This is the time of year for fantasy, tricks and treats. This is when children everywhere wear costumes and assume the identity of their favorite super hero or cartoon character so they can roam the neighborhood incognito and amass large quantities of candy. Some of us will accompany our children and even don an appropriate costume for the occasion. Others, who have not outgrown Halloween, will be part of an adult celebration where some will wear sexy costumes and everyone will enjoy goodies for grown-ups.

How will you celebrate Halloween? And if you enjoy the thrill of wearing a costume and assuming a new identity — especially in the bedroom — why wait for Halloween when you can play dress up any day of the year?

Many people enjoy role playing as part of their love play. It adds excitement and creativity to humdrum sex and as we have mentioned in the past, variety is not only the spice of life but an essential ingredient that must be added to any long term relationship — providing you want your connection to stay hot for years to come. Sexual role playing involves getting dressed up and acting out a scene with your partner that leads to some sexy high jinks. Maybe you like to dress up as a naughty nurse so you can examine your helpless patient who can’t get out of bed. Pop star Christina Aguilera has confessed to dressing up for sex and enjoying some sexual role play. She told Britain’s The Sun newspaper that she especially enjoys dressing up as a nurse!

Check out the Party Time collection of costumes to explore all the fun ways you can play dress up!

Here are some tips for sexual role playing:

1. Plan ahead. Spontaneous sex can be fun, but role playing requires some advanced preparation. Picking out a costume and deciding on a storyline require some forethought. Once you get the hang of it, you and your love may enjoy getting into your roles spontaneously, but in the beginning, it is good to know the who, what, where, when and how of your role play. Decide on a theme (e.g., Prison Guard and Escaped Prisoner) and make sure that your lover is a willing participant in the fun. You can enjoy preparing your costumes together or surprise each other in the bedroom (or wherever else you may be role playing).

2. Explore your fantasies. Are you the boss at work, but secretly wish someone else would take control? Explore your sexually submissive side by letting your lover tie you up and pleasure you. Perhaps a robber has broken into your house and restrained you while going after your valuables… but was a little distracted by the family jewels. Try the Lover’s Super Strap – Lover’s Restraint Kit to fulfill your fantasy of being dominated. Or maybe you are a little shy, but you have always been intrigued by the idea of being a dominatrix or a master with a slave. Other role plays that involve power exchange are the teacher who has to give the sexy cheerleader detention because she was late to class or the man of the house and his French Maid.

3. Start small. Before you start putting together elaborate costumes or delving into the depths of your psyche to construct a sexy role play, follow Christina Aguilera’s lead and try the Party Time Naughty Nurse costume. Your lover does not need to prepare and you can surprise him with the sexy costume and tell him that he is your patient, so he better get in bed right away! We’re sure he will be happy to oblige. Russell Brand’s advice to Prince William and his bride Kate was “Spice up things in the bedroom by pretending to be French.” Try the Party Time French Maid costume and use your best French accent!

You see, dressing up and pretending is not just for Halloween anymore.

Now, whether you dress up or not this Halloween, you will inevitably see glow sticks or glowing Jack-o’-lanterns. How appropriate that California Exotic Novelties has adult pleasure toys that glow! Check out any of the Lighted Shimmers with brilliant LED lights to explore some fun ways to have fun in the dark of night, and who knows, you may even howl at the moon.

These will make the perfect “treat” on Halloween night!

Have a happy and safe Halloween and enjoy dressing up or playing hide and seek with some new glowing toys in the bedroom!

Warmly,
Ryan and Dr. Jessica

California Exotic Novelties is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the Papillon Massager and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC). We are asking you to spread the word about LBBC on Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win.

To spread awareness about LBBC during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are giving away Papillon Massagers to followers on Facebook and Twitter who “spread the word”. Just share the link to Papillon’s website, www.LBBC.org, and tag @CalExotics to be entered to win.

LBBC offers specialized programs and services for the newly diagnosed, young women, women with advanced breast cancer, women at high risk for developing the disease, and African-American and Latina women. They also offer programs for caregivers and healthcare professionals to help them better meet the needs of women affected by breast cancer.

To join the conversation and spread the word about LBBC during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, follow CalExotics on Facebook and Twitter. Winners will be announced on October 28, 2011!

Ryan & Dr. Jessica Browning-Cassaday recently contributed an article to hereshecomesblog.com. The blog is the foundation of a book by Kimberley Johnson, who is also the author of the Virgin Diaries and Ain’t No Sunshine: Men Reveal the Pain of Heartbreak. Ryan and Jessica were asked their advice about what works, and what doesn’t work, for women in bed. Their sexual health backgrounds and fact they are married makes them experts on the topic. Here are a few of their tips on what DOES and DOESN’T work!

What does work:
1. Foreplay… LOTS of foreplay
2. If she is enjoying a specific position stay there for a little while
3. Give her clit some love too
4. Touch her ALL over, not just her nipple and between her legs
5. COMMUNICATE. “Does this feel good” & “Better now?” Communication opens up sexual possibilities and will help you learn what does work
6. Use Lube. Lube makes something good feel even better.

& now…

What doesn’t work:
1. Racing through foreplay
2. Changing position too quickly
3. Ignoring her clitoris
4. Ignoring the rest of her body
5. Not communicating
6. No Lube

You can see the entire article here! Thank you Ryan & Dr. Jessica for all your helpful tips

Now that summer is gone and the exciting rush of playing outside during longer days and hot summer nights has passed, it is time to prepare for the arrival of fall. For those of you who are students, or if you have children who are heading back to school, you know vacation is over and it’s time to resume the old routine. However, when it comes to romance and sexual pleasure, routine can definitely get boring!

How can you keep it exciting in the bedroom as the hot summer nights start to cool down? Learn some ways to keep from falling into a dangerously dull routine of humdrum lovin’ with our Back to School Love Lessons for September:

Lesson # 1:  Start Your Back to School Shopping Early!

You know that everyone will be shopping for their school supplies and all of the stores will be crowded, so it’s good to bring a list of the essential items you will need for school. The same goes for romance!  You know that summer is almost over, so start making a list of the essentials you need for fall. Make sure to include some cold weather basics like lip balm, moisturizer, and of course, some goodies that will heat up the bedroom.

For you ladies, and any adventurous couples, try the Wild Orgasm Wild Orchid. This sensuous Wild Orchid will drive you wild! It has two powerful, synchronized motors with 200 intense patterns of vibration, pulsation, and rotation and a turbo powered full coverage clitoral encaser with stimulating pistolettes. Or, if you are interested in learning (it is back to school time, right?) about a new sensation, try the Insatiable Lover for some fun loving G-Spot exploration. Designed for complete and total feminine arousal, it has a dual action deep penetrating “G” with a full contact flickering tongue, independent multi-speed controls and powerful removable dual bullets. For the guys, try a ring that will give you a longer and harder erection. You will love the Rally Ring Enhancers because they add girth and stamina while being a stretchy and durable enhancer ring.

Lesson # 2:  Schedule Your Romance!

Don’t worry that it won’t be fun if it’s not spontaneous. Think of how great it is to anticipate a hot date, when it’s Wednesday and you know you are going to have a steamy Saturday night. Or how great it feels when Friday afternoon rolls around and you know that you will have a great weekend with the family, but on Saturday afternoon, mom is coming over to watch the kids and you and your honey are getting dressed up and going to that romantic restaurant that everyone has been talking about, but you never seem to find the time to go – until now! Make sure to schedule at least 2 romantic events for September. That means if you are single, start mingling! Meet other single parents when you take the kids to school. Strike up a conversation with that good looking new classmate. Talk to people at the gym, at happy hour – you can find romance anywhere!

A great addition to any date is a toy that promotes intimacy and enhances pleasure! You may want to try the amazing Warm-n-Glow (warming massager). These glowing massagers have therapeutic warming technology and a 2-speed hi-intensity vibrating head that is flexible so it moves with you. Massage is a great way to connect with your partner! Or, if you want something more exciting, try a Pretty in Pastel vibrator. These feminine and soft toys are a perfect addition to a night or romance and pleasure.

Lesson #3: Do Your Homework!

We always talk about the importance of new experiences as part of your individual sexual exploration. You may know what you like, but isn’t it possible that there is something that you will like even more?  Learn what turns you on and be able to communicate that with a partner. If you are in a relationship, make sure to keep it exciting with new experiences, too! Have you been doing this all year? Well, school’s back in session and it’s time to do your homework!  Your assignment is to explore a new sexual sensation each week, alone or with a partner.  Here are some new sensations worth trying:

• For the guys, explore the unique feeling of the Glow-in-the-Dark Strokers for some fun in the dark.  Remember, using a stroker can be great for couples, too! That’s why they are jokingly called “wife savers” and many women find that they are a great way to please their partner while exploring his body.
• For the ladies, whether alone or with a partner, the powerful and whisper quiet L’Amour Premium Silicone Massager- Seductionis a refreshing and high quality product that offers many new sensations to explore.

We hope you have enjoyed these lessons and have fun doing your homework! Although summer is over, make sure to keep your sex life hot!

Warmly,

Ryan and Dr. Jessica

Our very own Sexpert from the popular Sexinfo101 site reviews our Crystal High Intensity Bullet. The Sexpert gives the bullet an 8/10 rating. Lets check out some highlights:

“A great all-around stimulator that can satisfy aces and amateurs alike, this little bullet is full of ammunition – and it comes in the form of high intensity vibration. Thanks to a new form of incremental speed control that’s eager to please, you’ll feel the intensity rise with just a tap of a button. Plus, its subtle crystal adornment adds just the perfect amount of bling, so your orgasms will always be decked out in style”

“What a fantastic bang for your buck. For a relatively low investment, you get a powerful, multi-speed vibrator that’s sized just right. While you’re at it, stock up; get one for you, one as a back-up, and a few for some of your favorite friends (think birthdays, bachelorette parties, stocking-stuffers, etc.)”

“The Crystal High Intensity bullet is a delightfully dainty pleasure object that easily fits in your pocket or purse – why wouldn’t you take it everywhere? With a high powered buzz and easily customizable intensity, it truly is a rocket that’ll send you soaring”

You can see the entire review here!

It is that time of year again when friends and family, young and old, are graduating.  Typically, this signifies an important life transition, whether one is preparing for a departure from college or law school.  After years of study, exams and hard work, graduation suggests you are ready for the next step and you are prepared for a new adventure.

Although graduation is almost always associated with some form of school, it also means to change by degrees (from something to something else).

Are you ready to graduate to a new level of intimacy? Maybe you are contemplating the transition from single life to being a couple.  Maybe you’re already in a relationship and are looking to graduate to the next stage:  commitment or even marriage. Maybe you are ready to explore a new level of pleasure — alone or with a partner.

Here are some tips for transitioning to a new, pleasurable adventure:

1. Graduating to Massage. Whether you have a new lover or a long-term partner, it is all too common to go from kissing to down there without a lot of exploration of what’s in between.  Many people are insecure about massage because they are worried that their technique is not good. If the question: Honey, can I have a massage? is followed by silence rather than eager hands searching for erogenous zones, try some of these tools to help you make the transition comfortable and fun:

• Bring in some heat. Try Hot Love.  Bring in these warming massage pads that are instantly warm and reusable. With one in each hand, you can relax with the sensation of warmth, increasing circulation and pleasure.

• Bring in some power. Try the Miracle Massager.  If you were ever insecure that you wouldn’t know how to rub her the right way, or if you were ever worried that your hands weren’t strong enough to touch him and make his toes curl, put those anxieties to rest.  This powerful massager will have you both purring and invigorated for the main event.

• Make it personal. Try the Divine Inspiration Rotating Massager. It is a smaller version of the Miracle Massager for more intimate exploration. This can be used as a vibrating pleasure object alone or you can let your partner tease and tempt you during foreplay.

• Make it silky smooth.  Try some Tantric Enriched Massage Oil with Pheromones (Pomegranate Ginger is a nice scent).  Dry hands don’t move sensually over skin, so an enticing, fragrant massage oil is a must!  Awaken your senses with an alluring aroma and benefit from the infusion of a sexual attractant.  Studies have shown that pheromones really work, so give it a try!

If you are already accustomed to using massage during foreplay, it may be time to graduate to some pleasure toys.

2. Graduating to Intro Toys. If you want to change things up and introduce new sensations to your intimate play, you will want to try a toy that is simple, easy to use and not intimidating (for you or a  partner).

• Add some clitoral stimulation. Try the 7-Function Power Play Slimline Bullet. This small bullet has different settings and is perfect for providing the extra clitoral stimulation that most women need to reach orgasm.   It is very easy to use alone.  It is also a great choice for a first toy to introduce to a partner who may have concerns about being replaced because it is small and easy for a partner to use on you.

• Add some new sensations inside and out. Try a multi-function toy like the Waterproof Snow Bunny Stimulator. This is a great toy that is waterproof and with ascending levels of speed controls plus 3 functions of vibration, pulsation, and escalation you can find the right sensation for you. You can operate the external and internal stimulation separately, so it is a great way to discover what feels good.

3. Graduating To Intermediate Toys (and beyond). If you are ready for more intense sensations, introduce some light bondage or an anal toy.

• The experience of sensory deprivation or turning over control to a partner can be an exhilarating experience if you create an environment of trust and set limits.  Try The Lover’s Super Strap – Heart Ring Fantasy Kit. This introductory kit includes an eye mask, plushy adjustable cuffs and a teasing whip.  Cuff your partner behind his or her back or around a bed post for a more vulnerable and daring experience.  Make sure to talk about what you would like to do in advance and choose a safe word (a word that the submissive partner can use to stop the experience immediately).

• Try a vibrating probe for added sensation (for him or her) during foreplay or the main event.  The anus is, for many, an unexplored erogenous zone.  Try the Mini Vibro tease to explore the feeling of a thin probe with vibration.  Make sure to use a good lube (Universal Toy Lube is a great one that can be used with toys of all materials) and start slowly.  Communicate with each other as you explore these sensations.

Happy graduation!  Congratulations on your achievement and here’s to many more levels of pleasure to come!

Warmly,

Dr. Jessica and Ryan

As if we needed another reason to have sex!