I’ve had a lot of amazing customer interactions during my almost-4 years at Babeland. One of my most memorable was a middle-aged man who came in to the store one day and, after much hesitation, told me that his wife of 30 years said that she wanted him to spank her and that he was to go out and buy the implement. Not only did he have no idea what he should use but he felt hesitant about the spanking in general. What was happening to his wife? Was she really weird or was this normal? What if he didn’t like spanking her?

We talked through all of his questions and in the end he left, reassured to buy a wooden hairbrush - an excellent choice. I wish that at the time I’d had Rachel Kramer Bussel’s new book, Spanked, to give him. Showing him a whole book of hot spanking erotica would have done wonders to set his mind at ease and to give him some helpful hints and ideas.

I adore topic-specific erotica. My favorite book ever is Lesbian Cowboy Erotica - doesn’t get much more specific than that. However, Spanked is a delight. The stories are hot and fiesty with all kinds of matches in terms of who is spanking whom. I’m currently about halfway through and it is easily one of the best collections of erotica I’ve ever read (lesbian cowboys aside).

Who would this book be great for? Anyone who loves to get spanked, anyone who loves to spank, anyone who likes watching other people get spanked, etc. And of course, anyone who is new to the whole spanking thing, like my friend above. He could have also gone to her companion blog to the book - also called Spanked.
Rachel has also done something totally creative and made a trailer for the book. I’ve never seen a book trailer before so of course I was intrigued and it’s awesome and hot. Also, stay tuned into the blog tour for stories, interviews and exerpts from the book. Tomorrow it’s Urban Gypsy’s turn.
If you want to meet Rachel in person (which I highly recommend - she’s awesome), she’ll be reading at the upcoming TES spanking event:

August 16, 8 pm (doors at 7:30)
Paddles, 250 W 26th Street, Basement (between 7th and 8th Avenues.,side door next to the parking lot)
$4 for members; $8 for non-members
Click here for directions

Vibrators used to be such simple things: they were long and slim and you inserted them or held them up to the clitoris. The end. In the past few years, vibrators have become more mysterious. They’re shaped like “U”s, cones, balls, cups and more. These are the vibrators of the future - toys that push the boundaries of what a sex toy can be and invite us to imagine and explore, toys that think outside the box and create new possibilities for pleasure.

Tuyo: You have to admit that balls are sexy. Pool balls, Magic Eight balls, baci balls… there’s something sleek and sexy about a ball. Also, it rolls. That’s what I like most about the Tuyo: you just turn it on and start rolling. First, this makes a great overall body massager. It’s also a nice way to tease and tickle someone and feeling the vibration roll over sensitive areas is a new and awesome sensation. Plus, since it rolls, you can ride it - think of it like a Pilates ball, only much smaller and a lot more fun.

Cone: I love watching our customers walk up to this toy and look confused, push the button and jump back when it starts vibrating. People spend more time talking about this toy than probably any other in the store. It’s so unique and involves so many interesting opportunities for humping, riding, rubbing and rocking that you can literally see people’s imaginations take flight. I’m hoping maybe the company will one day make a mini-cone about half the size - that way I can travel with it.

Gee Whiz: Ok, so technically it’s not a vibrator but since you’ll always use it with the Hitachi Magic Wand, for these purposes it is. The Gee Whiz turns the Hitachi in an internal vibrator. The “cup” goes over the vibrating head of the Hitachi and the “handle” goes in you! Because it’s made of silicone the Gee Whiz transmits the vibration of the Hitachi perfectly and has a great curve for some G-spot action.

Rock Chick/We/Snugglepuss: “U” shaped vibrators are the new Rabbits. They provide internal and external stimulation with more flexibility than the Rabbit and provide better G-spot stimulation. They can also be used hands-free for when you might be engaged in other activities. Lastly, you can wear them under a harness to keep the vibrations going.