Review: Red Mini Rubber Whip

Red Mini Rubber Whip

Objective:
I’m always looking to expand my repertoire of BDSM-flavored toys so when the Red Mini Rubber Whip came up at Babeland to be reviewed, naturally I signed up right away. And… well, this little spaghetti-noodle flogger is certainly mini! By my measurements, 9 ½ inches in total length (although the tag did say 10" so make of that what you will), about 6 inches of that being the actual tails. It is definitely a petite toy.

The product is comprised of thin, noodle-like rubber strands with clear plastic and two large black beads bundling the first 3 ½ inches into a somewhat flexible handle that is topped by a convenient cloth wrist strap. (Did you know that often times the wrist strap itself can be just as fun as the part of the toy intended for impact play? No? Try it!) Certainly a no-frills design, but I’m no stickler for having all my toys be intricate works of art so no big deal there.

Being made of rubber, this toy is not sterilizable but is able to be cleaned with soap and warm water. Caution is advised if any fluids are on or around the site(s) of impact. Just be smart, hmm?

Subjective:
The (very) small size and light weight of the Red Mini Rubber Whip make it ideal for sting factor. In fact, I would venture so far as to say that this toy was bred, born and raised to be stingy. I could not get this toy to be thuddy. Em could not get this toy to be thuddy. There is very little chance that this toy will be thuddy. And toys with a specific purpose are certainly not flawed. The flaw, at least in my opinion is that this toy is SO stingy that it crosses right over the line into itchy. Flicked lightly or swung full force, the whippy impact soon morphed into a not-altogether-pleasant itchy tingling sensation that left me scratching at wherever the flogger hit. This could be ideal for the Top/Dominant who likes to drive his/her/zir bottom/submissive a little batty, but for me… no cigar.

I was also a little uncomfortable with just how small this flogger is. I couldn’t get a good grip on the handle because there was too much overlap of my fingers and palm. This may mean that the Mini Whip would be comfortable for someone with more petite hands, but petite hands I do not have.

However! It did feel pretty good when used as a sensation toy; the strands felt great when run over my skin. They feel smooth, rather cool and very pleasant.

Also, my dog loves this toy. He goes absolutely wild when I flick it at him, and tries to attack it like he attacks his squeaky toys. I think this counts as off-label use, though. That and my dog is a little weird.

Conclusion:
No bones about it, the Red Mini Rubber Whip was a bust for me as an impact toy. I do however hold out hope that this may be a better match for somebody with different circumstances; I also think that perhaps one of Babeland’s larger rubber whips might work better for me so I’m not writing them off entirely. And hey, there’s always room in my toybox for more sensation play items.

Review: Laya Spot

Welcome to my first Babeland-sponsored review! I’m pretty excited. For my first product, I was sent the Laya Spot by Fun Factory. So here goes.



Objective:
This little ergonomically-designed clit vibe is roughly fit-in-your-palm sized, made of elastomer and hard plastic (elastomer being placed, of course, where the toy will make contact with the sensitive bits) and requires two AAA batteries, not included.

This little bad boy comes in a variety of colors, selection of which being at the mercy of your friendly Babeland packager. Whoever loaded up my box must have been psychic because mine is in a very pretty lime green elastomer with shimmery purple hard plastic accents. GREEN! Hooray!

The Laya Spot is very user friendly, requiring only the push-and-hold of the plus button on the top of the toy to turn on. It starts at the lowest speed which is barely a rumble, but you’ll know it’s on because the plus button lights up red. Then to cycle through the nine steady vibe strengths, you just keep hitting the plus button. Once you’re at the strongest vibe, push and hold the plus button again to cycle through the three pulse vibe settings. Hit the minus button to return to the strongest steady vibe setting, then just keep hitting the minus button to cycle back through the steady vibe strengths and finally to turn off. Not the quickest method of turning off a toy (therefore not conducive to a quick turn-off if needed to avoid awkward situations) but certainly not difficult to figure out.

Being made of elastomer, the Laya Spot is able to be cleaned with mild soap and water, but is not sterilizable due to its slightly porous nature. Use condoms if you want to share. Battery insertion/removal is very easy; just twist the hard plastic cap at the end (righty tighty lefty loosey) and insert your two AAA batteries according to the diagram next to the battery compartment.

Subjective (or My Thoughts):
My first observation upon turning on the Laya Spot is that it is a relatively quiet toy. It’s not something you’re going to get away with if, say, you have a roommate on the top bunk, but it’s definitely doable if you have your own room and can shut the door. Really quite discreet. Also very purse-friendly, assuming you’re not carrying a tiny clutch or something.

As for the actual use of the Laya Spot… it is both a fail and a win. Where the Laya Spot fails is, funnily enough, in its intended use. From what I gather, the Laya Spot is intended to be nestled over the pubic bone so that the flat underside of the head is nestled against the clit; thus it administers its vibrations and (supposedly) brings one to orgasm. Well, this did not happen. For one, the Laya Spot did not nestle at all. Once I did finally manage to get it to stay put over my pubic bone without sliding right off, the vibe even at its strongest was not enough to bring me to orgasm by just lying against my clit. Sensitive though my clit may be, I need pressure and movement as well as the vibration to get me off.

Howwwww-ever. When the Laya Spot is held in the hand (either in my hand or in the hand of a partner) and pressure/movement is applied in conjunction with the vibration… ohhhh yeahhhh. That's where it's at. Used in such a way, this little baby gets me off VERY well. I love that the underside of the business end is wider and flatter so I don’t feel like my clit is being poked at with sharp objects. The very tip of the toy IS a bit tapered though, so it can deliver more pinpointed vibrations if that’s what you need. It’s really quite versatile when used in this manner.

As for the strength of the vibe: well, if you’re hooked to your Hitachi, this little thing may not be strong enough for you. But if you’re looking for something more in the middle of the spectrum, the strength of this vibe is perfect. And the various speeds – plus the pulses – serve a variety of purposes. For instance, I find that switching between the three different pulse speeds serves as a very nice tease to get me worked up; the strong and steady vibe is perfect for The Moment of Orgasm; the softer steady speeds are custom made for drawing out those delicious little aftershocks without overwhelming my now very sensitive clit.

Conclusion:
While falling short of achieving the status of hands-free, the Laya Spot appears to be simply built to serve and able to suit almost any clitoral need. It’s easy to use and makes my touchy and often picky clit very happy. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compact, mid-range buzzy toy to tease out a clit orgasm or five. Thank you Babeland for letting me review this great little toy!

An Update on the Hottie

Okay, so… the Hottie. Remember when I reviewed it and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread? Well, I’m not so sure about that anymore.

See, lately when I’ve been using it, or having it used on me to be more precise (did I mention we are the proud new owners of a Terra Firma harness? Review to come on that at some point, once I get the chance to use it myself…) it starts out alright but quickly descends into the realm of Pain That I Do Not Like. At first I thought it was the girth. It is 1 ½ inches in diameter, after all. That struck me as odd, though, because I’d never had girth issues before. Not that I’m a size queen or anything, but I’m certainly not shy about having a little oomph to my cocks.

Then the other night as it was being used on me verrrry slowly I realized: it feels great upon insertion, but it’s the pull back that hurts! And it dawned on me. It’s the ridge. That damn ridge between the head and shaft of the cock is catching on my inner crevices and doing its damnedest to pull me inside out. Doesn’t matter how much lube I use; it still catches. That is what’s causing the pain for me!

It’s a bittersweet moment of enlightenment, really. I loved the Hottie and as a cock, aside from this inescapable ridge issue, it really worked for me. It also means I’m still on the quest for The Perfect Cock – but what kind of an issue is that if I get to try out new toys, right?

So if you’re considering the Hottie, keep that in mind. If you have no issues with texture and ridges, the Hottie is still a great cock to try. But if your bits are a bit more sensitive like mine, you might want to look for something a little more streamlined.

Ooh La La!

Who doesn't love cruising through sex toy websites and making the ultimate wishlist? Well, what if that wishlist were fulfilled?

This is your chance, courtesy of Ooh Lala! Entering is a snap; check it out.

And on to my wishlist!

1. Dichroic Spiral Curved Shaft Glass Dildo, £145. I've been dying to buy into the latest Big Thing to happen to sex toys! I've been putting glass in my stretched ears for a while; it's time my cunt got the same VIP treatment.

2. iKit personal vibrator package, £38. I'm all about finding fun ways to get myself off, and I'm drawn to all the attachments this kit comes with!

3. Penthouse Ultra Powerful Gyrating Massager, £57. (In black, preferably.) I saw this in a sex toy shop a while ago and my inner femme was drawn to the, "Ooooh, SHINY!"

4. The Hitachi Magic Wand, £68. Because I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't have this in my collection JUST BECAUSE. Even if it's too strong for me, I hear it's a great tool for using on others...!

5. Remote Control Egg Vibrator, £25. I've been lusting for a wireless remove control vibrator FOREVER. It's about time I had one!

6. LELO Lily, £63. (In black.) Because, uhhh... it's LELO, hello!!! The ultimate in luxury sex toys; and so beyond my budget otherwise.

7. LELO Gigi, £63. Again: it's LELO! And plus, I love intense G-spot stimulation, so I think this would be a REALLY enjoyable toy.

8. Bondage tape, £10. I love the idea of bondage tape sticking to itself but not the wearer. It sounds like a fun, quick and disposable way to play!

9. I Rub My Pirate Duckie, £21. I'm all for the waterproof toys, and this little guy is so cute!

10. WET Sweet Cherry lube, £9. I've always been dubious about flavored lubes since a catastrophic run-in with mint flavored lube, but I love WET lube so I'd like to give this a try.

My grand total: £499! Whew, cutting it close to the mark there.

So hey, if you want your chance to win up to £500 worth of free toys, here's your opportunity! Get crackalackin'!

It's a walkoff! Er... I mean contest!

Nope, not my contest. (Sorry. I have no sponsors and no money to buy prizes out of my own pocket!) Just spreading the word about Epiphora's bumpy glass dildo giveaway!

Because seriously, who wouldn't want a pair of pretttttyyyyy glass dildos for free? I'm all about putting glass in my ears, so why not my cunt?!

Check out Epiphora's contest post for all the rules and how to enter.

The Pocket Rocket Rocks My Clit!

Ahhh, the Pocket Rocket. I won this nifty little device in one of Essin'Em's fabulous contests, as part of Babeland's Share the Love Kit. (A full review of the kit will come later... after I've tried most or everything in it!) I must admit I was a little dubious given how ridiculously sensitive my clit is, but not being one to turn away free sex toys (especially free sex toys from Babeland!), I decided to give it a go.

The first thing I noticed about the Pocket Rocket is how aesthetically pleasing it is. A little shorter and wider than your average tube of lip gloss - about the size of a largish tube of lipstick I suppose - it is finished in a silky matte blue hard plastic, with clear hard plastic at the end, complete with little teaser nubs. I thought it was neat that you could see the little metal vibrator heads through the clear plastic; I'm just a nerd like that.

The second thing I noticed, much to my pleasure, is that there are no weird watch batteries required for this bad boy. One AA battery does the trick. Hurrah!

Naturally, as soon as I pulled the Rocket out of the box the whole kit comes in and inserted the battery, I had to at least turn it on to get a preliminary viewing. Much to my surprise and initial frustration, the Rocket is actually a little... well not difficult, but certainly not as easy as flicking a switch with one's fingertip or anything. However, as I got to thinking about it, this is really more of a blessing than a curse. The Rocket is obviously designed for portability and travelability. It is perfect for carry-ons and purses. It makes perfect sense to have a vibe NOT turn on so easily, because how embarrassing to be in public and have your purse randomly start buzzing! Or, heaven forbid, if you were carrying it in your pocket. ;) And really it's not THAT difficult to turn on. It just takes a little wrist torque.

But hey, on to the good stuff now! I first tried out the Pocket Rocket on a solo mission while M was at work. Bracing myself, I turned him on and got to work. Well, blog land, let me tell you, was I ever WRONG for doubting the Pocket Rocket! The vibe is surprisingly strong for such a little package, but it was not only bearable but extremely pleasurable! Those little teaser nubs were heaven either drawn straight back and forth across my clit, circled around my clit or (my favorite) twirled directly over my clit. Let me reiterate: I have a VERY sensitive clit. I am most definitely a featherweight when it comes to the intensity of sensation my clit can take. The Pocket Rocket felt AMAZING. It brought me to orgasm quickly and intensely. Let me just put it this way: I'm not generally a screamer. I had to bite one back as the orgasm from the Pocket Rocket hit me like a Mack truck, then slid through my veins like molten chocolate. Mmmm.

Funnily enough, when I tried it on M the first time, it was too much for her. And she's definitely more of a mid- or even heavyweight as far as clit sensation goes. But, she was at that portion of her cycle where sensitivity increases, so I backed off to try another time. That other time came not too long ago, and she also found it very enjoyable, although she did note that it still came to be a little too much after a prolonged amount of time. So maybe this really is a better masturbation toy than partner toy, since typically we know best what we like to do to ourselves and what gets us off to maximum efficacy.

Oh, and I should mention it also felt really neat when lightly, lightly brushed over my nipples. M prefers different nipple sensations so she didn't really care for it, but I thought it was fantastic.

Cleanup was pretty easy. A thin stream of water over the end to get in between the nubs, and a rubdown with a damp cloth elsewhere. Wash 'n' go!

All in all: two very enthusiastic thumbs up! This has become a staple in both the arsenal of toys used on me and in my own self-pleasure arsenal. And it is DEFINITELY a toy I recommend to ANYONE who loves good clit orgasms.

A Flogger in Hand Beats... Well, Just About Anyone Really!

Crossposted from Kinky Sex Link.

You know how they say a woman can put on that right pair of heels, or that right shade of lipstick and suddenly it’s like a light going on inside her – she’s really just herself with the aide of that one special item? Her walk turns into a sashay, her smile is that much more confident, her eyes that much sparklier. That is how I feel with a flogger in my hand.

My 72-tail suede flogger was one of my first BDSM implements that I didn’t just find lying around my house waiting to be perverted. It’s heavy and thuddy, but with the right flick of the wrist can turn into a stingy little bugger too. When I hold that flogger I almost feel more like it is a natural extension of my body more so than a tool I hold – much like I imagine a horseback rider feels like s/he is an extension of the horse rather than a separate entity. And more than an extension, it is a transformer.

Nothing makes me feel toppier than the weight of the handle in my hand, the braided leather pressing into my palm, my other fingers curled around the soft suede of the tails. I feel my spine straighten, my stance widen, and my gaze takes on a predatory feel as I search for that perfect spot to strike. My grin becomes especially wicked, almost wolfish, as I take in the half-wary anticipation of my bottom.

Holding and using that flogger – or any nice flogger, really – seems to open the doors of my creative side, as well. Seemingly innocuous items around the house suddenly become implements of pain, or sensory play. Everything has potential and with the change in attitude that flogger brings, suddenly I see it.

I also think that perhaps in order to re-enliven the sadomasochist within myself, perhaps I should work on visualizing that flogger in my hand even when it is not there. There is something to be said for the confidence and creativity of a top. It is an attitude I feel could be rewarding in every aspect of life.

Another notch on the bedpost

Well, another play party under my belt, and this one was goooooood. A lot of great scenes, a lot of things I hadn't seen before - CBT, violet wand play, plastic wrap bondage - and I even did a little topping myself. I got to flog the bottom girl I'd been wanting to flog, although I didn't get to hit as hard as I wanted because it was her time of the month, so she was a little sensitive, and so some sensation play with a bristle brush. It was really fun to get her all worked up with the bristles then paddle her on the ass with the flat side.

I also got to do some needles on the woman who did needles on me the last time. Now that was fun. I didn't do too many or do very pretty designs, but I got to experience it and it was awesome. I could easily do that again. It was fun to watch her sink into the happy piercing place.

It also helped because I was massively comfortable at this party. Physically, I mean. No too-long corset digging into my underarms. I had on some sexy dance pants and a really cute fringed flapper-type top I got at Torrid. All soooo comfy. But I got a lot of compliments, especially on the pants! Melos get compliments wherever they go, that's for sure.

I am sore today though. Funnily enough, not from the party! Friday night I was at a friend's house playing Wii bowling and tennis until the wee hours of the morning. For the first time ever. My arm is definitely not in good Wii-shape! Oh well. Nothing naproxen and rest can't cure.

Speaking of arms being in shape, I was pretty impressed with myself the other night. Not only did I fuck M into several orgasms, but I did it with my left hand! I am generally such a righty, I surprised even myself. We both got good sleep that night. :D

Also, I really really need a harness. I wanted to fuck her while wearing the cock so bad that night. It was ridiculous. Harness: definitely high up on the kinky wish list.

Guess it's a good thing Christmas is nearing! ;)

Slinking back in

Wow, I've been pretty AWOL, haven't I? Terribly sorry. Feel free to spank me. ;-)

No, in all honesty, not much has been happening that would prompt me to post up until a couple days ago. A couple days ago, M's prize from Shay's S Spot contest, the Hottie from Eden Fantasys arrived.

Oohhhh my! I haven't masturbated with the toy yet so I'm holding off on an official, thorough review, but being fucked with it gets at least four out of five stars. I absolutely adore it.

And yes, being fucked with it. Thaaaat was a very good night. Not only did I get fucked with a toy that is probably one of the best alternatives to real cock (for those who go for real cock), but M got a little toppy. And I. Loved. It.

It's interesting for me to think back on when I said I didn't think M topping me would work since our relationship wasn't very switchy and she didn't think she was very switchy. Both of those statements have proved to be very, very false! M can most definitely be switchy as evidenced by how toppy she got with me the night we played with the Hottie: pinning me down, verbally topping, even a bit of forced orgasm play. I was absolutely digging it, so apparently I can be topped by her!

Also interestingly, this switching up seems to have relieved a bit of tension in our relationship, and I think I understand why. Before, our relationship was pretty strictly Dom/sub. I was the Dominant, she was the submissive, and things got shaken up whenever she didn't act submissive. Sometimes she could be put back into subspace; sometimes she couldn't, and that led to pretty nasty arguments when it happened. But now things seem to click more easily in our relationship. Outside the bedroom we almost have a fairly vanilla seeming relationship, with equal levels of power exchange. Of course, both of us know that's entirely not true. :-D

I certainly don't get pissed off anymore if she acts a little toppy, which had definitely smoothed out our dynamic.

Oh, and I have also discovered something else about myself - in particular, my bottomy side - that doesn't come as a surprise at all: I am one very smart-ass bottom. I don't say smart-ass masochist (SAM) because I'm not a very hardcore masochist; I don't say smart-ass sub because to me that implies some level of permanence in the position. But I am most definitely a smartass bottom. I am the perfect bottom for a Top who enjoys challenge and enjoys cooking up creative ways to shut up a bottom who won't stop making snarky, sarcastic remarks and taunting the Top. I am the perfect bottom for a Top who enjoys struggle - a bit of a fight.

Luckily for me in my relationship with M, she is that kind of Top. It sure keeps things fun in the bedroom - even outside the bedroom to a certain extent, since we're both pretty snarky and smartass.

This lightening of the mood overall is really quite enjoyable. The episodes of serious power struggle are pretty much over. We joke about it more often now, and play around with power struggle/exchange.

Anyhoo, stay tuned because if I don't get too busy, a very nice HNT should be coming up this week, and probably following next weekend a full review of the Hottie should be out!

Tomboy femme

So funnily enough, despite my bemused ramblings regarding labels, I have found one that has struck me like a tuning fork. (Cue drooling dogs.)

"Tomboy femme."

You can thank Sinclair for that one. Talk about a term that nails me on the head.

Then I came across this post by Essin'em on the Femme's Guide to Everything and it got me thinking more about the concept. I'm still unclear on the exact differences between femme and feminine (although I know they're there), but the idea of wearing a dress and heels - or, conversely, sweats and a tee, such as what I'm wearing now - and still kicking ass and taking names makes me want to pump my fist and shout, "HELL YEAH!"

The finest example of this (besides the darling Essin'em herself) would be my mother. I couldn't really tell you whether she's femme or feminine (maybe both?) but she certainly kicks ass in her cute skirts and cleavage-showing tops. That cute purse she's carrying? Yeah, it contains no less than four weapons meant to inflict serious damage should anyone try to fuck with her without permission. This just makes me swell with pride. My mom kicks ASS.

ANYWAY! Back on topic. I seemed to fall into the more femme role - or rather, my androgynobutch girlfriend just brings it out in me - but it felt incomplete somehow. How the hell could I be a femme when I'm such a... well, a tomboy?

Well, there you go! I can do it all! I can be a kick ass multitasking tomboy femme. AND, on top of it all, I can wrap these labels around me without letting them take me over and drown me. I AM the labels; they are not me. (Oh, how cheesy.)

Also, I am becoming more and more interested in a harness. I'm in love with this one - only I think I'd have to get it in black. The idea of not only fucking my girlfriend with a cock, but being a femme who fucks my butch girlfriend with a cock - that just tickles me pink.

This rapidly unfolding world before me is unceasingly fascinating, and I think the ride's going to be a lot of fun.

A new toy!

My GF and I came home from getting her hair cut this afternoon and a much-expected package was waiting for us at the door! I got right inside and tore it open; inside was my beautiful black suede 72-tail flogger, exactly as described.

I started playing with it over my GF's clothes, which she was liking, so I had her strip down and lay face down on the bed, and started taking test whacks. I started out light then went a little harder, alternating between her ass cheeks and back. The thuddiness was gorgeous. It's a nice heavy flogger but without a lot of the severe ouch factor. I had my GF report back to me how different strikes felt, how the thuddiness felt, what the ouch factor was. Everything was well within the realm of enjoyment for her, and DEFINITELY for me. In fact, I could easily have gone harder and longer and still been fine. This is an EXCELLENT flogger for novices! I adore it.

Next up: a better vibrator PLEASE!