Sex in a Recession -- Can it be?

Sex Toys find their way to be Recession Proof

You know the old saying, "Sex Sells", well it is true.  Even in a recession, the sex toy industry is still holding on and going strong.  I recently came across an article on CNBC (of all places) reporting on how America continues to find money in their pockets for sex toys.  According to Richard Longhurst, co-founder and co-owner of LoveHoney, "Generally a recession means that people stay at home more."  "If you're in a relationship, you need to spend more time with your partner and this often leads to wanting to rekindle or enhance a sexual relationship."

It appears that buying sex toys used to be taboo many years ago.  Most people related them with the dirty book stores on the highway with the large flashing XXX sign enticing truckers to stop and take a peek.  Of course, the HBO show "Sex and the City" changed all of this with the 1998 scene when "the rabbit" vibrator was introduced to the characters on the show.  I guess there was a demand for the device and it made buying sex toys, acceptable.  In fact, I had read that Eva Longoria buys all of her friends a rabbit vibrator for their birthdays.  

During our current economic times it appears that the sales of sex toys have increased for some sex toy stores.  Babeland reported their sales were up 10% in the first half of the year.  Lelo, a high-end designer and manufacturer of adult novelties, has seen its business double 

every month this year.  LoveHoney, another retailer and manufacturer of sex toys, reports a 30% year-to-date increase in sales.

"In a recession, people are seeing that sex is a way to not spend a lot of money," says Claire Cavanah,  co-founder of Babeland.  "If you buy a sex toy for $150, that's going to buy you a lot more entertainment in the long run than a dinner and a show."

You know $150 seems like a lot of money but I guess most people who are buying these products are willing to pay the high dollar prices in order to get a quality product.  For sex toys, it is all about if it will stand the test of time.  Manufacturers are seeing the interest and now that the product is in the mainstream they are having to produce quality work.   It used to be that most people were embarrassed to purchase such a product and the manufacturers knew that if the toy broke there would be no complaints.  Now the consumer is expecting a certain level of quality and the manufacturers are having to design just that.

This was proven with LoveHoney as they embarked on a new trend and unveiled - The Sqweel.   Consumers raced to buy this $60 device as LoveHoney reports they sold out of their original shipment of 2,000 in two days.  Wow!

Just in case you were curious as to what a Sqweel is.

Vampire Romance -- Why do Women Love them?

Vampire Romance -- Why do Women Love them?

Vampires are creepy, I mean they suck your blood, turning you into the creature of the night, but why are they so sexy or romantic.  Is it the fear or the thrill of the Vampires life, creeping around society, always up at night or sleeping during the day?  Could the Vampire be attractive because of the Bad Boy portrayal?  Maybe it is the way that Hollywood portrays these characters in most recent movies/series: "Twilight" and "True Blood".  You have to admit they are using characters that are very easy on the eyes making it easier to see a Vampire as a seductive creature.

AskMen.com released a top 10 list of Reasons Why Women Love Vampires and they also give advice for the single guy which I thought was interesting (you should read the article just for that  www.askmen.com).  See the list below starting with #10:

10.  Vampires are Loners:  Most guys run with the pack as they party on the weekends with friends, watch football, etc... Vampires are portrayed as loners.  They are usually out doing their own thing; therefore, they have all the time in the world for the women in their life.  

9.    Vampires require no Commitment during the day:  Even though women enjoy having their man around it does not always mean 24/7.  Therefore, Vampires give women a chance to spend some time with their girlfriends without feeling guilty.

8.    Vampires Dress Well:  It appears that Vampires are very well dressed and handsome.  They always have the best looking clothes and their hair is perfectly in place.  

7.    Vampires Love Necking:  Women do like Sex but better yet they like to fool around including necking.  Vampires don't really want sex but are willing to play the games.  They know how to start off tender and soft and then get a little rough!

6.    Vampires are Moody:   I guess we women like a little drama in our relationships.  It appears that it keeps things fresh and exciting.  Vampires are portrayed as moody men and that is why we like them.  (OK!)

5.     Vampires are Persuasive:  Vampires are smooth and soft-spoken.  They are suave and have a calming demeanor.  It appears that we women get off to this!

4.     Vampires Search Forever to Find Her:  Women love the romantic angle of a soul mate where two people were destined to meet, fall in love and be together forever.  It is even better knowing that the Vampire has been searching for centuries for just that right one.

3.     Vampires are Romantic:  Vampires know how to romance a women as the setting is always dark and mysterious.  As Vampires know how to pull all the tricks to make the setting perfect.

2.     Vampires are Powerful:  Vampires not only show a physical power but a mental one as well. It appears that women just love this one and I guess it could be because you just can't kill a vamp.

1.     Vampires are the Ultimate Bad Boys:  A Vampire is the Bad Boy for sure.  He is answers to no one, lives by his own rules, wears nice clothes, and hated by millions.  Lets face it, it is the boy your mother warned you about.

Some of this I agree with and others I don't.  I do agree with the last two as I guess that is what is so attractive about the Vampire; however, number 5 & 6 I do question. Either way, the most recent Vampire movies have given women more reasons to watch even if it is for that seductive moment!

What Halloween Costumes are Hot for Women in 2009? -- Associated Content Releases a list of the Top Costumes

Top Women's Halloween Costumes for 2009

Each year I ponder on what to be for Halloween and I find myself surfing the net to see what costumes are most popular for the year.  It seems most costumes reflect either what movies were released throughout the year or any event surrounding a politician or celebrity.  As per the Associated Content, Sabah Karimi, reports that this years women's Halloween costumes are centered on 80's pop star looks, classic fairytale characters, and characters from popular sci-fi movies of the year.  Per Karimi, here are some of the top Women's Halloween Costumes for 2009:

• 80's Pop Star Halloween Costume Trend:   Farrah Fawcett and other 80's legends are making an appearance for Halloween 2009, so be prepared to dress up like your favorite 80's pop star or band member.  Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, or the Material Girl herself.
• Disney Princess Halloween Costumes for 2009:  The fairytale theme is back for Halloween 2009, which means you can dress up as Princess Jasmine, Snow White, Cinderella or Ariel for that special event. If you decide to be a Disney Princess this Halloween, look for oversized frocks and ball gowns with a matching headpiece and other accessories for the complete look. The Belle Deluxe Adult Costume from Halloween Express is one of the top women's Halloween costumes for 2009.  If you want to show off your sassy side, consider the sassy Snow White costume instead.
• Showgirl Halloween Trend for 2009:  Celebrate Halloween Vegas-style with a showgirl costume that's sure to turn a few heads. In addition to the classic Vegas showgirl costume complete with a headdress and shiny accessories, this year's trends for women's Halloween costumes include the tuxedo, hot pants and spats combination, or the black and white tuxedo jacket with a top hat. 
• Star Trek's Women Halloween Costume: Take your pick of female characters from Star Trek and dress up in the Helm uniform as a member of the Starfleet Command. The Star Trek Classic Gold Dress adult costume is one of the top picks for women's Halloween costumes in 2009.
• Medieval Halloween Costume Trend:  If you don't want to play a Disney character but still want to try your hand at a fantasy role, consider a medieval costume instead. Women's Halloween costume trends for 2009 include a lineup of medieval characters from the likes of Harry Potter and other classic stories. The Medieval Maiden costume is one of type of elaborate Halloween costume that is sure to help you make a bold entrance this Halloween. 
• Sexy Pirate Halloween Costume for 2009:   Years after Pirates of the Caribbean fever has subsided, the pirate-themed costumes are still going strong for Halloween season. Women's Halloween costumes for 2009 include the sexy pirate, sexy deckhand, the courageous rogue pirate and the sexy captain. Take your pick of short dresses with waist cinchers, oversized pirate hats and other accessories to play captain for the night.
  

In searching the web, I can agree with the list above, it appears that I have found each and every one of these costumes up for sale.  Also, if you are on a budget and wanting to create one of these on your own, check out You Tube, as there are a lot of videos to show you how (see the videos below).   My pick, which I choose long before reviewing this list, is the sexy pirate costume.  I am one of those who loves the game of creating my own from scratch.   "Arrgh",  yells the SEXY WINCH!

Happy Halloween

Pregnant and Fashionable -- Holiday Fashions with Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity

Fashion and Maternity go together at Motherhood Maternity(R),

A Pea in the Pod(R), and Destination Maternity(R)

Oh, I so loved A Pea in the Pod when I was pregnant. They had the coolest maternity clothes that made me feel so sexy when I was pregnant. Actually, I think I made such an entrance in my tight, black dress, for our company Christmas Party, during my pregnancy, and it was during a time when maternity meant frumpy. Of course, not anymore as the little black dress is here to stay.

This season, Motherhood Maternity delivers an elegant black matte jersey dress with a beautifully beaded bodice. The pleats under the bust allow for fluid movement, and currently at $34.98, it'll make moms-to-be-feel like a million bucks.

A Pea in the Pod introduces the garnet silk chiffon cascade blouse, balanced by the structure of menswear-inspired wide-leg trousers giving women the perfect sexy holiday outfit. A Pea in the Pod also offers a little shine for the New Year's with their ultra-luxury line. The collection offers a glamorous sequin mini-skirt, complete with Secret Fit Belly(TM). As her belly grows, the revolutionary patent-pending technology provides superior comfort and smooth lines underneath the complementing sapphire cowl neck modal jersey top, a dramatic pop of color.

To find both of these brands in one place along with an amazing shopping experience check out Destination Maternity. Locations feature added amenities like a juice bar, relax area with a flat-screen TV and over sized easy chairs, soft-sided kiddie coral, and Edamame the Maternity Spa(TM) For locations and learning studio class schedules call 1.800.4mom2be or visit destinationmaternity.com

Also check out: www.motherhood.com and www.apeainthepod.com

Step by Step Guide for purchasing a Bridal Gown -- InternetBridalGuide.com

InternetBridalGuide.com gives a

Step by Step Guide to

Purchasing a Bridal Gown Online

Below you will find InternetBridalGuide.com's simple steps for purchasing your bridal gown online:

Step 1:  Try On

If you have the time, visit a local bridal salon or two and try on a few bridal gowns. This will give you an opportunity to see which style gowns best suit your body type.

Step 2:  Choose an Online Bridal Store

When purchasing a bridal gown online, it is imperative that you first spend some time researching online bridal websites.  If you're not sure where to begin, wedding websites such as InternetBridalGuide.com can help you identify some of the more well-known, reputable online bridal stores.

The first step in researching any online bridal store is to check with the online store's local Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to find out whether any complaintes have been reported against them and whether they have been resolved.

Next, on the bridal store's website, be sure to read the store's Return Policy, Shipping Policy, and estimated production times for bridal gowns that need to be ordered, to avoid any unexpected surprises.  Also be sure to look for sites like TheBridalWarehouse.net that have taken the time to provide detailed gown descriptions including designer name, style number, fabric and embellishment details, train lengths, and detailed size charts, so you know exactly what you're getting when you place your order.

Step 3:  Find Your Gown

Once you've narrowed the list of online stores you're willing to buy from, search their bridal gown inventory to find the style you're looking for.  Ask yourself the following questions:

- Does this bridal gown suit my body type?

- Are the color, fabric, train length, and embellishments what I'm looking for?

- Is the price of this gown within my budget?  Be sure to leave extra room in your budget for any adjustments      that may be required.

- Does this gown still have to be ordered and made by the designer or is it available for immediate shipment?

- Will the bridal gown arrive in time?  Be sure to leave additional time for any unforeseen delays as well as for any last minute adjustments that may have to be made.

Step 4:  Determine your Size

You will need to get measured before placing your order online.  It is recommended that you be measured by someone else (do not measure yourself) - prefereably by a bridal alterations specialist or a tailor.  Otherwise have the person taking your measurements follow TheBridalWarehouse.net's Measurement Guide to ensure your measurements are being taken correctly.

Bridal gown sizes typically run smaller than street clothing sizes, and vary by designer.  So before placing your order, make sure to view the designer's size chart and compare to your actual measurements to determine what size you need to order.  If the option is available and your budget allows, have your gown made to your custom measurements to ensure a proper fit.

Step 5:  Initiate Contact with the Online Bridal Store

Ask any questions you might have in advance whether by phone or email, and ensure you get a response that is to your satisfaction.  How an online bridal store responds to your inquiries is a good indicator of the level of customer service they provide.

Step 6:  Place Your Order

Take the plunge and place your order.  Be sure to double and triple check your order for accuracy before completing payment.  Also ensure that you are entering your personal and payment information on a secure order page - look for "htps://" in the URL of the order webpage, or for a small gold lock displayed in the bottom right corner of your web browser window.

Step 7:  Follow Up

If your order has not arrived when it was supposed to, be sure to follow up immediately with the online bridal store with which you placed your order.

Visit InternetBridalGuide.com for more practical advice on planning your wedding.

Christina Applegate-- Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness through Lee National Denim Day

Lee National Denim Day on October 2nd

Join Christina Applegate and participate in the Lee National Denim Day on October 2nd in order to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

Applegate is currently serving as ambassador for Lee National Denim Day which benefits the Women's Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The campaign encourages people to wear their jeans on Friday, October 2, exchange for a $5 donation to support crucial breast cancer research. Visit denimday.com to sign up.

"Christina is such a powerful leader in the fight against breast cancer," said Liz Cahill, VP of Marketing and Communications for Lee Jeans. "We're thrilled to see the positive response and hope to see Americans follow her lead by joining us for Denim Day this October 2."

Denim Day has raised more than $75 million to fight breast cancer since its inception in 1996.

Christina has also founded the Right Action for Women that was established in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation. She founded this organization after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. The Foundation was created to educate women about what it means to be at "high risk" for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screening. Right Action for Women provides aid to individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings.