Come As You Are December Newsletter

The Santa Scene

With the new year on the horizon, and all of the wonder of the holiday season upon us, this season holds so much promise - and so much pressure.

Whether you actively engage in the Santa-scene (and we're not referring specifically to the annual yule-log-themed fetish party) there's a whole world of expectations and ideas of how we should participate in the holiday season. Similarly, there's a whole world of ideas about how we should think about and experience sex and love - and December holds the unique designation as being the month when these ideas and expectations combine and leave a lot of us feeling a bit lost.

We have devoted an entire section of our web site to holiday shopping tips and stocking stuffer suggestions but essentially, our ideas about Christmas shopping are kind of similar to our suggestions for folks just starting out in anal play: relax, go slow, and you can't go wrong with lube!

We're probably the only retail establishment that will tell you that the most expensive gift is not necessarily the best gift. We're also probably the only sex shop around that will actually let you know that it is alright to not buy anything at all. We will never tell you what to buy, or tell you what the most 'popular' toy is. We want you to find the sex toy, book, DVD, or workshop that's right for you - not the one that was right for someone else.

We truly believe that the only good sex toy is the one that works for you (or for your partner), and sometimes the best Christmas gift is swinging by our (new) shop at 493 Queen West, perusing our website together, or checking out a workshop to create a sexy experience rather than a sexy gift.

Holiday Shopping Tips

We can't think of anything sweeter to get your sweetie for Christmas or the holidays than the kind of erotic gift that keeps on giving. Sex toys, porn, erotica collections may not be right for the family portion of your holidays, but as a secret tucked under a pillow or at the bottom of the suitcase, they're tops.

This is not to say that buying sex toys for the holidays is an easy task. Fortunately, we can help! Check out our holiday sex toy shopping tips, skip right to the $30-or-under sexy stocking stuffers, or splurge this season with a luxury sex toy!

We've moved!

After almost 15 years on West Queen West, Come As You Are recently moved on up to the Queen West neighbourhood in Toronto. Sandwiched between Queen Street's obligatory American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, the new Come As You Are is still on Queen Street West but is now just two blocks west of Spadina (on the south side of the street). Look for the blue sign! Check out the coverage and photots of our opening over at BlogTO.com!

Toys | Books | Videos | Workshops

Toys

Je Joue Fifi
Taking the rabbit genre of vibrator further than it's ever gone before, Je Joue brings us the equally glamourous and glorious Fifi. With curves for all of your favourite spots, dual motors to provide vibration inside and out, and everyone's favourite 'bunny ear' clitoral stimuation, we couldn't ask for more from Je Joue! Well, except that they've also made Fifi fully waterproof and rechargeable. The sleek silicone exterior gives Je Joue's Fifi a smooth and slippery feel, especially with a little lube! This item is currently out of stock | Learn more about Je Joue Fifi.

| $129.00

Je Joue Mio Vibrating Ring
We know Je Joue lovers are folks of all genders, but up until now, most of their sex toy genius has been focused on bringing pleasure to their female following. Finally, Je Joue has applied their skills to pleasing the guys with the Mio, our newest vibrating penis ring. Portable, discreet and rechargeable, Mio is made of body-safe silicone, comes with its own storage box, and will vibrate for hours on a single charge. Mio can also be added to any dildo or vibrator (or strap-on!) for a whole new level of fun for your old favourites. Fully waterproof. This item is currently out of stock | Learn more about Je Joue Mio Vibrating Ring.

| $99.00

Books

Bend Over Magazine
Feminism, Sexuality and Queer Art
Berlin babes come together in this cumulative magazine of art, smut, literature and queer interest to fill the void of voices from beyond the gender binary. With contributors of various nationalities, genders, ages, opinions and mediums, this mag spans the feminist spectrum, mixing art, porn, music and sex in all it's complicated amazingness. As the editors describe it, "With more practice than theory, more sex than censorship, and more subversion than advertising, our goal is to expose each other to provocative and positive representations of contemporary queer imaginations, actions, and energy." | Learn more about Bend Over Magazine.

| $10.00

Juxtapose Erotica
Juxtapose Erotica features oil based, graffiti, water-colour and graphic art depictions of nude women in various states of undress by artists such as David Choe, Audrey Kawasaki and Tomer Hanuka amongst many others. Fantastical illustrations of octopi women, bodacious babes and surreal glowing bosoms and bottoms grace the pages of this eclectic collections of erotic art. Despite the intro that attempts to make the problematic distinction between "pornography" and "erotic," this compilation of gorgeous erotic contemporary art is a must for art and erotic lovers alike. | Learn more about Juxtapose Erotica.

| $30.95

Surrender
Erotic tales of female pleasure and submission
Another hot and steamy erotica anthology edited by the prolific Rachel Kramer Bussel, Surrender features women being topped by men. While some stories are written from the perspective of the women who surrender, others are express through the eyes of those wielding the power. Sometimes daring and unexpected, like the martial arts instructor who goes beyond the usual training to teach his student about the power in submission, this collection of stories will perhaps inspire you to find the kink in you. Time for some power play, anyone? This item is currently out of stock | Learn more about Surrender.

| $16.95

The Ultimate Guide to Kink
BDSM, Role Play and the Erotic Edge
Tristan Taormino brings together the kings, queens and queers of kink in this educational-based collection of essays on power play. Learn how to get your kink-on from the likes of Patrick Califia, Madison Young, Midori, Laura Antoniou and Barbara Carrellas; from power-infused role play, spanking, flogging to anal fisting and edge play. For the old guard of the leather scene, newbie kinkster and the secretly curious, "The Ultimate Guide to Kink" leads you through the depths of pleasure and pain and leaves you with the tools, skills and safety to confidently play with power. So what you waiting for? Kink-Out! This item is currently out of stock | Learn more about The Ultimate Guide to Kink.

| $22.95

Videos

Workshops

Come As You Are Home Party
Our cooperatively owned and run sex shop makes an exciting setting for your private party, whether it be a bachelorette, birthday party, or just a get-together with friends!

We offer two hour workshops right in the privacy of your home! Your private party includes a hands-on tour of all of the latest and classic sex toys, DVDs, and books; lube/condom samples and info, and tips and suggestions on how to make the most of the toys you have. Discover the mystery of the toys you have seen and have no idea how, who or why folks would use them! We don’t claim to be sex educators but if there is one thing we do know it’s toys - so come with questions! Let us know in advance if you want to learn about specific topics and we can customize a workshop to suit your needs.

A portion of the price of the party goes directly toward a gift basket of goodies for the bride/groom/birthday folk/host.

Please add a note at checkout letting us know when you would like to host your party. Your party is not considered confirmed until you've been contacted by us, and we will refund your credit card charge if we are unable to accommodate your request. | Learn more about Come As You Are Home Party.

26 - 40 guests $475.00

up to 15 guests $275.00

16 - 25 guests $400.00

Come As You Are In-Store Home Party
Our cooperatively owned and run sex shop makes an exciting setting for your private party, whether it be a bachelorette, birthday party, or just a get-together with friends!

We offer two hour private workshops right here in our store! Your private party includes a hands-on tour of all of the latest and classic sex toys, DVDs, and books; lube/condom samples and info, and tips and suggestions on how to make the most of the toys you have. Discover the mystery of the toys you have seen and have no idea how, who or why folks would use them! We don’t claim to be sex educators but if there is one thing we do know it’s toys - so come with questions ! Let us know in advance if you want to learn about specific topics and we can customize a workshop to suit your needs.

A portion of the price of the party goes directly toward a gift basket of goodies for the bride/groom/birthday folk/host.

Please add a note at checkout letting us know when you would like your party. Your party is not considered confirmed until you've been contacted by us, and we will refund your credit card charge if we are unable to accommodate your request. | Learn more about Come As You Are In-Store Home Party.

up to 15 guests $200.00

16 - 25 guests $350.00

26 - 40 guests $400.00

Embracing Our Fantasies Workshop
With Gaia Morrissette

This interactive dynamic workshop will help you explore desires and fantasies within a supportive group atmosphere. Learn how to contextualize your experiences in today’s sexual culture while exploring the possibilities and limitations of making a desire reality. Gain skills in areas of negotiation and communication with your partner or partners. Discover the importance of letting go of fear, shame and guilt about your sexual fantasies and desires. Be inspired to grow and develop your fantasy repertoire.

When: Tuesday, June 12, 2012. 7:30 - 9:30PM
Where: Come As You Are
Cost:$30/person (Sliding Scale Available) | Learn more about Embracing Our Fantasies Workshop.

| $30.00

Fat Sex Workshop
With Courtney Trouble

A discussion-oriented sex-positive salon for folks of all sizes, Fat Sex is a safe space for fat people and our friends to talk about our bodies and desires - including topics like body positivity, self esteem politics, fetishization/ hyper-sexualization, erotica/performance, and tips, tricks, and techniques for having fat sex! This interactive workshop will not be an academic lecture, but an inclusive brainstorm session and interactive discussion about fat sex, body politics, and the 'body posi revolution!'

People of all genders and orientations welcome.

When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 7-8:30PM
Where: Come As You Are
Cost:$25/person (Sliding Scale Available) | Learn more about Fat Sex Workshop.

| $25.00

Stepping into the Scene Workshop
Navigating Kinky Sex Communities
With Andrea Zanin

Looking to explore your local or online BDSM scene, but unsure where to start? What does the BDSM scene look like and how can you move through it with grace and confidence? What BDSM events and activities are going on out there? Where do you fit into the existing public scene (and what if you don’t)? What’s it like to attend a play party? What are the rules of scene etiquette and what are the unspoken ones? How do you approach someone you’d like to play with? What’s the wisest approach for exploring new play skills in a public setting? What pitfalls should you watch out for as you find your way in a new community?

When: Monday, September 10, 2012. 7:30 - 9:30PM
Where: Come As You Are
Cost:$30/person (Sliding Scale Available) | Learn more about Stepping into the Scene Workshop.

| $30.00

The Dance of D/S Workshop
Cultivating Dominant and Submissive Body Language
With Andrea Zanin

A dominant / submissive dynamic can be a beautiful thing to experience and to watch. The flow of power between two or more people is a lot like a dance – in fact, specific physical motions and positions can lend D/s much of its flavour and beauty. This class will explore the use of body language and protocol to reinforce your dominant/submissive dynamic, focusing on grace, subtlety, confidence and attentiveness for both dominants and submissives. There will be lots of ideas to get you started on developing your own smooth dance of power. Areas we’ll cover include opening doors / walking through, kneeling / receiving kneeling, handing something over to be taken / gracefully taking, assistance with dressing and undressing, walking, sitting, waiting, voice, touch, sex and play. Great for couples and groups; solo participants are welcome.

People of all genders and orientations welcome!

When: Tuesday, April 17, 2012. 7:30 - 9:30PM
Where: Come As You Are
Cost:$30/person (Sliding Scale Available) | Learn more about The Dance of D/S Workshop.

| $30.00

Come As You Are December Newsletter

The Santa Scene

Holiday Shopping Tips

We've moved!

Toys

Books

Videos

Workshops

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