I want to make a difference in this world, and I want to do this through the realm of sexuality and sex education. I have known that this is my calling for a few years now, but there is no direct path to such a career. I often found myself pursuing other academic fields and tailor-fitting them to my interests. Because of this, I have a wide array of skills and education, but I never had a support system for the pursuit of my passions.

Until CatalystCon.

I cannot even begin to tell you how incredible this was–I finally found the group of people who not only support my goals, but they themselves also pursue them in their own unique ways, and on top of all of that, Tristan Taormino provided us with the basic guidelines to try to make our passions for change and sex education a reality.

After the entire weekend of discussions, panels and social networking, here’s what my gut told me. I felt inspired. I felt validated. I felt welcomed and needed. I felt like I belonged in this evolving, essential community.

I felt humbled.

It was the most encouraging environment to be in, and it couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. One of the most surprising aspects of the con was that a lot of issues that were steeping in the back of my mind were actually acknowledged aloud by others. Part of me hesitated to put voice to those concerns, and that’s why I haven’t discussed them on this blog yet. And yet there I was, listening to other educators and professionals talk about the topics I too found to be important. (Curious? I will discuss them on this blog in due course, and I will write more about CatalystCon too.)

It was so great to meet everyone that I did, and I hope in future CatalystCons I’ll be able to meet and get to know folks all that much more. Although I was terrified, I made it a point to introduce myself to at least a few of my heroes throughout the weekend: Tristan Taormino, Carol Queen, Robert Morgan Lawrence, and Rachel Kramer Bussel. (I can’t name drop everyone here! I’d inevitably leave someone out.) If you don’t know who these people are, I suggest you check them out, as they have been so inspiring to me. They were all great to meet and I hope to work with them in the future in some capacity.

The con also helped me discover new heroes and key people within the field. I even made some social and academic networks throughout the weekend as well, which was a really pleasant surprise.

As if the con wasn’t inspiring and educational and moving enough, Afternoon Tea with Carol and Robert was one of the most emotional talks I’ve ever been at. They moved me.

I found my calling. Finally. xoxo

It can rotate into four different positions depending on your preference. It has five vibration modes and three pulsation modes. You click the ‘+‘ to go through the settings, and then click the ‘-‘ to descend back down the options and to turn it off. The button is easy enough to press while using the toy. I like it better when the options are on a never-ending loop and you have to hold a button in to turn it off.

This toy is loud. While I had the fan running, a TV on, and the toy vibrating inside my vagina, I feared my neighbor could hear the vibrations. Granted my bed is next to the wall, but I still want my sex toy adventures to be a secret.

The Trojan Torsion is half ABS plastic (the handle, operating half) and half medical grade silicone. Its dimensions are: 10 inches long, 5 inches insertable length, and 1.75 inches in diameter (25.4cm long, 12.7cm insertable, 4.4cm diameter). The problem with this is that while they are hygienic materials, there is a big crease in the middle of toy, where it rotates. Since it isn’t boil-able, I am not exactly comfortable about the crack’s hygienic value. Since it is at the 5 inch mark, it is inevitably going to get bodily fluids on it. There is also a seam that runs down the length of the silicone and the plastic.

These are the four different positions it can rotate to (as shown below). I can see myself practically enjoying the position because it curves towards me as I use it as a G-spot toy. The bottom left position is also not bad because of the handle points away while the bottom points towards me. The other two positions on the right, however, seem a bit useless to me. Handling them is awkward and just isn’t needed. Once I find the one position that works for me, I’m not really going to keep clicking through the different positions. It doesn’t really improve the experience: it just becomes more awkward to hold while trying to thrust it, especially with any speed.

So while it is unique, I don’t really find the rotational ability to be anything extra special. Plus, the different positions don’t change the shape of this toy THAT much. Two of the positions look very similar. Like I said: the varying positions don’t improve the experience. I’m going to use the dildo the same way no matter which position: it’s going to get pushed and pulled into my vagina. The top left image shows the best position because it’s slightly curved for G-spot stimulation.

Some perks for the Trojan Torsion vibrator include:

• silk pouch for storage
• water resistant/ safe in the shower
• medical grade silicone
• phthalate-free

It’s not the best design to be a refreshingly new vibrator out on the market. I don’t see myself using the different positions and being excited about its capabilities. The Trojan Torsion is also relatively noisy. It takes 2 AA (included) batteries, which given the price, I would have expected it to be rechargeable.

Other vibrators offered by Good Vibrations Sex Toys can be seen here. Thanks Good Vibes! xoxo

This cleaner has a lovely, light sweet-citrus scent to it. The scent is fresh- it isn’t overpowering, rather it is nice and light. It reminds me of sweet, ripe fruit. It does not smell like strong citrus-scented cleaning products, but is much more pleasant.

It is easy to travel with because of its size and because you don’t need to rinse the spray off. You can spray the product before or after use, and then wipe it off. No rinsing required!

This bottle is 2 fluid ounces (60 milliliters) in size. It is a bit small for the price, but as it is organic, I think it’s worth the few extra bucks. I am a bit of an organic nut, especially when it comes to cleaning products and my sexual health.  The cleaner is a nice alternative to soap and water, although I’m sure to alternate between the two. This is slightly quicker and easier to use than soapy water because you just spray the toy and wipe it.

This Renew Toy Revitalizing Cleanser is free of petroleum, triclosan and parabens.

Ingredients include: organic aloe barbadensis leaf extract, alcohol, organic alcohol, yucca schidigera fruit extract, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, polysorbate 20, organic essential oils of citrus paradisi (grapefruit), citris aurantium (orange) & citrus reticulata (mandarin)

Another cleaner spray offered by Good Vibes is the Before & After Anti-bacterial Toy Cleaner. While it isn’t organic, it offers protection against bacteria growing on your sex toys. It doesn’t sterilize them, but helps eliminate germs. Check it out!

Thanks Good Vibrations for allowing me to review this toy cleaner! xoxo

This dildo is made from silicone, feels smooth and is firm but bendy. It has enough flexibility to be used to pleasure two people at once. I like that it looks like two long, extended fingers that want to hit a woman’s G-spot, while the extended thumb pleasures the other lady’s G-spot. The curved mound (refer to photo) provides clitoral stimulation to the lady using the bulb/thumb end. (But then again, if you use it solo, the bulb end itself can provide clitoral stimulation, if it isn’t being used as a handle.)  This double dildo is a sexy and intimate toy to use with your partner in many ways.

What makes this double dildo exciting is that it is used without a harness and can be hands-free, or hands-on. This product is great for various play and positions. For example it can be used for double vaginal stimulation or solo masturbation. Your partner can use the toy on you. It is also safe for anal play (but be clean and safe if you use it for both). Wet for Her is busting down the standards of sex toys by creating new, creative products. Not every toy has to have a phallus shape.

The Double Digits dildo works well as a handheld dildo for solo play. The short end becomes a handle so it is easy to rock back and forth for G-spot stimulation. I really enjoyed the feel of this toy. If a dildo is going to be slim-to-medium in width, I prefer it to be firm, which this toy is. It is 1 1/3″ wide, so I like that it has a solid-but-bendy feel to it. The bulb end feels nice too. It is short and a slim 1.25″, but I often enjoy the sensations felt from a smaller, firm toy as I wiggle it around. I would love to see Wet for Her make another double dildo like this one, but thicker.

The shape of this double dildo is really quite nice and unique from other silicone dildos I own. Speaking of the shape: I couldn’t resist holding it like this for a photo:

(I was tempted to say to my boyfriend, “Stick ‘em up!”, but the opportunity hasn’t arisen. Yet.)
As is expected with a quality product, it is phthalates free and 100% silicone.It is boil-able without the bullet. There is a hole at the corner of this toy (where my thumb is) to insert a vibrating bullet. The bullet has three different vibration levels. The vibrations are not particularly loud, nor quiet, but do create a nice buzz throughout the toy. It’s nice having a bullet with different settings, I must say.

Bulb Dimensions: 2.5″ x 1.25″
Finger Dimensions: 5″ x 1.33″

This is what the packaging looks like, but the lubricant is not included when you buy this from Good Vibrations. The product is called “Four” by Wet for Her, but is called the Double Digits Silicone Double Dildo through Good Vibrations Sex Toys. I really like this toy, especially because of its versatility. Thanks Good Vibes for allowing me to review this in return for my opinion!

Other double dildos offered by Good Vibrations can be found here.  xoxo

The Velvet Harness is versatile because it adjusts and accommodates different dildo sizes.  The rubber O-rings are three sizes: 1.5″, 1.75″, and 2″.  As you can see above, the 2″ O-ring fit easily around a 2.25″ wide dildo.  Its materials are black velvet and nylon.  The 4-way adjustable straps can fit up to size 60″ hips.  This harness comes with a bullet vibe.

In the photo I used the Randy by Vixen Creations just to see if the Velvet Strap-On could accommodate a thick dildo.  The dimensions of Randy are 6.25″ by 2.25″.

So I understand the idea that the lower the harness sits on my pelvis, the more likely I will be to feel the vibrations on my clitoris.  This does work although initially if felt rather awkward.  I am new to testing harnesses though, and I think that the feeling of wearing one comes with time.  I tried this harness on over my panties and the vibration still felt nice on my clitoris.  There is a certain feeling about wearing harness that is very sexy.  Say you are naked except for wearing the harness.  When you put the harness on, it is like you are gearing up to pleasure your woman (or man).  Feeling the straps tug on your bare legs and the bullet press on your pussy as you fuck her (him) with a dildo, is quite a raw, exciting experience.  You are very much in control of that toy.

What I want most in a harness is ease of control.  Because this harness is adjustable, it allows for each person to wear it in a way that is most comfortable, while also wearing the chosen dildo.  You can tighten the straps to ensure things don’t move around too much on their own.

It’s not the fanciest harness out on the market, but it is very affordable and practical.  So far I have been pleased with Sportsheets products.  Some of the panty-styled harnesses are within the same price range.  Fancier strap harnesses (such as leather ones) are much more expensive than this nylon harness.  I think I might prefer panty-styled harnesses such as the RodeoH, because they are comfortable and quite cute.  However, the panty-styled are not as sexy in the same way as harnesses, because harnesses allow for more skin to be exposed while wearing them (such as your butt).

Features I Like:
-Ecorotic
-One size fits most
-Adjustable around hips
-Adjustable for different sized dildos
-Bullet vibe
-Machine washable

Good Vibrations Sex Toys offers a nice selection of harnesses to choose from.  Check them out!  Thanks Good Vibes! xoxo

I appreciated many aspects of this book.  I was more impressed by this book than I expected to be (what can I say?  I’m skeptical sometimes.).  This book is great for all folks who are intimate with women.  Of course.  I wouldn’t say I am an expert about my lady bits yet, but I probably know quite a lot in comparison to others–and still I found myself learning new things in this book.  Wiseman provided me with some new ideas of foreplay that I want to experience.

The most impressive thing about this book is that Wiseman covers all the bases.  He talks about consent, safe sex, toys, lubricants, fetishes, as well as all of the sexual tricks that are expected.  He appropriately emphasizes some key points that allow the reader to become (re)educated about all of the important aspects of a healthy, happy sexual relationship.

Here is one trick that I thought would be a nice example:

#14: Painful Penetration Procedures
When a woman says that it hurts when you thrust into her, it may mean (assuming adequate lubrication) that the tip of your penis, or your dildo, is hitting her cervix.  Consider the following as a possible remedy.  Under normal, unaroused circumstances, her cervix may protrude into her vaginal canal.  However, when she becomes aroused, specific muscles deep in her abdomen may contract.  These muscles lift her cervix up and away from the canal, and often even cause a slight hollow to form at the end.  Therefore, if penetration hurts, try waiting until she’s more aroused before you enter her (Tricks to Please a Woman,Wiseman, pp. 22).

In such a scenario as this, many people would just assume that the penis/dildo is simply too big.  However, as Wiseman shows, there might be a possible remedy for such a situation.

This book is an easy read and it can be informative to folks with varied expertise in the bedroom.  If you don’t own any books about sex with ladies, I think that this book is a great foundation to work with.  Wiseman covers all of the key bases, and if you find yourself intrigued  by specific topics, you can go out and read other books that focus on those areas in more detail.  Heck, I learned even more about different toy styles by reading this book–and I review sex toys!

Other Wiseman books sold by Good Vibrations can be seen here.  Thank you, Good Vibrations Sex Toys for allowing me to review this product! xoxo

Playing With Fire, edited by Alison Tyler, is HOT.  This book challenges what is considered taboo and puts a fresh, sexy, eloquent spin on it. Once I opened this book up, I couldn’t put it down! (Seriously!)  It is 290 pages long and was published in 2009.

I am envious of the high-quality writing that these authors created.  I adore short stories, and these folks depicted thrillingly sexy tales on just a few pages each, which left me craving more. They all creatively tell fantasies around the fiery theme of this book.

From spanking and exhibitionism, to being tied up or tied down, these stories are hot.  Steamy. Cheating.  A fire. Giving head. Dominance and submission. Rough sex. These authors’ stories run the gamut.  Everything is hot and dirty and erotic.

According to Good Vibes, Playing With Fire will ignite your imagination, fuel your fervor, and inspire you to have some smokin’ hot sex!

This book is sure to please everyone. Each story is different from the rest–except that they are all erotic.  Very, very erotic. If you want some hot stories to get you in the mood, this book is highly recommended.

Other Erotica offered by Good Vibrations Sex Toys can be viewed here. xoxo

I was most impressed at how this book was sympathetic and informative about all of the different styles of relationships.  Taormino was excellent at pointing out issues and stigmas involved with all types of relationships. This book should be read by everyone.  I think that it helped me become more understanding and accepting of other various lifestyles.  This book is thorough in its education.

One quote (of many) that stuck out to me was this: “Monogamy does not automatically foster intimacy in a relationship, any more than non-monogamy fosters a lack of intimacy” (Taormino, 16).  Monogamy shouldn’t be the default choice, but it still might be best for many people.

For me personally, this book educated me about why I most prefer monogamy, while also teaching me of the primary issues involved with monogamy.  For example, I do not want to have communication or trust issues with my significant other. This book educates the reader about how and why to communicate as well as how trust is connected to it.  Now that I know the more common weak points that come with having one partner, I will know what to do when problems arise down the road.

Tristain Taormino has an impressive career that can be viewed on her site, PuckerUp.com and on OpeningUp.net

Everyone should be open enough to at least read this fantastic book in order to gain some insight.  It has helpful details for every person, in every type of relationship.  Go on, Open Up this book!  Good Vibrations Sex Toys offers a wide variety of other resources regarding open relationships that can be found here.  Thanks Good Vibes! xoxo

This toy is also harness compatible.  It meets Good Vibrations eco-friendly values for sustainable and environmentally conscious sex products..  The Captain is phthalates-free, waterproof, and safe to use anally.

The Captain Dildo is 100% silicone, which means it can be cleaned with soapy water, in the dishwasher, or boiled for 5 minutes! Totally hygienic! Win!