing like a vibrator.  It's rectangular in shape (about 4 inches long by 2 inches wide), and has a removable cap. Under the cap is a little vibrating nub, which is the business end, so to speak, of the vibrator.

The iGino One comes with a USB extension cord, an EU wall adapter, US wall adapter, storage pouch, extra gaskets that go between the vibrating head and the body, and one SkinTouch head.  The SkinTouch head (made of EVA, aka foam rubber) is an optional attachment that gives the vibrating head a different feel.  According to the manufacturer, the vibe is compatible with water based, silicone, and "natural oil" lubricants.

SkinTouch head attached to the iGino

The iGino One charges via a USB port, is splash-proof but not waterproof, is one speed, and does not have a travel lock function (what keeps vibes from coming alive in your suitcase at embarrassing moments).

A brief note about the type of vibration.  iGino is equipped with "vibraMoove," which combines vibrations with movement.  They claim this is a unique sensation when compared to other vibrators.

Packaging:  The iGino One comes in a heavy duty, pink and white cardboard box.  You know how I feel about pink.  But more on that later.  The box itself is nice, simple, and classy.  It's neither discreet nor particularly indiscreet.

What I loved: The shape of the iGino One is truly unique.  It's roughly the size and shape of a smartphone or mp3 player.  The hinge the USB plug swings on even looks vaguely like a camera lens. In short, when the cap is on it looks nothing like a sex toy, so no need to panic if you leave it out and someone sees it.  Unless of course they pick it up and turn it on.  It's pretty obvious what it is at that point.  Anyway, it's a completely different design that doesn't follow traditional bullets or phallic-shaped vibes.

The vibrations, though only one speed, are relatively strong.  Seriously, for a rechargeable vibe, I'm impressed with the strength.  In fact, it is one of the strongest compact rechargeable vibrators I've seen. The vibrations are somewhere between buzzy and rumbly, but lean toward buzzy.  I usually can't (or don't) orgasm with buzzier vibes, but the iGino has just enough mix of rumbly that it isn't a problem.

The shape is easy enough for me to hold comfortably, although the comfort level of holding it will vary from person to person.  I do have to say, though, that most of the vibration stays in the head instead of the body.  Although the body does vibrate somewhat, it's not so much that it is particularly bothersome.

What I didn't: I'm going to start with the obvious.  If you've been reading my reviews, you know one of the big things that annoys me is assuming that women love pink.  Some women love it, not all.  I hate that pink is the go-to color for toy manufacturers.  I would have loved to see the toy in an accent color that was more neutral as far as stereotypes go.  Like yellow.  Or green.  Or grey.

The tagline, "What women want," which is written on the package, is kind of annoying.  To be honest, I really find it kind of insulting.  It's like saying, "Here, try this.  You'll love it.  If you don't, there's something wrong with you."  No one knows better than me that not all toys are for every body, and no toy should pretend to be.

The SkinTouch head didn't particularly do anything for me but dampen the vibrations.  For those that find the vibrations too powerful, the head is an excellent attachment.  For everyone else, skip it.

The iGino One is supposed to be slim enough to fit between lovers during intercourse.  I will say that yes, it is slim enough, but when Husband and I tried to use it during lovemaking, the vibrating head didn't hit my clitoris.  It just sort of hung out in the netherspace between us, not really vibrating anything except diffusely when the head somehow managed to hit something.

I was particularly excited by the idea of the "vibraMoove" technology, but was disappointed in it's implementation.  Although the vibrating head does move, it does so at such a rapid pace that it feels like most other vibrators.  In short, to my clitoris, the fact that the head is moving as well as vibrating doesn't feel any different than just vibrations.

Since the iGino isn't waterproof, that leads to the question of how to clean it.  I asked and was told that alcohol-free wet wipes are the way to go.  I happen to have a collection toy wipes that work great for this, but not everyone has toy wipes on hand.  Further, I prefer to wash my toys whenever possible instead of wipe them down.

The iGino is only one speed, and they told me:

The "Vibramoove" allows to vary the intensity of the stimulation simply by changing the inclination of the contact surface. This is the reason why the first version of the iGino has only one speed.

 Eh...I'm still going to say multi-speed is better, but it looks like they are still working on the design.

The last thing I really need to say is that the iGino is loud.  Like, really, really loud.  It sounds like electric hair clippers.  It's great that the shape is discreet, but in a situation where you would need the shape discreet, there is a really good chance you need the sound to be as well.  The good news is that iGino is aware of the sound issue, and they are working on it.

Final thought: The iGino has a lot going for it, but there is still a good deal of room for improvement.  It will retail for a cost of approximately $99, which is pretty standard for a high quality vibrator.  However, most luxury vibes of this price point tend to be multi-speed and often have a pattern function, a travel lock, are waterproof, and are extremely quiet.  The iGino is very new to the market, and doesn't have any of these features.  A vibe of that price that can only be used for clitoral stimulation should be, at the very least, multi-speed, waterproof, and quiet to be able to hold its ground against more well known manufacturers like Lelo, Fun Factory, and We-Vibe.  In my opinion, either new features need to be added, or the price needs to come down.

If the iGino One sounds like it might be for you, you can purchase your own from iGino.

~I received this item from iGino for free in exchange for an honest review.~

Leaf Vitality Review

~I received this item free of charge in exchange for an honest review.~

Oh, the Leaf Line!  How I've lusted over them for a long time.  They're high quality and just gorgeous, but I've put off owning one because they seem to be one of those toys where you either love or hate it.  I'd like to thank Vibrator Kingdom for providing this piece of lovely for me to review!  They are quickly becoming one of my favorite shops.

A little bit about it: The Vitality is part of SWAN's Leaf vibrator line.  This particular one is a rabbit-style vibrator in that it has a clitoral arm and a vaginal arm.  Each arm contains their own motor controlled by separate buttons.  Arm 1, and what I think of as the clitoral arm, is just under 3 inches long, and flatter than Arm 2, which is more rounded and just under 3.5 inches long.  the entire toy itself is roughly 5.5 inches long.

The Vitality is silicone, waterproof, rechargeable, is equipped with a travel lock (so it doesn't start to vibrate in your suitcase), comes with a precious storage bag, and is multi-speed.  However, to change the speed, you press and hold the buttons.  Just pushing them once turns the motor on and off.  The vibrations themselves are not silent, but nearly so.


Packaging:  The Vitality comes in a heavy duty cardboard box with magnetic closure.  It's sort of classy minimalist.  Well, a picture's worth a thousand cows.  Or something.  So here:

What I loved: First off, it's green.  I mean the color.  It's green!  It's not any shade of pink at all!  This, friends, makes me very, very happy.  I know not everyone exactly loves green, but it's such a welcome departure.

I love the fact that the arms are controlled separately.  Maybe I want clitoral vibration, but not vaginal, or the other way around.  Or I want strong vibrations in one place, and slightly weaker in another.  The separate controls makes it easy.  Only two buttons makes it simple.  The vibrations are nothing to sneeze at either, being a 4 out of 5 as far as strength goes.

Moving on.  The bulbous handle on the end makes the Vitality ridiculously easy and comfortable to hold and move without my hands getting tired.  I used the Vitality multiple times and never got any muscle cramps.

What I didn't: Although I tried--oh how I tried!--to orgasm with the Vitality, it is just not happening.  The strength is fine, although the clitoral arm is a little buzzy, while the vaginal arm is more rumbly.  But the buzzy isn't so terribly buzzy that it causes a big problem.  The problem, it turns out, is that I can't use any pressure with the Vitality.  Where the arms meet is just too flexible!  As I get close to climax, I need to be able to increase the pressure of the toy against me.  This is true both for my clitoris and my G-spot.  The Vitality just bends away from me if I try to use pressure.  For this reason, I can not have an orgasm with the Vitality.

Final thought: This is a fun and beautiful toy, but not being able to use pressure with it is a deal breaker for me.  However, if you only need the vibrations and don't care about the pressure, then you will likely love this toy.  It has a lot of really great aspects going for it.  It's quiet, beautiful, and has decent vibrations.  Being too flexible is my main concern, and it is unfortunately what makes the Vitality not work for me.  Still, if you like your toys to be slightly flexible, then you may well love this one!

~I received this item in exchange for an honest review.~

Little Deeper Cushion Review

It is my firm belief that everyone should give sexual support cushions a try at some point.  They can take a lot of unnecessary strain off of your joints, making sex more comfortable.  Personally, I've found that support cushions also allow our love making sessions to last longer.  I've made no secret about how much I love my Liberator Wedge and Ramp, but when I saw the Little Deeper Cushion with it's dips and contours, I was intrigued.

Note: I received the Little Deeper Cushion free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

A little bit about it: The Little Deeper is a sort of jack-of-all-trades of support cushions.  Not only is it a sex positioner, but can also be used as a yoga tool and a body support pillow when you are just lounging.  It does a little bit of everything and does each one fairly well.

Unlike the typical pyramid/wedge shapes of other support cushions, the Little Deeper is contoured to support the body while remaining firm but comfortable.  The cushion itself is made of polyurethane foam with a polyester cover.  The cover can be removed and hand washed.

What I loved: I want to say right out that the thing I loved most about the Little Deeper is that it is not Liberator.  It's not trying to be Liberator.  It's not copying Liberator.  It is it's own product and that is refreshing.  I'm tired of seeing cheaper products that try and fail to copy Liberator designs.  Seeing that the Little Deeper Cushion is not trying to copy anyone or anything (although you could make the argument that they are trying to improve old designs) is just gravy.

The Little Deeper is a pretty decent sex positioner.  It's not uncomfortably hard, nor is it so soft that you sink in.  It's about the same firmness as the Liberator Wedge and Ramp.  It's the same height but longer than the Wedge, but not as long and shorter in height than the Ramp.  It's a nice in-between size.

I need to say, flat out, that my favorite use for the Little Deeper has nothing to do with sex.  It has to do with meditation.  I suffer from a lot of anxiety and tension issues and sitting for meditation for a few minutes helps me a ton.  However, I find if I sit on the floor to meditate with my back straight, it hurts.  A lot.  It feels like someone is sticking shivs of ice into my spine.  I have not yet been able to figure out what I'm doing wrong.  I tried sitting in a half lotus position on the Little Deeper and was perfectly comfortable.  No pain in my spine at all.  However, it was hard to meditate because I was distracted by just how comfortable I was!

What I didn't: The only thing I really didn't like about the Little Deeper is the cover.  The material feels wrong to my fingers.  It reminds me of cheap Christmas stockings or a holiday dress from the '80s.  There is just something about the material that feels off.  Even Husband, when he first touched it, made a face and declared that he didn't like the way it feels.  I much prefer the cover of Liberator products.

Final Thought: Oh, boy.  Tough call here.  I'm going to have to say I still like my Liberator better, but only slightly.  The Liberator Wedge and Ramp fit our anatomy just a little bit better.  And that's the problem with position cushions in general, isn't it?  Not every cushion will fit every body.

Most of the time I don't like a product or choose to not use it any further I can point to a specific design flaw as the reason. This time, I can't do that.  There isn't anything wrong with the Little Deeper Cushion.  It just isn't quite right for us.  The Little Deeper is very similar in size to the Liberator Wedge but we actually use our Liberator Ramp more often.  We need something longer and higher.  The Little Deeper is just not quite the right size for us.

That being said, I would heartily recommend this cushion if you are in one of three groups of people: those that find wedges too small and ramps too big, those that need contoured cushions for proper support, and those that can't meditate without pain!

Want your own?  You can get them through the Little Deeper website!

~I received this item free of charge from Little Deeper in exchange for an honest review.~

Je Joue Ami Review and a Giveaway!

My experience with the MiMi was such an utter fail that I never wanted to even consider another Je Joue toy.  EVER.  For a year and a half I let my eyes skip over any and all Je Joue toys, even if they looked interesting.  Then I saw the Ami and was sucked in.  I drooled over it and then I saw the dreaded information on the product page. Manufacturer: Je Joue.  I was instantly disappointed.  I ignored the Ami for a few months, but in the end I had to have it.  Now I'm so very glad I gave the Ami a chance.

A little bit about it: The Je Joue Ami is a set of 3 Kegel exercisers made of smooth, waterproof silicone that has very little drag.  I recommend using a lubricant if you are on the dryer side, but use a water-based lubricant only.  Since the Ami balls are silicone, silicone lubricant will damage them.

If you are new to Kegel exercises, you start with Ami 1 and progress slowly through the course of several weeks to Ami 2 then Ami 3.  If you are intermediate or advanced, you can skip Ami 1 and move right to Ami 2 or Ami 3.  Ami 1, 2, and 3 are all included, along with some instructions on how to begin working your Kegels.

Ami 1: Single ball and weighs 47g.  Roughly 5 inches in circumference at the widest point.

Ami 2: Large double ball.  Weighs 78g.  Each ball is roughly 4.25 inches in circumference.

Ami 3: Small double ball.  Weighs 106 g.  Each ball is roughly 3.5 inches in circumference.  That's not a typo.  Ami 3 is smaller but heavier than the Ami 2.

What I loved: I love being able to step up or down depending on where I am in my pelvic strength.  That is a huge attraction for me.  There have been times when I tried other Kegel exercisers that didn't work for me, but there was nothing I could do.

Typically, when I use Kegel balls I just put them in and go about my business, relying on my muscles to keep them in.  When I tried this with Ami 1, it took no effort to keep it in.  It was too light and too big.  The size alone kept it in place.  I moved on to the Ami 2, which did take a little more work.  It wasn't particularly difficult, but it certainly wasn't easy.  The next day I tried the Ami 3.  Now that one took some effort to keep in place!  I'm delighted to say that I will actually have to work up to that one!  I wore it for a little while and then I sneezed and lost it.  You post-childbirth moms know exactly what I'm talking about.

What I didn't: I'm hard pressed to find something I didn't like.  I guess if I had to pick something it would be that Ami 1 wasn't enough of a workout, but that's why there's Ami 2 and Ami 3.

I think I should note here two things that weren't bothersome to me, but might annoy others.  First, I can not feel the inner balls rattling around.  In case you didn't know, each Ami ball has a smaller ball inside it that rolls around.  Many people love this sensation.  Some claim it actually helps them get a better workout.  I simply can't feel it with the Ami the way I can with Smartballs, but that really doesn't bother me.

Smartballs comparison shot

Second, if you are used to something like Smartballs with a very flexible neck between the balls, you need to know that the necks on the Ami balls are much stiffer.  It's not really a problem, but I didn't think to check the stiffness and accidentally jammed my cervix.  Ow.  Again, I only did that once just because I wasn't paying attention.  Now that I know, it's not a problem.

Final thought: Worth it.  Worth it.  WORTH IT.  Being able to step up or down in size?  Awesome.  Velvety silicone?  Also awesome.  And guess what?  They are reasonably priced!  They cost around $50, which is not that much considering how long they will last you.  Do you know how much I've spent on Kegel balls I didn't like as much?

~This product was given to me by Eden Fantasys in exchange for an honest review.~

Giveaway Time!!!

Eden Fantasys has generously given me a second Je Joue Ami set to give to you!  And guess what else?  I know many of my readers have been in contact with me privately because they don't want to leave a public record of them being on a sex blog.  Hey, I get that.  Really, I do.  It's a legitimate concern for many of us Clark Kent types.  So guess what?  The first entry on the list is for my private readers so you can enter the giveaway, too!  Yes, you!  All you'll have to do is sign in to the giveaway with your email, then shoot me an email from the contact tab at the top of the page, then click the button in the giveaway widget saying you sent me an email.  That's it!  This option is only for those that won't be using the other entry options.  For everyone else that doesn't mind leaving comments and likes social media, move on to the the second option.

Now, I hate to do this, but this is my first giveaway and I want to keep it simple, so I'm opening it to  US residents only.  I know, I know, it's mean and I have so many UK readers.  Cut me some slack while I'm learning the ropes, OK?  I'll make it up to you later.

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