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issue 2 . Fall 1998
Venus Envy has been open for three months--it seems like three years! Those of you who haven't been back since we opened in May are in for a surprise. We've expanded our stock several times since opening on May 15, and are adding new books and products all the time. I would like to thank all of you for your tremendous support and helpful advice in these early stages of being in existence. With such a positive beginning I know Venus Envy will be around for years to come!
Coming Soon
September 26: Jan Tait will be leading another free workshop, "Trager Massage," from 4 to 5:30pm. The first workshop that Jan gave was a big success: everyone in attendance went away relaxed and with a good understanding of what Trager massage has to offer. Free.
October 3: Maggie Burns of Carte Blanche will be leading "Introduction to Aromatherapy" from 1 to 3pm. Maggie will be discussing the properties of different oils as well as the use of essential oils for relaxation and health. The workshop will include making your own aromatherapy treat to take home. $5.
Please call to register for any workshop we offer, as space is limited.
Do You Have Balls?
As I was surfing sex stores on the web the other day, I happened upon something called the Great Canadian Ben Wa debate; this I had to check out. It seems the folks at Come As You Are in Toronto are holding a survey to figure out what women think about Ben Wa balls.
In case you're wondering what the hell I'm talking about, here's a little background. Ben Wa balls originated in Japan and were originally called Rin No Tama. In their original form they consisted of three metal covered balls linked by a delicate chain with a silk string for retrieval. The first ball was meant to keep the other two balls in place to massage the g-spot and the vaginal opening. Women wore these balls not to bring themselves to orgasm but to enjoy a lasting teasing sensation. Modern sets work similarly, so don't expect fireworks--this isn't a toy designed to stimulate the clitoris. The most popular modern version is duo-tone balls, which are two or four metal spheres encased in hard plastic and linked with a cord for easy retrieval. The metal balls rock back and forth inside their plastic casings and vibrate, massaging the vaginal walls as the wearer moves. Another variation, the Sfero Duo, has the balls encased in smooth silicone. This one comes in all the colours of the rainbow and has the many advantages of any silicone toy.
[ NOTE: I do not recommend using any version of Ben-Wa balls that does not provide a cord or loop for easy removal. Traditional Ben-Wa balls can be awkward to remove yourself because, although the vagina isn't all that deep, it is angled enough that deeply-inserted balls can be hard to reach.]
The debate about these things lies in the fact that the stimulation they provide can be very subtle, and some women say they don't feel anything at all. This doesn't mean that Ben Wa balls, in whatever form, are not pleasurable. Even if the sensations aren't powerful, just knowing you're walking around with a little secret inside can be a tremendous turn-on. Ben-Wa balls have been used throughout their history as a subtle all-day distraction just strong enough to make a woman really anticipate arriving home. Of course having these balls inserted can also greatly add to the pleasure of clitoral stimulation; for some, the internal sensation is delightful on its own. Removing them is as important to their use as wearing them around all day. Try pulling them out slowly at or just after climax to see what I mean.
It's been years since I last tried Ben Wa balls so, in the name of science, I decided to brush up. Figuring a set of two would be enough, I grabbed a pair of duo-tone balls ($9.95) and with the help of a little lube slipped them into place. I went about my day and although I couldn't feel any vibrations as such their presence was more than a little pleasurable. Both balls settled just within my vagina and provided a real sense of fullness. The second ball pressed against the opening with a pleasantly firm and insistent sensation. To quote Susie Bright: "almost in/almost out is my preferred method of going insane." If anyone knows about these things it's Susie. Of course, she was talking about using large Chinese metal relaxation balls--but most women would really have to work up to that. Ben Wa balls can be titillating or downright enjoyable, and any woman who is interested would find using them a fun experience.
I've fielded many questions about these little toys. Will anyone be able to hear them clicking? Won't they fall out? Will they get lost in my vagina and end up somewhere near my ovaries? The answers in order are No, No, and My god go back to Biology class! Ben Wa balls can be a good introduction for those new to the sex toy world or put off by "The Destroyer." They're non-phallic, inexpensive, and an interesting addition to your tickle trunk.
[A version of this article appeared in Brink magazine August 1.]
New Hours
Now you can visit us six days a week. Venus Envy is open Monday to Thursday from 11am-6pm, Friday 11am-8pm, and 11am- 6pm on Saturday!
September Special
Pay no GST on any and all books you buy for the whole month of September!The Art and the Artist
Venus Envy is excited and proud to present Crystal Clemmins, a local artist who will be exhibiting for the next two months. Crystal is a graduate of NSCAD and creates murals as well as doing commercial illustration.
Venus Envy is presently looking for local artists for the next exhibition, in the fall. Please call or come by the store if you're interested.
New Products and Suppliers
At Venus Envy we try our best to carry products made locally and that are environmentally friendly and fairly traded.
Wolfgang Leather produces high quality leather restraints, harnesses, cock rings and just about anything else you care to imagine. Check out the selection at the store or place a special order for just about anything you desire.
Laureen Coggins makes beautiful triangular candles in a wide variety of colors. Laureen's most distinctive and popular variety is her rainbow Pride candle.
Straw House Herbals makes natural oils and healing salves such as Orange Almond massage and bath oil , Sun and Stung salve and Birthing oil for perineal massage.
Prema Paper, imported by Halifax's Yesterday's Paper, makes beautiful and affordable wood-free paper products made from (among other things) cotton, tea, straw, sugar cane and banana leaf. In addition to writing paper, Prema makes scrap books, picture frames and journals.
Come Again!
If you don't already have a Come Again card (entitling you to a $10 gift certificate when you spend $250 at the store) then ask for one next time you're in. Come Again cards are kept on file for you at Venus Envy so you don't have to remember to bring it with you; just remind us to add your purchase to your card and you're on your way!
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