Nicole Guappone
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Rolling Stone,
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Articles by Nicole Guappone
Strange Bedfellas Monster Toys are for the Creature Connoisseur
Eds. Note: This piece was originally published on April 7, 2023, and we’re republishing it today as spooky szn begins (and some of y’all are searching for it). Enjoy! Rebellious readers, this month I have a review that is long overdue. For about five years, I have been using and loving toys from Strange Bedfellas, a Texas-based independent toy company that creates absolutely gorgeous, creative fantasy toys.
Sex Toy Reviews Archives
Rebellious readers, this month I have a review that is long overdue. For about five years, I have been using and loving toys from Strange Bedfellas, a Texas-based independent toy company that creates absolutely gorgeous, creative fantasy toys. While many that I’ll be talking about were sent to me for review, I’ve also purchased some […]
A Journey Into Kink-Aware Therapy
This essay originally published in online magazine Femsplain on July 29, 2015 Everybody has a secret world inside of them... no matter how dull and boring they are on the outside. Inside them they've all got unimaginable, magnificent, wonderful, stupid, amazing worlds. - Neil Gaiman, "The Sandman, Vol 5: A Game of You" * I've changed out of my street clothes and exited the bathroom. My partner takes my hand and leads me to the private room in the back of the dungeon. I am nervous. I am here.
Our Feminist Review of Runi's Play Primer Sex Serum
Rebellious readers, I come back with a bang — just in time for Valentine’s Day. Hands down, one of my favorite new products over the last year is Runi’s Play Primer Sex Serum. It’s been awhile since I discovered a lube that I love so much, and the most exciting part is that things I’ve loved from other lubes in the past (CBD, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid) can ALL be found in this little red bottle. I thought it was too good to be true and I really didn’t know what to expect.
Get Listed in the 2020 Rebellious Gift Guide for Freeeee
Usually around this time, Team Rebellious is contacting our beloved advertisers to sponsor our annual gift guide, and making writing assignments to our team of fabulous Rebelles. But 2020 isn’t a usual year. And businesses—especially those closest to our feminist hearts—need to get their products, services, and amazingness in front of customers, not another sales pitch. So we’re making all of the listings in this year’s gift guide free. Yep, free. No strings attached. No hidden fees.
Feminist Reviews of Sex Toys: The Mother Interior by Hole Punch Toys
It’s been quite awhile since I acquired the Mother Interior from Hole Punch Toys. They’ll be the first to tell you they serve up their toys with a side of irreverence—it’s more about the aesthetics and the artistry than the usability. Exhibit A: Mother Interior, a dildo molded to look like a somewhat abstract, but very shapely nun. As former Catholic schoolgirl, I drooled over the Mother Interior for probably two years before I finally took the plunge.
Getting to Know Your “New Normal”: Tips for Sex When You Have Pelvic Pain
It can be incredibly frustrating when a part of the body we strongly associate with, and expect to give us, pleasure ends up causing us chronic pain. If you have chronic pelvic pain, what do you do if you want to get sexual with yourself or someone else? How can you be physically intimate if you’re in pain? How do you talk to your partners? If it starts hurting, should you stop? For the last couple of years, I’ve experienced pelvic pain and painful sex.
The We-Vibe Moxie: A Panty Vibe That’s Actually Worth a Damn
Darling Nikki is back with a doozy of a review. We-Vibe, a popular sex toy manufacturer known for its successful “couples toys” recently launched its latest creation: Moxie, the “panty vibe.” Customers would frequently ask for panty vibes at Early to Bed, and staff always had to tell them that there were no panty vibes in existence (that we knew of) that were actually worth a damn. That is, until Moxie came along. Moxie is a small (3 in.
Twitter Can't Stop Talking About Melania Trump's New Blonde Hair
FLOTUS has lightened up — and we’re not talking her sense of humor. First Lady Melania Trump has dyed her signature caramel-accented hair full-blown blonde. Mrs. Trump unveiled the new hue during an interview with Sean Hannity on Wednesday on her husband's favorite TV network, Fox News. Mrs. Trump wore her hair straight with just a little bit of beachy texture to it for the occasion.
Deciem Is Relaunching The Ordinary at Sephora in January 2019 — Yes, Really
This past April, it was rumored that Deciem — the parent company of skin-care brands The Ordinary and Niod — would be leaving Sephora for Ulta. Deciem never made it to Ulta, though, and in early June, it was announced suddenly that it would no longer be sold at Sephora due to "a change in direction" from Deciem, according to a spokesperson for the retail giant. However, in news announced today, Deciem's The Ordinary is heading back to Sephora in January 2019.
Herbal Essences’ New Sulfate-Free Shampoos Just Received a Major Honor From the EWG
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit organization that, in its own words, "empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment." That includes a significant focus on ingredients in self-care and beauty products like sunscreen, which the group rates according to its safety criteria in an annual guide.
U by Kotex Sleek Tampons Recalled Over Reports of Product Unraveling Inside Vaginas
Tampon users, you may want to check your medicine cabinet to check what you're currently using, because Kimberly-Clark announced this week that it's recalling U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, Regular Absorbency.
I Tried the Hyped-Up Wearable That Promises to Relieve Pain During Sex
For the better part of the last year, my vagina has been totally out of commission with regard to penetration. This is not due to choice, but rather because of hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition that causes chronic pain. In other words, my pelvic floor muscles were too tight and in continuous spasm. It sucked. This means that PIV sex (penis-in-vagina, or vaginal, sex), insertable sex toys, and other sexual activity involving my vagina has been off limits.
A CBD Brand Is Finally Acknowledging the Bitter History of Its Booming Industry
It seems as though it might be hard to improve upon the benefits of CBD, which research indicates may include improved sleep, increased immune function, the relief of chronic pain, and more, but the release of Not Pot's CBD gummies has managed to raise the bar.
Why Orgasms Matter Way Less Than You Think
“Did you come?” Most of us have either uttered or heard these words post-coitus. In the early days of my sexual adventures, there were many times I’d answer that question enthusiastically for my lovers, even if it wasn’t the truth. I’d lie about having an orgasm because I wanted my partners to know that I’d had fun with them and felt pleasure and I didn’t think they’d understand that if they knew I hadn’t come.
People Are Using Zinc to Treat Their Acne — But Does It Actually Work?
We've seen a lot of interesting acne treatments — some of which dermatologist are quick to call BS on. But using zinc for acne, often a subject of debate on skin-care blogs, is a somewhat debatable acne treatment even among dermatologists. How does zinc treat acne? There are two ways zinc could potentially treat acne: orally via supplement or topically in a cream or serum. It's the topical treatment that you tend to see starting conversations in skin-care blogs.
Versatile Sex Toys for Pelvic Pain
Darling Nikki is Rebellious Magazine’s resident sex toy reviewer. While she writes her reviews from the perspective of a cisgender woman, she wants to remind her readers that any sex toy can be for any body! I know, it’s been awhile, but pelvic pain can seriously slow down one’s sex toy reviewing process! My last two installments of Darling Nikki were about internal and external sex toys that worked for me while I was in treatment for hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction.
When Health Dictates Fashion
I used to live in jeans. I had about five pairs, all a little different, that I could throw on with a top and dress up or dress down. It was easy, which is how I always preferred my fashion. That was before I started experiencing pelvic pain. Last fall was the beginning of a months-long battle that started with a yeast infection and UTI. I was diagnosed with a hypertonic (tight) pelvic floor and was in pelvic floor physical therapy for twelve weeks.
Experiencing Sexual Pleasure When You Have Pelvic Pain
During my first visit with my physical therapist, one of the first questions I asked her was, “Can I still have orgasms?” I’m a 20-something-year-old woman in a long-term relationship who writes about sex, reviews sex toys, and works in a sex shop—and for months, I couldn’t have penetrative sex. Last fall, I started experiencing pelvic pain that took the form of painful intercourse, frequent urination and urgency, and a general feeling of heaviness in my pelvic region.
Can An Intimate Wearable Change The Conversation About Sex?
Can An Intimate Wearable Change The Conversation About Sex?Via OhnutThe Ohnut wants to take the shame out of painful sex. Is a product all it takes? N aturally a conversation starter, entrepreneur Emily Sauer and I chat on the phone one afternoon having the conversation she’s spent years wanting to have. One that was difficult to start, even for her. For 10 years, Sauer…
Experiencing Sexual Pleasure When You Have Pelvic Pain
I’m a 20-something-year-old woman in a long-term relationship who writes about sex, reviews sex toys, and works in a sex shop—and for months, I couldn’t have penetrative sex. Last fall, I started experiencing pelvic pain that took the form of painful intercourse, frequent urination and urgency, and a general feeling of heaviness in my pelvic region. This pain even extended to my upper thighs, kept me up at night, and had a significant impact on my emotional and mental health.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Finding Sex Toys that Work for Me: Part 2
Darling Nikki is Rebellious Magazine’s resident sex toy reviewer. While she writes her reviews from the perspective of a cisgender woman, she wants to remind her readers that any sex toy can be for any body! Last month, this column focused on clitoral toys that work for me while I deal with pelvic floor dysfunction. I have learned a lot about my body through pelvic floor physical therapy.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Finding Sex Toys that Work for Me
Darling Nikki is Rebellious Magazine’s resident sex toy reviewer. While she writes her reviews from the perspective of a cisgender woman, she wants to remind her readers that any sex toy can be for any body! I had planned on writing something up last month for Valentine’s Day, but February is short and sometimes life has other plans for you.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside: A Curated Collection of Toys to Keep You Warm
Darling Nikki is Rebellious Magazine’s resident sex toy reviewer. While she writes her reviews from the perspective of a cisgender woman, she wants to remind her readers that any sex toy can be for any body! I’m sitting in my living room under a blanket as the snow continues to fall outside my window. It’s wintertime in Chicago, which means it’s so cold that if you go outside, your face hurts.
My Bathroom Was My Sanctuary
When I moved, my bathroom became my sanctuary. Sinking down into a deep, hot bath and turning on the jets was a centering experience. The ritual of running the water, pouring myself a glass of Perrier (I rarely drink), choosing a book in case I felt like reading… it was a luxury I’d never had before. Which is why the first bath I took in my new bathroom didn’t feel right. I felt like I didn’t deserve it, that it was too good to be true.
Rebellious Gift Guide 2017
Welcome to Chicago’s Most Rebellious Gift Guide! We’re thrilled to share gift ideas for the feminists on your list from some of our favorite women-owned and feminist-friendly Chicago shops. With locally made goodies this good, you have no reason to order all of your gifts this year from that mammoth online retailer whose name rhymes with Glamazon.
'Vibrator Nation': Inside the Rise of Women-Run Sex Shops
It's white, about twelve inches long with a bulbous head and a couple of buttons, and it became an icon of sexual liberation in the 1970s. It's the Hitachi Magic Wand and, though it's name has since changed, it's still one of the most popular vibrators on the market today, available in brightly-lit boutique sex-toy stores across the country. Forty years ago, women bought their "personal massagers" at the local department stores, hoping the sales clerk wasn't going to give them a dirty look.
Why Animated Porn Is Low-Key the Only Porn Worth Watching
When you think of cartoon or animated porn, there’s a good chance the first thing that comes to mind is a boulder-breasted anime girl or an x-rated My Little Pony. It’s also possible that when you picture the average consumer of porn like this, you imagine a basement-dwelling single dude who plays a lot of RPGs. I am not that person, though I do almost exclusively consume animated porn.
The Many Sides of International Sex Educator Midori
Midori talks in aphorisms. I realized this about halfway through one of her classes, “The Art of Feminine Dominance,� while I was taking notes, and almost every note was an aphorism. So few words, so much meaning: “By dominating someone, you may be able to help someone else free themselves to be themselves.� And, “Without light, we can’t see. Without darkness, there is no depth.�
BDSM: Top Or Bottom? A Feminist Can Be Either
Sometimes, it takes us a while to accept ourselves for who we are. As a feminist, I was hesitant to fully embrace my kink identity. I say “identity” because that’s what it is for me. In BDSM, there are those some of us call “hobbyists” (who do BDSM “on the side” or “just for fun” or “to spice things up”) and there are those for whom BDSM/kink is more of a lifestyle, or (some say) orientation than a hobby. None of these reasons for doing kink is more valid than another.
How a "Princess Diaries" message board introduced me to feminism
Ten years ago, The Wall Street Journal quoted me about my love of author Meg Cabot’s books. I started reading The Princess Diaries when I was fourteen years old, and I was already a fan of the film. Two years after Disney’s big screen version, I devoured all of the Princess Diaries books that had been released — the first four volumes — I and followed the series until the final book was released in 2009.
Why Isn’t Pornography Part Of Sex Education For Teens?
Why Isn’t Pornography Part Of Sex Education For Teens? "Educating students about pornography can give them the tools to watch it thoughtfully, conscientiously, and with an awareness of its flaws." A few months ago, writer and mother Ayelet Waldman tweeted her praise for Peggy Orenstein’s recently released book, Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape. Then she asked her followers: “What are some non-misogynist porn sites to recommend to teens?�
Why Isn’t Pornography Part Of Sex Education For Teens? - The Establishment
A few months ago, writer and mother Ayelet Waldman tweeted her praise for Peggy Orenstein’s recently released book, Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape. Then she asked her followers: “What are some non-misogynist porn sites to recommend to teens?” I tweeted at Waldman with a few suggestions: Erika Lust, Tristan Taormino, and Stoya, women who have been labeled as feminist, queer, or “ethical” pornographers.
'Locally Made Panties' Is The Feminist Book I Didn't Know I Needed: BUST Review
The cover of Arielle Greenberg’s Locally Made Panties is delightfully audacious. It’s a photograph from 1975 of a woman with the Farrah Fawcett flip, reclining on a bed, legs spread. She wears a white tank and pulls her white panties up by the waist and against her vulva, giving us a peek at her pubic hair. Locally Made Panties is a collection of essays detailing Greenberg’s fraught relationship with her feminism and her obsession with clothes, body image, and consumerism.
Why Yoga and BDSM Are More Similar Than You'd Think
I recently realized that the benefits I get from practicing yoga—peace, energy, strength—I also get from another activity: BDSM. With yoga, when I hit the mat, nothing else matters. I am no longer a student, I don’t have homework or responsibilities. I just go through the motions, shift poses as I breathe in and out, move my body, push it further.
Writer Jillian Keenan On Spanking, Shakespeare, And Privacy: BUST Interview
Jillian Keenan wants us to talk, and she wants to put the conversation in motion with her memoir, Sex With Shakespeare: Here’s Much to Do with Pain, But More with Love. In 2012, by way of a New York Times Modern Love essay, Keenan, a journalist, outed herself as a spanking fetishist. It took her years to come to terms with this innate part of her sexuality and she did it with the help of the Bard.
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