DABBLER BOOK GIVEAWAY DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE!

Alright fellow Canadians! Tax season’s upon us so I know the procrastination bug is going to start spreadin’ like wildfire with the CRA Personal Income Tax deadline looming on the horizon. But you must be strong and to help you fight it off, here’s a shot of the vaccine:

If you’re like most, you’ll be filing your return by April 30th and hoping for the best. Before you do that though, check out these tips. You may be pleasantly surprised…

• Do you drive your own car to work? Travel between your home and employer’s office is generally considered a personal expense, but if your boss asks you to make a business stop on the way in, the entire distance you travel that day may constitute business use (does a Tim Hortons run count as a business stop?!)

• Run your own business? Consider getting a line of credit from your financial institution. The interest incurred on a line of credit used exclusively for business purchases is tax deductible!

• Fees for summer day camps, sports schools and other recreational activities for kids may be deductible, too!

• Moving for a new job or school? You may be able to claim your travel and storage costs, fees for disconnecting and connecting utilities, and more – even if you don’t yet have a job lined up in your new city!

• If you’re a bike or foot courier, you can qualify for a meal deduction of $17 a day – without receipts!

• Skating lessons? Night school courses? You might be eligible for a tuition credit, if the person taking them is at least 16 and the class is taken through a certified educational institution

• Be sure to save those monthly bus passes – they’re eligible for a tax credit!

You can save a heck of a lot more than you think! To get the exact details on these and other great money saving tips, you’ve gotta pick up a copy of Personal Tax Planning 2007/2008, where you’ll find the most up-to-date tax information from a source you can trust, the CGA (Certified General Accountants Association of Canada). Published by Self-Counsel Press, it retails at $16.95.

This concise book outlines what you need to know to minimize the income tax you pay, or defer it for future years. Updated annually, it’s written in plain language so it’s easy to follow and it’s the same book that helps CGAs keep up with developments in the personal income tax field. Personal Tax Planning 2007/2008 addresses personal tax rates and features that are specific to the federal level as well as to each province and territory, and provides current information of interest to all Canadians on topics such as:

• Income splitting
• Investment income and expenses
• Federal and provincial/territorial non-refundable and other personal tax credits
• Business and self-employment income and expenses
• Marginal tax rates for various levels of ordinary income, capital gains, and dividends

…and much much more (there’s a lotta detailed info in this thing).

You’ve all worked too hard for your money! So we’re gonna save you your first $16.95 by offering a FREE copy of Personal Tax Planning 2007/2008 to the first ten Canadians who email me (quickly!) with their full contact info:

Full name
Full Address (including postal code)
Phone Number

Women are all about the details fellas. We notice the small tear that you’re trying to hide by rolling up your sleeves, whether you’ve starched that shirt or bothered to iron it, a bad shave or haircut, even when you’ve let your fingernails grow out past that acceptable length! We’re not saying that you need to get regular mani/pedi’s, but a little extra effort goes a long way, especially if you’re in search of that perfect someone.

Needless to say, most men could use a tip or two in the wooing department, which is why My Girlfriend and It’s Just Lunch teamed up for The Bachelor Makeover Contest, offering Vancouver bachelors the chance to win a potentially life-changing grand prize worth over $4,000 that includes a ‘home run’ makeover and a dream date for Valentine’s Day.

Well, West Vancouver’s Peter Weddigen was that deserving bachelor, seen here after the surprise announcement.

Unbeknownst to Peter, he was nominated by friend Len Chasten, along with his entire swim team! It’s Just Lunch’s Jacquie Brownridge and My Girlfriend’s Jill Hannan received no less than nine testimonials which attested to Peter’s rightful place as the bachelor of the year.

Peter is a total Tom Hanks,” said Len, “a solid citizen, nice guy, decent looking, totally responsible…[but] while every woman would love to marry Tom Hanks, they really want to date George Clooney, or Brad Pitt.”

Fellow swimmer Carole McClean wrote, “Peter is always ready to go out while the rest of the swim team are busy with family obligations. He needs obligations of his own!”

To see Peter’s full transformation, read on!

Included in Peter’s basket of goodies is a one-year membership to It’s Just Lunch, a professional dating service for busy Vancouver singles, as well as a ‘home run’ makeover by My Girlfriend Bachelor Stylist Jill Hannan. This meant a crash course on among many things, fashion and grooming. Dabbler tagged along for the lesson and here are the highlights from Peter’s makeover, along with tips that every man can benefit from. This will be followed by an assessment from dating expert Jacquie Brownridge, who has matched Peter with a very promising date for Valentine’s Day.

First Stop: Vancouver Spa – Spruce Body Lab (in Yaletown), a gender neutral and luxurious environment that integrates the best of therapeutic treatment clinics and indulgent day spas into an experience that leaves you rejuvenated and refreshed. We checked Peter in for a customized facial and brow wax, but click here for info on the many other services offered at Spruce.

“Incorporate a great day and night skin care routine! Go for a facial and skin analysis at Spruce, where a dedicated team of skin care professionals is on hand to provide you with a customized treatment. Based on in-depth Face Mapping (a Dermalogica exclusive), they can target your skin’s individual needs to give you unsurpassed results.”

“Also make sure to buy brands designed specifically for men. Such products are formulated especially for you so why not reap their benefits! Need more reason than to look younger?! All skin types need moisture and sunscreen. As skin ages, you need to incorporate anti-aging products into your everyday routine. You’ll soon see (and feel) why. Women appreciate good skin!”

Here are some specific examples, courtesy of Masc, a shop in Yaletown that offers men of all ages the tools and information necessary to maintain a healthy and well-groomed appearance in a simple no-fuss manner. Considering Peter’s very active and busy lifestyle, these suggestions can help return what years of outdoor sports has stripped away:

MD Skincare All-In-One Cleansing Foam: Use this face wash in place of soap for a deep-pore cleanse that won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. The built-in toner will also balance your skin’s moisture levels as you wash. Use it in the morning while you shower, and in the evening before bed.

Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer: This oil-free, residue-free moisturizer scientifically synthesizes natural vitamins E and B5 and soothing chamomile with absorbent fatty acids. It gently and effectively hydrates and ph balances all skin types, unlike traditionally greasy pore-clogging oils, for an intensely nourishing treatment, reducing epidermal irritation for the most sensitive of skin. After cleansing, apply a small amount of concentrated, absorbent moisturizer onto face. Use in the AM and PM.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm: Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips. Unlike waxy sticks, it penetrates quickly to provide instant relief. Offers broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 25; also guards against windburn and temperature extremes. Contains natural mint to help freshen breath. Apply to lips whenever they feel dry or chapped. Use 30 minutes before going out in the sun to protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Winner of the 2007 Esquire Magazine Grooming Awards.

Next Stop: Headspace Hair Salon in Yaletown

Yes yes dear readers, we’re not blind to the obvious. Peter’s hair is much too short for anything drastically different. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to do some touch-ups to finesse the ends for an extra tidy look.

“For those men out there with particularly fine or thinning hair, you may want to consider shaving it off or cutting it extremely short, just as stylist Hieu from Headspace has done for Peter. There’s no point in hanging on to a few hairs; this is not attractive. Besides, women love bald heads…we think they’re sexy, so go for it! You can grow facial hair instead, such as a well-kept goatee.

And before you reach for that bottle of hair colouring, consider this: Salt and pepper hair is sexy and women love it. If you’re going grey, leave the Grecian Formula behind!

To enjoy a fuller head of hair, try the Bumble and Bumble Density Therapy line instead. These unique, synergistic formulas deliver nutrients to the scalp, reduce irritation, strengthens the root system, stimulates cellular energy and create a fertile environment for healthy growth.”

The Must Stop: Winners for all the fashion essentials, where you can shop countless name brands (such as Diesel, Calvin Klein, G-Star, Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole, Dolce & Gabbana to name a few) without paying name brand prices. We scoured the Park Royal Winners in West Vancouver, but do visit different locations as they each receive new (and different) shipments every week.

“Peter’s wardrobe was very outdated and old-fashioned. He was dating himself at least ten years with some of the items that we found in his closet! So guys, if you want to show women that you’re hip, in-the-know and care enough to look your best for them, keep an eye out for what the current fashions are!”

Check out what a great difference a few simple fashion upgrades can do for Peter’s appearance with this before and after comparison. They certainly give off very different first impressions, don’t they? Follow Jill’s advise on all the do’s and don’ts for him, or any man out there:

Jeans: Update them! Rid your closet of overly faded and baggy (specially around the derrière) blue jeans with a high waist, tapered legs and thin belt loops. Instead, buy a current style straight leg or boot-cut pair in a darker wash with subtle fading and wide belt loops. Tapered pant legs give you an upside down pear shape whereas a straight leg or a slight flare will balance you out from top to bottom…i.e. with your shoulders.

Pants: Stay away from pleats! Chances are they are tapered in the leg and high wasted – not a flattering look for anyone. Buy pants that are flat front with a straight leg. To find out if they are straight legged, simply fold the bottom of the pant to meet the knee. If it is narrower than the width of the knee, then it is tapered and not straight.

Black or Chocolate Brown Belt: Now that you have updated your jeans, you will need to update your belt. Chances are that if your jeans are outdated, so are the belt loops, which mean you’re wearing a thin dress belt to hold them up – again, not a good look. Neither is the one seen here. You need to buy a chunkier belt to fit the belt loops in your new jeans. Black or chocolate brown with a silver buckle will never go out of style and will be versatile with black or brown shoes.

Unbeatable Value: Peter’s Cole Haan black leather belt, which retails at $100, was purchased for $16 at Winners!

The All-Essential and Versatile White Dress Shirt: Every man needs a fabulous white dress shirt that fits his body. The rule here is that you shouldn’t be able to grab more than a hand-full of fabric at the back of any shirt (the “One Fist Rule”). Designer dress shirts are your best bet as they fit slimmer through the waist, giving you a more defined shape. Remember that they typically fit one size smaller, so don’t be afraid to go up a size. Wear it over a nice cotton T with a crew neck, buttoned up or unbuttoned with the sleeves rolled up for a more casual look, tucked in with a tie and sport coat or untucked.

Unbeatable Value: Normally tagged at $150, Peter’s G-Star white Oxford was nabbed for $44!

Polo Shirt: A thin-striped or plain coloured polo shirt in mercerized cotton is a great casual, weekend look. You want to make sure it is a slimmer fit through the body, once again using the One Fist Rule; you don’t want the shirt to be wider in the body than it is long. Wear this with your new jeans and a pair of trainers for kicking around on the weekend and out on coffee dates.

White Crew Neck T-Shirt: Every man needs a few white cotton crew neck T’s for underneath dress shirts and sweaters. Make sure that it hugs your body, without being too tight; you don’t want a lot of extra fabric here because you are going to be layering and don’t want the extra bulk, especially if you’re tucking in a shirt for a more formal look. They’re great under Oxford shirts for a more casual look and also to hide chest hair. You should have a few in your wardrobe and make sure to toss them when the armpits appear yellow.

Tie: Every man should have a spiffy blue 100% silk tie to wear with jeans and a white dress shirt. This adds a sophisticated look and takes you from day to night in a snap. Throw on a sport coat and/or sweater for another great look. Ties should be sophisticated and subtle – no loud or juvenile prints…Mickey Mouse and Wiley Coyote are out! Thinner stripes, small polka dots or a small pattern are fine.

Now that Peter’s ready for his date, let’s find out what his personal dating assistant, Jacquie Brownridge, managing partner at It’s Just Lunch has to say about our bachelor:

Symptoms: Peter has been busy building his career as a treasury consultant, which included a lot of travel up until recently. Whenever he wasn’t working or travelling, he was involved in numerous sports from hockey, to swimming, to snowboarding in the winter, and windsurfing in the summer. Throw in a few family excursions to a dude ranch, and there isn’t much time left for meeting eligible singles. Add to that the fact that most of his buddies are married or male, and that he’s not the type of guy that hangs out at a bar and you can through opportunity out the window as well. Peter is typical of a number of our clients. The reason he is still single at 43 is not due to any one “flaw” that can be pinpointed; he doesn’t have some weird quirky behaviour that has scared away all the eligible bachelorettes. Peter is a busy guy and that truly is the root cause of his bachelor status. He is extremely well-rounded and his interests range from gardening to dabbling in the arts and painting with acrylics. He is a member of the art gallery, is well versed in politics, and knows a bit about fine wine. His last serious relationship was with a long-distance love.

Dating Prescription: We looked into matching Peter with someone who is sporty, personable, intelligent, and looking forward to getting married and starting a family. Plus she has traditional values that match Peter’s.

We’ve selected someone who could be perfect for Peter. She’s super sporty and loves the water, which is a must where Peter is concerned. She also runs marathons, so she can keep up with Peter! She’s never been married, but looks forward to having a family some day. And the bonus: They both love dabbling with acrylics and both love dogs – and both note no cats on their profile. What are the chances of that?! Their first date is a romantic dinner tonight!

Potential Side Effects: A second date!

Best Taken With: An open mind, a smile and some fun! Peter will get the most out of his new approach to dating with IJL if he’s open to meeting lots of different people. We so often hear love stories from clients about how their best match was the one they least expected and totally against type. It’s all about attitude! She might not be the “one” but may introduce you to the “one.”

GOOD LUCK PETER!

It’s Just Lunch offers a fun, proactive approach to dating. The first date specialists, IJL arranges lunch dates and drinks after work for busy professionals in a discreet, no-pressure setting. Founded in 1991, the company now has locations all over the world, thousands of clients, and countless success stories. Everything is confidential; no photos or personal information goes online. Every client is met face to face by their personal dating assistant, who coordinates clients’ schedules and makes the reservations.

Contact Details:

It’s Just Lunch Directors for Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria, and the Fraser Valley:

Jacquie Brownridge
Karren Day
Christine Morela
Candace Neskar
t: 604.633.9980

Services also available in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. For international contact info, visit www.ItsJustLunch.com.

My Girlfriend is the girlfriend behind every bachelor who hopes to ask a woman out, bring her home and have her spend the night rather than send her running. Founded by Jill Hannan, My Girlfriend’s mission is to reinvent men, one bachelor at a time. She targets the single, straight male who needs the help of a woman he trusts to bring him up to speed in terms of fashion, grooming, home décor and comforts, culture, food and wine. From flowers, a bottle of wine, and fresh ingredients in the fridge, to music, clean sheets, and a sparkling clean shower with all the right products, My Girlfriend advises Bachelors on the behind-the-scene details that truly matter.

Contact Details:

Jill Hannan t: 604.616.0197
Elise Craig t: 778.837.1950

Very impressed by this reader’s well-thought out response, we believe that he is by all accounts, the best contender in this competition. I promised online publication, so here is the winning entry for all of you to ponder and reflect on. The question was: What would wreak more havoc, aliens or exponentially multipliable zombies? Why?

Alien army, hands down. The optimist in me believes that, in spite of Hollywood’s suggestions, we have the intelligence and capabilities to take out zombies. Of course, I am going with the assumption that these zombies are brain dead and are driven by only the most basic of animal instincts. The 2 major strengths of the zombie notion are that they are multiplying rapidly due to a disease with no cure and no human immunities, and also that they are driven by no sense of fear or emotion. Say you are one person with some sort of weapon so that you can easily fend them off. If faced by non-zombies with a sense of self preservation, they would look for some sort of cover or retreat if they have no chance of victory. Zombies though, have no sense of self preservation, nor regard to opposing odds of survival so if there are enough of them, then they will surely overcome the victim. They can’t calculate and don’t realize that they could be shot or killed, or whatever. However, if it is only a few of them, then they can be wiped out. Take away a person’s sense of calculation or inherent self-preservation and all you are left with is an empty body running on the sole desire to feed. I can’t really call them animalistic because even an animal has that sense of survival. A zombie doesn’t understand using weapons or tools.

Aliens on the other hand, pose a threat of a much more advanced intelligence. And considering the fact that they have mastered space travel so that they can attack Earth in a coordinated effort, they are most likely more intelligent than humans. Their weapons are going to be far superior considering the fact that their technology is as well. I am not suggesting that they really have a higher intelligence as far as brain power (if so, then that is even worse). Let’s assume that they are no more intelligent than humans. If you put 2 military forces here on earth against each other – countries that have equal technologies – then it comes down to nothing more than simple man power and strategies. But if you were to take a country less technologically evolved against an army with more superior weapons, the scale leans more in favour of the latter. So considering the fact that the aliens have mastered space travel to the point that they can move vast armies to earth, then we can only assume they have a much superior weapon system. This leaves us with only the home field advantage. Gorilla warfare. We can use natural resources and landscapes to hopefully outsmart or outlast the aliens. However, we are facing a hostile force combat-ready who most likely has a good sense of warfare. And any military force looking to invade another territory has the common sense to send in recon so therefore knows the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses and the future battle grounds. The aliens have probably done their homework and aren’t coming in blind.

Personally I am not really a sci-fi fanatic. I watch movies and make fun of plot holes, but that is about it. All I am really going on here is what i believe to be common sense. That and a strong desire to have this book =D

Thank you Dustin Wilson, and CONGRATULATIONS on winning this contest!

Honourable mention goes to our runner-up entry from Chuck Pell, who also sent us a great response. No book for Chuck unfortunately, but he does receive an equally fantastic prize, one of our coveted Dabbler t-shirts! To read his entry, read on…

Aliens, of course.

EMZs (exponentially multipliable zombies) are self-limiting, as they are cannibals. Fence off a small town full of hungry EMZs and they’ll multiply until they reach equilibrium, recycling themselves through each other’s guts. It will be noisy, but relatively safe (and probably entertaining – one could get rich selling tickets, and the licensing possibilities are endless).

Aliens, on the other hand, would wipe out Earth without breaking a sweat. That is, if 4-meter-wide, silicon-based, superintelligent flying spiders sweat.

Chuck Pell

For anyone who’s ever wanted to, but have been embarrassed to attend one of these trade shows, you can rest assured that it’s neither intimidating, nor obscene or dirty. Like the operation of any other business out there, all the exhibitors are nothing but friendly and professional. You won’t feel pressured to buy anything and if you do make a purchase, you won’t feel like you have to hide it. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and the stage shows are always a draw. There are open seminars and workshops that teach you anything from how to to avoid dating disasters to how to find that elusive G-spot. It’s definitely not just about sex toys – There are booths for energy drinks, protein shakes, “clothing optional holidays,” skin care products, tattooes on the spot, anti-snoring solutions, aromatherapy, bed sheets, and even cancan dancers…and that’s just naming a few. There are contests and giveaways galore and raffle ticket sales for worthy causes like Aids Vancouver.

But let’s be frank here. What we all want to know about is what the latest sex toys are, right? Well, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get! Click on the link below for the pleasure trove of goodies that we found at the Sex Show and keep an eye out for the fantastic giveaway that we’ve got for one lucky viewer, courtesy of our friends at the Little Shop of Pleasures!

When it comes to sex toys, you’ll find that most of the stores on exhibit carry pretty much the same assortment of products. Except for perhaps the different deals that you can get depending on which one you choose to buy from, there’s not a heck of a lot that sets them apart.

There IS one store in particular though, that I found exceptionally helpful and informative, so if I were to recommend one place for you to get all your products from, it would be the Little Shop of Pleasures (Alberta’s best adult store on Mission Road and Macleod Trail South). Co-owner Don Wilhelm, and “Pleasure Experts” Sarah and Nathan were on hand with a mind-boggling assortment of options and were able to answer every question I had about each of them. Their upbeat and easy-going attitudes made all the difference. None of the other booths I visited (and there were many) were as forthcoming as they were and so here is what they had to say about the latest and the greatest:

Liberator Bedroom Adventure Gear: Have you ever struggled to shift your partner to that magic position that hits all the pleasure spots? Well, this is probably what you need. Featured here is the Ramp shape, which offers support with a deep slope elevation that strategically lifts your partner’s hips to an altitude of 12 inches, which gives you access to angles that accentuate sensitivity. You can avoid falling forward, slipping, sore elbows and wrists when you’re in a doggie-style position and the ramp also offers you an “unbeatable girl-on-top ride.”

Approximate Retail Price: $140

Fun Factory LAYAspot: This European designed “nesting toy” is submergible, has a locking mechanism for uninterrupted pleasure, runs on 2 AAA batteries, offers three vibration patterns in seven speeds, and fits ergonomically into your hand. It is the only device that allows vaginal insertion AND allows you to do it underwater. This little gadget provides not only clitoral stimulation, but also gives you the option of two sizes (one at each end) for vaginal stimulation (one for the G-spot). Men can also use it for scrotum stimulation. For the most bang for your buck, Sarah says this one’s it.

Approximate Retail Price: $80 Cdn

Ultra 10 Remote Control Bullet: There are a lot of bullet toys in the market (so named for their shape), but what sets this one apart is the fact that it is submergible (as long as it’s tightly closed) and has a wireless remote control that offers 10 pulsating variations (option 8 being the most popular one). Use it yourself or give your partner the control. For clitoral stimulation, slide on the ribbed silicone sleeve for a heightened internal sexual experience.

Approximate Retail Price: $99 Cdn

Lelo Gigi: Quite the best-seller, this stylish Swedish designed silicone device is a very popular one in the Lelo line of sophisticated sex products. It offers high/low options for seven pulsating functions in a frequency that’s slightly lower than the Ultra 10 Bullet. No batteries are required as it is rechargeable, and it has a unique lock that prevents accidental ‘turn-ons OR offs!’ (you just simultaneously hold down the two side arrows until the light turns on/off). The distinctive tip is for “the discerning G-spot connoisseur.”

Approximate Retail Price: $165 Cdn

Lelo Nea: Also from the Lelo series, this is the subtlest vibrator I have ever seen. Glancing at it, you might think it’s a pager or a pet rock. Beautifully designed with floral graphic accents, it’ll save you from a potentially embarrassing situation when your mom accidentally stumbles upon it. This is also rechargeable and has a higher rpm for those that prefer stronger clitoral stimulation.

Approximate Retail Price: $120 Cdn

Lelo Liv: Except for the shape of its silicone tip, this is exactly the same as the Gigi. But instead of a bulbous end, this one is straight and smooth. Some women don’t think that they can achieve a G-spot orgasm and opt for this model instead. It is also rechargeable.

Approximate Retail Price: $165 Cdn

If the prices are a little out of your budget (shop around online because you can get pretty varied prices, very often with great discounts), you can always stick to the cheaper vibrators that are readily available. You can get a pretty good one for $25 Cdn, like the Technobeat. You won’t really be sacrificing much BUT you do have to settle for its obvious and unattractive appearance. There’s no mistaking what it is if your niece finds it in your bedside table!

Another very affordable option is this silicone cock ring (made by the same people who brought you the very popular Dolphin and Rabbit). This little device operates on watch batteries inside a motor which you can remove so you can wash the silicone exterior. It provides simultaneous stimulation for both the man and woman during sex and costs $30 Cdn.

Jelly vs. Silicone: Choosing which material you want is of course up to you, but if you opt for a jelly product, make sure that you steer away from a material called “phthalate.” This is the magic ingredient that gives certain products that really soft, bendable and squishy texture that imitates the real thing. The medical findings are not conclusive, but prolonged exposure to the material has been linked to kidney failure, so I would opt out of it just to be on the safe side.

Silicone Taffy Tickler: Don’t let the look of this one scare you off. It’s quite deceptive because it’s actually very soft. You’ll need quite a bit of lubrication and it’s a bit harder to clean, but it IS made of silicone so it’s still pretty easy. Just leave it on while your rinse it under warm water.

Approximate Retail Price: $45 Cdn

Hegar Uterine Dilators: Originally designed as a medical instrument, you lube the stick, position it to enter the urethra of a stimulated penis, and just let gravity pull it down and into the organ. No pushing is required, which is why it’s probably not as painful as you are imagining it to be. It doesn’t go all the way down of course and stops at the hilt (at about the instrument’s half-way point). Once in, you apply vibrations to the stick with a vibrator and as Sarah describes it, by doing this, a man can “recycle the same orgasm for 10 – 30 minutes!” You can work your way up to the larger rods but keep in mind that if used too frequently, it CAN stretch your urethra, but as Don puts it, “it’ll save you time when you taking a pee!”

Approximate Retail Price: $140 Cdn (not sold separately)

Cupping Set: Unlike the ones used in Chinese medicine, these don’t employ the use of flames. The principle behind them is that the sucking action draws the blood to the area being sucked and as a result, makes the applied area super sensitive to the touch. The small cup is used for the nipples and the other one in the picture is large enough for the vulva. Some do call it a “genital torture device” so use it at your own risk! It IS a kink toy.

Approximate Retail Price: $130 Cdn per set of about 10 cups of varying sizes

Fukuoku Glove: This is operated with 3 AAA batteries and surprisingly is waterproof too! There are two levels of vibration (“high and high”). I’ll let you imagine its multiple uses, but don’t forget that it also has therapeutic benefits. Sarah sold one to a dog owner who was looking for something like this to massage an aging dog that was suffering from arthritis, for which vibrations are beneficial.

Approximate Retail Price: $95 Cdn

DABBLER CONTEST! For your chance to win a Fukuoku Glove, courtesy of Little Shop of Pleasures, email us with your best excuse for why you need one! Contest ends Thursday, January 31st, 2008!

As Nathan points out, keep in mind that sex toys are NOT regulated, so do your research. He would recommend silicone instead of jelly products, and if you purchase a metal instrument, be sure to look for the classification “medical grade surgical steel.” The quality can’t be beat (even if it’s stainless steel, it CAN still rust), and you can boil it for sanitation purposes after use. He adds that for similar reasons, glass toys are also a great option. And on a final note, he is quick to remind that your toy should not include ANY porous materials (such as cloth) because it can never be fully cleaned and sanitized. Anal balls for instance, used to be connected by a cloth string but as you can imagine, considering where it is going, the bacteria and fungi that remains in the cloth is not good for you. That’s why anal toys like this one in the picture below have the dividers between the balls, which were made to circumvent this hygienic problem.

Kegel Balls: What are these used for? Building the muscles of your “pelvic floor.” You simply insert one or more into your vagina (don’t worry, they can’t get stuck in there. There’s nowhere to go! If you stand up and relax, they will naturally fall out) and try to hold it in place. If they fall out, simply rinse them and place them back in. Practice 30 minutes a day until you can hold it for 15 – 20 minutes and your partner will definitely feel the difference during vaginal sex. And an added bonus? By the time you’re in your 60s, your pelvic floor will be strong enough that it will help you control incontinence. It’ll even diminish some discomfort in pregnancy.

Approximate Retail Price: $25 – 30 Cdn. There are also magnetic ones and apparently, the magnetic properties are good for your health as well.

If you want to splurge, you can get these fancier surgical grade kegel toys from njoy for $160 – 165 Cdn.

Sue from O!Behave (in Delta, BC) suggests the Pleasure Commander. It’s similar to the Ultra 10 in that it has a separate control unit, but the difference is that it’s not cordless. It takes 3 AAs and if used daily, Sue claims the batteries last for about 2 months. She should know – Sue encourages woman to change the way they think about these products. Because orgasms release endorphins and “takes your mind to a quite place,” Sue attributes her optimism and energy to frequent use of her Pleasure Commander. She says it definitely helps to “stabilize her moods.”

Pleasure Chest Parties: If you’re not comfortable going to an adult store for any of these products, you do have the option of hosting an event in the privacy of your own home to learn about them. We spoke to the owner of Pleasure Chest Parties, a 100% independent BC-based company about such parties, and what happens is that someone will come to your home (or wherever you want to hold your party) to demo the products and afterwards set up shop in a separate room (like the bedroom) where buyers can enter one at a time to make their discreet purchases. Such parties typically last for about three hours and are FREE. How they can afford to do this is by putting a markup on the items being sold and offering the host or the hostess a percentage of the sales. There’s no minimum purchase and you don’t have to have a certain number of people at your party.

Here are a couple of other companies that offer similar services: North Vancouver’s Lovenest Home Parties, and Regina-based (with consultants in Edmonton and Vancouver as well) Industrial Luv Products Inc (look for Jen to book parties in BC).

Terminal City Roller Girls: Now this has nothing to do with sex, but it’s sure sexy! Founded in January 2006 by a group of women who discovered a great new way to combine athleticism and creativity, The Terminal City Roller Girls is Vancouver’s first female roller derby league. If you’d like to join, the only requirements are that you must be female (sorry guys! It’s a great spectator sport though!), and that you need to be a medium to intermediate skater. Membership is $20 a month and this includes two practice sessions a week. If you wanna know what they’re all about, come out to one of their events. They’ll be competing monthly from April to August so check them out! If you can’t wait that long, there’s an Open Scrimmage on February 1st, 7 PM, at the UBC Osborne Centre – Unit 2.

Lace Embrace Atelier Corsets & Lingerie: Known for making beautiful steel reproductions of antique Victorian corsets since 1997, owner and corsetière Melanie Talkington builds regular corsets, corset dresses, and also bridal gowns that incorporate a prominent corset. Prices vary greatly depending on what style you’re after and what materials you prefer (cotton/silk), but an average corset could cost around $195 Cdn. When asked why she makes a product that used to conform women to a certain image, she said it did a lot more than shape a woman’s body back in the day. It also helped to support her breasts before bras were invented, and also ensured good posture and provided great support of the back. Men used to wear them as well, she says, although slightly modified (it was more of a wide belt). The inspiration for this business? Dolly Parton’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas!

Wild West Cancan Dancers: I had no idea that there was a Port Moody Cancan league that dates back 30 years! Wild West Cancan Dancers is actually a spin-off troop from the original. You can learn to Cancan once a week and it’ll only cost you $10 a year because they want you to be able to spend the money on costumes and supplies instead. There are no pre-requisites for joining. As long as you have the spirit and just wanna lift your skirt, you’re in!

For those unfamiliar with this dance genre, Cancan is a saloon dance that originated in France in the 1830s and was brought to North America during the gold rush. At the time, the railway was also being built in Canada and to commemorate its completion, the last “Golden Spike” was struck, followed by a celebration that included performances by Cancan dancers who were brought in to entertain the workers. What I found intriguing was that despite their outward appearance, Cancan dancers actually wore a heck of a lot more clothes than the average person! They all start off with skin-coloured tights (so all the girls’ legs have the same skin tone), the fishnet stockings go on top of that, followed by a bodysuit, a vest, another pair of knickers (this one decorative for show), the dress with petticoat, and finally the corset! Quite the work to look sexy eh?

Earlier we glossed over the option of glass adult toys. If this is an option you’d like to explore, you can start by browsing through the dizzying assortment of glass designs at Love Style Adult Toys just to get a taste of what’s out there. Going glass has a lot of benefits. It:

Is made of medical/pharmaceutical grade pyrex
Is strong and durable – lasts forever
Is completely hypoallergenic
Is super easy to clean
Is non-porous – no odours or discolouration ever
Can be warmed or cooled for bedroom excitement
Is the smoothest and thickest toy available

And what’s a sex show without hooker heels eh! These are Devious Shoes and can be found at Barbies Shop. The average price for shoes is $80, knee highs for $120, and thigh highs for $160.

Need a Burlesque performer? This is Andra, the Diamond Minx, who looked stunning in her Swarovski crystals-laden red corset dress, and whom we later found in stilts!

Casanova Wear Pleasure Wrap: Created by a man who used to use his bedsheets every time he wanted to bind his partner during sex (but who grew tired of messing up his bed every time), this is a little bondage fun for a newbie to this form of pleasure. Cleverly and elegantly designed, it would take one who owns one to know what it’s really used for. It is slightly padded for comfort and will enhance any sexual position. There are leather lashes on either end of the Pleasure Wrap for a little tickle or a little whipping action, and you can very easily and quickly bind (and just as quickly unbind) your partner by tying her hands or legs, or use it to spread them apart for access. Valued at $60, this sensuous satin wrap comes in 10 different Asian print colours. You can purchase it here or here.

For something a little more hard core, there’s also the Casanova Wear ConstrictHer (which serves the same function as the Wrap, but in a kinkier fashion), available here, and here.

Masks are sexy AND mysterious. For a beautiful hand-sculpted piece of wearable leather art, you can find masks like this one at Erota Leather for anywhere from $12 to ornate ones for $500. Averaging $30 – 60 for a regular mask, the one featured on our model here retails at $80.

Lubricants: Ok, here’s the lowdown on the different lubes out there in the market. You’ll have the option of three different types: 1) Water-based, 2) Silicone-based, or 3) Oil-based lubes. With water-based lubes, you’ll need to re-apply more frequently BUT it is safe to use with toys made of any material. Silicone-based lubes are thicker and therefore last longer BUT they will destroy any silicone toys that come into contact with it so don’t make that mistake! (they’re great when used on their own during regular sex or hand stimulation). Now, for the most important tip: Do NOT mix oil-based lubricants with condoms as this type of lube WILL destroy the only protection you might have against unplanned parenthood (and STDs)!

A relatively new lube product at Little Sister’s Bookstore, this Pink Silicone Personal Lube retails at $12.95 Cdn and the water-based one at $8.95 Cdn.

Also a best-seller at Little Sisters Bookstore is this book The Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities, which was literally flying off the shelves when we were there. This paperback is co-authored by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt, a couple in a polygamous relationship. A semi-autobiographical publication, this book describes the lifestyles of people that choose to have multiple sexual partners and educates those of the same persuasion on how to do it in a safe and ethical way.

OhMiBod: This device redefines the term “plug ‘n play!” For all you Mac lovers out there, this is the toy for YOU. Simply plug OhMiBod into your iPod or (or any music player really) and it automatically vibrates to the rhythm and intensity of the music that you select to play. Bet you really wanna get down with your favourite tunes now!

Approximate Retail Price: $69
OhMiBod Garter for iPod Mini (an accessory)

Nadia’s Naughty Chocolates: Inspired to take action after a dear friend died of ovarian cancer in 2005, Chef Pâtissière and Chocolatière Nadia Dürig began to make provocatively-molded chocolate pieces like this penis-shaped one to help raise money for cancer research. We chose to feature this particular item in her collection because it’s fun and will definitely make whoever you purchase it for turn a deep shade of red, especially if opened in a party setting! It even rattles when shaken because it’s stuffed with mini chocolate penises! It retails at $15 Cdn and you can order it either through Nadia via her website, or from Chocolate Tofino.

To some, souped-up cars and bikes are the definition of sexy, and both were on hand at the show. This killer chopper however, served as more than mere eye candy. Custom built by Vancouver Chopper, these wheels are part of a contest to raise money for AIDS Vancouver. Each time you make a donation ($20 for one entry, $50 for four entries, $100 for nine entries), you get the chance to win a chick magnet that’s valued at $95,000! This is a 9-month contest that ends in October, so make your donation today either online or by calling the toll free number 1.877.512.3321 and help spread the word for a worthy cause.

And as our adventure through the Naughty But Nice Sex Show came to an end, we stumbled upon Eden – A fantasy night club for couples, where co-owners “Adam” and “Eve” explained how this isn’t your old-fashioned salacious swing club. Fully licensed for its purposes, this members-only club operates out of a two-story residential space in Delta, BC where for three Saturdays out of every month, exclusive parties are held for its subscribers. You can dance the night away in a downstairs night club environment, or head to the “playrooms” upstairs for a little intimate fun with one, two, three or more partners if you’d like (sex IS allowed on the premises and all safe sex supplies are provided). If you’re looking for something a bit more on the kinkier side, stay upstairs, but continue down the hallway to an open room where you can enjoy the company of a larger group of people and just watch the action or join in. Note that the premises can’t sell or serve you alcohol so if you plan to drink, remember to bring your own spirits. On hand will be nibblies served by women in sexy French maid costumes. The target market is young professionals aged 25 – 39 years old and with over 2,000 members so far, you’re bound to meet someone new every time. Here are the membership options:

Silver Membership: $49.95 but limits you to just the invites to the sexy parties (Example: Sinsations Parties, where everyone changes to lingerie (or less) at 10 PM).
Gold Membership: $74.95 and includes online benefits in addition to the party invites.
Platinum Membership: $125 per couple and includes all benefits.

Once a member, it costs $90 per couple at the door and it’s all inclusive. Forty couples is the maximum capacity so reservations are necessary.

And that in a nutshell, was the Vancouver Taboo Naughty But Nice Sex Show! Hope you enjoyed the ride!

To view all our photos from the show (relax, they are all (relatively) safe for work) visit our Flickr gallery.

If running down to the corner store to pick up a Durex 12-pack is your idea of prepping for a date that you hope will turn into a sleepover, then you are in dire need of Jill Hannan and Jacquie Brownridge’s expert advice. Click on the video above for a crash course on how to impress your dream date the first time you bring her home.

And just in time for Valentine’s Day, My Girlfriend and It’s Just Lunch have partnered to present The Bachelor Makeover Contest. One deserving bachelor will be getting the full treatment from My Girlfriend à la Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, PLUS a one year membership to It’s Just Lunch, complete with dating tips to help him find the woman of his dreams.

So here’s the official callout for all busy professional men who haven’t been actively dating in a long time but want to. Do you know a great guy who keeps getting overlooked by the women he wants to date because of his appearance and outdated style; plus he lives in a typical bachelor pad with a bathroom that screams ‘enter at your own risk’? Then nominate him (or yourself) today! (Deadline: January 18, 2008).

For some bonus dating tips, read on!

It’s Just Lunch Dating Etiquette:

1. Never ask someone out on a first date by email, instant messenger or text message. A phone call is always in order.

2. Emails relating to dating should be brief, upbeat and fun.

3. It’s ok to correspond using email regarding your plans for a date, where you will go, time etc., but always confirm the date by phone – it’s much more personal.

4. It’s always nice to hear from someone after a date. If you plan to see them again, a phone call and email is nice. If you are not planning another date, a short, nice email is appropriate.

5. Never discuss your personal life by email. Remember, emails can be forwarded or read by others (8% of singles have read their dates’ personal emails).

6. Don’t discuss friends you might have in common via email – especially anything negative.

7. If you’ve gone out with someone and they are not returning your emails, consider that person not interested. Don’t push and understand that he/she is probably not interested. Move on.

8. Don’t recap details about your date on email with your friends (22% of singles send personal emails on their work email account…remember your boss can read that).

9. If you are not interested in seeing someone again, don’t give out your email. Be straight forward at the end of the date and tell them there is no chemistry, but it was great meeting them.

10. Don’t give out a phony email address – that just isn’t a nice thing to do.

About It’s Just Lunch

Since It’s Just Lunch was founded in 1991, the company has arranged millions of fun, first date lunches or drinks after work – an atmosphere where singles can feel comfortable with the process of meeting a new person. With over 100 locations worldwide, IJL arranges hundreds of first dates each day at over 1,100 restaurants. With many introductions leading to second dates, It’s Just Lunch is the world’s leading first date authority.

Contact Details:

It’s Just Lunch Directors for Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria, and the Fraser Valley:

Jacquie Brownridge
Karren Day
Lindsay Northcott
Christine Morela
t: 604.633.9980

Services also available in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. For international contact info, visit www.ItsJustLunch.com.

About My Girlfriend

My Girlfriend is the girlfriend behind every bachelor who hopes to ask a woman out, bring her home and have her spend the night rather than send her running. Founded by Jill Hannan, My Girlfriend’s mission is to reinvent men, one bachelor at a time. She targets the single, straight male who needs the help of a woman he trusts to bring him up to speed in terms of fashion, grooming, home décor and comforts, culture, food and wine. From flowers, a bottle of wine, and fresh ingredients in the fridge, to music, clean sheets, and a sparkling clean shower with all the right products, My Girlfriend advises Bachelors on the behind-the-scene details that truly matter.

Contact Details:

Jill Hannan
t: 604.616.0197

Elise Craig
t: 778.837.1950

Life saving Dabbler contest details at the end of this article!

With a Ph.D in robotics, most will go on to dedicate their lives to the betterment of this science, offering up all the modern conveniences that you and I enjoy. Daniel H. Wilson had something more practical in mind however. As Hollywood has proven time and again, the fate of the human species hangs by a thread. You wash down the seemingly implausible plot lines with popcorn and coke, but take a moment and really think about it. What WILL you do when the aliens descend? Or for that matter when ninjas attack, or hordes of zombies begin their massacre. And don’t forget the vampires, werewolves, and even great white sharks.

In his first book, Wilson prepared us for the inevitable robot invasion with How To Survive a Robot Uprising (c’mon, if cars can park themselves now, is it really that far fetched?). While readers digested its critical content, he wrote Where’s My Jetpack? which outlined all the scientific advancements that were promised but failed to materialize, from flying cars, to ray guns and moon colonies, and even teleportation. He then obviously came to the realization that none of this mattered if the human race itself was in danger.

As our Dr. Wilson rationalizes in his latest book How to Build a Robot Army, “We all know that robots are bloodthirsty machines bent on wreaking havoc with humankind…[but] unlike our robotic creations, [aliens, ninjas, zombies and great white sharks] cannot be remote-controlled, reprogrammed, or shut down. Vampires lust for our blood, werewolves stalk our children, and rogue asteroids hurtle toward our defenseless planet. To survive, we must look beyond the human-killing potential of robots and see them for what they really are: humankind’s most powerful ally in the war against horror.”

Let’s face it, we can’t even defend ourselves from evil paper cuts. But “In stark contrast to puny people,” Wilson goes on to say, “robots are highly specialized metallic superheroes capable of delivering diesel-powered scissor kicks and launching rocket fists at any time. A well-balanced combination of robots, humans, and slightly robotic humans constitutes our best defense – no matter what monstrous foes those caffeine-addled Hollywood screenwriters concoct.”

So, “leading scientists in academia and industry contributed advice on every section of this book, whether it be mobilizing a team of metal-sheathed robots against zombies, staking out a werewolf-infested forest with auto-guns, or sending an autonomous underwater vehicle to hunt a man-killing great white shark. In this book you will learn about every aspect of assembling and deploying a devastating robot horde. From weaponizing robotic household appliances to controlling swarms of metallic minions, you will receive step-by-step instructions for selecting appropriate robots, training them to fight, and commanding them in battle. Read this book, gather an army of mechanical mercenaries, and join the fight to protect the human way of life.”

‘Nuf said. I don’t know about you, but I want to be around long enough to teleport to my fully-automated, self-contained skyscraper city in the germ-free utopia of tomorrow. And to that end, I offer you the chance to win a copy of this must-have one-of-a-kind guide to the survival of the human species.

For your chance to win a copy of Dr. Daniel H. Wilson’s How to Build a Robot Army, email me with your answer to the following question:

What would wreak more havoc, aliens or exponentially multipliable zombies? Why?

Contest ends Friday, January 11th, 2008. Creative responses will be published!

DABBLER GIVEAWAY BELOW!

From: Libations of Life: A Girl’s Guide to Life: One Cocktail at a Time

When life gives you lemons – slice, squeeze into a dry martini and drink!

With a hilariously irreverent take on life’s ups and downs, Libations of Life makes the perfect companion for the bittersweet dramas and disasters of the dating world. Bartender extraordinaire Dee Brun doles out a charismatic blend of cheeky and insightful relationship advice while guiding you on how to whip up the perfect drink for any situation:

Worried about your judgment? Make a don’t let me go home with him DAIQUIRI
Had to dump your man? This calls for a he had his SHOT
Next up? A plenty of fish in the sea SLING
Trying to cut back on calories? Try a control top COSMOPOLITAN

With special expert tips on what to do in the event of emergencies like encountering man boobs, mullets, or kankles, this book will leave you shaking, mixing and stirring like a pro.

For your chance to win a copy of Dee Brun’s Libations of Life, email me with the correct answer to this question:

In the video above, Dee lists three cocktails that can be found in the book. Name one of them.

Deadline for submissions is Friday October 19th, 2007.

Anyhow, back to my surprise package. Surrounding the bar were other items that on their own, would seem insignificant: A large candle, a sleeping eye mask, a light stick, a movie pass, a small packet of bath wash. In this context though, I thought it was quite clever. You gotta admit introducing a dark chocolate bar this way is refreshing. I’ve seen my fair share of press releases and kits so when one comes along that amazes me, or in this case, gives me a chuckle, I make a note of it. It’s getting tougher for advertisers to come up with unique ways of catching people’s attention so I can appreciate a good effort.

Like I said before, I like to give away the stuff I get so this pack will be another one I’d like to pass on to you. If you’d like to win this Mars Dark bar box ‘o’ goodies, email me with your answer to the following question:

What do YOU like better in the dark? (and keep it clean folks).

I’m going to keep this contest within the Lower Mainland because there’s a movie gift certificate that might not work elsewhere so all you local chocolate lovers out there, email me! The deadline for submissions is Friday September 21st.

For some yummy recipes using a Mars Dark bar, read on!

Mars Surprise Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 ml) softened butter
1 cup (250 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla
2 3/4 cup (675 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt
6 Mars Dark (50 g size)

Directions:

1. Beat the butter with the brown and granulated sugars until very smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda and salt; mix until combined

2. Cut each Mars Dark bar into 6 pieces. Divide the dough into 36 equal portions. Form each portion of dough around each piece of Mars Dark bar; smooth the dough over top. Place at least 2-inches (5 cm) apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill the sheets for 15 minutes

3. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Bake, in batches and on the centre rack, for 14 to 16 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack

Yield: 36 cookies

The Ultimate Mars Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

3 Mars Dark (50 g size)
3/4 cup (175 ml) chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter
8 oz (250 g) brick-style cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
2 eggs
Whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Chill the Mars Dark bars for at least 20 minutes. Slice each Mars Dark bar into 16 slices; reserve in the refrigerator until ready to use

2. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners. Toss the crumbs with the butter; divide evenly between the cups. Press lightly into the bottom of the cups to make a crust. Bake for 5 minutes; cool slightly. Divide 24 of the Mars Dark bar slices between the crusts; reserve

3. Beat the cream cheese with the sugar and milk until very smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined. Spoon an equal portion of the cheese mixture evenly over the crust to fill each cup. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until set.

4. Cool to room temperature; chill until ready to serve or for up to 3 days. Just before serving, garnish each cheesecake bite with a dollop of whipped cream and a reserved slice of Mars Dark bar

Yield: 24 cheesecakes

Mars Blondies

Ingredients:

5 Mars Dark (50 g size)
1 cup (250 ml) butter, softened
2 1/2 cups (625 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt

Instructions:

1. Freeze the Mars Dark bars for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch (3 L) baking pan. Beat the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, adding two at a time. Stir in the vanilla

2. Combine the flour with the salt in a separate bowl; mix into the butter mixture. Finely chop the frozen Mars Dark bars; fold into the batter. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan

3. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden around the edges but still moist in the centre. Cool completely on a rack before slicing

Yield: 48 bars

Optional Glaze: Place 1 additional chopped Mars Dark bar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on High, stirring twice, for 30 to 45 seconds. Add 2 tsp (10 mL) of milk, stirring until chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle over the cooled, baked bars; place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set the chocolate before slicing

For your chance to win a copy of Mimic Mutt Sign Language DVD, email me with the reason why you and your dog need this (send me a picture too!) and don’t forget to include all your contact info: Full name, full address, telephone number and email address.

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday September 19th.

It’s so uplifting to see the masses becoming more and more aware of the climate issue that’s plaguing our world today. The sure-fire sign that the message is getting through is the fact that its effects are very quickly trickling down to businesses and how they now choose to operate.

Organic products have always seemed a tad on the expensive side for me. Financial circumstances have always impeded my ability to purchase more of them but I can see that it’s getting easier and easier. Organic fabrics were never really that readily available but when major retail chains like Cotton Ginny decide to switch to Eco-Ganic lines, suddenly affordability is no longer so much of a concern.

I bought my first organic CG hoodie when I attended EPIC: The Sustainable Living Expo back in April and it was then that I was also introduced to a really interesting new sustainable material that they were using in some of their items: Milk! I got a scarf that was made of 80% organic cotton and 30% protein from a milk source. Bizarre but true!

Now you can add organic denim to your list of must-have items. The feel and look of organic denim is indiscernible from your average denim. Now that it’s just as (or more so in this case) affordable, why would you opt to buy the more environmental harmful variety? What’s the difference you ask? How is this new material more environmentally friendly? Well, essentially, the cotton comes from the same plant. The important different lies in how that plant is maintained. With organic cotton, the plants thrive without the presence of any pesticides or other environmentally damaging products and methods. That’s why it’s important to support this type of product. Demand will inevitably lead to a larger supply, which in turn lowers cost so you gotta switch! Both the certified organic jean and jacket from CG will retail from $55 and $60 (plus).

Here’s a start! Spread the word about organic fabrics by sporting this funky denim bag from Cotton Ginny.

It’s made of the very same material that is featured on their new denim line: 98% organic cotton and 2% lycra. For your chance to win this bag, email me with the correct answer to the following question:

What’s the difference between denim and organic denim?

You’ve got until September 9th to submit your entry so email me today! And don’t forget to include your full name, address, and contact number.

In case you’re wondering, I have no affiliations with any of the companies from which all my prizes come. I’m never compensated for promoting anything on this site. The reason why I offer them to you guys is because I get them in the mail and I love to give away stuff, so just enjoy!