Archive | November, 2012

#FunFindFriday: Cupcake Vibrator

With sex toys coming in the shape of rubber duckies, red apples, lint rollers (yes, I did say lint rollers), Japanese Kokeshi Dancers, neon pink popsicles, and retro rockets, it was only a matter of time before our growing fascination with cupcakes crossed into the market, infiltrating with a dose of super cute sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Yes, I’m sure there will be many that balk at the concept, it’s a cupcake vibrator for crying out loud! …but as a girl who absolutely adores jamming anything out of the ordinary against her bits (my reviews being perfect evidence of that), these are right up my alley. Pun intended.

Regarding the finer details; it’s crafted out of smooth and supple silicone that’s latex and phthalate free, is push button activated via a small button located on the bottom, boasts of two speeds and three pulsation patterns for those that like variety, and is manufactured by Shiri Zinn, a designer who’s collection of limited edition sexy goodies leaves me almost speechless.

As for the bad, it’s not rechargeable, though the inclusion of 2 AAA batteries helps a bit, and since I haven’t tried it yet, I have no idea about the power of the vibrations… if they’re strong I can see this being much more than a novelty, otherwise it may up being relegated to something you buy simply for the discretion and aesthetics it offers. Also, I’d assume with the way its made there will be drag on the skin.

All things considered, including every random thing I’ve crammed inside me in the name of ‘science’ of course, I can’t help but think my collection is deserving of one of these, even if it’s just so I can say I have one. Yes, my cooch is just that superficial.

Want to stay up to date with the new reviews? Just sign up for an email update through the form below!

Enter your email address:

 

Continue Reading · Comments { 1 }

Sex E 102 Q&A: Are Spermicides Safe?

Question:

My partner has been saying that we dont need to use condoms if we use spermicide since it kills the sperm, is this true? if so what kind of spermicide do you suggest?

Answer:

First, let my just say that it is ALWAYS safer to use more then one type of protection, and when it comes to sex, I ALWAYS suggest you use condoms to help prevent against not only pregnancy, but STD/STI’s as well.

As for spermicidal lubes, though they do kill sperm, I’m sad to say there isn’t a brand that I would recommend.  Most spermicidal lubes contain a substance called “nonoxynol-9“. For those of you who don’t know what “nonoxynol-9” or N9 is;  N9 is a surfactant that’s used as an ingredient in various cleaning and cosmetic products, it’s also a form of birth control for its spermicidal properties.

I’m sure most of you read that and went wtf is a ‘nonoxynol surfactant’?

Nonoxynols are non-ionic surfactant mixtures varying in the number of repeating ethoxy groups. They’re used as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, de-foaming agents etc. –  taken from Wikipedia

Surfactants are wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lower the interfacial tension between two liquids. Also, Surfactants are usually amphiphilic meaning they have “tails” and “heads”; think of what sperm or a tadpole looks like. If that isn’t clear enough, the best way for me to describe it is to say that surfactants work by disturbing the cell membrane.

**However due to the toxicity of these mixtures they are no longer allowed for anything that can be poured down the drain (think of chemical cleaners) or in laundry detergent. So I can’t pour it down the drain, but I can put it in my vag? are you kidding me?!

To put surfectants into perspective, think of the everyday products that they can be found in like;

  • Detergents
  • Fabric softener
  • Emulsifiers and Emulsions
  • Paints
  • Adhesives
  • Inks
  • Anti-fogging
  • Soil remediation
  • Wetting
  • Ski wax, snowboard wax
  • Deinking (particularly during the enzymatic deinking of used paper during the recycling and repulping process)
  • Foaming agents
  • Defoaming agents
  • Laxatives
  • Agrochemical formulations
  • Herbicides
  • Insecticides
  • Quantum dot coating
  • Biocides (sanitizers)
  • Hair conditioners (after shampoo)
  • Spermicide (nonoxynol-9)
  • Used as an additive in 2.5 gallon fire extinguishers
  • Pipeline, Liquid drag reducing agent
  • Alkali Surfactant Polymers (used to mobilize oil in oil wells)

Anti fogging? inks? snowboard wax? PAINTS? FABRIC SOFTENER? …are you kidding me?! why would anyone want to put an ingredient that’s found in paint or snowboard wax near their vagina!?

As for N9 itself, it was originally thought that it could be used for the prevention of STD’s/STI’s however about 10 years ago it was discovered that spermicides actually INCREASE the chances of contracting infections like HIV by creating lesions on the layers of skin cells in the vagina or rectum walls, which can potentially facilitate infection. **remember what I said above, they “work by disturbing the cell membrane”

Not only that but there are other downfalls or potential dangers to using N9:

  • Nonoxynol-9 offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
  • Nonoxynol-9 can damage the cells lining the rectum providing entry for HIV and other STD/STI’s
  • If used regularily Nonoxynol-9 can increase a womans chances of contracting Bacterial Vaginosis
  • If used regularly there are increased chances of developing a yeast infection
  • There have been reports of vaginal bleeding after intercourse due to misuse of spermicides containing Nonoxynol-9
  • Increased chances of vaginal dryness or itching after use of spermicides.

The product is so bad for you that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a final rule in 2007 that requires manufacturers of spermicidal products containing nonoxynol 9 to post the following warnings to its products; “N9 can irritate the vagina and rectum, which may increase the risk of getting HIV/AIDS from an infected partner

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) conducted their own study to research the effects of N9 and found that it was ineffective in the prevention of STD’s and in fact increased the risk of transmission by 50% *report can be found here: CDC N9 Aids research

As you can see, with all of the above information there is no way that I could recommend such a product to any person at any time.

hope that helped

Kara_Sutra

 

Sit back, relax, let me come to you. Sign up through the form below and have my posts sent straight to your inbox. Don’t worry, I promise not to spam you!

Enter your email address:

 

Go Back To Previous Sex Ed 102 Video Listing

shop sex ed 102

 

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

#FunFindFriday: Fun Factory Stronic Eins

I’ve been a fan of Fun Factory ever since I laid eyes on them 8 years ago, with the bright and bold color choices drawing me in like moth to flame. Yes, I’m just that easily distracted superficial.

For those not in the know, Fun Factory was one of the first pleasure object manufacturers to branch into the mainstream market offering quality goods in discreet packaging, with an exceptional amount of attention paid to advanced technology and creating toys that were not only playful, but also somewhat questionable… especially considering they were meant to stuffed in your vag or butt (anal beads in the shape of a caterpillar and a dolphin vibrator for the win?).

Suffice to say, they’ve gone and done it again, minus the quirky choice in designs I’ve come to love; set for release Janurary 2013 Fun Factory designed 3 sleek and sophisticated new additions with the ability to ‘pulse’, creating a sensation similar to the thrusting felt during intercourse. According to the company the products are “unlike the ‘Sex and the City’ rotating and vibrating rabbits everyone knows, Pulsators silently rock back and forth using a complex weighted device instead of a motor.

Dirk Bauer, founder and managing director in Germany, had this to say about their newest inventions;

Experience has shown that strong and firm impulses — similar to thrusts — allow people to enjoy sex in a more intense way than just vibration” adding “After 18 months spent developing this product, we are ready to bring to the market a sensational new kind of toy, a Pulsator, which simulates the natural movements of lovemaking

Well that certainly sounds interesting to say the least!

As for specifics you’re looking at 9″ inches in total length, with 5″ of that being insertable. As with many other dual vibes there is an extension added for clitoral stimulation. Regarding the colors shoppers can look forward to hot pink and deep violet. Added to the current features are 10 stimulation rhythms, a fully waterproof body, key lock for silence during traveling, and a 100% medical grade silicone shaft that’s totally body safe.

Now whether or not this new trend will take off as expected remains to be seen, but as someone who uses sex toys on a near daily basis, feasting on new additions like a chocolate addict to cake, I honestly cannot wait to see these bad boys in action.

For more info feel free to check out the Stronic Eins page on my website.

So I guess the question now is, whos ass do I have to kiss to get one of my own?

Want to stay up to date with the new reviews? Just sign up for an email update through the form below!

Enter your email address:

 

Continue Reading · Comments { 1 }

Review: Babes ‘n Horny – Ohio

yankee dildo dandyIf you follow me on twitter you likely know that although I’m Canadian, I’ve been all over the 2012 Presidential election #hashtagging the shit out of everything pro Obama. I’ve covered the debates like they’re an MMA fight between two heavy weights and voiced my dislike for the smirking religious zealot Mittens, and his equally scary side-kick Ryan.

It should come as no surprise that on the day the American public decides the fate of their Country,  I’ve taken it upon myself to review a product that fits into the mix perfectly, practically screaming “MURICA, FUCK YEAH!“… the Ohio dildo, created by the amazing folks over at Babes ‘n Horny.

Shit, if I can’t vote, at least I can do this.

Packaging

As with all the products I received from the company, Ohio arrived void of any ‘packaging’, instead being wrapped in transparent plastic with the name of the dildo written across the bottom. Sure, there will be some that think it’s a cheap way to go, but considering it comes straight from the manufacturer I don’t mind one bit; there’s basically no garbage produced, no carbon footprint created, and it grants them the ability to get you the product without it potentially being stopped at the border and thoroughly investigated, or held back due to what it is (which has happened to me on more than a handful of occasions.)

I wrote to my contact at the company last time I did a review for them and this is what she had to say about it:

“Yes, all dildos are shrink wrapped and then packed securely in discreet cardboard. We choose a box that fits as snugly as possible so that curious persons cannot squeeze them! and then packed in a generic Royal Mail envelope with only our Panda studio address on it. There is absolutely no mention of Babes-n-Horny whatsoever visible on the package. For all anyone knows it could be a part for your lawn mower(!)”

As far as I’m concerned I think it’s a step in the right direction and more companies should follow suit.

OhioThe Good

Just like my review of the stunning multi colored rainbow dildo I previously fell in love with, I’m going to start with the obvious reason I’d buy Ohio;  it’s visually striking in a way many other pleasure objects never quite manage to achieve. I might be wrong but I’m pretty sure it’s the only sex toy on the market baring resemblance to the American flag. In a market flooded with similar coloring and rehashed hues, Ohio certainly stands apart.

As expected, each of red and white stripes ‘pops’ against the next, never once bleeding or fading into the other. The shades are bright and bold, offering clean lines that are far from diluted or washed out. More importantly, the white is actually white, and while that may not seem like a big deal, considering the fact that it could be a very pale shade of pink (which I half expected due to the red portions), it’s not, leaving me thoroughly impressed.

Regarding the texture, you’re looking at a dildo that’s squishy, pliable, sleek, flexible, highly supple, wonderfully smooth, virtually seamless, and exceptionally easy to work with. Not only does the flawless design and gently rounded head allow it to glide in with ease and comfort, it also lends itself well to moving with the body whether during thrusting or grinding upon.

On that note, the accommodating size makes it great for deep thrusting, as the lack of length offers an opportunity to plunge deep without fear of potential soreness afterwards, and while Ohio isn’t overly girthy or thick, it’s certainly capable of creating a lovely feeling of fullness whether used anally or vaginally.

For those that like to share the experience with others, the flared base provides a variety of options by which to explore; it makes a great handle, allowing complete control while also providing a layer of cushioning during heavy play. It’s also great for wearing in a strap-on, especially since it’s fairly light and therefor tends not to droop too much. It even suctions to most flat surfaces quite well.

With the exception of two subtly thicker rounded portions found along the body of the shaft, the shape is fairly basic, limiting stimulation of the g-spot or p-spot. Fortunately those two inclusions aren’t wasted, as each can be felt during penetration, adding to the experience in the most delightful of ways.

Even though Ohio isn’t crafted in the good ‘ol US of A, quite surprising considering the star spangled design, it’s still nice to find small homegrown companies making a living doing something they love. Taking into account all the election talk of ‘small businesses’ and helping them get the support they need, I can’t help but agree – there needs to be more of this, much more. Just like I hope you vote responsibly, I also hope you buy responsibly.

Stats: Although Ohio isn’t as large as the last few dildos I’ve reviewed, allowing my vagina to finally catch a break, that doesn’t mean it’s not highly enjoyable; in total you’re looking at  around 5.5″ inches with 5′ inches of that being fully insertable (the base is an inch in length), just under 4′ inches around in circumference (by my own measurements), and a diameter of just over an inch. Keep in mind that each of these is hand crafted which may alter the dimensions in the slightest of ways.

babes n horny dildo Ohio

size comparison

Ohio-006-e1352243191735

flexible body

Yankee dildo

girth

Ohio-001-e1352243715362

Ohio

Care & Cleaning

Because it’s crafted of high quality silicone you can simply wash it using soap and water, just make sure to give it a good rinse, you could also boil it if you wanted to totally sterilize it, but I don’t think it’s really necessary since it’s non porous and won’t absorb bodily fluids, lube or bacteria in the same way a lesser quality material would.

As always, when it comes to silicone I’d only suggest a good water based lube, and if you have issues with reoccurring yeast infections, one that’s sugar and/or glycerin free would definitely be a good idea.

Ohio-013-e1352257378364

The Bad

When it comes to things I don’t like, there are a few but they’re mostly superficial…

While it is esthetically pleasing, those that are perfectionists may have a slight problem with the specifics; of the 7 stars present on the base two are a little blurred, with the rest being lopsided, stretched and/or far from perfect. Fortunately this has nothing to do with the actual experience and therefore remains more of a silly visual issue than anything truly worth mentioning. And really, how many other sex toys do you see with legit stars and stripes? None. End of story.

Because of the texture you’ll likely need to lube it up, otherwise there will be some drag on the skin that could prove to be a tad uncomfortable.

Other than that, it attracts lint which we all know by now drives me batshit crazy… but that’s just me, in reality it’s certainly not a deal breaker.

Final Verdict

For as much as I wanted to, I opted against using the entirety of this review to push why I think everyone should vote for Obama. Or to highlight his stance on equal rights for women. Or go into all the lies Mr. Money Bags Romney has told. Nay, on the eve of the #2012election I decided to focus my anxiety attention on the a product called”Ohio”, rather than the swing State of the same name. Though if I was covering the State, you can bet your sweet ass it would be to show you why I think they should thank Obama by giving him their vote.

No matter whom you’re voting for, if you’re a proud American you really need a Yankee Dildo Dandy like Ohio. Not only is it body safe, highly durable, easy to use, versatile, supple and comfortable, it shows a dedication to your Country and everything it stands for; Liberty and sex toys for all. Okay, I made that last part up, call it me exercising some ‘freedom of speech’… and taking one last quick jab at Mitt “The Misogynist” Romney.

If you prefer a far more fun comparison, it also resembles the Cat In the Hat’s Hat. So yeah, picture yourself stuffing that in your vag.

To get more info, check out the amazing selection Babes n Horny offers, or learn more about the company, head over to their website where shopping for intimate accessories is discreet, easy and well worth the money! (I’d personally suggest eyeing the Leo in the Desert Camo, their Butt Plugs in lovely pastels, Etienne – a white version with pretty bright dots, a cast of the TS porn star Danni Daniels cock, and finally, another star spangled beaut hailing from the same place my beloved Obama does, Chicago.

Want to stay up to date with the new reviews? Just sign up for an email update through the form below!

Enter your email address:

Babes n Horny Banner Image

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }