winter 2007, no 40

10 Reasons to Have Sex over the Holidays

Even though we've devoted our work lives to sex, like most people, there are times when life takes control of the wheel and our sex drive shifts into low gear. The holidays are a major cause of this sex neglect. Surrounded by family, crowded by obligations, we tend to stop taking care of ourselves, and sex is often the first thing to go. So to celebrate our 10th holiday season with you, here are our top ten reasons to have sex over the holidays.

10. Holiday sex is a great escape. Keep your sanity over the holidays and book in time to get away, whether that's a night off from family festivities or a quickie in the bathroom before everyone arrives.

9. Holiday sex is nature's defense against sickness. Research shows that people who have frequent sex live longer and are happier and healthier. Over the holidays your defenses are down. Think of holiday sex as chicken soup for the genitals.

8. Holiday sex is something for you. The holidays are about giving, and giving, and giving. Taking a moment for some solo sex is one easy way to give yourself the gift of love, and orgasms.

7. Holiday sex is something for your partner. Looking for the perfect extra present for your lover this holiday season? We promise you that a surprise quickie or a carefully planned candlelight bath goes a lot farther than a scarf or pie dish.

6. Holiday sex re-energizes. Contrary to superstitions held by many professional athletes, sex does not deplete your power or energy. Good sex can recharge your batteries and give you the extra boost you need to make it through the holidays in one piece.

5. Holiday sex is the gift that keeps on giving. Every sexual encounter is an opportunity to learn, and connections made in the intensity of holiday emotions can open up sexual opportunities for the rest of the year.

4. Holiday sex can be a tiny political action in the midst of a consumer nightmare. Taking time for great sex during the holidays is a reminder that the best gifts don't come pre-packaged from the store, they come from our hearts and minds, and they don't have to cost a thing.

3. Have holiday sex and be a role model. We are not encouraged to take sexual time for ourselves over the holidays. But doing so is a good thing, and when you do it, you send the message to others that it's okay for them to do as well. It's good sex karma.

2. Holiday sex is naughty and nice. Sleeping in your childhood bedroom, dressing up as Santa, having a few extra days off. These things all add up to lots of opportunity for kinky sex, and the sense of holiday excess doesn't hurt either.

1. It brings you closer to the holiday spirit. Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as sexual spirit and it's not that different than the holiday spirit. Taking pleasure in giving to others, taking time to connect with others - these are things that are good for our sexual souls.

news

Self-Portrait with Kathy Slamen

An exciting new show by Montreal photographer, Kathy Slamen will be gracing the walls of Come As You Are from December through January. Join us for an art opening on the evening of December 1st from 7pm - 9pm and chat with the artist in person. Focusing on self-portraiture, Slamen uses fictional scenarios, props and lighting to communicate to the viewer a multiplicity of sensuality and desire.

Felice Shays

Performance artist and sex-educator, Felice Shays will be joining us in Toronto on January 12th &13th for two of her popular workshops: When Coitus Comes Between Us and Vaginal Fisting. Combining humour and an honest approach to sex education, Felice Shays promises to both entertain and inform.

Toronto Erotic Arts Festival

We're very pleased to bring back the immensely popular Erotic Arts & Crafts fair as a week long festival: The Toronto Erotic Arts Festival - February 5th - 10th. Celebrating the best Canadian artists have to offer on the erotic stage, the Festival is jam packed with workshops, an art show (the returning Erotic Blender), a fundraiser performance evening and of course the Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair, all held at the historical and beautifully restored Gladstone Hotel.

Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair

Crafsters, DIY artists and entrepreneurs unite once again for our fabulous Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair. From handcrafted lingerie to erotic pastries to quirky buttons to handmade sex toys, the fair is just in time for Valentine's' Day and picking out that ultimate one-of-a-kind gift. This year, we will going for two full days (Saturday and Sunday February 9 & 10) from 12-5pm.

Are you interested in selling your erotic wares at the fair? Vendor applications are available at www.eroticartsandcrafts.com. Enter early to book a table, submission deadline is December 3rd.

toys

Bandito

Striking the perfect balance between surreal and sexy, Fun Factory's Bandito is all about serious g-spot stimulation and futuristic styling. Bandito's pebble-smooth base ensures complete compatibility with most harnesses and also provides secure suction on flat surfaces. Made of silicone, this dildo is hypo-allergenic and boil-able. Available in black and purple. $60.

Bendy Beads

Made of glorious smooth, soft and pliable silicone, these Bendy Beads provide wave upon wave of anal pleasure and fun! Available in black, purple and red.

Just In Case Condom Compact

Looking for a little glitter? To the untrained eye, a Just In Case Condom Compact appears to be a regular makeup compact… but just flip up the false bottom, and the real contents are revealed. These condom compacts are the perfect gift for anyone who wants to practice discreet safe sex in style! $20. 00 Special edition Bling Condom Compacts are beautifully adorned with genuine Swarovski Crystals. $195

Form 6

The next generation of luxury vibrators is here. Form 6 is the newest creation from the creators of the Little Gold and Little Steel, and this time they've brought their keen sense of design to a rechargeable multi-functioning silicone creation. With two independently-controlled vibrating 'pleasure centers', a sleek and streamlined design that is fully water resistant, the Form 6 is the new gold standard for luxury sex toys. Available in purple. $210

Liberator Wedge

Liberate yourself and check out the ultimate in bedroom adventure gear! Liberator Shapes provide cushioning and take the strain off your back and the rest of your body during sex. This is a truly modular system that is sure to make your favourite sexual position much

accessible. Wedge style provides cushioning and support for upper body or for positioning the torso tilted upward. It can also be be used together with Liberator Ramp. Removable slip cover makes for easy cleaning. Available in black and red. 24" x 14" x 17" $85

Throws of Passion

Want the throes of passion without the messy clean-up afterward? Looking for some hot kitchen floor sex without the ass crumbs? This brilliant little blanket provides an ideal barrier between your love-making and the rest of the world. These totally absorbent throws are machine washable and full reversible so you can have sexy satin next to your skin one hot night, and soft, snuggly microfiber the next. Available in black, red and purple. (5' x 6') $80.

dvds

Tristan Taormino's Expert Guides

Gone are the days of boring sex ed videos. . . a whole new breed of educational DVDs have arrived! From anal sex guru Tristan Taormino comes these new videos, Expert Guide to Anal Sex and Expert Guide to Oral Sex: Cunnilingus. Shot in High Definition, these gem feature all the information you need presented in a classy, sexy way, with sex scenes available to watch with or without instruction. Fantastic! Expert Guide to Anal Sex $35. 00 and Expert Guide to Oral Sex: Cunnilingus $35.

Inside a XXX Marriage: Eric & Wendy

Inside an XXX Marriage: Wendy & Eric is a true insider's look into the adult film industry. This documentary takes a peek at the day-to-day lives of porn stars (and real-life partners) Wendy Divine and Eric Masterson, from their on-set to at home relationship. The couple shares advice about how to keep sex fresh and hot. . . even if you've already been doing it all day! A truly intriguing and worthwhile addition for those who might be just a little curious about what goes on behind the scenes and behind closed doors. $35

Porn Wars

For the porn connoisseur, who delights in high-action and special effect, Porn Wars is an amazing X-rated tribute to the original. Packed with CGI ('07 AVN winner best special effects), wicked "spaceship/galaxy/planet" shots, and great wardrobe, the molten-hot sex is your cherry on top. Plus Porn Wars is a 2 disc set with bonus features you won't want to miss (and actually want to watch) such as behind-the-scenes and making of this over-the-top production. $29

Shane's World College Invasion Male

Shane's World College Invasion Male is quite possibly the wildest, funniest, and most sexy volume of Shane's World to date! Join these totally gorgeous guys as they throw a wild beer-fueled party complete with games, an obnoxious yet cute host, and lots of guy-on-guy hot sex. Real people make College Invasion a keeper that you're guaranteed to watch over and over. $29

Stories of Oh! 2

Looking for some new porn that offers thoughtful eroticism? New from Libido Films is Stories of Oh! 2, a journey through the sexual minds and imaginations of twelve individuals and what "orgasm" means to them. Anywhere from trippy music segments to fully plotted sketches, any and all types of sexual excitement are illustrated by real-life people. Includes self-stimulation with and without toys, oral sex, and so much more. Artistic, creative, and truly intriguing. $35

books

Sex Scratchers

Sex Scratchers is a perfect little stocking stuffer to surprise your sweetie this season. In fact you're sure to be a winner every time! With 100 sexy lottery tickets, a plethora of quirky games like "Pirate's Booty", " Bondage Bingo" and "The Mile High Club", as well as surprise results and hot prizes, Sex Scratchers is sure to spark hours of spontaneity and hilarity. $10.

Kama Sutra Sex Deck

Kama Sutra Sex Deck features incredibly cute illustrations, various quotes from the Kama Sutra as well as hands-on explanations of each new technique. All in an easy to use deck of 50 cards just made to while away those cold winter nights. $18. 95

Fetish

If rubber is your thing, you may never get past the 100% rubber cover of this sexy little book full of photography and fetish sex tips and techniques. If your interests lie elsewhere you'll find plenty of inspiration and a little bit of guidance in Fetish that's as comfortable on your coffee table as your bedside table, or whatever table you may have in your custom dungeon behind that secret wall in your den. $25

Intercourses: An aphrodisiac cookbook

A perfect holiday gift for the gourmet, Intercourses 10th Anniversary Edition is bursting with over 200 pages of aphrodisiac recipes. Why not curl up by the fire while munching on some chocolate torte dressed with berries? Or try your luck with some sexy honey drenched figs. Either way this book is sure to keep the home fires burning. Hardcover. $40.

Stacked Decks

A wonderful historical book, Stacked Decks is one for the collection. Lovers of vintage erotic playing cards will have a field day within the pages of this book. With illustrated cards dating from 1835 to present day, Stacked Decks documents popular culture, the history of sex, and changes in views on beauty and the female body from a unique perspective. Hardcover. $29.