Recently, I was lucky enough to try out Babeland's Babelicious Lube. It comes in four different flavors: Dulce de Leche, Mojito Peppermint, Pomegranate Vanilla, and Chocolate Orange.
I got to try Dulce de Leche. I have to admit, I had no idea what Dulce de Leche was before this lube. I mean, I've heard of it. I was just never sure what it was. For those of you who were like me, Dulce de Leche is a Spanish milk-based sauce that can be found as a syrup or caramel flavored candy. It is prepared by slowly heating sweetened milk until it forms a product that is similar in taste to caramel. Personally, I like it.
Ingredients: deionized water, sorbitol, cellulose gum, potassium sorbate, polyquaternium-7, phenoxyethanol, citric acid, flavor
Everything is pretty much in the lower levels of hazard for the EWG Cosmetics Database, which means it’s pretty safe. You may want to have a look at phenoxyethanol, though.
Consistency/Longevity
Babelicious Lube is a gel, which means it’s not going to drip and make a mess. A dime-sized amount takes quite a while to slowly slide off my hand.
I’ve had no issues with this lube drying up or getting sticky during my solo sessions or romps with my husband. If you ever have issues with a water-based lube drying up on you, just add water or saliva and it’ll get slick again.
FTC Statement: The Babelicious Lube was provided to True Pleasures for free by Babeland in exchange for a review. Links from Babeland’s Affiliate Program have been used. This has not affected the opinions within the review and complies with FTC standards.
Babeland is doing something special for Father's Day! June 21st @ 12pm, Babeland will be hosting a Father's Day celebration! That means refreshments, mini workshops for them on toys for men, and an hourly raffle for some interesting prizes! Plus, all weekend is 10% off if you tell them you're a dad. If you'd like, you can contact the store for more info.
On a side note, Babeland will also be doing another event for dads on the 24th of June @ 7pm called, Sex And The New Dad. There will be a male ob/gyn to explain to the men about pre- and post-partum depression that may be happening in their partners. New dads will learn more about hormones, breast feeding, and sleep deprivation and how to help their partners. Ladies, get your new or expectant dads to this seminar! They need to know how pregnancy really affects you and how to treat you as best they can. You can register here.
Both seminars are free and are held only at Babeland's Brooklyn location.
You can check out other store events in Brooklyn, New York, and Seattle by clicking here.
It comes with lube, but I’d rather not use it…
Why? Take a look at the ingredients. Glycerin can cause yeast infections and I’m not sure about alcohol. Plus, it smells a bit like vinegar. Ew. Can’t review it, ‘cause I don’t want to use it.
(Aqua, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylisothiazolinone, Methychlorolisothiazolinone)
I don’t know if this lube packet comes with the new Smart Balls, but I would assume so, since it’s manufactured by Fun Factory.
Why use it?
It helps strengthen the pelvic floor to help with incontinence and can also improve orgasm.
Once they are inserted, just contract your PC muscles. It's the same action as stopping urine flow in mid-stream. (Sorry if that's gross for some, but it's the best way I can explain it! It’s best not to practice controlling your muscles in this way. Really, stopping your urine flow in mid-stream causes it to go back into your body and sort of build up. Don’t want a UTI.) You'll be able to feel the muscles squeezing against the balls. After you get used to that, you can start gently pulling on the string while you are squeezing to build up your PC workout. Are they good for anything besides working your PC muscles?
Sure! Taking a vibrator to the Smart Balls is an interesting sensation. Since they have the little balls rolling around inside, it carries the vibes really well. Actually, I've used the Smart Balls by themselves to get off a couple times while my hubby was sleeping. The Smart Balls are fairly quiet. I realize they do make a bit of noise if you jiggle them around, but you can't hear anything once they are in you.
What about cleaning them?
Cleaning them is pretty easy, but I would recommend using a little scrub brush to get everything off. If you really want to see how dirty a toy gets, use it when you're having your period. (I just couldn't wait to try them. ) I use a clean toothbrush and anti-bacterial soap to clean mine. You see where the cream and violet meet? That's where you need to scrub a bit. And you don't have to worry about the string. It's completely impermeable, so no little ickies will be able to set up camp there. Don't boil them! Only do that with pure silicone!
What is this elastomed stuff they're made of?
That's a good question. I've been having trouble finding much information on it. The Babeland website says that it is a non-porous synthetic blend, which is a safer form of rubber. They go on to say that the Smart Balls are a composite of silicone and elastomed.... I've tried to google it, but I keep coming up with elastomer. Most sites just lump the two together and don't give you any info on elastomed. If anyone finds any information, let me know so that I can post it for everyone to read. The main thing, at least, is that it is phthalates-free and safe. Still, I'd like to know more about it.
Packaging? No problem. Fun Factory has presented their product in a very tasteful and sophisticated package that is as informative as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Pros: Safe material, well-designed, nice packaging, great for a PC workout, love the little rolling balls inside of them, may even make you want to walk around and exercise just to feel the little balls roll around in them in you!, arousing, improves orgasm, easy to clean... I could probably keep going, but you get the point.
Cons: Not enough info on elastomed, but that's not the product's fault. I'm not picking on it, I'm just saying.
Summary: 5/5 for the Smart Balls! I had been thinking about getting something to work out my PC muscles and this was just perfect. Love them. Wouldn't trade them for anything.
FTC Statement: The Smart Balls provided to True Pleasures for free by Babeland in exchange for a review. Links from Babeland’s Affiliate Program have been used. This has not affected the opinions within the review and complies with FTC standards.
Want to win some free swag? All you’ve got to do is enter.
- Give Me Fever Contest Deadline: May 30th at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
- Champagne Giveaway: Women Seeking Women #50 Deadline: May 31st
- Do You Have an Erotic Adventure to Share? Deadline: May 31st, 2009.
- Ginger Leigh’s Fabulous Shopping Spree! Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2009
Madame Editrix
Scarlet Lotus St.Syr
On to the reviews…
Editor’s Pick
- Sinfully Soft Leather Collar and Cuffs from Sinvention by Raven Quince
- Clone-A-Willy Candle Kit by Wendy Blackheart
Editors Notes: Two this week, because I couldn’t choose between them! Making up for weeks I didn’t have any, maybe?
I may be a submissive, but I’m not into pain, so comfort was very high on my list of requirements. I went to many of the sex toy sites and their collars just didn’t seem to cut it, they looked flimsy and uncomfortable.
I admit I’m biased because I lust after everything Sinvention makes, but I thought the review was wonderfully written and really pulled me in, then I found out this was her first review which surprised me (maybe because my first many reviews were crap), and I knew I had to choose her this week!
I could make a model of his cock, it would be fun, and I wouldn’t be using it to fuck boys or girls with (since candles make very poor dildos. I know from experience. Don’t ask.)
I always love Wendy’s reviews and this is a particularly wonderful and hilarious one. Her stories are always delightful, and even though the kit was full of fail the post is full of win. Definitely worth a read!
Vibrators
- Ramsey Rabbit by Sexorcism
- The Boss by CarrieAnn
- Liv by Thursday’s Child
- Tongue Dinger by Sexpert Joe
- The Samurai, from PES by Themistokles
- Liv by Ansley Agnello
- Mary Mermaid by Red
Dildos
- Hardwood Dildo by Scarlet Lotus St. Syr
- LELO’s Ella by Lithaewyn
- SinFive Burgono by Beautiful Dreamer
- Don Wands Curved Purple Swirl by Nadia West
- Fantasy Kiss by Beautiful Dreamer
- Tentacle Dildo by Baby Sinead
Anal Toys
- Tristan’s Anniversary Edition Butt Plug by True Pleasures
- Tristan’s Anniversary Edition Plug by Red
- The Anal Curve Kit by True Pleasures
Toys for Cocks
Lube, Bath Stuff, & etc.
- Anti-Bacterial Toy Cleaner by Scarlet Lotus St. Syr
- Wet Lubes, assorted by Carnivalesq
- Lava Lotion Massage Candle by Essin’ Em
- Sliquid Organics Natural Lubricant Gel by Sexorcism
- Slippery Stuff Lube by HotMoviesForHer Sex Toy Crew
- Sensually Wycked Heating Lotion for Him by True Pleasures
- Sun Kissed Vanilla Massager Candle by Sexorcism
- Hathor Aphrodisia Personal Lubricant-Pure by True Pleasures
- Wet Together by Jake Holden
- Doc Johnson Body Butter-Strawberry Sundae by True Pleasures
BDSM/Fetish
- Rose Crop by Scarlet Lotus St. Syr
- Brat Loop by Red
- 2 Inch Ball Gag by Beautiful Dreamer
- Pipedreams Unisex Straightjacket by CarrieAnn
- Bree Olson’s Kitten With a Whip Set by Beautiful Dreamer
- Fetish Fantasy Series Ultimate Fantasy Kit by Domina Doll
- Alligator Clip Electrodes by Red
- Fantasy Sex Swing by Domina Doll on Viviane’s Sex Carnival
Adult Games
Storage
Miscellaneous
- Soft Pack by Scarlet Lotus St. Syr
- Soft Pack by Wendy Blackheart
- Edible Pasties by True Pleasures
- Fun Factory Smartballs by Sexorcism
- Showgirl Black Sequined Pasties/Gstring by Thursday’s Child


Alright, if you've read my previous reviews, you'd know that horny goatweed tea doesn't quite cut it with trying to get my hubby aroused. Therefore, I've chosen to try some arousal tea from Edenfantasys.
Now, if you look very closely, you can see that this arousal tea is indeed for men. However, that is not stated in the product description. Just wanted to make it clear that this is for men. That's not to say something horrible would happen if I woman drank it. I drank it and I was perfectly fine. It didn't really do anything to me, but I didn't really expect it to.
First of all, the packaging is very nice. Having studied Japanese for three years, I can actually read the kanji. There's no need to be able to read Japanese, though. Just something fun for me. ^-^ Everything you need to know is in English on the top.
Experience: Well, I opened the canister up and the tea bags have a very earthy smell to them. That's not surprising given the herbs that are in them. However, I knew that to get my hubby to drink the arousal tea, I'd have to sweeten the deal. I made up a cup of the arousal tea, pretending it was for me, and got a clover honey spoon to stir it with. Clover honey is very sweet and has a somewhat flowery taste to it. I took a sip and it tasted pretty good with the honey added. Of course, I made a big fuss over how good it was. Then I let him try a sip after the honey had mixed in completely. He decided he liked it and asked if I would mind if he drank it. (Ha! He took the bait! He's always after anything that I have no matter if it's food or even jewelry. Yes, he even steals my jewelry! >.<) I tried to hold a smirk back and told him it was fine and that I'd make myself another cup. Of course, I just made a cup of jasmine tea for myself. I think it kicked in about an hour or so after he drank it. Even though it took a while, it seemed to work better than the horny goat weed. The tea itself contains:Ginseng, Eucommia, Astragalus, Codonopsis, Herba Cynomorii, Pilose Antler.
If you don't mind, I'd like to give a bit of info on these herbs. If you don't care, you can just skip to the rating at the bottom of the page.
Ginseng: A 2002 study by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine showed that ginseng can enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. In males, ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection.
Eucommia: A small tree native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to tonify the yang (yin-yang = female-male).
Astragalus: Used in traditional Chinese medicine as a chi tonic. If you chi flow is good, then you will have plenty of energy to *ahem* ravage your partner.
Codonopsis: This is also known as "dang shen" or "poor man's ginseng". It is another herb that replenishes chi.
Herba Cynomorii: Also known as "sou yang". Another herb to help the yang.
Pilose Antler: Unfortunately, this is from an actual animal. So, vegans, take heed. This arousal tea is not a vegan product. This herb is the hairy, non- ossific (which means it does not turn to bone) young horn of a stag of Cervus nippon Temminck or Cervus elaphus Linnaeus (family cervidae). The drug is produced in north-east China, north- west China, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and the mountainous areas of south-west China. The pilose antler of a stag is sawed off in summer and autumn, dried in shade or baked dry after processing, sliced or ground to powder for use. As far as I can understand, I don't think this harms the animal. It seems that I was told some time in a zoo or something that antlers need to be trimmed every once in a while. Pardon me if that's wrong, though. The powder made from the antler is used to warm the blood, help yang, and increase blood flow.
Pros: Seems to work, tastes fine after a little honey is added
Cons: Takes a while to work, not vegan friendly, somewhat bitter without any sweetener added
Summary: As for a rating, I'll go with a 3/5. It works, it just doesn't taste very good on it's own and it takes a while to work. I'm not too concerned with the pilose antler. I think antlers actually have to be trimmed and that it is safe for the animal. If I'm wrong, feel free to correct me. Still, drinking antler powder seems a bit odd to me. But then, of course, different cultures have different practices and I respect that.
Thanks for reading! And be sure to check out Edenfantasys for lots of other interesting adult products! You never know what you'll find amongst their collection of vibes, lubes, etc!
FTC Statement: The Arousal Tea was donated and reviewed as part of the EdenFantasys affiliate program.
Okay, so there's this great contest going on where you can make a list of products you want and enter to win them! So, here's my list! (You can click the Ginger Leigh button on the side to go to the contest. ^_^)
1. Layaspot Raspberry/Pistachio ($61.89): First of all, I love FunFactory products. Their Smart Balls are wonderful and I would love to try the Layaspot. It looks like it would be great to take on vacation with me.
2. Vibrating Ball Banger Cockring ($31.49): Along with all the toys I have, I think my hubby needs a little something too. ~_^ This looks like a lot of fun. And I'm sure the little balls would feel good hitting me too.
3. Man Shark Enhancer Cockring ($13.49): Not that my hubby needs to be enhanced, but I like the design of this one. The shark is just cute to me. Don't ask me why.
4. We Vibe ($125.49): This would be great to share with my hubby. Vibrating cockrings are fine, but I'd like to try an internal vibe that we can use.
5. Bliss Vibrator #3 - Purple ($50.49): Bliss makes some great products and I would love to try this multi-head vibrator. The fact that it's whisper quiet makes me want it more.
6. Share Violet ($94.99): Alright, so maybe I have a little penis envy. Sigmund Freud says all women do. I'm not so sure of that, but I think it does apply to me a bit. This looks fun for solo play and it's got a nice little handle for my hubby to thrust it in me with.
7. Curve Violet ($64.49): The shape of this dildo really intrigues me. The fact that the head is so raised makes me wonder if it would be a bit uncomfortable. I'll just have to try it and see. ^_^
8. : Sue Johanson Head Honcho ($21.19): See, my hubby is huge and my tiny little mouth gets tired trying to suck him off. This would be a nice alternative.
9. Pleasure Dildo #6 ($45.49): It's a purple suction cup dildo. What more can you ask for? I just have a thing for them.
10. Gladiator Power Harness ($37.89): I've never tried a cockring ring/balls combo toy with my hubby before. I think he might like this. Plus, the little nubbies look like they would feel pretty good rubbing against me.
11. Menage A Trois D/P Harness ($51.89): This looks way better than the ultimate triple stimulator. I've been looking for something phthalates-free to replace it, and this even comes with a silicone Tantus dong! I love Tantus!
12. Breast Stimulator - Lavender ($25.89): I had a rechargable breast massage and it pretty much crapped out after a week. I never could get it to recharge, so I sent for a replacement. It did the same thing. Hopefully, these would be better.
13. Climax Remote Endless Egg ($64.49): This really looks like a lot of fun! I would love to have something my hubby can surprise tease me with even when he's not in the room.
14. Clitifier Triple Pleasure ($69.99): This is a great idea. The clit stimulator actually bend so that you can put it in exactly the right place. Just what I need!
15. Playgirl Throbbing Vibe W/ Anal Probe ($64.19): This one actually thrusts! I've never had a vibe that thrusts and would love to try this one!
16.Thunder Cloud Rainbow Lights ($139.19): This little guy actually lights up! This would be great for teasing before a romp in the dark.
17. Clitoral Gel Intense ($23.89): A little stimulating gel never hurt anyone. Plus, organic products are a huge A+ in my book. No parabens or other nasty stuff to mess with your health. Perfect!
Total Cost: $986.43





































