Like many of the Babebland bloggers, I enjoy a thumb through the New York Times online: oftentimes it’s informative, other times entertaining, and sometimes it offers up a tidbit of news that makes my jaw drop. The latter was the case this morning, as I happened upon the Phit blurb in the fashion section. It’s a quick read, from which I’ll share several snippets:

…The spa is essentially a gussied-up examination room down the hall from Dr. Romanzi’s medical practice. At the spa, the signature treatment will be a $150 gynecological exam — in which a client contracts her pelvic muscles around Dr. Romanzi’s fingers — to determine by feel whether muscle tone is weak, moderate or strong.
Dr. Romanzi likes to call the vaginal workouts she prescribes “personal training.” Clients could also use an in-office electrostimulation machine to improve pelvic muscle tone or buy a device for home use. Dr. Romanzi said that such treatments are intended to improve bladder control; she said pelvic training may also lead to more intense orgasms…
Dr. Romanzi said her goal was to teach women how to properly perform Kegel exercises, intended to strengthen the sling-shaped muscle that supports the bladder, vagina and rectum. Gynecologists sometimes suggest such pelvic physiotherapy for minor vaginal laxity after childbirth or for mild urinary incontinence…
“If you can vote and you have a vagina, you should do these,” she said. “It’s the dental floss of feminine fitness.”

I’m happy that Kegels (an exercise for the PC muscles) are getting the media attention they deserve; and perhaps I’m even pleased that they’ve reached haute couture status in the fashion (!) section. However, we’re also looking at a rather hefty price tag (and possible un-sexy electric jolts) to accomplish something that can be achieved so easily! “How easy?” you ask. So easy that we have a simple, tried-and-true exercise routine available that can be done at home, in the office, on the bus… you name it.

Kegels aside, I’ll also note that Phit offers labial plastic surgery… and I won’t go any further with that. What I will do is bemoan the fact that services I usually associate with the word “spa” seem to be lacking. What of the lovingly pampered pussy? I pictured a high-end muff cut-n-color, herbal wraps, toning mud masques, and acidophilus-rich organic yogurt massages. I want my cucumber slices, darn it!

Perhaps I’ll start drawing up my own business plan… and in the meantime, I’ll keep doing my Kegels at home.

5. Rediscovering the Hitachi Magic Wand.
And, lo, it was a sad day when I discovered that my rechargeable vibes had all run out of juice; even sadder, the aches in my bad knees were getting my goat. I reached for my trusty Hitachi Magic Wand (which has been sadly neglected as of late) for a rejuvenating knee-massage, decided “what the hey,” and… well, you get the drift. Always a powerful remedy for my aches and pains, and the surefire way to an earth-shattering orgasm, I’m lecturing myself for denying Ms. Hitachi the attention she deserves.
4. Violet Blue
Babeland loves Violet Blue: she’s a consummate author/editor of several “ultimate guide” and erotica books , a blogger (find her at tinynibbles, techyum, and fleshbot), a tech junkie, and a downright bespectacled hottie. It looks like Violet loves Babeland, too:

Well played, Babeland! The women-focused retailer now has a complete sex toy care, safety and maintenance guide on their site, and also in a very nice downloadable .pdf (in case you wanna put it on your iPhone). They’ve got a few good tips for anal, G-spot and P-spot play as well, but what makes this a real gem are the detailed tips on taking care of and cleaning sex toys of all materials. I especially like their tips for specific brands. Superb. A must-read.

3. Carol Queen
I adore anthologies edited by Carol Queen (like PoMoSexuals) and devour her books (like Exhibitionism for the Shy and The Leather Daddy and the Femme) with great gusto. Babeland Seattle just got Real Live Nude Girl: Chronicles of a Sex-Positive Culture back into our library stock, and I was quick to snatch up a copy for myself; I’d lent my original copy out years ago, so I’m pleased to become reacquainted with this superb bedtime read. As a caveat, I’m overjoyed to discover that the thoughtful essays (ranging from bisexual politics to kinky sex, peep show exhibitionism to escort work, and much, much more) are just as relevant now as they were when I first read the book ten (!) years ago.
2. The WeVibe
I almost feel sheepish talking about my complete and absolute love for the WeVibe, because it really does seem to sell itself: our Seattle store dishes ‘em out like hotcakes, and I know that they’re going like mad from the website itself; but let’s give it a go anyhow. Silicone? Yes. Greenly rechargeable? Yes. Quiet? Yes. Discreet and small enough to fit in the palm of the hand? Yes. Can be worn during penetrative intercourse? Yes. Can be worn under a harness? Yes. Can be used all by itself? Yes. And, most importantly, gives 2 levels of satisfying vibration both internally and externally while providing heavenly g-spot stimulation? Yes, yes, and… oh, yes!
*A little birdie tells me that we’ll soon be receiving a thorough guest review of the WeVibe. Stay tuned!

1. Alternate Pride Contingents
It’s Pride season across the country, and Seattle played host to a weekend tumult of queer revelry. As is our want, Babeland Seattle participated in the annual Pride Parade in the form of the All-Star Sex Toy Olympics. Between the Delight Ribbon Dance, the Ducky Synchronized Swim, and the Hitachi Magic Wand Relay, I was pleased to notice two alternate contingents within the parade proper: Seattle Gothic Pride and the Naked Body Pride Ride. The Goths were luxurious in their clouds of black and tulle, while the naked folks had the right idea to bare it all in the midst of a 90 degree afternoon. I was utterly charmed.

(All photos from the Seattle Pride Parade)

My sweetie had been asking after my birthday wishes for some time. I’m terrible with requesting gifts, so I hemmed and hawed for an eternity. When the day grew near, I succumbed to desire and submitted my request: food. It was no less than glorious. We supped upon venison terrine, halibut over braised pork belly and a cunning English pea puree, rhubarb cake drizzled with crème Anglaise, and several glasses pinot noir. Afterwards, we settled into a stupor-like afterglow that was not unlike… really good sex.

Food and sex have gone hand-in-hand for quite some time. Think of a briny raw oyster sipped from the half shell, a flute of champagne garnished with a single raspberry, an egg poached in white truffle oil and served over tender asparagus; or picture licking a rivulet of sauce béarnaise from an extended finger or a drizzle of fine dark chocolate from an erect nipple.

Do you feel flames licking at your loins? If so, you are not alone. Artists have been celebrating the edible/sensual for years: films like Tampopo or Delicatessen simply sing the gastro-erotic; fetishists revel in sploshing themselves with cans of baked beans and frosted cakes; the culinary competitors of television’s Top Chef have created erotic delicacies for a private party at Mrs. S Leather; and even the subtlest of sensualists will take their honey out for a fine meal, or cook a romantic dinner from scratch in their own abode.

After the obvious aphrodisiac properties of food, we also find the practical applications. Consumption of water (or fresh fruit juices) cleanses the system and primes the body for a juicy roll in the hay. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like wild-caught salmon) and fish oil release dopamine (a neurotrasmitter and hormone) that ups the ante on both your mood and feel-good factor. Interest piqued? The Orgasmic Diet touts the grandeur of fish, dark chocolate, and other dietary devices that will improve female-bodied sexual health, while urologychannel.com fills us in on a diet for male-bodied erectile health.

As for other practical applications of food, what you put into your mouth effects the flavor of your pussy or cum. Think about it this way: after drinking a pot of strong coffee, or eating a spicy Indian curry, or devouring a plateful of asparagus, you will notice that your pee smells much more pungent. The same goes for the genitals and ejaculate in both male- and female-bodied folks! If you’re looking to rid yourself of the pungent taste, take a day to avoid foods like red meat, asparagus, spicy dishes, coffee, dairy, and chocolate (e.g. all the fun stuff). Flush your urogenital tract by enjoying plenty of water, and start sweetening up by enjoying fresh fruit and fruit juices (especially plums, pineapple, or other citrus), munching on fresh celery, or enjoying soothing chamomile or spearmint teas. Experiment with your sweetening intake, and you should notice results after about two days.

Whether as courtship tool, aphrodisiac, dietary tool, or flat-out fetish, the food and sex pairing is match made in heaven (or in the boudoir, a public bathroom, the kitchen floor); as for myself, I think I’ll be munching on some fresh pineapple in anticipation of sweet and saucy times to come.