The other day, the College Times (from ASU) interviewed our resident sexuality educator Shanna Katz, M.Ed, ACS and Tempe superstore manager Jocelyn about sex toys, choosing them (especially for the first time), and why there is so much shame and stigma surrounding sex toys. It’s a fabulous article, with some great pictures of fun toys, and interesting information.

Click here to read the article. Here is a little snippet from the article to whet your whistle!

“Everyone has such unique taste. There’s so many different kinds of clothing stores because everyone likes different kinds of clothing. It’s kind of the same with sex toys.”

Katz, who has a master’s degree in human sexuality education, says nearly two-thirds of women need something extra to help them climax. Still, she says, guilt all too often stands in the way of seeking out outside help.

“I think a lot of the shame stems from this dream sex experience where everything is perfect, and everything is easy, and everyone orgasms at the same time, over and over again,” she says. “The thing is, while sex is very fun, it isn’t always an easy ‘wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am’ kind of situation. A lot of people are afraid if they need a vibrator or some kind of extra stimulation, there’s something wrong with their partner or something wrong with them.

“It shouldn’t be shameful,” Katz adds. “And I think that with stores like Fascinations, and there are other stores out there, and as the conversation continues, all the assumptions and shame around sex toys will go away.”

Hey folks!

As always, we’ll have a booth this weekend (Saturday AND Sunday) at Phoenix Pride, at Indian School Park. This year, we’re not going to sell anything, but we’ll have freebies including condoms, dams, lubes, AWESOME stickers and even some gift cards for a few lucky folks!

In case you’re wonderful how awesome our booth might look, here is an example from last year:

And Shanna will be wearing her signature rainbow glitter, of course, but might have a few extra rainbow surprises coming down the pipeline as well.

We’ll see you there — don’t forget to drink lots of water, wear lots of sunblock and have a blast!

The Fascinations Crew.

Yes, you heard me right. This weekend, for many, it is Tax Day of Evil. However, here at Fascinations, we’re making it Tax Relief Day tomorrow, cause we think you deserve some relief, particularly sexual relief!

What does this mean to you? It means that EVERYTHING in stores and online at FunLove.com is 25% off from 8am PST until Midnight PST TODAY, April 15th. 25% off – how amazing is that?

And if that wasn’t all, we’re also giving out FREE SHIPPING on everything you purchase over $49 or more during Tax Day.

You want MORE? Fine. I guess we’ll sweeten the deal even more; we’ll throw in some free lube with every order too. Why not? Let’s stick it to Uncle Sam!

Folks, it is time…. time to get that toy, or movie, or sexy outfit you’ve always wanted but could never quite afford. Stock up for graduation, mother’s day, father’s day, for National Masturbation month, Christmas in July, birthdays, etc. 25% off can save you a LOT of money, no matter what it is that you’re buying. And enjoy the free shipping too while you’re at it.

Ready to start shopping? Click here to start saving!

Whether you’re partnered, friends with benefits, single and looking, single and satisfied, or any other possible thing, we here at Fascinations wish you and your loved one(s) a very happy valentine’s day! Take a moment to tell the people you love the most (partners, family, friends, lovers, etc) how much they mean to you…not just today, but every day.

Wonderful V-Day Wishes to One and All!

<3

The Fascinations Staff.

Ok folks…while lots of people went crazy last Friday trying to get deals, we’re celebrating CYBERMONDAY here at Fascinations (and no…we don’t mean having cyber sex with your lover all day Monday, though you can do that too).

What DOES it mean? It means that everything on www.FunLove.com is 15% off today — everything! This includes items that are already on sale, so talk about deals. And if that wasn’t enough, for every $50 that you spend, you get a $5 gift card. This means spend $100 and get $10 of gift card goodness. $500 worth of sex toys, DVDs, lubes, bath goods, lingerie, books and more means you’ll get a $50 gift card! Um…I think that’s pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

Don’t know what to get your loved ones? Check out our Holiday Gift Giving Guide for some great ideas, and then go forth! The sale is Today ONLY, Monday the 29th. So browse the guide, browse the site, and get 15% off your entire purchase!

Enjoy!

“You like us, you really like us!”

For those of you who don’t know what the AVN Awards are, they are pretty much the equivalent to the Oscars of the adult industry. Now, most of the nominations are centered around porn; best picture, best stars, best scenes, even best soundtrack. However, there is also a sex toy and retail section…and I’m am so incredibly proud to announce that your favorite romance retailer, Fascinations, has been nominated for not one, but TWO AVN Awards:

Best Retail Store (West) – Phoenix, AZ

Best Retail Chain

We so much appreciate being recognized for the work we do in bringing open source sex education and sexual health and wellness fulfillment to people in Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon in person, and of course, to the whole world on the internet at FunLove.com.

Thank YOU, our fans, our Fascinators, our customers, our learners — it is YOU that make us so much more than just a store. With you, we’ve become a sexuality resource in our communities and hope to continue to do so for many more years.

Thanks AVN for the nomination!

-The Fascinations Crew

Thanks to our fabulous store associate Katy for putting this together to make shopping this holiday season easier for YOU!

It’s that time of year again! Gift-giving season is upon us! Would you like to get that special someone a gift they will absolutely love? Would you like to treat yourself to something wonderful this year? Fascinations is here to help with our holiday gift guide!

What better way to honor the season of generosity than with a great couples’ toy? The ultimate, cream of the crop couples’ toy is of course the We-Vibe II. It is a hands free rechargeable silicone toy that is worn while you make love. The thin end is worn internally to help stimulate the g-spot while the thick end (with the button) is worn externally to stimulate the clitoris. But that’s not all—the We-Vibe II can also enhance oral sex, strap-on sex, hand jobs, or be worn alone. It has nine settings to help tease and titillate you or your partner to orgasm. Be sure to use plenty of water-based lube (as silicone lube will melt silicone toys) to help you get in and out (and in and out) while using it.

Another fabulous couples’ toy is the Liberator—any style! Liberators are designed to help get you and keep you in any sex position you ever dreamed of. Each one has a removable washable outer cover over a waterproof cover to keep it in top condition. On the inside is a sturdy foam core that supports you while you perform your version of the horizontal hula. Liberators are also great to help prop you up while reading or watching a movie in bed.

Speaking of movies, how about a feature for just the two of you (or just you)?

Speed is the newest blockbuster from Wicked Pictures (available in-store only). This biker drama has 11 scenes and has been pre-nominated for several adult film awards. Available in store only. And of course, there’s always Pirates, the classic couples’ porn from Digital Playground. Both of these films have great scenes, great stars, and great stories! Xana and Dax: When Opposites Attract is a beautiful sex-umentary, with both conversation and hot, sensual sex. Don’t forget to check out our educational DVD section as well!

This section is primarily dedicated to those with a vulva—although, with a little imagination, these products can put a smile on a man’s face as well. Lelo is one of the top names in luxury vibrators. Each Lelo is rechargeable, made of body safe materials (medical grade silicone and plastic), easy to use, and stylish. They also come with a one-year warranty and a ten-year guarantee (i.e.: if it breaks within ten years, you get a 50% off coupon to their online store). Some of our favorite Lelos are:

-The Siri—a palm-sized clitoral toy.

-The Gigi—a curved toy with a flat head great for g-spot or clitoral stimulation.

-The Ina—a dual stimulator with wonderful functions.

Which Lelo will you choose?

Jimmy Jane is another name that Fascinations customers are becoming more and more familiar with as they learn to love their line of pleasure objects. Their “Form” line has been popular with employees and customers alike since Fascinations recently introduced them into stores and online. Each “Form” is rechargeable, made of medical grade silicone, has a three-year warranty, and is discreet. They charge on a base (no ports on the toy) which allows them to be completely waterproof! Not just shower-proof, but completely submersible! The “Form” line includes:

-Form 2— a powerful clitoral stimulator with a motor in each ear.

-Form 3— a clitoral stimulator with a flexible “touch pad” that amplifies touch, or you can use it like a tongue!

-Form 6— an internal or external vibrator with two frequencies of vibration. The smaller end provides intense surface vibration while the larger end provides deeper penetrating vibration.

Why let the ladies have all the fun this year? Fascinations has plenty of toys for guys as well! Probably the most well known is the Fleshlight. On the outside, it appears to be a regular flashlight, but the inside has a sleeve made of a realistic skin material. You can choose any orifice you like (lady, mouth, butt, stealth) and some have different textures on the inside as well. You can even make your Fleshlight vibrate by putting a bullet in the other end.

For men who like to lube up and go to town, why not try Stroke 29 Masturbation Cream? It starts off as a thick cream and becomes oil as it warms to your hand and body (usually around the 29^th stroke—get it?). It never dries up so it will keep going as long as you do. When finished, just wash your willy with some dish-washing soap to get all the oil off. Stroke 29 should NOT be used as a sex lubricant because the oil will not only break down condoms, but can linger in the body and cause infection. This cream is for external use only on penises and testicles.

Show your equal-opportunity orifice some love this year with anal beads or a great butt plug! Try the Rapture Anal Chain 6 by Ophoria or the adorable Flexi Felix by Fun Factory. The oval beads are tapered which makes them easier to insert, remove, or move in and out. Pull them out slowly during orgasm for that “Oh WOW!” sensation. Both toys are made of silicone so they can be sterilized (boiling water/top rack of dishwasher/10% bleach solution) between use and shared with a partner if desired.

Then there’s the ever popular Aneros. It has been providing men with amazing prostate stimulation for years, but it has the same basic design as any butt plug that any person can use. The tapered end makes it easy to insert and the slender neck ensures it won’t pop out during use. Aneros will not get in the way during sex and the angle makes it great for indirect g-spot stimulation or direct prostate stimulation. And since it is made of hard plastic, you can use water-based or silicone lube with it!

Lastly, let’s not forget that lube is love. Please note that both silicone and water-based lubricants are condom-safe. And since we just covered anal toys, let’s discuss great anal lubes. Maximus is a thick and fabulous gel that stays perfectly in place during anal, whether you’re inserting fingers, toys, penises or more! This is the perfect companion to the Aneros.

For silicone toys, water-based lubricants are highly recommended. Thicker lubes are best for anal use. Consider Frolic, a water-based glycerin-free lube. It stays where you put it and won’t get absorbed as quickly as its thinner counterparts. Plus, the infused grapefruit seed extract provides anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Try it with the Rapture Anal Chain 6—or any other silicone toy!

A fantastic silicone lubricant is Pjur Bodyglide. Silicone lubes don’t get absorbed the way water-based lubes do so you don’t need to reapply as often. It is quite slippery which can make sex that much more fun and since it is not greasy, it’s great for massage as well. Also Pjur Bodyglide is water-resistant so it’s great for sex in the shower, hot tub, or ocean. Another great silicone lube is Gun Oil! Remember, silicone lubricants should not be used with soft toys—including silicone—as the lube can break down the toy materials. Silicone also has a tendency to stain fabrics, but just lay down some Saran Wrap and not only can you have a slippery good time, but you don’t have to worry about staining the sheets!

Are you more of a water-based fan? Pick up a bottle of Pink Water! Since it is glycerin-free, it won’t leave you with a sticky film. Instead, Pink Water leaves your skin feeling moisturized due to the added aloe and vitamin E. Also, being glycerin-free, it is a great lube for women who are prone to yeast infections since glycerin (a sugar derivative) can promote yeast growth. Great for sex or use with sex toys of all kinds—alone or with a partner!

Like any holiday TV special, we hope you enjoyed this and we hope maybe you learned something as well. Treat yourself or your honey to a great gift this year by shopping with Fascinations in-store or online. Happy Holidays!

Today, November 20th, is National (and International) Transgender Day of Remembrance. In the last few years (and this video is from last year, so there are more names and faces to be sadly added), over 100 people have been murdered for their gender identity/presentation. This doesn’t even take into account the hundreds and possibly THOUSANDS of people who are assaulted based on their gender, and tens of thousands more who are harassed each and every day.

Please watch this video. Again, it’s a year old, so many people are missing, but if you cannot take nine minutes out of your life to remember those who we have lost due to violence against the transgender community, what does that say? After you watch it, please think for a moment, or two, or ten, what YOU can do to create change in your community, in our community. How can we make it stop? This is completely unacceptable and heartbreaking. No one should have to be scare to leave their home due to their gender, and they should certainly not be scared of being killed. This is flat out wrong, and regardless of your politics, or religion, or moral views, is is NEVER ok to hurt and/or murder someone because of who they are. Ever.

If we don’t stand up and create this change, no one will. Stand up for people who are being harmed and whose voices are being heard. Create change, NOW. And always, always remember those we have lost.

-Shanna

Hey you…guess what? From 8am MST to Midnight MST, every single item on the Fascinations site (Funlove.com) is 25% off.

What does this mean?

25% off the Njoy Eleven!

25% off all the lube you can use!

25% off educational DVDs!

25% off erotica AND sex ed books!

25% off bath/body gift baskets and the Kama Sutra Collection!

25% off sexy lingerie!

25% off ceiling cat panties!

But there is more! If you swing by any of our three Scottsdale, AZ stores, or our new Colorado Springs store (on Academy and Dublin) tomorrow, not only is the store 25% off, but there are HUGE door buster deals like $60 We-Vibes, $50 Sex Swings, $40 Snow Bunnies, $5 lingerie, $5 stockings and more…plus the Spinning Wheel of Sexual Fulfillment to win prizes, gift cards and more. If you’re near by, make sure you stop in from open to close Tomorrow, November 20th!

How can you argue with this? Go forth! Enjoy! And don’t forget upcoming holidays, birthdays, etc — this is the time to stock up! If you’re not near one of our big sale stores, just head on over to Fascinations online, November 20th ONLY for the One Day Sale!

At 4pm mountain standard time, Let’s Talk Sex with Shanna Katz will air on KFNX 1100AM in Phoenix, but you can stream us live at www.1100kfnx.com — it’s that easy!

Today, I’ve got sex educator Garnet Joyce on the air with me (yes, the one who taught two fabulous blow job classes last spring!), and we’re going to be talking about what else than the Art of Oral. Whether you’re worried about your gag reflex, how to get more comfortable giving/getting fellatio and cunnilingus, or just get more info on the low down on going down, this is the time to tune in!

Plus, we’ll be taking questions via phone call, facebook and twitter…and we’ll be giving away some great prizes. Make sure you listen to ask and to win!

See you on the radio…

-Shanna