Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu–Add These Aphrodisiacs

Plan on making your valentine a romantic dinner tomorrow night? Head to your local grocery store and pick up some of these tried and true edible aphrodisiacs perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Oysters:

Oysters are the classic and cliche aphrodisiacs who get a lot of attention for their mouth feel, especially when swallowed raw and whole. Another reason why they are so synonymous with gettin’ it on is because of their resemblance to female genitalia. Oysters are very high in protein and rich in zinc and iron–nutrients that help in the transport of oxygen and stimulate the metabolism.

Chocolate:

Chocolate isn’t known for its connection to Valentine’s Day for nothing, so the next time your honey brings you a chocolate-filled heart, know that chocolate is actually a flavorful source of quick energy and has been known to elevate people’s moods due to it containing theobromine and caffeine–two related alkaloid stimulants. Chocolate is also rich in phenylethylamine, a compound that has effects similar to amphetamine.

Avocado:

Avocados are sodium and cholesterol-free, they are nutritious, creamy and mild to taste. The curves of an avocado perfectly mimic the curve’s of a woman’s body and is filled with good fats and has a wonderful buttery texture.

Ginger:

Before we had the modern medicine in over-the-counter pain relievers like Midol and Pamprin, ginger was used to help relieve menstrual cramps and many people still use ginger root to soothe the stomach. Ginger acts as a stimulant and is known to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and intestines.

Bananas:

Yes, this is very, very obvious–it is impossible to look at a banana without taking note of its obvious phallic shape. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are two necessary components for sex-hormone production.

Artichokes:

Artichokes are one of the oldest-known foods filled with antioxidants. Prickly to touch, if you can make it to the center, its delectable heart reveals itself and you can feast on its delicately meaty substance. Yes, another pretty obvious conclusion as to why this is an aphrodisiac.

Honey:

Honey is sticky, sweet and golden. The look, taste and texture of honey makes it alluring and mysterious.

Pine Nuts:

Pine nuts are full of zinc, a key mineral in maintaining male potency. They have been used to stimulate the libido since Medieval Times. They contain good fats and have an extremely velvety texture.

Vanilla:

Vanilla has been said to increase feelings of lust, being very seductive. Some studies have shown that vanilla can raise levels of catecholamines, or the adrenaline, in the blood.

Better Than Chocolate–Maybe, But Not Quite

I have had my eye on the Better Than Chocolate ($80 $64) designer vibrator by Nomi Tang for quite a while–since I had first seen the Sasi come out and started researching cheaper alternatives to the seemingly all-knowing, human-like clitoral stimulator because I’ll be the first one to stand up and say that paying up to $150 for an orgasm, albeit what is being said to be an amazing orgasm, but still an orgasm just the same, is pretty insane–especially if you take that conversation up with my bank account. The Better Than Chocolate had me at its name alone; me and chocolate have always had a very close, personal relationship and I wonder if Nomi Tang had this in mind when giving this vibrator a name, but it is also the name of my second-favorite movie of all time (it’s a fairly unknown, independent, lesbian niche film so if you haven’t heard of it, it’s okay, I forgive you.)

As you can probably imagine, I was on top of the world when Eden Fantasys gave me the opportunity to review the Better Than Chocolate vibrator. After lusting after it for so long, the time had finally come; I would have the Better Than Chocolate in my possession and my anticipation built day by day as I waited for it to arrive. But after a few rolls around in the hay with it, I am very sad to report that the Better Than Chocolate does not live up to its name–in the form of decadent, lovely chocolate treats or to its film namesake.

The general consensus among reviewers of the Better Than Chocolate is that it is futuristic in its visual appeal, high-tech in function and generally beyond the realm of technology we usually encounter in vibrators. These all describe it pretty well and are all true in their own way but I would also like to add confusing and frustrating to the mix. Confusing in the respect that this is the only sex toy I have ever owned that I had to read (and re-read) the user manual to figure out how, exactly, the batteries fit inside it. The one side of the vibrator twists and is supposed to come off. I got it to twist and soon realized I had no upper body strength whatsoever as I attempted to remove the side in order to expose the compartment which contains the batteries. It did, however, provide a deep sense of accomplishment when I figured it out. The word frustrating comes to mind with this vibrator because it provides you with every element of a truly sensational sex toy and will arouse you to the point of climax and then it keeps you there and regardless of the different sensations it provides with its vibrations, it is just not enough to push you over the edge.

Putting aside the fact that this vibrator does not deliver in the terms of a toy that can bring you and then send you over the hilt, I was very much impressed by its shape and how it functions in terms of changing vibrations and speed while using it. The Better Than Chocolate was molded by a person who has a truly deep understanding of the female body in all of it’s curvaceous glory. It fits perfectly against your body and allows you to simply run your hand down the length of it in order to change the settings, which is definitely much easier than having to twist a knob or pull a lever in order to get a change of sensation.

Better Than Chocolate is the toy to take out when you are in for a long, sensuous and thrilling time with a partner, in my opinion. One of those nights where you are just enjoying each other and exploring each other’s bodies as if it were the first time you were coming into contact with it; a time when an orgasm isn’t necessarily on the menu, but a toe-curling surprise at the end of a truly romantic night. The volume of its buzz is quite low, compared to other vibrators, so it isn’t going to sound like you just started up your car when the mood is just right, and contrary to the fact that its design and sensations are meant to cater to a woman’s body and pleasure, men can also enjoy this toy! In fact, my partner tried the Better Than Chocolate out before I did. Now keep in mind that he is a curved man, so the Better Than Chocolate fit against him quite well, and being a man who hardly ever has an orgasm on the menu, but instead enjoys the sensations of a vibrator against him, he thoroughly enjoyed it and I suspect he will continue to put this vibrator to more good use on himself–and also on me when the mood is just right. The Better Than Chocolate is also completely waterproof, so feel free to take your romantic night into the bathtub.

While I wouldn’t generally recommend this vibrator as a go-to for masturbation, it does make for one of the best partnered play toys out there and can truly compliment a romantic night. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Eden Fantasys has discounted this item so pick it up now for just $64 instead of it’s regularly-priced $80.

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The Parents’ Guide to the Best Kids Toys

Parents seem to constantly be battling their children over what toys they absolutely need to have. After several attempts on their child’s part that likely go to the tune of “But Mommmmmmm! I need [insert toy here]! So-and-so’s mom let them have it and I need it, too. Neeeeeeed!!!” A lot of parents cave in, go out and buy this really awesome toy that without, their child would surely drop dead at the dinner table upon hearing that it would not soon be theirs.

Another problem parents deal with quite frequently, especially when their children start to get older, is thinking a video game their child can’t live without this week is simply just a video game or that a toy or item their children wants is just a toy. In reality, Some toys and even more so, video games that have been coming out recently that children just have to have are getting obscene reviews from even adults, so thinking about what kind of effect these means for entertainment could have on your child are frightening to even think about. It is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to keep up and shield their children from what the mainstream media is trying to tell and sell to their kids. Because of this, more and more parents are opting to join online parenting groups and websites to share tips and tricks on how to shield their children from the big, scary media monster. With more and more resources becoming available to parents, it is now easier than ever to make sure you know exactly what your children are being subject to when they are playing with a toy or video game.

Because of the lifestyles and schedules we lead today, for parents who don’t have time to sift through the archives of parenting groups, communities and websites, wouldn’t it be ideal to be able to go to a website that is specifically for children’s toys alone?

The Best Toys Guide is a website dedicated specifically for children’s toys and what toys are ideal for children to have and play with. This site has done all of the work for you and is ideal to consult the next time your child is screaming about a toy that they have to have or right before holiday or birthday present shopping. The website is split into categories making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. As a new site, they specialize in best toys 2008, giving parents a resource to consult for all of the best toys over the entire year. They have also compiled a list of the absolute best online toy stores. Because of our hectic schedules, it isn’t always a possibility to make a trip to the mall or the nearest toy stores and online shopping has gained so much attention for its accessibility and your ability to shop when you have the time to, all from the convenience of your own home.

The Best Toys Guide is definitely a handy resource to have at your fingertips when toy shopping for any child in your life.