Newsletter No. 3: WINTER 1998

Introduction

Okay, we can't deny it anymore, winter is on its way. The bad news: it's getting cold outside. The good news: we spent our summer thinking of super hot things to do this winter (actually it was really just hot things to do over the summer, but we got so busy that most of our ideas didn't see the light of day till now). So here's our winter newsletter complete with great gift ideas for the holidays and more. And remember: if to give is better than to receive, make sure you buy at least one thing for yourself this winter - that way everyone's happy!

Wow, we're number #2! Not much makes us blush, but we turned a lovely shade of crimson when Come As You Are was voted runner-up of the best sex toy store in Toronto by NOW magazine readers. Thanks to all of you who picked us as your favourite! 

Movies have arrived at Come As You Are! Looking for something to heat up the call to hibernation this winter? Want something to watch after It's a Wonderful Life is over? Well look no further than Come As You Are. We've started a video library of movies for rent and sale. Everything from educational tapes to catch you up on the latest tricks to straight-out, heart-stopping smut to art house erotica (and at least one very funny adaptation of a Shakespearean play). We're starting small but hopefully there will be a little for everyone. Come by and check out our selection. And we're always looking for more titles, so if there's something you're looking for, let us know.

In our last newsletter, we reported the intense interest that has been greeting The Ethical Slut at COME AS YOU ARE. We invited enthusiasts to let us know what they wanted to see in the way of an event around this topic of non-monogamy. We're happy to say that a whole lot of people took us up and offered their thoughts. We've been talking to several folks - both here in Toronto and in San Francisco - to conduct a series of non-monogamy workshops. Whatever the case, it'll be geared towards all of us who are interested in exploring and pursuing non-monogamy. We'll keep you posted and please continue to offer your suggestions!

Books

Erotic art has the potential to provoke, delight, startle and inspire. Here are just a few COME AS YOU ARE titles to do just that. For 15 years, Grace Lau has explored gender identity, masquerade and voyeurism. This has led her to male strip shows for women, s/m dungeons, the parlour room of a cross-dresser - among other places. A collection of her photos is the subject of Adults in Wonderland, and features 70 black-and-white photos and 30 colour photos by this British photographer.

I Am My Lover features the work of six photographers on the subject of women's masturbation. A series of photographs of each of the twelve women is prefaced by her own words on what self-pleasuring means to her. An inspiring and evocative collection edited by the inimitable Joani Blank. Containing over 200 pages of lush eroticism in black-and-white photos, short stories and poems, Erotic By Nature is a celebration of sensual and sexual pleasures. Focussing on playful and intimate aspects of sexuality, editor David Steinberg has brought together work that speaks to a profound sense of reshaping the ways in which erotic material is represented. This collection contains over 120 photographs and the work of 36 women and 25 men, ranging from 30 to 73 years of age. A classic. 
Adults in Wonderland (pb) 40.00
I Am My Lover (pb) 35.50
Erotic By Nature (hc) 64.00

Pillow books, originating in Japan, were traditional gifts exchanged between lovers. Full of erotic instruction and amusement, they were kept in lacquered wooden "pillows." Erotic gift books have equally been part of tradition in China and India. There are now a number of printed books that have taken there inspiration from the traditional pillow book. Our selection at COME AS YOU ARE includes Kama Sutra, Tantra, Japanese Art of Love, Sacred Sex, Lesbian Pillow Book, Gay Pillow Book, and Butch/Femme. In addition to their history, their small size and lavish illustrations make these modern pillow books ideal gifts year-round.
"pillow books" 11.00 - 17.00

Toys

We're spicing up our first winter with a series of great new kits that save you time and money in your search for the perfect gift this holiday season.

Anal Pleasure Kit
It's been derided, demonized, and made downright dirty, but we still wanted to salute one of our favourite ways to play with this beginners' kit. All the ingredients for a fun and safe introduction to the wonderful world of anal eroticism. Kit includes: Anal Pleasure and Health by Jack Morin, Crystal Jelly butt plug and lube. 
$35.00 

Harness Kit
This promises to be the first in a series, for those who want to strap on something extra this holiday season. Kit comes complete with an Aslan soft leather harness, Jelly-boy 7" dildo, condoms and lube - all this wrapped up in a sexy bag ideal for travelling fun! 
$90.00 

Hitachi Kit
Here's the perfect reason to give in and find out what everyone's been raving about. You get a Hitachi Magic Wand and our bestselling Hitachi attachment great for g-spot and prostate stimulation), lovingly gift-wrapped together and ready for gift giving and receiving. To top it all off, we've taken $7 off the price of the wand when you pick up the whole kit! We can't think of a better way to spend the holidays! $75.00 

Fantasy Kit
From the women at Stormy Leather, this beginners' kit is designed to let your imagination take over and go wild. Kit comes with a leather slapper, cock ring, blindfold, restraints, a feather, and a booklet full of suggestions to get you started. $60.00

Art

Currently featured on the walls of COME AS YOU ARE are new drawings (and 3 paintings) by Eli Langer (until Dec. 10). We've also got some small pieces by Fiona Smythe. Upcoming from Dec. 11 to Jan. 21, oil paintings of erotic male nudes by Joe Tatarnic; from Jan. 22 to March 5, a love story of two blow-up dolls captured by the lens of photographer Lise Beaudry.

Workshops

We're having a short hiatus in our workshop series. But don't dismay - we have many exciting plans including workshops and presentations on: TANTRIC SEX; A PLAYSHOP FOR MEN; NON-MONOGAMY. Is there a topic on which you'd like to see a workshop or other event? Suggestions are most welcome.

Events

LAURIE TOBY EDISON, erotic photographer and co-creator of Women En Large: images of fat nudes, presents photographs and readings from the book, as well as an introduction to her new project on male nudes. Join us for this exciting evening exploring issues of body image and erotic representation. Her presentation at COME AS YOU ARE is scheduled for late February.