Gwen in Love: February 2013

2.13.2013

The Ultimate Date Night Book

The Dating Divas created this awesome book and will be having a FLASH SALE on Valentine's Day! It will only be $18.50! Use code VALENTINE

ONLY $18.50!!!

2.12.2013

Masturbation to Boost Your Libido

Masturbation can be a great tool in boosting your desire and enjoyment during sex. As our guest post mentioned, it has greatly enhanced her desire and intimacy with her husband. We've featured a couple other posts about masturbation as well and some of the readers comments on these have been wonderful. If you're struggling with a low libido or struggling to orgasm, masturbation is one tool you could possibly use.

32% of our readers that have participated in our poll on the sidebar either said "Ewww! You said the M word" or "I wouldn't know how".

Masturbation can occur in a variety of settings. You can masturbate alone or take part in what's referred to in the therapy field as "mutual masturbation". This means that you can direct your partner to do what feels comfortable to you either by word or by moving his hand or you can both masturbate together, but separately.

I firmly believe that every woman should be aware of her anatomy as a starting point. If you were the kind of girl to never look at that page in your health book of anatomy and grew squeamish at the thought of sex ed, then you really, really need to check out the link above. Please know about your clitoris and where it is. Did you know there are more nerve endings on a clitoris than a penis? Woman: An Intimate Geography is a great book to become familiar with your body and instill in you some pride about being a woman.

Once you have the understanding of your anatomy, learn about the sexual response cycle and how it typically works for a female. Some parts may feel uncomfortable or weird. It's normal to lubricate, it's normal to feel tense, some women even feel like they are about to pee. Just know the stages and don't freak out about your body's natural reaction. The SRC is a very natural part of life.

If you're going to try masturbating, you can include your partner or do it on your own. Whatever you choose, just make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed. You can use a vibrator if you'd like or you could also use your partner and/or yourself for stimulation. Some say that a vibrator is the best way to go at first while others argue that it's way too powerful and difficult to not have that control. Just go with what feels best to you. You may want lubricant nearby if you don't lubricate well. You could also try just going over your underwear and not touching directly. There's no right or wrong way.

Your mind is a very powerful tool so use it! Often women are more psychologically aroused by romance and other kind gestures, but women can also be aroused by things they see or fantasize about as well. Use whatever works for you in the moment.

Some tips:

Allow yourself to relax and unwind.
Be in a place that is peaceful to you. Some have suggested a bath or shower or bed.
Be in a comfortable position. Many women suggest lying on their stomach or on their back.
Use your mind, let go and fantasize a bit. Fantasies can include your husband- it doesn't have to be some elaborate fetish or situation. Wherever your mind brings you. Just let it in and go with it.
Add a little variety to your sex life throughout the day to keep it on your mind.
Here's another list of ideas to add variety and spice things up.
Allow yourself to see what feels best to you. Guide your partner. Be direct with him. Try sensate focus over a period of a couple days or weeks.
Figure out what gets you in the mood. If you're watching a movie or reading a book and feel a bit turned on, hold on to that feeling. What did you like about it?
Babeland sells some "Best of Erotica" Books to get you in the mood that readers have raved about. For Yourself : The Fulfillment of Female Sexuality is another book one of our readers suggested.

If you need are in dire need of some direct instruction and how-to, a reader left some tips on a previous post in a comment that she got from another Christian Marriage Site.

What tips would you share for those wanting to try it out?

2.09.2013

Babeland: Save Up to 20% PLUS Gift with Purchase

dulce de leche, mojito peppermint, pomegranate vanilla, and chocolate orange

Now through February 13th, you will save up to 20% on some of Babeland's holiday and disco items.

Plus, 20% Off on all Jimmyjane products - ends Sunday.

And, through Monday, February 11th, customers can receive a free special gift (Bondage in a Box Kit) with their purchase of $99+. Use code TIEDUP at checkout.

2.06.2013

Guest Post: Taking Matters Into My Own Hands

Let me start by saying that my husband and I have always had a great sex life, but along the way we’ve learned that we can always use improvement in order to make our sex life even more fun and exciting. After nearly 10 years of marriage and two kids later, I can say something that I never thought I’d say - masturbation has greatly improved our sex life.

I must preface this by saying that masturbation is relatively new for me. I didn’t masturbate growing up, and in our early years of marriage, I didn’t give it any consideration. My husband had a regular habit of masturbating (of course!) and when we were engaged, he wanted me to get a vibrator in hopes that I would start my own habit of masturbating. So I purchased a vibrator. Not for myself but for him, and I still remember how unattractive it was. It was big, pink and just plain ugly. Needless to say its services were never put to use.

Fast-forward a few years. After having our first child, we revisited the vibrator topic. As you know, intercourse is out of the question both physically and mentally for those first few postpartum weeks, but once the romance starts to return and the sex drive is heating back up, let’s face it, sex is still not that great. About four weeks after our first child, I was ready to go, but sex was often uncomfortable and even painful at times.

As a result, we went on the search for a new sexier vibrator, but this time it was me who wanted it; I wasn’t simply doing it for my husband. It was the best purchase we have ever made for our sex life, and it allowed me to see for the first time that sex toys can be sexy, fun, and very beneficial.

I am still not one to regularly masturbate alone, but I love doing it in conjunction with my husband. There are many occasions where neither of us feels like having sex, but the thought of only masturbating seems very appealing. No need to find the right position or worry about having enough time. It is fast, easy, and effective.

We masturbate together about twice a week, and it has improved our sex life in more ways than one. I have learned so much about my body through masturbation, including how to better use fantasy, how to have multiple orgasms, and how to better identify G-spot vs. clitoral orgasms. There is something empowering about taking my sexual needs into my own hands, literally.

As I look back, maybe I should have given that big, ugly vibrator a chance!

Check out the vibrator selection at Babeland! They even have a section for beginners! There are also some couple vibrators, mini, discreet and a whole bunch of other categories. The Hitachi Magic Wand is always a favorite as is the Siri if you need a place to start.

If you want a bit more guidance to self lovin check out this book.

2.04.2013

Valentine's Day: A Guide to Lingerie

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to get a new outfit for the bedroom- especially if you haven't added to your collection in a while or are just needing to start.

If you're skeptical about lingerie, here are some great reasons to try it out:

It can help get you in the mood
It helps increase the anticipation
It helps increase desire
You can feel sexy
It adds a little variety
It will get him more excited
You can feel beautiful
You can feel "dressed up"

If you're thinking, but I'm not one of those tiny girls with huge boobs that should wear lingerie, then get that thought out of your head. Those girls are very few and far between. Your husband married YOU. Your husband is attracted to YOU. YOU need to show that you love and appreciate your body how it is. YOU need to take control and give yourself some positive messages about how you look. Embrace the Muffin Top (we all have)! Plus size women still look sexy and can order lingerie. Be daring and try some out!

I've been ordering most of my lingerie through Yandy for a couple years now. I love them because it is good quality, inexpensive and usually take about 3 days for it to arrive at my house and their return policy is great if something doesn't work out.

If you're having a difficult time knowing where to start, here are some descriptions and links to help you out.

BUSTIER

$9.95
NOTE: Yandy usually includes the garters, underwear and stockings

Intended to accentuate curves.
May have a little extra help and support in the bust line
Tend to push the breasts up and together to create cleavage
Note: May take a bit of time to get adjusted and sized once you receive it
Prices start at $7.95

CORSET

$23.95

Intended to give a smooth line
Cinch in the waistline to suck in the tummy
Note: May take a bit of time to get adjusted and sized once you receive it

BABYDOLL

$35.95

Flowing and feminine
Open over stomach
Some have supportive underwire, others don't
I think these are great for when you're pregnant and your belly just needs space, but you still want to feel dressed up
Prices start at $4.95 at Yandy

CHEMISE

$19.95

No buttons, snaps, velcro or zippers. Easy on. Easy off.
Looks like a very short dress or long shirt
Can be fitted or loose at the waist
Usually a delicate fabric
Great if you're a bit self-conscious of your mid-section
There are longer gowns too
Prices start at $5.95

ROMPERS

$27.95

Basically like a one-piece swim suit with a lot less fabric or coverage
Great if you want to be a tease
Take good care of it or else you'll be untangling it whenever you want to wear it
Prices start at $13.95 at Yandy

DRESSES