Shape up with Kegel excercises

Maybe you have already heard about Kegel exercises in relation to birth preparation or incontinence and are now wondering about why I mention this topic on my blog? Or you kind of know about the other benefits Kegel exercises provide, but are not sure how to do them?

Let me give you a short introduction: A Kegel exercise, named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, consists of contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor. If you don’t know where your pelvic floor muscle is, just try to stop the flow of urine while you’re going to the bathroom. That’s the basic move (but don’t do this as a regular exercise as Kegel exercises with a full bladder or while emptying your bladder can actually weaken the muscles and can also lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder, which increases your risk of a urinary tract infection). Another technique to find the right muscle is to insert a finger into your vagina and try to squeeze it. You should feel your vagina tighten while your pelvic floor slightly moves upward. This movement will become more pronounced once you started exercising regularly.

So now that you know which muscle we are talking about – why should you exercise it? Well, if not for medical reasons (such as incontinence), then at least train it for increased sexual satisfaction, giving you better orgasms and greater sensations to you and your partner. That sounds as it is worth it, doesn’t it? 😉

And it’s a lot easier to get your pelvic floor muscles toned up than to shape up your legs or get a six pack. Here is how it works:

1)      To prepare, empty your bladder and sit or lie down.

2)      Contract your pelvic floor muscles and hold for three seconds. Relax for three seconds and contract the muscle again. Repeat ten times.

3)      Once you master the three second rhythm, try it for four seconds, alternating with four second rest periods. Over a period of several weeks, work up until you keep the muscles contracted for ten seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds in between.

To get the maximum benefit, focus the contraction in your pelvic floor muscles and do not contract your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Also, don’t hold your breath. Relax and breathe freely.

Repeat sets of 10 Kegel exercises three times a day. Try to fit it in with routine tasks such as checking mails or commuting to work.

To avoid getting bored and to really work your muscles, you can vary your technique with so called love beads, a.k.a. geisha balls, pelvic floor trainers, love balls. These are little weighted marbles (I like to call them the world’s smallest excercise devices) made from silicone or another medically harmless material that come with a little string attached, so that you can remove them easily. They are placed inside the vagina about where a tampon would sit, and you can either only wear them for your daily Kegel workout, or walk around with them the whole day. Some of them have a small moving bullet inside the beads, which gives you a stimulating sensation while wearing them. 😉

So, even if you’re not that sporty kind of person, this finally is a workout that it’s worth holding onto!

Yours,

Nomi Tang

Creative ideas for Valentine’s Day

 

Don’t you also have the impression, that we just kissed 2010 goodbye and that it has only been a few days since you had to muse about what Christmas gifts to get for your partner…!? And now it is almost Valentine’s Day again!

Time flies, but don’t worry… In order to help you with finding the perfect little surprise for your Valentine, I came up with a little list of things to do this year…

Write a love letter

This sounds pretty simple, but there is no better way to let your Valentine know how loved, cherished, and treasured they are. If you do not know how to get started, you will find some inspirations here: http://www.loveletterbox.com/love_advice_love_letter_in_six_easy_steps.htm or at http://www.getromantic.com/romance/romance_advice/spice_up_love_letters.html.
If you are still mulling over a blank card, writing a list of things you love about your partner would also make a cute gift and might be a little easier.

Start the day with a breakfast in bed

Though the 14th will be a Monday, this should not be a hindrance for having a romantic breakfast in bed. If you like to snuggle as long as possible, try to do some of the preparations the night before, e.g. while your loved one is enjoying a bath. A couple of items not to be missed on your tray are strawberries and cream and something chocolatey 😉 But don’t blame me, if you have to call your boss in order to take a day off…

Make a love coupon booklet

Create a little book of love coupons that your Valentine can redeem together with you. You can either buy a little notebook or staple some memo size stationary together and fill the pages with favors like: a romantic massage, a home-cooked dinner, a picnic in the park, … The ideas are boundless. If you, however, need some inspiration, check out http://www.whodoyoulove.com/lovecoupons/page2.php or http://www.romancestuck.com/love-coupons.htm.

Create a scrapbook

If you are creative and have a little time on your hands, take a scrapbook or photo album and collect pictures and other memories of your relationship in it. Start with pictures taken when you started dating, include those 1st movie tickets you kept ever since and advance through your relationship: holidays, your engagement, your wedding and honeymoon, etc. and include some written memories and/or drawings.

Pamper your special someone

Pampering always comes far too short during our weekly routine. Plan this event a little ahead and send your Valentine an invitation to an evening of pampering. Make a reservation in your partner’s favorite restaurant and draw him or her a bubble bath afterwards. Decorate the bathroom with candles and rose petals and enjoy the warmth together whilst sipping on a glass of bubbly before you offer your sweetheart a sensual massage.

Say “I love you” in 100 different ways

A simple and fun way to say the famous three words is to hide little love notes all over the house. Get a stack of sticky notes, write down your personal love messages on them and hide them in his/her drawer, his/her wallet and the bathroom cabinet. Make sure to put some messages in extraordinary places, where he/she would not expect to find them, e.g. in the fridge, in the book he/she is reading, in the cover of his/her favorite DVD or CD, on his/her coffee mug, etc. … This will probably give you some more days of V’Day fun, when the little flashy notes pop up unexpectedly from time to time 😉

Cook a romantic meal…

…and set the mood with candlelight, soft music and have it in an unusual place, e.g. on the floor or in bed. No matter, if you prepare dishes that are said to be aphrodisiacs, like oysters, or your Valentine’s favorite meal, there is certainly truth in the adage “The way to a man’s/woman’s heart is through his/her stomach” ;-). A selection of romantic dinner ideas can be found here: http://www.simply-romantic-ideas.com/romantic-dinner-ideas.html and here: http://www.everythingvalentinesday.com/everyday-romance/canle-lit-dinner.html.

Of course, you can also take a break from your busy schedule on any other day of the year. I bet your special someone would be pretty surprised to come home from work one day to find some rose petals on the bed or a heart shaped desert with their name written on it on the dinner table ;-). Please visit my Facebook profile or to Follow my Twitter feeds for more romantic (Valentine’s) ideas…

Yours,

 

Nomi

Happy Chinese New Year 2011

Tomorrow many Asian countries will celebrate the first day of the Chinese New Year – the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. The festivities start on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and end 15 days later with the Lantern Festival.

2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit. The rabbit is a lucky sign and according to Chinese belief the rabbit brings a year which allows you to relax and to take a deep breath after the fierce Year of the Tiger. It is a great year to focus on relationships, family and friends as well as your personal goals and desires.

If you are interested in Chinese Astrology and want to know more about the Rabbit and what our floppy eared friend predicts for 2011, check out one of the following resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_new_year

http://www.stanssewingsupplies.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=253080

http://www.chinesezodiac.com/rabbit.php

http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/more_zodiacs/rabbit.htm

No matter what the New Year has in store for you, I am wishing you lots of love, good luck, and  health!

XOXO,

Nomi

Books that will turn you on

It’s pretty cold outside! And how could you relax better than by cuddling up in bed and reading an erotic book and then trying everything you read about with your partner or indulge in some sexy solo play? I can assure you, those cold long winter nights will soon become pretty hot!! 😉

Here are some of my favorite picks when it comes to luscious stories and techniques that are guaranteed to turn you on:

Lust: Erotic Fantasies for Women by Violet Blue

Who can live without lust? All day and night, our minds run through delicious possibilities — a silky hand beckoning us into the VIP lounge; a stranger in the backseat; the hunky FedEx driver bringing his package to the door — not to mention our own lascivious memories. Lust is a collection of erotica by and for women, a fierce and joyous celebration of female desire — and the triple-X trouble it gets us into. In Kay Jaybee’s “Tied to the Kitchen Sink,” a birthday boy finds his present — nude except for tall, high-heeled boots — happily devoted to domestic duties. Maria Grigoriadis’ “Pleasant Surprise” shows what can happen when you knock on the wrong apartment door — without your panties. And Bonnie Dee’s “Ripe Fruit” teasingly elaborates the sweet, sticky encounter of a soap opera idol and a fruit-stand employee on a stretch of rural roadside.

Girls on Top: Explicit Erotica for Women by Violet Blue

Prolific editrix Violet Blue presents another blazing hot set of erotic shorts by women, for women.  This commanding collection shows how exciting life can be when a woman takes control of her own pleasure, as in S.J. Frost’s “Quarterbacking,” an inspiring tale of first time girl-on-top domination.  Foot fetishism and saucy teasing meet in Elizabeth Colvin’s “High Heels.”  B.J. Franklin’s portrayal of gripping group sex in “The Hostage” and the delectable exhibitionism in Virgie Tovar’s “New York Peep Show” feature women who break all the rules to get off.  Filled with surprises, unexpected twists, and arousing confessionals, Girls on Top confirms that anything is possible when a girl wants, takes, gets!

Luscious: Stories of Anal Erotica by Alison Tyler and Tristan Taormino

A celebration of anal sex! With 27 stories by today’s hottest authors, telling us tales of all the ins and outs of this popular and sometimes secret sexual practice. Anal sex isn’t so dirty, especially when you are into making someone’s butt feel so good! Talk of toys, boys, strapping it on, licking it up and more are all included in this collection.

Tickle Your Fancy: A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Self-Pleasure by Sadie Allison

A fabulous bite-sized yet complete ‘how-to’ guide to women’s self-pleasure. This fun, guilt-free book details much about paddling the pink canoe- including anatomy, fantasy, orgasms, tools and techniques, anal play, sex toys, and safety.

Toygasms: An insider’s guide to sex toys and techniques by Sadie Allison

From the author of Tickle Your Fancy, comes a guide to choosing and using the best toys for you and your lover. Plus, it includes ways to use them that maximize your pleasure. This pocket-sized and easy to read book covers all the basics of using toys.

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Porn by Violet Blue

Acclaimed sex educator Violet Blue tells women how to find porn they’ll like, from favorite turn-ons and women-friendly DVDs to Podcasts and porn groups on the web. She shows how to reconcile fantasy with real-life desires, and how smart girls can maintain their own beauty standards when the people on screen seem impossibly buff, smooth, and surgically enhanced. Looking for authentic sex scenes? Thinking of sharing porn with a lover? Wonder which browser is safest for Internet porn surfing? This book has the answers.

How To Tell A Naked Man What To Do by Candida Royalle

After 20 years making adult films from a female perspective, Candida Royalle knows how to tell a naked man what to do. This fun, highly readable guide, by the director known for her women-friendly porn (StudHunters, Eyes of Desire, Caribbean Heat), will help you make sure your lover knows how to please you every time.

Bedroom Games: Stripteases, seductions and other surprises to keep your partner coming back for more by Mary Taylor

The lights are low. Your favorite sultry tunes are playing quietly in the background. A scented candle is burning. Your man sits in the center of the room, eagerly awaiting the surprise you’ve been planning for weeks. Slowly, you make your entrance, dressed in a little black number you bought on the sly. As his jaw drops you slink toward him, moving to the rhythm of the music. And the night has only just begun.

Former exotic dancer Mary Taylor offers a wealth of advice for women on how to cast aside their insecurities and inhibitions. Full of tips on choosing the right time, setting, music, lighting, costume, and persona, and step-by-step instructions on basic and more advanced striptease moves, Bedroom Games is your key to turning your (and his!) most secret sexual fantasies into reality and giving the man in your life a night he won’t soon forget!

The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Turn Your Fantasies Into Reality by Violet Blue

Whether you’re looking for an endless supply of fantasy ideas or expert advice for a playful, imaginative sex life that turns you both on, this charming and information-packed book will tell you exactly what you need to know:

* Role-play: hot, dramatic sex without feeling silly
* How to have a threesome—without jealousy
* How to have sex in public
* Thrilling S/M scenarios
* Racy sex games for lovers
* How to strip, lap dance, talk dirty
* Make your own porn and erotic photographs

Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century by Barbara Carrellas

Tantric sex is a making quite the impression upon many – both those drawn to the spiritual connection between sexuality and physicality and those simply looking for new sensations. Within Urban Tantra, readers will find excellent techniques, meditations, helpful drawings, info about the basics of Tantra, and how modern lovers can apply all these ideas in their busy lives. If Tantric sex has always piqued your interest, but the new age-y aspects seemed too much, Urban Tantra is a great resource to satisfy your curiosities and give you practical information to get your soul flying!

Your Orgasmic Pregnancy by Danielle Cavallucci and Yvonne Fulbright

Here’s the inside scoop on sex during pregnancy:  It can be passionate, painless and completely safe!  During these magical nine months, you’ll develop luscious new curves and boast a heightened libido and an increased ability to orgasm.  So don’t be misled by old taboos and myths: Sex while you’re pregnant can be the best you’ve ever had.

Danielle Cavallucci, a pregnancy fitness specialist, has partnered with noted sexologist Yvonne Fulbright to bring pregnant women and their partners this potent brew of tips and techniques for intimacy and great sex.  The authors discuss: safe sexual techniques; how to spice it up with toys, lingerie and erotica; sexy alternatives to intercourse; and ways for a Hot Mama to love herself.

For partners, the book offers tips and suggestions to help keep up with their pregnant partner’s progress, embrace her changes and share in the steamy fun between the sheets.  Throughout the book, Cavallucci and Fulbright prescribe a “love yourself” mindset that emphasizes a positive attitude, confident intercourse and making pregnancy a “growing” experience in more ways than one.

Enjoy reading, and make sure to leave your books lying around, so that your partner can have a look, too, and share your new wisdom! 😉

Yours,

Nomi Tang

World AIDS Day – Safety first!

Hi there!

Today is World AIDS Day, so I thought it might be a good idea to update you with some facts and figures regarding this disease.

During my research on this occasion, I found out that about 0,8% of the world population between 15 and 49 years is HIV-infected. That’s nearly 1 in every 100 adults and makes a total of 34.3 million people! Of course, the geographical area that is most affected is Sub-Saharan Africa, where the percentage of infected adults reaches as high as 8,6% (and there are many sick children, too), but AIDS also is a very serious problem in the so called modern, Western world. Worldwide, more than 80% of all adult HIV infections have resulted from heterosexual intercourse, and almost half of the infected adults are women (47%).

I don’t want to scare you with these numbers, I just want to remind you, that AIDS is not something our parents and teachers told us about, and now that we are older we do not have to worry about it anymore.

You probably know what to do in order to protect yourself and others against AIDS. However, let’s recall the basics: Use a new condom every time you have sex, even in a monogamous relationship (you never know what your partner is up to…). Get tested regularly. Know, that the test result indicates your status from about three months ago. If you share your sex toys, clean them thoroughly after every use. In the heat of the moment, remember that a second of ignorance can mean a deadly disease. So far, there is no cure for AIDS.

I want to encourage you to wear the red ribbon – not only today, but every day of your life. And I am not only talking about the physical ribbon you attach to your jacket or purse. I am talking about the mental awareness you should have concerning AIDS.

And trust me condoms can make sex more fun rather than ruining the experience. Just get a wide variety of colors, shapes, flavors and textures and present them as some kind of a menu to whoever your lover is. He will want to have sex more often to try them all. 😉

Take care,

Nomi Tang

 

It’s Black Friday…

There are several versions of Black Friday. Most of them involve some disastrous event such as the Wall Street crash from 1929 or devastating bush fires in Australia. I’m a really positive, optimistic person, so I’ll go for the version of Black Friday that is marking the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season: Black Friday as the Friday following Thanksgiving.

The term “Black Friday” is used to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers go from being in the red to being in the black. Often they do this by promoting special deals and heavy discounts, and opening for as long as 24 hours the day, to draw maximum customer traffic into their stores. It’s basically a shopaholic’s paradise. 😉

Well, Christmas is still quite far away, but why not start shopping early to avoid the last minute gift buying stress?

When it comes to gift shopping, I always choose something personal, that makes the receiver feel that there is an emotional connection between us. By giving, I want to make the other feel that I care about him / her, and that I took some time to think about what would make him / her feel valued.

True luxury is taking the time to enjoy, the time to savor the moment. That’s why my favorite gifts are things that you have to use in a leisurely activity. This can range from books, especially cookbooks, via sporting equipment to tickets for events. Of course, my favorite gifts are sex toys. I guess the activity part of it is pretty obvious. Moreover, Christmas is still about expressing feelings such as friendship, love and appreciation of life. And sex toys actually do bring people closer together if used as a couple, and they are also a way of expressing love for oneself. Most of the time, I offer them together with a sensual accessory, such as massage gel or lubricant (tangerine, chocolate and vanilla are the best Christmas flavors ever!) or scented candles.

If you are not sure about what to offer, the “better than chocolate” is a sure bet for beginners, while “getaway” might be more attractive to people who have already experimented with toys before.

To get some more inspiration, consult the gift guides many online sex shops publish on the internet.

Yours,

Nomi Tang

Why wonder? – My favorite sex education websites

You cannot know everything about sex and you might have a lot of questions on you mind.  Thus it’s good to know where to turn to and whom to ask for confidential advice. Of course, you can always approach your doctor, your friends, etc. But some questions are simply easier to ask in complete anonymity. And it’s comforting to see that there has been somebody before you, probably having the same kind of question. That’s why I would like to share with you my favorite sex education websites, specifically addressing adults.

–          www.kinseyconfidential.org
Probably the most scientific and seriously-managed website on sex education for mature people. You will find really helpful advice – written and as podcasts – as well as private blogs, book reviews and links to external resources.

–          www.sexuality.about.com
About.com provides guidance on the most diverse topics you can possibly think of. On sexuality.about.com you will learn everything about sex practices, sexual health and relationships.

–          http://www.thesite.org/sexandrelationships
TheSite.org is “your guide to the real world” – and we all know this includes sex and relationships. TheSite.org is pretty much similar to About.com, but it’s always good to hear two opinions on an issue, isn’t it?

–          http://drruth.com/
Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a psychosexual therapist who pioneered speaking frankly about sexual matters on radio in 1980. This is her official website where you can find advice on anything related to sexuality, as well as toy reviews, book recommendations and tips on how to spice up your sex life.
When you enter the site, ignore the iphone add at the top (if it’s still there) and scroll down to get to all the interesting stuff.

–          http://www.allsexadvice.com/
This is a sex-positive forum that enables you to build greater self-awareness, enhance sexual experiences and expand the understanding of your body. You can instantly read all articles, but have to register if you want to post your own questions (this will only take a few minutes).

If you want to get more practical or are looking for some more personal guidance, why not go to a workshop? Yes, I’m serious – a workshop! The easiest way to find out about workshops in your region is probably to just ask in your favorite toy or lingerie boutique. They often run workshops themselves or do at least have some knowledge about who else might. Otherwise google the internet! And don’t be afraid, these workshops are held in a very relaxed atmosphere, with experienced women guiding you through the evening and being open to every question you may have.

I wish you a fun time exploring your sexuality further,

Nomi Tang

Wear pink! Nomi Tang supports breast cancer awareness.

Wear pink!

This is not about if you like the color pink or not, it’s about something much more serious: October 25^th is Pink Ribbon Day, a day to increase awareness of breast cancer and to spread knowledge about this disease.

So I’ll try to do my part and give you some basic information about breast cancer as well as websites where you will find additional information and help. To do your part, talk about it, spread the word, get your health checked regularly, be physically active, be supportive towards affected friends and family members and show your support by wearing a pink ribbon.

Cancer is a disease of the body’s cells. Normally, cells grow and multiply in a controlled way, however, if something causes a mistake to occur in the cell’s genetic blueprints, this control can be lost. Cancer is the term used to describe collections of these cells, growing and potentially spreading within the body. As cancerous cells can arise from almost any type of tissue cell, cancer actually refers to about 100 different diseases.

Breast cancer starts in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Cells lining the ducts or lobules can grow out of control and develop into cancer.

Some breast cancers are found when they are still confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast. This is called pre-invasive breast cancer. The most common types are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

Most breast cancers are found when they are invasive. This means the cancer has spread outside the ducts or lobules of the breast into surrounding tissue.

There are several types of invasive breast cancer:

• Early breast cancer: Contained in the breast but may have spread to one or more lymph nodes in the armpit.
• Locally advanced breast cancer: It may have spread to places near the breast, such as the chest (including the skin, muscles or bones of the chest), but the cancer isn’t found in other areas of the body.
• Metastatic breast cancer: The cancer cells spread from the breast to other areas of the body, such as the bones, liver or the lungs. It may also be called advanced breast cancer.

As a woman you should be familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. If you notice any of the following changes, please see your doctor immediately.

• A lump, lumpiness or thickening
• Changes in the skin of a breast, such as puckering, dimpling or a rash
• Persistent or unusual pain
• A change in the shape or size of a breast
• Discharge from a nipple, a nipple rash or a change in its shape

There are also some simple steps you can take to minimize your cancer risk:

• Eat for health
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Be physically active, on most, preferably all days
• Limit your alcohol intake

Here I can only provide you with very basic information on breast cancer, and this article is not a substitute for medical advice.

If you are interested in further information, please see your doctor or a specialist. To prepare your questions, you might want to consult some of these websites first.

• http://www.breastcancer.org/
• http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
• http://www.komen.org/
• http://www.cancerandcareers.org/

There is also a way to support the fight against breast cancer by shopping. Some retailers are donating part of  their sales revenues during the month of October to organizations in the field of research, education and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. One example I would like to highlight is the “Pink October” campaign of Babeland, which donates funds to the Young Survival Coalition and which I support directly with a matching contribution of 10% for every pink Better than Chocolate sold by Babeland. Come for a Cause 😉

Take care,

Nomi Tang

What’s your favorite Getaway?

Nothing beats a romantic Getaway to leave the everyday routine behind and spend some time far away from work stress. Wherever your special place may be and no matter if you go there solo or with a lucky someone, my Getaway vibe will be by your side. What’s your favorite Getaway?

About Getaway
Getaway is the right choice for those serious about playtime. Made from silicone, it features Nomi Tang’s unique i-touch control, an ergonomic shape, operates ultra quietly and is completely waterproof so you can enjoy the vibe in the bathtub. Getaway makes a perfect gift for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas or special occasions.

Getaway comes in three different shapes:

Getaway Pure

Aesthetics in perfection, and not only a pleasure for your eyes ;).

Getaway Luxe

‘Luxe’ has an added dynamic contour at its tip for additional stimulation during penetration.

Getaway Wild

Take a ride on the wild side. ‘Wild’ is your key to g-spot indulgence.

Keep your eyes open for a Getaway!

Sept. 22, 2010 – Asia is celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)

Hello Everybody,

Today, many countries in Asia celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. Is is a ancient festival full of joy and magic, and Asia’s equivalent to the US Thanksgiving, but with a twist.

Those of you who are interested in the backgrounds, please check out below’s great blog post by Angela Nilsson. Make sure to learn about the story of Houyi and Chang’e. There are many different accounts on this story, several of them claiming that each year, on the fifteenth day of the full moon (today), Houyi visits his wife on the moon and the two lovers reunite for one long night, being the reason why the moon is very full and beautiful on that night. Talking about long-distance relationships… ;). Think of Houyi and Chang’e when you look at the moon tonight…

Wish all of you a HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL and a joyous time!

Hugs, Nomi

"WHEN THE MOON IS FULL, MANKIND IS ONE" The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, (Zhongqui or Zhongqiujie in Chinese), will be celebrated on September 22, 2010 (China time zone) in China and throughout many Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar ( … Read More

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