Angie
In my time on the Dr Dick Review Crew I’ve developed into quite a connoisseur of personal lubricants. I’ve tried more products in the last couple of years than most women try in a lifetime. I’ve discovered a precious few products I like and way more that I didn’t care for. I decided some time ago that I would never use a conventional, chemically filled lubricant ever again. I just figure that life is too short and my body is too precious to contaminate it with needless chemicals. In other words, I’ve gone GREEN!

That’s way I was overjoyed to receive this 2.5oz container of Aloe Cadabra to review. It is a plant-based personal lubricant made from 95% organic aloe vera. The clever play on words, that is the product’s name, tickled me no end. And, as their name suggests, Aloe Cadabra is pretty magical.

Aloe Cadabra is lusciously silky and totally free of glycerine, parabens, alcohol, hormones or any other foreign chemical substances. I have the Vitamin E enriched formula, but there is also a Tahitian Vanilla and French Lavender formula. I intend to try all three.

I am post-menopausal so I have a real problem with vaginal dryness. But rather than suffer with this condition I have the utmost confidence using Aloe Cadabra. It is the closest thing to the natural lubricant my body used to make in abundance. I have several other health and beauty products that are mainly aloe vera gel. At first I was concerned that Aloe Cadabra would be too dense or might dry out or get sticky during use. But it wasn’t and it did not. Its silken consistency is neither too thick nor is it watery. It is the ideal personal lubricant for all my pleasurable moments, the ones I enjoy by myself as well as the ones I enjoy with my husband.

Speaking of which, my husband loves Aloe Cadabra too. He likes it because it’s never greasy and it’s perfect to use with even our finest silicone toys. And when he gets some in his mouth (my man is a passionate oral pleaser) Aloe Cadabra doesn’t taste bad. It is also condom friendly. My husband and I don’t have to worry about that, but I know many people in our audience need to know that.

Aloe Cadabra is translucent in color, so there’s never a worry about this product staining fine sheets or delicate lingerie. The bottle is easy to open with its flip top lid. And you simply squeeze the container to apply as much or as little lubricant as you need. The flip top lid snaps back into place to prevent spillage or leaks.

Why not join me in going GREEN in the bedroom. Choose Aloe Cadabra! It gets my highest recommendation.

Angie
I am so delighted to find a toy that both my husband and I can enjoy while we are enjoying one each other. I think that even though the is a plethora of vibrating toys on the market, few are actually designed to be enjoyed by a couple during intercourse. Dildos, particularly the ones that have the shape of a penis are wonderful for solo play, but they can get in the way, both literally and figuratively, when a couple plays together. This is the case with my husband. He, like most men, is put off by sex toys that have a realistic shape. I suppose I don’t blame him. I’m sure that if the shoe were on the other foot, so to speak, I wouldn’t welcome a sex toy that realistically looks like a woman’s parts in our play together.

At the same time, I need clitoral stimulation if I am going to be orgasmic. This is particularly true during intercourse. So the problem has always been, how do I get the clitoral stimulation I need during intercourse without the use of a traditional clunky, intrusive and noisy vibrator?

Allow me to introduce you to the Erotic Enhancer Bunny. It’s a bunny-shaped cockring that vibrates. How fun and creative!

The Erotic Enhancer Bunny is made of TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber). It’s a phthalate free material that is both soft and stretchy but also durable. I see nothing on the package that says it’s latex free, so those with a latex allergy should beware.

There is a multispeed bullet vibe in the head of the bunny that is powered by 3 mini batteries, you know the flat kind. The manufacturer thoughtfully included the first set in the package. Thank you very much! You adjust the speed and turn the vibe on and off by using the dial on the vibrator. The bullet is easily removed making the bunny-shaped cockring a breeze to clean. More about that in a moment.

I love the fact that the Erotic Enhancer Bunny is waterproof. And that it transforms my husband’s beautiful penis into a rabbit vibe. I couldn’t be happier.

The whole thing is pretty discreet. It measures 1.75 inches across and 3.25 inches tall. My husband says that the ring is mighty snug on him. He found it uncomfortable after 20 minutes. That was long enough for me, but he specifically asked me to tell you that the Erotic Enhancer Bunny is designed for use by a man with a small to medium endowment. Ok, I defer to him on this. I suppose that’s a problem with a one size fits all concept.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with a cockring, here’s how it works. It stretches to fits snugly around the base of a man’s penis. This allows blood to flow into the penis, but restricts blood flow out. This makes for a thicker, fuller erection and helps delay ejaculation. My husband said that because the ring is thicker than the ones he’s used in the past, it stays in place better, even when using plenty of lube. We have been using a nice water-based lube.

The Erotic Enhancer Bunny cleans up easily with warm, soapy water; wipe it down with a lint-free towel moistened with peroxide, rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution; or sterilize it in boiling water or the dishwasher.

I highly recommend the Erotic Enhancer Bunny. It’s such a simple fix to an age-old problem of insufficient clitoral stimulation during intercourse.

Angie
I could hardly wait to get home after Dr Dick handed off the Bsoft Skyblue Rechargeable Massager to me. As he and I talked about the weather, I kept fiddling with the attractive package in my lap. I have to admit, I was completely distracted. Luckily Dr Dick was kind enough to notice and he sent me on my way.

I set the package on the passenger seat as I drove home. I would catch a glimpse of the image of the Bsoft Skyblue on the package and imagine all the fun I would soon be having.

Once home I opened the tasteful package. I discovered an instruction manual, the lovely Bsoft Skyblue with it’s space-aged design and the recharger nestled in a formed plastic holder inside a black carton. As I gingerly removed the vibe from its resting place I inadvertently pressed the power-on button. It immediately sprang to life. Glory be; the Bsoft Skyblue comes already charged. How delightful and thoughtful!

There are two other buttons on the face of the vibe; one marked + and one marked -. These regulate the multifunction and multispeed. The unit itself is about 6” long, made of a hard plastic, which is phthalates free, hypoallergenic and latex free. So far, so good.

A serious problem arose moments after I took the Bsoft Skyblue from its package. You see, there is a small rubbery plug that covers (or is supposed to cover) the recharge port. And this plug absolutely will not stay in place. I don’t know if this is a design flaw on all the units, or if I’m the only unlucky consumer. Either way, it is very distressing.

I always apply at least some lube to whatever toy I am using on or around my vulva. I will not compromise on that. The fact that this dang plug won’t stay in place gave me pause about using the vibe. If I get lube, during use, or water, during cleanup, in the port it will probably won’t recharge.

I gingerly use the vibe by softly placing it on my vulva. I love the sensations. The vibrations are very strong, which I really like. I would have moved the vibe around more than I did if I used lube, but I didn’t. This is a huge drawback.

When it’s time for cleanup I wipe it down with a lint-free cloth and my anti-bacterial toy cleaner. I dare not get this near soapy water; again another huge drawback in my estimation. I simply don’t trust a toy I can’t completely clean and sanitize. And could we please stop using the ridiculous designation — splash-proof? That is the dumbest thing I ever did hear. It’s either waterproof or it’s not. Simple! There is no in between. Period!

There is so much I like about the Bsoft Skyblue Rechargeable Massager, I really do. But the port plug issue is a fatal flaw for me. The only way I could recommend this toy is if the customer could actually handle the toy before she bought it. If the unit you hold has the same flaw as mine; simply walk away.

Sex Toys & Vibrators

Angie
I’ve been watching for and reading about how many of my fellow Review Crew members have been enjoying their LELO toys. I don’t mind telling you that I have been more than a little envious of my friends, their toys and all the fun they’ve had. But now I finally have my very own LELO to tell you about.

This beautiful Pleasure Object is called MONA. And she is all LELO. By that I mean she comes in her own LELO signature packaging. Actually there are layers and layers of packaging. Inside the bright red glossy outer package there is a black matte finish inner box with a lift-off lid. Inside that there is an embossed lift-out carton that contains the vibe itself. Under that there are two separate compartments; one containing a satin drawstring storage bag and the recharging unit and the other containing a warranty pamphlet, an elaborate multi-language user manual and a glossy mini catalog of some of their products. Is this too much packaging? I’m sure many will think so. But it is a beautiful presentation for those lucky enough to be receiving MONA as a gift.

Once inside the box I am surprised to discover that MONA is considerably smaller than the packaging suggests. It’s just less than 8″ long, with an insertable length of no more than 4″. The insertable end is flared; a bulbous oval that is actually a very modest size. The thickest part being only about 4.5″, which slims down the curved shaft to down to about 2.75”. This makes it great for G-spot stimulation.

The vibrations can be used for clitoral stimulation as well. The insertable part of MONA has a soft and luscious red silicone skin (it also comes in purple) that is hypoallergenic. She sports a sweetly quiet motor that delivers the multi-speed and multi-pulsations. And the best part is she’s rechargeable! I love that I’ll never have to feed her batteries to make me happy. And when she’s happy; she make me VERY happy!

You must only use a water based lube with this silicone beauty. And you must keep your hands free of lubricant in order to adjust the controller. This wasn’t always easy to do. In fact, if I had to nitpick, I’d have to say that the controller was more difficult to use than I would have ever imagined. I wonder if others have a similar experience?

Like I noticed that the pulsations didn’t always change when I pressed the up button. In fact, I was certain I had broken MONA at one point, because nothing happened when I pressed the buttons. Maybe I just needed to apply more pressure or be more patient or something. But the indicator light in the controller went on, so I assumed that was all that needed to make things happen. In my estimation, the controller is the weakest part of the LELO design.

MONA comes already charged, which is very thoughtful. And it is so easy to charge. Just plug in the adapter and let it juice itself up. But be mindful that MONA should not be charged for more than 24 hours, as she will overheat. Here’s something else I noticed, when I used the highest speed and the steady vibration, I noticed a “singing” sound that concerned me a bit. I thought perhaps I was overly stressing MONA. As I precaution, I decided to dial her down, so to speak. I didn’t want to knock her out.

Here’s something really important you should know; MONA is splash proof, not waterproof. There is little rubber cover that protects the charging port from moisture. But if you somehow get water in there, which is very easy to do; or worse lube, be sure to let the thing dry completely before you try to recharge.

Clean up is easy with mild soap and warm water. You can also wipe it down with a lint-free towel moistened with peroxide, rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution.

MONA sleeps in her satin storage bag, where she waits for me to arouse her. And she is always glad to see me. MONA comes with a 1-year warranty that covers her working parts. Her 10 year guarantee states that if anything goes wrong with MONA at any time in the 10 years you own her, you can return her for disposal, and LELO will give you 50% off your next order from their web store. So there’s that.

MONA is definitely for the high-end consumer. I am so glad to have her in my life, but I don’t see how I could ever justify the hefty price tag if I were buying her for myself. I know that LELO is a quality name brand; I believe with all my heart that we consumers should be buying quality, but my meager salary makes that kind of extravagance impossible. However, I will always gladly accept LELO as a gift. Hint, hint!

Angie
I have the pleasure of introducing you to a wonderful educational DVD for couples. This is the very first video of its kind that I’ve ever seen. And I must say, I liked it very much.

I’ve watched some porn in my day. I can’t say that it turns me on all that much, especially the stuff that my husband enjoys. I know it’s all fantasy and I know that most of it is purposely geared to horny straight males, but the women in the movies are almost always characteratures; nothing more than sexual objects and bimbos. I find that annoying and not the least bit sexy.

I know this is going to sound weird coming from a straight married woman of my age, but I really like gay porn. There, I’ve finally said it out loud.

Anyhow, back to the Erotic Sex Positions DVD. This is sure enough sexually explicit, but it definitely isn’t porn. It’s instructional in nature. It’s presented by two women who work in porn — Crystal Lowe and Natasha Ray. This is a big plus in my book. They set a perfect tone for what we see in this DVD. By the way, they also collaborated on another video — ‘Seductive Sex Positions’.

This DVD features 27 erotic techniques and sexual positions. It has an instructional play mode and a lovemaking play mode. So you can use it to learn something new or use it as background sexual enhancement. There are three different couples in the movie, which adds to the interest level. It has what they call a ‘Tantalizing Foreplay Teaser,’ which is also fun. And there are interactive menus too. In other words, this is a pretty elaborate presentation and very professionally produced.

The hosts provide instructions while the couples demonstrate. Some of the positions are for the more adventurous. And frankly, one would need to be very fit, trim, lithe and supple to pull them off. But they were fun to watch nonetheless even if my husband and I could never do them.

This is an ideal sexual enhancement DVD for straight couples, even ones squeamish about nudity and sex. You should also know that there are no intense close-ups of penetration or anything off-putting like that.

Sex Toys & Vibrators

Angie
Hello everyone!  So glad to be with you again.  I have the pleasure, both literally and figuratively, of introducing you to Alumination.  It is my first metallic vibe and I like it very much.

It’s about as simple and straightforward a pleasure instrument as possible.  It’s very slim and sleek; it’s made of aluminum; it’s waterproof; and it’s a 3-speed vibrator.  It runs on two AAA-batteries (not included in the package).  It’s not gonna knock your socks off in the power department, but it does get the job done.

One of the best features of an aluminum toy is that it is so heat sensitive.  You can add additional sensations to the vibration by chilling and/or warming the toy.  My favorite is chilling it by dipping it in a dish of ice water for a few moments.  Oh MY!

It’s just 6″ long, maybe 3/4” in diameter.  Like I said, slim and sleek.  It’s very quiet too, which I really appreciate.

Those of you who follow my reviews know that I love a waterproof vibe more than anything.  Bath time is my time and my Alumination has been my companion for several weeks now.  Only had to replace the batteries once.  The battery compartment is easy to open and close, which is a huge plus in my book.

Aluminum is nonporous and hypoallergenic.  Cleanup with mild soap and water; wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution or peroxide.  You can even sterilize it in boiling water for a couple minutes.

The packaging is minimal, but very pretty nonetheless.

Alumination comes in black and gold beside the pink that I have.  If you are considering trying a metallic vibe, I think this is a great place to start.  And considering the under $30 price tag it makes a very nice gift that won’t break the bank.

Angie

I was so excited to be chosen to review this toy.  I’ve wanted to try a Fun Factory toy for ages.  I’ve seen their beautiful toys in the shops and online for years now.

First, I want to compliment Good Vibrations on the modest yet stylish packaging they chose for G-TWIST.  It’s attractive without being overbearing.  I really don’t like excessive packaging; it all seems so wasteful.

I was delighted to find that G-TWIST comes with two AA batteries.  This is such a thoughtful addition to any battery-operated toy; I simply don’t understand why more manufacturers don’t do likewise. Good Vibrations also includes a small sample package of water-based lube with their toy.  This is, of course, the only kind of lube to use with a beautiful silicone toy like this.

Once out of the package, the G-TWIST is beautiful to the touch.  It’s soft, warm and very flexible.  It is made of medical grade silicone, which makes it hypoallergenic and easy to clean.  That’s because silicone is non-porous.  I really like that feature.  Too many toys nowadays are made with questionable materials that it makes one nervous about using them intimately.  There’s nothing like that to worry about with this vibrator.

The G-TWIST has a lovely ergonomic form.  However, it also has a realistic penis shape, particularly at the head.  When choosing a vibrator for myself, I inevitably avoid ones that have a penis shape.  You see I like incorporating a vibrator in the sex I have with my husband.  He is less likely to welcome a mechanical device if it looks too much like his own equipment, if you know what I mean.  And listen, I don’t blame him.  If the reverse were to happen; if he were to bring a masturbation toy that looked like a vagina to bed for our sex together, I wouldn’t like it very much either.  So I had to reserve my G-TWIST use for my private pleasuring.

But before I could do any pleasuring of any kind I had to insert the batteries.  This became an extremely frustrating chore.  For the life of me, I couldn’t open the battery compartment.  I read the instructions carefully, of course, but still couldn’t open it.  I finally took it to my husband.  At first he just laughed thinking it was a girl thing.  But after struggling with it himself, he lost his sense of humor right quick.  He finally got the compartment open, but not before exerting considerable pressure with his fingertips.  Whoever designed this certainly wasn’t thinking of how much strength the average woman might have in her hands and fingers.

Now that the batteries are finally in place I can easily adjust the vibration up or down using the flower-shaped dial on the base.  Pretty nifty!  The motor is exceptionally quite, which I really appreciate.

I like a little texture to my insertables, but the ridges on the G-TWIST were a bit extreme for me.  However, the girth (1.5” diameter) is just about perfect.  I particularly like the flared base.  The ridges there are perfect for clitoral stimulation.  The vibration isn’t particularly strong, but that’s not a big issue for me.

My major concern was with the clean up.  This toy is not, I repeat, NOT waterproof.  The box says that you can clean this toy under running water, but one must make sure to keep the battery compartment closed and dry.  It goes on to say, “To prevent possible leakage simply avoid submerging the toy in water for an extended period of time.”  I’m afraid that this smacks of trying to have it both ways.  You can call it splash proof or water resistant, but we all know that’s a far cry from actually being waterproof.  As it turns out, it’s a whole lot easier to get water inside the battery compartment than it is to open that compartment to switch out the batteries.  That I just don’t understand.

I successfully enjoyed my G-TWIST, by myself for two weeks.  I was scrupulous about cleaning my toy without submerging it in water.  After about 8 uses the G-TWIST simply stopped working.  At first I thought it was the batteries.  My husband helped me open the battery compartment so I could put in fresh batteries.  But that didn’t bring it back to life.

I have no idea what happened.  I would be hard-pressed to say it was something I did.  But there it is, dead as a doornail.  And I’m just sick about it.  Obviously, I can’t recommend the G-TWIST, which makes me feel even worse.  Because before it went dead, it was a very nice toy.

Pjur MySpray Stimulation Spray $22.95
A refreshingly different intimacy spray for women. This new formulation contains a unique blend of ingredients designed to stimulate vaginal blood circulation for ultimate arousal, enhancing the sexual experience. Only a few sprays needed per application.

Angie:
I turned 48 this past May.  For the last year or so, I’ve been looking into a variety of things that I hoped would assist me in regaining my libido.  I’m chalking this libido loss to growing older and the onset of menopause.  I realize that I’m experiencing menopause somewhat earlier than most of my friends, which make the event all the more worrisome.

My husband is kind and generous and will often treat me to a backrub when I’m not in the mood.  But I know he would rather be more intimate than that.  I often feel bad putting him off as frequently as I do; that’s why I’ve been engaged in this search for libido enhancing products.

Like Carlos, I too used both products — MyGlide Stimulating & Warming Lubricant and MySpray Stimulation Spray separately as well as together.  For me the ideal is using them together.  Although I too will say that if I had to choose just one, I’d go with the MyGlide Stimulating & Warming Lubricant.  The spray is an added and appreciated bonus.

The lubricant has a double effect; it both arouses and warms. And it does so with out harsh chemicals that would irritate sensitive skin like mine.  I’ve tried other “warming” lubes and gels, but couldn’t tolerate any of them. MyGlide Stimulating & Warming Lubricant is water-based, which is my lubricant of choice.  It’s so much easier to clean up than silicone-based lubes.

Like all the Pjur products, MyGlide Stimulating & Warming Lubricant is dermatologically tested and extremely gentle to your skin.

Using a personal lubricant is all the more important now that I’m menopausal.  I never used to have to worry about dryness all that much in the past.  So I figure, why not use a stimulating lube since I have to use a lube anyway. MyGlide Stimulating & Warming Lubricant provides just that, a wonderful tingly and warming sensation throughout my genitals.

The MySpray Stimulation Spray works in a different way than does the lubricant.  It also provides a tingly sensation that feel like champagne bubbles on my skin.  It’s really fun, I must confess.  The combination of the lubricant and spray improves blood flow and circulation in my genitals and assists me with sexual arousal.

These products are not aphrodisiacs, but they don’t claim to be either.  They do help me feel better about being intimate with my husband when I know it’s important to him.  They also help me feel a bit more seductive myself, which is never a bad thing.  And for this I am grateful, but probably not as grateful as my husband.  You see, I told him that I though the products were a little pricey.  He responded, “I’d be happy to keep you supplied with these things for as long as your little heart desires!”

Enjoy!

Angie
There are a lot of things I really like about this 8 1/2 inch silicone bunny vibe.  First and foremost, it’s silicone.  Second, it’s waterproof.  It’s modestly priced and it is attractive.

When I shop for a vibe for myself, I pretty much always choose silicone.  And since I more often than not use the vibe in the tub, waterproof is at the top of my list of “must-haves”.

Bath time is my private time.  And as often as possible I leisurely soak away the day’s tensions while my husband is busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.  I know, I am so lucky and he’s such a treasure.  I help myself to a glass of wine, fill the tub with a bubble bath and climb in.  It is about the most hedonistic think I can think of, but it also keeps me sane.

The Elite Silicone Supple Bunny has an easy to use Polyurethane coated control unit in the handle.  Even in a bubble bath it is easy to manipulate.  That’s a big plus in my book.  Who wants to struggle with slippery controls when things are just getting interesting just below the surface of the water.

It has a 2-speed vibrating bunny tickler that really delivers a substantial sustained vibration.  This is by far the best part of the toy.   There is also something that rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise beneath the silicone skin on the shaft.  The head of the toy rotates slightly too, but these sensations are very subtle.  Unfortunately, way too subtle for me.  It’s the bunny tickler that is this device’s best stimulation feature.

Like all medical-grade silicone, it is hypoallergenic skin and phthalate free!   It requires 4 AAA batteries.  Sadly, batteries are not included, but at least the package is clearly marked with the battery size needed.

I recommend the Elite Silicone Supple Bunny.

The Dr Dick Review Crew is BACK! We’re all rested and relaxed and ready to tackle whatever cums our way.

We begin 2009 with a bang.  We have three vibes from Synergy Erotic.  They’re a relatively new company with a wonderful corporate philosophy, which includes everything from quality manufacturing to subtle yet effective packaging.  Good for them!

Luscious Thrill-Her, Lavender $18.99

Angie introduces us to Luscious Thrill-Her.

This is a sweet and petite personal vibrator (5 1/2 inch long and 1 1/2 inch in diameter).  It features a small diameter, which is ideal for the novice user.  Luscious Thrill-Her is perfect for both anal stimulation and vaginal stimulation.  It has a solid vibrator core that is encased in a sensual outer skin made of a product called Ultra-Gelle.  It is soft, pliable and very comfortable to use.

I tried to do a little behind the scenes sleuthing to ferret-out what this Ultra-Gelle is composed of, but I wasn’t successful.  I am generally wary of new materials that might contain hazardous or allergenic materials.  I was delighted to see that Ultra-Gelle is Phthalate free.  Thank you for that!  It says so right on the package, which is good for marketing.  I always look for that designation on any soft material, like Ultra-Gelle.  And so should you; especially if the toy is intended for insertion.  I am unable to say if Ultra-Gelle is latex-free or not.  If you have a latex allergy, you might contact the manufacturer for more information before you buy.  That’s always the safest bet.

Luscious Thrill-Her has several features I like very much.  First, it is waterproof, so it’s great to use in the bath.  It also has a rheostat type speed adjustment that allows one to vary the vibration.  This toy should only be used with water-based lube, however.

Clean up is easy; mild soap and warm water does just fine. You can also wipe it down with a lint-free towel moistened with peroxide, rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution too.

Luscious Thrill-Her runs on 2 ‘AAA’ Batteries, but the first set of batteries is not included in the package. This is a pet peeve for everyone on Dr Dick’s Review Crew.  We feel as though no one should be creating battery-operated toys without including the first set of batteries in the package.

Luscious Thrill-Her comes in several fetching colors.  I confidently recommend this petite insertable.”

ENJOY!