Miscellany

Need ideas for how to use your discount?

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:34:47 GMT

Through Monday, we're running a pretty amazing promo: $5 off when you spend $50 (code: PRIDE5), $15 off when you spend $100 (code: PRIDE15), or $30 off when you spend $150 (code: PRIDE30). That's up to 20% off your purchase, folks! And while I'd never presume to tell you what toys would best suit you, personally, I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you how I might use that discount here at Babeland:

SAVE $5: If I had to pick one toy on which to spend $50, I'm pretty sure I'd be getting my grubby little paws on the Boss Naked ($67). For years -- YEARS -- customers have been begging us to carry a high-quality, realistically phallic vibrator, and now we've got it (exclusive to Babeland, no less!). The Boss Naked is silicone, powerful, realistic without being too realistic, and even has a turbo boost button for an extra burst of vibration when you need it most. Want.

Or, if I were gonna spread the wealth a bit, I might choose to buy the Orgasm in a Box (Hers) for $18 and the Door Jam Cuffs ($32), for a travel-friendly total of exactly $50; put 'em together, and you've got a recipe for amazing hotel room sex. (And I do love hotel room sex.)

And of course, the Hitachi Magic Wand ($54) was/is my first love, and it's still going strong after ten years; frankly, I'd buy another one just to keep in the closet, in case mine should ever give up the ghost.

SAVE $15: Hmm, $100 to spend! I could, of course, go with the Gigi ($109), which has been a G-spot bestseller for years and which I've never tried myself. Or I might try the Jimmyjane Form 2 ($145), about which I've never heard anything but raves for powerful, targeted clit vibration.

Or! I might get myself the We-Vibe Tango ($79), which is usable pretty much anywhere a mini-vibe is used; it fits in some vibrating dildos and some harnesses with little sewn-in pockets, and it's rechargeable! I'm big on rechargeable toys. And to bump that purchase up to $100, I'd add on a bottle of BabeLube Natural ($12) to keep things slick, and/or perhaps the Gee Whiz ($68) to supplement my beloved Hitachi Magic Wand (see above).

SAVE $30: ...and the fun begins! I've had my eye on the SpareParts Harness Combo ($185) for quite some time, as it combines three bestsellers: the SpareParts Joque Harness, the Mustang dildo, and the Babeland Buzz vibe. (And if I'd bought that We-Vibe Tango, above, I could replace the Babeland Buzz with that for future use, too.) Of course, the Zini Deux ($180) has caught my interest as well; I love the idea of a toy that breaks up into two vibrators that my partner and I can use together. And finally, because I am all about sex furniture (but have never actually taken the leap myself), I might have to go with the new Liberator Ramp/Wedge Combo ($270). The idea of having sex in any position comfortably, and without any pressure/pain on the joints... well, it's priceless. Sign me up.

What will you spend your discount on?

It's Lady Porn Day!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:46:26 GMT

A concept generated and dispersed across the web by blogger Rabbit White, Lady Porn Day is (in Rabbit's own words) "a day to explore porn and masturbation. Because it's tough trying to explore porn as a girl." It's a chance to share your thoughts on porn, the good, the bad and everything in between by submitting your thoughts to Rabbit's site or tweeting about it. For this weeklong blogosphere project, she has enlisted amazing sexuality folks to get the discussion going; posts include an interview with porn star Jiz Lee and an excerpt from sexuality educator Betty Dodson's memoir, My Sexual Revolution. The project has been getting a lot of attention, some of which has been critical of its marketing approach and somewhat nonexclusive imagery. That being said, the fact that an open conversation about porn (with all thoughts on the matter given their due time) is being produced is a notable and valid place to start. In the spirit of getting a dialogue going, here is my contribution to Lady Porn Day: I've always had mixed feelings about porn. I've looked at and watched porn for most of my life, though I've had complicated ideas about it throughout that time. Having grown up in the Internet age, I can remember searching out free porn to watch on the web since I was young. I also remember seeing Playboy Magazine at an even younger age and being unable to identify with the hairless, shiny nudity on its pages. Images in porn were such a mixed bag, I sometimes felt I could identify with the participants, while other times not at all. I wasn't always sure what to think of porn, there was so much porn covered, it seemed impossible to have just one opinion on it. Also, knowing that pornography wasn't approved of by my elders, I always felt a little dirty or wrong looking at it (though maybe not always in a bad way, hah!) So sometimes it served to open my sexuality, while the stigma of it sometimes shamed me into trying to avoid it. Yet when I discovered female-lead porn by people such as Tristan Taormino or the erotica from the other women who ran the magazine On Our Backs, I realized that knowing who was showing me sexual images (and why they were showing me them) mattered to me and affected my ability to get excited about viewing pornography. It's been exciting for me to live in a time when queer porn is gaining popularity and stars such as Buck Angel, Billy Castro, April Flores, Jiz Lee and Syd Blakovich have changed the way porn stars look and are "allowed" to act. The notion that porn is empowering, or has the possibility of being empowering, is far more convincing an argument when trans bodies, fat bodies and genderqueer bodies are shown in all their wonderful glory. I also really love what people like Tristan Taormino and Nina Hartley do for education and porn; I can geek out on sex while getting off at the same time! Though porn that shows a range of sexualities and is educational isn't the only kind of porn I watch (I, like most Americans, still enjoy the occasional fast food consumption, if you know what I mean), it helps me to know it's there for others. While I still stand firm that no person can have one singular opinion of porn, good or bad, I'm happy to say that some of the porn I've watched as an individual and as a Babeland employee has educated me, enlightened me and made me a more well-rounded person. And masturbator. What porns have you enjoyed? What porn stars do you vibe with?ino and Nina Hartley do for education and porn; I can geek out on sex while getting off at the same time! Though porn that shows a range of sexualities and is educational isn't the only kind of porn I watch (I, like most Americans, still enjoy the occasional fast food consumption, if you know what I mean), it helps me to know it's there for others. While I still stand firm that no person can have one singular opinion of porn, good or bad, I'm happy to say that some of the porn I've watched as an individual and as a Babeland employee has educated me, enlightened me and made me a more well-rounded person. And masturbator. What porns have you enjoyed? What porn stars do you vibe with?

Need Last Minute V-Day Gifts? Why Not Get Them Delivered...For FREE!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:47:35 GMT

This Saturday, Sunday and Monday only: for those of you who live in Manhattan/Brooklyn or Seattle, but can’t make it to one of our Babeland stores to get your sweetie their V-Day gifts, we’re offering free delivery to your home! The best part? NYC and Seattle residents will get their deliveries handed off to them by Clementine and Va Va Vroom's lovely couriers respectively, with bikes in tow! So spend more time indoors with your honey this holiday weekend and have your goodies brought to you, in expert hands. For NYC residents, deliveries will occur within 3 hours of the order and during store hours. For Seattle residents, deliveries will also be within 3 hours of the order and between the hours of 12pm and 6pm. All stores will be participating from February 12 through the 14. To call a store for a delivery, go to our Store Listings for more contact details.

Our February Guest Blogger...Juicy Justine!

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:58:54 GMT

I am very excited to present our guest sex educator and blogger for this month, Ms. Juicy Justine. Justine, M.Ed., ACS is a highly trained Sexuality Educator and Board Certified Sexologist with her Masters in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Health and Doctorate in Human Sexuality from The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, CA. She is also an Adjunct Professor in Human Sexuality at Middlesex County College, a Gynecological Teaching Associate for the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School & New Jersey Medical School, and a Safe Space Trainer/Board Member for Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Central New Jersey. Justine presents workshops on a variety of topics related to sex and sexuality in an entertaining and interactive format, including such workshops as Sex Toy 101, Sex Positions for Couples, The G-Spot & Female Ejaculation, and The Art of Pleasing a Woman. In fact, it's female pleasure that Justine will be blogging about for us this month, answering her most often-asked questions on such topics as female ejaculation, the G-spot and topics surrounding pleasure and the female body. Stay tuned for more from Juicy Justine!

What Not to Teach: Bad Sex Ed on Tumblr

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:08:52 GMT

Tumblr may not just be for looking at photos of adorable animals or finding nail art inspiration (though in my opinion, those are still two wonderful uses for it). Last month, based on the suggestion of a friend that "someone should start a site where adults share the worst advice they ever got in sex-ed classes as a teen,” one Tumblr user did just that. BadSexEd.tumblr.com was thus born. The best part? It's not just a blog where the stories sent in are funny (though, hearing that women pee through the clitoris is certainly amusing, albeit a little scary!), it's also a page that serves as a laughter-driven reminder of what not to do as a sex educator. Think of it as a witty form of negative reinforcement. And for some more Tumblr fun (and better sex ed!), check out our new Babeland Tumblr here!

Sex Toy Gifts with the Holiday Vulva!

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:52:50 GMT

There's really nothing I can say that this video doesn't say better. So I present to you the first video in our Babeland Holiday Vulva series. Oh, oh, oh! httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0R8fPyXScM

Lingerie Under Layers: Feeling Sexy in the Wintertime

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 04:00:11 GMT

Though the autumn days are growing short and cold, I am resisting the temptation to slap on my thermal underwear and watch Mad Men reruns. Instead, I am actively resisting the cold weather doldrums by wearing lovely lingerie under my layers. In the summer, sex is everywhere, oozing into the storm drains and breathing hot steam on the sidewalk (or is it just me?) But my sexuality takes on a different quality in the fall and winter. Staying sexy is about survival, about finding a time when I can forget the frost and the freeze and just remember: Touch. Heat.

I’m single this season, so I’ve had occasion to really evaluate what my underwear drawer means to me. I remember reading once, in some ladies’ magazine: French women get dressed from the inside out, and that is their key to eternal sex appeal. The cynic in me might question whether the rest of us dress outside in, throwing on a coat and scarf before our bras. However, the romantic in me can only nod in understanding. I’ve had many opportunities this week to talk to my friends about lingerie (another amazing Babeland job perk!) and the consensus has been: what’s the point? I’ve heard a lot of people complain about the very little airtime lingerie gets. It’s beautiful and sexy, but then it’s on the floor in no time. And pondering this conundrum like some half-rate Carrie Bradshaw, I couldn’t help but wonder, what about lingerie for lingerie’s sake? I peeled my philosopher self off the armchair and popped into some Agent Provocateur, one of my favorite purveyors of lace and satin. And in their competent hands, I selected a piece that had that je ne sais quoi. Now, I can celebrate my cold weather erotic self in private, hidden away under my thermal this and wicking that. The flipside is that, if I do get a reveal moment this winter, I am ready to satisfy any curiosity. And when I get home after a long and wonderful day working at Babeland, I can come home and see what I look like under that holiday sweater. It is a next-to-my-skin reminder of just how sexy I am, and how much I appreciate the body that takes me through the seasons with grace and good health. So tell me, readers, what makes you feel hot in cold weather? Is it comfy cotton, slippery silk, or nothing at all? Did you know? Babeland now sells panties in three different styles to go only with that sexy new vibe or warming lube for the wintery season! Available in pin-up style, peekaboo back and peepshow crotchless. They're the perfect way to bring that extra special addition into your winterwear!

October’s Bloggers' Picks

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:00:37 GMT

Here at Babeland we love providing our customers with a well-informed shopping experience. You guys have really enjoyed our Staff Picks feature, where we reveal a little bit about ourselves and the toys we really love, use, and recommend the most. Part of my job here at Babeland is sending review products out to sex toy reviewers and bloggers. They're people just like you and me, who just happen to be part of our affiliate review program and know a thing or two about sex toys. In return, they send me their honest opinions and post product reviews to their blogs. You can find some of these reviews posted in our Guest Toy Reviews and follow @BabelandReviews on twitter for the latest. Inspired by our review program and Staff Picks, we are now presenting monthly Bloggers' Picks, where our sexperts present their favorites and give you even more reasons to indulge. Here are some highlights from this month's Bloggers' Picks feature: 1. Amber isn't racing to check out the latest in vampire fiction to hit bookshelves, but she was intrigued by the Tantus Vamp. She writes in her review: Ahhhh, the Vamp. A creepy fangirl obsession gone to the adult side. The Vamp, for those who haven’t already gone to Babeland and had a hearty chuckle over it, is Tantus’ (very successful) attempt at perverting a recent and very popular vampire romance series that features vampires who sparkle in the sun. 2. Dr. Ruthie is a university instructor and published author. She provides us with awesome reviews that always include video and tons of great information. She choose the Lelo Siri as a top pick. She writes: Pocket-sized, powerful and very seductive, you’ll want to tuck the Siri into your bag for fun on the run or as your new best friend. Check out her video review here as well! 3. Buzz on Vibes is a sex-positive mom who also films video reviews and provides informative reviews. Her pick is Sweet Chocolate Body Cream. She writes: I love lotions, body butters, and all those self-pampering products that make me feel and smell good. My skin is rather sensitive and can be a bit quirky, so I use all-natural stuff as much as possible to avoid potential reactions. So when I offered the Sweet Chocolate Body Cream up for review her reaction was: Chocolate and luxurious body cream in one? Yes please! Check out her review for more info and video! Please check out all of our Bloggers' Picks here and check back next month for more from our staff and our affiliate bloggers. Enjoy!100" height="100">She writes: I love lotions, body butters, and all those self-pampering products that make me feel and smell good. My skin is rather sensitive and can be a bit quirky, so I use all-natural stuff as much as possible to avoid potential reactions. So when I offered the Sweet Chocolate Body Cream up for review her reaction was: Chocolate and luxurious body cream in one? Yes please! Check out her review for more info and video! Please check out all of our Bloggers' Picks here and check back next month for more from our staff and our affiliate bloggers. Enjoy!

Razzle, Dazzle...Tassels! Pasties in Babeland

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:00:11 GMT

Recently, our resident pasties expert Darlinda hosted a FREE workshop on pasties-making in our Babeland Soho store. And it went amazing! We thought you might like to see some of the results: [caption id="attachment_4660" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Here's Darlinda herself, getting folks started on some fancy new pasties."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_4661" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="And here's some NYC tassel lovers, hard at work at their own brand spanking new pasties!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_4663" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Finally, the results! Oh the glitter and the tassels, oh my, oh my!!!"][/caption] If all this display multicolored sparkles has gotten you in the burlesque fanfare mood (and you're not in NYC area), there is an upcoming Babeland-sponsored event with the fabulous Darlinda, going on all around the country!

Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go!

October 18 - November 6

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Can't make it out for a public show? Try a private one. Babeland offers a variety of at-home pasties options. Currently on sale? The Stripteuse Set, complete with feather boa, rhinestone pasties and a cd of striptease melodies, available in select stores and online at Babeland.com.

Babes in the Wild: CLAGS Lesbians in the 70s Conference

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:00:59 GMT

Last weekend, a few Babes from our NYC Soho store attended the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies' conference on lesbians in the 70s, entitled "In Amerika They Call Us Dykes: Lesbian Lives in the 1970s." It was a diverse conference, from the standpoint of attendees as well as presenters from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The event, which took place at the CUNY Graduate Center, had panels on topics ranging from motherhood, spirituality and aging to the Academy, BDSM and sex work. Here's what the Babes had to say about it their favorite panels:

Sarah: I love nothing more than a well-formulated conference, and this one was definitely it. I attended the panel on "Lesbian Sexualities in the 70s" and found it to be very informative. It's really amazing to discover that not only are there other women who have experienced the same things you have, but that they is a great history of women talking about and experiencing the same issues. For instance, I sometimes get frustrated that things aren't radical enough or moving forward at a fast enough pace, so I always thought of people such as Patrick Califia to be my best role models: people who push buttons and get things done. Yet listening to women speak about the difficult divides between BDSM culture and lesbian identity formation in the 70s made me realize how important it is to really educate oneself on what a truly diverse community we have as modern queers, so that I can speak to our past effectively into my own future. Rebecca: This conference was amazing. I love intergenerational conversations, which was exactly what was happening at this conference. My favorite panel was on Disability and Embodiment, where I learned (among other things) that the 70s lesbian fat power activists in San Francisco were the same people who were involved in starting the disability rights movement. Those two movements mean an enormous amount to me and are connected in my life, but I had no idea how connected they are historically! I also really enjoyed the panel called "Defining the Boundaries of Lesbian Identity." It brought up a lot of the disagreements that are on-going in these communities and it was fascinating to see those fights actually play out in person. Lauren: CLAGS was like an all star event, where the womyn from an era of consciousness-raising and radical identities were engaged in active discussion with womyn today - full reunion style! Conversations about lesbian identity, spaces, and bodies were at the forefront, and it was such a special and specific type of conference that made me realize how much I love talking about politics and identities with womyn of various ages and backgrounds. Working at the Lesbian Herstory Archives allows me to be able to keep these types of conversations alive with those who helped to create and sustain it, as well as the womyn who continue to protect and expand its legacy. Because of this desire to keep the story alive, one of my highlights at the conference was the "Black Lesbian Herstory in the 70s: South Afrika to Amerika". Two of the womyn who spoke, talked about their experience with A Queer Black MobileHomeComing, where they travel around the country "collecting and amplifying the social organizing herstories of black women, trans men, and gender queer visionaries" because of their "innovative and loving response to a deep craving for intergenerational connection." Check them out at their homepage.

If you are looking for some literature that is just as comprehensive as this conference was, we recommend The Whole Lesbian Sex Book (2nd Edition), which contains the stories of lesbians of many generations, an outline of the BDSM Hanky Code and other sex-positive materials. It comes highly recommended for anyone whose partner is female bodied and enjoys pleasure (and after all, isn't pleasure good for everyone?)rational connection." Check them out at their homepage. If you are looking for some literature that is just as comprehensive as this conference was, we recommend The Whole Lesbian Sex Book (2nd Edition), which contains the stories of lesbians of many generations, an outline of the BDSM Hanky Code and other sex-positive materials. It comes highly recommended for anyone whose partner is female bodied and enjoys pleasure (and after all, isn't pleasure good for everyone?)

It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month too!

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:00:35 GMT

This month at Babeland, its Pink October and we’re working with customers to support the Young Survival Coalition. While we’re all working very hard to support breast cancer awareness, I thought I’d share that it is also Domestic Violence awareness month. Domestic Violence affects millions of people every year, yet this issue seems to get little attention. Here are some statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Approximately 33 million or 15% of all U.S. adults, admit that they were a victim of domestic violence.
20% of teens who have been in a serious relationship have been hit, slapped, or pushed by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.

I know, it's very sad. But there's good news! You can get involved and help out in really simple ways. Here's how:

Wear purple! (Purple is the official color of domestic violence awareness.)
Donate your old or broken phone to Verizon's Hopeline. Why not? You probably have one lying around that you have no idea what to do with anyway. It's so easy, you can drop it off or ship it free! (Verizon provides phones to participating domestic violence agencies and organizations nationwide for use by victims and survivors as they rebuild their lives.)
Volunteer at your local domestic violence shelter. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a list organized state by state on where local shelters are.
Attend an event! There are lots of walks, workshops, fundraisers going on all over to support domestic violence awareness. Find one in your area and support the cause!
Not sure how else to help? From now until the end of 2010, every time you purchase a Babeland Goodie Bag (which includes 3 different lube samples and Babeland condoms), Babeland will donate $2 to our recipients (the grand total will be split 3-ways between these organizations). Two of these organizations, the Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse and the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, specifically focus on violence against LGBT populations.

Also, if you're looking for more ways to find healing within your own sexuality, Babeland recommends the Staci Haines' book Healing Sex, which focuses on a holistic approach to reclaiming one's mind/body/soul connection subsequent to a trauma. The title is available on Babeland.com and in select stores.

A New Aphrodisiac Café Catering To Your Passions

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 02:00:01 GMT

Didn't think licorice, saffron, and rose had anything in common? Well, apparently they do. They are all aphrodisiac options at The Museum of Sex's new aphrodisiac cafe Oralfix Cafe, located in the chic lower level of the museum. Their menu has an extensive list of ingredients to choose from, most of which possess a 3,000-year old history of reputably sensual traits. At the cafe, you have the option of selecting a prepared drink or customizing a potion that caters to your own desires. As Oralfix’s website explains: Aphrodisiacs from oysters to ashwagandha have been used to affect sexual libido, fertility, potency, and attraction for centuries. OralFix at the Museum of Sex shares these traditions with artisanal elixirs and foods specially prepared for your experimentation and pleasure. One out of the many tasty eatables offered at Oralfix is the Horney Goat Weed Popsicle, which is meant to enhance libido. Coincidentally enough, Horney goat weed, along with energizing ginseng, is found in Babeland's Hathor lubricant! When this lube is applied to the body, it promotes blood flow to that area, in turn getting you in the mood. However, I wouldn't suggest making a Popsicle out of our lube. The sex museum, as well as the cafe, are located at: 233 5th Avenue New York, NY 10016 I couldn’t think of a better place to go and rehydrate after shopping all day for that perfect sex toy. The Cafe is also available for rentals, in case you want to make it an even more intimate experience!

My Form 2 Potato

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:25:31 GMT

I've never seen a water stain that looks like the Virgin Mary, but I did dig up the next best thing in my garden: a red potato that looks like Jimmyjane's Form 2 vibrator. I'm sure I'm not the first one to unearth a vegetable that looks like a sex toy, but really, corn cobs, zuchinni, and cukes are much more common fare! What about you, do you have any X-rated veggie photos to share?! And this isn't first time I've written about gardening and sex toys...

Behind the Scenes at Babeland: What happens when you return a toy?

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 06:54:44 GMT

At Babeland we're pleased to be able to offer a 30 day warranty against breakage or malfunction on all of our products that could break or malfunction (i.e. you can't return a book). For some of our products, we can even offer a 90, six month or one year warranty! But, our customers often want to know - what happens when they return a toy? If you bring a broken or malfunctioning toy back to us, first we'll try to confirm your problem. We do this because sometimes our customers have made a mistake and the toy does work! If we can't get the toy to work either, then we'll ask you if you want to exchange your toy for the same one or if you want to use your store credit to purchase something else. Then, we take your broken toy and put it back in its packaging and put a note on in, describing what is wrong with it. After that, one of our intrepid employees sends the toys back to the company. So, if you've ever wondered why you need to bring back your packaging along with the toy, it's not because we want to re-sell it, it's because the companies require it. Here are some tips on increasing the life of your toy so you don't have to return it!

Take the batteries out when you aren't using it
If it isn't water resistant, only wash it with a washcloth
Do not bend bendable toys when the motor is on or tug on chords - be gentle!
For rechargeable toys, read the manual!

When in New York, take the Babeland tour!

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:40:47 GMT

While recently working at a New York location, I was told by a traveling customer that Babeland is featured in French guidebooks.

New York boasts three locations so I thought it important to ask

"Which store?"

"All three," they told me.

This started me thinking about New York's Babeland stores and the fact that, though Rivington, Mercer and Brooklyn are united by their selection of products and Babeland's mission of sexual vitality, they are distinguished by differences in physicality and surrounding neighborhoods. So uniquely charming is each store that I can easily visualize a cross NYC tour based on Babeland (ala the Sex and the City tour.) Since this tour does not yet exist, light a massage candle, close your eyes and imagine it. You're in a pink, orange and blue Babeland branded bus. Choose a seat. They all vibrate.

First stop is 94 Rivington Street situated between Ludlow and Orchard on the Lower East Side. Second only to Babeland's flagship Seattle location, Rivington was opened by Claire and Rachel in 1998 amid a busy cluster of tailor shops, and, more recently, a crop of excellent restaurants and bars. Open longest of all three stores, Rivington has the late hours for a last minute Sunday condom and candy run (Economy Candy and Sugar Sweet Sunshine are down the street) as well as the environment for an enriching mid-week visit (radical book store Bluestockings is on Allen street.) Rivington also features free mini workshops during Cheap Date nights and Sexy Brunches that are replete with food and drinks. Since the days we were called "Toys in Babeland" and displayed whips and floggers in a bondage forest, Rivington is the store where many New Yorkers (and Babeland employees) first lost their heart and Babeland virginity. Case in point; REM chose to film their video for "Supernatural Superserious" here in 2002.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_We6ubpUHZs

Next stop is 43 Mercer Street between Broome and Grand. Opened in 2003 when we became "Babeland," a trip to Mercer begins with a walk down its long entrance. This hallway is flanked by an orange wall with Babeland mantras such as, ”explore,” "tantalize" and “provoke,” that lend this first walk an exciting, transformative feeling. Like a thrill ride, it seems to say, “you are entering the world of Babeland"- and what a world it is. Mercer is Babeland's largest location and, a tribute to Soho, a cast-iron palace with cobblestone outside. Like its neighboring galleries, you are encouraged to pause and look the works of art on display. As is true of every Babeland location, these works are totally touchable. Paid workshops and large scale events (such as our annual Pride Flirt party) happen here.

See Mercer's palatial lines as featured in Anya Marina's music video for,"Whatever you Like."

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6INLzQaWask

Our end point is Babeland Brooklyn at 462 Bergen Street. The store is a tree lined walk from Atlantic terminal. As you approach Bergen you pass through a colorful stretch of store fronts. Babeland’s blue face and little pink hanging sign coordinate with that of [caption id="attachment_3983" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Babeland Brooklyn"][/caption]its surrounding businesses and such is its place; your friendly neighborhood sex shop. Opened in 2008, Bergen celebrated its second birthday in June. Celebrations in the form of parties and mini workshops happen with frequency at Brooklyn, and often with free muffins and coffee from neighbor Blue Sky Bakery. So new it twinkles, Bergen also has stroller-friendly aisles and a changing table in the bathroom

Marked by their location, united by their mission, visited individually or collectively, each Babeland is part of the world community for sex positivity. When next in New York, take the real Babeland tour!

Street. The store is a tree lined walk from Atlantic terminal. As you approach Bergen you pass through a colorful stretch of store fronts. Babeland’s blue face and little pink hanging sign coordinate with that of [caption id="attachment_3983" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Babeland Brooklyn"][/caption]its surrounding businesses and such is its place; your friendly neighborhood sex shop. Opened in 2008, Bergen celebrated its second birthday in June. Celebrations in the form of parties and mini workshops happen with frequency at Brooklyn, and often with free muffins and coffee from neighbor Blue Sky Bakery. So new it twinkles, Bergen also has stroller-friendly aisles and a changing table in the bathroom

Map of Human Sexuality

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:37:01 GMT

I have been staring at this Map of Human Sexuality forever now. It is fantastic - especially Fisting Cove. Click through to see the large version.

Woman Is Fired for...Fornicating?

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:55:17 GMT

A fourth-grade teacher in Florida was fired from her post when it was revealed that she’d conceived her daughter outside of wedlock. As if that weren’t enough, the offending sex happened just three weeks before her wedding, which she’d been planning for months with the man who is now her husband. Jarretta Hamilton had gone to her boss at the Southland Christian School to request her six-week leave due to pregnancy. She was asked when she conceived (which I find incredibly odd) and answered honestly that it was just before her wedding. Apparently this was textbook fornication, or sex between two consenting adults out of wedlock, and as this act is in violation of the school’s morality guidelines she was fired. To add further insult to injury, her young students and their parents were told of the circumstances leading to her dismissal. Despite the private school’s religious affiliation there is no exemption from federal discrimination laws. On top of that Hamilton has never been told she was performing unsatisfactorily as a teacher. She is pursuing a lawsuit under federal gender discrimination laws, a state marriage discrimination law and due to privacy violations. This story is disturbing on so many levels -- the firing, the morality issue, the disclosure -- but the fact that Hamilton’s boss had the right to ask the details of her private life in the first place is pretty shocking. Furthermore, this is not the first recent news story where the workplace is inappropriately casting judgement on people’s private lives. A few weeks ago we heard about Debrahlee Lorenzana, the woman accusing Citibank of firing her for being “too hot”. Days later there was the story of the high school coach who was fired for sexting his girlfriend, a 20-year-old college student whom he met independently of his career. Am I the only one who feels that we’re being very strangely pulled back into the sexual Dark Ages? Read the full story on Hamilton here.

Sex Toys and Cupcakes

Mon, 10 May 2010 12:55:12 GMT

I was updating the Babeland Seattle Twitter today when I saw this: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Cuppie walking by Babeland Seattle"][/caption] This beyond super cute painting of a cupcake (Cuppie) walking past our Seattle store was done by CakeSpy, the newest shop to open up on Capitol Hill. CakeSpy is a “Dessert Detective Agency dedicated to seeking sweetness (literally) in everyday life”. Sweetness in everyday life is something I can really get behind. CakeSpy had their Grand Opening this weekend and leading up to it they made paintings of a few of the businesses on the Hill which you can see here. CakeSpy features lots of local business we love like Trophy Cupcakes who we had at our 15^th Anniversary party in 2008 and at our Moregasm book release party we had in February. They also feature Cupcake Royale, which is a favorite of our customers based on the number of their pink boxes customers carry around in the store while shopping here. Cupcake lovers are clearly sex toy lovers. They have even featured Wink Cupcakes which we will be having at our Sexy Moms night this Sunday. While we were not able to make it to their grand opening this past weekend, we are super excited about our special painting. Thanks CakeSpy!

Babeland Affiliate Reviews: BDSM Gear for Bondage

Tue, 04 May 2010 07:04:30 GMT

Our Babeland Affiliate Reviewers are regularly putting our selection of BDSM Gear to the test. Below you will find Clips and Links to offsite reviews of some highlighted Babeland Products. Click the links to check out our Affiliate Reviewers Blogs and Sites and to read unbiased opinions about these products. Whether you are looking to be restrained, tied or teased we have something for everyone. Interested in a new addition to your toybag? Let our knowledgeable affiliate reviewers point you in the right directions. Do you or your partner want to be restrained, tied and teased?

Babeland Bondage Tape by Xcritic

This week, I bring to you a review of the awesomeness that is bondage tape!

I really do like bondage tape. It's pretty fascinating to work with. It only sticks to itself, and you can make just about any restraint or clothing item with it -- as long as you have enough time and tape, that is. Plus, it looks hot. What's not to love? (Click the image to read more)

Clipped from: www.xcritic.com by clp.ly

Midori's Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage by Heartbreak Nympho If you're interested in trying bondage for the first time, but have trouble even tying a square knot correctly (like me), you'd be relieved to know that you don't have to become a Master Rope Rigger to do bondage. Midori's Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage, from Babeland.com, is a wonderfully put-together introduction to simple and sexy bondage. (Click the image to read more)

Clipped from: heartbreaknympho.com by clp.ly

Babeland Bondage Rope by Radical Vixen:

Babeland sent me their Bondage Rope to review: From the description: “Tie me up, tie me down — you’ll have no problem getting knotty with this Bondage Rope. Soft, solid-braid multifilament polypropylene rope feels great against the skin, while holding knots perfectly without slipping. There’s no need to sacrifice quality for comfort, as sturdy Bondage Rope feels silky while resisting tearing or fraying. (Click the image to read more)

Clipped from: radicalvixen.com by clp.ly

Enjoy, have fun, be safe and make sure you check back here for more review highlights every week! Want to see more? Check out our entire collection of bdsm toys. These reviews always contain honest opinions, affiliate reviewers are not paid, they are given toys in exchange for reviews. Check these links to find out more about our affiliate and toy review program. You can follow @BabelandReviews on Twitter to read all of the latest reviews as they happen.

, while holding knots perfectly without slipping. There’s no need to sacrifice quality for comfort, as sturdy Bondage Rope feels silky while resisting tearing or fraying. (Click the image to read more)

Clipped from: radicalvixen.com by clp.ly

Sex Dice

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:28:16 GMT

They are possibly the simplest of sex games - sex dice. Easy to use with both sexy and funny scenarios, they are a popular gift for birthdays and bachelorette parties. As XKCD points out this week, however, just make sure you don't mix them up with your other game dice....