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Jan 212014
 

The Hooded Nun from Fucking Sculptures

Pros:
- Handcrafted
- Unique design
- Color/size options
- High quality
- Excellent warranty
Cons:
- Slightly differs from product images (might bother some)
Overall:

5star

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-Overview-

Fucking Sculptures is a fantastic company that hand-sculpts beautiful works of art for your sexual pleasure.  With over 20 years of glass blowing experience, it’s no wonder every piece created is high quality and totally unique.  Lee, with the help of Maria, has created five incredible pleasure pieces; the Corkscrew, the G-Spoon, the Pussywillow, the Two-Cumber, and the Hooded Nun.  Most recently they’ve released a sixth dildo, Double Trouble, which famous porn star Courtney Trouble helped design.  Each piece created provides users with a unique experience, from smooth curves to amazing textures; there’s a little something for almost everyone.

The Hooded Nun has a great shape that naturally stimulates while being comfortable to hold and easy to use.  Because each piece is made by hand, they all differ slightly; being similar to the product photo, but not an exact replica.  This truly makes your dildo a one of a kind piece of art.  The Hooded Nun, and all their products, are available in a variety of color and size options, providing each customer the opportunity to select something that’s unique to their specific tastes.

-Intro/Use-

The Hooded Nun from Fucking Sculptures is a beautifully formed glass dildo.  Everything about it screams luxury; from the ergonomic shape to the amazing colors, this is truly a high quality work of art.

Best used vaginally, the design allows it to work with the shape of your body.  The elegant curves naturally connect with the G-spot while thrusting, and the firm material allows you to apply as little or as much pressure as you’d like.  Thrusting is comfortable since the piece fits so naturally in your hand during use, which makes your Untitled-6pleasure experience that much more enjoyable.  Each end of the dildo can be used for insertion which gives you two different ways to experience this piece.  Since they differ so much from each other, it’s almost like having two dildos in one.  Your personal experience of this product will vary depending on anatomy and the specific shape of your Hooded Nun.

Like any glass toy, this one can be heated up or cooled down for temperature play.  To do this, gently place the piece in a bowl of warm or cold water for a few minutes.  You don’t want to freeze the toy or put it in boiling water since this type of glass doesn’t respond well to extreme temperature changes and you don’t want to harm yourself.  As long as the change is gradual, you won’t run into any problems.  Always test the glass on the inside of your wrist to make sure the temperature isn’t too extreme.

Solo pleasure isn’t the only way this dildo can be used.  Though it’s not suitable for anal play (since it lacks a flared base) it can still be used by any gender.  If you’re not using it on your partner vaginally (or having them use it on you), you can use it as a massage aid.  The glass glides easily when paired with massage oil and really helps relax sore and tight muscles.

-Material/Texture-

The Hooded Nun is made from soda-lime glass which many bottles and jars are made from.  It’s a fantastic material because it can be softened or melted many times and is recyclable.  It’s non-porous, body safe, latex free, and phthalate free; just like all glass.  Unlike borosilicate glass (which many adult products are made of), soda-lime glass doesn’t handle extreme temperature change well, so keep that in mind if you’re used to other glass dildos.  You can’t boil to sterilize, but the website says you can safely clean it in your dishwasher.  For regular cleaning you can use warm water and soap or your favorite toy cleaner, and you can also use a 10% bleach solution to sterilize.  I need to pay extra attention when cleaning my dildo because the texture allows places for lube and bodily fluids to hide.  Using a soft bristled tooth brush helps get into any small areas your dildo might have.

Untitled-10The surface of the glass is really smooth and glides easily across the skin.  All lube is compatible with this material and a little goes a long way.  Be careful handling if you’ve gotten lube on your hands because it becomes very slick and could slip from your grasp.

Though the surface is smooth, the overall design is not.  My Hooded Nun features one large bulge that makes up the back of the piece, and four that make up the front.  These bulges go up the full length of the dildo.  The texture isn’t at all extreme, it’s enough to be noticed, but subtle enough that it shouldn’t bother those that are opposed to texture.

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Untitled-4The opposite end has a different texture thanks to the way the piece was formed.  This end offers an extra nub that might help connect better with the G-spot during use.  Your piece might not have the same folded tip mine does, in fact, the product images on the website show it sticking out rather than being pressed down.  I found the texture of this side to be far more obvious when inserted.  I think it would work really well for those that like more targeted G-spot stimulation, but I preferred the simplicity of the opposite end.

-Design/Size-

The Hooded Nun is available in five color options (White, Black, Red, Gold, and Green) and is available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large.

Untitled-9When my Fucking Sculpture arrived I was in total awe.  Green is my favorite color and this piece totally exceeded my expectations.  The green is deep and dark and has this amazing glitter-like shimmer within it.  The light picks up every little sparkle, making it look magical and eye catching.  But when you hold it up to the light, it takes on a whole new appearance.  The glitter fades away and it looks like the glass has been delicately painted using short brush strokes.  This is art, plain and simple.

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The design of the dildo was obviously created with pleasure in mind.  The curved shaft and gentle texture are evidence of that fact.  My Hooded Nun features a pinched area about 3″ from the end.  This acts as the perfect handle, making pleasure effortless despite the weight of the glass.  The bottom half of the dildo actually has a similar appearance to zucchini as far as the shape goes, though I don’t believe that was the intention (perhaps the color adds to that look).

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With three different size options available, the Hooded Nun should be suitable for most experience levels and preferences.  The website itself says:

“Length is most important to our lovely customers with larger bodies. The longer handles will make your experience easier and more pleasurable. For our more petite customers the choice is yours- the smaller ones will probably provide enough handle and enough length to still fully enjoy yourself. However, feel free to select a longer model as well. Your body will accept as much as it wants to. You’ll know what feels good.”

Being a larger bodied person, I really appreciated that this was considered.  Too many companies don’t seem to consider how important length is in order for a larger person to comfortably pleasure themselves.  That being said, you also need to take into consideration the girth.  Here’s what they have to say about it:

“Here is where we will remind you of the stability and hardness of glass. Don’t go too big! Too big = no fun. That said we have found that widths of 2-2.5” are totally manageable for those folks with smaller vaginal entrances. So don’t be too nervous about this aspect, just be aware of the realities of dense matter.”

Naturally, I chose the largest size because I require length and enjoy toys that are on the girthy side.  I was really impressed with how easy it was to use the dildo while laying on my back.  I was totally comfortable, didn’t have to lay in an uncomfortable position, and my arm didn’t even get tired.  The shape and size of the dildo were made for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience.

No matter which size you choose, there will be some minor differences.  My large is 9 1/2″ across (tip to tip, not along the curve).  The thickest area is 5 1/2″ in circumference and the thinnest (apart from the pinched area) is 4 1/4″ around.  Expect some difference with each piece.

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-Packaging-

Untitled-12The Hooded Nun, and all Fucking Sculptures, arrive inside a handmade pouch that fits your toy perfectly.  It’s not padded in any way, so you’ll still need to use caution when storing the toy, but the surface is protected against scratches and other surface damage.  Along with it is a care and use card that gives you the basic rundown of the product and provides their website at the bottom.  Though it’s not stated on the card itself, the website has an amazing Lifetime Warranty for your Fucking Sculpture.  Should you break your piece or consider it unsafe to use, they’ll replace it with a similar piece for free (apart from shipping).  This is a one time offer, but is huge!  How many companies offer that kind of warranty?

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-Experience-

Being a creative person, I see artisan companies and am immediately drawn to them.  There’s just something about knowing every piece is made by hand and is entirely unique that piques my interest.  The time, skill, creativity, and passion that gets put into every piece sculpted is truly impressive and Fucking Sculptures has completely earned my respect as a result.

The Hooded Nun exceeded my expectations in every way possible.  From the shape to the color to the way it preforms, I couldn’t be more impressed.  I’ve never held a dildo that fit so naturally in my hand and with my body.  That tends to be a challenge for me because I’m a larger woman, but Fucking Sculptures took care of me in that way.

If you’re looking for a unique product that you can customize to fit your needs and tastes, chances are Fucking Sculptures has something for you.  If the Hooded Nun doesn’t look like the right product for you, there are five other options to choose from.

Once you’ve held one of their gorgeous dildos, you’ll understand why hand-sculpted pieces are worth the investment!

fucking

The Hooded Nun was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines.

Jan 202014
 

pennysblog_ontheroadPhoto courtesy of Penny for Your (Dirty) Thoughts

Welcome to HedoVibes, a collection of reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of adult product reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.

Want to read more reviews? Check out HedoVibes for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. HedoVibes is also accepting photo submissions for each edition.

Contests

  • Fourth Giveaway: BDSM books from Cleis Press -by SubReiSkyeM (ends 1/21)
  • 200th Review Giveaway Extravaganza -by Beanfiddler (ends 1/31)
  • Gigantic 2014 Sex Toy Review Bloghop Contest and Giveaway -by Sexuality Sanctuary (ends 1/31)
  • $50 Tantus Gift Card -by dizzygirl (ends 1/31)
  • All Things Male Anal Play Giveaway -by Lori & Hubby (ends 1/31)
  • Rainbow Glass Dildo -by KinkyMom (ends 2/1)
  • Revel Body, Attachments, and Travel Kit -by Property Of Potter (ends 2/1)
  • LELO GiGi 2 -by dizzygirl (ends 2/4)
  • OhMiBod! It’s almost Valentine’s Day Giveaway -by Property Of Potter (ends 2/6)
  • Twitter Contest: She Vibe Gift Card (US & Can.) -by BeckAndHerKinks (ends at 1500 followers)
  • by KinkyMom (ends at 1500 followers)

Dildos

  • Pipedream Ceramix Number 5 Hollow Ceramic Dildo -by Cara Sutra
  • Tantus John Doe Vibrating Dildo -by Lori & Hubby

Vibrators

Anal Toys

  • California Exotics/Dr. Joel Silicone Prostate Massager -by Kinky Testers
  • Hump Gear Large Humpable Butt Plug by Perfect Fit -by Cara Sutra

Bondage, Impact & Fetish Gear

  • Kinklab T-Cups -by Bex
  • Sex And Metal Hydra Bestia Flogger -by BeckAndHerKinks
  • Sex and Metal Spiked Serpent Silicone Flogger -by dizzygirl
  • Size Matters MAX Twist Clit & Nipple Tripple Suckers Set -by BeckAndHerKinks
  • Plunge Paddle by Tantus -by Rayne Millaray
  • Kink Industries Intense Impact Cane -by Cara Sutra
  • Dr. Clockwork’s Neon Wand Kit -by Krissy Novacaine
  • Open mouth gag -by Sextoyreviewers.com
  • PipeDream Fetish Fantasy Japanese Silk Rope -by JustLikeHeaven

Lubes & Condoms

  • Ann Summers ‘The Lubricating One’ sex lube -by Cara Sutra
  • Yes water-based and oil-based lubricants -by dizzygirl

Erotic Books

  • Good Pussy Bad Pussy: Rachel’s Tale by A. Aimee -by Cara Sutra

Miscellaneous

  • Coco De Mer ’Spoon Me’ Silver Plated Coffee Spoon -by Cara Sutra
  • Blush Novelties X5 Rear Ecstasy -by Beanpole Fiddler
  • Aneros’ Evi -by Zoe

hedo150

 

Jan 192014
 

Semilino from Fun Factory

Pros:
- Rechargeable
- Made from silicone
- High quality
- Waterproof
- Great texture
Cons:
- Major lint collector
- Could be more powerful
- Buzzy vibrations
Overall:

4star

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bv

-Overview-

Fun Factory has been putting out some amazing products which include the world’s first pulsators.  I can only imagine the testing and dedication that comes with creating something as unique as their Stronic line, and it shows with how innovative they truly are.  Sitting in the shadows are the recently released rechargeable mini vibes, which include the Flora, Dolly Bi, Pearly, and Semilino.  The Semilino has an awesome ribbed texture that looks similar to the Tiger G4, but lacks one important thing, rumbly vibrations.  The texture alone is very stimulating and might be enough for some. but the buzzy vibrations won’t suit everyone’s tastes.

-Intro/Use-

The Semilino from Fun Factory is a rechargeable vibrator that’s made from silicone and easy to operate.  The reasonable size makes it suitable for a wider range of users (especially when you consider the exaggerated texture) and is a great travel companion.

Designed with the female anatomy in mind, the Semilino has a slightly curved tip that helps target the G-spot, and a bumpy shaft which seems to awaken your senses.  At the bottom of the shaft is an obvious bulge that isn’t large enough to be considered anal safe, but was designed to connect with your external pleasure zones.  While it doesn’t naturally come in contact with the clitoris when thrust, you can use it in a sort of curved thrusting motion which allows the vibrator to glide over you clitoris, enter your vagina, and slide over it again.  How well it connects with your hot spots will depend on your specific anatomy but the texture alone should provide decent stimulation regardless.

Apart from vaginal use, the Semilino can be used externally to stimulate sensitive areas of the body such as the nipples, clitoris, and perineum, and can be used for external anal play.  It’s not the best product for teasing, but it can be used in a pinch.  The modest size makes it less intimidating to use with a partner, but the texture might look a little scary to a new(er) toy user.  Make sure you’re nicely warmed up, apply plenty of lube, and take your time.

You can add this one to your list of bath time companions, because the Semilino is totally waterproof.  Whether it’s joining you in the shower, soaking in the tub, or simply being cleaned in your sink, you can feel confident knowing there’s no way for water to leak inside the vibe.

-Material/Texture-

The Semilino has an ABS plastic handle and a silicone shaft.  Both materials are body safe, non-porous, latex free, and phthalate free.  They can easily be cleaned with soap and water or your favorite sex toy cleaner, and can be sterilized using a 10% bleach solution.  When it comes to lube, water-based is the best option since other types could cause the surface of the silicone to degrade.

The silicone this toy is made from is a total lint magnet.  It picks up small particles from everything so it’s important to rinse/wipe it off directly before use.  Though it has a matte surface, the silicone has a lot of drag to it, and requires lube in order to glide smoothly across the skin.  The plastic handle is totally smooth and can get pretty slippery if you have lube on your hands.

Fun Factory says the shaft is made out of “100 % medical grade silicone with GENTLE TOUCH surface“.  Though the internal parts are firm, there seems to be a thicker layer of silicone that covers them.  This allows the material to lightly squish when you press on it, and is more obvious in the head and base than the center of the shaft.  It’s not soft and squishy to the touch, and won’t bend and flex, but it’s a little cushion to help provide comfort during use.

Untitled-4Though the back of the vibrator is smooth, the top of the shaft is covered with rows of texture.  These ripples create a ribbed like sensation when thrust and are very stimulating.  Because the silicone has some give, the texture isn’t as extreme and should be suitable for those that enjoy texture or are looking to experiment with some.  If you prefer smooth toys in general or haven’t tried anything with such obvious texture, this might be too much for you.

-Design/Size-

The Semilino is available in vitamin (a red/orange color) and black; none of the super girly colors many women try to avoid.  Both options feature a light bronze colored base with a metallic sheen.

The overall design of the vibrator isn’t very discreet.  The texture and color help prevent it from looking too realistic, but the tip of the toy certainly resembles the head of a penis  Add the fact that there’s a base that has three buttons, one of which says ‘FUN’ in the center, and there’s no way you could pass this off as anything other than a sex toy.

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The Semilino is called a mini vibe for a reason.  It comes in at a very reasonable 6 3/4″ in length, with approximately 3 3/4″ being insertable.  It should be long enough to stimulate the G-spot, but not so long that it easily rams against your cervix.  The girth is also very manageable, starting off at 3 3/4″ in circumference, and increasing to approximately 4 1/4″ at the widest point.  While that seems really small, the texture makes it feel larger because of the stimulation it provides.

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-Functions/Controls-

Untitled-7The Semilino is charged using Fun Factory‘s Click ‘N’ Charge system.  Rather than dealing with a charging port that could allow water to leak inside, the end of the toy has two metal pieces that magnetically connect to the charger.  The connection is quite strong compared to some of the other magnetic charging systems out there, making it less likely for your toy to accidentally become disconnected while charging.

When plugged in, a small light on the wall charger and the magnetic piece will both glow red.  The buttons on the vibrator will light up one at a time while charging.  After approximately 6-8 hours, the buttons will glow steady, showing that the charge is complete.

Untitled-6After your first charge you might notice that you can’t simply turn the toy on.  This is because the buttons arrive locked.  In order to unlock the buttons, you have to press and hold down the ‘FUN’ and plus button for a few seconds.  They’ll rapidly flash and you’ll feel a little ‘vroom’ from the toy.  Your toy is now unlocked and ready to use.  If you want to lock the buttons again for travel or storage purposes, you hold down the ‘FUN’ button and the minus at the same time.  If you take it out of storage and have forgotten how to unlock it, it’s really easy to remember.  When you press the ‘FUN’ button when it’s locked, the two buttons you need to press will flash, reminding you what to do.

The three buttons on the toy are in a convenient location and are easy to press.  Fun Factory‘s motto is, “Press FUN to play” and that’s exactly what you’ll need to do.  When you press the red ‘FUN’ button, the vibrations will start and the buttons will illuminate.  Below that you’ll see the plus and minus buttons which control changing the vibrator’s settings.

Untitled-2The functions are set up in a way that’s a little tricky to understand at first.  There are a total of 6 steady vibrations intensities and 6 pattern settings.  When the toy is first turned on, you’re actually feeling the third intensity level.  From there, you can decrease the power twice, or increase the power another three times before reaching the patterns.  Once you’ve gone through the patterns and have reached the end of them, the next press will bring you to the first pattern again; the intensity levels aren’t included in the cycle.  If you want to get back to the steady vibrations, you simply press the minus button, no matter which pattern you’re on.  It’s odd at first, but once you’ve used it a few times it becomes easier to understand.  When you’re ready to turn the toy off, you simply press the ‘FUN’ button (you don’t have to hold it down) and the toy will turn off.  The next time you turn it on, it will start on the third intensity level, it doesn’t hold your place.

After turning the toy on (and not including the first two intensity levels) this is where each press of the plus button will take you:

  1. Steady Vibration (lower medium)
  2. Steady Vibration (higher medium)
  3. Steady Vibration (lower high)
  4. Steady Vibration (higher high)
  5. Roller Coaster
  6. Surging
  7. Pulse
  8. Rapid Pulse
  9. Steady/Rapid Pulse (repeats)
  10. Escalating Pulse (starts slow, gets faster)

The vibrations have a fair amount of power, but are on the buzzy side.  No deep and resonating rumbles here.  They’re strongest in the center of the shaft, but do travel into the handle as well.  It’s not so bad that it gives you tingling fingers, but you can definitely feel it.  The power behind it is reasonable, but might not be enough for some.  If this were a straight, smooth vibrator, I would say it’s not worth it because the vibrations aren’t strong enough.  However, the texture really helps make up for that.  Don’t rule this toy out solely because it’s buzzy, it has so much more going for it.

The sound level is acceptable for a vibrator of this size.  You can’t hear it through a closed door, but someone in the same room would be able to.  Adding some white noise always helps, but you would likely still be heard.

-Packaging-

The Semilino arrives in a cardboard box that’s covered in a thin sleeve.  The sleeve features an image of the toy on two sides, a classy photo of a woman in lingerie, and key points about the product.  Because of this, it’s not very discreet.  When you remove the sleeve you’re met with a box that’s similar in color to Semilino’s handle.  The top says, ‘Your Perfect Moment’ and features the Fun Factory logo on it.  It doesn’t exactly give away what it contains, but could be more discreet.  When you open it up you’ll find a thin piece of cardboard with the user manual tucked into it, resting over the rest of the contents.  The vibe, charger, and another booklet are underneath.  There isn’t a lot of room in this package, and it’s challenging to tuck everything back into place once you’ve removed it.  For that reason, it’s not great for storage.  It would have been nice to see a storage pouch included or a more user-friendly box to store the toy in.

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The user manual is mostly in German and is a little difficult to understand.  There are some areas that contain English, but for the most part it’s pretty confusing.  It would have been nice to see everything broken down better and all the information written in several languages.

-Experience-

When I first saw Semilino, I was immediately drawn to it.  Everyone was raving about the pulsators, but I was more interested in the underdog.  The texture looked really interesting to me and since I trust Fun Factory to produce high quality products, I had to try it out!

Untitled-5When I received my package I was immediately surprised by how small it was.  I knew it was a mini vibe, but I didn’t realize just how small it would be.  I took out some of my other Fun Factory toys (Stronic Zwei Pulsator, and Big Boss G4 Vibrator) and compared.  The difference was pretty shocking.  It looks like it could almost fit inside the Big Boss!

After getting over my initial surprise, I charged it up and got ready to test it out.  As I held it in my hands and turned it on, I nearly wrote it off as nothing impressive.  The vibrations were buzzy and I require deep and rumbly.  I thought for sure this toy was in the shadows for a reason.

Well, I was proven wrong.

The texture of the vibrator was unlike anything I’d experienced before.  The end immediately connected with and caressed my G-spot and it wasn’t long before my eyes were rolling into the back of my head.  But, but…I’m a power queen, how could this be enough for me?  I was truly in shock.  By the end of my session I felt exhausted and thoroughly pleased.  It’s been a long time since a toy has brought me that much satisfaction, especially one that isn’t as powerful as I typically need.

Yes, it’s small.

Yes, it’s buzzy.

Yes, it’s not as powerful as I’d like it to be.

But damn, is it good!

So while you’re shopping around for an awesome toy, consider checking out some of the shadow dwellers.  You’ll be glad you did!

You can purchase the Semilino, other mini vibes, pulsators, and other Fun Factory products by clicking the banner below.

Semilino was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines.

Jan 172014
 

Wanachi Rechargeable Massager from Pipedream

Pros:
- Rechargeable
- Easy to use
- Can be used for full body massage
Cons:
- Only two settings
- A little buzzy
- Vague product information
- Material type?
- Large
Overall:

2star

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-Overview-

This massager is a nice option if you’ve avoided others like it because of the power cord.  The fact that it’s rechargeable makes it easy to use on any area of the body without having to worry about the cord being long enough, and there’s no need to worry about a battery pack.  There are only two settings on the massager, which is pretty common, and the vibrations are on the lighter side.  If the Magic Wand was too powerful for you, this might be a more suitable option.  However, if you need something more powerful (for sexual uses), this might not be rumbly enough for you.

-Intro/Use-

The Wanachi from Pipedream is a rechargeable massager that’s designed for full body usage.  Whether you’re experiencing sore back muscles or could use a little arousal relief, this massager was designed for both.

The length of the massager makes it easy to use on your own body, but it’s great to use with a partner for some assistance as well.  Since there’s no cord to get in the way or stop you from getting comfortable, you can lounge however you need during use.  The massager isn’t waterproof, so as long as you keep it away from liquids you have nothing to worry about.

There are some warnings included with the product that are important to pay attention to during use.  It says:

“Note to User:
Do not use the massager on the following body areas in these instances:

  • Any area of the body that is swollen, burned, or inflamed or when skin eruptions or ulcerated sores are present.
  • Any area of the body that is anesthetized or lacks the ability to sense heat unless approved by your physician.
  • The abdomen when pain is present.
  • Legs with varicose veins.
  • Calves of legs with unexplained pain.
  • On or near the carotid artery on the left or right side of the neck

Massage should be pleasant and comfortable.  Should pain or discomfort result, discontinue use and consult your physician.”

As long as it’s external, feels good, and you follow what the warnings state, you can use it on any area of your body.  Naturally, the large massaging head provides very broad stimulation, so if you need a more targeted sensation, this won’t be the right product to use for sexual stimulation.  The good thing is that even if it doesn’t work out for you that way, you still have a rechargeable body massager.

-Material/Texture-

According to the Pipedream website, the Wanachi Rechargeable Massager is made from “ABS Plastic/Silicone Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Silicone”.  Based on that information, I’m not really sure if the end of the toy is made from TPR or silicone.  To be on the safe side, I would treat it like it’s a porous material and always have a barrier between your genitals and the head of the massager.  Since the material type isn’t clear, stick with a water-based lubricant to be on the safe side.  You should use a wipe to clean the toy, a damp cloth with soap, or your favorite sex toy cleaner.

Untitled-5The head of the massager is very smooth, doesn’t attract dust or lint, and glides really easily across the skin.  It has a small amount of give, but you have to press pretty hard on it to even notice.  The only area that has movement to it is the neck of the massager.  Between the plastic handle and the firm head is a blue neck that looks like it’s folded like an accordion.  It doesn’t move like one, but allows the head to slightly bend from side to side.  You don’t want it to bend too far, but you can apply a fair amount of pressure without having to worry about it.

The plastic handle is shiny and can be a little difficult to hold if you have lube on your hands.  The button itself has some texture to it which makes it easy to change settings (which isn’t the biggest deal since there are only two).

-Design/Size-

The Wanachi is designed like many other wand style massagers.  It features a long handle where the power button is located, a flexible neck, and a broad head.  There’s really nothing about the design of this one that sets it apart from another.  The majority of the toy is white, but has a couple small areas that are blue.  The overall look is discreet in general since many people would assume it was a simple body massager rather than something you (might) use for masturbation.

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The full length of the massager is 11 1/4″, with the head making up approximately 2 1/2″ of it.  The top is 8″ around, which is large, but good for it’s intended purpose.  As you can tell, this really isn’t a travel friendly product as far as size, but wouldn’t be overly embarrassing if someone were to see it in your luggage.

-Functions/Controls-

The Wanachi massager is rechargeable and comes with a wall adaptor that plugs into the bottom of the handle.  When plugged into the wall, a red light glows indicating that the massager is charging.  It will only charge if the power button is in the ‘off’ position.  That being said, it can still be used while it’s plugged in.  So if you simply can’t wait for it to charge, you can still use it.  The product information included doesn’t say anything about how long the initial charge should take, but mine was still glowing red after two hours so I unplugged it.  The paperwork says you should get between 30 and 45 minutes on a full charge, but that will depend on which power level you’re using.

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Untitled-6There’s only one button on the massager that controls the two power levels and turning the toy off.  The button was designed to work in a sliding motion, sliding the button up a little will bring you to the low intensity level, and sliding it up the rest of the way will bring you to the high setting.  Sliding the button back down to the bottom will turn off the massager.  Very basic and easy to understand.

The vibrations are nicely focused in the head of the toy, which is one of the benefits to wand style massagers.  You don’t have to deal with your fingers/hand getting numb during use unless you’re holding directly onto the end of the massager.

The high setting produces decent power, but isn’t deep and rumbly.  The buzzy sensations can cause areas of your body to feel more numb and tingly than stimulated which becomes a problem if you’re using it for sexual pleasure.  The low setting is even worse when it comes to that numbing sensation.  It’s not terrible if you’re using it for body massage, but when it comes to sexual stimulation it’s a real problem.

For a massager this size, the sound level is reasonable.  While it could probably be heard through a closed door, it’s not obvious unless someone is trying to listen, especially when you’re using it on the lower setting and have some other noise in your room.

-Packaging-

The Wanachi arrives in a cardboard box that has an image of the product on five of the six sides.  It’s extremely obvious what the package contains, but nothing on the box makes it seem like an adult product.  The company name is present, so if you’re familiar with Pipedream you’ll know, but your grandmother probably won’t be able to guess what you’ll be using it later on.

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Inside the package, the massager and charger are packed separately in plastic bags with the charger also surrounded by bubble wrap.  The instructions/directions consist of a single folded up paper that only contains English.

-Wanachi vs Magic Wand-

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As you can immediately see from the image above, there are some differences in size and how they function, but the basic design is very similar.  The Magic Wand (known to many as the Hitachi) has a smaller head, but longer handle and must be plugged in in order to function.  Those are the immediate differences when you’re looking at them side by side, but it’s really the power that sets them apart.

The Magic Wand is very powerful and makes the Wanachi feel like it’s barely functioning in comparison.  But along with that power, comes a lot of noise.  I have neighbors on either side of my apartment, and I’m pretty sure they heard me running the Magic Wand, I don’t see how they couldn’t have.

When choosing between these two you really have to sacrifice certain qualities in order to have what you want.  Do you mind a power cord or do you want rechargeable?  Do you need something sound discreet or is power more important?  These are important things to consider.

The Magic Wand also has many different attachments available to take your wand use to a whole new level.  I only have one (the Gee Wizard from Vixen Creations) and tried it on the Wanachi.  It fit over the top and stayed in place, but didn’t cover the whole head like it does on the Magic Wand.  Just another thing to consider.

-Experience-

I know SO many women who are wand lovers, but that has never been me.  I enjoy pin-point stimulation and these big headed beasts have never really done it for me.  I wanted to like the Magic Wand, but hate the fact I have to be close to an outlet or need an extension cord in order to use it.  When I saw the Wanachi, I thought it would be exactly the same other than being rechargeable, so I had to test it out.

After charging it up, I turned it on and knew this wasn’t going to work well for me.  After holding the buzzing head in my hands for only seconds my fingers felt numb.  Regardless, I tested it out like the good little reviewer I am.

I tried using it over my undies, which is something I never do.  Not knowing what the material is, I wasn’t comfortable having it in direct contact with my lady parts.  I laid there, trying to enjoy what I was feeling, but I simply couldn’t.  After a few minutes, I turned it off and panicked for a moment.  My whole vulva was numb.  It was the strangest sensation and really bothered me.  Sexual use, not for me.

When it comes to body massage, it’s not bad.  I’ve used better massagers, but it’s better than nothing.  It was easy to reach my back without becoming uncomfortable, and wasn’t too heavy to use on my husband for a while either.  I think you could get something similar in your local drug store for much less and have it work just as good or better than this.

If you enjoy broad stimulation and can get off with lighter vibrations, this might be just the toy you’re looking for.  It has good things going for it, like being rechargeable and easy to use, but I think it’s only going to work well for certain people.  Think about your personal needs, that’s the best way you can decide whether something like this is right for you or not.

If you’re interested in purchasing your own Wanachi, you can do so by clicking the banner below.

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Wanachi was provide to me free of charge by Pipedream in exchange for an unbiased review.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines.

Jan 162014
 

Congrats to Camryn Jones and AnotherRandomPervert for winning my giveaway!

Thank you to all who have entered and to OhMiBod for sponsoring!

***

And here I am to present you with another giveaway!

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate love.  Whether you and your partner have big plans, or you’ll be spending the day loving on yourself, there’s always a reason to celebrate!  OhMiBod and I have teamed up to help you celebrate with something new!

ohmibod

By entering this giveaway, you’ll have the chance to win either the Lovelife Share or the Lovelife Discover from OhMiBod!  So whether you’re flying solo this year, or will be spending the day with your lover, at least one of these prizes will work for you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Two winners will be chosen – one for each prize
  • Giveaway is open from Jan 16 through Feb 6th @ 12 am (EST)
  • Open to US and CA
  • Products are supplied by OhMiBod
  • OhMiBod is responsible for shipping the items
  • The winner will be chosen once the giveaway has ended and will have one week to respond before another is chosen

A huge thank you to OhMiBod for sponsoring this giveaway!

lovelife

Jan 162014
 

Embrace Lover’s Remote from California Exotic Novelties

Pros:
- Made from silicone
- Designed for couples
- Both pieces vibrate
- Rechargeable
Cons:
- Remote isn’t waterproof
- Buzzy vibrations
- Expensive
- Stimulator functions poorly (will explain)
- Cheaply made
Overall:

1star

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-Overview-

If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know I try to view a product for what it is, not just my experience with it.  I know that just because something doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it’s a horrible toy and no one should ever give it a shot.  Well, today that changes.  Don’t buy this toy.  Seriously, just don’t.  It’s priced like luxury, but it’s really just a cheap toy that doesn’t work the way it should.

-Intro/Use-

The Embrace Lover’s Remote from Cal Exotics is a vibrator designed for couples.  It features a stimulator which is designed to be inserted into the body, and a remote that controls the vibration settings.

Sets like these are typically used together, with one person being stimulated, and the other controlling the stimulation.  People often use vibes like this in public, getting off on their secretive play while out in the open.  If you’re looking for a product that’s suitable for public use, this isn’t the one to get.  The Embrace Lover’s Remote is far less discreet, and for a good reason; the remote itself also vibrates.

The vibrating remote can be used in a variety of ways.  It can be used on the person who has the stimulator inserted (for dual (vaginal/clitoral) pleasure), on the partner controlling the vibrations inside your body, and on any sensitive area on either of your bodies.  Similarly, the stimulator can be used outside of the body in the same sense.

The stimulator has a nice little retrieval cord on the bottom that makes it easier to remove.  Don’t let this give you false safety.  There isn’t a proper base on this toy, so it shouldn’t be inserted anally.  While you could try holding onto the cord the whole time, it’s really not worth the risk when you consider the complications should it slip too far inside your body.

The way this toy is waterproof makes no sense to me.  The stimulator is waterproof, which it should be considering it’s designed to be used inside your body, but the remote is only splash proof.  This really takes a lot away from the toy since you need to use caution with where and how you use the remote.  If the stimulator is waterproof, why couldn’t the remote be as well?

-Material/Texture-

The Embrace Lover’s Remote is made from silicone and ABS plastic with silver plating.  Both materials are non-porous, latex free, and phthalate free.  They can be cleaned using soap and water (be careful to not submerge the remote) or your favorite sex toy cleaner, and can be sterilized using a 10% bleach solution.  Where the plastic and silicone meet aren’t flush, so you’ll need to pay close attention when cleaning to get into the grooves.

Untitled-4The silicone is matte and glides easily across the skin.  It does pick up some dust and lint, but is easy to manage by wiping down before use.  Apart from the retrieval cord, both the stimulator and remote are firm.  The silicone is simply a skin over the internal parts, which is good for those that enjoy pressure.

The cord itself is flexible which allows you to comfortably use it underneath clothing.  Though it bends with ease, it’s not stretchy at all, making it much easier to remove.

There’s no intentional texture on this toy, but you can feel where the silicone and plastic connect, and the buttons on both pieces are raised.  It’s really obvious when you’re touching it with your hands, but isn’t as much once inserted.

-Design/Size-

The Embrace Lover’s Remote is available in grey, pink, and purple, but the plastic areas are silver on each.  They’re both pretty basic looking pieces, being similar in design to many toys before it.

The stimulator is bulb shaped, having a wide, rounded top and decreasing slightly in size toward the bottom.  At the base is the retrieval cord which features a circular disc at the end.  It has a fairly nice shape to it, but how well it works inside your body will depend on your specific anatomy.

The remote has a very ergonomic shape to it.  It has a nice curve and bulges in all the right places.  You can easily lay it over your vulva and allow it to provide broad coverage, or use the tip for more targeted stimulation of the clitoris, nipples, or other areas.  The controls are in a convenient location, but aren’t easy to accidentally press.

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The size of the Embrace Lover’s Remote is reasonable, but the end of the stimulator might be difficult for some to insert; not so much because of the size, but because it’s rounded.  Using some water-based lubricant and relaxing should help if you’re having trouble.  The full length of the stimulator (including cord) is 7 1/2″, but only about 3 1/2″ are designed to be inserted.  The girth ranges from 4 1/2″ in circumference (at the widest area), down to 3″.  Most users who are used to penetration should be able to use this product.  The remote itself is 3 1/4″ long, and 1 1/2″ across the widest point.

-Function/Controls-

Untitled-5The Embrace Lover’s Remote is rechargeable and arrives with a partial charge.  Prior to the first use, you should plug it in and allow the vibe to fully juice up.  The first charge will take approximately 90 minutes, and will provide 90 minutes of play when used on the highest setting.  The really neat thing about the USB charger they include, is that you can recharge both the stimulator and remote at the same time.

Untitled-7Behind both buttons on the remote, and near the button on the stimulator, lights flash to indicate the pieces are charging.  When they’re fully charged, the lights will glow steady to show they’re ready for use.

There are a total of three buttons between the pieces; two on the remote, and one on the stimulator.  To turn them both on, you first have to press and hold the button on the stimulator for a few seconds.  The light will come on and start flashing, showing that it’s activated.  The vibrations won’t start until Untitled-6you turn on the remote.  You press and hold down the power button (on the remote) and the vibrations will instantly be felt in both pieces.  From there, you can press the functions button and both pieces will cycle through the settings together, or you can turn off the vibrations in the remote.  To do this, you must hold down the functions button for a few seconds.  The remote will no longer vibrate, but it still controls which setting the stimulator is on.  If you only want to use the remote (which the paperwork states doubles as a panty vibe), you ignore the stimulator and simply turn on the remote.

Any time you’ve used both pieces, you must turn them both off.  Holding down the power button on the remote will stop all vibrations, but the stimulator will still have a flashing light.  Though it’s no longer vibrating, you still need to turn it off by holding down the power button on that piece as well.  It’s a lot of information to learn, but if the product is in front of you, it’s much easier to understand.

There are a total of seven settings, and the stimulator and remote always match each other.  The settings are:

  1. Steady Low
  2. Steady High
  3. Pulse
  4. Quick Pulse
  5. Escalation
  6. Roller Coaster
  7. Mix of Each

The vibrations are extremely buzzy.  They’re lighter in the remote than the stimulator, but neither are very deep and certainly aren’t rumbly.  They travel fairly well throughout both, and as a result they numb your hands and the area of your body they’re in contact with.

The sound level is reasonable; someone in the same room could probably hear it (which is why public play is out of the question) but no one would be able to hear through a closed door.

-Packaging-

The Embrace Lover’s Remote arrives in black cardboard box that’s surrounded by a thin sleeve.  The sleeve has the product and company name on the front and the back has an image of the toy and covers the key points about it.  It’s not discreet since it’s obvious what the package contains, but it’s shown in a tasteful way.  When the sleeve is removed the box becomes even more discreet, but still has ‘embrace by California Exotic Novelties‘ on the top in silver lettering.  Inside, the stimulator and remote are nestled inside a piece of foam.  Behind that, you’ll find the charger and paperwork that comes with the toy.  Unfortunately, the package is all you receive for storage as it doesn’t contain a pouch.

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-Experience-

I love rechargeable toys.  The vibrating side of my collection is mostly made up of rechargeable toys (the ones I’ve held onto), so I was pleased to see the Embrace Lover’s Remote was as well.

My first impression of the toy was the box it arrived in  It seemed a little more classy than some of their packaging, but still didn’t seem fitting for a ‘luxury’ product; and at this price point you’d figure it was safe to consider this one.  When I opened the package I immediately saw the truth; this product was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The vibrator looked and felt really cheap.  It’s very lightweight, the plastic isn’t lined up well with the silicone, and I could actually see some type of glue (or other clear bonding material) around some of the plastic.  If I had paid $109.99 for this product, I would have fainted at the sight of it!

I always, always give products a fair shot, and after taking photos and charging the toy, it was time to test.  I went into the bathroom, turned on the stimulator, put my foot on the side of the tub, and inserted it.

Untitled-18Now, this is something you really have to take a moment to imagine.  Here I am, all Captain style, with my foot on the tub, this weak, buzzy vibe inside my vagina, and the remote in my hand.  I remove my foot from the side of the tub, place it on the floor, and the stimulator stops vibrating.  I thought it was really odd, so I returned my foot to the tub to readjust and it started vibrating before I even had the chance to.  I’m literally standing in my bathroom, doing a little jig, trying to see what the issue is.  Foot up, vibrations work.  Foot down, vibrations cease.  Yes, I repeated this step several times and couldn’t help but laugh as I did.  I removed the stimulator and tried turning it a little.  Same results.  Tried pushing it in further.  Same results.  No matter what I did, it acted the same way.

I took the stimulator out, cleaned it, and tried squeezing it with my hands, trying to see if maybe it was pressure that was causing the issue.  No matter how I pressed on it, the vibrations continued.  I have no idea what the issue was, but I tried testing this set on four different occasions, and had the same result every time.  If I squatted or had my foot up the toy would work, if I stood up with both feet on the ground, they stopped.

I honestly have no idea what the issue was, but I could not get the darn thing to work for me.  I tried until I was frustrated and uncomfortable before I gave up.  This product was a major letdown.  It’s so expensive, cheaply made, has light and buzzy vibrations, and simply wouldn’t work the way it was intended.  This product isn’t worth the investment (and yes, I said investment), even if the stimulator works when it’s inserted.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Embrace Lover’s Remote, or something similar to it (or nothing like it) you can do so by clicking the banner below.

PC

calexEmbrace Lover’s Remote was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review through the Cal Exotics Sexpert Program.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines. 

Jan 142014
 

RO-160mm – If You Love Me Vibrator from Rocks-Off

Pros:
- Gorgeous design
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
- Variety in functions
- Comes with batteries/storage pouch
Cons:
- Loud
- Could be stronger/more rumbly
- Lacks instructions
- Shape might be too basic for some
Overall:

3star

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-Overview-

The If You Love Me vibrator has a common shape, but is far from being ordinary.  This tradition style vibrator is covered in vibrant and detailed tattoo designs that really pop against the gold background.  For looks alone it’s amazing, but the shape and vibrations might not be right for everyone.  Without a curved tip it’s more challenging to stimulate the G-spot, and though there are 10 different settings, many of them are on the buzzy side.  For the right person this could be an amazing vibe, but for those that need a lot of power and/or a decent curve, this would probably end up as a display piece.

-Intro/Use-

The If You Love Me vibrator from the Erotic Ink line by Rocks-Off is a traditional vibrator that’s far from being common.  This bullet style vibe is covered in a gorgeous tattoo inspired design that’s sure to appeal to those who appreciate a little artistic flair to their sex toys.

The shape of this vibe works best on the female anatomy.  The tip comes to a rounded point which helps provide targeted stimulation to external areas of the body, and also allows it to slip easily into the vagina.  Because the shaft is totally straight, it slides in smoothly and works well for those who are newer to sex toys and those that prefer simplicity.  Firm G-spot pressure is a little harder to achieve since there’s no curve to the shaft, but your individual experience may vary.

Apart from solo use, the vibrator can also be used with a partner.  It’s easy to use and isn’t likely feel overwhelming or threatening to a new partner.  The vibe can be used on the male anatomy as well, but only externally.  The base of the toy isn’t flared, which means there’s nothing to prevent it from slipping inside the body should you try inserting it anally.

Thanks to the battery cap design, the If You Love Me vibrator is safe to use in the tub or shower, and makes cleaning a breeze.  Around the base of the battery cap is a rubber o-ring that prevents any water from leaking inside the toy, so you can feel confident when using in and around water.

-Material/Texture-

The If You Love Me vibrator is made from ABS plastic that’s metal plated and printed.  This material is body safe, non-porous, latex free, and phthalate free.  This vibe can be safely cleaned using soap and water or your favorite sex toy cleaner, and can be sterilized using a 10% bleach solution.  Using a water-based lubricant is best and a little goes a long way.

Since this product is made from plastic, it’s naturally a very firm toy.  The only area that has give to it is the button on the end of the battery cap.  For that reason, you (or your partner) need to use caution when thrusting since you could accidentally cause discomfort.  The fact that it’s so firm is great if you enjoy applying pressure to external pleasure zones, and the power doesn’t diminish when you press down either.

In general, the vibe is very smooth, but does have ‘RO-160mm’ and the Rocks-Off logo inside an oval stamped into the side.  You can feel it easily with your hands, but isn’t easily picked up on during use.  You will need to pay extra attention when cleaning this area since lube and bodily fluids could build up in it.  The printed design also can be felt, but very lightly.  The texture is very light, wasn’t designed to be stimulating, and shouldn’t effect use.

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-Design/Size-

The shape of the If You Love Me vibrator is a familiar one if you’ve seen the products available from Rocks-Off.  It literally looks like they took their best selling RO-80mm bullet vibe and blew it up, keeping the standard shape but increasing the size.

Rocks-Off paired up with Lal Hardy, a popular UK based tattooist, to create this gorgeous line.  Each piece in the Erotic Ink line features popular tattoo designs that really make these vibes stand out.  The If You Love Me vibrator features two sparrows, a heart with a banner, red and pink roses, and beautiful swirls that bring the piece together.  The art looks like a modern take on old school designs, and the use of vibrant colors attracts attention.  Both the artist’s and company’s name are included in the design.

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In my opinion, this is one beautiful design!  Others in the line are just as attractive, and some feature slightly more masculine designs if flowers and birds aren’t your thing.

The size of the vibrator was a little surprising at first.  Many traditional style vibrators are designed to be used primarily by beginners and are very thin.  The If You Love Me vibrator actually has a little girth to it.  It might not be the best option for someone totally new to penetration, but it’s no larger than an average sized penis and should be suitable for most.  The full length is just under 7″ (including the power button) with about 5″ being insertable.  The girth of the shaft is all the same, being 1 1/4″ in diameter, but the tip narrows in size to create the rounded point.

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-Functions/Controls-

The If You Love Me vibrator is powered by 2 AA batteries which are included with your toy.  When it arrives, you’ll need to unscrew the battery cap and remove the small white paper that prevents the battery from connecting properly.  Replace the cap, making sure to screw it on tightly, and it’s ready for use!  When it’s time to replace the batteries, a small plastic sleeve inside the compartment will show you exactly how they should be inserted.

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Untitled-3There’s one button on the end of the battery cap that controls turning the toy on, cycling through the vibration patterns, and turning the toy off.  The rubbery button is easy to press when you’re trying to change vibrations, but it’s not easy to accidentally change during use.

The first press of the button will bring you to the first setting.  Each press after that will bring you to the next and will continuously cycle through them.  If you’ve passed the setting you want to be on, you have to go through them all until you reach that setting again.  When you’re ready to turn the vibrator off, you have to press and hold down the button for a few seconds until the vibrations turn stop.

The 10 settings are:

  • 1) Steady Low
  • 2) Steady Medium
  • 3) Steady High
  • 4) Pulse
  • 5) Medium Fast Pulse
  • 6) Fast Pulse
  • 7-10) Various Pulse Patterns

The vibrations are more focused in the tip of the toy, but travel easily throughout it.  Your hand will probably feel a little tingly from holding the base, but not terribly so.

The lower settings on the toy are quite buzzy, but the more powerful settings are a little deeper.  I wouldn’t call them rumbly exactly, but they should be suitable enough for the average user.  It’s not going to numb your clit (when used externally), but might take you a little longer to climax than normal.

When the situation you’re in requires you to reach for a quiet vibe, this isn’t the one to choose.  On the highest setting the vibe can easily be heard through a closed door, and the lower settings aren’t much quieter.  Adding some white noise to the room you’re in helps, but there’s still that chance of being heard.

-Packaging-

My If You Love Me vibrator arrived inside a black storage pouch that features the company’s logo in the center and has purple draw strings.  Along with the vibrator is a product booklet.  It features a larger variety of other Rocks-Off products, but doesn’t feature a section on the Erotic Ink line.  There also isn’t information specific to the vibrator contained, it’s all very generic.  It would have been nice to see this line highlighted in its own booklet, with specific information on each.

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-Experience-

 I love tattoos.  A lot.  Which is probably a good thing since I have many of them.  When I saw that Rocks-Off had released a line of toys that featured these vibrant designs, I knew I had to check them out!

When the If You Love Me vibrator arrived, I was immediately surprised by the size.  For some reason I was expecting it to be much thinner, so it turned out to be a surprise in my favor.  I looked over the vibe and was impressed by the details in the design, and even my husband said he thought it was cool.  Lal Hardy did a wonderful job on the design, and I think it was a smart move for Rocks-Off to create this line.

The first time I turned the toy on and experienced the first setting, I was concerned.  The steady low vibrations were very buzzy and I knew would only numb me if I tried using it.  Pressing the button again started restoring my hope that this toy would have enough power for me, and the third setting proved it, but just barely.  While this vibe did nothing for me through vaginal penetration, the tip worked okay for pin-point clitoral stimulation.  It’s not quite as deep and powerful as I like, but it was enough to take me over the edge.

I can honestly say this isn’t one I’ll reach for often since the simple shape doesn’t do much for me (vaginally), but the design alone makes it something I’ll proudly display.  If you don’t require deep, rumbly vibrations and don’t require a toy that’s sound discreet, this might work for you.

The If You Love Me vibrator, other pieces from the Erotic Ink line, and many more products can be found by clicking the link below.

RO

RO-160mm If You Love Me vibrator was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines.

Jan 132014
 

black-feather-ticklerPhoto courtesy of Cara Sutra

Welcome to HedoVibes, a collection of reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of adult product reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.

Want to read more reviews? Check out HedoVibes for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. HedoVibes is also accepting photo submissions for each edition.

Contests

  • Win a Dream Date with Nick Hawk -by Club CalExotics (ends 1/16)
  • Wilde Passions Giveaway -by Ali’s Addiction (ends 1/18)
  • Fourth Giveaway: BDSM books from Cleis Press -by SubReiSkyeM (ends 1/21)
  • 200th Review Giveaway Extravaganza -by Beanfiddler (ends 1/31)
  • Gigantic 2014 Sex Toy Review Bloghop Contest and Giveaway -by Sexuality Sanctuary (ends 1/31)
  • $50 Tantus Gift Card -by dizzygirl (ends 1/31)
  • All Things Male Anal Play Giveaway -by Lori & Hubby (ends 1/31)
  • Rainbow Glass Dildo -by KinkyMom (ends 2/1)
  • Revel Body, Attachments, and Travel Kit -by Property Of Potter (ends 2/1)
  • LELO GiGi 2 -by dizzygirl (ends 2/4)
  • Twitter Contest: She Vibe Gift Card (US & Can.) -by BeckAndHerKinks (ends at 1500 followers)

Dildos

  • Tantus Anaconda -by Rayne Millaray
  • Tantus Adam O2 -by Lori & Hubby
  • D3 Astral by Maia Toys -by Krissy Novacaine

Vibrators

Anal Toys

  • Tantus Neo -by Rayne Millaray
  • Nexus G-Rider Vibrating Prostate Massager -by Cara Sutra

Bondage, Impact & Fetish Gear

  • MAXtwist Nipple Suckers -by JustLikeHeaven
  • Bettie Page Picture This Spanking Bat -by Penny
  • The Pendent – Slave Choker -by JustLikeHeaven

Lubes & Condoms

  • Comparison of Water-based Flavored Lubes -by Zoe
  • Pheromone Soy Massage Candle -by Naughty Corner
  • Gun Oil H2O Lube -by Chris Kinnk

Erotic Books

  • The Big Book of Bondage -by Bex
  • The Ultimate Guide To Anal Sex For Men -by Lori & Hubby
  • The Wilde Passions of Dorian Gray -by Geeky Nymph
  • Lust In Latex -by CliticalJenne

Miscellaneous

hedo150

 

Jan 132014
 

Iroha Sakura from Tenga

Pros:
- Made from silicone
-Rechargeable
- Multiple settings
- Easy to use and understand
Cons:
- Odd surface texture
- Only Splash proof
- Expensive for what it is
Overall:

4star

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-Overview-

Sakura is a nice vibrator, having many of the qualities I look for in an external vibe.  It’s rechargeable, made from body safe materials, and has decent power behind it.  But what really makes this, and others from the Iroha line, stand out is the way it feels.  It has a firm core which is surrounded by a soft layer, and is covered in a silicone skin.  To put it bluntly, it feels really odd.  Everything about this vibe is great for those that enjoy broad stimulation, though the tips can apply slightly more focused vibrations when you press down with them.  It’s an alright product, but in my opinion you could get something better for around the same price or less.

-Intro/Use-

Sakura from the Iroha line from Tenga is an external vibrator that’s was primarily designed with women in mind.  The Soft Touch material makes it comfortable to use, and the shape helps it fit best with the female anatomy.

The shape of the toy makes it possible to use in a variety of ways.  One end of the toy is totally round, while the other has a small split.  This split makes it possible to stimulate either side of your nipples or clitoris at the same time, or you can turn the vibe on its side and rub the area back and forth to provide a new sensation.  The top and round side of the product provide broad stimulation that work well on male and female bodied users.

Sakura also works well for use with a partner since it’s easy to understand and the Soft Touch feature makes it nearly impossible to cause discomfort during use.  It literally feels like a marshmallow and shouldn’t look or feel intimidating to most.  It’s a little on the large side to fit between bodies during intercourse, but works well during foreplay.

Vibrators like this aren’t designed to be inserted into your body.  If you were to insert this toy anally, it’s very likely you would need to visit the ER in order to have it removed.  Play safe!

Sadly, you can’t add this one to your basket of bath time playthings, because it’s only splash proof.  You can clean it under running water (cold or tepid), but avoid submerging it as that could potentially ruin your toy.

-Material/Texture-

Sakura is made from a few different materials; plastic (for the firm inner core and controls), polyurethane elastomer (what makes it squishy), silicone (for the skin), and metal (for the buttons on the control).  The polyurethane elastomer doesn’t come in contact with your skin, and the plastic and metal are on the bottom of the vibe, so most of what you’re exposed to is the silicone.  It’s body safe, non-porous, latex free, and phthalate free.  You can easily wash the vibe with soap and water, your favorite sex toy cleaner, or you can sterilize with a 10% bleach solution.  Make sure you don’t soak the toy since it’s only splash proof.  This material is compatible with water-based lubricant only, and a little goes a long way.

The texture of this one is a little difficult to describe.  The surface of the silicone is incredibly silky smooth feeling, and glides fairly easily across the skin.  It repels dust and lint, which makes it so much easier to handle and use.  There’s really no texture apart from the control area and the split tip, but the way it feels is really quite odd.

The squishy inner layer and the silicone skin aren’t stuck together, so the outside of the toy can be pinched much like you can actual skin.  Underneath this layer the polyurethane elastomer has a gel like feeling to it.  You can see and feel it compress, but the material within keeps its shape and looks normal the moment you remove your fingers.

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-Design/Size-

The design of the Sakura screams Japanese!  It’s cute, simple looking, and puffy.  Draw on a couple big eyes and it could look like either a cute fish or bunny depending on how you drew it.

Untitled-10On a real note, the design is fairly simple, but serves a purpose.  The Iroha website says:

“The cherry-blossom pink SAKURA allows you to pinch and please with its indented tip”

Truly, there’s no pinching going on here.  I’m not really sure why they made that statement since the tip can only be pinched if you use your fingers to do so, and it’s not indented enough to really hold it against your clit or nipples and pinch it closed.  It can rest on either side of those areas, and works well that way, but there’s no pinching involved.

The top of the vibrator (the side lacking the controls) is where the toy has the most give.  The bottom has much less in comparison, but you wouldn’t typically use this side against your body.

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The size is very reasonable for a product like this, and fits easily in your hand.  It’s a nice travel vibe because it’s compact, but doesn’t have a locking feature or storage pouch, so you might just want to leave this one at home.  The full length of the vibe measure in at 3 1/4″ and is 2 1/4″ at the widest point.  The tip only indents 3/8″, which might not be enough to properly surround the desired areas.

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-Functions/Controls-

Untitled-7The Sakura is rechargeable and comes with an interesting charging set up.  It features a flat base that the toy magnetically connects to, and has a USB cord that plugs into it.  It also comes with a wall adapter so you can charge your toy using a computer or a regular outlet.  The black base has a clear plastic top and doubles as a storage container for your vibe.  

Untitled-3When it first arrives, it’s important to allow your toy to fully charge before use.  Make sure to line the control buttons up with the magnets on the base and plug it in.  When properly connected to the charging base and plugged in, a small light will glow (from the charging base), letting you know that it’s charging.  Once the charge is complete (after approximately 120 minutes), the light will turn off and your toy will be ready to use.  On a full charge, the power can last up to 90 minutes, but that depends on which settings you’re using.  The stronger settings require more power and will drain the battery faster.  How long your vibe takes to recharge after that will depend on how low the battery was when placed on the charger.

The Sakura has a very reasonable amount of settings.  Three steady vibration settings (low, medium, and high) and one pattern setting (pulse).  To turn the toy on, you press and hold down the plus button until you feel the toy start vibrating.  Each press of the plus button after that will take you to the next setting.  The settings will keep cycling as you press the plus button.  To go back to a previous setting you can press the minus button or cycle back through until you’ve reached it.  When you’re ready to turn the toy off, you simply press the minus button until the vibrations cease.  No matter what setting you’re on, the toy will always start off on the lowest steady setting, the vibe doesn’t hold your place.

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The vibrations travel well throughout the whole toy which is both a positive and a negative.  In one sense it’s great because you can use any area of the toy to stimulate your body, but at the same time it can make your fingers feel a little tingly.  It’s not horrible, but can be slightly annoying at times.

The type of vibrations are a little more rumbly than buzzy, but not by much.  It’s almost like they found the middle ground between the two and felt it was good enough.  It’s enough that it should work for most users, but might fall short for some power queens.

The sound level is quite modest, being impossible to hear through a closed door.  If you’re in the same room with someone else while you’re using it they may hear the vibe from underneath clothing or covers, but a little white noise should cover it.

-Packaging-

The packaging for the Sakura is really classy looking, featuring a sleeve that shows an image of the toy on the front, and contains product information on the back.  Inside the sleeve are two boxes; one that’s white, and one that’s pink.  The white box contains the user manual and charging cord, and the pink box contains your vibrator which is resting inside a cardboard nest, already inside the plastic charger/storage case.  The packaging isn’t discreet since it’s obvious what it contains, but it would make a suitable gift for a close friend or lover.

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The user manual isn’t specific to the Sakura, but covers the whole Iroha line.  It covers the basic information you need to know about charging, how to use, cleaning and care, product specs, etc.  There are warning that state much of the obvious, but also mention things like how important it is to keep away from heat.  Always make sure you wash your vibe with cold or tepid water to prevent damage.  The last thing included in the user manual is the warranty information (1 year against defects due to fault of production or materials), and even has a form you can fill out if necessary.  All this information is covered in eight different languages.

-Experience-

After trying out some of Tenga’s male products (the Black Flip Hole is awesome!), I was excited to hear they were producing a line of vibrating toys designed for women.  When I saw what they looked like and heard about this Soft Touch feature, I was even more interested.

When my Sakura arrived, I was immediately intrigued by the way it felt in my hands.  I spent about 10 minutes fondling the poor thing, trying to figure out if I liked the texture or found it bothersome.  I decided to stop messing with it, and charged it up to see if it felt as odd during use as it did in my hands.

The first time I tested it out, I tried using the indented tip on either side of my clit.  I’m a big fan of targeted stimulation, and I felt pretty underwhelmed by what I experienced.  I tried applying more pressure and that helped, but I just wasn’t a fan of using it that way.

The next time I tested it out, I was determined to find a way to make it work better for me.  I don’t normally like broad stimulation, but I figured I’d try the opposite end first.  Nope, nothing.  I tried using the top.  Yeah…not any better.  I switched it back around and tried the indented tip again, only on its side.  I didn’t just hold it in place, I rubbed it back and forth against one side of my clit, creating a light flicking sensation as a result.  That did it for me.  I was actually pretty blown away by the feeling it provided.  Because the tips are soft, it didn’t cause any discomfort, and I was able to press down pretty firmly during use.

So for me, this wasn’t a very versatile vibrator, but I was able to make it work, and make it work well!  I still think there are better product available, but the Sakura isn’t a terrible little vibe.

If you’re interested in purchasing Sakura, or any of the Iroha line, you can do so by clicking the banner below.

GV

Sakura was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines.

Jan 122014
 

Bedded Bliss: A Couple’s Guide to Lust Ever After

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-The Facts-

Title: Bedded Bliss: A Couple’s Guide to Lust Ever After
Author: Various – Edited by Kristina Wight (Forward by Mark A Michaels and Patricia Johnson)
Publishing Company: Cleis Press
Trade Paper
ISBN 978-1-57344-964-9
5 1/2 x 8, 248 pages
2013

Bedded Bliss: A Couple’s Guide to Lust Ever After is a book geared toward couples’ who are interested in keeping their lusty passion alive despite the stress and situations that come up in long-term relationships.  The book was written primarily for those those in male/female relationships and cover a variety of issues that many married and committed couples often face.

There are many guides available that touch on these important subjects, but Bedded Bliss blends personal experiences, helpful suggestions, and steamy stories into one.  If you and your partner are interested in heating things up, this is the book to grab!  The pages are written on a more personal level so they don’t feel stuffy, and the erotic elements make it feel less intimidating if you’re interested in reading this along with your partner.  Educational and sexy?  Sounds like a pretty awesome pairing!

Bedded Bliss is made up of nine chapters and includes a forward from the authors of Great Sex Made Simple.  Each chapter is made up of three elements; personal experiences and advice, sensual suggestions, and erotic fiction and are set in that order.  Some of the chapters won’t apply to everyone, but there should be at least a little something you’re able to learn and take away from each.

Each chapter contains two erotic stories, other than chapter nine which features eight.  Each story is centered around couples and relate to the subject being covered by that particular chapter.  There are a total of thirteen individual writers and one married couple.  Many of the authors are featured twice, but in separate chapters, providing readers with a variety of writing styles and content.

-My Thoughts-

The concept of this book really interested me, seeing as I’m a married, have children, and am always looking for ways to improve the sexual relationship I have with my husband.  It sounded like the perfect book to turn to when our lust starts fading, and I’d rather read it now before we start slipping into a routine that lacks any spark.

I enjoyed reading the personal experiences shared, and found many of the Sensual Suggestions to be very fresh and interesting.  However, what I didn’t realize was that this book is primarily erotic fiction with some helpful elements thrown into the mix.  Yes, the fiction is well written, centered around couples, and certainly is sexy, but when I saw the word Guide in the title, I assumed there would be less fiction and more suggestions.

That being said, it’s easy to see how many of the stories could excite your own fantasies that could easily spark something within you and your partner, just like most erotica could.  The more I read the more I realized this book was truly designed to be read along with your partner, and that might be why there was less suggestions and more stories about sex.  I know my husband would be bored out of his mind reading a guide along with me, but getting turned on while we read something sexy?  That might be something he’s willing to participate in.

So, while it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, I understand the reason behind it.  I think the goal is to draw couples together, trying to find a common ground that blends useful information and erotic fiction to snag your attention and hopefully get some ideas along the way.

Get this book with the intention of reading it with your partner, the information it contains is helpful and is sure to add something new to your (perhaps) routine sex life.

Bedded Bliss: A Couple’s Guide to Lust Ever After is available to purchase through Cleis Press and can be found by clicking the banner below.

cleispress

Bedded Bliss was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.  This is in compliance with FTC guidelines.

-Chapter Overview-
Excluding erotic fiction titles and authors

CHAPTER ONE:
THE BEGINNING OF LUST – HOW IT STARTS, WHY IT LASTS
Sensual Suggestion: This is it
(Do thing together that help make memories)

CHAPTER TWO:
BEYOND NEWLYWED LUST – AFTER THE HONEYMOON
Sensual Suggestion: Keep in Touch
(Tips on how to remain hands-on with your partner)

CHAPTER THREE:
GROWING YOUR LUST TOGETHER – NICE TO MEET YOU…AGAIN
Sensual Suggestion: Make it Current
(Remembering passion and embracing how both your needs are always evolving)

CHAPTER FOUR:
LUST AFTER PARENTHOOD – PREGNANCY, BABIES, AND TODDLERS, OH MY!
Sensual Suggestion: Playtime for Parents
(Ways to still be playful with each others)

CHAPTER FIVE:
MIDDLE-AGED LUST…AND BEYOND – GROWING OLD ALONG WITH ME
Sensual Suggestion: Aging with Grace
(Trying new things/renewing your commitment to each other)

CHAPTER SIX:
LUST FOR BETTER OR WORSE – WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
Sensual Suggestion: Stuck Like Glue
(Leaning on each other when things are rough)

CHAPTER SEVEN:
DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF LUST – EXPLORING YOUR BOUNDARIES
Sensual Suggestion: Mixing It Up
(Exploring something new together)

CHAPTER EIGHT:
CELEBRATING YOUR LUST – SETTING THE SCENE
Sensual Suggestion: Party of Two
(Creating reasons to celebrate your relationship)

CHAPTER NINE:
ALWAYS TIME FOR LUST – INSPIRATION FOR YOUR OWN ADVENTURES
Sensual Suggestion: Beat the Clock
(Fun ways to liven up a quickie)

CONCLUSION: LUST FOR A LIFETIME

Resource Guide
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
About the Editor
Index