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Wash 'n' Wear Pads

You’ve got your period. You start digging through your stash and - what? - no more pads! Do you make a last minute dash to the store to sift through new and expensive gimmicks? Perhaps you’ve thought, “There has got to be a better way!” There is. I tried the small, medium and large cloth menstrual pads by Australian maker, Pleasure Puss. The design of the cloth pad is quite simple: absorbent cotton, adjustable snap and closure wings. Like most women, I thought “Is that for me?

Mamba Condoms

Well, I did make a concerted effort, and asked for a deadline extension, and enlisted the assistance of my women’s book group, but it appears that product testing in this case is indefinitely delayed. I’m in good company: one of the most attractive members of the reading circle, a doe-eyed, winsome, gamin brunette, has informed me that she’s also given up. Another responded, “Oh, yeah—I read the e-mail. But I have a dozen in my drawer, gathering dust.” This is sad.

Sweet Snow Sensual Body Powder

The Honey of the Nymph Sweet Snow Sensual Body Powder is from the Shunga Erotic Art line. The word “shunga” commonly refers to Japanese erotic paintings from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The company brochure says the collection was inspired by the sexual imagination and fantasy of such paintings.

English Grammar Journal

The first thing I wanted to do when I pulled this wonderful journal out of its envelope was practice my English skills. Well, not really, but the lovely vintage cover and whimsical page inserts from what seems like old English textbooks throughout the journal convinced me that I did. The blank pages just scream to be be written on, and the way the journal is put together makes that as convenient as possible.

La Petite “Scooter Babe” Starter Kit

If at first glance needlepoint may not seem to be the most feminist of activities, think again. The sewing and decorating of textile goods has long been a task designated to women. While women have won their place in the workforce, female crafts such as embroidery are losing popularity. What better way to keep the art alive than with the funky designs of Sublime Stitching? The slogan reads, “This ain’t your gramma’s embroidery!” and with all due respect grandma, the La Petite Starter Kit, available for $22.50, is a bit more free form.

Secrado Corazon Necklace

Having reviewed a shoulder bag and wallet from Chic Cosas, I wanted to check out more of their goodies. I normally don't wear bright or large jewelry, but I absolutely adored the color and crafts(wo)manship of this necklace. At a very reasonable price of $28, the porcelain pendant of the Secrado Corazon "focuses on the heart, metaphorically, and the emotional, moral life, and love for humanity," according to Chic Cosas owner Deborah Maciel. It's a frequent and significant symbol in Mexican art, which I also happen to love.

Swallow Throw Pillow

Sin in Linen is a fun, Seattle-based company started by Sandy Glaze. The company offers not just the pillow that I was sent for review, but sheets, duvet covers, sleepwear, T-shirts and an array of other products. Glaze appears to have a good feel for a more edgy, but design-conscious line for those who have taste for the rockabilly aesthetic. She offers patterns like the skull-and-crossbones, knives, thorny rose, an unrestrained black and white Victorian “wallflower” (my favorite), the pin-up vixen and the traditional Mom tattoo theme.

Felted Hairpin

For those tuned into fiber art trends, you may have noticed that felted creations have been making their way into many corners the past few years. One such corner is the world of hair accessories that Babs from MWAH! Creations has leapt into. One hundred percent wool and attached to an extra fancy bobby pin, these felted hairpins are two-toned and about the size of a nickel. My pin added lovely flair to my short coif, and I received compliments on the street.

Pumpkin & Spice Candle

I love Halloween. Every year, I throw a big party in honor of All Hallow's Eve, where I go all out with decorations and spooky-themed food. At least half of the food I serve incorporates pumpkins in some manner; their smell and taste are just so comforting to me. So that's why I was excited to test my Pumpkin & Spice Candle, from the Halloween Collection by Dark Candles. As soon as I opened the wrapper, that wonderful pumpkin pie scent greeted me, gently filling the room after I lit it. The warm, spiced aroma is lovely, and makes me long for fall, even though it's summertime.

Natural Contours' Superbe

Several years ago, when I first read that Candida Royalle was going to start making vibrators, I couldn’t wait to try one out for size. The price, however, kept me from making their acquaintance. With a list price now around $25, that problem has now been remedied, but a new one has taken its place. As with many a first time, I came away wishing it had been just a little bigger. Five inches long with a curve in the middle, the Superbe couldn’t reach both ends of my girly parts at the same time. This could have been sorted out, if I hadn’t been distracted by that NOISE!

Peanut Butter Shortbread

Can something that’s made without wheat or gluten, is egg and dairy free, and has no refined sugar or cholesterol taste good? It absolutely can if it’s Sun Flour Baking Co.’s Peanut Butter Shortbread. These tasty cookies are hard to resist. They are light, but filling, although I did have to resist easting the entire box in one sitting.

Emerita Natural Lubricant

Anything that crosses my pantyline has to appeal to my senses and pass a rigorous background check. This lube scored an eight on appeal, and a ten on personality. The packaging is attractive: subtle, unique, neither boring nor racy, more hip and less incriminating than a bottle of other top brand lubes. The two-ounce bottle is discreet enough for a first date and ample enough for at least a third and fourth. The price, $8.99, seems right, comparable to what I’ve paid for other natural lubricants. I also like that it is practically odor-free, more than other ‘unscented’ lubricants.

Aviator Tee

When I first discovered this t-shirt, I was pleasantly surprised. I have to say, though, I was a little taken aback with the color. It is not something I would normally choose to wear. I usually go for more formal colors in whites, blacks and muted shades. I immediately put it on to test it for form, shape and length. It was marked a large, but it felt like a small to medium on my frame. I was a little disappointed with that. I did, however, study the amusing scene trailing across the upper right shoulder of the garment. It features a girl flying a plane.

Mineral Blush (Satin Collection)

I have always loved makeup, so I was excited when I received this blush for review. I liked the small round container it came in: slick, black with a transparent lid , the name “Jenulence” emblazoned across the top. I think that it would be great for traveling or throwing in your purse. It has a screw on lid so there is no chance for spillage. The bottom label is in gold and contains the name, site address, ingredients, weight and the fact that it is made in the U.S. These are all crucial elements. There were a few problems, though.

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods: Bilquis

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has created a line of perfume oils inspired by the characters, places and ideas from Neil Gaiman’s best selling novel American Gods. In addition to always being animal testing-free, 100% of the proceeds from the American Gods Collection go to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund which protects the First Amendment Rights of the comic book community.

Felt Flora

MWAH! Creations consists of two good friends who co-run an internet shop on etsy.com (“your place to buy & sell all things handmade”). Babs lives in London, while Tanis resides in Vancouver. Tanis, “a schooled artist,” who “enjoys creating whimsical pieces of felted wonder” made this felt flora pin. Tanis says that these blossoms are “unique and definitely one of a kind,” so if you order a felt flora pin, it will be different from mine.

Swinger's Pad

Available only through Womyn's Ware, a Vancouver-based company that promotes consumer advocacy and a focus on sexual products "for the celebration and empowerment of women's sexuality," the Swinger's Pad is a figure eight shaped pad with different sized tips arranged in two flower-like patterns for clit stimulation and a hole through which to place various sex toys. Depending on what position the owner of this pad is attempting, the pad can be used alone or in a harness for clit stimulation when thrusting with a dildo or butt plug, or around the shaft of the penis to create a clitoral pad o

Barfing Girl Tote

I've been collecting tote bags for years, long before they were available in bright patterns at Old Navy and Urban Outfitters. As with many accessories, there are those of us who wear belts to keep our pants up, and those of us who wear belts to show that we're aware of the latest trend. I am of the utilitarian camp, and so, I expect a tote-bag to be strong and durable. I want to take it to the Farmer's Market and stuff it full of greens, peppers and a bottle of water for the road. I, then, want to visit a garage sale and know that I can stretch the tote bag to squeeze in a new hoodie.

3 Citrus Whipped Shea Butter

Dry knuckles? Ashy hands and elbows? Tried every lotion on the shelf? You need Prairieland Herbs' 3 Citrus Whipped Shea Butter. When I opened the little tin tub (which can be reused for multiple purposes), I was taken aback; it actually look like whipped butter! I had to resist sticking my finger in and giving it a lick. Compared to more solid shea butter, this is very gentle and airy—easy to spread and rub in. As soon as I could, I put it to the test. My knuckles stayed moisturized throughout my daily routine much longer than conventional lotions.

Small Fomat Handmade Journal

I was a bit surprised this month when a children’s story book, in particular Things I Think Of: Sullivans’ Associates Storybook 6A, formerly the property of Rockwood School District No. 27 in Portland, Oregon, showed up with my review materials. Perhaps our benevolent book fairy had lost her mind? As usual, things were just as they should be and it was my mind that had gone south for the winter… er, summer.

Arachnina, The Spider Girl Perfume Oil

Only three days ago I started wearing Arachnina. And since then, my life has changed completely. As I leave my house in my everyday attire of corsets, hobble skirts with crinolines and feather hats, I notice strange looks and dangling tongues from my intrigued neighbors. While this type of attention never came my way before, this lady must confess that she finds it quite pleasing. In fact, the other day I went for my daily walk along the beach with my English Spaniel and my lacey umbrella and was approached by a very nice lad with a wooden leg and a sweet breath of rum.

Original and Compact Ragtotes

Having been raised to refer to periods as “The Curse,” and plagued by years of heinous female problems, I have never been one to celebrate my menstruation. The Original and Compact Ragtotes are bejeweled, appliquéd plastic celebrations of the flow cheerfully announcing their use in a wavy font. First problem: I could not get them open. Angrily, I finally popped the latch. Next, they seemed small. I am a backup woman. The Original fits one regular-sized tampon exactly.

Chocolate Hazelnut Massage Candle

Babeland—a top sex toy retailer—offers plenty of bedroom additions perfect for making that next romantic night more memorable. The company prides itself on being female-friendly and encourages women to explore all areas of their sexuality. Customers can privately shop from their home computers or venture into one of their stores in New York, Seattle, or Los Angeles. Their aromatic massage candle is one of their more traditional yet intriguing products. As the candle melts, luxuriously scented massage oil forms.

Loose Mineral Foundation/Concealer

I have a great deal of fun with makeup. Playing with different looks is a creative outlet for me, and I really enjoy trying different cosmetics. I like using foundation, but I have sensitive skin, so it can be hit or miss finding a brand that doesn't make my face burn. So I was excited to try this product by Jenulence, which is hypo-allergenic, all-natural and cruelty-free. This loose powder foundation/concealer is very light and feels great; perfect for anyone with skin sensitivities. It also provides nice coverage while giving a very natural look.

Silk Touch Egg Vibe

Sea foam green and shaped like soft serve ice cream, this vibrator has five different settings that hum, pulse and beat little morse code pleasures. The tear drop control fits into the average palm perfectly, so there’s no awkward fumbling while trying to heighten the fun, unless (like me) you roll over the on/off switch while in the throes of pleasure.

Ginger Brooch

Ugly yet endearing, the Damned Dollies brooches have that freak chic element that appeals to the fourteen-year-old goth girl inside all of us. Approximately two inches tall, the handmade brooches are big enough to make a fashion statement yet small enough not to hinder regular movement and can be secured easily to a bag or jacket. As the Damned Dollies website claims, I received a brooch similar to, but not exactly like, the model shown online. The online version of the Ginger Brooch featured a red-haired doll with a white top and pink patterned skirt.

Skull Star “Pretty In Pink” Sheet Set

My approach to interior design is somewhat offbeat. Between my bright purple walls, baby blue sink and curtains made from Halloween-themed fabric, I like my décor to be fun and reflect my tastes. I enjoy working around the house, and it's always neat to find home and garden items with character. Needlesstosay, I was absolutely thrilled about this sheet set. Made by Sin In Linen, the Skull Star "Pretty In Pink” sheet set is not only bedding that features skulls, but it is also PINK. Bright, vivid, awesome pink. As a Goth with a love of pastels, this was right up my alley.

Lilac Woods Massage Oil Spray

Even the creators of sex toys have decided not to stick it to Mother Nature anymore. Getting it on has gone green. Kiss latex and chemicals good-bye. As Babeland’s witty press release summarily describes, its products are as eco-friendly as, say, fair trade coffee and organic vegetables. From rechargeable vibrators (no batteries in the landfill!) to organic, orgasm-inducing lubes, sensuality is trending decidedly au natural. Lilac Woods Massage Oil Spray has a lovely, soft scent, but it didn’t smell anything like lilacs or woods.

Mineral Eye Shadow

I have to admit that my taste far exceeds most paychecks I've brought in. There are certain things I have admired from afar, but never thought I would actually own. Mineral makeup is one of those things. Getting to try out Jenulence's mineral eye shadow in Dawn Matte was super fun. I went into the experience as the pleased owner of a mineral powder that decreases the redness in my face and is light, non-greasy and doesn't make me breakout. Who wouldn't love that? When I first saw the color I was a little surprised. The Dawn Matte eye shadow looked pretty grey.

Soxy Throw Pillow

It’s sultry, it’s sexy, it’s foxy... it’s soxy. This throw pillow from Sin in Linen—purveyors of stylishly unique bedding—features a modern pin-up queen lounging in striped knee socks and wearing a come-hither expression.

Elevate Difference

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