5. Rediscovering the Hitachi Magic Wand.And, lo, it was a sad day when I discovered that my rechargeable vibes had all run out of juice; even sadder, the aches in my bad knees were getting my goat. I reached for my trusty Hitachi Magic Wand (which has been sadly neglected as of late) for a rejuvenating knee-massage, decided ?what the hey,? and? well, you get the drift. Always a powerful remedy for my aches and pains, and the surefire way to an earth-shattering orgasm, I'm lecturing myself for denying Ms. Hitachi the attention she deserves.4. Violet BlueBabeland loves Violet Blue: she?s a consummate author/editor of several ?ultimate guide? and erotica books , a blogger (find her at tinynibbles, techyum, and fleshbot), a tech junkie, and a downright bespectacled hottie. It looks like Violet loves Babeland, too:

Well played, Babeland! The women-focused retailer now has a complete sex toy care, safety and maintenance guide on their site, and also in a very nice downloadable .pdf (in case you wanna put it on your iPhone). They?ve got a few good tips for anal, G-spot and P-spot play as well, but what makes this a real gem are the detailed tips on taking care of and cleaning sex toys of all materials. I especially like their tips for specific brands. Superb. A must-read.

3. Carol QueenI adore anthologies edited by Carol Queen (like PoMoSexuals) and devour her books (like Exhibitionism for the Shy and The Leather Daddy and the Femme) with great gusto. Babeland Seattle just got Real Live Nude Girl: Chronicles of a Sex-Positive Culture back into our library stock, and I was quick to snatch up a copy for myself; I?d lent my original copy out years ago, so I?m pleased to become reacquainted with this superb bedtime read. As a caveat, I'm overjoyed to discover that the thoughtful essays (ranging from bisexual politics to kinky sex, peep show exhibitionism to escort work, and much, much more) are just as relevant now as they were when I first read the book ten (!) years ago.2. The WeVibeI almost feel sheepish talking about my complete and absolute love for the WeVibe, because it really does seem to sell itself: our Seattle store dishes 'em out like hotcakes, and I know that they?re going like mad from the website itself; but let?s give it a go anyhow. Silicone? Yes. Greenly rechargeable? Yes. Quiet? Yes. Discreet and small enough to fit in the palm of the hand? Yes. Can be worn during penetrative intercourse? Yes. Can be worn under a harness? Yes. Can be used all by itself? Yes. And, most importantly, gives 2 levels of satisfying vibration both internally and externally while providing heavenly g-spot stimulation? Yes, yes, and? oh, yes!*A little birdie tells me that we?ll soon be receiving a thorough guest review of the WeVibe. Stay tuned!1. Alternate Pride ContingentsIt?s Pride season across the country, and Seattle played host to a weekend tumult of queer revelry. As is our want, Babeland Seattle participated in the annual Pride Parade in the form of the All-Star Sex Toy Olympics. Between the Delight Ribbon Dance, the Ducky Synchronized Swim, and the Hitachi Magic Wand Relay, I was pleased to notice two alternate contingents within the parade proper: Seattle Gothic Pride and the Naked Body Pride Ride. The Goths were luxurious in their clouds of black and tulle, while the naked folks had the right idea to bare it all in the midst of a 90 degree afternoon. I was utterly charmed.(All photos from the Seattle Pride Parade) , most importantly, gives 2 levels of satisfying vibration both internally and externally while providing heavenly g-spot stimulation? Yes, yes, and? oh, yes!*A little birdie tells me that we?ll soon be receiving a thorough guest review of the WeVibe. Stay tuned!1. Alternate Pride ContingentsIt?s Pride season across the country, and Seattle played host to a weekend tumult of queer revelry. As is our want, Babeland Seattle participated in the annual Pride Parade in the form of the All-Star Sex Toy Olympics. Between the Delight Ribbon Dance, the Ducky Synchronized Swim, and the Hitachi Magic Wand Relay, I was pleased to notice two alternate contingents within the parade proper: Seattle Gothic Pride and the Naked Body Pride Ride. The Goths were luxurious in their clouds of black and tulle, while the naked folks had the right idea to bare it all in the midst of a 90 degree afternoon. I was utterly charmed.(All photos from the Seattle Pride Parade)