In 2 Days! Ladies Night Out: Exploring Female Orgasm

Just 1 day left to register! After our chat with Cheryl Sloane of G Boutique, we got a call from Michelle Herzog, MSMFT about her upcoming event at G Boutique. We were already set to feature the event and now there's even more of a reason. Michelle Herzog explains more why she's leading an event on female orgasm and why you must attend! RSVP directly here.

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Female Orgasm: It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination.

Female orgasm is something I have become very passionate about in the past few months. In preparation for a workshop I am giving in early November at G Boutique in Chicago, I began researching the female orgasm and all of its glory. What did I find? A Lot.

As a clinician, I see a variety of people who experience difficulty with intercourse and orgasm. In the U.S., we are taught a traditional model of intercourse, which frames sex as an activity and orgasm as the final goal. Think of this model as a game.

A game with a beginning, middle and end. Maybe a little bit of foreplay to start the game off right, throw in some intercourse when the players are ready, and by the end, everyone orgasms and calls it a night. Sound familiar?

It is my belief that how we feel and treat our sex lives should not be based on a standard (and very limited) way of thinking. Sex is fluid and different for everyone. Whether you orgasm or not, experiencing pleasure and connection with your partner or on your own can be a very powerful part of your sexual journey. I believe people can have fulfilling and amazing sex lives without the pressure of orgasm hanging over their heads. This is hard for people to hear because of how we are socialized to think about sex. Being open to new ways of thinking about and exploring sex are the first steps towards new levels of pleasure and excitement in the bedroom.

In my upcoming workshop, I will be inviting women to think outside the traditional box of what sex “should” look like. I will be educating about the different aspects of female orgasm, including the G-Spot and female ejaculation. Other topics include masturbation, mindful sex and orgasm-inducing techniques. Cheryl Sloane, the owner of G Boutique, will be demonstrating and educating about orgasm friendly products throughout the presentation. This is sure to be a fun and female friendly night out! More details can be found below.

Where: G Boutique 2131 N. Damen Ave. Chicago
When: Monday, November 5th at 7:15pm
Cost: $20.00
RSVP: Registration required. Please visit here to RSVP.

More about Michelle:

Michelle Herzog, MSMFT, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in adult individual, couple and sex therapy. Michelle received her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePaul University in Chicago. Michelle is a staff therapist at the Center for Mindful Living, a boutique group practice specializing in the confidential treatment of sexual constraints. Learn more about Michelle at the Center for Mindful Living.

See the map below for G Boutique below.

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Podcast! Cheryl Sloane on Pleasing Your Partner & Owning Your Sexuality

G boutique opened in Chicago in 2002 as a lingerie and sex toy shop owned and operated by women, for women. Ten years later, it is one of the city's premier boutiques for selling top-notch products in an environment that is both comforting and empowering for women. At GetLusty, we're all about taking control of your own sexuality, so we caught up with owner Cheryl Sloane and recorded it for your listening pleasure. Here's what she had to say:

More on what we talked about:

• Why the need for a shop like G Boutique? According to Cheryl, "To create an environment that promotes sexual education and a place where women can feel comfortable buying anything they needed for sex and romance."
• Her advice to newer couples who are still getting to know each other? Take time to find out what pleases your significant other and learn about them — while orgasms are great, there is more to a healthy relationship than just climaxing!
• Having difficulty achieving an orgasm with your partner? There may be lingering emotional, biological and physical factors involved, but relaxation and communication are key, Cheryl believes.
• What are Cheryl's recommendations for couples looking to keep things fresh and exciting? If you have an interest in something, research it and get the information first before discussing it with your partner, so you can have an educated conversation and explore those secret fantasies together. (Hint, hint — Check out GetLusty!)

More about Cheryl:

Born and raised in Chicago, Cheryl Sloane lived and worked in Bucktown in Chicago for 15 years before opening g boutique. Here's how it happened: Cheryl and (former co-owner) Kari wanted to write erotic fiction. 

After many brunches they got this crazy idea that Chicago wanted a boutique where women would feel comfortable buying everything they need for romance. Without a retail background, Cheryl called upon her theatre friends to help design a comfortable boutique where people would enjoy shopping. G boutique was always imagined as a place to build and support community. That was in 2002. Now, ten years later, she is thrilled to be helping people explore their intimate relationships in a safe, friendly environment. Connect with Cheryl and the g boutique staff on their website, on Facebook and Twitter @gboutique, or visit G Boutique, located at 2131 North Damen in Chicago, Illinois.

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5 Surprise Places to Have Crazy Apartment Sex

You might not be surprised the bed is included in this list. Yeah, OK, so it's pretty usual. But how about some additions? Have you really made the most of your apartment for sex, lately? GetLusty for Couples' Bethany Kibblesmith is here talking about making the most of your humble abode.

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We’ve already covered having wonderful ideas for having sex in your kitchen in depth, but there are plenty of other places, in even the tiniest of apartments, to get it on. Let's explore a few places in your apartment you kind try out. Think missionary position in your bedroom is getting a little stale? Check out these rooms... I dare you!

#1 The Bed (Duh.)

The tried-and-true. The go-to. And, depending on the size of your place, perhaps the only comfortable, if not disturbingly multi-functional, surface. However: don’t discount this furniture workhorse as been-there-done-that boring. Have you hung over the edge while being entered from behind? Been tied to the posts and teased mercilessly? Engaged with such raw passion the sheets were damp, torn and/or in a heap on the floor? Used the edge as leverage; the headboard for torque?

Maybe it’s time to shoo the cat, hide the magazines, change the sheets (or don’t) and sexplore.

#2 Closets

There’s something inherently naughty about doing it in a small, dark space amid winter coats and cocktail dresses. How about pretending you’re at a party and the house is full of guests? Sneak in, shut the door and cover your mouths so no one will hear you (wink). A closet can also be a boon for those into BDSM. Put the winter coats and cocktail dresses elsewhere and tie your lover to the bar. Shut the door while they squirm and you plan your loving torture.

#3 Bathroom 

Before you say “eww”, remember: this is where the shower is. The bathtub. The edge of the bathtub. The strategically placed medicine cabinet mirror. While it’s true natural lubrication can lose some of its slickness in water.

Who’s to say you can’t stash a bottle of lube amongst the shampoo and conditioner? Have a sensual, exploratory bath? Or try the tub dry and enjoy rinsing off the fruits of your labor afterward. What about erotically soaping each other’s genitals with something gentle and organic then revisiting #1?

Being clean is a must for anal play and oral sex, so respect the erotic oasis that is your bathroom and get busy.

#4 The Laundry Room 

While technically not a part of the apartment (unless you’ve got a fancy in-unit thing going on), a shared laundry room can be tremblingly thrilling. But it is not for the faint of heart. In light of the distinct possibility of neighbors walking in, the laundry room is for those who enjoy flirting with being caught. Still with me? Let's proceed.

Like kitchen counters, washers and dryers are (usually) a good height for serious penetration - with the added bonus of, should you invest a few quarters, rhythmic motion. Don't discount the folding table. Sundry props (never use anyone else's belongings). Or your storage unit, if you have one (aspects of #3 are applicable).

Proceed with caution! Should you be discovered, there could be serious consequences. No fooling. Should you get away with it, however, it could become a powerful bonding experience you’ll reminisce about for years.

#5 The Balcony

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a balcony. But here in Chicago, they are aplenty. For some of the less private models, or those on the ground floor, you'll have to get creative. Why not use the feeling of being exposed to induce a delicious sense of danger while knowing at any time you can rush back in to #1, #2 or #3?

Kick back, have a glass of wine and quietly talk dirty to each other while people pass on the street. Or how about wearing a skirt sans panties and allowing your lover a long look when the coast is clear? A strategically placed garment can increase your opportunities to push the boundaries a bit farther. Hand jobs, anyone? Or why not experiment with orgasm denial?

If you’re fortunate enough to have a private balcony, get out there! Open air and a healthy streak of exhibitionism can be extremely erotic. Drag out a sleeping bag and make like your camping. Lean coquettishly over the edge as if the neighborhood is the most interesting thing you’ve seen all day and let your lover secretly finger you. For those without balconies, don’t fret: why not apply a few of the suggestions in front of a window or two?

Stay tuned for the next installment of apartment sex. We’ll explore props-around-the-house and how to put your furniture to good use!

This is a post by Bethany Kibblesmith. She's passionate about keeping it sexy inside and outside the bedroom in her own relationship and in yours!

Bethany is twenty-two and an English major. When she isn't scrambling to finish homework, she's spending time with her boyfriend, reading, doing yoga or cooking. She enjoys the finer things in life like, secondhand clothes, warm showers and socks without holes. She writes plays when she isn't writing for school or GetLusty. And if you meet her she will, without question, make a sex joke at some point. Have questions? Email her at Editorial@GetLusty.com!

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