Spice up your Valentine’s celebrations
by Selina Renfrow
February is a cold, cold month. If you’re someone who actually likes winter sports (I’m not), you can laugh in the face of the cold and have fun skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or sledding, whatever makes you happy. But those aren’t pasttimes you can do at night. Risking waiting in line for a nightclub or waiting outside for a cab just doesn’t seem worth it. There are a few things however, that can be done to keep in the heat and make staying in more worthwhile.
Whether you like it or not, February is largely associated with Valentine’s Day. While the story of this saint’s day is rooted in Christianity, it has been largely overshadowed by commercialism and love, which has nothing to do with the saint. Kind of like how Saint Patrick’s Day has nothing to do with beer but of course that doesn’t stop anyone from drinking. Unlike Saint Patrick’s Day however, Valentine’s Day is not as inclusive, thus it’s alternative title: Singles Awareness Day.
Whether you’re in a relationship, married or single, there are ways to enjoy the holiday. I decided to get some ideas about what one could do to occupy themselves on this day of “love” by braving the cold and visiting the sex store A Little More Interesting (1501B 17th Ave SW).
If you’ve never been, I suggest you go because it’s not your typical sex store, or at least not what you would expect. The shelves aren’t packed full of neon colored vibrators and kitschy t-shirts and toys (memories of the Taboo Naughty or Nice Sex Show come to mind). Rather, it’s an open and inviting room where you feel welcomed and not at all embarrassed to be there.
To one side of the entrance is a collection of books, complete with comfortable leather couches for your enjoyment, inviting you to sit down and peruse the books. The staff is super friendly and respectful, politely asking you if you have any questions, allowing you to take your time in the store.
Being on the broke side, I was unable to purchase anything, (though you can bet on it that I’ll be going back after payday,.)So instead I took notes of the products they have available.
There were a couple of guides that are worth checking out:
The Ultimate Guide to Cunnilingus by Violet Blue ($16.00)
The Ultimate Guide to Fellatio by Violet Blue ($17.00)
The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Men by Bill Brent ($22.95)
The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women by Tristan Taormino ($17.00)
For those of us who don’t have someone to have fun with on Valentine’s Day, I’d check out Sex For One: The Joy of Self-Loving by Betty Dodson ($16.50). The product description: “With warmth and intelligence and informative line drawings, Dodson explains how anyone can learn to fully enjoy the pleasures of self-love, pointing out that masturbation is still the safest sex.” Fascinating.
They have books on the Kama Sutra and erotica, kink and bondage for older couples, mothers and pretty much anyone who wants to learn more about sex.
They’ve got games, including the Sex Games Bible and you can even make your very own Totally Edible Chocolate Willy with their kit of the same name. If you’re into bondage they’ve also got paddles, whips and ticklers.
All the products are displayed tastefully on the shelves and often you’ll find framed quotes of facts such as “the most orgasms ever recorded by a woman is 134 in one hour,” as well as product spotlights.
They have an extensive collection of vibrators and the staff is there to help you find the best one for you based on your needs and wants.
Separate from the main part of the store, but still attached, is Pink Ginger Lingerie. If you’re looking for corsets and a better collection of lingerie than what you can find in the mall, this is definitely the place to check out. And of course, they have costumes for you to dress up in – including a very sexy Wonder Woman costume.
When you do go, and I am strongly suggesting you do, no matter what your relationship status is and whether or not you have plans for the upcoming Valentine’s Day, set aside a decent amount of time to explore. The staff is open and willing to take the time to get into a decent conversation about what you’re looking for and what you’re interested in. Maybe this V-Day your sex life will become a little more interesting.