A Sex Toy Wet Dream

By Julia | December 24, 2011 – 4:23 pm

Around the holidays I often find myself planted in front of the screen, gazing longingly at beautiful designer sex goods that I will never own, with a string of drool extending from lip to keyboard. These amaaazing kinky shoes-cum-sextoys were fluttering around the interwebs yesterday (I ran across them on Jiz Lee’s facebook- thanks Jiz!) and I just had to share them with you. The plug pump just makes way to much sense in my mind, especially because this story has been planted firmly in my mind for the past few of years. I particularly love the ball gag sandal though. Hint.

If luxurious erotic fashion items and beautiful kink-tinged imagery gets your knickers wet, I highly recommend taking a look at this blog. Perfect for taking a small mind vacation from holiday stress.

Posted in art, toys | Comments

Science, Sex, and the Ladies

By Julia | December 10, 2011 – 8:52 pm

Sometimes people send us emails about cool sex-related projects they’re working on. Recently we got one from an independent film troupe in Indiana who are making a documentary about female sexuality. It looks pretty awesome and quite different from most documentaries we’ve seen on the subject, so we thought you might like to see what they’re up to. You can also back them on Kickstarter if the spirit moves you. Here’s what they have to say about the project…

Science Sex and the Ladies is a different kind of non-fiction movie. There are no interviewed talking heads. Instead you will find an ensemble cast, researched arguments, and even a musical number. It is a boisterous, innovative endeavor into a serious subject, and it will move past the status quo to show you female sexuality from a whole new perspective. There are very basic misunderstandings within our society about the female orgasm; specifically why and how it happens on a purely physical level; and this has led to misunderstandings about almost every aspect of female sexuality. As a result, too many women feel disappointed, ashamed, or inadequate when it comes to their sexuality. Too many men are perplexed and often hurt by the sexual relationship they share with the women they love, and too many girls feel confusion and a lack of control over their very real, yet culturally complicated sexual desire. As a society, we can and should do better.

Science Sex and the Ladies digs into existing sexual research and cultural studies on sex; pushing aside lazy incorrect scientific conclusions about the nature of female sex drive and cutting through the layers of mystery and spiritual gobbledygook that unfortunately encompass our societal knowledge of female orgasm. What emerges is a better understanding of female sexuality, female orgasm, and female sex drive; one that is based in solid scientific inquiry, logical arguments, and the reality of the female experience.

And here’s a sweet trailer for your viewing pleasure.
Posted in science, sexual health, video | Comments

Do lubes have expiration dates?

By searah | December 9, 2011 – 3:38 pm

A twitter friend just asked if lubes have expiration dates and I think it really needs a more than 140 character answer.. so here it is:

The short answer is some do and most don’t.

For water-based lubes, most can last at least a year or more.  To keep your lube as fresh as possible, we recommend keeping it in the bottle in came in and keeping it closed when you are not using it.

Liquid Silk and Maximus are the only water-based lubes that we carry that have printed “Best By” dates and right now (12/11) those dates are in the year 2016 so heaven forbid one 50ml bottle lasts you five years, it will still be ok to use.

The Swede flavored lube that we carry has the cosmetic industry symbol for how long you should keep the product once it is opened (see right). For that lube they suggest 12 months.

UPDATE: Slippery Stuff is good for two years

UPDATE: Sliquid lubes are good for 30 months from the date on the bottom of the bottle (see picture below)

Oil-based Lubes (which we only recommend for solo-penis action) can go rancid so if it smells off you might what to chuck it. It’s not gonna kill you, but it could leave a lingering off scent on your wang.

Silicone Lubes should be “good” for years. There really isn’t anything in those that can go bad.

All that said, I can’t find any other expiration dates on most of  our lubes, so I’m going contact the manufacturers and update this if I get more info.

The basic rule of thumb we have always used here (and that I use at home) is if it smells off or seems extra sticky, chuck it. Keep your lube out of the sun and away from heat to help it last the longest!


Posted in lube, sexual health, store info | Comments

Items for hard to shop for people

By searah | December 8, 2011 – 4:12 pm

I don’t know about you, but there are always a few people on my gift list that I struggle to find something great for. Sure, they all have their usual fallbacks, but if you want to get them something exciting this year, I have a few ideas…

For your 20 year old cousin that you only see once a year and have no idea what she is into: First Timers Kit. What, you never thought about buying a vibe for your cuz? But think about it… what better gift is there then a toolkit for safe pleasure? This is a tasteful gift that is adorably packaged and has simple, fun toys inside. Designed for the newbie, you cousin will appreciate that is is not some big fat phallic monstrosity ( which is what many people think of when they hear Sex Toy) and that it comes with directions for using and taking care of everything in the kit. Ok fine, maybe not the best gift to open in front of Grandma but you can sneak it too her after Granny goes to sleep…

For the person you drew in the the Secret Santa drawing at work: I Rub My Duckie. So you have to get an inexpensive gift for someone in the office but you really want it to be a HIT? This sneaky Duckie is adorable and it will probably takes folks a whole to even figure out that it is meant as a sex toy. Trust us.

For your Parents who are really hard to buy for and need nothing: A Happy Heart Massager and Kama Sutra Massage Oil . I’m gonna break something to you now… your parents probably have sex. Together. And these rated PG items will help them have some indoor fun this winter. Oh you should also make a donation in their name to a local food bank.

Your “Bro” who recently got dumped by his GF: A Fleshlight. I know I know, you feel weird about getting your friend a F-able sleeve, but you can laugh it off as a crass joke and get a few chuckles out of it. And then your buddy who’s left hand is getting tired, can go home and enjoy a great time all by himself.

Your girlfriend who doesn’t need or want any more jewelry but has hinted she wants someone really personal and precious this year: A Puppy! No actually, don’t get her a puppy, they are too much work. But you could really WOW her with a Tiani vibe. You both can use it together or she can use it when you are gone. It is pure, indulgent luxury that will make her happy over and over and over and over….

Need more ideas? Check out our gift guide here or contact us and we will personally help you find the perfect thing for anyone on you list.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments

Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2011

By searah | December 6, 2011 – 2:00 pm

Hello friends,

We want to be sure you get your order in time for the holidays, so please note these shipping deadlines:

To get your items delivered by December 24th, order by NOON (CST):

UPS Ground: December 16th*
UPS Second Day Air: December 21st
UPS Next Day Air Saver: December 22rd

USPS Priority Mail: December 16th
USPS Express Mail: December 20th

If you need your order for December 20th (first night of Hanukkah) order by NOON (CST):

UPS Ground: December 13th*
UPS Second Day Air: December 16th
UPS Next Day Air Saver: December 19th

USPS Priority Mail: December 13th
USPS Express Mail: December 16th

At this point we cannot guarantee international delivery dates.

If you live in the Chicago area, you can always select In Store Pickup at checkout and we can have your order wrapped & ready for quick and easy pickup!

And don’t forget, for the holidays Gift Wrapping is free!

*UPS does not guarantee delivery dates for ground shipping at this point so contact us if you are concerned.

Posted in store info | Comments

Workshop: Tickle Your Fancy: Female Sexuality, Orgasm & What Toys Can Do for You!

By searah | December 4, 2011 – 1:28 pm
Jan
15
4:00 pm

Female sexuality is still a great mystery to many of us. In this workshop a sex educator from Early to Bed will start at the beginning - female anatomy.

In this class:
We’ll dismiss myths you may have heard and talk about the nature of women’s pleasure & orgasm.
We will also discuss masturbation and its benefits and give you some great tips for feeling more comfortable in your body.
We’ll also touch on some ways to make having sex with women even better for everyone involved and show you a few toys & gadgets that can make sex more fun for anyone.

You’ll leave with a wealth of information that will hopefully help you enjoy your/her sexuality even more!

Early Orgasm Registration for $12 ends Friday January 6th!
Orgasm Registration $15 at the door

Presented by The Meow University, this workshop will take place at The Warehouse, 9550 S Genoa, Chicago, IL

TO REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP PLEASE CLICK HERE

About Searah Deysasch
Searah is the founder and owner of Early to Bed, Chicago’s first woman-owned sex shop. In addition slinging high-quality sex toys, she lectures about sex and the adult novelty industry at Midwestern colleges, local community groups and pretty much anywhere she is invited. For fun she runs a blog called Searah’s Museum of Screwy Sex Toys where she gets to mock all the horrible sex toys there are out there. She is a firm believer in masturbation and that comprehensive sex education should be available to everyone.

Posted in Events@etb, masturbation, sexual health, store info | Comments

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

By Julia | December 3, 2011 – 6:48 pm

Posted in Politics, events | Comments

Sexing the Transman

By Julia | November 26, 2011 – 8:59 pm

We are thrilled to have Sexing the Transman, from  trans porn pioneer and activist, Buck Angel, on our shelves! Self professed to be “the most progressive XXX sex education film ever made,” Sexing the Transman combines intimate interviews with steamy jerk-off sessions. Angel talks to four transmen- Sean, James Darling (old favorite!), Eddie Wood, and MJ (new crush!)- about their transitions. The guys dish about their bodies, sexualities, language, and surgery before stripping down and showing us how they get down with their sexy selves.

The jerk-off scenes were super hot and and feature a lot of genital close-ups. And they featured some of our favorite sex toys being put to great use! Sean played with a Feeldoe, James fucked a Fun Factory vibe similar to this one, Eddie Wood got down with a very creative DIY dick pump, and M.J. had NJoy steel in both holes. For the grand finale, we’re treated to a hard-core, clit-sucking, cunt-fucking scene between Buck Angel and Fallen. The best part, however, may be that they play opera during the most high-tension points of the movie. I know I hear La Boheme every time I cum.

The masturbation scenes have a different feel from porn that’s more marketed as queer; and the clear explanations about language and surgery make this a great introduction to sex with transbodied men. I love how this film emphasizes a range of identities, experiences, and desires. And its hot too!

(You can buy this DVD right now! Just click here)

Posted in Uncategorized, porn | Comments

Sex Toy Weekend at Early to Bed!

By searah | November 24, 2011 – 8:43 pm
Nov ’11
25

Yeah yeah yeah… we’ve all heard of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, but at Early to Bed we are declaring it Sex Toy Weekend from Friday 11/25 - Monday 11/28!

All weekend long you can get FREE Priority Mail shipping on ANY order*, save 20% of ANYTHING with code STW on Friday (save 10% with that code Saturday-Monday) and if you want to spread some love, we’ll send you a free ETB Promo Pack with any order!

Come visit us in the shop this weekend and enjoy sweet treats while you check out our wares and we’ll give you 20% off on Friday (10% Saturday and Sunday) as well!

So get yourself something fun or get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping. We know lots of your friends would like a vibrator this year. They told us so….

xooxox

* Free Priority Mail shipping applies to US destinations only.

Posted in Events@etb | Comments

Give Nice… Get Naughty!

By searah | November 23, 2011 – 11:30 am


From now until the end of the year, we are offering Early to Bed customers a $10 gift Certificate if you donate $10 or more to one of our chosen organizations!

It is a great way for folks to give to grassroots organizations and get a little something sexy at the same time.

Make a donation to one of the following five organizations before 12/31/11. Once you have gotten a receipt (it can be a receipt for payment, you do not have to wait for a formal thank you letter) send it to us at:

Give Nice
C/O Early to Bed
5232 N Sheridan rd
Chicago, IL 60640

Be sure to include your mailing address and email address so we can send your gift certificate! Also, before you mail the receipt, be sure it shows your name, the amount you gave and the organization that you gave to. You can also email your receipt to searah@early2bed.com.

Once we receive your proof of donation we’ll send you a $10 gift certificate to use online or at our Chicago shop anytime in 2012!

If you are feeling really generous and donate $50 or more to a single organization, we’ll send you a Silver Bullet vibe as well (cause we love you)!

So simple - so good!

Fine Print:
• One gift certificate per person, per organization. If you want to give to multiple organizations, you can get up to three gift certificates total.
• Your donation must be for at least $10
• We must receive proof of your donation in our shop by 1/15/12
• Gift certificates will be emailed  email address you provide us within two weeks. They are valid for all of 2012 and cannot be used towards prior purchases.
• We reserve the right to cancel this promotion at anytime.

Give Nice… Get Naughty Organizations

2011 ORGANIZATIONS

Scarleteen

http://www.scarleteen.com/help_sustain_scarleteen

Scarleteen is an independent, grassroots sexuality education and support organization and website. Founded in 1998, Scarleteen.com is visited by around three-quarters of a million diverse people each month worldwide, most between the ages of 15 and 25. It is the highest-ranked website for sex education and sexuality advice online and has held that rank through most of its tenure.

Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance

http://www.woodhullalliance.org/donate/

Woodhull affirms and seeks public and social policies that affirm that the autonomy of the person requires that all human beings control their own bodies, minds and spirits and therefore their destinies. This means that all persons are free of social and legal sexual oppression, and have the right to sexual self expression.

The Trevor Project

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/donate

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

Posted in Politics, Uncategorized, events, sex tips, store info, toys | Comments