The Bedroom Picnic Basket

Because we all deserve a sex marathon every now and again

By Nick Krewen

Okay, so it's been awhile, and you're really, really horny and ready to suit up and play your own personal role of McLovin. Between work, social, travel, deadlines and other commitments, you haven't had the time to jump the bones of your pelvic affiliate, let alone think about her. But, there is a day not too far on the horizon whereby you and your lover's schedules will intertwine with some much deserved time off, which can only mean one thing: marathon time!

We're not talking simple roll-in-the-hay, now-hand-me-the-remote snuggling time, because you have the occasional evening for that. No, we're in National Geographic mode: hours upon hours of lying in bed, lingering, exploring, stimulating and engaging in expedition-style sex, whether it's searching for hot spots or mapping out territory. To ensure it's not just another day in the bedroom for you and your partner, you need to come prepared...with the perfect bedroom picnic basket.

There's a lot of intimacy associated with the picnic basket. However, the basket we're proposing is much more naughty than the ones Yogi and his faithful sidekick Boo Boo tried to pilfer under the watchful eye of Ranger Smith -- although the container within should definitely hold some sort of edible allure.

But this is a good way to add some novelty in the relationship, says relationship columnist Josey Vogels, author of Bedside Manners: Sex Etiquette Made Easy. "I think it's a fun idea," Vogels says. "I think anything that one does as a couple to create occasion around sex is good, especially when you've been together a long time and things are predictable. Also, it forces you to take time out and focus on each other and exercise your intimacy muscles."

Of course, you'll be exercising muscles other than your intimacy, and to make your sexual sojourn so much more enjoyable, Vogels suggest a number of items with which to fill your basket. "Toys, lube, maybe a book of erotic stories, a sexy movie if you're both comfortable with that, champagne with nice glasses, ripe strawberries or any sexy fruit to feed each other," Vogels suggests. "You could also throw in a blindfold and a variety of textured household items -- a feather, hairbrush, loofah -- so you can surprise your partner with different sensations by brushing these on his or her skin while blindfolded."

Hmm, sounds like it's time to go on a shopping spree. So Lavalife headed down to Aren't We Naughty's Pickering, Ontario location, where store manager Paula Cicogni recommended a number of products to surprise, entertain and dazzle your lover. Remember that old adage, different strokes for different folks?

"It is definitely the call of each individual couple," Cicogni begins. "But I'd say one clitoral vibe for external pleasure, a cleaner, a good lubricant, condoms -- which we always recommend. Some people like to get into bondage and a bit of game play -- and massage oil is always a must. So, there are definitely many products that can be used for external stimulation." And if relieving that bulge in your pants is predicated on budget, no worries: Average prices of most compact sensual toys and products peak at around the $30 range. "If you're putting a basket together, you want to look for some lower-priced but high-quality items," Cicogni says, adding, "things that could be used for either him or her."

One of Cicogni's favorite devices is the Frisky Finger. "The Frisky Finger is definitely one of our best-selling products, the reason being is that it can be used for him or her and can be used externally as well," she explains. "It vibrates, has three different speeds and is waterproof, which is really important for cleaning. It's very durable and compact for travel." Cicogni says the Frisky Finger can also be used for simple back massage and temple massage if you're seeking added stress alleviation, but if you happen to be in bed enjoying your partner you're probably looking for another kind of relief that the instrument -- which is also available in a tri-finger design -- will surely help you discover.

For pleasuring him -- and in turn, pleasuring her -- Cicogni recommends the Cosmic Cock Ring. "It's the same idea as the Frisky Finger -- it gives you three different speeds and is waterproof and also very good during intercourse," Cicogni says. "It's going to stimulate the partner as well as the person wearing the ring."

For the couple that wants to try a little light bondage or fetishism, Cicogni advises Pleasure Tape ("It's like duct tape, but it doesn't stick to your skin"), furry love cuffs and any combination of whips, crops and cattails to exercise your inner Ray Davies. (Get it? He's a Kink.)

Maybe you just want a little rubdown. Well, how about an edible rubdown? The Kama Sutra line of Oil of Love massage oils, including the warming massage oil, is something you can mutually apply and then lick off each other a few minutes later. "This is an amazing product," raves Cicogni. "It's water-based, so it's not going to stain your sheets as an oil would. And it doesn't get too hot, so it's not going to burn. It's very edible all-natural ingredients. Our most popular flavor would be strawberries and champagne." Raspberry, cherry almond, tangerine and vanilla cream are also available flavors but, truly, what would sensual life be like without a little chocolate?

For those not crazy about oils, there's the chocolate Body Soufflé. "If you don't like the oil consistency but you want more of a cream, something you would get at the Body Shop, but flavored, this is definitely the way to go," Cicogni says. "It also comes in vanilla, mint and strawberry cream, and anyone that smells it will find that it smells like pudding. It's very nice stuff if you're a chocolate or vanilla person."

Toys, vibrators, edible treats -- and we haven't even gotten into flavored condoms, games or other erotic accoutrements that can be utilized for hours of enjoyment. So bring on that snow day! Indulge yourself with that sick day! A world of premium pleasure awaits you, yours and your special picnic basket. Just remember to take your time, have fun, play safe and engage in some refreshing spontaneity. "The goal of this exercise is to add an element of fun and surprise and playfulness to your sex life," asserts author Vogels. "Go into it openly, without judgment and with a sense of fun, and pretty much anything goes."

Decadence awaits!