So now that we have a second to slow down and breathe, Loon and Zoe and I have of course chosen to talk about sex toys. Specifically, if some evil wizard or somebody had the power to go through ALL your sex toys and steal one away FOREVER, so you could NEVER use it again or replace it or anything… which one sex toy would you pull out and keep safe? This hypothetical scenario was so stressful for Loon, she almost cried. So we changed it to two toys, because Loon is a wimp.

Loon - “Njoy Pure Wand (the only thing that matters!!) and the Layaspot. Oh my god. The Pure Wand has that U-shaped sort of design so it hits your G-spot perfectly. And the balls on each end create a weight system that kind of makes it move like a pendulum. And when you’re using the Layapot externally the contractions hit that metal [of Pure Wand] really nicely. It’s just a damn good time.”

Zoe- “The Liv. The end. No questions asked. You just have to take it home and try it. You will be so addicted for the rest of your life. I don’t need any other toys.”

Jonesy - “Oh my god, the Ina. There is no other dual stimulation vibe with pulse pattern game like Ina.”

So in conclusion, we love Fun Factory, Lelo and NJoy toys, and some of us will come close to tears if anybody even jokes about taking our toys away. Just like a bunch of cranky kids after a long, awesome, sugary sweet 7th birthday party.

This is Laura Rad and I am one of the co-hosts of the Sex is Fun podcast. In case you haven’t heard of us, Sex is Fun is a show that is dedicated to the rational discussion of human sexuality from the approach of fun, enjoyment and pleasure. We record the show here in Minneapolis but thanks to the internet the show has an international audience. Each episode features a different topic and focuses on how to maximize sexual enjoyment while still assessing the risks of the situation. Sex is Fun loves the Smitten Kitten and we are so excited to help them celebrate their 7th birthday by recording a live podcast at the store. The podcast will be a Q&A session, so bring your burning sex questions, questioning your sexuality questions, and questions about burning sensations you had after sex. We’ll answer them all! Come meet the cast, Kidder Kaper, Coochie, Gay Rick, Lorax, Jade, and myself. We’re going to have a great time celebrating our favorite place in Minneapolis, The Smitten Kitten!

Massage relaxes bunched, tense, and knotted muscles. It also improves circulation by freeing trapped blood, encouraging the movement of lymphatic fluid and bringing in fresh oxygen and nutrients. It also helps release toxins in the body. As the muscles relax, they lengthen, producing a pleasant sensation. This stimulation can also be a good warm up to sensual play as well.

A qualified therapist has to learn anatomy and physiology, a dozen basic techniques within one or more styles, proper stance, how to feel and intuit body conditions and more. Their basic goal is to induce well-being. That well-being comes from relaxing muscles, relieving stress, and restoring the body to a more optimal condition. Check out our extensive reference section on erotic massage books to practice on your partner.

Massage can work on both physical and emotional stress. Relaxing the body, providing a quiet hour of soothing bodywork, mental tension can be relieved as well. It can also ease an asthmatic’s breathing difficulties, help insomniac sleep, improve an HIV patients immune function. Touch can be beneficial whether it is with sexual intent or just on a compassionate human level.

In the Western world the most common style is Swedish massage. The long, gliding, moderate pressure strokes are ideally suited to relax muscles and re-energize. Shiatsu focuses more on specific areas with deeper pressure. Sports massage and a blend of mixed styles are helpful in healing over-strained muscles and restoring health.

Massage improves health, relaxes mind and body and is a wonderful experience. It is a fine science and delightful art.

Most recently it has been found to inhibit the binding of cells for most strands of the Human Papalonian virus (HPV), which means that it actually decreases your chance of contracting HPV. Transmission of HPV is on the rise, and the virus is killing an average of one woman a day. This is because HPV is directly related to cervical cancer. The vaccines for HPV are pricey, costing about $400 a treatment. Carrageenan on the other hand, is an all natural algae and could cost pennies per patient. Studies have shown that using carrageenan before sexual intercourse reduces the risk of contracting HPV. So what’s a better place to put carrageenan then lube? Smitten Kitten carries Waterslide, which is a water based lube that contains carrageenan.

Most people prefer Waterslide because of its non-tacky feeling. Little do consumers know that when they use Waterslide, they could actually be reducing their chance of contracting some strands of HPV. This finding has paved the way for healthier sex. Not only are you getting in some exercise, but you’re also protecting yourself from a widespread virus. Two birds with one stone, if I’d say so myself.

(NOTE: The only time tested and proven way of preventing the transmission of STI’s are safer sex practices such as: condoms, gloves, dams, etc)

You see, we have LOTS (and I mean LOTS) of amazing vibrating toys. They range from external stimulators and vibrating dildos to vibrating butt plugs and prostate stimulators. Heck, we even have the Touche Ice Massager…it’s basically a sensual vibrating ice cube (I know! How great does that sound in this humidity?). My point is, though, that despite this amazing selection, I find that men tend to shy away from the vibration when it comes time to make a purchase.

Now, if you’re one of the many men who embrace vibration and are reading this…well, let’s be serious, you’re not reading this…you’re busy enjoying some quality time with your vibe. So, for the guys who have yet to discover the joys of vibration, I thought I’d share some personal favorites I’ve come across in my own vibrating adventures.

Vibratex Mystic Wand: This wand is a great way to explore the many erotic sensations vibration can conjure up across the body. As fellow kitten Bear put it: “if the vibration feels good, you’re using the vibrator right.” As added bonuses, the Wand is perfect for partner play and relaxing your sore muscles after doing whatever it is you do (which you do so well, so keep it up)!

Tor Vibrating Cock Ring: Think about it: vibrating & cock ring. Amazing. With the vibrating part put behind your balls, it achieves a stimulating ‘tickling’ feeling while flipping it the other way is fun for both you and your partner. Versatile.

Nexus G-Play: This toy is a must have: simple and sleek but with the ability to deliver an amazing amount of stimulation where it matters most (that place being the prostate). The generous pulse patterns allow you to vary your experience making it seem like you have a new toy each time you use it. Better yet, it comes in different sizes and colors to meet your stimulatory and aesthetic preferences.

Champ Jr. Vibe Dildo: An amazing creation. Perfect proportions with a tried and true design made better by adding a bullet vibe. It’s almost too much. But not at all…more like just right for the most intense, memorable orgasm of your life. For those who think anal play cannot be improved upon, think again: vibration makes everything better.

So, I invite you fellow men to become citizens of The Smitten Kitten’s “Vibration Nation” where we all equally partake in the greatest of our civic duties: vibrating sex toy play!

For a lot of people, internal vibration isn’t that great. Most nerve ending sites that respond to vibration are external (the clitoris, vaginal opening, anal opening, head of penis etc.). External vibes are often times small and compact, making it easy to get down with these nerve ending centers. Vibes like these are also easy to travel with, tuck away in your sock drawer, or throw in an over night bag. For such a small vibe, bullets are extremely powerful, often times boasting multiple speed settings. I am especially in love with the Climax Clicks because they are easy to control and have multiple modes of vibration as well as multiple speeds. They come in fun colors too.

External vibes are great to use during partner sex, providing a little extra stimulation. Curved vibrators like Funfactory’s Layaspot or Lelo’s Nea, because they are so easy to handle, are an excellent tool to get to know your own or a partner’s body. They are a fun addition to erotic massage. They cup the body in such a way that they fit between two bodies really easily during penetrative sex. Also, you can palm these vibes in your hand and use them during a blowjob or handjob.

External vibes cannot be used for penetration. This may seem like a draw back but can be reassuring to some. Your brain is a big player in arousal and orgasm and if penetration is, for whatever reason, not sounding too great to you, having an external only vibe can relieve the emotional pressure of penetration.

So whether you are packing for a long weekend with your honey, taking some much needed time for you and an orgasm, or looking for a good addition to your oral sex routine, an external vibe can be a great choice. Although the wild world of penetrative vibes continues to be that, I have learned that the world of external vibes is just as vibrant. Check it out.

This single, Tall Boy, dropped a while back, but I’ve become newly obsessed with it since I saw the epic video.

The song was penned for Britney Spears, but her people passed on it so Har Mar recorded it himself. Har Mar’s ladies’ man performance persona puts a super fun queer, gender ambiguous spin on the original lyrics, and when you combine all that subtext with the weirdly, sexily weird imagery in the video, it makes for some fascinating viewing. So check out Har Mar Superstar if you haven’t already, and then stop by the store and come bust some moves with us.