Written by Loon @ 9:59 pm

Here at the Smitten Kitten, we are committed to learning as much as we can about every single one of our products. When something new comes in we learn about it, try it, and share our information and opinions with coworkers and customers alike.

When we decided to buy the Tenga Flip Hole, many of us were ecstatic about it’s design. Unlike the standard Flesh Light that has become the popular choice for a “like the real thing” masturbation sleeve, this product actually folds open so that the user can more easily clean all the nubs and and bulges on the inside. The Tenga Flip Hole is by far one of the most genius masturbation sleeves we have found on the market; so as you can imagine, I was super stoked to try it out.

The Fisting:

One quiet night at the store, Leo and I decided tonight was the night to really get a feel for the Tenga and contrast it with our popular Stroker sleeve. Lacking the particular biology necessary to utilize this device, we opted for THE FIST. Now fisting as a sexual act conjures up images of plunging a balled up fist over and over into some particular orifice of the body. Not so. That type of fisting may very well hurt a lot; the goal is to feel good. Instead, fisting is a build up and requires lots of good lube (we recommend a Gel lube for anal, like Slippery Stuff Gel). One finger turns into a couple fingers and sooner or later, when everyone is feeling comfortable and good, a few fingers turns into a handful of fingers. Rather than balling up the hand, however, it is best initial practice to have your hand folded into the shape of a beak…or a shadow puppet mouth. From here then you can choose, based on a conversation with your partner, whether balling up completely is gong to happen or not. Tenga and I decided that we were not going to ball up that night (mainly because my hand was to big).

The Findings:

Tenga felt awesome! All of the nubs, bulges, and surprises on the inside provide a like-real experience. It is also incredibly unpredictable to know what the sensation will be because it is not a repetitive texture. Externally, there are three buttons that can be pushed to lend pressure to what is going on internally and also provides suction. My personal favorite was the bottom button. After all was said and done, all i needed to do was flip Tenga open, use some soap and water, and scrub out the insides. Simple!

Stroker felt awesome too! The inside of the Stroker similarly has ridges, but it is a repetitive pattern, so you kind of know what you’re getting. Nonetheless, the sensation rules.

Moral of story: masturbation sleeves rule, penis or not.

**Please Note**

The Tenga Flip Hole is NOT made of silicone, it is made of elastomer. In this way, it is porous and can never be fully sterilized. This product should not be shared between individuals due to its porous nature and is, over time, disposable.

Written by Alley @ 4:49 pm

I say that regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a drag. If you’re single, get yourself something sexy (a new vibe, a masturbation sleeve, some porn) and then barricade yourself in your house, ignore the pink and red decorations outside and masturbate like crazy. Doing something like this is so much easier when you’re single. Enjoy yourself, and cultivate the sense that you are an amazing, fantastic person. Now that’s a holiday worth celebrating.

For the rest of you that are sweating it about what to get your beloved (or your casual hook-up, or whomever) I put together this brief list of things that make great gifts.

PRICE KEY:

$ = $1-$49

$$= $50-$100

$$$ = $100-$150

1. LELO. Anyone on our staff will tell you how much they love this collection of vibrators. Their combination of reliability, power, and innovation is pretty hard to beat. Whether you’re looking at a vibrating cock ring like BO, or the USB-charged MIA, it’s hard to make a wrong choice. $$$

2. We Vibe II. This unique rechargeable vibrator provides simultaneous internal and external stimulation during intercourse. This vibrator is a total game changer. Never before was there a dual stimulation vibe you could use during intercourse, and We Vibe II is even better than We Vibe I because it’s cheaper, has more speeds, and an easier control button. Nicely done. $$$

3. Ophoria Vibrating Cock Rings. Sometimes you just want to try something out, and the Ophoria rings are perfect for that. The rings are silicone, so you can re-use them, and if you try it and love the vibrating aspect, replace the starter vibe with a Power Bullet for more power and longevity. Plus, at $10 they’re a pretty low-risk purchase. $

4. Iceberg by Love Bumper. I’m a big fan of Love Bumper products. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Liberator Wedge too, but the Iceberg has a few advantages. First, it has a design that allows your body to bend over it in two steps instead of one. This is really comfortable and opens up your back. Second, this is the only position enhancer we carry that has a hands-free vibrator pocket. This way, when someone is pushing into you from behind, it pushes your body down into the vibrator in a really nice way. Iceberg’s pocket works with Laya Spot, BGood, and a bunch of other vibrators we sell. $$

5. Massage Candles. Massage Candles melt at the perfect temperature, transforming into warmed massage oil. These are great because you get romantic lighting plus massage in one product. Pretty smooth. We have a variety of them at the store. Check out the Good Clean Love Candles online. $

6. Kama Sutra Products. The Get-Away Kit has travel-safe sizes of Kama Sutra’s tastiest products. Oil of Love, Honey Dust and Body Souffle are all perfectly lick-able. Get them all in one with kits or buy them separate in multiple flavors. $-$$

7. Chocolate Body Paint. Recently we’ve gotten some tasty new flavors in. If you like chocolate, and you like sex, why not combine them? Just don’t forget to put it in the fridge after it’s opened. $

8. Erotica. If you know your partner likes talking dirty, but you feel a little silly doing it, why not read them a hot story? We’ve got all kinds of stories from the general (Best Women’s Erotica series) to the very specific (whether it’s Aqua Erotica, Surfer Boys, or Sexy Restraint, there’s a book for you). $

9. Condoms. Sometimes nothing says sexy better than knowing you’re not going to get pregnant or get an STI from your adventures. Right? $

10. Prostate Massagers. What is better than prostate massage really? When done right, it feels great, is healthy, and can potentially provide a completely different kind of orgasm than the receiver of the massage may be used to. Pair a prostate massager with a great lube like Ride, Swiss Navy, or Gun Oil. $$

Written by Jonesy @ 8:49 pm

If you haven’t been into the store lately, you may not have seen the shelf full of gorgeous, brightly colored boxes in our vibrator section. LELO, the Swedish toy manufacturer our whole staff has a crush on, makes very pretty, very fun toys for every gender.  We recently got a big box of their awesome products in the mail, and let me tell you, there were some barely contained whoops of excitement around the store.

In order to spread the word about the fabulousness of LELO’s new stuff, Cuffy and I decided to shoulder the burden of testing out the Ina.  We both selected the orange and white model to take home, and then agreed to each run the toy through its paces and meet online the next day to chat about our individual reactions.

Here’s our chat transcript.  Overall we both loved the toy!  But it’s a little more complicated than that.  Read on, and learn from our misadventures (and ultimate success!)
Jonesy: Ok, so.  The Ina. LET’S REVIEW.  Letter grade?

Cuffy: that is hard to assign. a + in some ways and b- in others.

Jonesy: Hm. I would say an A+ in unexpected ways, and a C+ on what I imagined I wanted it to do.

Cuffy: I bet we had similar experiences, then!

Jonesy: I totally thought it would work for peenetration (typo, it stays) but it so didn’t.

Cuffy: ha.  I agree.  I was suspicious if that would actually work or not, but I was hoping it would. The problem I found was that the smaller part that you think is going to vibrate on your clit when you insert the big part is too stiff, so instead of flexing towards your clit, it just gets in the way of good penetration.

Jonesy: Exactly. And I was actually scared to bend it too far and break the technological innards… or have it rub too hard on the urethral opening and give myself the christmas gift of a UTI.

Cuffy: I decided to throw caution to the wind and bend the arm farther than it seemed I should.

Jonesy: What happened? Still no good penetration?

Cuffy: It worked alright for me…but yeah, that probably isn’t good for the toy.

Jonesy: When I was looking at the floor model I stuck my finger between the two “pleasure points” and was like “hoo doggy, that is going to rock the G Spot from all sides.”     A dream deferred, I guess. I’m guessing that’s what the We Vibe can do.

Cuffy: I would say the We Vibe is better designed for that, for sure.

Jonesy: Anyway… the vibration patterns were akin to getting a magical handjob from Zeus.

Cuffy: True!

Jonesy: I am not usually a big fan of elaborate pulse patterns, but man.

Cuffy: I loved how even when you weren’t telling it to do a pattern, there was just a subtle suggestion of pulsing. Amazing.  And that last pattern seems like a song…doesn’t it?  tell me you thought that too. Those were the best pulse patterns I have ever experienced…and I have a lot of vibrators!

Jonesy: Yeah, and when you’re on a pattern and you hit +, it actually varies the tempo as well as the strength. It’s like they wrote more intense versions of each pulse pattern, instead of just ramping up the motor.  And yes, IT IS TOTALLY A SONG.  I showed you how the new Touche vibes sing that little song…Without getting overly poetic, Ina sings like a freaking aria. It’s a long, unpredictable pulse pattern.

Cuffy: totally!

Cuffy: I was super impressed by the options for vibration strength! Like, dang. this thing can be powerful.

Jonesy: Yeah, I’m always afraid that a vibe won’t have enough strength for me.  I actually think this wouldn’t have been quite strong enough for my tastes as a simple, solo vibrator… but coupled with the patterns, it was perfect.  It kind of punches you in the clit unexpectedly. But, you know. In a fun way. That sounds terrible and anti-sexy. You know what I mean, though?

Cuffy: Yes.

Jonesy: lol

Cuffy: The way that I found it unexpectedly awesome was just flipping it so the clit side was towards me and just using it externally.  and the bigger end can then vibrate on the rest of the vulva with the little part focused on the clit.

Jonesy: Yep, totally. Wait. I’m trying to picture what you mean.

Cuffy: I LURVED that.

Jonesy: Yes. Got it. Totally.  I had to kind of readjust my brain on the controls (pushed the wrong button a couple of times at first) but it was so. amazing. when used that way.

Cuffy: and you can still get an inch or two of the big end inserted into the vag…it just doesn’t go very deep.  so that is still cool.

Jonesy: It’s shallow… in a sexy way.

Cuffy: totally. I love how firm the lelo toys are. You can totally press hard and it doesn’t give in…but it doesn’t feel like hard plastic.

Jonesy: Yeah, I’d say it’s perfect for simulating a fantastic hand job when used like that.

Cuffy: for real. So…it didn’t do what I expected, but I absolutely love what it does do! It is funny how sex toys can be unpredictable like that.

Jonesy: And I actually like the color now. Probably because the toy gave me such an awesome orgasm. I’m willing to forgive the hunter orange.

Cuffy: I like the fact that it matches my orange Love bumpers Tilt!

Jonesy: Nice.

Cuffy: This toy taught me new things about how to use toys.

Jonesy: Yeah, I felt sort of Macgyver-like when I was puzzling out the best way to use it.

Cuffy: Sometimes you just need to spend a little time getting to know each other, right?

The lovely Ina. Available online or at our store!

Written by Alley @ 5:20 pm

I can hardly stand how amazing the gift baskets are! Anyone who comes in during our three-day birthday celebration can enter to win! All the details about what we’re giving away are below. Thanks a million to our amazing manufacturers, film-makers, and distributors for your generosity.

SPARTACUS GIFT BASKET: Red Nitrile Cock Rings, Alligator Nipple Clamps, Purple Beaded Jumper Clamps, Black & Blue T-Style Cock Ring, Purple Fur Wrist Restraints, Purple Blindfold with Black Fur, Thong Ball Gag, Pink Strap Whip, 26” Event Bat, 26” Hand Crop, Spartacus T-Shirt, Wrist Bands, Slut Collar, 3-Pack of Natural Condoms, 3-Pack of Super Thin Condoms.
Approximate Value $395

TANTUS GIFT BASKET #1: Suction Cup, Pink and Black Beginner Ball Gag, Purple Haze Delta Vibe, Echo in Pearl White, Little Flirt in Red, and Curve in Midnight Purple.
Approximate Value: $305

TANTUS GIFT BASKET #2: Small and Large Ripple in Midnight Purple, Stroker, Black Cock Sling, Black Prostate Health, Classic Cock Ring in Red.
Approximate Value: $220

NALPAC GIFT BASKET: Laya Spot in Magenta and Turquoise, Aneros Progasm, Gun Oil Lube 4 oz., Pink Water Based Lube 3.3 oz., Silver Bullet Vibrator, Stroke 29 Masturbation Lube, Drill Sergeant Position Enhancer, I Like It Doggie Style Position Strap.
Approximate Value: $275

MADISON BOUND GIFT BASKET: Writer’s and Rockstars DVD, Art House Sluts DVD, Perversions of Lesbian Lust DVD, Layover DVD, and “I like it rough” Kinknextdoor.com Tank Top.
Approximate Value: $120

PYREXIONS AND HATHOR BASKET: Clear and Cobalt graduated pyrex plugs, Hathor Pure Lube in 4oz. and Travel Size, 3 Flavored 4 oz. Hathor Lubes in Strawberry Chocolate, Coconut Orange, and Hazelnut Caramel, Love Lotion 4 oz., and Love Oil 4 oz.
Approximate Value: $315

TRISTAN TAORMINO GIFT BASKET: Chemistry 2 DVD, Chemistry 3 DVD, Expert Guide to Anal Pleasure for Men DVD, Rough Sex DVD, Penny Flame’s Guide to Rough Sex, Expert Guide to Threesomes, OhMiBod BodiTalk Vibrator, Opening Up Book, Lube Shooter, Sliquid Lube, and Astroglide Travel Mug.
Approximate Value: $340

GOOD CLEAN LOVE BASKET: Love Oil Gift Sampler in Origins, Caribbean Rose, and Indian Spice, Love Oil, Almost Naked Personal Lubricant, Passion Candle, Good Clean Love Travel Set, Cocoa Mint Body Dessert, and Tantra Beam Finger Vibrator (provided by Spartacus)
Approximate Value: $200

DARK ODYSSEY REGISTRATION: For the Winter Fire Convention, February 26-28, 2010 in Washington D.C. Learn more about Dark Odyssey at www.darkodyssey.com
Approximate Value: $430.
JOLLIES GIFT BASKET #1: Jollies Original, Wave, Luna, Rider Vibe. All these Jollies are one of a kind silicone pours!
Approximate Value: $220
JOLLIES GIFT BASKET #2: Luna, Wave, Jack, Bubbles, Multi-Pack of Cock Rings, Bandito. All these Jollies are one of a kind silicone pours!
Approximate Value: $265

Written by Frances Meowington @ 3:16 pm

my dear friend cuddles recently turned me onto a wonderful online series called “target women,” an investigation into the strategic (and stupid) marketing tactics used on women for beauty products, entertainment, and anything else that can be sold based on gender stereotypes.  this segment is hosted by the incredible sarah haskins, whose wit and talent for physical comedy have me showing target women to everyone i know.   at the end of the segment on skin care, she shows a particular product promoted by actress vanessa hudgens called the neutrogena wave.  it is a small vibrating device that you attach a facial cleansing pad to and then rub all over your face, because according to neutrogena  “gentle vibrations help open pores.”  sarah haskins isn’t buying it, and after showing the commercial she makes that clear as she says unconvincingly, “yeah, this product is definitely for washing your face…yup” with the sound of vibration in the background.  it got me thinking about secret vibrators and how much people love them.

the tingle tip is consistently a top seller on the smitten kitten website.  this is in part because we are the only store in the united states that carries the tingle tip, but mostly because it is such an ingenious secret vibrator. upon seeing it when shopping in the store it gets people more giddy and excited than almost any other toy.  countless people have told me they thought of this years ago, they should have done it first etc.  if you travel a lot and already have an electric toothbrush, i highly recommend checking out the tingle tip.

another favorite secret vibrator is the “i rub my duckie” collection.  there’s travel size, the paris duckie, and for that special kinky someone, the bondage duckie. you can have your favorite bathtime pal out next to the tub and no one’s the wiser.  all it takes is one squeeze on the back and voila, vibrator time.

if you’re looking for a vibe that’s easy to keep on the dl, but you hate rubber duckies and/or don’t want to haul your braun oral-b around, i strongly recommend the nea.  the nea is in a 3-way tie for my favorite vibrator with the elise and the eroscillator. but what the nea has that the other two don’t is that it is the ultimate in discretion.  it’s so small that even in my small purses i can take it with me without a problem, and it holds charge for 7 hours so i don’t have to worry about hauling the charger around with me. it comes with its own satin bag to carry it around in, it’s beautiful to look at, and while not quite as strong as the elise or the eroscillator, it is great for rear entry or other positions during sex where you don’t have room for a larger vibrator.

so check out sarah haskins and target women. here’s another one of my favorites on cleaning products.

“now remember, when you’re giving your bathtub spout a handjob, it doesn’t add to your number.”