The Toy Box: Introducing Toys into the Bedroom

Many women use toys while "on their own time," but are unsure of how to introduce them into play with their partners.  Adding a vibrator to foreplay or even during intercourse can add a whole new level of pleasure for both partners.  However, a lot of women are afraid men will be offended if they ask to bring a toy to bed.

If the two of you have never experimented with toys before, be tactful.  Mention that you think it might be "fun for both of you" to use a vibrator during intercourse, or that you've always fantasized about him using a toy on you.  Making mutual pleasure the focus of the conversation will help take the pressure off.

If your partner is open to the idea of bringing a toy under the sheets, get his input on what he would like to try.  Do some shopping online for a toy that will suit both of your tastes.  Many couples find toy shopping to be a sexy & fun experience, whether on line or in a store!

Do your research before purchasing a toy. Good quality toys are not always inexpensive purchases - make sure you know what it is made of, how you clean it, and what kind of lube is suitable to use with it.

There are many great starter toys, including vibrating cock rings,  and small massagers that are great for toy-novices to try out.  Enhancement Gels, like tingling clitoral gels and g-spot enhancement gels are also a great way to break into the world of toys and discovery!

When trying anything new in the bedroom, always remember to bring your sense of humor.  Things don't always go as planned the first time, great sex is a journey with many twists and turns, and sometimes the best response is laughter.

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Which Lube is Right for Me?

Setting out to buy a personal lubricant is much more complicated than it may seem.  The shelves of your local adult boutique will be lined with dozens of lubes, each claiming to be the best.  So, how do you know which one is good for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself and your partner:

1. Are you planning on using your lube along with a toy? If so, it is good to know what your toy is made of.  Many toys are made of silicone, which is one of the safest materials on the market.  However, silicone based lubes, can actually eat away at the silicone, causing small pits and holes to form in your toy! Water based may be a safer option for you.
2. Do you use condoms? Condoms are great for preventing the spread of STI's and preventing unwanted pregnancies.  We want to make sure they do the best job they can! Avoid, at all costs, oil based or petroleum based lubricants, as they can break down latex.
3. How sensitive are you to yeast infections?  Many lubes contain glycerin, which is a form of sugar.  Yeast thrives off sugar, which can lead to nasty infections.  If you are sensitive look for products that are Glycerin Free. You can read more about Glycerin and Yeast Infections Here!
4. What kind of sex do you have? Are you delving into anal sex? Want to make oral sex more tasty? Looking for a great lube for manual stimulation? There's a lube for that!  Different kinds of sex require different kinds of lube. For anal sex, look for a thicker lube, and one with anti-bacterial properties gives added benefits.  Plan on enjoying some oral stimulation? Try a flavored lube to increase pleasure! Need a little help with manual play? Something extra slick, that doesn't leave a sticky residue on your hands afterwards will work wonders.
5. Are you looking to bring your experience to a whole new level? Look for warming lubes, they increase the feeling of intimacy between partners, and feel great all over.
6. Are you concerned about Chemicals? Many of us are trying to live healthier lifestyles, by eliminating processed foods, exercising more, and reducing our chemical exposer.  This shouldn't stop at sexual enhancement products.  Parabens, for instance, are linked to a whole host of scary illnesses, which you can read about HERE. Look for lubes that state "Paraben Free" and "DEA Free" on the package.

If you or your partner is on the shy side, why not try shopping for personal intimacy products on-line? Online shopping is a safe, private way to get the goods you may be a little squeamish to buy.

Lubes can add a whole new level to intimacy and pleasure to your sexual experience, as well as relieve the discomfort that is accompanied by a lack of natural lubrication.  Have fun, play safe, and enjoy a variety of lubes.  After all, variety is the spice of life!

The Sinclair Institutes Sexual Health Workshop & Fundraiser a Huge Hit!

Intimate Organics was a proud sponsor of The Sinclair Institutes Sexual Health Workshop and Fundraiser in April. Hosted by the Sinclair Institute®, along with local sex therapist and educator Annie Cotten, their goal was to raise money for the non-profit organization American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). The missionl of the AASECT and the event is to promote healthy sexual attitudes and behavior amongst the public and health practitioners. This is something Intimate Organics was excited to support!

Four generous gift baskets were successfully raffled off during the event. Every guest was happy to leave with Intimate Organics Samples of HYDRA & DEFENSE Lubricants, EMBRACE Tightening Gel as well as a wealth of sexual health information.

For More information, visit the Sinclair Institutes Better Sex Blog (http://www.bettersexnetwork.com/blog/), the AASECT (http://www.aasect.org/), and Intimate Organics (www.intimateorganics.com).

Intimate Organics is always looking for events to sponsor! If you have something coming up please feel free to contact us through facebook, twitter, our blog, or email for more information.

Keep It Spicy: Sex in the Shower

A shower or bath for two can be a fun way to relax, unwind, and prepare for a steamy night. However, a lot of couples feel awkward to initiate, or are unsure of what to do once they get in there.

First and foremost, plan a head just a little. Although it may take away some of the spontaneity of pulling your lover into a hot, steamy shower with you, a slip and fall is a sure fire way to ruin the mood.  If you don’t already have anti-slip stickers on your bathtub or shower floor, it might be a good idea to put some down!

There are many great products on the market, including Sex in the Shower locking suction cup handles and foot rests to help

Sex in the Shower Locking Suction Cup Handles

While the actual act of sex in the shower may be thrilling, there are even more fun things you can do to lead up to the act.  Lather each other up with a body puff or natural sponge.  Use a body wash with lots of lather and a delicious scent.  Don't forget to lead up with lots of foreplay. The shower is a great place to explore oral sex or anal play for those who may normally be a little shy.

The Toy Box: Toys 101

For ages, women have been using toys during solo sex to help them achieve orgasm, but more and more they are incorporating them also into couple play.  There is even a statistic floating around the internet that the sale of sex toys may trump the sale of smartphones over the next few years!

Since these toys are becoming such a hot commodity, we wanted to give you the downlow in a weekly series, “The Toy Box.” Today we’ll be grazing over sex toy basics, and would love to hear your input!

Before you rush out to your local adult boutique, think about what you want to explore: g-spot stimulation, anal play, something you both can benefit from? This will narrow down what kind of toy you are looking for.

Lelo Vibrating Love Ring

So you’ve narrowed it down, and have found something appealing.  Do you know what it’s made of? Some soft rubbers contain phthalates – as the rubber breaks down over time, the phthalates are released into the environment (and potentially you!).  These nasty chemicals have been linked to a whole host of problems, from metabolic disorders, to fetal development issues.  Silicone is a safe option, or anything labeled as “phthalate free.”

The use of lube heightens pleasure and sensation, and is especially important when using a toy.  If your new toy is made of silicone, do not use a silicone based lubricant.  Silicone lubes break down the silicone in the toy, causing small pits and holes to form which can provide hiding places for bacteria.

This leads us to one of the most important lessons of Sex Toys 101; purchase a good toy cleaner. Although many toys can be cleaned with soap and water, toy-cleaners contain powerful anti-bacterial agents that are safe on many surfaces.  Remember to never submerge non-waterproof, battery operated or vibrating toys!

Store your toys somewhere discreet so as not to be found my prying eyes.  There are many lockable storage boxes on the market that are perfect for hiding toys, including this discreet "tissue" box by Toi Box.

ToiTissue by ToiBox

Bringing toys into the bedroom is a great way to explore new areas of intimacy.  Used together or alone, they are sure to please!

Want more Intimate Organics in your Life?

Do you yearning for more Intimate moments in your life? We are hosting a Giveaway - a 30ml tube of INTENSE! "Like" Intimate Organics and Comment on our Facebook Page telling us Why You Love Intimate Organics for your chance to win! A Winner will be drawn on Tuesday! Goooooood Luck!

Add a Little Summer Romance

Summer is our favorite time of the year.  The sun is shining, we get to slip into skirts and sandals, and most importantly, there are lots of long weekends!

Long weekends are the perfect excuse to fit in a little extra romance into our busy lives.  Face it, between our careers, families, finding time for fitness & friends, there often isn't time at the end of the day.

Here 10 sexy things to try on your next long weekend:

1. Watch a movie together - and make it something thrilling.  It will give you a great excuse to hold his hand and have him hold you close.
2. Hop in the Shower with him! Grab a body wish with lots of lather and scrub each other down.
3. Cook an Aphrodisiac-filled dinner for two.  There are tons of food that have hidden, sensual powers.  There are the obvious, like clams, chocolate, berries, and wine. In a recent blog post we reviewed some less common aphrodisiacs, which you can read about here.
4. Give him a massage.  Read up on our tips for giving a great, sensual massage, and pick up a great smelling massage oil.  We bet he'll have no problems returning the favor!
5. Go shopping together... at an adult boutique. 60% of UK women admit to getting turned on by shopping for adult toys.  Not only can it be an arousing experience for you and your partner, it will undoubtedly add a little extra excitement into your long weekend.  There are lots of toys and products you can use that will enhance the experience for both of you.  Eden Fantasys has a great selection of sensual products for couples, from games to toys and lotions, there is something for everyone.
6. Get Frisky Out Side. We don't recommend getting too hot and heavy, but a make-out session in a secluded park can be very exciting.  You won't be able to get back home fast enough!
7. Go Out for Breakfast.  An early morning breakfast out can be a great way to sit down together and have a great conversation and re-connect over newspapers and fresh coffee.  Connecting this way is an important way of building communication, which is the key a great sex life.
8. Treat yourself to some beautiful Lingerie.  Ever notice how you feel more confident when you're dressed in your favorite outfit? Well wearing some sexy lingerie that shows off your curves will do the same for you in the bedroom, and your partner will love it. Bare Necessities and Fig Leaves has lingerie that will flatter all shapes and sizes, 
9. Do it somewhere other than the bedroom.  This needs no explanation... just remember to close the blinds.
10. Spend an extra 15 minutes in bed in the morning, and spend it just cuddling, a great way to add some intimacy and remind each other how you really feel.

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When Sex Hurts

For a woman, not being able to get naturally lubricated can be as embarrassing and frustrating as a man who cannot maintain an erection.  It can lead to feelings of inadequacies in both partners, but is a very common issue

Many women know about the changes that happen during menopause, but vaginal dryness when on the birth control pill, or during different stages of their menstrual cycle can come as quite a surprise.  Anytime that estrogen levels are lowered, your chance of experiencing dryness increases.

Luckily, there are a lot of excellent products on the market that can actually add a whole new level of intimacy for many couples, even if they do not have a problem with lubrication. 

Lubes now come in all shapes and forms, from plain to flavored, warming and cooling, tingling and sensation enhancing or reducing!  Look for water based lubes, free of glycerin if you are sensitive to yeast infections.  There are also lubes on the market with Carrageenan, which has been linked to preventing HPV! Not only do they add more slickness, but they can be good for you to!

Keep It Spicy: Sexting

We are starting a weekly series on Keeping It Spicy.  We've decided Wednesday is the perfect day to run this series, and hopefully will give you some inspiration to help get you through the longest day of the work week!

"Sexting" has been in the news a lot lately, with a lot of negative connotations.  If you haven't heard of this phenomenon, "sexting" is the act of sending sexually suggesting text messages, and is what got one famous golfer (among dozens of scandalous celebs) in hot water.

So, what's with all of this sexting?   A recent study in Canadian Living Magazine showed that nearly one third of women engage in sexting with their partner.

Sending a suggestive text message to your partner is a great form of fore play, and an easy way to ease yourself into bringing some dirty talk into the bedroom.  Many women and men feel more comfortable expressing their fantasies through a text than in person, which can open up new areas of exploration for couples. Here are some tips to incorporate a little spice into your text messages:

1. Be suggestive, but not too graphic.  Leave some things up to his imagination!
2. Delete your message history - you don't want those messages falling into the wrong hands.
3. Test the waters. Start off slow and see how your man responds.
4. Don't be shy! Your guy will love a little afternoon flirt
5. Don't send pictures - this will inevitably turn into disaster! 

Sexting is a fun way to set the mood and build anticipation.  Give it a try, send your guy a suggestive message, and see how fast he makes it home tonight!

Aromatherapy for Couples

The five senses all play an important role in seduction and sensuality; however the sense of scent is often overlooked.  Aromatherapy can be used to enhance your intimate experiences.

Different scent blends can help you to create any mood.  Clean, citrus scents can help energize, sweet scents like vanilla or cocoa can act like aphrodisiacs, and lavender or chamomile can help relax.

You can incorporate aromatherapy into your romantic evening through the use of essential oils in massage oils and balms, lotions, and scented candles.  Body lotions, sprays, and washes can now be coordinated for a complete aromatherapy experience.

A great way to start off a romantic night of aromatherapy treatments is by sharing a bath or shower together with a foaming body wash.  You’ll soon find that lathering each other up is a fun and romantic way to create some intimacy.

“My Lube Gave me a Yeast Infection!”

“It was a total nightmare! I was getting re-occurring yeast infections every few weeks.  A week or so would go by after finishing the treatment for one, and I’d be right back at the drug store again with another yeast infection!”

As many as 75% of women are diagnosed with at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, while about 5% of women report more than 4 per year.  Anyone who has experienced one knows how agonizing and disrupting they can be.

What many women fail to realize is that there are many everyday products that can upset the body’s natural PH levels which can cause an overgrowth of yeast, leading to an infection.

“I was one of those unlucky ladies who was prone to yeast infections, but this was definitely unusual.  I finally went to my Dr. to figure out what was going on.  She did some testing and asked about what kind of soap, detergent, and personal lubricant my boyfriend and I were using.”

Many unsuspecting couples blindly reach for the lube in the throws of passion. What they fail don’t know is it may contain glycerin.  Glycerin is a relative of glucose, otherwise known as sugar.  Yeast thrives off of sugar, which can result in an overgrowth of the naturally occurring yeast, resulting in an infection.

Yeast infections are uncomfortable to say the least, but can also be disruptive to your sex life.  If you are prone to yeast infections, be sure to look for lubricants and sexual enhancement products that state “Glycerin Free” on the label. 

If you think you may have a yeast infection, make an appointment with your doctor to have it diagnosed. Use condoms until you are sure the infection has cleared, to prevent passing the infection to your partner, and potentially back to you again.  Yeast infections can usually be treated with medication bought at a drugstore. Be sure to follow the directions carefully to make sure your infection is properly treated.

Other things such as anti-biotic use, going on and off birth control pills, and changes in overall health can increase your chances of getting a yeast infection.  Overly perfumed products and harsh soaps can also be disruptive to natural yeast levels. Supplementing with acidophilus, using glycerin free products, and eating a healthy diet can help maintain normal yeast levels in the body and prevent reoccurring yeast infections.

The Way to a Man's Heart...

We have all heard the cliché, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” It turns out there may be some truth to that.

Before the age of modern medicine, people have been using food as a natural aphrodisiac.  Here are a few unexpected foods that can help spice up your love life:

Coffee has been long thought of as a sexual stimulant.  While there may not be scientific proof that it acts as a libido enhancer, it is a stimulant and increases energy.  Just remember, too much and it can act as a depressant.  Why not treat your lover to a shot of espresso after dinner, and before desert?

Ginger and Garlic are both considered aphrodisiacs in many traditions.  Both ingredients stimulate circulation, and are great for your health.  Just make sure you are able to sneak away to freshen your breath before things get too steamy.

While Pine Nuts may not seem sexy, they are high in zinc, which is important for maintaining male potency.  Pine Nuts have been used since the Middle Ages as a cure for a weak libido.  Throw some into a pesto sauce or in your favorite cookie recipe and see it arouses in your relationship!

More than their magical aphrodisiac powers, these foods inspire us to sit down and savor a meal together.  Set the mood, light some candles, and slip into something sultry; it is a sure fire way to a long, steamy night.

The Fine Art of Self-Confidence

Admit it, how many times during sex does your mind wander to thoughts like this: “Does my hair look ok?” or “I wonder if he’s noticed I’ve gained 5 lbs?”  Thoughts like this can be real mood killers and can have a huge impact on our self-esteem. 

A study, published in the Journal of Sex Research, found that cultural emphasis on youth and beauty, specifically being thin, had more of an impact on women’s libido than changes that occur during menopause!

It’s obvious how your body image can impact your sex life, but what can we do to change it?  Take time to become comfortable with your body, get to know what you look like naked, and become comfortable with all of your parts.  Talk to your girlfriends about your insecurities, and share a laugh over it.  Feeling like you are the only one who suffers from cellulite, a stray hair, or a few extra pounds can be really isolating.  Open up and realize you are not alone, and in fact, you’re completely normal!

Image Courtesy of Dove 

Survey after survey shows that most men prefer curvy women, not the super skinny models featured in most fashion magazine.  In fact, in a recent study at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where men were shown pictures of women and asked to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, it showed that the women who appeared the most confident were the most attractive. 

Stop and think about what you find attractive in a man.  Are you overly concerned with the measurement of his waistline? Or are you more concerned about his sense of humor, the fact that you can have a great conversation?

Do your sex life a favor, when it’s time to hit the lights, put all of those ideas of the “perfect body” out of your mind.  He undoubtedly things you are beautiful, sexy, and smart… even with an extra 5 lbs.

Intimate Organics has been Nominated!

Intimate Organics is so proud to have been Nominated for several StorErotica product awards this year.

We have been listed under the Hot Product of the Year, Sexual Enhancement Product of the Year, and Lubricant Manufacturer of the Year.

Registering only takes 2 minutes, and will allow you to submit 10 votes per category! Remember to vote for your Favorite Independent Store while you are there.

Show your love for Intimate Organics, the Original Organic Lubricant and Enhancement line, by registering and voting.

Thank you so much for your nomination and votes!

Sensual Massage

A massage is an excellent way to set the mood and treat your partner to something special. However, many couples are unsure of where to begin.  Here are a few pointers on how to give a truly sensual massage.

Start by setting the mood.  Light some candles, turn down the lights and add some soft music.  Have your partner lie down, undressed, with a pillow to support their head.  Gather anything you will need during the massage nearby, and turn off your cell phones so there won’t be any interruptions. 

Use a good quality massage oil or balm.  Lotions tend to absorb into the skin too quickly, whereas oils and balms will provide a smoother surface for your hands to glide over.  For an extra special massage, pick up a massage oil that contains essential aromatherapy oils to help set the mood.  Scent can play an important role in arousal, which we will discuss in an upcoming post. You may also want to make sure you have a towel hand to wipe off any excess oil after the massage.

Start by warming the massage oil between your hands, completely covering your hands so they glide smoothly over your partners’ skin.  Begin gently, grazing your hands over your partners back, transferring the oil or balm onto their skin. 

There are several massage “techniques” you can use, including pushing and rolling your palms up and down across your partners’ body, kneading your partners’ muscles between your thumbs and fingers, or simply drawing gentle circles over his skin. You can extend your massage to other parts of the body, including the arms, thighs and calves.

The most important part of any massage is feeling and listening to your lover’s response.  You can tell by his moans or slackening of shoulders if he is responding to your technique.  If it works, go with it!

Massage is an excellent way to create an intimate bond within a relationship.  Set aside some time this weekend to treat your partner to something truly sensual.

Toxic Additives: Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.  These compounds and their salts are used primarily for the bactericidal and fungicidal properties.  They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, and toothpaste.

Previously published studies have shown that parabens are able to be absorbed through the skin and bind to the body’s estrogen receptors encouraging breast cancer cell growth.

Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. The preservatives are used in many cosmetics and some foods to increase their shelf life.

A number of researchers and skin care experts have discovered that this preservative normally found in skin care products such as shampoos, moisturizers can be toxic.  It becomes even more dangerous the longer the person is exposed to it.  Parabens can do the following:

·        Alter the estrogen process among women, increasing the tendency of developing estrogen-dependent diseases like breast tumors

·        Heighten the existing allergic reactions experienced by the user

·        Decrease the sperm cell count among males

·        Promote skin allergic reactions like contact dermatitis and rosacea

·        Spur the development of skin cancer

·        Cause problems to fetal development for pregnant women

In the US and Canada there are very few restrictions on the use of parabens in cosmetics.  Internationally, regulations are stricter, and concentrations of parabens in consumer products are more strongly regulated (http://www.davidsuzuki.org)

If you are concerned about Parabens in your personal care products, check your labels.  Look for products labeled “Paraben free”.  Organic alternatives to chemical preservatives include essential oils, which are safer and more nourishing to the skin.