E is for Eden

My life has had a lot of not so happy stuff going down lately...mainly the never ending migraine my oldest has been dealing with and I'm just so tired of blogging and thinking about such a depressing topic. So, for today, I'm swearing off sad, frustrating, and depressing. Instead, I want to talk about things that make you feel sexy.

EdenFantasys is my go to location when I want or need something to help me feel sexy. And, y'all, I'm not just talking about their mid boggling array of sex toys. Unlike many stores, EdenFantasys acknowledges that plus size women want and need to get their sexy on too. Yes, that's right. You can find beautiful plus size lingerie (up through 4X) at very reasonable prices at EdenFantasys. You can also find a wide selection of body and beauty products at EdenFantasys and what woman doesn't like to look good and feel good.

Truthfully, there is so much more to feeling sexy than sexy lingerie, pretty make up, or even fabulous massage products. Feeling sexy starts with being comfortable in your own skin whether you are a size 2 or a size 20. Feeling sexy can come from that certain look in your lover's eyes or a caress as you walk by. Feeling sexy can come from making your partner feel sexy. There's no bigger turn on than the knowledge that you did that to your partner.

To celebrate feeling sexy, I'm giving away a $60 EdenFantasys gift card. Just click on the more link below and enter via the Rafflecopter form.

My Turn To Give Back

Y'all, I have been given the most fabulous opportunity to really spread the Christmas cheer. EdenFantasys is hosting a program called Eden Gives Back for a second year. The Eden Gives Back program asks the EdenFantasys community to raise money by either donating your gift cards or donating points (and EdenFantasys donated double the value of the point the community donated). They also asked a few lucky Eden community members to volunteer to go out and shop for charity with the money raised. EdenFantasys and the community they've built really are about more than sex toys.

Tomorrow, I get to go out and shop for two beautiful little babies who were listed on the local Salvation Army Angel Tree...Areceli who is only 1 yr old and Gabrielle who is also only 1. I am so excited because the incredible generosity of this community means that I get to fill those little girl's dressers with all kinds of pretty things and maybe make their parents' holidays a little easier. I will also be able to buy some toys which will fill the need for fun stuff to round out the donations of clothes. Ya know, honestly, I'm not sure what the best part of this experience will be for me...maybe it will be shopping for little girl's stuff after years of buying for my boys, spending someone else's money, or really getting to dive into the spirit of the season.

Seriously, y'all, if you haven't checked out EdenFantasys, give it a chance. Not only do they have all kinds of fab products, but the people that hang out there are pretty damned cool too.

If you are in a position to give back this season, what are you doing this year? Do you have a special tradition, a unique way to give back to the community you live in?


While I will receive a gift card from EdenFantasys, all opinions in this post are entirely my own.

Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree (GIVEAWAY)

"Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me
I've been an awful good girl
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight"

While a sable under the tree isn't likely, I've come up with a list of equally fun and pretty romantic things that Santa could slip under my tree. Tonight,Vic and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. Sure, it was a few days early but you have to seize the moment to escape the kids when it presents itself. And, since it was a romantic outing, I started thinking...wouldn't it be nice if I got something from Santa that would give a little boost to our love life? I think someone must have been listening because I came home to find an EdenFantasys email in my inbox.

While EdenFantasys does sell sex toys, it was like someone was catering to me with all the products mentioned in the latest email. EdenFantasys is now carrying a line of beauty and body products, makeup, sexy holiday outfits, and even club wear. I was especially enticed by some of the massage kits. The first item that caught my eye was the Sweet Heart chocolate box sensual kit...

Doesn't that look divine? That box looks like a high end box of delicious chocolate and the creme brulee massage cream sounds amazing.

For you heathens that don't like chocolate (yeah, I can't believe it either, but they do exist), EdenFantasys has the Sweet Heart strawberry box sensual kit...

The strawberry box is just as beautiful as the chocolate box and I think they would be fabulous in tandem.

I also wouldn't mind seeing the Earthly delights gift set. It offers you massage oils and honey dust in a variety of flavors - almond, honey, and mint.

This fabulous kit comes in a really cool decorative tin. It might just work well to story some of your sex toys when you are done using the kit.

Now y'all, it wouldn't be very nice of me to talk about all these goodies I want to see under my tree without sharing the wealth with you. In celebration of the holiday spirit, I'm giving away not just one but two EdenFantasys gift cards...one for $55 and one for $25.

Tales of the Traveling *B.O.B.

I know there have been many times I've raved to you about EdenFantasys. They have a truly amazing selection of adult toys and are super, super discreet with their packaging and shipping. I also adore them because they are incredibly savvy when it comes to social media and love to work with bloggers.

I'm sure y'all also remember when I wrote about the EdenFantasys BlogHer '11 party and ran a giveaway with it. Well, that giveaway led me to develop a whole new appreciation for the discretion and careful packaging that EdenFantasys uses.

EdenFantasys BlogHer '11 Party Post & Giveaway - NSFW

***Congrats to Cindy aka @normawatson!***

She's the lucky winner of a bunch of new toys with comment #32.

You know, I just realized that I never finished all my BlogHer '11 posts and one of the most important posts I hadn't put up is this one right here...a giveaway and the story of the EdenFantasys BlogHer '11 party. The EdenFantasys party is truly unique. Yes, there was one other adult toy company that hosted a party at BlogHer but the EdenFantasys party was the only party that offered arts and crafts with adult toys. Yup, that's right. At the EdenFantasys party you got to decorate a dildo (or 2). If you've never decorated adult toys, you are truly missing out on a hella good time.

Random Observations and Other Shit...

After the sadness of yesterday and today (Full Circle Mel's husband's funeral was today), I need something lighter, not so serious. This is all I've got...

You know you are in serious trouble when your 5 yr old not only figures out that 1 + 1 + 1 +  1 = 4 but that means that 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 400. Holy shit, his teachers aren't going to know what hit them.

You know you live in a house full of males when you get mustard on the *bottom hem of your shirt and no one points it out to you. Hell, they probably didn't notice.

You also know you live in a house full of males when they let you leave the house in said mustard bedecked shirt and go to the store.

You know your teenage son has been folding laundry when every single thing except your bras and underwear are folded. He might get contaminated with cooties if he folds them.

Is it normal that my teenager is reading Nelson Mandela's memoirs and Poorer Richard's America: What would Ben say? without a teacher or adult forcing him?

Does Muno from Yo Gabba Gabba remind anyone else of a giant walking talking dildo? I mean he is the one eyed wonder.

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I'm opening the floor for any and all questions...personal, factual, deep and introspective, or fluffy and light. I'll be posting answers later this week.

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I have an EdenFantasys post and giveaway coming up. I will be giving away a $55 gift card and some EdenFantasys swag from BlogHer '11

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*in my defense, I have really big boobs and don't see the lower half of my shirt unless I make an effort to see it

BlogHer with Beanis

Do y'all remember way back when I showed you the pictures of Beanis? Well, Beanis was made for my dear friend, Becky. The only problem was I kept forgetting to take Beanis to the post office. So, I was thrilled to hear Becky was going to BlogHer too. Problem solved...I could take Beanis to BlogHer with me. So, when I was packing for San Diego, Beanis went into my carry on bag. When we headed to the airport on Thursday morning, I was holding onto a secret wish.I was secretly hoping the TSA agents would search my carry on bags and I would get to look them in the face and say, "Yes sir, yes ma'am, that is a crocheted penis in my backpack." Sadly, my wish was not fulfilled.

Once we got to the conference, Beanis relaxed around the room and took in the sights. Beanis didn't come out to play until we headed for the parties. I was hoping to run into Becky at one of the parties so I just carried Beanis with me. I kind of figured Beanis would get attention but I vastly underestimated just how much attention he would get. I seriously could not walk 5 feet without someone saying, "OMG, is that what I think it is? Can I hold it? Can I touch it? Can I take a picture of it/with it?" I have Beanis to thank for meeting more people and giving away more business cards than ever before.

Beanis came out to play at the People's Party. Sadly, there was only time for a few guest shots but Beanis did get to meet the Hostess with the Mostess, the Bloggess. As I learned last year, she isn't big on crowds so she hangs out in the closest bathroom while the party she hosts is going on. So I took

Beanis to the makeshift bathroom that had been constructed in the ballroom and Beanis met the Bloggess. As you can see, Beanis looked quite content and secure in her loving embrace.

After we left the People's Party, we headed straight over to Queerosphere. The party was already hopping and there were fabulous people and fabulous drag queens everywhere. As Beanis entered the party, someone shrieked, "I've seen pictures of him already!" WTF, Beanis's reputation must be moving at light speed. Beanis got unbelievable action at Queerosphere and it's only fitting since he was a kick ass crocheted penis at a truly amazing party.

Beanis was one tired penis by the end of Queerosphere. He was more than happy to go back to our room and get a good night's sleep.

I was a little jealous that Beanis got to stay in the room and rest while I hit the fabulous sessions on Friday and Beanis was a little pissed off that I wouldn't take him to the Cheap Sally Party at the Stingaree on Friday night. I tried to tell him that he didn't have an invitation but he didn't seem to give a shit. However, Beanis was definitely mollified when we took him to the EdenFantasys party. There are pictures of him there but I haven't gotten a hold of them yet. Sadly, I think Beanis developed a bit of a superiority complex at the EdenFantasys party. He saw how much bigger he was than the dildos we were decorating and there was no living with him after that. After the EdenFantasys party, we headed straight to Sparklecorn. Beanis dressed up for the party...

he had a beer...

and took pictures with a few pretty women...

and then Beanis and the crew headed to our room for bed.


Come back tomorrow for the rest of BlogHer with Beanis and maybe my wrap up too.

Everyone's a Winner (maybe NSFW or little eyes)

I promised all my crafty readers a little present and it's coming up. I think really hope my yarn loving readers will especially enjoy it.

First off, I want to announce the winner of the EdenFantasys giveaway. The lucky winner is Dora of My Preconceived Notion. Check your email for details on redeeming your gift card.

Do y'all remember when I showed you the little crocheted sperm I made from the pattern I found on Ravelry? Well, that pattern was my inspiration. Back when I was doing the steamy romance novel giveaway, I decided the book needed a special bookmark to go with it. And, it would have to be a really special bookmark to go with a book titled Big Spankable Asses (yes, it really is a romance...erotica without romance is BORING). I decided to make a sperm bookmark. It crochets up super quickly. Here's the pattern and the pictures...

Spermity Sperm Bookmark
Make 2 using worsted weight yarn

Head
Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in magic ring, join to first sc with sl st (6sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st, join to first sc with sl st (12sts)
Rnd 3: sc2tog 6 times, join to first st with sl st (6sts)

Do NOT finish off.

Tail
Ch11, turn and sc in 2nd ch from hook (10sts); the tighter you crochet, the more the tail twists. Use the yarn end to close up and finish off the head.

For connecting cord (I used a thinner yarn for this)...leave a long tail of yarn on each end, chain 70, using darning needle, feed tail of long chain through the tip of the sperm tail, weave chain tail back into the chain, repeat at other end.

© Kristin Cruz and Dragondreamer's Lair 2011

Get Your Sexy On with EdenFantasys

Hey y'all, it's that time again...and, this time I'm giving it all up for you. That's right, the $55 EdenFantasys gift card is up for grabs and you can buy (or apply it toward) anything on the website...lingerie, adult toys, party favors, erotica, and more.

The last time I wrote about EdenFantasys, I was a bit greedy and kept the gift card for myself. Sorry y'all but sometimes a gal needs to get something to make herself feel sexy and that's what I did. I bought myself a fabulous pinstripe chemise and matching thong. Let me tell you, this awesome chemise is silky, stretchy, and all around sexy. It is super comfortable and, as you've probably guessed from my rave review, it's available in plus sizes. My only caveat is about the boobage fit. While the chemise more than fits around my torso, my ginormous boobage causes my cups to runneth over in this chemise. I would guess that up through a DD cup could comfortably wear this around the house but, if your boobage goes above a DD, it will be restricted to the bedroom.

By now, I bet you are wondering about that other picture over there on the right. Well, I got it for my husband. Oh come on, get your minds out of the gutter. Vic works nights which means he sleeps days. We've bought a few sleep masks locally and they all fell to pieces with regular use. When I was browsing to find my chemise, that mask popped up as a recommended link on one of the pages I opened...and, a light bulb went off. I was sure that anything EdenFantasys sold as part of their bondage gear would have to be better constructed and I was right. Vic has used it every day to block out the light and he's been sleeping a lot better. And, who knows, maybe some day that little mask will expand it's horizons.

Ok, on to the real reason y'all are reading this post...giveaway rules...
This giveaway is restricted to people 18 yrs of age or older.

1. MANDATORY Tell us if you've ever bought something from an adult shop or, if you feel daring, tell us about an embarrassing moment involving and adult toy (think accidental discovery)
2. Get an extra entry by tweeting (or posting on another social networking site) this once a day (you must comment with link to your tweet to get the extra entry)...Check out the fabulous EdenFantasys #giveaway from @dragondream http://bit.ly/k5P1Vc
3. Blog about this giveaway for five additional entries (remember to comment 5 times to get your 5 entries)

Remember, if you don't comment, you haven't entered. Let the fun begin...in other words, the giveaway starts now and entries will close Tuesday, May 31st at 11:59 pm.

And, FCC peeps, all opinions are completely my own and are in no way influenced by getting stuff from EdenFantasys.

Stretching the boundaries of what you read (plus a giveaway)

Y'all know I'm a huge fan of romance novels. Well, in the past few years, I've branched out and started reading erotica. Well, I love to find out more about the writers whose books I am reading and I recently found out that EdenFantasys has multiple ways to explore erotica and learn about the authors. Of course, there is The Naked Reader Book Club. According to the web page, the Naked Reader Book Club allows you to "join venerated erotica publisher Cleis Press, EdenFantasys and SexIs in an ongoing online book club for inquiring minds who love to read about all things sexual—from the politics of pornography to the erotically evocative boundaries of desire."

EdenFantasys also does interviews with a wide variety of people and recently, they did an interview that dovetails nicely with my desire to learn more about authors in this genre. They did an interview with author/editor Sacchi Green. This was such a fun and revealing read. Ms. Green answered in depth questions about the writing and editing process and she also entertained questions about her personal life.

To celebrate reading and to hopefully drag someone else into my love of romance and erotica, I want to have a GIVEAWAY. I'm going to pass on to one lucky reader a book from one of my favorite erotica authors, Lisa G. Riley. Now, I want to assure you that this is not porn. This book is a collection of 3 stories - all with strong story lines, well rounded characters, wonderful romance, and hot, steamy sex scenes. Along with the book, the winner will get a crocheted bookmark. The giveaway is limited to people who are 18 and over. To enter, simply post and tell me what your favorite book is (no matter what the genre). You can get an extra entry by tweeting (or facebooking) each day Enter to win a book and hand crocheted bookmark from @dragondream http://bit.ly/l7VI2J #giveaway Remember to come back here and comment with a link to your tweet. The giveaway is going to run from today through 11:59 pm 5/10/11. Winner will be announced next Wednesday 5/11/11.

A Fantasy Shopping Spree

Jen from In One Ear is the winner of the EdenFantasys giveaway. I hope she has a wonderful time shopping.

And, the rest of y'all stay tuned...it won't be long until another post goes up.

More Than Just A Sex Shop

That's right y'all. It's time for me to tell you about my favorite adult site... EdenFantasys. EdenFantasys has a quick and easy slogan...
but, I have a bone to pick with that. EdenFantasys is so much more than just a sex shop. EdenFantasys is an entire community. There is, of course, the sex shop but there is also EdenTube with all it's videos and EdenCafe. But, I have to go back to one of my favorite features over at EdenFantasys...the workshops. There are two fabulous workshops coming up. A workshop on Women's Health is happening on this Saturday, Mar. 12th, at 7pm. They will be covering fitting your bra properly, how to properly do a breast exam, and how adult toys might affect us healthwise. The other workshop I'm really interested in is one on DIY Vodka Infusions on Mar. 21st at 8pm. I know you can make your own vanilla extract using vanilla beans and vodka and I can't wait to see all the other fun flavors you can make.

Once again, I plan on passing on the $55 gift card EdenFantasys has offered me in exchange for writing about them. This giveaway is only open to those 18 yrs old or older and the gift card will be given away next Wednesday, Mar. 16th. Entries close 11:59 on Mar.15th. All you have to do to have a chance to win the gift card is comment here and tell me something you like about the site. If you click on the banner above, it will take you over to their main page. Dig around a little and share something old or new that I might have missed.

You can get an extra entry by tweeting (or posting on another social networking site) this once a day
Check out the fabulous EdenFantasys #giveaway from @dragondream http://bit.ly/e1AJF3
 and commenting here with a link to your tweet.

And, FCC peeps, all opinions are completely my own and are in no way influenced by the awesomeness of EdenFantasys.

Ooooooh My Gawd

This venture into Ooooooh My Gawd territory is brought to you courtesy of EdenFantasys where you canThe other day when I was scanning through the multitude of posts on my facebook wall, I happened across a little gem from EdenFantasys. They had a post up about a Crochet Club workshop. This totally snagged my interest because well, two of my favorite things...crafty fun and adult fun. I loved the idea of crocheting a bag to store an adult toy in but, sadly, I didn't make it to the workshop because it was my oldest son's birthday that night. The great thing about seeing this post from EdenFantasys was it got me to explore a part of their website I hadn't visited before...their clubs and workshops. Even though I missed the workshop on making a crochet toy bag, I think I'm going to have to check out the upcoming workshop on making your own massage candles and sugar scrubs.

Of course, after I left the EdenFantasys site, I had to head on over to Ravelry.com and see if they had any cool adult patterns. Here are the ones that tickled my fancy... The first is to display.  The second is for a drag king to wear.
The designer used the crocheted condomto hold his crochet hooks...hehehe, a condom for a hooker.Can't find the link to that boob pattern.
a crocheted dildo
a spermity sperm sperm
 this spermity sperm is a cute little condom holder So, I seem to remember mentioning something about a giveaway. As always, this is for the electronic gift card the lovely people at EdenFantasys give me for writing about their company. I don't need any new toys yet so I'm gonna let one of you go shopping. This is only open to grown ups...under 18 need not apply. So, tell me which one of these lovely little crocheted goodies you think EdenFantasys should host a workshop on next or tell me which one of their workshops you thing sounds most interesting.

EdenFantasys Review: Pearl Lotus by Cal Exotics NSFW

I'm a lucky, lucky girl because I get to review another goody for the wonderful folks at Eden Fantasys. Yes, I have another chance to try out a brand new adult toy and all I had to do in return was review it and give my honest opinion to you my loyal readers. The only compensation I received for this review with the gift of the toy I'm reviewing.

EdenFantasys Review: The Serenity by Evolved Novelties NSFW

The wonderful folks over at Eden Fantasys gave me a chance to try out a brand new adult toy and all I had to do in return was review it for you my loyal readers. Yes, I was compensated for this review with the gift of the toy I'm reviewing. I quickly jumped at the chance and, after much deliberation, I decided I wanted to try out The Serenity by Evolved Novelties. The folks at Eden Fantasys are super quick with shipping and their packaging is extremely discrete (a USPS box and label from Web Merchants Inc). Luckily, I'd been warned how discrete the packaging is so I didn't end up opening this in front of the kids. There is a lot of good about this vibrator and, for me, some not so good.