13 things you need to spice up your sex life in Metro!

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‘I’ve got the toys to turn your body out,’ cooed New Power Generation vocalist Elisa Fiorillo on Love Machine, a track from Prince’s 12th album, Graffiti Bridge.

Of course, Prince was a veteran of the vagina and a master in the bedroom so we’d all do well to take note – sex toys take things to another level of multiple orgasms.

For example, a butt plug can fulfill a woman’s fantasy of being taken by two men simultaneously. and, at the same time, tightening the vagina for him.

And a dog collar can be decorative or the source of humiliation.

My personal favourite is the feather tickler – it has me bouncing off the ceiling in an insatiable frenzy of sexy fun.

If you haven’t tried a toy before, use lashings of lubricant, don’t be shy and don’t play the part of a shadow – let your inhibitions go and let it drink you till dawn.

1. Erotic literature

Get in the mood with some seductive literature.

Forget 50 Shades and go with something classic, such as Georges Bataille’s ‘Story of the eye’ – a study of human desire.

(Picture: Penguin)

2. Dog collar

Make sure it has a ring on the front to lead you to the bedroom and don’t forget to get on your hands and knees.

(Picture: Coco de Mer)

3. Molecule 1

Use fragrance that works with your pheromones like Escentric Molecules’ Molecule 1, which is now widely available.

Tribute 8 do a wonderful homage version for a fraction of the price.

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4. Dildo

Get back to basics with a classic dildo.

We all know and love the Rampant Rabbit for its added clit stimulation and if you haven’t tried it yet head to Ann Summers.

(Picture: Ann Summers)

5. Vibrating butt plug

Slightly less known but profound nonetheless.

(Picture: Bondara)

6. Gagging ball

Give in to humiliation with a ball strapped to your mouth – the ultimate in dom/sub role play.

(Picture: Coco de Mer)

7. Feather tickler

Be a tease after the strip with a feather tickler to drive your partner to the brink of ecstasy.

(Picture: Coco de Mer)

8. Nipple and clit clamps

Pinch the nipples and clitoris for some pleasurable pain.

(Picture: Bondara)

9. Leather paddle

If you’ve been a terribly naughty girl or boy and insist on being punished, try a leather paddle to teach you a lesson.

(Picture: Coco de Mer)

10. Latex mittens

For some fetish couture, try some black latex gloves and go fingerless to allow full ‘Roman fingers’ (or finger’s that roam).

(Picture: Coco de Mer)

11. Hand cuffs

For BDSM pleasure after hours, try some hand cuffs.

If you’re wearing them, try to wriggle out.

12. Mask

Stimulate your senses of touch by going all the way with a blindfold on.

13. Prostate massager

And finally, I’m delighted to introduce you, gents, to the Aneros Helix Syn – a massager that caresses the prostate.

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Forget the church! Here are 10 more imaginative ways to get married

In case you haven’t already got the memo, you don’t have to get married in a white dress in a church.

Fancy flying to the moon for your wedding?

What about a traditional Thai blessing like Kate Moss and Madonna?

Or perhaps the ocean is a good metaphor for the depth of feelings you share with your fiance?

Whatever takes your fancy, there’s a weird and wonderful nuptial package to make your wedding album stand out from the rest and give your guests a day to remember.

From balloons and Vedic ceremonies to medieval hand-fastings and Buddhist blessings, here’s a round-up of some imaginative ways to tie the knot and celebrate your love for one another.

1. Balloon brides

An increasing number of couples are getting hitched in hot air balloons and there’s some stunning backdrops to choose from like in New Mexico.

The balloons can host up to 12 passengers and a small party might even spot cupid up in the clouds.

Just be sure to bring your minister and your witnesses.

(Picture: Wang Xin/VCG)

2. Hand-fasting and jumping over the broomstick

For centuries, couples have ‘jumped the broomstick’ and promised each other friendship and fidelity in a hand-fasting ceremony that was traditionally Pagan.

It’s a fun way to celebrate your love and is still offered as a non-legally binding ceremony in the UK, such as at Tutbury Castle.

3. Vedic wedding

Don your best robes and flower garlands for a Vedic wedding, a traditional Hindu ceremony, at places like Bhaktivedanta Manor.

With water and fire blessings, these are tremendously opulent and will see the bride and groom together for several lifetimes (if you believe in that sort of thing).

(Picture: Education Images/UIG via Getty Images)

4. Tsok Puja

Celebrate the Tibetan Buddhist way with a social gathering, a Lama’s blessing and offerings of plenty of food.

A ‘Tsok puja’ takes up to about an hour and consists of chanting, and a little quiet time for some mantra recitation in the middle.

You can also enjoy the ceremony without the wedding, like at the Kagyu Samye Dzong in London.

5. Wedding on the slopes

Combine your love of skiing with your nuptials and hope to God your marriage doesn’t go downhill too soon!

Companies like Wed ‘n’ Ski offer packages for snow enthusiasts, with ceremonies taking place while they’re skiing or snowboarding.

There’s even an option in Switzerland to wed in an igloo. Go on, melt a heart.

(Picture: Glenn Asakawa/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

6. Prisoner of love

Give a whole new meaning to the term ‘ball and chain’ by getting married in a former prison.

The Malmaison Oxford is based in a medieval castle and used to be a prison.

But it is also, I’m told, a beautiful venue for weddings.

7. Cabaret kisses

Fancy being a burlesque bride and a groom with glowsticks?

Then dance on to Cafe de Paris, a notoriously decadent London nightclub and cabaret spot that can be hired for wedding receptions, too.

(Picture: Getty)

8. Cave wedding

The path to love doesn’t always run smoothly, so why not have your wedding among the Slovenian mountains?

Predjama Castle is set against the rocky backdrop of a towering cliff and is the largest cave castle in the world.

And, you can host your wedding inside the enormous cavern of its cave.

9. Thai long drum parade and a water blessing ritual

Kate Moss and Madonna both had Buddhist blessings to show their affection and cement their relationships.

The best place to go to have your own is Thailand.

There are a number of all-inclusive packages, including for a traditional Thai wedding at the Manathai Koh Samui.

10. At sea

Cruise lines often offer weddings at sea.

Norwegian for example, offers an itinerary featuring the exchanging of vows at the summit of an Alaskan glacier, helicopter ride, sparkling wine, flowers, and a wedding certificate and cake.

Go on, sail off into the sunset together.

See the original in Metro UK here!

14 of the best mindfulness retreats published in Metro

You don’t have to travel to India if you want a spiritual epiphany anymore.

There are mindfulness retreats all around the UK (as well as the more typical far flung destinations), so whether you’re looking for a day of mindfulness or a whole holiday of it, there’s something for you.

So bend into your best yogic position and get ready for a piece of peace with a handful of the best mindful retreats.

1. Kagyu Samye Dzong, London

 

Provides inner harmony and tranquility with meditation, Buddhism, and holistic therapies through classes, workshops and retreats.

2. Karuna Bhavan, Lesmahgow

 

Karuna Bhavan is an eco-farm run by the Hare Krishna community in Scotland.

As well as bhakti yoga, it’s a holistic spiritual centre to help re-establish the sacredness of life via Hindu meditation, singing and dancing.

3. Gaia House Buddhist Meditation, Newton Abbott

A silent Buddhist Meditation Retreat Centre that offers retreats all year.

Come here for a sanctuary of contemplative calm set in the remote and quiet woodlands of South Devon.

4. Una, St Ives

 

Visit Una for one of the made for life by Spiezia Organics rituals, named Mindful Moments. These include a guided meditation to give you the ultimate in relaxation.

5. Shreyas Silent Retreat, India

 

Take a break from the stresses of modern day living and embrace the art of mindfulness at Shreyas Silent Retreat in India.

Experience a range of meditation and yoga classes, from Pranayama to trataka (candle meditation) and private yoga nidra sessions.

6. Longevity Mindfulness, Portugal

Spirit yourself away to a secluded beach in Portugal at Longevity Medical Spa with mindfulness sessions from resident teacher, Shantidevi.

7. Champneys, Hertfordshire 

 

‘Unplug Meditation’ is a guided meditation/ mindfulness studio that offers 30 and 45 minute drop-in classes.

The face behind Unplug is former Vogue editor Suze Yalof Schwartz, whose ambition was to create a SoulCycle for meditation.

8. Will Williams Retreats, Sussex

 

This 4 day retreat focuses on a rounding experience, constituting three main parts – asana (yoga), pranayama (breathing) and meditation.

9. VIVAMAYR Altaussee, Austria

Set amid the Austrian Alps and nestled by Lake Altaussee, VIVAMAYR Altaussee combines one of the most advanced medical centres in the world with a modern and luxurious spa to provide a retreat for those looking for rest, relaxation and health through mindfulness.

10. Sol Beach House Hotel, Ibiza

 

The hotel is a far cry from the usual party scene – going so far as to actually offer wellbeing and yoga retreats.

And if the relaxation gets a little boring, there’s always the in-house 60s ‘flower power’ island bus to whisk you to the nearest bar!

11. Platinum Healing retreats, Sussex & Lincolnshire

Visit for one of several signature Juice Detox Retreats.

You will also enjoy many types of mindfulness including private meditation, Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) and use of the Jacuzzi for good measure.

12. Plum Village, near Bordeaux in France

The largest international practice centre in the Plum Village tradition, and the first monastic community founded by fabled Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) in the West.

13. Mind Space, Cannock Chase

 

The Hermitage in Cannock Chase provides you with a peaceful space where you can explore the mind.

All retreats are suitable for beginners and are run by experienced meditator Adam Dacey.

14. Sally Stubbs, The Lake District

This therapist’s mindful technique is called Authentic & Permanent RAPHA Therapy Cure which is as relaxing as the countryside she works from.

If you can’t afford a full retreat, why not visit her website for a DVD or audio retreat in your own home?

13 Reasons You Should Move Out of London Published on Metro.co.uk

Last week MP Dr Rupa Huq told the House of Commons that London professionals are living like students.

It makes sense then that people aged between 30 – 39 are leaving in their droves.

As house prices soar, creativity is squeezed out, and the rich seem set on taking over and turning London into a millionaire’s playground.

There’s never been a better time to leave.

Not ready to quit the capital yet? See how you feel when you reach the end of this list…

1. Reasonably priced housing is only big enough for fairies*

You won’t have to flatshare as you approach 40 or fight over the milk at 50. You won’t have to live with Mummy and Daddy when you’re middle-aged either. Or live in a bedsit where the microwave, shower and bed are all within an arm span.

* FYI, fairies don’t exist

(Picture: Rightmove)

2. A lengthy and tedious commute

If you have managed to get on the property ladder, chances are you’ve a long commute ahead of you. Live in Kent? Expect five hours added to your working week. Essex chap? Expect to pay over £20 for a long commute into the city – it’s exhausting.

3. Limited seating leaves you standing – with someone’s armpit in your face

It’s bad enough that you have to use public transport – venture outside the M25 and you’ll have a seat to yourself.

(Picture: EPA)

4. Londoners are grim about the mouth

The only time I recall ever speaking to people on the Tube was during the Olympics, then everyone went back to being their miserable selves. Where I’m from, strangers have the time of day for each other, and if not a smile will suffice.

5. There’s a rat in my kitchen, what am I gonna do?

Finally, no more rats or mice. I won’t drag out the old cliché about how close rats always are in London, as you’ll no doubt be familiar with it already.

6. Numbers of hipsters on the increase

Tolerating bearded, self-proclaimed media moguls whose every syllable is designed to bolster themselves while undermining you is unnecessary. Just leave Dalston already.

(Picture: Getty)

7. The super rich are on the increase, too

As London’s price tag doubles, so too do the super-rich. The roads now have a ribbon of cars that cost more than your life savings, depressingly highlighting how poor you are.

8. London locals are cursed with black bogies

Yes, outside of London we joke about how polluted the place is and how the day after a visit we have ‘black bogies’.

9. It’s so overpopulated

It’s just too busy! If you’re not stuck in a queue or behind a slow-walker, you’re being elbowed at a bar or shoved off the dancefloor.

10. London hotels are the most expensive in Europe

London is even pricier than Switzerland costing an average of £126 per night.

11. Beer costs more than a McDonald’s Happy Meal

The average cost of a pint of Carlsberg in London can often top £5.

12. The horror of the Tube

Being crammed onto the Tube like sardines with your nose in someone’s armpit – the stench of sweat forcing you to denounce the small slither of sunshine the UK gets.

Great (Picture: Getty)

13. Stinky, littered night buses

Night buses filled with alcohol-induced vomit or bumper-to-bumper traffic in the day with half eaten chicken wings at your feet… Take your pick?

Even if you want out of London, the escape route is filled with perils.

See it live on Metro’s website now!