Toy Care 101

In order to get the best use out of your toy, here's some tips on taking good care of it!

What's the best way to keep toys clean?
When it comes down to it, mild anti-bacterial soap and warm water is the best way to keep your toy clean. If a toy is not labeled "Waterproof," make sure not to get the battery pack wet! Wipe with a towel and air-dry, and your toy will be ready for the next session.

But when you're done, you're usually done! You don't really want to get up, out of bed, into the bathroom, just to wash your toy. And what if you have roommates or your a visitor at someone's house? Athena's sells a great alternative to keeping your toy clean.

Our Mighty Tidy Toy Cleaner is basically anti-bacterial soap and water in a bottle! You just spray your toy, wipe it down with one of our Pleasure Wipes (a wet napkin better than tissue paper, which can leave little fuzzies on your toy! This product can also be used to clean yourself before and after you have some fun.).

The Dynamic Duo: Mighty Tidy Toy Cleaner and Pleasure Wipes

You can also use a condom over a toy, especially if you are planning to use the same toy vaginally and anally (with different condoms, please!). Just discard the condom when you're done, and that's it!

What's the best way to store toys?
One of the most popular locations to hide away toys is a bedside nightstand. The underwear drawer is another popular hide-away spot. Both are generally places that even the nosiest of visitors wouldn't dare look through (unless they are just that nosey!). If you can get some cotton drawer liners (like at The Container Store, for example), that will make your secret hide-away feel that much more special.

But, if you do have some really nosey guests around, today's your lucky day :)
Athena's sells two amazing ways to keep your toys away from prying eyes. For those with a small collection, the Toy Box is a stylish way to keep your toys organized and hidden. For those with a larger collection The Adult Toy Chest, with separate compartments, is easily hidden under the bed or in the closet. Both come with a lock and key for you to keep!

Make sure toys are separated from each other. Keeping them in a Ziplock bag in your storage (or in separate compartments in your Adult Toy Chest!) will ensure that the toys don't mess with each other. People can live together, but toys cannot!!

Silicone toys
Silicone rubber is non-porous and just as easy to clean as jelly, elastimer, or even rubber. But because of its specific properties, silicone has a tendency to warp and melt other toys. If a silicone toy is in contact with any other toy, even anothr silicone one, they will end up melty looking! Also, use only water-based lube with your silicone toys! Silicone-based lubricant will bond to silicone toys and ruin it.

If you have an allergy to latex, silicone toys are a great alternative! But it is important to know how to care for your favorites.

Remember, people can live together, but toys cannot!

When it's off, make sure it's off!
I learned this the hard way. Always remove your batteries or unplug it from the power source! If a battery runs out of juice, its juice will run out of the battery, corroding inside your toy's battery pack! When that happens, you might as well toss that toy because it won't be giving you any more pleasure.

What's the best way to discard of an unusable/unwanted toy?
Well...in general, toys are packaged in recyclable boxes or plastic. They are easily discarded in your recycling bin (my Waste Management folks must get so much amusement from the various boxes and packages they collect from my recycling bin!). But what about your toy? There's the battery pack, there's the rubber or silicone or elastimer, there's beads.....

With all the eco-friendly goodness that's happening these days, you can recycle all kinds of things, from computers to cell phones...and now you can recycle sex toys! No...I'm not saying that your sex toy becomes some hand-me-down to an unfortunate person in need of a good orgasm....that's SO not green.....

All you need to do is mail in your toy to a facility in Florida, and for your good deeds you get a $10 gift certificate to go towards one of the Sex Toy Recycling Program's affiliates.

Though Athena's isn't one of their affiliates, if you recycle your toy with them and receive a $10 gift certificate, you will be able to use that towards an order with your Goddess (that's me!) as well!

Let's Review!

• Mild anti-bacterial soap and warm water will do you just fine! But the Mighty Tidy Toy Cleaner and Pleasure Wipes are a great alternative to getting out of bed!
• When sharing toys or doing both vaginal or anal penetration, use a condom!
• A bedside nightstand or underwear drawer lined with cotton liners is a common way to store toys. But if you have nosey housemates or visitors, locking your toys in Athena's Toy Box or Toy Chest is a better way to keep toys hidden.
• Store toys separate from each other! Silicone toys especially!
• When you're not using your toys, ALWAYS remove the batteries!
• Treat yourself well, and treat the earth well! Recycle your unusable/unwanted toys!
  

Now that you know the basics of taking care of your toys, get to it!

Enjoy your toy! Enjoy yourself!

"Once you go Asian...."

I'd love to see how everyone would end the title phrase. Post in the blog comments!

I'm about to take this us on a more serious note here. So be forewarned.

As an Asian/Pacific Islander female, I'm quite conscious of - or at least I'm always trying to figure out - where I stand in the whole scheme of the dating world. I feel like there are still those who are not too culturally competent walking around and calling me "Oriental" (Do I look like a rug, yo?), and assuming that because of my ethnicity I will be docile (ha!) and submissive (..depends on the position, doesn't it?).

When I delved into the world of online dating (geez...3 years ago!), I made it quite clear: NO ASIAN FETISHES!

I'll admit because of the stereotypes placed on an entire continent, I get suspicious of those who actively seek out a specific ethnicity to date.

Now, obviously, "Are they contacting me because I'm Asian?" isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Really, it's "Is he cute? What's this guy like, what's he into?" But when you start learning that they've dated other Asian women and they have an interest in Asian culture, I don't think it's unfair to question their motives. I'm not saying, "Kick this guy to the curb!" I'm saying, "You better get to know this guy a little more before you decide to let him in."

Am I seeming unfair? Too bad. A girl can't be too safe these days.

"But what if a guy's just generally attracted to a specific type of person?" Then you've taken the time to find that out, now didn't you?

I'm not saying that all guys who are attracted to Asian/Pacific Islanders have a fetish (generally meaning that one thing is fixated upon and is the only thing to sexually excite a person). I'm just saying that there's a lot of history there, and you don't have to be paranoid about it...but be educated about the power dynamics that might pop up.

Historically, the Asian/Oriental/Eastern continent was seen as such a stretch from the European/Western/Christian point of view, that it and its people were labeled "exotic" and something to conquer. Richard Evans Lee from Amorous Propensities posted a review from Wall Street Journal about this bit in history. I definitely plan on picking up this book - both for the historical perspective and the apparently "titillating" stories.

Link: Wall Street Journal's review of Richard Bernstein's "The East, The West, and Sex: A History of Erotic Encounters."

*****
Now, for the other side. I'll be the first to admit that I generally am not attracted to men in my ethnic categorical box. It's the unfortunate problem that many Asian men have, but it's pretty awesome when you see Asian men dating outside of their race/ethnicity (generally not as common as other combinations).

So, while power dynamics have played a role in the history of interracial dating, it seems that we have moved forward in one way or another - choices can be made. Interestingly, this Slate article notes that the reason the European/Caucasian Male + Asian Female combination is so widely seen is mainly due to the neutrality of the Asian Female to the European/Caucasian Male - not really because of any of the male's preferences.
Slate Article: An economist solves the mysteries of dating.

Okay...so let's not be serious anymore. Enjoy this awesome and quite popular youtube video about dating in the Asian world.

Life Lessons from the Mermaid Parade 2009

Lessons I've learned from the Mermaid Parade (thus far):

• Regardless of the weather conditions, the Mermaid Parade is always worth it.
• Walking in the parade isn't as exciting if you don't have a routine planned out. (Pic from Mermaid Parade 2007)
  
• If you're going to walk, and you don't have a routine planned, you better have an amazing costume or just smile and wave at everyone - people will love you either way.
  
• The Mermaid Parade Ball has a lot of potential - good music, great performances, entertainment in dancing or rolling around. Either way, it's better to share with others.
  
• Charge your camera batteries and empty out your SD card beforehand.
• You can't be squeamish or blush easily.
• The Boardwalk at Coney Island has chicharrones (the flour kind sold from a shopping cart on the streets of L.A. and other Mexican-populated cities)!
• When in doubt, dance dance dance!
• As with anything, the Mermaid Parade is the best when experienced with awesome people and great friends.
• Any of the statements above could substitute "life" for "Mermaid Parade."
  

Lost Angels in Coney Island

Below are select pictures of me swirling around the boardwalk in my completed costume. All my pictures can be seen at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/thegreenestmermaid/MermaidParade62009#

Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Rink - Mermaid Parade Ball Location


Leti in all her colorful glory.


Running with a silk veil by A'kai Silks












I wore some extra toule around my hips, along with one of my favorite hip scarves.




Ta da!

Pearls for the Parade

The Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade is on Saturday, June 20th.

Every year, in celebration of the Summer Solstice, people come from all over in their best ocean-themed regalia to parade through the streets of Coney Island.

I first went in 2006 with a great group of friends, and we had an amazing time.

2006 Mermaid Parade

In 2007, we tried to be part of the parade, but found that it was much more exciting to watch than to participate. That is, we didn't have any routine planned. Perhaps if we did, we would have had a better time walking in the hot hot sun.

2007 Mermaid Parade

As you can see, I've worn generally the same costume every year. The mermaid tail is basically a Disney's The Little Mermaid version, and my top is a bra from my belly dancing closet. Some of the costumes from the parade are amazing, though! Super intricate, very creative, and absolutely beautiful for the most part. I love watching people in all their glory during the Mermaid Parade.

Since I took a break in 2008, I feel super re-energized about the parade. This year, I get to go with my best friend, another Los Angeles transplant on the East Coast. And because I'm sure that Leti will have something awesome to wear that she constructed with her own two hands, I was definitely inspired to work on my own costume again.

Initially, this bathing suit by a Victoria's Secret caught my eye:

Swim 2009 Catalogue

So, I bought just the top, and I thought about just putting some embellishments on it. But, it makes my boobs look ridiculous. They definitely don't have any lift in them, even with the little halter strap it comes with.

Luckily, I have a variety of bras that I was planning to get rid of because of a variety of things (generally falling apart, straps dig in in certain spots, just doesn't make my boobs look boobtastic, etc.) In the end, it seemed better to embellish the bra than to use the bathing suit top. Even more luckily, I had the perfect teal bra to match my tail.

On Saturday, I biked downtown and gathered materials at Winmil Fabrics in Chinatown and Windsor Buttons in Downtown Crossing. I think these are two fabulous hidden jewels in Boston. They've got fabric, trim, buttons galore, yarn, netting, beads.......I get so overwhelmed in stores like these!

Pearls, Beads, Coins, Needle & Thread

I love pearls. They're so beautiful, and it doesn't hurt that they come from one of my favorite places in the world - the ocean. I found the pearl and rainbowish beads at Windsor as well as the coin trim. Though the main project is for the Mermaid Parade, I couldn't stay away from belly dancing touches.

We can't pretend that mermaids don't have nipples..but they can at least be pretty...

I knew that I wanted to have nipples on my costume. For all my bravery, especially not being skinny or having flat abs, I just can't walk around all day with just pasties. I just can't. It's too much exposure for too long, and even this girl needs some shade once in a while.

Initially, I thought about just having netting all over the bra, but it turned out that it would seem much better to go a simpler route. I definitely had to put in little ornamental touches, like the mother of pearl areola and gold seashell nipple, and the little starfish in the middle of the bra. I also wanted to incorporate some shimmies into the bra, and added the coins. In the end, I felt that I should still incorporate the Victoria's Secret bathing suit top, but I would wear it under the bra. So, ladies and gentlemen, here's my first mermaid bra/belly dancing top:

LOVE!

I still plan on adding a little bit more to my mermaid tail, just to make it slightly different and to really personalize it. So, even if the beads don't all line up, and the nipples are a little low...I love my little attempt at bedazzling. Though this isn't a career changer for me, I'm really proud of myself for taking the time and energy to create this beautiful mermaid accessory.

Isabella Rossellini Makes a Porno (a.k.a. Isabella Rossellini and I have something in common)

I know, I know!!!

Isabella Rossellini is just so hot! But, am I serious that she's actually gone and been part of a porno?? YES!!!

Go ahead, ready yourself with some wine and whatever else you need...
Oh, and just to let you know, it's actually called "Green Porno," and it's really more about Isabella Rossellini's fascination with how insects (that's Green Porno 1) and sea creatures (Green Porno 2) mate.

Wait!! Don't go yet!! I'm really truly quite serious about this one! All I ask is that you have an open mind, and just check it out. It's right on the Sundance Channel's website:
http://www.sundancechannel.com/greenporno/video/

But the one below....now, this one is my favorite one so far...




Okay....so....what did you think? That one was rated PG compared to the other ones on the website. Did you totally go and check them out? And realize that you need to see ALL of them IMMEDIATELY????

So, let's get really serious here.

The video I put in this blog..well...I wish I could show it to EVERYONE. Young kids, my peers, my parents' friends, my boyfriend's families and step-families....EVERYONE...

While Isabella Rossellini is just stating a fact...that the vagina is very penis specific...it is also a message about respecting your coochie and the coochie's around you(my personal fave nick name). Isabella Rossellini loves her vagina. I love my vagina. But I don't just say it and not mean it, and I'm sure Isabella Rossellini isn't all talk either. Isabella Rossellini and I show our vaginas respect. We don't just let any penis get all comfortable in there. And, once in a while in our distant and not-so-distant pasts, we let the occasional one-night-stand-penis have a visit. But we LET them visit..we ALLOW them the pleasure.

Now, I know that there are times when the keepers of the vagina aren't able to wield that power. In fact, approximately 1 in 6 times, our power is just taken from us.

But, that brings me back to wanting to spread Isabella Rossellini's (I realize I've been saying her full name...it just feels disrespectful otherwise :D) message. I mean, did you know how barnacles procreate? Or that limpets are sequential hermaphrodites?

What I think it can boil down to is one thing...education.

Put it out there. Don't let young children be in the dark about how sea creatures and insects mate. Especially don't let kids be in the dark about how they're supposed to mate either. Silence and misinformation are virtually the same thing, and they can yield virtually the same results.

So, maybe over dinner or after school, after you ask your child about what they learned that day and NOT hear anything about mating...maybe you can just sit them down, have and honest conversation with them...and introduce them to Isabella Rossellini.

JUNE SPECIALS!

For the month of June, when Summer officially begins,
I'm offering my Get WET special!

Order the new WET Together (alone or with other products), and receive FREE SHIPPING and NO TAX on your ENTIRE order (from June 1-June 30)!!!

We were able to sample this fabulous product, and let me tell you, I LOVE MY JOB! The separate sensations are great on their own, but when you put them together, it's double awesomeness!
His Warms, Hers Tingles!*

*Get WET promotion is valid from June 1 to June 30th.
Note: Hers is silicone-based lube. DO NOT use with silicone toys.

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A.thena's S.ummer S.timulus

From June 1st to August 31st, Athena's is offering a fabulous Start-Up Special for new Goddesses and Adoni!

Starter kits (both Athena's and Heavenly Goddess) are being discounted by $51.00 AND there is no tech fee for the remainder of the year! That's $88.50 in savings up front!

AND

When your qualify (after the trainings), you'll receive $100.00 in FREE Retail Product of their choice! (must be within 90 days of training completion)

That's a $188.50 value if you join during this hot promotion!

So, whatcha waiting for?

Email me to get off your A.S.S.!

10 things you didn't know about orgasm - Mary Roach

I've been an Athena's Goddess since 2006. While we're very well trained at what we do, there's still so much room for education! I love learning about all kinds of new things about my body. I think it's one of the best ways to be who you are!

Now, that being said, here's a hilarious and educational video of 10 things you (nor I!) didn't know about orgasm:

This video is from ted.com, featuring author Mary Roach.

I am planning to use this blog not only to update my progress in my belly dance education, but also to continue connecting the mind/spirit/body connection through educational tidbits like this.

Speaking of orgasms, check out the link on the right to the Center for the Intimate Arts! Sheri Winston is THE orgasm guru!

Saturn's Return

Entering my late mid-twenties (disguised as my early late-twenties), my friend Joya clued me into "Saturn's Return." According to this astrological theory, this is the time when lots of changes occur - goals are attained, milestones are reached. Though it's not supposed to be about painful upheaval, I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't some of that thrown into the mix for the fun of it all.

Since April 23rd of 2009, I must say there have been a lot of things going on in this 27 year old's life. From the more personal part, I've had to make some decisions about how far I'm willing to stretch myself for other people. But, that's not necessarily something I'm ready to get into in the blogosphere (god, what a word I never thought I'd use...).

With my night job, I felt like there needed to be a change. I love the intimacy (pun intended!) of the house parties. But I knew I needed to take it to another level. So, I started with my personal contacts (especially Perry - the personification of a Rolodex), and received a couple of great leads! As of today, I will be doing a gig on June 14th at the Savant Project in Roxbury. I am super excited to get this kind of exposure for my business! The owner of the Savant Project seems like a great guy, and he seems to be doing quite well in that area. I also have one other person to get into contact with. Hopefully, before this week is over, I will have made contact and will have another meeting with a bartender about doing a bar promotion.

got toys? I do.

Then, there's belly dancing. It's an expensive hobby! But I love it. I've been signing onto different networks, learning about workshops in the area, and signing up to take classes with different teachers. I loveAmira Jamal, but I have a tendency to become super faithful to my teachers. While I think being faithful is a good thing, it can also limit a persons education. I was bummed that she wasn't going to do a summer session, but it was a clear sign that I needed to get out of that comfort zone. So, I've signed up as a member of the New England Belly Dance Association, signed up to take an upcoming workshop, and am planning to check out Najmat's classes at the Green Street Studios. Once I can afford it, there's a whole slew of workshops that I'm wanting to take before October.

(Picture taken by Nina Lytton)

Now, all of this takes a lot of money. Money that my day job doesn't necessarily help me out with. But, it feels great to have made all this headway with these 3 parts of my life.
I want to be wary about screaming, "Go ahead, Saturn!! Bring it on!!!"

But, for now, it doesn't feel too bad at all.

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