A Guide to Hosting the Perfect Kids' Slumber Party

There's something magical about a slumber party that captures the hearts and imaginations of children. The giggles, the whispers, and the promise of staying up past bedtime create an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. If you're looking to create lasting memories for your little ones, hosting a slumber party is the way to go. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to throw a dreamy and unforgettable slumber party for your kids.

Invitations and Themes

Start the excitement early by sending out playful invitations. Get creative with your theme – it could be a pajama party, a movie night, or even a magical sleepover under the stars. Choose a theme that resonates with your child's interests and let their imagination run wild.

Decorate with Delight

Transform your living space into a cozy haven with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights. Create a DIY photo booth with props that match your chosen theme. Use colorful bedspreads and cushions to set a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. The goal is to make the space feel like a magical escape.

Movie Marathon Madness

No slumber party is complete without a movie marathon. Pick age-appropriate films that align with your theme, and create a designated movie-watching area with plenty of blankets and cushions. Don't forget the popcorn and snacks for a true cinematic experience.

Crafty Creations

Encourage creativity with fun and easy crafts. Whether it's making personalized sleep masks, friendship bracelets, or decorating pillowcases, crafting adds a personalized touch to the party. Set up a crafting station with all the necessary supplies and let the little ones unleash their artistic flair.

Snack Attack

Plan a menu filled with child-friendly snacks. Pizza, popcorn, and finger foods are sure to be a hit. Consider incorporating a DIY snack bar where kids can build their own sundaes, tacos, or mini sandwiches. Don't forget to include a selection of refreshing drinks to keep everyone hydrated. Order takeaway from SPK Arundel for an easy way to feed the kids.

Games Galore

Keep the energy high with a variety of games. Classic board games, a scavenger hunt, or a dance-off can add an extra layer of excitement to the night. Be sure to adapt the games to suit the age group and preferences of the kids attending.

Sleepover Survival Kits

Prepare little sleepover survival kits for each guest. Include essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and cozy socks. Tuck in a small note or a bedtime story to make each kit extra special. This thoughtful touch ensures that every child feels cared for and comfortable during the slumber party.

Morning Munchies

Don't forget about breakfast! Plan a simple yet satisfying morning meal like pancakes, fruit skewers, and yogurt parfaits. This not only ensures that the kids wake up to a delightful spread but also extends the slumber party experience into the next day.

Capture the Moments

Finally, document the fun with photos and videos. Create a shared digital album for parents to enjoy and allow the kids to relive the magical moments. Consider setting up a designated photo booth with props for hilarious and memorable snapshots.

A slumber party is more than just a sleepover – it's an opportunity to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. By incorporating these tips and infusing your unique flair, you'll be well on your way to hosting the perfect kids' slumber party. So, grab your pillows, cue the movies, and let the giggles and laughter fill the air as your little ones embark on a night of dreams and delightful festivities. 

Top 5 Ways To Be Happier About Your Life

As we look at the world we live in today there is a lot of struggle, suffering, loss, and general unhappiness Many people are having a hard time paying their bills, keeping a job that they are happy at, and struggling to raise children in a technology obsessed world! 

Would you like to take the steps to be happier, feel more in control, and have a grateful heart and mind? Take these next steps to improve your wellbeing and help others do the same! 

Use The WellStream App!

Technology can be so beneficial if we use it the right way. There are so many positive steps to take to ensure your technology use is making a difference in your life and others.

The WellStream app can help you take the time to manage your wellbeing. Take shirt quizzes to find out how you are doing mentally and what you can do to improve or maintain that state of mind. 

Take a minute and find out why thousands of people are using apps like WellStream to help them get through everyday life. 

Take a Technology Break

Taking a break from your phone, computer, or video games can help your brain reset and recharge. There can be lots of negativity on the internet and sometimes it can create negative thoughts and feelings that don’t help us feel very good. Take a day each week where you leave your phone on silent, stay off your computer for a while and say no to video games. 

You will feel refreshed with a technology detox. 

Talk To Loved Ones

Take a minute to talk to someone you love. Whether you write a letter, Christmas card, or send a simple text to see how they are and what they are up to, the reconnection can help you feel more involved and the social connect will help you combat loneliness. 

Try to get face to face time doing something fun and you can really bring back the love and happiness that comes from lifelong relationships.

Treat Yourself To Self Care

Taking the time to get your hair done, take a long bath, or get some much needed hiking in with nature can help your mental state substantially. Feeling good starts with how you treat yourself and this is a luxury you can’t ignore. We all need to be taken care of to feel comfortable and enjoy life, and start treating yourself and your family to self care. 

Getting a spa treatment or salon visit might not be in the budget right now so if you can do something small for yourself just by getting some exercise and eating right you will feel better. 

Do A Good Deed

Doing something nice for someone else can make you not only feel like a better person but it will actually make you a better person. Doing random acts of kindness can help to create wellness all around and this can be such a great way to combat the negative effects of the world. 

Even if it something as small as shovelling snow for a neighbour or buying the stranger behind you a coffee in the drive thru. This pay it forward movement will create a snowball of happiness and well being that can be life changing. 

You never know what someone else might be dealing with so be kind, be helpful, and spread wellness and joy!  

Transform Your Living Space: 5 Steps to an Impeccably Clean Home

A clean home is not only a pleasure to live in, but it’s also a source of good health and happiness. If the thought of dust bunnies and clutter makes you cringe, fear not! Achieving that picture-perfect cleanliness is easier than you might think. Reach out to Dust and Mop and find out how you can transform your living space into a sanctuary of spotlessness with five expert steps.
1. A Place of Peace Begins with Less
The journey to a pristine home begins with the art of letting go. Decluttering is not just about tidying up; it’s about simplifying your life to make room for what truly matters. Start by sorting through your possessions and ask yourself if each item brings value to your life. By doing this, you not only streamline the cleaning process but also craft a more serene and welcoming space.
2. Harmony through Habit
Like any good habit, a regular cleaning routine sets the foundation for ongoing cleanliness. Tailor a schedule that aligns with your lifestyle and stick to it. Assign different days for various tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Maybe Mondays are for mopping, while weekends are for washing. The regular rhythm of a cleaning routine will ensure that no task is too daunting, and that your home stays consistently clean.
The average person spends about 12,896 hours cleaning their house in a lifetime—that's almost one and a half years! By establishing efficient cleaning habits, you can shave off some of those hours and spend more time doing what you love.
3. Curate Your Cleaning Closet
By Investing in high-quality cleaning tools, you invest in a hygienic environment and it’s akin to arming yourself for success. A vacuum with HEPA filtration, microfiber mops, and cloths that can attract and hold onto dust particles are game-changers. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products that are powerful on grime but gentle on the earth. With the right arsenal, each swipe, scrub, and sweep will lead to maximum cleanliness with minimum effort.
4. Clutter-Free Equals Carefree
Organized spaces not only look better, but they are also easier to clean. Adopting smart storage solutions will keep your home orderly and accessible. Whether it’s using dividers in your drawers or installing extra shelving, the goal is to have a specific spot for everything. When items are neatly stowed away, dusting and vacuuming become swift tasks rather than time-consuming chores.
5. When in Doubt, Reach Out
Sometimes, the secret to a consistently clean home is knowing when to enlist expert help. Whether it's for a seasonal deep clean or a bi-weekly sprucing up, professional cleaners at https://www.customcleaningpb.com/ can tackle the tough jobs that you might not have the time or energy for. They come equipped with specialized tools and expertise to make your home sparkle from corner to corner.
Did you know that cleaning can be good for your brain? A study from Princeton University found that a clean environment can actually help improve focus and processing of information. So, a clean home doesn't just feel good—it could also make you smarter!
Transforming your home into a beacon of cleanliness doesn't require magic—just a methodical approach. These steps are your blueprint to a home that offers a retreat from the chaos of the outside world and a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively.

How to Make Baby's First Christmas Extra Special

Image from Pexels

A baby's first Christmas is a joyous and memorable occasion that parents and family members eagerly anticipate. Creating lasting memories and traditions during this special time can make it even more meaningful. This guide will explore ways to make your baby's first Christmas extra special, from personalized gifts to unique traditions and cherished moments.

1. Personalized Baby's First Christmas Ornament

Celebrating a baby's first Christmas is a cherished moment for families and one way to make it extra special is with a personalized pregnant Christmas ornament. These ornaments can be customized with the baby's name, birthdate, or other special details, creating a sentimental keepsake that captures the joy of the occasion. Additionally, a personalized baby's first Christmas ornament is a wonderful way to commemorate the journey from pregnancy to welcoming the new family member. By incorporating these personalized ornaments into your holiday traditions, you not only add a personal and heartwarming touch to your decor but also create enduring memories that you can revisit for years to come. These ornaments serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and happiness that define a baby's first Christmas, making it an extra special and meaningful holiday season for the whole family.

2. Create a Christmas Keepsake Box

Create a keepsake box that encapsulates the magic of your baby's first Christmas. Gather precious mementos from the occasion, such as a mini stocking, a snapshot capturing the joyous moments, a copy of your heartfelt holiday card, and any tiny gifts your little one received. This keepsake box serves as a time capsule, preserving the enchantment and innocence of this special time. As the years go by, opening the box will evoke cherished memories and create a heartwarming tradition that your family can enjoy during the holiday season. It's a beautiful way to celebrate the growth of your child and the enduring spirit of the first Christmas together.

3. Introduce a Special Christmas Book

Choose a heartwarming Christmas-themed children's book to read to your baby, and let it become a treasured tradition. As your child grows, this special book will remain a comforting and familiar part of your family's holiday season. Each year, opening its pages will create a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for the joyous celebrations. This tradition fosters a love for reading, bonding time with your little one, and an appreciation for the magic of Christmas. As your child matures, they can even read it to their children, passing down the tradition for generations to come.

4. Holiday Pajamas Tradition

Initiate a heartwarming tradition by gifting your baby a fresh pair of holiday-themed pajamas every Christmas Eve. This festive sleepwear not only leads to adorable photographs but also guarantees your little one wakes up snug and content on Christmas morning. It's an endearing custom that fills the holiday season with excitement and anticipation. As your baby grows, they'll look forward to this special tradition, and these cherished pajamas can even become keepsakes handed down through the generations. The joy and warmth it brings to your holiday celebrations are immeasurable.

5. Special Photoshoot

Immortalize the enchantment of your baby's first Christmas with a dedicated photoshoot. Outfit your little one in a delightful holiday ensemble and capture these memorable moments by the Christmas tree, set against the backdrop of twinkling lights. These precious photographs will be cherished keepsakes that you'll revisit throughout the years, sharing the joy and nostalgia of this significant milestone. The images provide a window into the magic and wonder of your baby's first holiday season and become a heartfelt testament to the love and happiness that fills your home during this special time.

Conclusion

Baby's first Christmas is a magical time filled with wonder and love. By starting traditions such as personalized ornaments, creating a keepsake box, introducing a special Christmas book, adopting a holiday pajamas tradition, having a special photoshoot, writing letters to your baby, making handprint and footprint ornaments, and involving your child in acts of charity and giving, you can make this holiday season extra special. These traditions and moments will create lasting memories that you and your child will cherish for years to come, adding to the magic of the holiday season.

Packing List For A Skiing, Snowboarding, or Tubing Trip

Living in beautiful British Columbia gives us access to so many amazing activities in all seasons. In the summer we have beaches and lakes to explore and so many amazing hiking adventures to enjoy. In the winter we have so many different ski and snowboard resorts in our area it is a plethora of choices for the picking! I absolutely love winter activities but can’t stand the cold so I always need to make sure I am prepared for anything! 

I have learned over the years to create the perfect list of essentials for the best family trip to the slopes and this will definitely help you make the most of your trip as well! Take the time to go through the list and start packing for your next winter adventure! 

Ski Key locks for snowboards and skis! 

Locking up your belongings is of utmost importance when out and about in busy places. Whether we like it or not our stuff is valuable and we can get it stolen or mistaken for others in the blink of an eye. With this super affordable Ski Key you can lock up and keep your items safe while you’re storing them. These simple locks can be a lifesaver when spending a day at the slopes and can save you a fortune by ensuring your stuff stays put when you’re busy doing other activities. 

You can get them individually or a family pack with the same key so everyone in the family or group has access to their items. These Ski Keys are perfect for gifts at any time of year and make the perfect stocking stuffer for those snow bunnies on your list! These sets can also be perfect for summer time if you have wakeboards to lock up as well! Ski Key racks are perfect for resorts, chalets, cabins, and garages where you want to keep all your gear neatly organized and safely secure! 

Lotion, sunscreen, and chapstick!

These are the absolute must haves in personal products when spending a day in the harsh winter conditions. You can still get a sunburn in the winter so sunscreen is a must have. Your skin gets dried out from the cold air so lotion is always a good idea before, during, and after spending time outdoors. Your lips take a beating in the cold so stock up on chapstick to ensure you don’t get wind burn and chapped lips during your trip, that stuff hurts so bad after a while. If you are travelling with a young teen girl ensure she has her period pack just in case “Aunt Flow” pays a visit. 

Another great item to always have on hand no matter where you go is a simple medical bag with Tylenol, Advil, bandaids, antacids, gravol, hand sanitizer, tampons & pads, wet wipes, a lighter or matches, and any prescription medications you require. When we travel in the winter we try to keep a winter road safety kit on board as well just in case we hit the ditch or get stuck somewhere. 

Protein & healthy snacks!

It takes so much energy to get out and moving on the slopes. Even if you are simply going tubing or sledding it takes a lot of energy just to stand outside in the cold. Your body needs high energy, healthy fuel to keep moving and having fun. Keeping a few protein bars, dried fruit, or trail mixes in your pockets while up in the mountains is a great way to keep up your energy levels and feel good while out in the cold. 

Warm layers & change of clothes.

If you are anything like me you are not a fan of the cold, even if you are it can be very cold up in the mountains. Start with a base layer of cotton or long underwear, layer it up with sweaters, sweatpants, and a good snowsuit. Remember to bring a couple pairs of gloves in case one gets ripped, wet, or lost. A good quality toque, earmuffs, or balaclava is perfect for keeping the top of your head warm and your ears comfortable. Socks are a huge item that many people think can be simple but when you get up there your toes freeze quickly. Using wool socks, toe warmers and layers can help. 

Warming items.

I got a heated vest for my birthday that fits beneath my jacket and so far it has been a lifesaver even while I’m at home. When I work outside with my daycare I feel warm and snuggly even in the cold winter wind, I love my heated vest and will be buying heated gloves, heated socks, heated toques, heated pants, heated jackets, and more throughout the years! If you aren’t in the position to buy heated clothing yet make sure to buy pocket warmers as they will be a huge help on the really cold days. You can buy them in bulk and have enough for the whole family. The best time to buy them is right after winter when they go on clearance. 

Extra cash. 

Make sure to bring a bit of extra money when you head to the ski hill for incidentals and accidents, lunch and souvenirs, emergency cash on hand is always a good idea in case the POS system is down anywhere and you need to pay with cash. 

Air tags or trackers.

Air tags can help you to track your kids if you are going to a very big location where they will be heading out alone. If you don’t want to buy air tags ensure that your kids have the location on their phones turned on, remember to keep your phones near your body in your snow suit though as they don’t work well in the cold. There are other trackers available as well and always make sure you stress the rule that going out of bounds is never ok! Stay where you can see people and always be safe in the mountains because getting lost and freezing to death is a very real scenario! 

These are our basic essentials for every trip to the slopes, I’m sure you can think of a few more depending on where you are going and how long your trip is. This list and these tips will definitely help you to stay safe and comfortable though while playing in the snow! 

What Are The Benefits of Owning a Duvet

If you are anything like me you love to be snuggled up warm in your bed after a long day. Not only is it nice to lay down and relax but the feeling you get from letting your body take a much needed break is like nothing else. 

Recently I was able to get my very first duvet from The Canadian Down & Feather Company and I am officially in love! The warmth and coziness from this blanket is absolutely amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight and soft it was when I removed it from the packaging. 

So why would somebody decide to get a duvet? 

• Duvets are warmer than comforters due to their stuff and fluff inside. 
• They are very easy to care for and maintain
• Duvets maintain their shape when cared for correctly unlike cotton stuffing.
• Duvets can be covered to match your decor, holidays, seasons, moods, and more! 
• The weight can be calming and relaxing.
• Duvets come in lots of different sizes, styles, and options even if you have allergies to feathers and down! 

Having a duvet from The Canadian Down & Feather Company might be the solution to many of your restless nights. Duvets are the perfect bed cover for people of all ages and can be a gift that lasts for years to come. 

If you are thinking about gifting a duvet this holiday season be sure to ask a few questions about the person receiving the gift. Some important things to consider are:

• The size of their bed
• If they have any allergies
• Do they like a heavy blanket at night
• Would they like down pillows to match

Giving the gift of comfort is so much better than getting someone a gift that will only last for a short time. This way they can enjoy their duvet for years and every time you need to buy them a gift you can get them a new duvet cover, pillows, and other great coordinated items that will last for years. 

Don’t worry if you have allergies The Canadian Down & Feather Company has alternatives that are perfectly safe and hypo allergenic. They are made the exact same way just with a different stuffing that won’t cause an allergic reaction.  Microfibre down alternative duvets are the answer to your allergy issues.

Do you have a duvet? We absolutely love ours and would highly recommend ordering one from The Canadian Down & Feather Company! They are very fast when they ship, the products come very carefully packaged, the quality is unbelievable, and the prices are absolutely fair for the products you receive! 

Here is the information about the duvet I received: 

This best-selling, puffy duvet is made with white goose feather fill. Do you know the difference between down and feather?

 Click here to learn more. The shell is 233 thread count cotton, which is crisp and durable.

This duvet is generously filled. Feather doesn't have the same insulating properties as down, so feather duvets are heavier weight. We need a fair bit of fill to achieve the desired warmth. 

This duvet comes in All Season Weight, which works well for room temperatures around 16 - 18 degrees C or if you’re fairly cool when you sleep. 

Features: 

• Box Construction: Boxes to prevent content from shifting
• 233 Thread Count:  Prevents fill from escaping
• 100% Cotton: Fine cotton allows the fill to breathe
• Corner Loops: Loops on all 4 corners to tie and anchor the duvet in place
• White Goose Feather: Filled with small white goose feather to provide better lofting and insulation.
• Hypo Allergenic: Anti-microbial process used to eliminate bacteria. 
• Guaranteed Quality: Guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 5 Years
• This product was tested for harmful substances and certified according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® SHHO 077115 TESTEX
• Imported

It is safe to say that our adorable cat Beans approves of our new duvet and we can’t wait to get some new covers for her to shed on and enjoy! 

Unlocking the Spicy Ideas Each Day: LELO's 24-Day Sexy Advent Calendar

The holiday season is upon us, and while traditional advent calendars offer a sweet treat or small trinket behind every door, LELO is here to add a little extra spice to your December countdown. Step aside chocolates and mundane surprises; it's time to usher in the season with the ultimate adult indulgence, LELO's Sexy Advent Calendar. We are embracing the holiday spirit by offering a very kinky advent calendar that unlocks your deepest desires, one day at a time. Will you join us on the naughty list this year?

Day 1: Watch porn
The primary point of porn is to stimulate and arouse the viewer. As long as it's used to supplement, not substitute, real intimacy and real sex, then yes, porn is good for you.

Day 2: Go to a strip club
If anything, just for the fun of it. Some enjoy watching the dancers, which can be incredibly talented and amazing at the art of seduction, and some find the whole experience absolutely arousing.

Day 3: Engage in mutual masturbation
Mutual masturbation can be an unexpected and novel way to shake up your usual bedroom routine. Any time you introduce something new into your sex play, it can add a frisson of excitement to whatever you're doing.

Day 4: Have sex in water
Although this may seem like a letdown, by setting the right atmosphere and trying out some new sex positions, you'll turn your bathroom into the Cote d'Azur and be screaming ‘Oh mon Dieu' in no time. We recommend some candles, sexy music, and your favorite waterproof sex toy.

Day 5: Try anal sex
Just remember that lube is non-optional, going slower adds to the comfort and the erotic intensity, and any toy used for anal must have a flared base and be cleaned or covered with a condom before going into any other orifices. Break the taboo and start enjoying the bum!

Day 6: Have phone sex
So, are you ready to rock your partner's (and your own) world? Start slow; see how you like it! If it's not for you, you can simply get on with your life. No harm, no foul!

Day 7: Play with temperature play
The main goal of sensation play is to enhance your sexual experience with different types of stimuli, which can put you on the path of expanding and improving your meaning of sex.

Day 8: Try playing with dominant and submissive roles
Slowly navigate the experience using your pre-discussed rules and guidelines, and find the best kind of fun for both parties. The aim is pleasure, not discomfort, so if the latter is experienced, we strongly suggest bringing your BDSM scene to a halt.

Day 9: Enjoy facesitting
Are you a woman that loves to facesit? Use different techniques, tips, and tricks to enhance your experience, and you'll be rewarded with ultimate pleasure, excitement, and lovely orgasms. Sit pretty, and enjoy!

Day 10: Give or receive a lap dance
To perform a lap dance that they won't soon forget, the main thing you need is a song that makes you want to move and the confidence to move your body. So put on a slinky little number and start dancing.

Day 11: Have sex in total silence
Even when discreet sex is a must, it shouldn't have to be a bummer. In fact, staying silent can be extremely sexy. The need to hold back can make it even more exciting as it becomes a secret in itself and something only you and your partner can enjoy.

Day 12: Wake your partner up by giving them oral sex
While morning and oral might leave you thinking of dental hygiene, waking up your partner with oral sex is sure to start their day off on the right foot.

Day 13: Have sex in every room of the house
So, make it into a challenge you can complete with your partner! Together, choose a location around your home where you never had sex before. It's even better if you can come up with multiple locations and make a list.

Day 14: Orgasm with nipple play alone
Did you know that nipple tissue itself is actually erectile tissue, just like the clitoris and the penis? This means that, when stimulated, they become filled with blood, erect, and sometimes sensitive. Evidently, the nipples are a gateway to increased arousal and some seriously sexy play!

Day 15: Use a massage candle
Share an intimate massage using a massage candle, setting a relaxing tone for the month, and let the aromatic oil work its magic on your senses.

Day 16: Try edging for more powerful orgasms
The effect can be likened to one long, lingering state of climax, during which you manage and modify your sensations to maintain a constant sense of near-orgasmic pleasure. The key to edging involves becoming attuned to your body's unique pre-orgasmic signs and signifiers.

Day 17: Practice squirting
You see, many people doubt that it's a real thing. And even those who do believe in the ability of women to ejaculate are left scratching their heads, wondering how on earth it's even possible. So, why not try?

Day 18: Naughty Dice Game
Roll the naughty dice together and follow the instructions for a night of playful, passion-filled fun, discovering exciting and unpredictable pleasures.

Day 19: Erotic Novel Night
Dive into an erotic novel or collection of stories, letting the stories ignite your desires and fantasies, leading to passionate exploration.

Day 20: Use body paint to create sexy art
The fact that it's your sex painting and nobody knows about it can be a huge turn-on. And every time you look at that piece as you walk past it, you'll remember how much fun you had with your partner.

Day 21: Exotic Food Night
Embark on an exotic food adventure, trying new dishes from different cultures together and savoring the flavors of exploration. Make sure to include some aphrodisiacs as well.

Day 22: Use blindfolds to heighten other sensations
Explore heightened sensory experiences with a silky blindfold, taking turns teasing and tantalizing each other, reveling in the mystery and anticipation.

Day 23: Get creative using household items for your sexy play
Sometimes, it can be more fun to use whatever you have lying around your house. Not only does using these ‘pervertables' add a bit of spontaneity – the likes of which having to unlock your ‘tickle trunk' will never have – it can also add to the authenticity of the scene you're trying to set.

Day 24: The Grand Finale
On Christmas Eve, unwrap a special surprise crafted with love and devotion to culminate your sensual Advent Calendar experience.

Please remember that all activities can be adapted whether you're single (use your imagination) or in a relationship. Prioritize open and honest communication with your partner, ensuring that everything is consensual and mutually enjoyable.

Happy Naughty Holidays from LELO! 😈

Sex trends to propel us into the first fully “back to normal” year

Ways in which Sex Will (Not) Change In 2024

With all our predictions for 2023, the sex trend that dominated the year was going back to the pre-2020 ways. The pandemic made dating less accessible, but as the world has reclaimed freedom there's more opportunity to start over again and feel comfortable reaching out to people, forming deep connections and finding love.

The sex toy industry is uniquely robust, having already weathered all sorts of woes, and yet it still grows and continues to resist the economic trends. And as the world's leading pleasure brand LELO is uniquely placed to predict what the next year holds for sex, and define what the new normal will be for
pleasure-seekers all over the world.

Self-love

The trends in sexual wellness strongly indicate a shift in attitudes to being more flexible and open-minded regarding our sex lives. We see this reflected in the normalising of sexual acts, desires and attitudes previously hidden, and these have the potential to boost the economies around the world. As explored by the LELO Report 2023eariler this year, which draws on existing academic research as well as a commissioned survey, happiness is a major driver of productivity:

• with 9 out of 10 people worldwide agreeing that the happier they are, the more productive they are at work;
• and 7 out of 10 would gladly utilise days off work to focus on self-love and thus in turn work on their productivity if offered the opportunity.

With the global hangover from Covid 19 and ongoing global crises keeping productivity at low levels across the world, small changes can make enormous differences on a larger scale. Happiness, being one of those changes, can be achieved through behavioral changes as small as orgasms and bedroom intimacy, and as LELO proposed, additional days off in the form of self-love days. Changes such as these cost next to nothing, but require some creative thinking from governments, employers and their employees, snd can in turn bring about an increase in the productivity of up to 20%, and have an effect on poverty and living standards.

Wellness Travel

Having successfully weathered the recent crisis, the tourism industry is beginning to adapt to the challenges of the post-pandemic era. Prompted by COVID, people have become more aware of their physical and mental health, leading to the growth of so-called wellness travel. This trend primarily focuses on travelling to achieve and maintain the best health and life balance through activities such as spa and yoga. And sexual wellness. This is by no means the same as sex tourism. It is all about the pleasure from home on the go. And the industry is responding by creating more and more discreet toys that you can take with you without getting flagged at airport security, yet that can still greatly enhance your pleasure during travels, i.e. offer powerful stimulation in a small, travel-friendly form. So go on, book that holiday for 2024. You will not have to buy a new suitcase to experience new highs once you get there.

Erotic playlist(s)

A recent theory suggested the key to orgasm is rhythm. Adam Safron, from Northwestern University in Chicago, proposed a theory of dependency of sexual pleasure on rhythms, claiming that (dumbed down) sexual pleasure is a kind of trance and orgasm is all about rhythmic timing. The idea that sex triggers activity of a rhythmic nature in the mind resonates especially in the era of music apps and the ability to create multiple specially curated playlists for any occasion, like foreplay, solo and/or couple play. If you are opening Deezer or Spotify as we speak just bear in mind that research reveals 119 BPM to be the sexiest of all tempos. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Shallowing

Like orgasm itself, we have been building up to this. Remember grinding/humping? Rubbing a vulva against e.g. your partner's thigh or the chair armrest? This is how many of us have experienced our first orgasms. And this extremely pleasurable technique is unjustly being overlooked. And now there is a new contender in town – shallowing.  In a nutshell, shallowing is considered the masturbation technique that can dramatically intensify female sexual pleasure. Believe it or not, you may have already been finding pleasure by (strong emphasis) lightly stimulating the entrance of your vagina during solo play or play with your partner. Shallowing means lightly entering the vagina with just the tip of the penis or fingers or leveraging the tongue or toy at the vaginal entrance, which has specific nerve endings causing mind-blowing sensations.  Best of all, this technique is specific to women. Finally!

For more information, please do visit : www.lelo.com

CATAN® - The Official Cookbook

Have you ever played CATAN? 

I have not and I wasn’t sure what the game was all

About but I had to check it out. Turns out it’s actually a really fun game of strategy!

• STRATEGY GAME: Trade, build and settle the Island of CATAN in this addictively fun strategy game previously called Settlers of CATAN. Players control their own civilization and look to spread across a modular hex board in a competition for victory points. 
• FUN GAME WITH COUNTLESS REPLAY OPPORTUNITIES: The completely variable board provides great value through nearly limitless replayability. You will never have to play the same game twice. Looking for new adventures? Try CATAN expansions (Note: Expansions require CATAN base game to play). 
• BUILD AND/OR JOIN A COMMUNITY: Whether you play as a family, a board game group, or via video conference as you stay at home, CATAN is a social game that provides plenty of opportunities for player interaction. You may even find yourself exploring the exciting world of CATAN tournaments 
• MINUTES TO LEARN AND A LIFETIME TO EXPLORE: The basics of CATAN can be learned in just minutes, but it offers enough depth to remain compelling as you explore strategies and tactics for years to come 
• NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This family and adult board game can be played with 3 or 4 players. We also offer CATAN extension packs for 5-6 players as separate items. The average playtime is 60 minutes.

Now there is an amazing cookbook you can incorporate into your game nights of CATAN! The recipes are all very easy and super delicious. They are kept true to the game and very rustic. Make your next CATAN night special with recipes you can create before hand or with your guests! 

Embark on a culinary adventure with the first-ever official CATAN® cookbook–the perfect companion to your next game night.

Welcome, adventurers! The hexes of CATAN lie before you. The promise of abundant resources, development cards, and victory points are close at hand. But all good Catanians need a good meal before they can build strong settlements and grand cities.

With CATAN® - The Official Cookbook, fans of Klaus Teuber’s iconic game can now fuel up while road building and negotiating trades. From snack-worthy appetizers to feast-level entrees, this cookbook includes fun and easy-to-make recipes inspired by the game like:

• Over-Knight Oats
• Chicken under a Brick
• Ear of Plenty Corn Dip
• Robber’s Discard Delight
• Rocky Road Cookies
• Desert (Prickly Pear) Margaritas
• And more!

Packed with beautiful photos, iconic artwork, and fan references, this book is the perfect gift for longtime Catanians or beginning gamers. Gather your friends, family, and fellow explorers and bring your favorite game to life through food.

Cook. Eat. Play.