valentine's 2002, no 16

Well, the holiday season is over and Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Every year it seems as though the hearts and cupid's bows go up as soon as the garlands and tinsel come down. The closeness of the winter holidays can start to feel a little overwhelming. Especially, for those of us who are flying solo. It's natural in the cold months for people to want to come together and experience warmth but it often feels as though too much emphasis is put on having a perfect day. We'd like everyone to take a deep breath and relax. Your Valentine's Day doesn't have to be perfect.

Many of us are at different stages in our lives and developments; rarely does anyone's experience match up to the romantic ideal of the occasion cards and television movies. And why should it? There are so many different types of love to celebrate. Our world's unfortunate history of intolerance has left many people feeling like they don't measure up. As people who specialize in messy imperfection we believe that it is too often underrated. We also believe that self-love is the best present that you can give to yourself, your lover or anyone else in your life who is special.

When we truly appreciate ourselves we become open to a world of kindness. We are able to better care for our loved ones because it is clear how important they are to us. You could say that everyday becomes Valentine's Day.

Here at the store we deal with a lot of questions from you, our customers, regarding sexuality and self-image. It gives us a little thrill every time we can help someone to understand that their preferences are not shameful or even particularly obscure. We hope that they leave feeling a little happier with themselves and more self-accepting. It especially pleases us to know that they are going to go home and indulge in the very same pleasurable pastime that they had been feeling so anxious about before. We're definitely racking up a lot of good karma here.

So, this is our Valentine to you. Thank you for making our job so enjoyable and fulfilling. We've loved answering your questions for the past five years and we intend to be doing it for a long time to come. We'd like you to share these fuzzy feelings of goodwill with all of the special people in your life. Everyone can benefit from a little appreciation.

Remember: The only true love is self-love.

toys

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Nothing says lovin? like toys. You may choose one yourself, with your partner or receive a toy as a surprise. This season we've got some new models on the shelves just waiting for responsible owners. We're sure that everyone will want to take one home on Valentine's Day. After all, it's the right thing to do.

Delightfully pink and squishy Bubble Yum, our curvy new G-spot Vibrator, has been blowing up all over the place. Don't worry though, this is one candy treat that will not get stuck in your hair. $28

The folks that brought you the Rabbit Pearl, now present Orion the new Japanese dual-action toy. The shaft spins while a little bird provides external vibrating enjoyment. This product is made from 100% silicone so it is perfectly safe for those who are allergic to latex. $175

If you like watching the fun from a distance than the Remote Control Silver Bullet is the vibe for you. Your partner can be up to twenty feet away while you work the controls. It even goes through doors and floors! For external use only. $50.

We went all the way to the Lochs of Scotland to bring you Nessie, the mostly harmless purple glitter G-spot vibe. With her sleek body, round head, and sensuous curve she'll hit the spot every time. $28

A little while ago we introduced the Cactus vibrating anal toy. We'd like now to present to you his nephew the Mini-Cactus. He has the same pearly exterior and Japanese engineering but half the calories (er? inches). $45

Tiny and discreet the Micro-Mini vibe is the smallest vibrator we have seen so far. It's high-frequency buzz is super-quiet so it can go wherever you go, and then some. For external use only. $21

videos

The days are getting longer and the nights are getting? hotter. Our video reviewers have been hard at work watching hours of porn just so that we can bring you the very best that the adult industry has to offer. No need turn on the stove just throw the popcorn on the VCR.

Jenna Jameson, the ultimate porn star has moved to Vivid Video. This high production dreamscape fantasy feature is one of her last movies with Wicked Pictures. Dreamquest has amazing sets, costumes and outdoor scenes. If you love lush production, fantastical storytelling and stellar acting than you will love this movie. VHS only. $34

That irrepressible imp Tristan Taormino is back in business with the Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women #2. This time around there is more focus on the action than the education. But, Tristan, the consummate instructor, still has plenty to show that you haven't seen before. DVD only. $60

Sugar High Glitter City is the latest offering from the ladies behind Hard Love/ How to Fuck in High Heels. This movie is full of hot real girls having fun kinky sex with other hot real girls. Plus, it has a large cast and lots of ejaculation scenes. Lesbian focus. VHS only. $65

The Deep Inside series is known for compiling the best scenes of the nation's top porn stars. Deep Inside Stacey Valentine is no exception to the rule. Fans will find this collection extra special now that Ms. Valentine has retired from the adult industry. DVD only. $60

You asked and we delivered.come As You Are is proud to present Ageless Desire - an educational and erotic video featuring classic porn star and sex educator Juliet Anderson. Three couples, all over 50, engage in passionate, loving and explicit sexual encounters. It's all here for your pleasurably instructional enjoyment. VHS only. $50

European porn star Nacho Vidal has finally been blessed with his own movie series. Watch him show off what else he's been blessed with in Killer Pussy, an explicit gonzo-style production. Is it getting hot in here? DVD only. $60

books

Sure spring is coming, but for now it's still cold outside. The wee warm hours you spend inside provide an excellent opportunity to indulge in erotic images and wordplay. To keep the romantic spirit of the season at the forefront we've decided to feature an extravagant collection of erotic literature. Staying home never seemed so appealing.

Every January Cleis Press releases its Best of collections. The Best Lesbian Erotica 2002 and The Best Gay Erotica 2002 are varied, steamy and well-written. Year after year these anthologies have proven themselves to be truly the Best. $24

The Best Women's Erotica 2002 runs the gamut from soft romance to sultry smut. There is certainly something for everyone in this well-conceived collection. All stories are written by women. $24

Sweetlife ? A Collection of Erotica for Couples is exactly what it claims to be. This inspirational book delves deep into the fantasies and desires that come with couplehood. Written by sex educator Violet Blue. Heterosexual focus. $24

The Empress's New Lingerie & other Erotic Fairy Tales is the perfect bedtime reading. The theme of this small hardcover book is the sexy re-telling of classic fairy tales. Makes a great gift. $24

Looking to get some history with your pleasure. Look no further. Cleis Press has reprinted Ann Bannon's amazing, 50's lesbian pulp novels, Beebo Brinker and Odd Girl Out. Ah, schoolgirls in love. $20

The Illustrated Story of O is a truly unique gift for the person that is so hard to please. It is a large gorgeous hardcover book put together by well-known photographer Doris Kloster. She has visually recreated scenes that until now have lived only in our imaginations. They are printed here alongside extracts from Pauline Reage's original text. Beautiful colour photographs. $78

workshops

Girl Parts and the Big 'O'

Learn about the what and where of women? sexual anatomy and the why and how of orgasm ? in its myriad forms. For those with girl parts. $20. February 18th - 7:30 - 10:00 pm

Female Ejaculation

Returning with her popular seminar, Shannon Bell will discuss female ejaculation from a historical perspective, followed by an overview of anatomy and technique, plus a demonstration. $25. March 5th - 7:30 - 10:00 pm

Sex in the Ancient World (East)

Through lecture and discussion, this four-week course will focus on the ancient cultures of Japan, China, India and Persia. With Sudharshan Duraiyappah. Cost is $65. April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2002, 7:30 - 10:00 pm

Sex in the Ancient World (West)

Through lecture and discussion, this four-week course will focus on the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, Rome & the Celts. With Gayle Gibson. Cost is $65. May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2002, 7:30 - 10:00 pm