The Ultimate Professionals dating App LinkedUp

The dating world is so hard these days when you are a professional. Work tends to get in the way and many of us are over clubs and bars. But what would you say if there were a dating app strictly for professionals?

Well from me I say yippee and welcome!

LinkedIn has taken a note from the simplicity of Tinder and created a new dating app that targets professionals called LinkedUp.

Instead of using your Facebook profile like Tinder, LinkedUp uses your LinkedIn profile. This gives you the opportunity to connect through peoples social network with other professionals.

However, there seems to be some interesting opinions floating around so far about this app. One written by Rebecca Greenfield in a recent article said, “It sounds like a terrible way to find dates—not to mention a potential HR nightmare” and quotes it is a “mash up of Tinder meets LinkedIn for the dating APP of your nightmares”.

Hmmm, I can’t say she sounded impressed and I can’t say I agree with Rebecca’s sentiments.

I mean, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock the last few years, as soon as you apply for a job the recruiters are scanning social media to learn more about you prior to offering you an interview. What’s the difference between that and dating?

I know I want to check someone out first and I can tell you when someone is checking me out I prefer him or her to see the professional scrubbed version of me on LinkedIn then the casual Facebook profile.

I am a busy professional and at 40 years old I decided it was time for a career and life change. Opening an eCommerce adult store selling ‘Intimate Lifestyle Products’ to women, this new business was designed to help women my age to have a more fulfilling sexual relationship (while ironically not having one myself at the time). Go figure!

My last relationship was for 11yrs and after a lengthy hiatus it was time to get the courage to poke my head up and get back into the dating scene that quite frankly scared the shit out of me.

After prior testing of other dating sites such as Zoosk and eHarmony and bombing, I heard about Tinder and thought I would give it a go. It was not only my new ‘Social Experiment’ to blog about and test some dating theories; it was a great way to help me get back on the dating scene after nearly 3yrs! (Wow time flies).

Now, after spending nearly the last year testing online dating and relationship theories, helping people with their online profiles and, being a guest speaker at workshops working with women, couples and singles, I now feel I can comment on this topic comfortably.

I love this concept of a professionals dating app.

ONLINE PROFILE MATCHING

Different dating sites and apps cater for different people. Some expect you to give no info like Tinder, and some want a lot of information nearly down to the underwear your wearing such as eHarmony.

The comprehensive ones like eHarmony are focused on personality profile matching.  I believe they are really only directed at those who have tried everything else to find a suitable partner (or those who are extremely shy and introverted) and who’s focus is to get married and settle down to have a family.

In light of this, I wasn’t keen on eHarmony as I was not interested in getting married all over again just getting back on the horse!

I also found that the algorithms they use try to match you with someone just like you, which in my opinion is boring. I want someone to add to my life not to have the same likes/dislikes and agree with everything I say and do. In addition, I also believe that no matter what anyone says, that first impression of what someone aesthetically looks like is vital in the world of attraction and most profiles, unless paid for, have nil images on these sites.

Heads up people, if you aren’t attracted to the person your with it doesn’t get any better in the years to come. I had a marriage based on attraction and lust that lasted 11 years (and I am still attracted to him today). We lasted longer then the average of most relationships as per the ABS statistics of a median length of 8.8 years in 2010, so I rest my case on the attraction topic.

ONLINE DATING

Zoosk online dating, and many like it, allows you to supply as much or little as you want about yourself.

The catch with all these dating sites is if someone likes you, regardless of how you feel, they can send you a message or love icon. However, with many of these free sites, to read these messages or to see a person’s picture, you actually have to pay a membership fee, which is a little cheeky.

DATING APP's

Tinder changed all that. Completely free with an easy setup using your Facebook account, it not only brought in an element of trust, as you knew they were more then likely a real person, but you could connect via shared friends and interests. Until both parties swiped right and said they both liked each other NO form of contact was possible.

For a single woman this made me feel safer. If after contact you felt uncomfortable with the person you could instantly block contact.

Now LinkedIn has gone and made their own online dating app for professionals. As a professional myself I say hallelujah!

The founder, Max Fisher points out in his interview with The Guardian,  "The user has sense, in terms of comfort and understanding, of: where is that person from? What do they do? Where did they go to school? Which are some of the most important questions in dating rapport between two people in terms of the first interaction." This makes perfect sense to me.

I researched professional dating sites when I was doing this ‘Social Experiment’ and talked to people in my industry to learn more about what was out there. I mean, I was running blind, as I had been out of the dating scene for a bloody long time. Here is what else I found.

MATCH MAKING FOR PROFESSIONALS

Match Making companies for Professionals like Elite Productions charge an annual fee of $5K. They are great in theory but for my money I didn’t like the fact that based on a one-on-one interview with one of their consultants they chose the guy for me and put us in contact. I don’t get to see any profile pictures of the fella I would go on a date with. Not a fan of blind dates and feeling like I was back on the non-paid membership of eHarmony, I decided against this avenue.

Then in a meeting of a mutual friend I was told about another really high-end top shelf professional dating service who’s fee is $25K. Holy wow! The funny part about this is finding out that the successful women using these services wanted to be matched with a successful ‘suit’. This is a white-collar man with a great job and finances to match.

Those men however, had no interest in their matching counterparts as they actually wanting a younger hot handbag to stroke their ego (which professional women don’t tend to be good at). The struggle this agency had was convincing these professional, independent women that the ‘Tradies’ were perfect men for them.

Women have forgotten how things have changed over time and these blue-collar workers are now in a better financial position then half these white collars. Work fewer hours and dote on their women. Apparently it takes months of convincing but when these women finally listen they are delighted with their Kinder Surprise.

So why are people thinking this new app LinkedUp is a horrible way to find dates?

My take is this is a smart way to connect.

1. MUTUAL FRIEND CONNECTION

Firstly, most couples that connect and have successful relationships meet through mutual friends. Yes, there are many that meet online but the odds are still against them. So why is this any different when you are meeting through a mutual social network?

Think about it, if your not looking for a bootie call but for a relationship, people seeing your pictures and your profile first help them to make better decisions on who to connect with. It’s a great idea.

It cuts through the bullshit and helps you to better determine if you are sexually attracted to them, whether you have anything in common and that they are a ‘real’ person not a scam.

ROMANCE SCAMS

The scams are the hot topic of the week thanks to the Chrissie and Jane report ‘Private Investigator Files’ on radio’s 101.1 FM. Apparently scam dating is a silent epidemic and again, as a single woman my safety of knowing how to track someone down if the shit hits the fan is important to me (and yes, I have come across some dodgy guys during this experiment).

2. WIN WIN

Secondly, it is a smart business move and revenue earner by LinkedIn as this app is only available to those on the ‘Premium’ membership. So they make money indirectly for you using their app and you benefit by what the ‘Premium’ membership offers you on your profile. It’s a win/win!

3. LOW COST

Thirdly, LinkedUp has a much lower cost to meet other professionals then the $5-25K I mentioned earlier.

So if you’re a professional businesswoman who doesn’t have the time to go out and meet guys or just isn’t interested in the bar and club scene anymore, this app is for you.

            

Anal Sex 101

There are a lot of presuppositions and myths about anal sex: Men want it more. It’s not pleasurable for her. Everyone’s doing it apart from you. There’s no such thing as an anal orgasm. So on and so forth.

These sex myths are demonstrably untrue; all they do is expose the fact that people don’t talk about anal sex well enough, because it’s still relatively taboo in mainstream conversation.

But why should this be? As part of a loving relationship, or even as part of a brief and hot encounter, anal sex has a lot to offer. Not to mention, the relative taboo nature of anal is part of its appeal for many participants.

There are two tricky obstacles to overcome. First, how do you initiate it when you want it and second, how do you make anal sex more pleasurable and enjoyable?

Initiating Anal Sex: Her

When you decide you’re ready to receive anal sex, you need to be in control of it from start to finish. That means you need to make it obvious that you want it, because he might be too uncertain to initiate it without your express permission. The easiest way to tell him you want anal is, well, to tell him you want anal. Many men aren’t so good at picking up dropped hints or reading the subtlety of your body language, so telling him directly and explicitly that you want it is the only failsafe approach.

Note: telling him very explicitly that you want anal while you’re already having sex with him will have the best results. That’s like a golden ticket for most guys.

There are alternative ways to start anal sex, though. Texting or emailing him your desires will let him know your intentions long in advance, but this has two drawbacks: one, you may no longer be in the mood when it comes to it, and two, he might think that’s all you want, so he’ll focus on that and leave the rest of your body wanting.

A sexier approach to telling him you want anal sex is not to tell him, but to show him. Let him watch you play alone, perhaps with a small vibe or even a plug, and put it everywhere you want him. It’ll drive him crazy, and you’ll certainly get what you want, where you want it.

Initiating Anal Sex: Him

Does anal sex hurt? Yes, very often it does, even if it doesn’t hurt for long. But is anal sex pleasurable? Yes, potentially. But you need to approach it… sensitively.

If she hasn’t initiated it or made it obvious that she’s open to anal sex, or if you’re not 100% sure she’s given you the green light, then you need to make sure it’s ok before you try, otherwise it’ll be a while before you can try again.

So exactly as above, there are several options available: tell her directly during sex or foreplay, tell her beforehand via text or email, or show her what you want by paying her butt some extra attention during foreplay and gauging her reaction.

There is a slightly more adventurous way to initiate anal sex, providing you’re having sex already. Find a comfortable position – we suggest a kind of spooning position, with her laying on her side with her back to you, and you behind her. This position is good because it’s comfy, all of her bodyweight is supported and her muscles are relaxed. Then pull out of her and rub yourself against her butt. She’ll quickly acknowledge whether it’s ok or not without having to break the mood.

But remember, there are no shortcuts and nothing beats good, honest bedroom communication – and good dirty talk (the perfect vibe for this) does count as good communication.

Make Anal Sex More Pleasurable

While there are those rare times that, like stars aligning, the mood will strike both of you simultaneously and you’ll have the most incredible and satisfying anal sex imaginable, usually there is some preparation required.

Remember that if you’re receiving anal sex, you need to be in control of it, to whatever degree you want. You will need to control the speed and he will need to listen to you, otherwise it will be uncomfortable and it will stop. The opportunity might be lost until some trust can be rebuilt.

Here are three things to try to help make anal sex better.

• Lube. You probably already know that lube or a high-quality intimate moisturizer is essential for anal sex. The more the better. Apply enough to squeeze a manatee through a letterbox, and then apply more. The more lube involved, the more pleasurable it will be for both of you. It’s as simple as that.

• Condoms. Condoms are great for anal, and not only because they enhance your sexual safety. Condoms actually make anal sex better because their smoothness responds better to lube than skin does. Condoms glide easier, and as a result are more comfortable. What’s more, they can help prevent him climaxing too soon too.
• Anal Sex Toys. Introducing some anal toys like a butt plug or vibrating prostate massager can help ease the transition into anal sex, and by using toys of increasing size during foreplay you’ll find it much easier when his turn comes. Then, try stimulating your clit with a small external vibrator while you’re having sex to double the intensity of the sensations and build up to a really fulfilling orgasm.
To sum up, the most important part of enjoying better anal sex, or any kind of sex for that matter, is talking. The most sensitive erogenous zone is between the ears, stimulate that one and the sex will always be mindblowing.
So how about you? What tips do you have to make anal sex more enjoyable?
Join us this week on Facebook for our series of anal toys for Her and Him


www.loveandindulgence.com.au

LELO Wins Top Prize at 2014 A’ Design Awards

Great news! Our  personal massager ORA™ has won the Platinum Trophy at the A’ Design Awards, the highest honor given at the awards, held this year on April 12^th in Como, Italy.

ORA™, our latest product, is designed to closely simulate the unique sensations of oral sex for women. This latest victory marks our third time being honored by an authoritative body in high design after we won the Red Dot Design award in 2012 and 2013.

Other winners included Nike, Vodafone and Speedo, and were chosen by a panel of academic and professional experts on product design based on innovation, usability, presentation and ergonomics. Needless to say, ORA™ was a shoe-in from the word ‘go’.

We’re delighted with the result, especially since we only launched ORA™ in January. It immediately captured interest by offering the most realistic sensations akin to receiving oral sex, while the first promotional video for the product gained over four hundred thousand views in less than three weeks.

Lelo CEO Miroslav Slavic said; ‘Many thanks to A’ Design and all of the judges for bestowing such a great honor on our ORA™ personal massager. It is awards like this and all of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received from customers that further confirm just how amazing ORA™ is, and how totally unique it is from every pleasure product on the market today.’

We’d like to thank everyone involved, and we’d especially like to thank our loyal customers for supporting us and spreading the word about ORA™ and the pleasure it can offer.

www.loveandindulgence.com.au

Sex & Pregnancy

You’re pregnant, and your partner is giving you the nudge for some action.

It’s not uncommon that sex is going to be furthest thing from your mind as your body is changing in its shape; size and hormones are going through the seesaw of emotions.

But then for others, you just have those niggling fears and questions about whether it’s safe or not or when am I going to be ready again?

So here are some hints and tips about sex & pregnancy:

1. Is it safe for me, and the baby, to have sex during pregnancy?

Yes.

I have heard of many men that think their penis will poke out the baby’s eye! Well for those wondering, that’s physically impossible. The baby is protected in the uterus. In 99% of cases sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe for both mum and the baby.

There are some exceptions that your obgyn will tell you about. These would include those with a weak cervix, unexplained bleeding or people that suffer from placenta previa. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

2. When am I going to be ready?

It’s not true that just because your pregnant your libido will tank. For some it’s completely the opposite. Your new curves can make you feel irresistibly sexy and many couples have an active sex life for the entire 9 months!

But here is more of a common reaction of what’s happening to you…

1st trimester-

Fatigue, nausea, hormones on fire and body changes can be a put off. But for others it doesn’t stop that urge to be close to their partner – so it’s really up to you.

2nd & 3rd trimester (also called the ‘Honeymoon Period of Pregnancy’)–

Hormones start to level out and at this time there is an increase in blood flow to your intimate areas and your libido tends to rear its head again and orgasms have been recorded to be more intense and pleasurable! So get your groove on even with a baby on board.

3. Is it safe to use massagers during pregnancy?

Yes.

At all stages of pregnancy, vibrators – both internal and external – are safe to use. However, during this time please take note that body-safety is really important. So take note of the quality of the product you are using and its hygiene.

4. Do I need to consider new positions?

Lessening pressure on your mid-section is recommended. Also you may need to minimize contact with sensitive nipples as your pregnancy advances.

1st & 2nd trimester positions-

• T-square- Lie on your back horizontally on the edge of the bed. He stands the whole time

• Downward facing doggy-style- Think of the yoga position with a similar name but with your knees and ankles horizontal on the mattress allowing your belly to rest on your thighs

3rd trimester positions-

Avoid lying on your back and the traditional missionary style. Lying flat on your back is not recommended as the weight of your uterus can cause a drop in your blood pressure. So try

• Spooning- Where he enters you from behind while you both lie on your sides
• Side T-square- Lie on your side on the edge of the bed for a non-strenuous lovemaking session. He stands the whole time.

* It’s vital now more then ever to communicate more asking ‘how does it feel?’

Bottom line is you’re the one calling the shots. When your ready, you’re ready and you will know it.

Love & Indulgence Tip of the Day is kegels!
This is our recommendation during pregnancy both pre & post and endorsed by our lovely Oprah!

Have you heard of Luna Beads?

These are vibrating balls that exercise your pelvic floor muscles otherwise also known as Kegels.
Strong and healthy kegels will help you prepare for pregnancy and childbirth let alone help you get back to your pre-baby vaginal shape. 1 in 3 women suffer from pelvic floor disorders so if you don’t want to be in one of those ads on incontinence where a women sneezes, coughs or exercises and has the response of an embarrassing little puddle, then concentrate on your kegels from the get go!

The silent benefit however of strong kegels is more intense orgasms. Yes please!

Check out our kegels page

www.loveandindulgence.com.au

5 Ways to Keep Passion in Your Relationship

I was reading an article by Matthew Hussey from Get the Guy, and loved his note about relationships.

“Many people say that if a relationship is right, it should be easy. Though it’s true that if your relationship is too much work it probably isn’t right, it doesn’t mean that a good relationship won’t require effort. The sad truth is that most people bring their best selves on day one to the stranger, and a much lazier more negative version on day 365 with the person they love.”

Wow! Hit the nail on the head. Lets look at just relationships themselves.

"We start off making an effort to be on the best behavior, care about what we look like, wear our best underwear and are willing to negotiate our time, emotions and experiences for that person."

Then comfortability sets in. We burp, fart, walk around in our sloppy Joe’s, lingerie and nice boxers becomes non-existent and the granny knickers and holy jocks come out along with the tracksuits, and our levels of tolerance decrease while our sarcasm increases.

That’s just the effects of routine. We haven’t even talked about what happens after kids!

So here goes with some quick tips to keep the passion in your relationship:

1. Dating

Since when is it ok to stop dating ever?

That’s right, never stop dating your partner. It is imperative to the health, wellbeing and longevity of your current relationship.

I can see you now rolling your eyes at the concept of date night. I’m not talking about the same night every week, eating at the same restaurant, having the same boring conversation.

Mix it up! Different days, different venues, different events. Try movies, dinner, day dates at a winery, special event venues in your city, go to the zoo or museum, theatre, comedy (highly recommend this one), night picnic on the beach, sporting event (you both like fellas), or even a night away at a hotel (guaranteed to spice it up).

For those with kids, you are not a bad parent for leaving them at home while you go out with the person YOU chose to be with for the rest of your life. By putting your relationship last on your list you are actually doing your entire family an injustice.

"By having a loving, intimate relationship in front of your children you are teaching them the best life skills for a future successful relationship"

(pssst…kids know when your faking it).

2. Grooming

This covers hair, face, how you dress and intimate body parts landscaping!

Ooohh I just felt another eye roll.

Oh my god, you want me to wax or shave during winter? Since when it is ok to let yourself go? Obviously we are happy to do this as a deterrent to make sure your partner doesn’t come near you, but if your reading this article I’m hoping you actually WANT some attention from your other half. Are you cool with going down there when the forest has come to town? No? Well why should they feel any different?

The benefit to taking some care in your appearance is it will boost YOUR self esteem and trust me, that new found confidence will snowball into every part of your life and wait ’til your see how your life changes for the better!

3. Kissing

200 times more powerful then morphine. That’s why it’s the drug of choice for women.

For those who have had a slowdown or full blown stop in their intimacy within their relationship, I recommend you try the 5 minute challenge taken on by so many of our customers recently.

For 5 minutes every day for a week, kiss, not peck, your partner passionately and watch how that libido that had taken a vacation is stirred like the underlying giant it is!

4. Be Selfless

Take a mental note of things your partner likes.

Everything from food, what you wear, how you do your hair, when they comment when you touch or kiss them a certain way, events they spark an interest in on TV, things they want to do, things they mention they like or their fantasies.

Ladies, it also doesn’t hurt to remind him of ways he can make you happy, as guys love roadmaps!

5. Special occasions

These deserve special experiences no matter how long you have been together.

Nothing is more of a relationship deflator when your birthday, anniversary or holidays come around and it is a non-event.

"We are not saying go out and splurge on something you can’t afford. One of the best gifts you can give your partner is simply your time!"

Go on a day trip to a place neither of you have been to before or go learn something new together. By doing something like this you not only get QUALITY time together but also you have just created a new point of connection and conversation. It doesn’t get any better then that.

www.loveandindulgence.com.au

Top 10 Health Benefits to Kissing

Are you looking for a long and healthy life? Well it’s as simple as…kissing! 

Medical studies have demonstrated these 10 amazing health benefits of kissing:

1. Live 5 years longer
Those who kiss their lovers goodbye each morning live five years longer then those who don’t.

2. Boosts your self-esteem
Kissing is great for self-esteem. It makes you feel appreciated and helps your state of mind.

3. Burns calories
Kissing burns 2-3 calories a minute doubling your metabolic rate. Research claims that the three passionate kisses a day (at least 20 seconds each) will cause you to lose an entire pound!

4. Stress Reliever 
Kissing is a known stress reliever. Passionate kissing relieves tension, reduces negative energy and produces a sense of well being, lowering your cortisol ‘stress’ hormone.

5. Instant Facelift
Kissing uses 30 facial muscles and it helps keep the facial muscles tight. The tension I the muscles caused by a passionate kiss helps to smooth the skin and increase circulation.

6. Healthier Heart
Kissing the good for the heart. It creates adrenaline, which causes your heart to pump more blood through your body. Frequent kissing has scientifically been proven to stabilize cardiovascular activity, decreases blood pressure and cholesterol.

7. Lower infection rate
Those who kiss quite frequently are less likely to suffer from stomach, bladder and blood infections.

8. Natural Antibiotic
During a kiss natural antibiotics are secreted in the saliva. Also, saliva contains a type of anaesthetic that helps relieve pain.

9. Reduces Anxiety
Kissing reduces anxiety and stops the ‘noise’ in your mind. It increases the level of oxytocin, an extremely calming hormone that produces a feeling of peace.

10. Pain Relief
The endorphins produced by kissing are 200 times more powerful then morphine.

This is why kissing is the drug of choice for most women and committed lovers.

But wait! There is just ONE more…It’s great to reignite the spark in your relationship

So ladies, take the 5-minute challenge from Love & Indulgence. All you have to do is passionately kiss (no pecking allowed) your man or women everyday for 5 minutes for the next week.

I challenge you today! Trust me, it will bring the spark back for BOTH of you. SHARE the challenge and lets get the spice happening together.

Check out the X on the Lips by Sensuva pheromone lip balm to add an extra buzz to your make-out sessions

http://loveandindulgence.com.au/index.php?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=x+on+the+lips

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Why scents turn us on

How important is a sexual partner's smell to you?                                                   

Have you ever dumped someone because of they’re scent? 

And would you go to a pheromone party?

I love this topic. My girlfriend and I were chatting about how I refused to go out on another date with a nice, attractive guy. Yes, attractive! But what it was, was his pheromones were turning me right off. The thought of him touching me turned me off. I thought I must be losing my marbles!

Then with another guy, I stopped enjoying giving him pleasure, yes what your thinking, cause he started to smell different down there which was due to his changing diet. If you didn’t know it, what you eat and drink affects how you smell. People with high fatty diets tend to not only have a strong odour but also taste. Obviously drinking alcohol and smoking can also affect this same factor. 

When it comes to sexual attraction, how important is your lover's smell? No, we're not talking about his cologne, but his natural smell!

When you wake up next to him, is the first thing you do nuzzle into his chest to breath him in, letting his scent intoxicate you and make you aroused?

Or does his smell turn you off, and you may have even dumped a few prospective lovers on the way because you found their scent pungent, or even repulsive?

Using scent when picking a partner is common in the animal kingdom, and it's part of our evolutionary drive too! According to research, the scent of a lover is more important to women than to men because it helps us sniff out genetic compatibility with a potential mate.

Our sense of smell can detect men with different immune systems to ours, to complement ours, to make sure we produce the healthiest offspring.

Not so coincidentally, women's sense of smell is the most sensitive when she's ovulating and is most likely to be pregnant. However, being on the contraceptive pill can throw us off our scents a bit, and it's been reported that our attraction levels to a lover can drop when we come off the pill.

You didn't know that one did you?

The importance of smell in picking a sexual partner has even sparked a range of pheromone parties for singles in the States! Participants bring t-shirts that they've slept in for three nights in a row, and at the party, they try to find a potential mate through sniffing anonymous pieces of clothing. If a person finds the smell agreeable, they are introduced to the owner — and hopefully, it will be instant sexless!

so next time your wondering why your not attracting the kind of attention you want think about

• what your eating
• what your drinking
• and if your smoking

cause this will determine whether your smelling/tasting as yummy as you thought!

www.loveandindulgence.com.au