lunes, 31 de mayo de 2021

The Best Online Crystal Stores to Stock Up On Good Vibes & Pretty Gems

Whether you believe in energy shifts and the healing power of crystals and gems or not, there’s no denying that having a few gorgeous crystals lying around your home makes it that much more beautiful. Crystals are pretty, OK? And to many, they’re so much more than that. While some are believed to having healing properties, you don’t even have to buy them for that purpose. Even skeptics can enjoy looking at some pretty gems sitting on top of their dresser. For both believers and non-believers alike, we found the best places to buy crystals online right now. If you can’t leave your house to search for these gems yourself, there are so many shop owners who have done it for you—and some will even bless the crystals for you before they arrive. Now that’s dedication.

Of course, different crystals help with different areas of life. If you’re a novice, it might be useful to do a little research before splurging on rare crystals and stones. Luckily, though, many of the crystal shops below offer helpful advice for purchasing healing crystals, and can even guide you toward your ideal healing item. Even if you’re a bit skeptical, these experts can point you in the right direction so you can discover for yourself whether or not crystals really do help heal. After all, the best way to prove yourself right or wrong is to test it out, right?

Below, you’ll find 13 online crystal stores ready to supply you with every healing item your heart desires. From quartz crystals to rare crystals you won’t find in your average backyard, these shops are chock-full of everything you need. Go forth and soak up the good vibes, friends.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

1. Crystal and Pine Shop

 

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | pineapple quartz crystal

Crystal and Pine Shop.

The Crystal and Pine shop have healing crystals and stones available for any occasion—from newborns to housewarmings.

2. Crystals N Creations

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | terrarium crystal jar

Crystals N Creations.

Whether you need crystals, gifts, decor or art, Crystals N Creations is full of healing sets and items that are sure to look amazing in your home.

 

3. Sun Moon and Earth

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | lapiz lazuli crystal tower

Sun Moon & Earth.

Sun Moon and Earth is a family-run healing crystal, gem and rock boutique you’re sure to love.

 

4. Shiny Happy Spirit House

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | rare hemimorphite

Shiny Happy Spirit House.

Shiny Happy Spirit House will cleanse and bless your crystals before shipping them straight to your door.

 

5. AURAMORE

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | crystal air plant kit

AURAMORE.

One of the most unique items sold by AURAMORE is the crystal air plant set. For crystal and plant-lovers alike, this is an ideal situation.

 

6. Crystal Age

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | grape agate mineral

Crystal Age.

Along with an incredible selection of healing products, Crystal Age also provides informational videos to help you learn about crystals.

 

7. World Incense Store

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | rough crystal chakra set

World Incense Store.

Don’t let the name fool you. World Incense Store is home to some really beautiful crystals.

 

8. Mandala Gems

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | green flourite tower

Mandala Gems.

Mandala Gems is chock-full of of ethically sourced crystals, gems and smudge sticks.

9. Energy Muse

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | angel aura quartz point

Energy Muse.

Not only does Energy Muse house any crystal you could possibly want, they’ll also help guide you to the right one for you and your needs.

10. InnerVision Crystals

STYLECASTER | Best Places to Buy Crystals | black tourmaline crystal

InnerVision Crystals.

From citrine and smoky quartz to tourmaline crystals, InnerVision Crystals has whatever you’re seeking.

A version of this article was originally posted in April 2020. 

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Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts You Can Order Online

While most of us would like to stay on top of the calendar, the truth is that it can be difficult to remember important dates—like Father’s Day, for example. Sometimes life gets in the way and we forget to plan ahead. It’s understandable, which is why we rounded up some easy online Father’s Day gifts you can send to your dad last minute. Whether you’re just a self-admitted procrastinator or live thousands of miles away from your dad, these gift ideas make it easy to show you care—even if you might have forgotten to snag a gift early.

Whether your dad is always wanting to learn something new, has an affinity for delicious treats or always talks about his love of beer, you’re sure to find the perfect online gift this year. Some of the gifts below are totally online—and can be sent the day-of if necessary. Others you can go ahead and order to have shipped directly to your dad’s door. Whatever your choice, your dad will no doubt deem you child of the year. You’re welcome.

It’s no secret that dads can be notoriously difficult to shop for, but these online gifts make it easy. Sometimes fathers don’t know what they want until you place it in their hands—or into their email. But with the help of these easy online Father’s Day gifts, you’ll be giving your dad something he might have never known he wanted—whether that’s a subscription to a beer of the month club, a gift basket full of goodies or a custom photo book. Your dad never has to know you waited until the last minute to pick out his Father’s Day gift. And we certainly won’t tell.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Masterclass Subscription

STYLECASTER | Best MasterClass Courses

MasterClass.

Whether your dad has always wanted to take cooking classes, learn how to sing or even get tips on gardening, he can do it all with Masterclass. For $15/month, users get access to all of the amazing online classes taught by experts and celebrities, so your dad can broaden his mind one virtual class at a time.

 

Amazon Prime Subcription

STYLECASTER | Father's Day Gifts 2020

Christian Wiediger/Unsplash.

If your dad is anything like mine, he’s constantly ordering gadgets and tech gear online. Make it easier for him to get what he needs faster with an Amazon Prime account. When his orders arrive at lightning speed, he’ll know who to thank—you.

 

Cameo Video

STYLECASTER | Last Minute Gifts Send Online

Courtesy of Cameo/Facebook.

Cameo allows you to create customized and personalized video shout-outs featuring some of your favorite celebs. Have Snoop Dogg sing your best Happy Birthday or Peter Weber (a.k.a. Pilot Pete from ‘The Bachelor’) blow his biggest crush a virtual kiss for V-day.

 

ESPN Subcription

Live Sports Streaming, Original Shows & Award-Winning Documentaries | ESPN+ | ESPN+

ESPN.

Perfect the sports fanatic on your list this year (or anyone who likes to watch live games), ESPN+ is now offering gift cards to send online for subscriptions.

 

VidDay Video

STYLECASTER | Last-Minute Gifts to Send Online

Courtesy of VidDay.

This genius service allows you to create quick and thoughtful videos to surprise the giftee in question without having to DIY. It offers a vast selection of themed and customizable templates that you can send to that special someone instantly.

 

Some Dessert From Milk Bar

STYLECASTER | Online Father's Day Gifts

Milk Bar.

Treat your dad to an especially sweet delivery from Milk Bar. They’re known in New York for having some of the tastiest desserts around, but they also deliver their baked goods to wherever you (or your dad) live. For Father’s Day, they’ve even created a special cake flavor: The PB&B Classic (peanut butter and banana, that is).

A BREO BOX Subscription

STYLECASTER | Online Father's Day Gifts

BREO BOX.

If your dad already seems to have everything, try gifting him a BREO BOX subscription. This service finds the coolest gadgets and home goods, and puts them together in a curated box every three months. Past boxes have included drones, a digital luggage scale and even a USB candle lighter.

 

An Actually Tasty Juice Cleanse

STYLECASTER | Online Father's Day Gifts

Raw Generation.

If your dad is constantly talking about wanting to get more greens into his diet, give him a leg up with a delivery of actually tasty BREO BOX subscription. You can send him everything he needs to increase his veggies intake—or even go on a juice cleanse.

 

A Custom Photo Book

STYLECASTER | Online Father's Day Gifts

Chatbooks.

Give your dad the gift of precious memories with a service allows you to create quick and thoughtful videos from Chatbooks. You can choose between hardcover or softcover, then fill it with photos, stories and inside jokes sure to make your dad smile.

 

His Very Own Memoir

STYLECASTER | Virtual Father's Day Ideas

StoryWorth.

Let your dad share his life story with everyone—even hundreds of years into the future. StoryWorth allows you to write your own memoir one week at a time with inspiring prompts, and then has them all printed into a hardcover book your dad can have and then pass along to future generations.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Strap-On

As Ilana Glazer from Broad City aptly noted a few years ago, “It’s 2015 — pegging is definitely on the menu.” Five years later, the same still rings true. While pegging isn’t yet a staple in our collective sexual repertoire, it’s absolutely an option—and an undeniably intriguing one, at that. The shifting landscape has left many of us contemplating our first-ever strap-on dildo purchase (and realizing how complex the world of strap-on shopping can be).

It goes without saying that strap-on dildos didn’t get their start on Broad City. (Or in that 2013 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians where Kourtney offers to peg Scott Disick after he asks her to have anal sex.) The queer community has been having strap-on sex for about as long as strap-ons have existed. So the idea that strap-on dildos are only “cool” now that two of our favorite TV shows have covered them is not only incredibly straight, but also incredibly myopic.

Still, that’s no reason not to buy a strap-on of your own—or at least, to explore the option of doing so. Sexual experimentation is a wonderful and enlightening thing. If you’re interested in exploring the world of strap-on dildos—for anal or vaginal sex; for straight or queer sex; for anything, really—power to you. The first-time strap-on shopping arena can be a complicated thing to navigate. But you’ve already taken the first step: You’ve decided to learn more about strap-on dildos.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Start by shopping toys that are harness-compatible.

Strap-on dildos and dildos aren’t exactly the same thing. The term “dildos” encompasses all kinds of penetrative toys—anal probes, vaginal penetrators, vibrating dildos, etc. The term “strap-on dildos” specifically describes dildos that can be strapped into a harness or pair of briefs for wearable use.

“Strap-on harnesses or briefs often come with O-rings, which are flexible rubber circles that you slot the dildo through to hold it in place,” Sammi Cole, Lovehoney sexpert, tells StyleCaster. “So in theory, every dildo that can be held in place by an O-ring is strap-on compatible.”

But of course, not every dildo can be held in place by an O-ring. Most sex toy stores have specific sections dedicated to strap-on dildos, making it easy to find harness-compatible options. But if you can’t find that section, a good rule of thumb is to shop dildos with flared bases or balls, Cole says; the wide base will make the toy more likely to stay in place during wearable use.

Now that you’ve limited your search to harness-compatible dildos, you’re done, right? Not quite. Because O-rings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some are larger, to accommodate girthier dildos. And some are smaller, to accommodate slimmer ones.

We’ll get to dildo girth selection and harness shopping in a second. But for now, it’s worth mentioning that you’ll eventually want to narrow your search even further than you already have. It’s not enough to find that’s harness-compatible, you need to find a dildo that’s compatible with your specific harness, Cole says. You’ll want to make sure your O-ring and your dildo have the same diameter. “It’s important to buy a strap-on dildo [your] harness fits like a shoe!” Dr. Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., Adam & Eve sexpert, tells StyleCaster.

Figure out what size and shape is best for you.

Different dildos lend themselves to different kinds of play. Beginner anal toys, for instance, tend to be a little slimmer than beginner vaginal toys. And Skyler points out that more advanced players tend to enjoy larger, girthier toys (for vaginal and anal penetration, alike).

“As with any new sex toy, it’s always better to start small and work your way up so that the partner being penetrated can get comfortably used to the sensation,” Cole says. (She also points out that smaller dildos tend to be easier to control hands-free than larger ones.) When it comes to shape, Cole recommends starting off with simpler, smoother styles. Non-realistic dildos tend to be softer and more comfortable than realistic ones, and straightforward shapes can be easier to navigate.

But this is more of a suggestion than a hard-and-fast rule. “Shape and length really depends on what the receiver desires,” Skyler notes. “Some receivers want really small and thin dildo penetration. Others want bigger, thicker, longer.” Talk to your partner about what you’re interested in exploring—and what they’re interested in exploring—should make it easier to figure out what size and shape you should be shopping for.

Pay attention to material, too.

Size and shape aren’t the only elements worth considering. A strap-on’s material will affect both the wearer’s and the receiver’s experiences, so it’s worth minding, as well.

Both Skyler and Cole recommend starting with a silicone strap-on. “Dildos that give some element of flexibility are also going to be more comfortable for first-timers, but not too soft,” Cole notes. “You want [your strap-on] to be firm enough to penetrate, but not so hard that it could be uncomfortable.” For this reason, she recommends soft-yet-sturdy silicone.

Plus, both experts note that the material is safe, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean—a win on all fronts.

That said, make sure not to combine your silicone toy with silicone-based lube. In this case, like degrades like. So silicone-based lube can actually erode your silicone toy—which isn’t fun for anyone. If you’re planning to use lube (and you definitely should if you’re exploring penetrative anal play), opt for a water- or oil-based option, instead.

Find a harness you feel comfortable with.

Now that we’ve covered the strap-on dildo basics, it’s time to explore the other half of strap-on sex: the harness.

Start by browsing the strap-on harness sections at some of your favorite sex toy stores (we recommend Lovehoney, Adam & Eve, and Babeland). You’ll likely notice what looks like leather belts and underwear—these are all harnesses (note the O-rings Cole mentioned earlier). But leather and strappy isn’t the only way to do it. There are tons of harnesses that are crafted from cloth and shaped like panties or briefs. These are just as viable as the leather options (again, note the O-rings).

While the underwear- and brief-style harnesses tend to be sized like traditional clothing (small, medium, large, etc.), leather harnesses tend to be one-size-fits-all. That said, many leather harnesses come with “straps that can be adjusted to fit practically any size,” Cole notes. So visit your go-to store in person, try on a few, and see what feels good.

Once you’ve found a harness you like, make sure it’s compatible with the size and shape of the dildo you were interested in. If not, you’ll either need to find a new dildo or a new harness. To avoid a potential mismatch, Cole recommends shopping a strap-on variety pack. These often include dildos in a range of sizes, as well as harnesses with adjustable O-rings. These enable you to explore different kinds of toys with the same harness, all the while knowing you’ll have a perfect fit every time.

Take some time to get used to your strap-on before using it.

Once you’ve bought your strap-on and a matching harness, Cole recommends taking some time to familiarize yourself with it before trying it out with a partner.

“If you’re planning on being the receiver, try using the dildo on your own first—that way, you’ll know what feels good and you can tell your partner,” she says. If you’re planning on wearing the strap-on, try it on and get used to how it feels on your body. “The more you can treat it as a (literal) extension of yourself, the better,” Cole adds.

And when it comes time to actually use your strap-on, take things slow and make sure to communicate with your partner, Cole says. “If you’re receiving, remember that your partner can’t feel the dildo, so they will need you to tell them what feels good!” Cole adds.

And be sure you have everything else you need to keep your strap-on in tip-top shape.

You’ve made it. Now all you really need to do is enjoy your delightful new strap-on—and engage in enough maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape.

For starters, you’ll want to clean your toy after every single use. “Most toys can be easily and safely cleaned with warm water and soap,” Skyler notes. But if you want to take things a step further, you can buy a sex toy cleaner. (Cole recommends the Lovehoney Fresh Toy Cleaner, $14.99. A couple spritzes should do the job.)

While it may seem tedious to post-game sex with a little cleaning, remember: Doing so will not only keep your toys as hygienic as possible, it will also help them last longer. (And since sex toys can get a little pricey, that’s definitely worth it.)

And of course, lube is basically always a good idea. If you’re experimenting with anal penetration, you’ll definitely want to use lube. (Your vagina naturally secretes its own lube, but your rectum does not.) But all kinds of play can benefit from the addition of a little lubricant. Just make sure the lube you’re planning to use is compatible with your toy. (Remember, silicone toys and silicone-based lubes do not make for a good match.)

A few strap-on recommendations from Adam & Eve sexpert Dr. Jenni Skyler:

STYLECASTER | A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Strap-On

Courtesy of Adam & Eve.

Fetish Fantasy First Timer’s Strap-On Set

This fun-colored strap-on set was designed with beginners in mind. (It even has “First Timer” in its name!) Though the attached dildo is slender and beginner-friendly, the harness comes with adjustable O-rings so you can explore different kinds of play.

STYLECASTER | A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Strap-On

Courtesy of Adam & Eve.

Bound by Diamonds Harness

Shoppers looking for a particularly fun toy will undoubtedly enjoy this rhinestone-covered strap-on harness (as well as the transparent dildo that comes with it). Many customer reviews have offered the toy high marks, with one, in particular, calling it great for first-time use.

A few strap-on kit recommendations from Lovehoney sexpert Sammi Cole:

STYLECASTER | A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Strap-On

Courtesy of LoveHoney.

Lovehoney Beginner’s Strap-On Kit

“The Lovehoney Beginner’s Unisex Strap-On Harness Kit is the perfectly proportioned strap-on set for beginners,” Cole says. “This all-in-one bundle contains everything you need to start your experimentation with pegging and penetration play.” (If you’re curious, that includes a 5-inch dildo and a comfortable, adjustable harness.)

STYLECASTER | A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Strap-On

Courtesy of Lovehoney.

Tracey Coz Strap-On Pegging Kit

“For versatility, a strap-on kit like with a [range] of dildos and O-rings is a great place to start,” Cole says. She recommends that beginners try something like the Tracey Cox Supersex Strap-On Pegging Kit. Not only does it offer a range of dildo sizes and an adjustable harness, but it also comes with a bullet vibrator you can tuck into the dildo. That offers the wearer and the receiver stimulation in equal measure.

STYLECASTER | A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Strap-On

Courtesy of Lovehoney.

BASICS Strap-On Harness Kit

“The BASICS Strap-On Harness Kit is also great for first-timers,” Cole says. “A sleek, stylish and comfortable harness holds your choice of two dildos.” (Each of which offers different sensations.) “Flared bases and a set of O-rings also make it easy to change up your toys, and offers stability for care-free fun, Cole adds. “Plus, with fully adjustable waist and thigh straps, it can comfortably fit practically any body shape or size.”

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