Etc

Ecosystem Advisor

gwen — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

I have been through many a planner in my life, from the small plastic-covered one with creepy kitten pictures, to one made of fake leather with a magnetic clasp. I prefer to keep it pretty simple when it comes to planners. But I’m also very picky about the amount of space I need to write down notes, not to mention the question of having a daily, weekly, or monthly view. Plus, it needs to be relatively light and easy to carry with me.

The sweet thing about Ecosystem books is that you can customize your purchase. There are four kinds of notebooks available: the Author (ruled journal), Architect (grid journal), Advisor (the planner), and Artist (blank journal). You also get to choose the cover (hard or flexible), the size, and even the color (with sassy names like lagoon and kiwi), since as the website says, "one color does not fit all." I have the onyx-colored Advisor, which has monthly and two weekly view options.

The price range is from $9.95 to $18.95, which is on par with Moleskin, the other company a lot of people go to when trying to find a quality notebook. However, the key difference and the reason you should consider going the Ecosystem route is that you are doing a great service to the environment. The Ecosystem books are 100% post-consumer recycled paper. If you go to the website, you can enter in a specialized pin code on the back page of your book and it will tell you exactly when it was made and where each part of the planner, from binding to the elastic band was assembled, the ecosystem attribute of each place, and even how many people are employed there!

Last year Ecosystem’s style of production saved 3,046 full-grown trees and over a million gallons of water. Furthermore, they are made in the United States, which helps the economy and saves on the energy it would take to transport them farther.

You can also check on their website to see how and where you can recycle your book when you are finished with it. There is also a lost and found, in case you misplace your Ecosystem book and want to see if anyone found it (and had the presence of mind to go on the website). Probably unlikely, but a cute idea!

As an avid writer of to-do lists and random bits of information that I must either jot down or forget, I like a good amount of space available for notes. On the left side of my Advisor pages was the week, with space for notes each day. On the right side was just a ruled page for notes. I really dug this set-up. It didn't make me feel overwhelmed like the monthly view does and I found it really helpful to still have a lot of space to write all the things I needed to get done. Other then that, the Advisor is pretty no-frills. But just knowing I was using something that was a benefit to the environment made me feel happy in the heart.

The only other bonuses are a small paper pocket in the back to keep perhaps coupons or receipts in. Plus of course, the random information always included in planners, the time zones, measurement conversions, international dialing codes. I am still convinced one day I will actually utilize these. Until then, at least I know I am not hurting the environment by having these extra pages!

Written by: Lesley Kartali, December 20th 2010

Gray Flower Beret

annette — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000

By CoverYourHair.com

I guess you could say that hats have always been my ‘thing.’ It really started the first time I shaved my head… and then soon after decided to grow my hair back in again. It was a long process in which hats played an integral part. I repeated this process several times throughout my twenties. Now, a mom, I love hats and any hair covering article that can erase the clues to the timing of my last shower in one fell swoop.

When my CoverYourHair.com hat arrived, I was giddy. It was very cute and, well, like I said, I love hats. I have a slightly larger than normal head, but it fit well, snuggly and with ear coverage, and without too much of an itch factor (it is ten percent nylon, twenty percent angora, seventy percent wool blend). The flower gives it a nice look, and overall I really like it. I was momentarily disgruntled to see that it was made in China. Not poorly made, mind you, but that piece of information on the tag put me off, but I have forgiven them, and now I will explain why.

There is more to CoverYourHair.com than first meets the eye when one cute hat arrives for review. As I explored the website, I discovered that CoverYourHair.com is a pretty rockin’ internet hat shop designed primarily for females. Their featured book, Hide and Seek: Jewish Women and Hair Covering explains the religious history of head covering by Jewish women. And in October, breast cancer awareness revealed how much these hair accessories are also designed for people who need more than just a fashion accent, but head covering options as they undergo treatments for cancer.

The website has demonstration videos, like “How to Tie a Tichel,” as well as a well-written and regularly updated blog. Some of the products, like the tichels, I just love, and am looking forward to purchasing. They also have turbans, prettied bandanas, snoods, berets, hair clips, baby head bands… you name it. So, for a simple gray hat, I have a nod and a smile. For the overall line up of CoverYourHair.com, I have a hearty recommendation. Honestly, I am beginning to think that as our globe becomes a village, it is entirely possible that we need to accept China in the role of the manufacturing house, and keep up hope that the rest of us also find good spots in the village as well.

If you need to cover your hair for religious reasons, to empower you in a medical struggle, or simply to make yourself feel better when the mirror cries for a change of scene, check out these products. You won’t be sorry.

Written by: Jen Wilson Lloyd, November 30th 2010

Ribbon Hard Hairband

tina — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By CoverYourHair.com

For twenty years now I’ve been going back and forth between growing my bangs out and having them cut. Needless to say, I love hairbands and need them at different phases of this cut and grow cycle. The Ribbon Hard Hairband from CoverYourHair.com is something that I will use to keep my now-longish bangs out of my eyes. It’s simple, cute, and unobtrusive. Plus, for a hard hairband it’s surprisingly comfortable both on my scalp and behind my ears.

That said, the white Ribbon Hard Hairband is a little boring. Also, while not exactly cheaply made, the process of making a ribbon hairband like this is so simple that even non-crafters like myself could easily do it by following easy online instructions.

Yes, the Ribbon Hard Hairband is “simple and elegant” as the website says, but it’s not the most exciting piece of hairware I’ve ever owned. Some of the other products on the CoverYourHair.com are more compelling. With a wide range of hats, bandanas (both tied and untied), hairbands with tails, turbans, and snoods, the site is worth exploring if you’re an inveterate bangs victim; if you just crave some variety when dealing with weather-related hair issues and wispy strands; or if for some godforsaken reason you want to copy Paris Hilton’s hairband look. The site also links to the company’s YouTube station, which features short videos illustrating how to wear a snood. Admittedly, this is something I would have felt too awkward to try without first seeing an example. At six minutes, the video “Five Secret Tricks for Wearing a Bandana” runs a bit long, but it’s informative and fun.

I recommend trying some Bust Magazine-style DIY fashion if you just want a ribbon hairband. At $4.99 the Ribbon Hard Hairband is cheap and easy, but not worth the shipping and handling fees. If, on the other hand, you want to stock up on hairbands and other hair accessories, CoverYourHair.com is a cool, reasonably-priced site.

Written by: Emily Bowles, November 22nd 2010

A Woman's Agenda 2011: Celebrating Movers and Shakers

beth — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By Karen Helm

Second Story Press

Whenever I walk into an office supply store, my heart bursts into song. Traipsing rapturously down the aisles of Staples or Office Depot, it's all I can do not to spin like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Five subject notebooks and highlighter markers, White-Out and staples and hanging file folders, colorful Post-its of differing size: these are a few of my favorite things.

As someone with a fetishistic love of organization, I appreciate a good annual planner. While I generally keep my schedule and to do lists updated using a variety of paperless tools—such as Outlook's calendar feature and Google Docs—there are benefits to having a hard copy version of my schedule: at a glance, I can see everything on my plate without needing to pull out my laptop. It also allows me to step out of the weeds of my day-to-day commitments and reflect about my workload and my year. Finally, because I'm shortly going to be spending the next two years volunteering abroad, I want to have a tangible, coherent vision of what's happening in my life next, during months of transition where I will feel lost and out of control for long stretches of time—and possibly with minimal technology available.

A lot to ask of a planner, I know. Still, A Woman's Agenda 2011 seems a good fit for my needs. Solidly spiral bound and measuring roughly five inches by eight inches, the calendar is hefty enough to accommodate the details of my schedule I need while still being small enough to fit in a purse or messenger bag—and feel manageable. Each month has two blank pages for notes; each week has space for an hour-by-hour breakdown of your schedule. Unfortunately, the weekends get short shrift, with fewer lines allotted for tasks on Saturday and Sunday.

This oversight is compensated for, to an extent, by the inspiration that dots the pages of this calendar: every month has a feminist luminary. Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and American politician Shirley Chisholm both receive two-page profiles, as do several Canadian women like women's hockey team captain Cassie Campbell-Pascall. Every week also has an inspiring quote, presumably by the woman profiled at the start of the month (those these are unattributed, so this is an assumption). Finally, there is a list of feminist websites to visit for further inspiration and community.

While A Woman's Agenda 2011 is flawed, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Snag one for the on-the-go feminists in your life, as they start to reflect on what they'll accomplish in the coming year.

Written by: Catherine Nicotera, November 15th 2010

Hot Rod Flame Pillowcase Set

mandy — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By Sin in Linen

Shopping for bed linens is a mundane and utilitarian task for me. The usual fare of floral, paisley, and striped designs do not interest me at all, so I usually opt to buy a set of plain sheets and leave the store as quickly as possible. Taking a look at the designs from Sin in Linen has caused me to change my mind.

Sin in Linen is an online shop featuring bed linens, kitchen and bathroom accessories, and apparel. There are also designs for baby and dorm bedding. The designs range from animal print to retro pin up girls to pirate-inspired skull and crossbones. There are designs for every taste – from the conservative damask prints to more adventurous tattoos. The items featured on the website are reasonably priced and of a high quality.

Sin in Linen is the creation of entrepreneur Sandy Glaze. Sandy began the company after not finding home products that suited her taste and style. So she launched the company with her mother, Iris, in 2004. Furthermore, Sandy has been an active participant in the Seattle arts and alternative scene since the late 1990's.

The Hot Rod Flame Pillowcase Set I received for this review were great. The design matches my plain bright orange bed linens and don't clash with the traditional décor of my bedroom. The pillowcases fit easily over the standard sized pillows I am currently using, have a thread count of 300, and are 100% sateen. They were very comfortable to sleep on and did not scratch my face or hold heat during the night. Due to the quality of the pillowcases, I am thinking of purchasing the matching Hot Rod Flame sheet set.

Written by: Rekesha Spellman, November 7th 2010

Botanical 2011 Monthly & Weekly Planning Calendar

mandy — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By Posh

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Upon returning to the United States after living for two years abroad, my partner was particularly giddy about one specific purchase: a cell phone. In the time we'd been in India, smartphones had become commonplace, and my Applephile other half was overjoyed at the idea of being able to sync his Macbook and iPod with a mobile device. Although he valiantly fought for an iPhone, the more cost efficient two-for-one sale on the Droid won out. For my part, I don't give two flips about technosyncage, and I'm not entirely convinced my semi-functional PC can handle that kind of software. I just wanted to be able to easily check my email.

Although I'm moving in the direction of a paperless lifestyle (the Droid is facilitating my newly blossoming love of apps), the process is slow-going. And now that the end of the year is drawing near, I find myself on a search for the perfect new year planner. I'm not high maintenance, but I do have two uncompromising needs: 1) monthly and weekly planning sections and 2) enough space to write in each. Although it sounds like a simple enough request, many planners fail in at least one of these regards, but the Posh Botanical 2011 Monthly & Weekly Planning Calendar has what it takes—and more.

Let me start with the basics. This desk planner is 7 ¼ x 9 ½ inches and comes in four different retro chic designs: Botanical, Flowers & Stars, Circles & Squiggles, and Asters. All have a feminine sensibility without going over the precipice to infantile, a risk one runs with cutesy product aesthetic. An elastic band wraps around the outside of the planner to hold the cover closed, and a single ribbon allows you to easily keep your place. It's utilitarian in form and function.

Once you crack the slick and sturdy cover, you come directly to twelve pages of monthly calendars. This is where I keep track of important dates, like birthdays and holidays, that I need to prepare for in advance. Gift buying shouldn't be a last minute affair, but it ends up as one when you're only going week-by-week. Posh has also helpfully included major U.S. and international holidays, as well as religious celebrations from Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions. So, while you won't find the dates for Durga Puja, you will find Ramadan, and I can live with that.

Just past this monthly section are the two-page spreads of fifty-two weeks broken up into an equally spaced seven days. I appreciate that Saturday and Sunday don't get the short end of the stick, as some other planners are apt to extend the size allotted for traditional work week days at the expense of the two on the weekend. But since I work on several projects outside of my proper 9 to 5, I don't want those days relegated to secondary status by giving them a decreased size. I want them to have equal spacial importance. Posh comes through again!

The handful of back pages in the Posh Botanical 2011 Monthly & Weekly Planning Calendar get a little hit or miss, which is to say that they've covered all the bases and not everyone will need everything found here. There are one-page 2010 and 2012 year-long reference calendars, as well as a two-page "2012 Looking Ahead" spread. Six pages are provided for "Names & Addresses," which even I prefer my cell phone to hold, and inclusion of "Emergency Numbers" seems terribly outdated, especially when situated opposite a page for jotting down "Web Sites." Three pages for "Notes" brings up the rear.

I plan to wear this desk planner out next year, and maybe with a little more cajoling, I'll consider making the tech savvier, eco-switch come the year of the Mayan apocalypse. Perhaps by then my PC will have seen its end-of-days and a sync won't seem so scary.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, October 22nd 2010

Leopard Throw Pillow

beth — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By Sin in Linen

I was surprised to hear a shriek of delight from my house guest as she entered my messy apartment. I had forgotten that in a last minute effort to spruce up the place I had carelessly tossed my leopard Sin in Linen throw pillow on my living room couch. However, I was instantly made aware of its presence when my house guest followed her shriek with “I want that pillow!” As my personal anecdote demonstrates, if you are an alternative stylish individual and wish to express this through your linens, clearly, Sin in Linen is the place for you.

With unusual 1940s and 1950s inspired designs, Sin in Linen is perfect for all young/edgy/rockabilly types. Browsing the Sin in Linen website will give you plenty of gift ideas for all your alternative loved ones. Think about that edgy niece of yours who is going off to college and would love to impress her dorm mate with leopard print dorm bedding. Or, how about the adorable zebra print baby bedding which would be the perfect gift for that hip unmarried couple you know who are planning on a little one. Particularly appealing to me is the red sugar skull bedding collection inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead ceremonies.

But even if retro, alternative designs aren’t quite your thing, supporting Sin in Linen owner Sandy Glaze is reason enough for feminists to jump at the chance to meet their various bathroom, kitchen, and bedding needs through Sin in Linen. Those of you Seattlelites like me may recognize Sandy Glaze as former Rat City Rollergirl Ann Munition #357. For the past two decades, Glaze has been a huge supporter of the alternative art communities up and down the coast. She sees her company Sin in Linen as an extension of her passion to encourage and enable everyone to express themselves in every way possible.

Written by: Colleen S. Kenny, September 28th 2010

Forever Tattoo Almond Standard Pillowcase Set

mandy — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:00:00 +0000

By Sin in Linen

Bedding that’s cool. Bedding that’s hot. Bedding that’s fun. Not how one would usually describe the material that covers the place they sleep. But then again most people haven’t been introduced to Sin in Linen.

A passionate lady with a penchant for the “seductive whimsy” of 1940s and 1950s pin-up, Sandy Glaze decided to start her own “soft goods enterprise” when she realized there wasn’t any bedding that suited her style. With the help of her mother, Iris, the two launched Sin in Linen. The company is based in Seattle, Washington and home to a wide range of counterculture motifs. From pinup to skulls, and with colors to suit any fancy, the company ensures everyone’s alternative aesthetic will be satisfied.

Not only are Sin in Linen's products stylish, but they are high quality as well. I had the good fortune of experiencing pure pleasure when I unpacked my Forever Tattoo almond standard pillowcase set. The soft feel of the 300- thread-count Egyptian cotton made me want to snuggle up in bed with my new linens.

For those who are not familiar with thread count, it is the number of horizontal and vertical threads in woven into one square-inch of fabric. The thread count is used to identify the quality and strength of the textile. In addition to the higher-the-average thread count, Sin in Linen uses Egyptian cotton, an extra-long staple cotton that is usually equated with luxury products. Both of these features make for a softer more sensuous feel. So, it was no wonder I was eager to cozy up with my new well-attired pillows.

In addition to bedding, Sin in Linen offers curtains, towels, glassware, and some apparel. It’s the perfect place to find a treat for yourself and a gift for a friend. The easy-to-navigate website is also informative, as one visitor wrote, and provides a forum for events and Sin in Linen's product sightings on its blog.

Some favorite prints to keep an eye out for when visiting the site are Flash Tattoo (for the tough-edged princess who looks heavenly in white), Night Shade Vine (for a touch of indulgence), and Wish You Were Here Pinup (for some plain old sexy fun!). For now I’ll be sticking with my Forever Tattoo pillowcases and encouraging anyone who is a sleep-time queen to check out the rest of this company's gratifying selection.

Written by: Irene Wazgowska, September 18th 2010

Tattoo Flash Print Dishtowels

brittany — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:00:00 +0000

By Sin in Linen

Sin in Linen, purveyor of retro and punk rock patterned household goods, sent Elevate Difference and this feminist reviewer a pair of their new Tattoo Flash Print Dishtowels. I’m not sure what to review: their utility? As Courtney Love once sang, “I don’t do the dishes, I throw them in the crib.” Do I test them for feminist purity? Included among the sacred hearts, horseshoes, and flames are bikini-clad pinup girls, one of whom strikes a squatting-at-the-strip-club-in-platforms pose that is less Bettie Page than Jenna Jameson. Ew.

Lest you accuse me of typically second wave prudery, I assure you that I do like vintage pin-ups. My husband knows that Playboy is verboten in my house not because naked ladies are bad, but because naked ladies who are shaved, starved, and siliconed into looking like pneumatic twelve-year-olds are bad. My husband, incidentally, is our household’s usual dishwasher, and he approved of the Tattoo Dishtowels. “More absorbent than the crap we got at Ikea,” was his take. Unfortunately, when he draped the towels over the oven door to dry, my five-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son got an eyeful. She liked the mermaids and butterflies; he wondered why on earth there would be women in bathing suits on the new dishtowels. I told him I didn’t know.

I see the appeal of applying tattoos to household products instead of human bodies; the consumer remains au courant while avoiding the inconvenience of a lifetime commitment. What I fail to understand, continually, is the use of voluptuous pin-up girl as shorthand for “I am different. I am alternative.” When I gaze at the designs on the Tattoo Dishtowels, I think of an aging Korean War vet’s meaty forearms. A dishtowel of tattoos for the new millennium might feature Japanese kanji, Celtic knots, or Shiloh Jolie-Pitt’s name in Sanskrit.

But the purpose of these towels is not to celebrate the history of tattooing; it is to send the following message to the neighbors on laundry day: I am no ordinary housewife. This is precisely what I conveyed last week when I attended both kids’ school open houses in rumpled jeans and a pair of maroon Chuck Taylors, so I understand this impulse completely. I just don’t agree that a half-naked babe, however luscious, is the best way to do it.

Now if that bikini babe were in the company of the shirtless Old Spice Guy, then we’d really be cooking (pun totally intended). Equal opportunity objectification could be all that’s needed to unite feminism’s many waves—even if it’s only over the kitchen sink.

Written by: Shannon Drury, September 16th 2010

Black Diamond Beaver

mandy — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:00:00 +0000

By AdultSexToys.com

I chose the Black Diamond Beaver vibe because it was one of the larger shaft sizes available, and the picture made me squeal out loud. It’s definitely the sexiest beaver vibe I’ve ever seen.

Black Diamond Beaver didn’t disappoint once the box was opened. It has a sleek, shiny, black body and a see-through shaft that houses three rows of spinning silver beads. A silver beaver and diamond-like crystals all around the base complete the aesthetic package, and running through its settings while just holding it in my hand was exciting in itself.

Packed with several handy features, this vibe is multi-speed, with separate controls for vibration strength and rotation speed. A center control reverses direction of rotation, and this clever selection allows for some interesting maneuvers. All of the controls are set into the base and light up to show their present setting.

The shaft and head of the vibe are anatomically representative, with a beaver vibrator/stimulator attached along the top length. The beaver’s tongue oscillates with the speed of vibration selected. The motor sound is really only noticeable on the highest settings, and it was not loud enough to be a distraction.

Black Diamond Beaver is waterproof for shower or pool use, and is also phthalate free. I did have to let it air out for a day or two to dissipate the strong plastic smell, but washing it a few times sped up the process.

A few design flaws came up swiftly during my solo trial run. The control pad is flush to the base, and the buttons are not raised, so you can’t tell which one you are pressing until the action occurs. This is a distinct problem when the buttons are now upside down, facing away from you, your hands are covered in lube, and the button you just pressed was exactly the opposite of the one you were aiming for.

Also, although the head and shaft are a nice size, and the head has a good solid feel, the center see-through section is only a thin layer of covering over the bead spinner, so even a small amount of pressure stops the rotation completely. This causes the motor to whine and you have to abruptly stop whatever it was you were attempting. No squeezing allowed, my friends.

The portion of the shaft between the beaver and the head is very short, it is almost impossible to have any recognition of the inserted head before being impaled by the beaver. I understand you buy this kind of vibe because you want the beaver, but in this case it presents two problems. First, there is very little clearance between the shaft and the beaver, so if you are at all thickly made, it is hard to get the beaver’s tongue to reach its target, and it just ends up poking you. The second is that the tongue is surprisingly hard, and when going at high vibration it actually feels quite sharp.

I could have gotten around the beaver issue by just flipping it onto the bottom side, but the head and shaft above was a miserable tease. The shaft head was lovely; it had a nice texture that picked up body heat and worked well with lube, but once just past the head, you slide immediately onto the collapsing center section, at which point the motor freeze bursts whatever fantasy bubble you were busily constructing.

This is a clear case of beauty over function. If you are looking for something visually exciting, and you have a partner who likes strong clitoral sensation without much insertion, this would be a great choice. During partner play, you would be able to choose the desired settings and have control over the action sequences. But if, like me, you’re looking for full insertion capability coupled with the additional features, this beaver is likely not the right animal for you.

Written by: Melissa Ruiz, September 15th 2010

RingO & BabeLicious

mandy — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:00:00 +0000

By Babeland

Sweets for your sweet. Available in Dulce de Leche, Pomegranate Vanilla, Mojito Mint, and Chocolate Orange, the virtues of Babeland’s new BabeLicious flavored gel lubricant are more numerous than its flavors. Babeland has delivered my most favorite lube ever. It’s glycerin and paraben free, the lack of dyes means it doesn’t stain the sheets, and the fact that it doesn’t have sugar shields the user from that cause of yeast infections.

Never mind what it doesn’t have; of course, it’s a winner due to what it does possess. The standard fruity flavorings that plague massage oils and lubes strike me as fit for fighting plaque, not finding pleasure. Those particular chemicals are just too reminiscent of cough drops or the fluoride washes at a dentist’s office to be involved in any fun. In contrast, BabeLicious (I sampled the Dulce de Leche) has a genuine good taste, sweet and with a bit of mocha in the caramel. A dime-sized dollop started things off just fine, and it stayed wet and ready after extensive play.

Water-based and for any place, the only thing that lingers is its scent. After repeated washings, my hands still smelled like a candy shop. (I did not sniff-test other relevant regions.) With its only potential negative being the lasting whiff of dessert, BabeLicious' Dulce de Leche is now my go-to lube.

If the BabeLicious tastes like a sundae, the RingO cock ring looks like an ambitious lifesaver. The fact that it can be purchased in three colors—lollipop red, sky blue, and pinstripe-ready gray—made me smile: do people want to coordinate it with the drapes? Their neckties? Pocket handkerchiefs?

“Longer, harder, firmer,” the packaging promises in all capitals. I did not whip out the micro-calipers to establish the veracity of this claim in ängströms, nor contrive a device to determine Diamond Pyramid Number of the effected organ. However, a splendid time was experienced by all, and for a longer duration. My co-tester exclaimed “Wow! It’s great! I mean it, really: it’s great!” and then insisted that I rate it a “cock-up” and added, “You get the reference? Huh? You get it? They’ll get it?” Yes, dear, they’ll get it.

If you want to get the RingO cock ring, it’s a splendid investment. One warning: it’s firmly elastic enough that it should be placed with some delicacy and a generous quantity of lubricant. BabeLicious would work just fine, or the unflavored water-based gel of your choice.

To date, BabeLicious has been a delight to experience solo or in combination with the RingO. My partner seemed positive enough, but I have a few more questions about these products. We may have to test them again. Oh, Honey…?

Written by: Paulette S. Case, September 5th 2010

Utera Maxima Giant Uterus Plushie

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By Vulva Love Lovely

My uterus and I have a complicated relationship. Recently, I had elective surgery and did away with her ability to ever carry a child. She responded by stressing out and not sloughing off anything for an extra month, making me slightly panic that instead of being forever sterile, I’d become unintentionally pregnant.

Since then, I’ve been drinking uterine tea with cramp bark, trying to soothe her and let her know we’re still pals. She seems to appreciate it.

Being intentionally childfree is not without complication. I would love to have a “no baby” shower, at which people could give me decidedly not-child-friendly gifts that are dangerous, scary, or obscene. Most of my friends will have children; why can’t I get in on the compulsory gift registries just because I have no maternal instinct toward producing humans? But because such a party might offend certain people, I got myself a gift instead: a Utera Maxima Giant Uterus Plushie from Vulva Love Lovely. I named her Maxine.

Maxine the Uterine Plushie is roughly the same size I am. She takes up one half of the sofa and acts more as a body pillow than a small, tossable cushion on which one might lay her head. Her enormous fallopian tubes, each the same length as one of my arms, can act as a suitable dance partner if a person is unavailable. Bright magenta, she looks especially nice on my green couch and as you can surely imagine, she’s quite the conversation starter.

Jessica Marie, the designer behind this amazing doll-like pillow, makes and sells all sorts of body-positive goodies in her online store. I already have a handmade self-portrait vulva necklace, some vegan lip balm, and full set of her specialty leak-proof Red Dress cloth pads, which have revolutionized my periods. With my Utera Maxima on the couch and new stash of tea in my cupboards, I’m full speed ahead into accessorized childfree bliss. Even if you’re a mama or crave a few biological kiddos, you can join me in loving your body, inside and out, with some vulva-friendly products from an unabashedly feminist craftster.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, September 2nd 2010

Flirty G Waterproof G-spot Vibrator

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By Good Vibrations

The existence of the G-Spot has been under debate for years now. While some women swear by it as the secret to earth shattering orgasms, other women deem it a myth. (Comedian Margaret Cho once declared it “The Gotcha Spot.”) Regardless of your view on this elusive spot, Good Vibration’s new Flirty G seeks to stimulate it. The Flirty G is akin to the Rabbit Pearl in that it is a dual action vibrator, simultaneously providing both vagina and clitoral stimulation. Unlike the Rabbit Pearl, the Flirty G comes with fewer bells and whistles and packs a lighter punch (though boasts a substantially smaller price tag). It also offers a waterproof function, ideal perhaps for those women interested in bringing a little fun to a bath or a hot tub (or protecting it from the ejaculation that sometimes occurs from G-Spot stimulation).

The best feature of the Flirty G is its front section designed for clitoral stimulation. Its series of raised nubs serve to stimulate the area well, perhaps better than the ears of the Rabbit Pearl. The area also packs a strong vibration. The shaft part of the vibrator is curved and paddle shaped, designed to stimulate the G-Spot. While the shape and size of the shaft is nice, it does not provide much vibration. The vibrator also has a tendency to easily slip out of place while in use.

For me, the vibrator was successful in helping achieve an above average orgasm, though perhaps not as good as more expensive models such as the aforementioned Rabbit Pearl. While I’m undecided about the validity of the G-Spot, the vibrator’s vaginal section did seem to be more stimulating that those with traditionally vertical shaped shafts of the same size. The vibrator also works nicely in conjunction with plug in vibrators/massagers like the Wahl and the Hitachi Magic Wand.

There may be more stimulating dual action vibrators on the market; however, for its relatively inexpensive price tag, the Flirty G is a worthy buy and might be an easy way to spice up your toy collection.

Written by: Adrienne Urbanski, August 22nd 2010

Origami Pyramid Bag

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:11:00 +0000

By Silvermint

It’s a hot July evening and I’m feeling like a wilted flower. Fashion has always been a great pick-me-up and I’m looking forward to sporting Silvermint’s strawberry Origami Pyramid Bag with a simple black sundress to a friend’s party.

The bag attracted me with its unique design, convenient wristlet style, and high quality, interestingly-textured fabric and materials. The vintage button accents in soft pink and grey give it a girly but sophisticated charm and the grey origami-style animal characters printed on the off-white fabric also elevate it to a conversation piece. When I mentally put together my outfit I saw the bag as an artsy, yet practical and intriguing accessory, perfect for holding onto the few essential items I’d need while at the party. Yet as I stand before the mirror the little 6.7 x 5.9 inch pyramid looks funny hanging from my wrist: like a starched handkerchief or an old-fashioned nurses hat.

While the bag didn’t make it to the party, it has occupied a prominent place on my desk, awaiting the writing of this review. Given that my home office is also the living room, I’ve been gazing upon this finely constructed bag with a mixture of delight, curiosity and appraisal daily for the past two weeks. Each time I look at it I think I really love this little pouch!

Silvermint has an interesting story on how she moved from the world of online gaming to the world of handmade crafting. She began to study how real things are actually made vs. the world of “clicking on an icon with the mouse and Poof! a mechanical chicken has been created.” She gets bonus points for her support of ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) and a waste-free philosophy, which leads to greater creativity with materials and design. Her Etsy store is stocked with other cute and adorably unique little clutches and pouches as well as graphic-printed tote bags.

I’ve tried the Origami Pyramid Bag on a few times since the night of the party but I doubt I’ll frequently wear it as a purse. I am sure it will find a welcome home storing small treasures or perhaps protecting a snag-prone item in a drawer or suitcase. The cotton webbing strap is detachable so it can hang from a peg and it also stands on its own (especially if the packing folds are ironed out) so it would also make a cute storage container on a shelf or other visible location.

Written by: Matsya Siosal, August 18th 2010

The Stork and the Pitcher Tote Bag

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By Silvermint

As a frequent book reviewer, college instructor, and all around bibliophile I have a book on my person at all times, and usually two or three. This fact has lead to the destruction of many purses not equipped for carrying novels, and often means lugging around an extra heavy bag. My friends will often extend invites to bars and clubs to me with the addendum, “Leave your giant bags at home!” Silvermint’s The Stork and the Pitcher Tote Bag solves this dilemma.

Given that the tote bag is the same width as a hardcover novel, I easily can fit three paperbacks into the bag, eliminating the need to shove them into my overflowing purse or cart around a cumbersome (and oh so unbecoming) backpack. The tote bag’s small and narrow size may not be a selling point for those expecting to carry a backpack’s worth of belongings, but it works well for people like me who are interested in bringing a few books along or the day's lunch.

The bag's very soft corduroy handles are also a plus, as it lessens strain on the shoulder. I often suffer from scratch marks and sore arms due to the stiff fabric on many bags. The sturdy corduroy also ensures that the straps will be able to handle a heavier load, another plus for me since my fondness for books has lead to strap rippage.

Aesthetically speaking, the bag’s design is bright and whimsical, yellow with a stork on one side and striped on the other. The design evokes a child’s sense of whimsy, especially since it seems to be a reference to the children’s fable of the same name.

Another key selling point concerning this bag, and perhaps most of the other bags available at Etsy, is the fact that chances are slim I will run into another girl carting around the same bag as me. As a frequent shopper of Forever 21, H & M, and Target, on several occasions I have run into women carrying bags and accessories identical to mine. With Silvermint’s The Stork and the Pitcher Bag I can rest assured that I will be toting around an original and unique piece.

Written by: Adrienne Urbanski, August 16th 2010