Bean Fiddler’s Best of 2011

So I’ve been thinking it would be a good idea to look back over the last year and see what my favorite sex toys and sensual products were from 2011. Quite frankly, I am not always great at narrowing down lists of favorites because I tend to waffle back and forth so this has proven to be a challenge for me. I decided to go back and look at all the products that received a 5 Bean Rating from me and share my list with you. However, it turns out I reviewed a number of highly rated items in 2011 so I did have to narrow down the list somewhat to highlight my true favorites.

I have split the list between my top sex toys and my top sensual products to be more specific.

Top Five Sensual Products of 2011

Number five is Sweet Beauty’s Chocolate Body Cream from Babeland. This body cream is thick and creamy and has the most delicious chocolatey scent. It makes my skin feel soft and silky and smell heavenly. In fact, the danger of the Chocolate Body Cream is that it makes me crave chocolate. While body cream may not be the first thing you think of when discussing sensual products, I think anything that tantalizes multiple senses is a sensual treat.

In the number four spot is TRUST Natural Oil. TRUST is the most amazing massage oil I have run across in a long time. It is an organic, vegan, cruelty-free, food-grade oil that happens to be kosher as well. TRUST is made with Grape Seed, Avocado, and Apricot Kernel Oils and is light and silky on my skin. It is very moisturizing and adds both a high class feel and increased intimacy to any massage.

Number three is Intimate Organics Intense Clit Stimulating Gel. This Clit Gel makes my clit all cool and tingly in the most wonderful way. Another vegan, cruelty-free product, Intense Clit Stimulating Gel is glycerine and paraben-free and does not contain DEA or menthol. However, it does contain organic extracts which I think is a nice bonus. Most importantly, I love how it makes my clit feel and how it speeds up my orgasms.

The number two slot goes to the Beginner Bondage Kit from MyPleasure. The Beginner Bondage Kit comes with wrist and ankle cuffs, tethers, a blindfold, and a small flogger. Though I do not consider myself a beginner when it comes to bondage, I love the cuffs in this kit. They are not only an awesome color with a cute heart detail, they are strong, secure, and comfortable. The kit is totally worth it just for the cuffs and storage bag.

My number one sensual product of 2011 is the Liberator Wedge. The Liberator Wedge is an amazing piece of sex furniture that belongs in everyone’s collection. It brings comfort, communication, and creativity to the bedroom in a fun way. It provides a variety of positions and allows for better access for both partners. I still leave mine out on the bed and use it as a backrest as well. My Liberator Wedge is good for all sorts of things!

Top Five Sex Toys of 2011

In the number five spot is the Hitachi Magic Wand. I recently reviewed the Hitachi and fell in love with its deep vibrations and ability to multitask as a muscle massager, which is really its intended use. It doesn’t look like a sex toy which is a bonus if I want to leave it laying around.

Number four on my list of sex toys is the Octopussy also from Babeland. This dildo is shaped like tentacle and has the most amazing texture I have ever run across. It is a lovely light pink color and is made of glass. The Octopussy can be used vaginally or anally and the curved handle makes it very easy to use. The glass is great for sensation play but what truly stands out is the texture. I don’t have anything else quite like it and it’s just great.

My number three toy of 2011 is the G-Spot Lollipop J Pop. I discovered this little beauty when I attended ANE in July. Its rather unusual shape allows for great g-spot stimulation and it comes in all sorts of fun colors. The G-Spot Lollipop also comes in multiple styles and sizes, and though I haven’t tried any other style, I do love my G-Spot Lollipop J Pop.

Tied for the number two slot are two phenomenal butt plugs, the Crystal Delights Crystal Kiss and the nJoy Pure Plug. They are both so awesome, I can’t choose which one I like more. The Crystal Kiss is the most beautiful toy I own. It is just exquisite with its swirl of red and gorgeous swarovski crystal. The njoy Pure Plug is delightful in its heavy steel and can be worn for significant periods of time comfortably.

My number one top sex toy of 2011 is the famous Eroscillator. The Eroscillator is so unlike any of my other sex toys because it oscillates rather vibrates. It really is a must have for every sex toy aficionado. It is also an excellent choice for women who have only one clitoral vibrator and those who may have trouble reaching orgasm. It has multiple attachments which makes it very versatile and can be used solo or with a partner. I just adore the way it feels on my nipples and clit.

As I said, this has been quite a challenge for me. 2011 was a good year for sex toys and sensual products and I am lucky to have reviewed so many great things last year. I am sure I have left out some really nifty products but I had to narrow it down somehow. I am already looking forward to the awesome products I will review in 2012. A big thank you to everyone who has made it possible for me to review all these wonderful products. Hey, being a sex toy reviewer is a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.

Liberator Ramp Review

Posted by | 5 Bean Review,Reviews,Sex Furniture | December 21, 2011
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Do you remember my review of the Liberator Wedge? Well, I loved it and I mentioned that one of the most popular combinations was the Liberator Wedge/Ramp Combo and how I really wanted to try it out. Lucky girl that I am, I now have an awesome Liberator Ramp of my very own.

Liberator-Ramp

The Liberator Ramp is one of Liberator’s flagship shapes and is a long wedge-shaped booster pillow. I may use the word “pillow” to describe the Liberator shapes but this really isn’t the best description. When I think of a pillow I think of something soft and squishy, like the pillows I sleep on. There is nothing soft and squishy about the Liberator Ramp (other than the soft fabric). It all comes down to the internal foam, which Liberator calls Champagne Foam. This foam is incredibly firm. It’s got enough give to be comfortable but not so much that it depresses and loses its shape or height. Other than my Liberator Wedge, there is nothing I have experienced that is comparable to this Champagne Foam. It amazes me that no matter what I do to it or how much weight is on top of it, the Liberator Ramp can take it with no noticeable effort.

So the internal Champagne Foam is great, but what about the exterior of the Liberator Ramp? After all, that’s the part that goes against your naked skin. The outside of the Liberator Ramp consists of a microfiber cover that comes in a variety of colors. Mine is red to match my Liberator Wedge and is the perfect festive color for this time of year. This lush microfiber cover is soft and sensual against the skin. It also has the added bonus of being machine washable. You can simply pop it into your washing machine with like colors to give a good cleaning. I have found my the Liberator covers wash very well and Liberator states the covers will get softer with washing.

Another benefit of the luscious microfiber cover is how the fabric will cling to itself if you want to stack your different Liberator Shapes. Once I place my Liberator Wedge on top of the Ramp, it doesn’t slip or slide. In fact, it doesn’t move at all so it can take a little bit of maneuvering to get it exactly where I want it. However, once it is in place I can be confident it won’t come loose during play, no matter how energetic I am with my partner.

In between the plush cover and the Champagne Foam is a black liquid-proof nylon liner. This liner protects the Champagne Foam core from any bodily fluids, massage oils, lubricants, etc. So you can feel free to enjoy yourself and get as messy as the moment calls for without worrying you’ll damage your Liberator Ramp. Both the nylon liner and microfiber cover zip on and off with a heavy duty zipper for easy removal and cleaning.

When I first received my Liberator Ramp I was a bit overwhelmed by the size. Sure, I knew the measurements but sometimes seeing something in person makes a big difference. It is large! My Liberator Ramp is 34″ long, 24″ wide, and 12″ high. My scale got a little weird on me when I tried to weigh it but it seems to weigh approximately seven pounds. This is the Average size. The Liberator Ramp does come in different sizes to meet multiple needs. You choose your size Ramp based on the taller partner’s height and whether or not you and/or your lover are plus sized. The Plus Size Liberator Ramp is 30″ wide to allow more room and stability for larger lovers. I will say, I am currently a plus size girl and the average fits me just fine. The Liberator Ramp comes in 10″, 12″, and 14″ heights so it works for all height ranges as well. Check the sizing chart on the Liberator website to determine which one will work best for you and your partner.

Obviously the Liberator Ramp is meant to be used for sexual purposes but I love multitasking my sex furniture. I have had two ankle surgeries and sometimes my ankles will swell up and get painful after I’ve been on my feet too much. The Liberator Ramp is a great way for me to elevate my ankles without over-extending my knees which always happens when I use regular pillows. I just put the long narrow end under my thighs and rest my feet at the high end. Another way I use the Liberator Ramp is to stretch out my lower back. I put it on the bed and lay over it with my stomach at the high end and my head stretching toward the low end, with my feet just touching the floor. I do some deep breathing and feel my lower back stretching right out. It works wonders. This position is also great for doggie style, one of my favorite positions.

Liberator Ramp

Liberator Ramp

Liberator Ramp

There are so many ways to use the Liberator Ramp during sex. It helps to elongate the body and allows for deeper penetration. My Man likes to have me on my back with my legs over his shoulders for deeper penetration and more control. Using the Liberator Ramp with my hips on the high end, he can really penetrate me deeply and have the control we both enjoy. It also puts me in a great position to receive oral sex without My Man’s neck getting sore. The Liberator Ramp helps to create a sense of play and adventure during sex as we experiment with different positions and each other. It also helps communication as we discuss what is working and what isn’t.

As I mentioned, my ankles have some issues so standing and bending over during sex is not something I can do comfortably for long periods of time. Using the Liberator Ramp as described above for a sorta standing and bending over position is very effective for me. This is one of the things that makes Liberator Shapes so truly awesome. Not only do they make sex more fun, they also make it more manageable for people with certain health issues.

I have mentioned this before but I rarely discuss it- I have Fibromyalgia. It’s no fun and sometimes can cause issues during sex. I tend to have a lot of pain in my body and can’t hold certain positions very long. Using the Liberator Ramp, especially with the Wedge, makes a world of difference. It makes sex easier on my body which allows me to lay back and enjoy it more.

The Liberator Ramp arrived in a giant brown box that was totally discreet. It doesn’t even say Liberator on the return label, but rather Fulfillment Center. Though people may wonder what the hell is in such a large box, they’ll never be able to guess. Inside the box, the Liberator Ramp comes in a plastic bag to protect the microfiber cover. You can also purchase a separate Liberator Gear Bag specially designed to fit your specific Ramp.

Liberator Ramp

Liberator Ramp

Liberator Ramp Pros:
• Great shape
• Water-resistant
• Comfortable
• Machine washable cover
• Multipurpose
• Really works

Liberator Ramp Cons:
• Storage
• Gets linty

The Liberator Ramp just improves sex in so many ways for me. It addresses my physical issues and makes sex easier and more fun. It stretches out my back and rescues my ankles. It is soft and luxurious to the touch and works so well with my Liberator Wedge I must recommend the two of them together. It has only two downsides. First is storage. Unlike the Wedge, which I just leave out on my bed as a back rest, the Ramp is too large to have hanging about when it’s not in use and I just have a lack of storage in my place. The second downside to the Liberator Ramp is that the cover does have a tendency to pick up lint.

Right now, both the Liberator Wedge and the Liberator Ramp are marked down and you get an even better deal if you buy the Wedge/Ramp Combo. Plus you can save 20% sitewide and 25% off orders over $300. Simply use the code: JIT at checkout. Seems like a great time to pick up some Liberator Gear to me!

Bean Fiddler Rating:

Liberator-Ooh-banner

Liberator Classic Wedge Review

I have wanted to try out Liberator Shapes for the longest time. They always get such great reviews and almost everyone seems to love them. Thanks to Liberator, I finally have my very own super duper Liberator Classic Wedge. Yay!

Liberator Wedge

In case you you are not familiar with them, Liberator is a leading manufacturer of bedroom adventure gear. They make all sorts of fun stuff, from their Classic Liberator Shapes to their Black Label Shapes, their sex furniture and their accessories.

A very simple yet very popular shape is the Wedge. The Liberator Wedge has a core of firm but comfortable Champagne Foam. This foam is covered with a fitted, zippered black nylon shell. This shell is waterproof so it keeps your Champagne Foam safe from oils, lubes, and bodily fluids. On top of the nylon shell is a soft, microfiber cover. This microfiber is lovely and machine washable. Simply unzip and throw it in the machine with some mild detergent.The cover is meant to get softer with each washing but I haven’t had mine long enough to confirm this.

The Wedge comes in seven different colors, all in the plush water-resistant microfiber. As you can see, I have the red and it is a beautiful cheery red that brightens up the room without being loud. It also comes in three different sizes, 19″ (Small), 24″ (Average), and 30″ (Plus Size). As a plus-sized girl, I love that Liberator makes a Plus Size Wedge. I am more than comfortable on my Average, but it is always a great thing when a company dedicated to sexual health takes a wide variety of people into account. Way to go Liberator!

As I mentioned, my Liberator Wedge is the Average Size. It is 24″ wide, 14″ long, and 7″ high. It is angled at 27 degrees, all the better to prop up my hips for easy access during oral and in the missionary position. The microfiber cover is so soft and comfy against my skin, I love to lay on it or against it naked. The only downside of the microfiber cover is that it does pick up lint and hair. However, simply running my hand along the pillow releases anything it has grabbed.

You can always mix and match the Liberator shapes. The Wedge goes well with so many, but common combinations are the Wedge/Ramp Combo and the Wedge with the Stage. I don’t have either the Ramp or the Stage yet but I am hoping to get them eventually so I can try out these combos and see what everyone is raving about. Another great thing about the microfiber covers is that the microfiber is interlocking so you can pile Liberator Shapes on top of each other and the covers will grab hold and keep the shapes in place.

So I know the Wedge is designed for sex but, I do not have much storage space so I appreciate when my belongings can multi-task. One of my favorite ways to use the Wedge that is non-sexual is to use it as a backrest. I do not have a desk so I am often sitting on the bed typing up reviews. The firm foam and the 27 degree angle of the Wedge is just perfect for me to lean on. I get back support and I am incredibly comfortable. As it is totally believable as a backrest, I can simply leave the Wedge out sitting on my bed. If I do want to hide it away, it conveniently fits under my couch or slides away in the closet. I think it would fit under most beds as well, but I mine is a platform so there is no under the bed room.

Another way I like to use the Wedge is to stretch my out back. I lay on it with the thin piece under my back and butt on the full 7″ rise and flip my legs over toward my head. This helps lengthen and stretch out my back muscles. The Wedge even helps me stretch out my neck. I simply hang my head over the 7″ edge and let gravity do the rest. This has been very good lately because my neck has really been bothering me. It’s also great to lay on for reading in bed It would also be good to sleep on if I was congested and needed my head elevated to breathe. If this thing could clean the house and cook dinner, I’d marry it!

Please keep in mind that any stretching exercises I do with my Wedge are simply things I have come up with on my own and are not recommended by any medical professional.

So let’s get down to brass tacks and what the Wedge was actually designed for…sex. The Wedge can be used to elevate the hips to allow for g-spot and a-spot penetration during intercourse. It is also great to use for oral sex. It provides a comfortable platform and puts me at just the right height for My Man to get a perfect angle. He can go for much longer now because this angle keeps him from getting a crick in his neck. Laying on the Wedge allows me to keep my legs up in the air in a much more comfortable way and longer than I normally can.

When I lay over the Wedge on my stomach it pops my butt right up into the air. It feels naughty, as if I am begging My Man to enter me from behind. We both like the psychological as well as the physical aspect of this position. It certainly can make both anal sex and doggy style better and more comfortable. We have also discovered it is also a perfect angle for spanking. The Wedge provides great support so I don’t get tired as easily and it supports our weight when both of us are on top of it. The foam depresses some and then pops right back into place when we’re done. There are so many possibilities we haven’t had time to try them all yet!

Not only is the Liberator Wedge good for couples play but it is great for solo sex too. Just as it gives My Man a better angle on my g-spot, it allows me the same access when I am masturbating. It puts my body in a more relaxed, open position that also makes my clit more easily accessible. Obviously, I can masturbate without it but I am enjoying masturbating with it far than I would have guessed.

If you are a bit secretive like me, you probably do not want the world to know you’re receiving sex furniture via mail. I am pleased to report Liberator ships very discretely. My Wedge arrived via UPS in a large brown box. The return address simply said, “Fulfillment Center”. Inside the box, my Wedge was safely covered by a plastic bag with a Liberator Gear sticker on it. Simple and protected.

Liberator Classic Wedge Pros:
• Great shape
• Water-resistant
• Comfortable
• Machine washable cover
• Multi-purpose
• Really works

Liberator Classic Wedge Cons:
• Picks up lint
• Price

As I mentioned at the beginning of the review, I had wanted to try out Liberator gear for a long time and I am so happy I have had the opportunity. I love my Liberator Wedge and all the different things I can do with it, sexual and non-sexual. I know the price may seem steep to some people but this is truly a unique device that can improve your sex life in so many ways. If you are really concerned about the price, keep an eye on the Liberator website. They have frequent sales that will allow you to pick up the Wedge or other Liberator Shapes for a great deal. Check them out today!

Bean Fiddler Rating: