No sex, please. We're Italian.

Can you believe this? Frankly, a lot of my customers are older than Mr Berlusconi and those ladies and gents certainly wouldn't give up sex for months just to prove some strange point.

Very peculiar... unless his wife has cancelled his privileges and he's saying it because he has nothing to lose anyway!

The prime minister of Italy has promised not to have sex until after the general election on April 9.

Multi-billionaire Silvio Berlusconi, 69, made the pledge at a party rally in Sardinia, reports the Daily Telegraph.

He was responding to a television preacher, Massimiliano Pusceddu, who thanked him for his commitment to family values and opposition to gay marriages.

Berlusconi replied: "I'll try not to let you down. I promise you two and a half months of complete sexual abstinence until April 9."

The pledge may have come as a surprise to his wife Veronica Lario, a former actress, who is rarely seen in public.

Despite criticism that he has failed to fulfil election pledges made in 2001, Mr Berlusconi has found time to record two CDs of love songs.

How to use a rabbit vibrator

You'll already know about rabbit vibrators from watching Sex in the City. And yes, they really are as good as they look! I've got loads of brilliant rabbit vibrators in my shop (you should take a look) but this post is all about using them!

You really don't need a guide book for this one, because it does so much work on its own but here as a few pointers:

Start by turning on the vibrator that rotates the base. Once you're up and running with the standard vibrator bit of the rabbit, start the rabbit ears on a low speed. It's best if you save a little room on the control, so you can put the rabbit ears up all the way on high later into play!

This is not a vibrator you slide in and out as much as you hold it in place and adjust the speeds. It is really designed so that the ears rest against the clit and the bead section rests against the opening of the vagina. You can also tilt it up and down a little so that the head comes in contact with your g-spot - all in all, it's amazing!

Read this article in full here: how to use a rabbit vibrator

If you've got any cool tips for using your favourite rabbit, share them in the Comments. I say a more orgasmic world is a happier world!

Victoria Beckham's posh guide to pulling men

The Mirror interviews Posh and gets her top advice for pulling blokes:

SQUEEZE into a skin-tight pair of jeans, pull on a figure-hugging top and totter around in your heels and he's as good as yours, girls.

Style queen Posh let slip her top tips for bagging your own Becks at men's fashion week in Milan yesterday, before sweeping down the catwalk in a dazzling white silk gown.

Dispensing her foxy fashion advice backstage, Victoria, 31, purred: "The ideal clothes to seduce a man are simple but sexy: high heels, tight jeans and a tight T-shirt."

I guess it depends on the kind of man you're trying to snare... and of course, once you've got him, you'd be better off with some great sexy lingerie, stockings or even a fantasy outfit or two!

What do you think? Post your top pulling outfits into the comments field and I'll award a big gold star to the best...

How to choose a dildo

Choosing a dildo largely depends on what type of penetration you like. A huge dildo may look appealing, but actually having something that large inside you may not be as much fun as you imagined (ouch!). I reckon it's a good idea to learn a little about yourself and what you like before making your purchase.

I've got a huge range of dildos for you in the shop, of course, including realistic, squirting, strap-on and even a lovely designer crystal dildo range.

Deciding the length depends upon what you like. If you like deep penetration, go with 8" or bigger. If something a little less filling is more to your taste, 6" models or even smaller. If you're going to use it with a harness, remember that you need a little extra length as some of it is lost in the harness itself.

I've got more dildo choosing (and using!) advice for you in the PlanetPassion Sex School...

A little ancient history

Did you know that the word dildo comes from a Latin word meaning to open wide? Quite an eye-opener! Centuries ago, when sex was not quite the taboo it is today, dildos were revered by some. The ancient Greeks, Chinese, Arabs and Polynesians (to name but a few) all went for dildos in a big way, made of different materials ranging from wood to bread(!). They are represented throughout history in erotic painting, and were often quite beautifully designed.

Review: Lipstick Vibrator

No one needs to know....Distreet mini vibrator in the form of a lipstick. Fits into every handbag. Perfect for travelling, the strong almost noiseless vibrations will send you wild!

This is one of our bestsellers and you can see why. Perfectly disguised, it's actually a gorgeous and powerful mini vibrator.

At just £10.99, I reckon this is the best deal you can find on this amazing vibrator - but if you can find it cheaper just let me know. The PlanetPassion Price Promise means I'll beat anyone!

If you've used this toy, why not add your comments to this post? It'll help others get a real feel for what it's like.

Can sex cure cancer?

Something as a surprise, this one - I don't recall seeing any Government advice about it. Still, surely it can't do any harm...!

A Russian woman took out a full page advert in a newspaper asking for sex to help cure her cancer.

Divorcee Elisaveta, 30, explained in the ad: "Doctors have discovered two lumps in my breast.

"They have told me the best way to beat cancer and stop the spread is to have sex."

She placed her advertisement in top Russian daily Moscow Komsomolets.

It went on: "The ideal candidate would need to have sex with me every two days for at least a year."

A cancer specialist told the paper: "To avoid this cancer after a certain age, three sex sessions a week are necessary."

Reported on Ananova

TV cuts your sex life in half

A shocking statistic from our friends in Italy, as detailed on Braingirl's blog.

"If there's no television in the bedroom, the frequency (of sexual intercourse) doubles," said Serenella Salomoni whose team of psychologists questioned 523 Italian couples to see what effect television had on their sex lives.

This can't come as a surprise to anyone, can it? I think a TV in the bedroom is guaranteed to ruin your sex life - if you've got some spare time with your partner, you're both naked and both awake... surely you should be having fun, not watching Crossroads!

You can see the original Reuters story here.

Bondage for beginners

The word bondage usually conjures up visions strange people wearing even stranger outfits, engaging in a variety of unusual sexual practices. In reality, while it does encompass this kind of thing, it also applies to any game where one person is restrained by another and (usually) at their mercy. It's sexy and seductive... as long as you follow some commonsense guidelines...

Once a person is restrained, a number of other activities may follow, which can range from tickling and feathers to various forms of punishment incorporating paddles, whips, nipple clamps, and other devices. Naturally, we've got a full range, from beginners' kits to more serious gear in the PlanetPassion shop.

In general, it's all a form of fantasy play - and if you're doing anything either of you feels unsure about, it's important to sort out the rules before you start. One of the potential problems is that, as part of your role play, you might want to be able to say 'stop it' without really meaning it. In this case, it's a good idea to agree on a safeword beforehand, which really does mean 'stop immediately'. You can also agree on a word that means 'ease off a bit' while not actually stopping.

When tying someone up, use your common sense. Don't tie too tightly and never put anything round the neck that could get tighter and choke. It's a good idea to keep a pair of scissors handy in case you need to cut someone free quickly.

It's essential that you have mutual trust with your partner on what you're doing and that you take it slowly, so that you're both absolutely comfortable with the role play you're doing. Ensure that you only do what you want to - if a blindfold and no tying up is as far as you want to go, that's absolutely fine.

Women's armpits are sexy

Fun article from The Sun about beautiful armpits. I love the way the UK tabloids use the word 'boffin' whenever they can squeeze it in - no one else in the world ever uses it at all.

Women's armpits can be a TURN-ON for fellas, boffins have discovered.
Men are attracted to the smell during the most fertile stage of the menstrual cycle.

It is then that the odour is at its least intense.
But it becomes repellent during periods - when the chances of conception are lowest.

The findings, published in the journal Ethnology, follow a study at Charles University in Prague.

Samples of armpit sweat were collected on pads and sniffed by 42 men.
They were asked to rate them for attractiveness and intensity.

Hot sex treats common cold

Wow! A report in Pravda reckons that hot sex treats the common cold. Apparently, it's something to do with phagocytes (!)

The old remedy of having your partner rub something on your chest really works, then!

Why British women are wearing the trousers this Valentine’s Day

Just released the following press notice to various agencies. Thought I'd repeat it here as it's really interesting stuff!
---

The UK’s women are leading the way in bedrooms across the land. When it comes to sex they’re more open, more daring and more passionate than their partners, according to a new poll by leading adult toys website PlanetPassion.co.uk.

Surprisingly, over two-thirds (69%) reckon they’ll not only be doing the organising of a romantic dinner on the 14th of February but also taking the lead in the bedroom afterwards. Given that this goes against every good cliché in the book, what can be the explanation for the surge in woman power? Are men simply getting feebler? Or are today’s women just too much for their partners?

Almost certainly, confidence has much to do with it. More than nine out of ten (94%) women say they now have a more relaxed and confident attitude to sex than before they used their first sex toy. Almost as many (81%) say they’re now more willing to experiment with their partner in the bedroom. The only problem is that 59% reckon their men are too shy to reveal their fantasies and need taking in hand!

It takes two to tango

Nonetheless, 72% of women have used their toys with a partner. And would you believe it, men seem to be more than a little shy in this area, too, with nearly three quarters (74%) of women having to take the lead in introducing toys, lingerie or sexy outfits to their lovemaking. Of these 92% reported their partners were delighted and that it provided a new spark to their love life.

Men will be equally pleased to hear that 86% said their sex toys kept them on the straight and narrow - and made them less likely to have a casual fling when going through a rough patch with their regular partner.

PlanetPassion.co.uk supremo, Kitty Velour, comments: ‘To be honest, these results come as no surprise to me. I’ve known that British men have needed taking in hand for years. Give a woman a sexy outfit and a pair of AA batteries and she’ll conquer the world!”

More sex statistics:
- 61% own four or more sex toys
- Of the 58% who have tried specialist lubricant, 97% say they love it so much they’ll postpone sex until a new bottle comes in the post
- The average age of respondents is 36.
- 55% are brunettes, 38% are blondes and 7% are redheads
- 17% have tried out remote control sex toys outside the house but only 7% have been brave enough to hand the controller to their partner

Regional highlights:
London and South East -- Undoubtedly the most daring group, 71% say they’d be willing to try ‘anything’ as long as they could trust their partner. A fifth (20%) have bought a sex toy for their partner.
South West – Almost a third (29%) would like to try sex outdoors – it must be the long hot summers! 76% have dressed up in sexy lingerie for their partner.
Midlands –76% say they’ll be leading the way this Valentine’s Day, both in and out of the bedroom. They have the lowest average sex toy ownership with 43% owning four or more.
East Anglia -- Kinky shenanigans are nothing new to the women of the East Anglia. 74% have experimented with blindfolds, while another 13% say they’d like to try it. Almost a quarter (22%) have tried out remote control sex toys outside the house.
North West – More reticent than other groups, under half (44%) would be willing to try ‘anything’ as long they could trust their partner. 68% will be leading the way in the bedroom on Valentine’s Day.
North East – 87% have dressed up in sexy lingerie for their partners, while just over a quarter (27%) have worn fantasy outfits in the bedroom. 74% have used sex toys with their partner.
Wales – Welsh men have got something to be proud of, with more of them (62%) willing to share their favourite fantasies with their partners. 68% have experimented with blindfolds, with another 16% saying they’d like to try it.
Scotland – In another crushing blow to stereotypes, Scottish women are the biggest spenders on sex toys, with nearly three quarters (69%) owning four or more toys. A quarter (24%) have bought a sex toy for their partner.

Note to editors
The poll was carried out on PlanetPassion.co.uk from 19/11/05 to 03/12/06. 921 votes were cast.

About PlanetPassion.co.uk
PlanetPassion.co.uk is a leading upmarket adult toys retailer, with nearly 2000 items in stock. It specialises in selling the best quality products to women, in a way that women understand. PlanetPassion.co.uk includes free batteries with every toy that needs them, offers free shipping on all orders over £34.99 and gives a choice of eight free gifts with all purchases over £39.99. For more information, please visit www.planetpassion.co.uk

Cucumbers last longer in Croatia

It's not the kind of use I'd put a cucumber to, that's for sure! Call me old fashioned but I think I'd go for a photo rather than a pickle to remind me of my husband...

Ananova - Widow says her cucumber lasts longer:

A Croatian widow has submitted a pickled cucumber for a place as the world's oldest in the Guinness Book of Records.
Vera Dudas, 73, from Duga Resa, says the cucumber was pickled by her mother-in-law when her late husband was born in 1930.
She has now had the cucumber insured. She says it's her only reminder of her husband Pavao who would have turned 76 this year.
Vera said: 'Unfortunately, the cucumber has survived longer than Pavao.
'I remember my entire married life when I look at that cucumber, it was with us everywhere we ever lived and through all our experiences - good and bad.'"

Top Tips for Vivacious Vibrations!

I thought I'd share my top tips for getting the best from your vibrator.

1. Keep a good supply of lubrication by your bed. You won't need it all the time but it's great to know it's there. It can also come in handy in all manner of games for you and your partner. Don't go for an oil-based lubricant as these can lead to infections.

2. Keep your vibrator clean. A soft cloth may seem like the perfect solution but beware: this can easily leave tiny cloth fibres attached to the vibrator, which you definitely don't want coming along for the ride. Instead, use a specialist cleaner from our Hygiene department.

3. Your choice of vibrator depends on what you want to achieve. Is it for clitoral stimulation? For hitting your G-spot? Are you planning on using it alone or with your partner? Don't be afraid to stock up. Different vibrators hit different hot spots - and it makes sense to own a range of vibrators, each of which does something specific that turns you on depending on what mood you're in.

4. Vibrators made from silicone or jelly are the best bet for penetration if you're a beginner. They're softer than plastic or metal ones and conduct vibrations right through the toy.

5. Always be careful when using a new toy. Going slowly can add to the fun - and it makes sure that you don't hurt yourself.

Have you got any tips you'd like to share? Leave a comment!

Looking for the best deal on a new vibrator? Check out my massive (!) Vibrator department now.

Welcome to my world

I'm Kitty Velour - welcome to my sexy world! I'm the brains behind upmarket sex toys site, www.PlanetPassion.co.uk - selling sex toys, lingerie, sexy outfits, lube, massage oils and all that great stuff that makes life a little more fun!

Just to clear up any confusion before it occurs, I don't not sell porn of any kind. That's a whole different kettle of fish - and broad-minded as I am, I draw the line at getting in to bed with a kettle of fish.

Here, I'll be posting news about great new toys and other products, telling you about loads of fun facts and giving advice on how to use your sex toys. You may wonder why they never come with a manual... to be honest, they're pretty hard to read when you're in the middle of testing out your new toy!

Feel free to post comments and questions. This is an adult blog, so will feature adult language - but anything offensive will be wiped!