Sexual Health

Babeland's Top 10 Sex Tips For 2013, Part 2

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:40:00 GMT

We're continuing our series of Top 10 Sex Tips for 2013. You can read the first installment here and check back later this week for five more.

3. Send for reinforcements.
Obviously, the folks at Babeland are a sex-toy obsessed bunch. We especially like toys that offer different sensations than hands and orifices, and toys that you can use alone or with a partner. This year one of our best selling favorites has been the Blossom Sleeve. This toy really enhances stimulation of the penis during masturbation, hand jobs, or blow jobs. Use it to create suction and switch up the action.

Another one of our favorites is the Sqweel 2. Even though it's shaped like little tongues, it does something that tongues can't because it rotates. And it goes in reverse. Let them flicker across the nipples, clit, balls, perineum, or penis and enjoy the ride.

The We-Vibe 3 is our bestselling couple’s vibrator and a popular choice because it makes simultaneous orgasms a possibility. The C-shaped vibe can be worn during penetration and stimulates a woman’s clitoris and G-spot at the same time while her partner can feel the sensations, too. The We-Vibe 3 attends to all the sensitive spots at once in a way that body parts can’t.

4. Make things easy for yourself.
A lot of customers come in to talk to us for sex advice in general, not just about sex toys. We routinely hear customers express nervousness and insecurity about their bodies not performing the way they “should”. First of all, whatever your body does or doesn't do is just fine, and there is no need to feel inadequate! This is so important we included it in the Babeland Bill of Rights in Moregasm: Babeland’s Guide to Mind-Blowing Sex, “Remember, you are sexy inside and out”. Whatever your responses, fantasies and consensual activities, they are just exactly the way they’re supposed to be.

5. Come hither
Whether it's vaginal or anal penetration, curve your fingers, dildo, or penis towards the front of the person being penetrated. That means if you're stroking the G-spot, move your fingers or the toy in a "come hither" motion towards the belly. Same if you're dealing with a prostate, go in the butt and then towards the belly button. Belly= yes, spine=no.

Check back in a couple of days for more sex tips!

Babeland's Top 10 Sex Tips For 2013

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 01:25:00 GMT

This past year at Babeland has been amazing, fun, and full of fabulous sex advice. When you spend as much time talking about sex and being surrounded by sex toys all day the way we are, you start to think creatively! That's why we want to share some of our favorite sex tips that have come from our workshops over the past year. We encourage everyone to experiment and be creative, this year and every year, so here are some things to get you started! We'll run this as a series, so keep watching here for all ten tips to be posted over the next week.

1. Speak your mind
We believe that communication is key, both in and out of the bedroom. When you're not in the bedroom, it's a good time to have the "big picture" conversations about boundaries and experimenting.

In the bedroom, things sound a little different. That's why advocate brushing up your dirty talk skills. We love dirty talk because it's hot, fun, and a great way to make sure that everyone involved is on board with what's happening. We know that dirty talk can be intimidating for a lot of people, so we've come up with some easy prompts. To get started, say what you're going to do, "I'm going to suck on your nipples." Then ask a question, "Do you like it when I suck on your nipples like this?". Next, you can offer up something like, "I love sucking on your hard nipples.". Just like that! You're talking dirty. The Dirty Dice are also a great way to get the words flowing. Roll the dice and you'll get a body part and an action. Say it out loud before you do it.

2. Arouse your entire body
When you have the time, we always recommend incorporating your entire body into your sex play because that increases stimulation and arousal. Especially in the winter months, it's nice to have something that's going to warm things up. Massage candles are the perfect accessory this time of year. These soy candles burn at a low temperature and melt down into a fragrant, warm massage oil. Blow out the flame and pour the oil onto your lover. As you massage their bodyl, this sensuous, silky touching engages all their senses.

Stay tuned for more sex tips that will turn up the heat in 2013.

5 Guilt-Free Tips to a Saner You During the Holiday Season

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:45:00 GMT

The holidays are here and it can be a hectic time of year. There are the parties, the special meals, maybe you bake cookies and decorate.Then there's the gift shopping and travel. The impulse is to try to get more done than is humanly possible. So here are five ways to ease stress and pay attention to your own needs.

1. Reward yourself for good deeds. For example, for every two items you check off your to-do list, treat yourself to a date with your vibrator.

2. Trade up your indulgences. Instead of that fifth glass of eggnog, or the 12th candy cane, promise yourself 15 minutes with your favorite book or TV show.

3. Reprioritize your gift list. Cashmere sweaters are nice, but when someone asks you what you want, how about asking for some experiential treats instead, like a romantic date with your partner, or ask for babysitting from a friend so you can go out.

4. Schedule some downtime. Just say no to that last store, and get yourself home to a hot bubble bath. If you schedule this on your calendar you won’t be lying when you leave the office party early “for other plans.”

5. Let music make your mood, not break it! If you start to develop an allergic reaction to mall Christmas music, replace it with music you like! Stash headphones in your pocket or purse along with your iPhone or MP3 player and you can tune out the chaos, and tune into the songs that make you happy.

How do you manage holiday stress? Share your tips with us in the Comments Section.

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day With Eco-Friendly Sex Tips

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day With Eco-Friendly Sex Tips

In addition to our fundraiser for Climate Ride and our feature on eco-friendly sex toys this month, we’re hosting several events in our stores in New York City and Seattle to share tips on how to green your sex life. We were especially excited to welcome Stefanie Iris Weiss, the author of Eco-Sex: Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life Sustainable. Lucky customers got to meet her at an event at Babeland SoHo on April 19th and to hear her helpful tips about how to be eco-friendly in the bedroom.

Tell us about where you got the inspiration for you book, Eco-Sex: Go Green between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life Sustainable.
I was inspired to write Eco-Sex when I noticed a trend amongst my "greenest" friends -- they were doing the eco thing in every arena except their sex lives. They were recycling, buying local, talking about global warming, but they were still using lubes with parabens, and had old, phthalate-ridden sex toys. I wanted to deepen the discussion about the links between our health and the environment by bringing that awareness to our most intimate lives. This is something, sadly, that many people still aren't comfortable discussing. I also felt that more fun and pleasure were desperately needed in the enviro-space. It's kind of dire for the Earth right now, and sustainability advocates can be a bit dry and take themselves too seriously. If we're going to do this incredibly important work, we need to enjoy life, too!

In your opinion, what is the sexiest thing about Eco-Sex?
For me, Eco-Sex begins with your relationship to your own body -- what you put on it and in it. When you begin to develop consciousness about the personal care products you use--the stuff you slather on your skin-- you develop a deeper sensual connection to yourself. So Eco-Sex starts when you wake up in the morning and confront yourself in the mirror. Dedicating a bit of extra time to your health by making that holistic connection can massively improve your sex life. It makes you love and respect your body, and forces you to slow down. When you bring that added dose of sensuality and consciousness to the bedroom, it's pretty amazing.

What are your favorite eco-sexy toys?
Jimmyjane toys are my absolute faves! First of all, they're like beautiful sculptures. I always say that my Jimmyjane toys are best kept on top of the nightstand as art, not hidden away in the drawer. You'll want to show these babies off. Also, Jimmyjane has the highest standards when it comes to health and sustainability. All their (beautiful) design is done in-house and they only use the healthiest materials, like body-safe silicone.

What is your idea of a perfect eco-sexy date?
I like to start dates first thing in the morning -- long before meeting up. I make it into a whole Cleopatra-ritual from washing my face in the morning until the date itself. Cooking a vegan meal for your lover is hot, especially when you're using gorgeous, organic, locally-sourced produce. And definitely sneak some aphrodisiacs into your recipes to heighten the experience. In NYC, we're lucky, because most of our dates have the eco-imprimatur; we don't drive -- we take the train or walk. There are so many lovely eco-friendly, vegan restaurants in the city right now. Two of my faves are Pure Food and Wine and Candle 79 -- very sexy. And for first dates, Cocoa V in Chelsea is cute and romantic.

What is your top tip for greening your sex life?
Get into coconut oil -- it's a multi-purpose elixir that you can use all over your body. First of all, just smelling it makes you want to have sex. It's also a beautiful moisturizer, hair oil, makeup remover, and massage oil. And you can also put it in your smoothie. Just don't use it with a latex condom because it will cause it to degrade.

Sex Tips to Stay Green with Stefanie Iris Weiss

Like us on Facebook and enter to win a Lelo Lyla

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:30:00 GMT

You LIKE us! You really LIKE us! As of right this moment, we are only 17 LIKES away from three thousand likes on our Seattle Facebook page. I think we can get 17 more fans this weekend, don’t you?

Help us get there and you will be entered to win a Lelo Lyla! There are 2 ways to enter.

1. Comment below with the “status” you would use to let all your Facebook friends know that they should like us too.

We would also like to know what you want to see on our Facebook page. Some of the things we regular post are sale info, new toy announcements, funny things happening in the store as they are happening (like the decapitated dildo we found in the street; when we superimposed our faces on lingerie models bodies, or when the ladies dressed as Victorian carolers posed next to the vintage vibrator display); and workshop and event listings.

2. Let us know what you like to see on our page. What do you come to our page to find out? Let us know in the comments section to enter to win the Lelo Lyla!

When we hit 3k fans on or Seattle Facebook page, we will pick a winner from all the comments below. You can comment with your status to spread the love of Babeland to your friends, or with what you want to see on our Facebook page.

Thanks from the Babes at Babeland Seattle. We really like you all too.
xoxoxoxo

Leap Year 2012- What Will You Do With Your Extra Day?

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:30:00 GMT

Imagine this: You live to be 100 years old. In that time, you get an “extra” 25 days for every Leap Year. It adds up! Seize your Leap Day this year and make it count. Knock off something on your sexual bucket list, try a new activity, take a risk, do something special for a loved one, whatever it is, just make it matter.

What will you do with your extra day? Share your Leap Day plans with us and you could win a fabulous Lelo sex toy! We’ll draw a winner at random and send you something special you can use to make more memories. Very pleasurable memories, that is. Tell us in the Comments section by midnight on February 29th and we’ll notify a winner on March 1st.

Last Day of the Flash Sale!

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT

The supremely awesome Mystic Wand vibrator is marked down this weekend to $41 from its regular price of $69. Wand vibes are designed to deliver powerful sensation by concentrating all the intensity in the bulb at the head. The Hitachi Magic Wand is a well-known, bestselling classic.

The Mystic Wand has the same scale of power, but features an overall slimmer profile that will please anyone who finds the size of the Hitachi unwieldy. The Mystic Wand also uses batteries or comes in a rechargeable version, although that isn’t the model that is featured in this Flash Sale.

Get yours today! Stop by your local store in New York City or Seattle or shop with ease on babeland.com before Midnight PST.

The Crave Duet Will Spark Your Fantasies

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The fact that the Crave Duet doesn’t look like anyone’s idea of a vibrator is one of its strongest points. This is the vibrator for women who don’t think they like vibrators because they associate them with objects that are embarrassing or phallic-shaped. My first thought when I saw it was “tuning fork”. Doesn’t sound sexy, unless you’re a musician, but keep reading.

I like the weight of it. The metal has a nice, solid feeling and it’s sexy. It’s the vibe a Bond Girl would slip out of her thigh-high leather boot or have tucked away in her Chanel evening bag. I like objects that make my life feel glamorous and a little bit mysterious and the Crave Duet does all that and more.

Since beauty is only silicone-coated, not skin deep, in this case, I’ll also add that the Crave Duet is powerful and perfect for every mood. It’s got a light touch on the low end and builds to a blasting crescendo on the high end. The shape creates a veritable surround-sound of stimulation for the clit. When it’s all over, just detach the charger from the vibe and slip it into your USB port and the Crave Duet will be ready to go when you are.

What’s your favorite vibrator design? Tell us in the comments.

Art of Feminine Dominance with Midori (WIN a ticket!)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT

I always feel very lucky when Midori is visiting Seattle. She usually comes this way at least once a year, and thankfully Babeland is always on her list of places where she wants to teach. We have her teaching here this weekend while she is in town putting on Bang 4 The Buck, hands down the hottest women’s play party of the year. It is a fundraiser for AIDS Life Cycle, and Babeland donates tons of sex toys to the raffle to help raise money. The Strip-O-Rama is beyond hot with all shapes and sizes of women taking it off to the cheering crowd for charity. If you don’t have your tickets yet, be sure to get them ASAP and bring your dollar bills.

Midori is one of THE best sex educators I have had the honor of learning from. I especially love how much she pays attention to her pupils and weaves their questions into the lesson in seamless ways so we are all learning her tips and tricks and applying them to specific real life situations.

This weekend she is teaching the Art of Feminine Dominance, Level 1. I have taken this class before, and it has a major positive impact on my sex life. People often think they have to be a dominatrix to take this class, but really this class is about getting what you want in the bedroom, and in life in general to be honest.

This class is really a confidence booster at its core. It teaches you how to walk into a room and take charge. Not ordering people around and using a whip “take charge” (unless that is what you were hoping for), but how to channel your feminine energy; head up, shoulder back and walk into that room and with the turn of your head, the way you sit down, or ask (read: tell) someone to get you something, or touch someone, or look their way, “take charge”. It helps in the bedroom whether you want to be the top, or the bottom. It helps on first dates asserting yourself and conveying what you want in a relationship. It helps in long term relationships when you want to spice things up. It helps if you are typically passive and want a little role reversal. And it helps when you need that boost of confidence in other, non sexual situations. Midori is great at helping each participant develop their own brand of feminine dominance. It looks and feels really different for everyone, and she is a master at helping each person bring it out in their own way.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from Midori while she is in town. She might not be back again until next February so don’t miss her now.

Comment below to enter to win a ticket to this weekend’s class. Tell us your own tips for being dominant, sexy, feminine, how much you want to go to this class or anything else. We will pick a winner on Saturday afternoon.

Midori: The Art of Feminine Dominance, Level 1
Sunday, February 05, 7:30PM, $35
Elegance, power and confidence…learn an effective style of dominance that is authentic to you. Using her own special technique, Midori will help you to unleash your power femme, allowing you to pursue erotic fulfillment and sensual play. She will discuss psychology, politics, practical exercises, techniques, fashion and more. Novice and experienced dommes will pick up something. Open to all genders and orientations. Partners are welcome to attend.

This class is held in the Seattle Store.

Babeland's Top 10 Sex Tips of 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:00:26 GMT

We talk about sex all day every day with the most wonderful people, our customers, and there are definitely common themes to the issues and questions that come up. This list represents our best tips and techniques to take your sex life over the top in 2012. Share your lessons and insights with us in the comments.

1. Throw out what you’ve been told about sex, what you think you should be doing, the way you think you’re supposed to act or respond. It’s making your sex life less fun, less playful, and less fulfilling.

2. All bodies are hot and however your body works is right. Great sex isn’t bestowed on people who look a certain way. Every day, our customers tell us that something about their sex lives doesn’t correspond to the response they think they should be having. None of it is true! All bodies and desires are different. Resolve to have the kind of sex you actually want and to learn what your partner wants, as well.

3. Lube! This one isn’t new, but it’s still one of the most important tools in your nightstand. Lube can take any kind of stimulation and make it feel even better. While we can offer some helpful advice about different types of lube for different activities - thicker lube for anal sex, silicone lube for use in water - what works best is a personal preference. Try the Sliquid Lube Cube so that you can sample six different kinds of lube.

4. Dirty talk is magical. Take any kind of stimulation and suddenly by talking about it, the whole act can feel even more intense and incredible. If it feels awkward, get started by describing the action. It’s okay to feel a bit silly at first. "I'm rubbing you with this finger vibe," or "I'm going to slide this vibrating cock ring on you."

5. Better communication via a Yes/No/Maybe list. Make a list of all the sex acts you can think of, from kissing to fisting to 69 and BDSM, or take the list from Moregasm: Babeland’s Guide to Mind-Blowing Sex. You and your partner get to mark each act indicating your willingness to do it. At the end, you have a hot sex menu to choose from! In the New Year, you can use this as a tool to see what you want to try out for the first time and what you want to learn about.

6. Try something new, like backdoor sex. One of the most common questions we're asked is about how to start out with anal penetration. We love answering this question and there’s so much we could tell you, but it mostly comes down to this: use thick lube, go slowly, start with something small. Anal sex shouldn’t hurt, and it’s a nasty, persistent myth that it will. It should feel really, really good for both women and men.

7. Use the right tools for stimulating the G-spot. A good G-spot toy has a dramatic curve and can be made of a hard material so that you can put pressure on the G-spot. The Uma and the Gigi are two of our favorites.

8. Try a twist on an old position. Instead of the missionary position for anal or vaginal sex, lift the butt of the person being penetrated. This lets the other partner be on their knees, instead of holding themselves up on their hands. Try using the Heart Wedge. It’s a dense foam cushion designed for sex and it positions the butt at the perfect angle to enhance G-spot or prostate stimulation. It also opens up the front of the body so that you can stimulate the clit or cock.

9. Touch, stroke, and play with your partner’s whole body. There are so many different kinds of stimulation. Try a massage candle to loosen them up all over. Running a Pinwheel up an arm gives a delicious chill. A small, soft leather flogger can bring a sexy sting to a butt. Use your imagination.

10. Have fun! Laugh! Be messy! Make weird noises! Let go of your inhibitions. There’s no right way to have sex, so take the pressure off yourself and enjoy it.houldn’t hurt, and it’s a nasty, persistent myth that it will. It should feel really, really good for both women and men.

What You Really Really Want Book Launch

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:27 GMT

Join Babeland and Jacklyn Friedman for a reading and discussion to celebrate the release of her new book What You Really Really Want: The Smart Girl's Shame-Free Guide to Sex And Safety, as well as her 40th birthday! We are thrilled to see such an empowering book on the market for women. Best of all, a Babeland Sex Educator will be there to award one lucky lady a Orgasm in a Box for Her!

This raucous evening, co-sponsored by Bluestockings Bookshop will feature:

emcee Jessica Valenti,

The burlesque stylings of Sake Fevah, Franny Fluffer, Essence Revealed, and Tiny D.

Jaclyn, interviewed live on stage by Irin Carmon.

Tunes spun before & after the show by DJ Lobotomy Copter. and appearances by Samhita Mukopadhyay, Chloe Angyal, Sofia Quintero, Deanne Zandt, Jamia Wilson and other special guests to be announced.

No cover, 21+.

At Fontana's, 105 Eldridge Street, Manhattan. Be there!

Yale Needs Sex Ed

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:45:20 GMT

The President of Yale has cancelled Sex Week at Yale, a student organized week with all sorts of events promoting sexuality. Babeland participated in Yale Sex Week a number of times, and there is a special frisson at bringing Babeland’s style of feminist sex positivity to such a bastion of establishment power broking.

People, especially young adults need sex education. Some folks like to think that sexual knowledge leads to sluttiness. But that’s not true. Sex information helps people have more satisfying sex and happier lives. Good adult sex ed. goes beyond procreation and disease prevention, it teaches the anatomy of pleasure and the physiology of arousal. It also encourages people to notice their feelings, communicate their desires and to expect sex to be pleasurable. Chaste or promiscuous, the sex they have will be better. Encouraging people, especially women, to insist on their right to sexual pleasure helps undermine a culture of drunken groping that leaves women feeling used.

One of the concerns of Yale President Richard Levin is that sex week is overly commercial. Babeland, for example, has offered workshops and discussions on the G-Spot, Oral Sex Tips, Sex Toys etc., and of course we always mention babeland.com. The fact is there are still very few resources for adult sex education, and Babeland is a good source of the accurate sex information and encouragement that is so needed. Although there are a few new academic programs in sexuality studies (SF State has a great one) and a handful M.D.s who have focused their practices on sex, there isn’t a large credentialed professional class of sex educators at the college level. For the most part today’s sex educators come from a grass roots movement of pleasure activists who have trained each other in non-institutional settings.

Sex education is a big part of our mission at Babeland and we do tons of outreach and in-store workshops that teach various aspects of human sexuality. Helping to empower folks around their sexuality is the juice that makes selling vibrators a thrill. Going to Yale has been a fun part of that. But if Yale wants a less commercial sex week, I hope they pay that forward with a program to train those educators at Yale. I’d love to see a pleasure focused Sexuality curriculum in every college and medical school in the country.

Until that happens the students at Yale are regrouping and are planning a new SWAY- Sex Week All Year. If they invite us we’ll be glad to be a part of it.

Behind the scenes at Babeland: an interview with Jennyrose, Allocation Analyst

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:06:48 GMT

Have you seen the October Staff Picks yet? We've got a bunch of great toys featured this month, including the innovative Tiani and the classic Mystic Wand + G-Spot Combo. Or the fun new Kiki, recommended by this month's interview subject, Jennyrose! Jennyrose has been with Babeland since 2003, so she really knows her way around this place. She makes sure all our locations have the products they need so that you, our beloved customers, can get what you need! Aside from that, she's whip-smart, generous, hilarious, and an all-around joy to work with. And she's got a special place in my Babeland heart, as we've worked together since her first day here. Read on to learn much more about how she got here and what she's learned.

Abby: What first brought you to Babeland? Tell us the story of how you started working here.

Jennyrose: Well, I had always been interested in sex, sexuality, and gender. I was unschooled and was really encouraged to pursue my interests, which led to a lot of reading youth-oriented sexuality websites and forums like Scarleteen. Before I knew it, I discovered the Babeland website. When I was 19, I moved to Brooklyn and immediately sought out Babeland on the Lower East Side. I was surprised by the coziness of the store, because I had built it up in my mind to be larger than life. A couple of weeks later, I met someone who was leaving New York and their Sex Educator/Sales Associate position at Babeland, and told me I should apply. So I did, and after an interview with Jen May (now C.O.O.) and Claire (co-founder/owner) in the Rivington Street store basement, I was hired!

Abby: And I will always be thankful that you were. Where were you before Babeland? Give us a summary of your career.

Jennyrose: Well, my parents are glass artists who make dip-style writing pens and knitting needles, so I spent my formative years driving to craft fairs around the country, educating customers about different kinds of glass and capillary action. I got to see almost every state in the continental U.S., and met all kinds of people. It's funny how that experience really translates well into educating customers about lube ingredients and silicone sex toys! I've worked out of all three Babeland NYC stores, as well as the Oakland, CA warehouse/administrative offices, so I've learned a lot about Babeland, and I've gotten to work with so many wonderful, passionate, fun, engaged people.

Abby: Tell us about a day in the life of the Babeland Allocation Analyst.

Jennyrose: I manage the inventory for our four stores and website, and I work with our Director of Purchasing and Buyer to ensure that our product mix is fresh and responsive to customers' needs. On the daily, I spend most of my time analyzing product sales, creating sales projections, placing orders with vendors, and moving inventory around within the company to make sure that no one location is over- or under-stocked. Even after eight-plus years, it's always challenging, and I look forward to going to work every day... which isn't something most people can say!

Abby: What was your family's reaction when you told them you work at Babeland?

Jennyrose: They were and still are really supportive. We are a very tight family, so my parents were not really surprised when I told them that I wanted to work with sexuality. My mom proudly tells a lot of her friends what I do, which I think is really sweet.

Abby: Tell us about your favorite/most touching/life-changing moment with a customer.

Jennyrose: I always think about all the people who came in when I was working on the sales floor, who told me they'd never had an orgasm, and wanted to make it happen for themselves. Usually, we would spend at least half an hour together, talking about books, videos, toys, libido, anatomy -- everything. My favorite experiences were with women who were in their 70s and 80s, and had finally decided to take control of their own sexual pleasure after all those years. Amazing and so humbling.

Abby: And what's something you've learned about yourself through your work at Babeland?

Jennyrose: I've learned how to speak publicly and work through my shyness, through teaching workshops and helping customers in the stores. And I've learned that I'm a total nerd when it comes to Excel.

Abby: How about something you've learned about sex?

Jennyrose: I've learned that sex and sexuality really are unique to every person. That you can't assume anything about people's desires, regardless of who they are, how they identify, or their background. Also, that talking openly and honestly about personal desire is scary and challenging, whether you've been working in this industry for years, or you've never set foot in a sex toy store. It takes constant practice.

Abby: Indeed it does. Finally, what are your favorite words for genitalia?

Jennyrose: Hunnah-hunnah. Pussy. Cock. Business. wanted to work with sexuality. My mom proudly tells a lot of her friends what I do, which I think is really sweet.

Abby: Tell us about your favorite/most touching/life-changing moment with a customer.

Jennyrose: I always think about all the people who came in when I was working on the sales floor, who told me they'd never had an orgasm, and wanted to make it happen for themselves. Usually, we would spend at least half an hour together, talking about books, videos, toys, libido, anatomy -- everything. My favorite experiences were with women who were in their 70s and 80s, and had finally decided to take control of their own sexual pleasure after all those years. Amazing and so humbling.

Abby: And what's something you've learned about yourself through your work at Babeland?

Jennyrose: I've learned how to speak publicly and work through my shyness, through teaching workshops and helping customers in the stores. And I've learned that I'm a total nerd when it comes to Excel.

Abby: How about something you've learned about sex?

Jennyrose: I've learned that sex and sexuality really are unique to every person. That you can't assume anything about people's desires, regardless of who they are, how they identify, or their background. Also, that talking openly and honestly about personal desire is scary and challenging, whether you've been working in this industry for years, or you've never set foot in a sex toy store. It takes constant practice.

Abby: Indeed it does. Finally, what are your favorite words for genitalia?

Jennyrose: Hunnah-hunnah. Pussy. Cock. Business.

Come for a Cause: Cancer, Sexuality, and You

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

When I was diagnosed with cancer at 30, I was shocked. Isn't cancer something that's supposed to happen when you're older? At least not until your 40s or 50s? But then I stopped for a minute, looked around, and realized that four of my friends -- all in their twenties and thirties, mind you -- had already had cancer. Four. No matter your age, cancer affects nearly all of us in one way or another. And depending on the treatment, it can affect everything from desire to employment to relationships to emotional health, and so on, ad infinitum.

This month, with every sale of a Pink October toy, Babeland is donating 10% of its sale to the Young Survival Coalition, an organization dedicated to supporting young women living with breast cancer. I can't tell you how grateful I am that an organization like this exists, and that they're doing such important and tireless work. Check them out, please! And while you're at it, check out our How-To article for women dealing with post-cancer sexuality.

Traditionally, there hasn't been a lot of attention paid to women's sexuality following cancer diagnosis and treatment -- many doctors don't even discuss possible sexual and reproductive side effects of treatment with their patients. I have my theories about why this is, and one is that we still have an outdated notion that only older people get cancer, making post-cancer sexuality an afterthought. After all, we're taught that sex is for the young(-ish), and that older women should gracefully tuck away their libidos and sublimate all that energy into embroidery and cross-stitch. Not only is that a ridiculous notion -- for so many women, sex only gets better with age! -- but it leaves out the countless young survivors who are left wondering how to find community, and how to deal with the issues that arise around cancer and their sexuality.

I welcome you to use the comments to tell a story about how cancer has affected you, sexually or otherwise. Share concerns or inspirations, ask questions... the intersection of cancer and sexuality is a reality of many lives, and it's time for us to talk about it!

Free Gift This Weekend With Orders of $100+

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:52:16 GMT

That's right. Get all tied up in our Babeland Satin Bondage Kit. It includes an adjustable black satin mask with extra-long ties that can do double-duty as wrist restraints and two 5-foot satin sashes that can be used as your imagination dictates. Available free, $28 value, with any order on babeland.com over $100 through Monday! Happy weekend.

Babeland Brooklyn Featured on Web Series "The Slope"

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:59:19 GMT

Babeland gets to be in a lot of video shoots. Highlights among many include an REM music video, and Kelly Cutrone's reality show, Kell on Earth. What can we say, it's a great location! Enjoy this episode of the comedy web series, The Slope, that was shot at Babeland Brooklyn recently. The story is about a lesbian couple, Ingrid and Desiree, in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. In this episode, they're shopping at Babeland for a harness. Their reactions hit on the excitement and embarrassment that everyone feels when shopping at a sex toy store. And it's laugh-out-loud funny. By the way, the harness featured is called the Jaguar, not the Barbarian, in case you're in the market. Although the Barbarian might make a good name for a new harness.

http://vimeo.com/29542506

Do you have a funny sex toy shopping story of your own? Share it in the comments section.

Babeland Customers Donate Over $22,000 for Sex Education

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:17:13 GMT

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our customers who really went the distance for our sex education fundraiser this summer. You helped us raise $22,000 for SIECUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, which exceeded last year’s amount by $4,000. Give yourselves a hand! With this donation, SIECUS will continue to promote comprehensive sexuality education across America.

Many thanks to our co-sponsor Jimmyjane for donating the fantastic products that helped support this effort.

And since October is Family Sex Education Month, here are a few things you can do to help pay your own sex education forward to the next generation:

Be prepared. If you’re wondering how to approach the topic, pick up a book like Third Base Ain't What it Used to Be: What Your Kids Are Learning About Sex Today and How to Teach Them to be Sexually Healthy Adults by Logan Levkoff or Birds + Bees + YOUR Kids- A guide to sharing your beliefs about sexuality, love, and relationships by Amy Lang. Learn how to make sex education a normal part of life rather than one big scary talk.
Be available. If your child asks you a sex question, even if you can’t answer it in the moment, make sure you circle back around to it later so you don’t leave a curious child in the dark.
Be supportive. If you see a child of any age struggling, offer your support in a non-judgmental way. Helping teens find a useful website, a clinic, or a place to talk can make all the difference.
Help other parents tackle sex ed—post a comment on the Moms in Babeland blog about your experience talking to kids about sex! Offer an open mind and friendly advice. Come to our next Talking With Your Kids About Sex event at a Babeland store in New York City or Seattle.

Through the Come for a Cause philanthropy program, Babeland donated $115,000 to 300+ organizations in 2010 and will exceed that in 2011. Look for your next opportunity to support organizations doing fantastic work in the community during Pink October. Babeland is partnering with Young Survival Coalition again to raise money for their work with women under the age of 40 with breast cancer. Let's keep up the good fight!

Sexy Badass Girl Rock Fest

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:27 GMT

Hey Movers and Shakers! Want to break it down to a set of female fronted musical acts? Babeland is sponsoring the Sexy Badass Girl Rock Fest, an all-ladies rock show in Williamsburg, Brooklyn next Tuesday night. Featured bands will be MANCIE, Hypodive, Plastiq Passion, The Hotcakes & Shoot the Freak, and DJ Lez Van Halen will be spinning hits from the 90's all night.

Bring along our music-activated OhMiBod Freestyle vibrator to really turn up the volume.

Sexy Badass Girl Rock Fest
Tuesday, September 27th, 6pm
The Knitting Factory

Visit Sexy Badass Girl Rock Fest for more information. See you there!

All Abuzz About Vintage Vibrators

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Have you ever wondered where your Minna Ola or Gigi came from, technically speaking? Sex toys have been found in the world since prehistoric times when they were carved out of rocks. The toys we know and love today are evolutions of basic shapes that fueled the fantasies of our ancestors. The history of vibrators has some fascinating high points and tells the story of the social movements that have brought us to our hedonistic contemporary view that sexual pleasure is our birthright.

Babeland’s social history project debuts online at www.vintagevibrators.com. History buffs, techies, collectors, and sex toy fans should all enjoy these novel antiques.

Scroll through the exhibits, imagining yourself being treated for “hysteria” by one of the more tortuous looking devices, or marvel at the beauty-aid imagery used to market early-model vibrators to consumers. Wow your next dinner party guests with vibrator history anecdotes, including the ultimate proof that necessity is the mother of all invention: doctors experienced repetitive motion stress from manual stimulation of their patients, which ultimately led to the invention of this labor-saving device. You can even trace the lineage of your vibrator to its nineteenth century predecessor in the entertaining Modern Classics section.

One thing we learned during this project is that vintage vibrators come with stories. What’s yours? Did you find one in Grandma’s closet? In the attic of your new house? Share your story with us here or email a photo and the backstory to us at marketing@babeland.com and we’ll post it. We want to start a collection of your vintage sex toys, so if we post your photo, we’ll send you a coupon good for $10 off your next order.

Flash Sale on the Alia Vibe This Weekend Only

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:23:24 GMT

Let us extol the many virtues of the Alia vibrator from Lelo:

Elegant! Just look at that shape, the sleek form, the shininess.
Rechargeable, and a full charge gets you 4 hours of use. You can do a lot in 4 hours, just imagine.
Vibration moves through the entire body and it feels fantastic next to all your erogenous zones.
The shape makes it easy to hold and may inspire you to use it in places you haven't stimulated with a vibrator yet.
Waterproof, take it in the bath, shower, or pool.
Such a great gift.
40% off until September 18th only. Marked down from $119 to $71.