Dear Bambi,

I have been reading your columns with much interest and intend to follow some of your suggestions for improving my love life. I would love to visit one of "those" stores and purchase some items for myself and my husband, but I am too embarrassed. Can you offer any alternatives?

Experimenting in Edmonton

Well "Experimenting"!!! How truly WONDERFUL for you and your man! An exciting and satisfying relationship must be worked on. As natural as it may be, sometimes it needs a little push in new and different directions! 

Intimacy is just that, INTIMATE, as in private and personal, but do not be embarrassed about your new-found desires. As you grow more comfortable with your experimentations, your inhibitions will positively disappear! 

In the meantime, let me delve into Bambi's Book of Tried and True Temptations and see what I can do for you........

My first suggestion: MAIL ORDER! Honey, get thee to some catalogs!!!! There is EVERYTHING available to you out there! The best part??? Everything arrives in a PBW (plain brown wrapper for you poor uninitiated souls). Open theirs and SHED YOURS!  And believe it or not, there are tasteful, discreet, adult oriented websites (NO, not porn)  that offer a variety of items you can choose from in the privacy of your own home.  (You can even find wonderful items at drugstore.com!  Try the Kama Sutra Weekender Kit!  Small, discreet, yet packed with items like Honey Dust, Pleasure Balm, Massage Oil and a Feather Brush!  Only $22.00)

If you are still too embarrassed to even order from a catalog or website, try this....

My second suggestion: EDIBLES YOU CAN CREATE AT HOME! Confiscate the kids' Fruit Roll-Ups!! Break out the scissors!! Measure, cut and stick your way to some absolutely lip-smackin' lingerie. My personal favorite? Papaya panties with a matching Banana bra! 

Book Store Love:  That's right, there is an entire section of your local bookstore dedicated to your lovelife.  Whether you are looking to unravel the mysteries behind male/female differences with Men Are From Mars & Women Are From Venus, or are wanting to expand your horizontal horizons with the time tested Kama Sutra, you will find authors delving into every aspect of the erotic.  A great one to look for is 101 Great Nights of Sex.  Containing 101 road maps to original scenarios, set ups and lovemaking, each one is sealed with a titillating title and the words "For His Eyes Only" or "For Her Eyes Only".  The idea is that each of you rip out a section, and once it is removed from the book, you are committed to setting the stage and following the instructions inside for a romantic escapade with your partner. 

and finally, "Experimenting",

My third suggestion: VIEW YOUR GROCERY STORE AS YOUR OWN "EROTIC" BOUTIQUE! Now, you're NOT embarrassed to go grocery shopping are you???? GOOD! I recommend extensive browsing in such areas as cooking oils, sundae toppings, aerosol whipped cream and, without a doubt, chocolate! 

One other item to look for would be Suggestive Dice!  One die has "places", the other has "positions"!  Roll the dice for a new "roll in the hay"!  They are available in Novelty Stores or online at Red Envelope.com!

I hope these suggestions will get you well on your way to some sensually-satisfying sessions with your man! Have fun and see you next week right here at Sanity Central!