Pumps And Gloss » Intimate

From My Heart to Yours

Pumps And Gloss — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:19:46 +0000

So I was looking for new music on iTunes and I stumbled on Laura Izibor, a Soul singer from Ireland.

Her lush voice is gritty and smooth (yes, at the same time) on “From My Heart To Yours” Her voice is reminiscent of Jill Scott, Mavis Staples and Candi Staton. People may compare her to Alicia Keys because she also plays the piano, but her voice has more depth and quality than Ms. Keys.

*From My Heart To Yours*

She has released several EPs and should be releasing a full album in 2009. *Totally looking forward to that*

And people, if you do not have Musiq Soulchild’s “OnMyRadio,” you need to get it!

Do not let “Radio” scare you. That song was placed at the end of the album for a reason and it sounds nothing like the rest of the album. The stand outs on the album, for me, are:

Back Again *the melody is quite infectious*
Dear John *a somewhat, cold-hearted tale of dumping his GF via voicemail*
Money Right *He is promising to find a way to take care of his love, even if he has to “beg or borrow.” I like the beat. The LM and I dance cheek-to-cheek or I dance by myself doing the “Carlton Dance” lol
Someone *sounds similar to a Robin Thicke song*Great groove nonetheless
Iwannabe *a reggae-tinged track* I love, love this song! Damian Marley does stellar work on this track
Sobeautiful *So sexy* I love when he gets into the falsetto range, makes me mist up (because I think a whisper can be quite sexy)

*Dear John* One of my faves on the album.

Happy Holidays,

Mix Maven

Stuff New Moms Need

Pumps And Gloss — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:14:38 +0000

There are plenty of new moms in my family. They are all are excited about the babies, most of them are new moms and one has multiple children. One’s life changes as soon as the baby is home. I would think the hardest thing about being a new mom is getting enough sleep, which can negatively impact other activities. I decided to come up with a list of things that I believe a new mom needs to help her adjust to her new bundle of joy.

So every new mom needs:

1. Chef – A new mom is tired, which means she does not need to be operating anything with fire or heat. Having a chef may be a luxury, BUT family members and friends should make sure the new family is eating sensible meals everyday (well, at least, the first 4 weeks after delivery.)

2. Housekeeper – A healing mother should not be vacuuming or doing dishes the first month after delivery.

3. Babysitter – Now, some moms do not like to leave their child(ren) with other people. (I suggest that they read Find The Time.) First time moms should begin scouting out prospective babysitters while pregnant. (This is important if new mom live in a place where she has little to no family members.) New parents will need to find someone they respect and trust to take care of their child(ren). I also suggest not burning bridges with people who would be great sitters. Start with leaving the child with the sitter for a couple of hours and phase in more hours as he or she gets older. For example, if the anniversary weekend is coming up and want to leave the child with grandma (do not let that be the first time he or she is away from for a long period of time.)

4. Date Night - Date night is very important to rekindle the sparks in your relationship. (Main reason why #3 is very important.) I know people who do not spend much time without their child(ren). That is a bad sign in a relationship. Will the relationship last when the child(ren) leave to go to school? Preservation of the relationship should be on-going and deliberate.

5. Pampering – (No connection to Pampers Diapers) A new mom must be reminded that it is ok for her to pamper herself or to be pampered. Take her to her favorite cosmetic counter or to a spa. She is stressed out (but may not want to say), so nudge her (kindly and gently) to take some time for herself. A happy mom means a happy baby and, ultimately, a happy household.

So check on your new moms TODAY!!!!

Mix Maven

Have Fun With A Condom

Pumps And Gloss — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:27:40 +0000

I know some people out there do not like condoms. I was on the Pill for the longest and my libido was lower than I liked. When I stopped using the Pill, and started using condoms on a regular basis, I was back to the Sexual Carob that I know and love. Mr. Carob & I do not believe in the “condom-breaking” scenario that some cry about. If you know how to put a condom on, the likelihood of breaking or bursting is minimal.

Here are some fun tips from Cosmo:

How To Make Condoms More Fun

No need to bust out silly party tricks! Thanks to Cosmo’s genius tips, wearing protection will be so pleasurable, your man won’t ever bitch and moan about it again.

Making condoms sound playful is easy (love glove, woody hoodie, peter parka…). But coming up with cutesy names isn’t enough to get a guy to like wearing one, despite the fact that they ward off unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Lucky for you, Cosmo has found ways to maximize pleasure while using protection. “It’s as simple as choosing the right rubber, making him feel at ease, and keeping the intensity high throughout the act,” says sexologist Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, author of Sex With Your Ex. When you do all three, “he won’t have the usual anxiety about losing his erection or not being able to climax.” What’s more, you’ll be able to milk more sensations out of safe sex too. We’re sharing it all right here.

Shopping Tips

Most people spend all of seven seconds choosing a condom, according to data from Trojan. But a last-minute dash to the drugstore can mean less satisfaction in the sack. Below, we explain how to pick a winner.

Size matters. The right fit completely changes how a guy experiences sex with a condom. One that’s too tight reduces sensation, takes longer to get on (which can deflate his erection), and is more likely to break. Quick sizing test: If you can’t roll the raincoat all the way down to the base of his penis, it’s not large enough. That said, an oversize one can slip off, and the extra material can make your dude feel inadequate.

Though the standard size of condoms is about 7 inches long, the length can vary up to an inch and girth sizes also range, so experiment with brands and styles (sites like list size categories).

Try a condom designed with a swirl or bulb at the end of it — it’ll say so on the box, usually with a word like twist or pleasure or spiral. These models fit securely around the base of his shaft while creating more friction near the nerve-packed head of his penis.

Consider a polyurethane prophylactic. Unlike latex, they transmit body heat, making intercourse feel more sensual. If you and your guy are committed and STD-free, try a lambskin condom. These also transmit heat, and many men swear this type feels more like skin on skin. But they only protect against pregnancy, since the natural, porous material can allow the transmission of STDs.

Let’s Get It On

Rolling one on doesn’t have to ruin the mood.

The faster you can slip on a safety sheath, the less likely he is to go limp. Minimize fumbling by opening the wrapper during foreplay. Pull the condom out, and place two drops of lube inside. This increases sensation at the supersensitive head of his penis. Place the opening over the top of his shaft. Hold it there with one hand, lightly squeeze the tip of the condom, and use the other hand to unravel it all the way down to the base of his member.

For a treat, use your mouth. Dab your lips with lube, then lightly suck the (nonspermicidal!) disc into your mouth with the nipple end inward. (Grossed out? Try a flavored love glove.) Carefully wrap your lips over your teeth and put your mouth at the head of his member. Push your lips against the ring of the condom, slide it down his shaft, and unroll the rest with your hand. Ta-da!

Pleasure-Maxing Moves

A condom needn’t come between you, him, and a climax.

Squeeze your legs together in missionary or doggie-style to create extra pressure.

Make a V with your pointer and middle fingers, then place it between your legs. Press it against the base of his penis as he thrusts. This gives him more stimulation where the condom is tightest (i.e., most numbing).

Buy a vibrating ring — Trojan, Durex, and LifeStyles sell them. It’s a plastic band attached to a buzzing nub. Place the band around the base of the condom, with the nub facing your clitoris, and enjoy the pulsating ride.

Find this article at: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/sex/How-to-Make-Condoms-More-Fun

Have Fun,

Sexual Carob

Household Item or Sex Toy

Pumps And Gloss — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:50:51 +0000

Sex toy producers are coming up with clever items that can be confused as traditional household items.

What about this blush brush?

Can you spot which item is for the household or sex toy?

Take the household item vs. sex toy quiz.

Let me know your score. I got 9/12, which is not too bad of a score.

Mix Maven

Taking the G off the String

Pumps And Gloss — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:40:50 +0000

I have not been on a quest to find undergarments that would free me of visible panty lines (VPL). Despite that, I keep on stumbling on these items. One interesting product that I found to Guard the Lady Business, a strapless G-string.

This product from the Shibue Couture line helps ladies who do not want VPL, yet going “commando” is not option.

You are thinking how does this product stay on. Each panty comes with 12 adhesive front and back strips. I was curious about this product, especially if I had to go to the restroom. The website gives detailed instructions on how to use this product. According to the website, the strapless G-String should not replace the daily wearing of normal underwear.

Prices range from $32 to $38 and $10 for extra adhesive tape.

The G-string has become the quintessential sexy undergarment (lingerie, if you will) of choice for many women. Maybe the strapless G-string will take its rightful place in the pantheon of lingerie.

Sexual Carob

Happy Valentine’s Day

Pumps And Gloss — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:33:36 +0000

Hey Pumps and Gloss-ers,

Wishing you a happy and fun Valentine’s Day.

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is to love and be loved in return.
~ From “Unforgettable with Love” by Natalie Cole

Enjoy some favorite love songs:

Musiq SoulChild “Teachme”

Musiq SoulChild “Lullaby”

India Arie featuring John Legend “Brown Skin”

George Michael “I Want Your Sex”

George Michael and the Queen “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me.”

Guard Your Lady Business

Pumps And Gloss — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:58:35 +0000

There are many euphemisms for the vagina: hoo-hoo, muff (I do not know anyone that uses that word), ki ki, va jay jay, lady business, which is my favorite, any many more. The vagina is an area of the body that we, ladies, tend to be very sensitive about. We buy all kinds of foams, creams, sprays to keep it refreshed and clean.

Thankfully, I am in tuned to my lady business. I must let mine breathe every now and again at night. But I have never left my house without wearing underwear. I stumbled on (under)Garment Guard.

The description states, “(under)Garment Guard is a 100% cotton, heart-shaped underwear alternative. It simply adheres to the crotch of pants & shorts, enabling women to ditch the panties while keeping the protection. Say goodbye to panty lines and rogue underwear peeking out the top of low-rider pants.” This product sounds amazing.

I may have to check out this product.

Let us know, if you have used this product and/or similar products.

Keep It Fresh,

Mix Maven