Do you want to add a bit of amore in your relationship? Just think that every month you both could receive a sexy pair of intimates, model them for each other and  enjoy the rest of the evening together, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

Here are some Intimates of the Month Club to surely inspire romance in your relationship…

FOR HER
	Panty by Post – Although this is a Canadian company, it actually started in Paris, which explains the French flair in their lingerie offering. Their goal is bring back nostalgia of receiving something pretty, sexy and completely feminine in the mail every month. Each panty comes beautifully packaged with a personal message from the sender. Choose from hipster, thong, bikini and vintage or a mix of all. Now this is a way to say Je t’aime!  Check out the Panty by Post website. Do you know anyone one soon to be married? They also have a special club for the bride and groom. What a way to start off a marriage!
	Panty Fairy – Another panty-of-the-month club for those who love surprises. The recipient never knows what will be in those monthly packages until they arrive. One month they could be lacy French knickers and the next, a blue satin thong. Choose between a 6 month and 12 month subscription on the Panty Fairy website.
	Chocolates Fantasies - A panty of the month club that will surely spice things up. Each monthly gift (if it is a holiday month the package will have a holiday theme to it) will include a pair of panties, chocolates, edible undies, chocolate body sauce or rose and a personalized note.  You’re thus guaranteed at least one amorous night a month. Ooh la la. They also offer a sexy bra & panty set monthly club. Check out their website here.
	In the Mood Intimates - This is a panty of the month club “on a budget”. Your loved one can still show they love you with this three month panty club, with brand names like Chantelle, Hanky Panky, and Panache, to name a few. Choose from bikini/boyshort or thong/g-string and the company will look after the rest, including doing a holiday theme on the appropriate months. Check out their reduced priced clubs here.
FOR HIM
	Panty by Post for Men – Men do not need to feel left out. We ladies can also send the man in our life a thoughtful, beautifully packaged gift, complete with a romantic note. Every month, he will get a pair of boxer briefs that are comfortable, soft, sexy and good for the planet (made of natural fibers). Just think, each month you can have a private fashion show for each other. Comme c’est romantique! Shop at Panty by Post, the Men section.
	ChocolateFantasies – This spicy site also has a Guy’s Club with treats. Every month he can expect a sexy pair of underwear, chocolates, edible undies, chocolate sauce or rose and more, all in a beautifully wrapped package with a personalized note. Talk about getting him in the mood! Shop here.

Yes, we know. You’re quite welcome.

The Jack Franklin tie company was born out of the frustrating fact that well-made neckties are extremely overpriced. By selling exclusively online, Jack Franklin is able to bypass the middleman and offer high quality, beautifully made, hand-sewn ties at a reasonable price. They use the finest fabrics and sell brand name quality minus brand name price. All ties are made with wool interlining, which gives them an added layer of thickness, allowing a longer life and better knots.

We love the classic silk fabric patterns that are updated with contemporary colors palettes, factors which elevate these ties above all the trends and fads and will allow them to endure with timeless style.

Shop all the Jack Franklin tie colors and patterns and know that the company offers a satisfaction guarantee on all of their ties because they want their customers to be happy with their purchase.

First time customers, please enter code: TSW2093 for a 30% discount valid on your first purchase. And for even greater value – AND a great gift idea that will provide delight all year round – take a look Jack Franklin Tie-of-the-Month Club which provides even more “tie value”.

BTW, you might find this useful… Here’s a handy guide to help your man to manage the various ways to tie a tie knot.

To keep in touch with Jack Franklin and what the company is up to, follow them on Facebook or view the latest news on Jack’s Blog.

My husband does not, will not and down right hates to shop. I have spent many wasted hours shopping for him, having to return most of what I had bought. I kept telling myself that, from now on, I would not buy him clothes anymore, but it did not make sense. After all, I was at the store anyway, for either myself or one of our children, I might as well look for him also. Since he would never do it on his own… He’d still wear his early 90′s garb if it was just up to him.

Then I discovered TRUNK CLUB MEN’S OUTFITTERS.

Finally a shopping site designed by a man with a man’s needs in mind. TRUNK CLUB MEN’S OUTFITTERS, based in Chicago, is perfect for the man to wardrobe himself with very little effort on his part. Once the customer registers by answering a short questionnaire on sizes, colors, price range and look preference, a stylist will contact him, either by phone, Skype or email, to personalize the shopping experience. The stylist – who basically takes on the role of a wife or girlfriend with great taste -puts together some options and then sends the garments by FedEx. Once they arrive, he simply tries them on, sees what works and returns what doesn’t with prepaid postage (no more wasted runs to the store to return clothes). Best of all, there are no membership fees and no minimums. The Trunk Club’s main line is stylish casual, focusing on jeans, casual slacks, sweaters, button downs, jackets, t-shirts and shoes.

Their store is located in Chicago and, should you be in town, they encourage customers to stop by to meet their personal stylist, have a beer and take advantage of browsing the store for future shopping excursions.

What a perfect solution to alleviate the stress and frustration of male-that-hates-shopping syndrome. Works for him. Works for me. To get started go to their website and register. I guess we can no longer say ‘behind every well dressed man, there is a woman’.

Ok, so we know that the tie, the socks, the bottle of Scotch and the golf accessories are the classic gift for Father’s Day, but we also know that you’d like to go in another direction. Here are some other ideas:

	The Newbie:  What better way for a new dad to show his love for his child then with these Groupie/Rockstar father/child t-shirt sets. The child’s tee can be either pink or black and up to a 4T in size. They will be rockin’! Buy from this Etsy artists Kari McLennan for $27.00. Also check out her Old Block/Chip father/son t-shirt set.
	The Proud Papa: A t-shirt that states ‘I am DAD’ really says it all. Or so you would think. Inscribed on the back of the tee is the deeper meaning of what this simple three letter work really means. This is a limited edition t-shirt and can be bought from Peace Love World for $45.00.
	The Stylist: Think of all the things that the dad in your life loves and have them stamped on this fashionable sterling silver and 14k gold belt buckle handmade by jeweler Heather Moore. It will surely be the only statement piece that he will ever need to wear. Contact Heather Moore directly to have personalized. $1890.00.
	The Accessorizor:  We wrote an article about Men’s cuff bracelets and omitted to mention this noteworthy one. Handmade by South African Artist Jeffery Levin, this red leather bracelet with sterling silver beads and clasp has a great cool factor. Buy directly from this eclectic jewelry artist for $280.00
	The Sports Fan: What do you do with old wooden stadium seats that have been replaced by newer (and more comfortable) plastic ones? You make accessories with them, of course!  If you know a dad that is a fan of Major League Baseball, this just may be the piece of nostalgia for him. Each item has a piece of an old wooden seat from one of the major stadiums across the United States; from Fenway Park to Wrigley Field. To see a list of all the stadiums and accessories available go Tokens & Icons …recycled nostalgia.
	The Adventurist: This survival kit has everything you need to stay alive longer. Instead of carrying a backpack filled with compass, whistle, knife, fishing hook and line, LED light, signal mirror and more, this SOL Origin Survival Kit fits in the palm of your hand. A must have when heading out to mountain bike, cross country ski or just hiking in the back country. Buy from Amazon approx. for $50.00.
	The Mixologist: For the ‘shaken, not stirred’ dad this Graffiti Cocktail Shaker may bring out his alter ego. One thing for sure, it is bound to inspire colorful Happy Hours. One will wonder what concoction he comes up with next. Buy on Fred Flare for $30.00.
	The Wine Connoisseur: If you are like me,  you have a drawer full of wine stoppers that does a mediocre job of sealing a bottle of wine. Although it is unusual in my house for wine to turn, occasionally we do not finish a bottle and the wine ends up in my cooking wine section in the fridge. Quite a shame for the grand crus. The Winedoctor has made a stopper that shows that the seal is holding by a built-in red indicator. Buy the Winedoctor Kit Elite from the Winedoctor for $29.95.
	The Beer Drinker: Not to leave the beer drinkers out, these Bottoms Up beer glasses are shaped like an upside down beer bottle. Made from hand blown glass they are designed with double wall glass so the beer stays cold and your hands stay dry. Buy on Amazon for about $20.00 for a set of two.
	The Food Lover: What dad would not enjoy a treat of summer sausage, beef jerky, herb cheddar cheese and handmade rosemary crackers gift set. Take him on a picnic and make a day of it. Buy this Rogue Valley Gourmet Food Sampler from Foodzie for $37.00 and check out all their other delicious gift sets too.
	The Music Lover: These Skullcandy Double Agent Wireless Headphones are also an MP3 Player. Simply insert your SD card into the headphones and you are good to go. No wires and no carrying an MP3 player. Buy from Amazon for approx $60 – $70.
	The De-Stressing Dad:  Trek Light Gear has made the perfect portable hammock. Weighing a total of one pound this hammock is no slouch since it can hold up to 400 lbs. Hang it pretty much anywhere. Perfect for the dad and his kids to share. Buy from Daily Grommet for $59.95.
	The Environmentalist: Time for dad to upgrade his ten speed college bike? This sustainable bike is made from bamboo (you know we love bamboo) making it very light weight and very urban. Dad will have no problem leaving the wheels at home and taking this ride to work. Buy from ahalife for $1295.00
	The Businessman: Made from discarded tractor tires this line of PASSCHAL bags makes even the most picky capitalist approve of going green with its sleek styles. Now that is, shall we say, eco-ture and at a reasonable price. Buy directly from PASSCHAL for $239.00

For me, I will honor my father and father-in-law by wearing a white rose that day, as Sonora Smart Dodd suggested over 100 years ago, for a father who has passed away.

Happy Father’s Day!

My father loved his safari vest. He found it so convenient, especially when traveling. Even though this was before cell phones and mp3 players he was still able to fill all the pockets with change, car keys, kleenex, maps and lord knows what else (kind of like my purse). The only problem was that when worn it always looked so bulky and lumpy. Scottevest has come up with a solution for this that is not only practical but also streamlined and stylish. Their 22 pocket vest is made of lightweight breathable Teflon-treated Cotton/Nylon blend. It is wrinkle, water and stain resistant. The no bulge pockets are designed to hold cell phones, iPods, cameras, ID, change and even an iPad. Simply take it off at airport security and put it through the x ray machine. No need to hold up the line by emptying out all your pockets. Now that is efficient traveling!

Great Father’s Day gift idea for the dad who travel a lot. View the travel and active wear lines at Scottevest.com. And while you are there check out their line for women. I’m kinda digging the trench…

Just released in March 2011, the CARMAZZI 1BAG has been designed to be the only bag a person will ever need, regardless of their situation. The premise behind the bag was to create the perfect laptop bag, but after receiving over 2000 blog post giving feedback, the CARMAZZI 1BAG was born to suit not only a laptop but also the owner’s productivity, travel and fashion demands. This one bag can be a backpack, carry-on suitcase, messenger bag, briefcase or anything else that suits the occasion.

How can one bag do this? This ingenious design allows you to accessorize the Basic Set Bag with a variety of different pockets to cater to your needs. However way you accessorize it, the additional pockets can be easily taken off, rearranged and put back on. These extra pockets can be used separately whether siteseeing, going out for lunch or heading to a meeting. The accessory pockets cater to the most popular gadgets and products that you may carry such as an iPod, iPad, passport and boarding passes, chargers, cameras and toiletry essentials. In addition the bag can have built in power for your laptop and USB accessories, a GPS tracker in case you the two of you get separated and solar power to run your laptop.

To see how it works check out this YouTube video. This really is a case of “Wait, there’s more”…

Click here to view the embedded video.

You can build your own or choose from one of the several pre-designed Carmazzi 1Bags, like Jet Setter, Apple Lover (my personal favorite) and Business Mogul bags. It’s perfect for Father’s Day, the Basic Set bag has 12 possibilities on its own for $89.95. The extra pockets run from $4.95 – $28.98 with the specialty pockets running between $36.95 to $109.68 for the Power Pocket that will charge your laptop anytime, anywhere. Just think, accessory pockets can be given as birthday and Christmas gifts until he reaches is ultimate Carmazzi 1Bag. Also great for the graduate. Buy directly from CARMAZZI 1Bag. Love.

Here are some of our favorite ideas for Father’s Day gift ideas in the personal grooming category:

	The Art of Shaving Power Shave Set: This beautifully packaged Power Shave Set includes a sleek new ProGlide razor design (the latest technology from Gillette), and travel sizes of the Art of Shaving pre-shave oil, shaving cream pump, after-shave balm and genuine badger shaving brush. Available at the Art of Shaving for $150.
	Best4Men – Men’s Ultimate Grooming Toolkit: A very manly presentation to encourage your guy to take care of all his personal grooming needs. A collection of twelve award-winning skin, hair, and face products are cleverly packaged in a 19″ Stanley toolbox. Buy at Best4Men for $145.
	Moustache Wax Action Pack: With moustaches being all the rage of late, it’s possible that your man might venture into sporting one – if he isn’t already. These waxes will style mustaches and beards and have them smell great too. Man’s Face Stuff handmakes its moustache wax in Portland, OR. This action pack comes with three 1 oz tins of each scent variety: Gin & Tonic, Red Hot and All Nighter plus a tube of Unscented wax for mid-day touch-ups. Buy from Man’s Face Stuff on Etsy for $26.00.
	Razorpit: This gadget extend the life of a razor blade by removing the fine residues of hair, skin and soap that make razor blades dull. In essence, the Razorpit revitalizes the blade so that it lasts up to 10 times longer, or up to 150 shaves. Can save your guy more than $200 in the first year alone. Buy the Razorpit here for for $25.
	Carzor Portable Credit Card Razor Wallet Shaver: Know a guy that likes to look perfectly shaven at any moment of day say, especially right before a big meeting? Consider getting him the super slim wallet-sized razor that also incorporates a mirror for on-the-go shaving. Buy at Gadget Fever for $13.79.
	The Gentlemen’s Refinery Travel Trilogy The Standard: TSA-approved travel packs contains travel-sized pre-shave oil, shave cream and after shave balm. The Gentlemens Refinery personal care line for men is made of 100% pure and natural products, paraben and alcohol free. Buy at The Gentlemens Refinery for $48.
	Menscience’s Daily Face Kit: For the man who you think can take the “beauty regimen” one step further, this kit includes a facial exfoliating scrub, facial cleanser, oil-free moisturizing cream and face brush. Because, yeah, they deserve glowing skin too! Buy at Menscience Androceuticals for $85.

Let us know what other ideas you might have! We’ll add them to the list!

I recently wrote an article about the in-fashion of cuffs for women. Let’s not leave the men out. No matter what their age this one single piece shows that he has style and is not afraid to show it.  They are perfect for both the young and, shall we say, seasoned, men in your life. With both Father’s Day and graduations just around the corner, these may just be the gift you are looking for.

Here are a few of my favorites that would suit both the Grad and the Dad:

	Leather Bracelet Cuff: The wrap cuff is so popular with women but here is one that looks classy and rugged at the same time. Made with sterling silver and black onyx and turquoise on a five foot strip of rich black leather. Buy from Kiss2Keep on Etsy for $77.00
	Copper Cuff: My husband has arthritis in his clavicle after breaking it in his 20′s downhill skiing. He wears a copper bracelet that seems to take the pain away. This one would bring more of a statement than the one I picked up at the drugstore. Buy from mLindvall on Etsy for $85.00.
	Titanium Cuff: This cuff looks very chic in a masculine way. Made from titanium(the metal-equivalent of testosterone) and black plated rope accent. Buy from The Black Bow for $156.00.
	Bed Stu Brown Cuff: Who says style has to cost a lot. Here is a classic cuff made from brown leather cow-hide. It goes well with both a briefcase or a skateboard. Buy from Bed Stu for only $15.00.
	Personalized Men’s Sterling Silver Cuff: This manly cuff can have a soft side to it that no one needs to see. Personalize it on the inside with his children’s names or the title of ‘your’ song. It is also great for the graduate, with the date and school he graduated from to make a true keepsake piece. Buy from Earthy Expressions on Etsy for $69.99
	Braided Cuff: Understated and simple this cuff with a magnetic latch can show his wild side in a very subtle way. And at $7.00 each you can buy one for both the father and son. Buy from YY1982 on Etsy.
	Polymer Clay Wave Cuff: This cool black cuff with a Japanese wave design will surely get attention. People will wonder what it is made of. Polymer Clay is a pliable, bendable polymer (PVC) compound that contains no clay minerals. Comes with a Hemp twine tie just to add a bit of sass. Buy from theshagbag on Etsy for $16.95.
	Gypsy Street Cuff: For the urban stylist, this mod wide leather cuff has an oversized clasps.  The hammered forged metal can be hand stamped with ID or personal message or looks great unmarked. Buy from UrbanBoutique on Etsy for $39.00.
	Men’s Sport Cuff Bracelet: Perfect for mixing work with play. This sporty black titanium and 14 k gold cuff shows a little bit of a wild side. Accessory with flair for the enterprising dad or the son that graduated with Summa Cum Laude. Buy here for $735.00

Making our men a bit sexier. It’s really a gift for us!

Now that Mother’s Day has come and gone, our internal holiday timers know to prep for Father’s Day next month. As studies have shown, men are the hardest people to buy for, but have no fear because The Succulent Wives are here to help. We will be featuring lots of great ideas to help make Father’s Day just as special as they made your Mother’s Day (not that we are competing, but let’s face it, we know how to make that day special!)

So, with no further ado, here is a gift that gives all year. BLACKSOCKS is an innovative “sockscription” service that will deliver socks directly to the door. The socks are all made in Milan, Italy, using the finest quality in Pima cotton, Merino wool or cashmere silk. Simply choose the style, color and fiber and how often in the year you would like him to receive a shipment and they do all the rest.

If the father-in-your-life has a drawer full of mismatched, holey and misshapen socks than the Magic Box is for him. Simply order a Magic Box and an attractive grey gift box with a red ribbon will be delivered to him. Inside the box will be nothing but instructions for him to sort out his old socks, put them in the box and mail the box back to BLACKSOCKS. When BLACKSOCKS receives it, they count the socks and send back the same number of new calf-length ones. If you wonder where all those old socks go, they are sent to Texaid for recycling.

BLACKSOCKS also carries briefs and boxer briefs, fine T-shirts and travel shave kits that are also available via subscription.

Go to BLACKSOCKS for all the sockscription choices.

The Kamasutra, written sometime in the 3rd century by a north Indian scholar called Vatsyayana Mallanaga, means literally, the Treatise on Pleasure. Kama is the Hindu God of Love. Kama also means desire. Sutra refers to a narrative, manual or guide. The KamaSutra is a classic guide to lovemaking, reflecting the social and sexual traditions of the times. Many consider the Kamasutra to be simply a manual of athletic sexual positions, but scholars view it as having more historical importance than a simple guide would have. It is a book about the art of living; about finding a partner, maintaining power in a marriage, and above all, it lays down the different positions in sexual intercourse. Thus Kamasutra is a guide towards sexual fantasy and satisfaction. (Source)

Here then are some Kama Sutra inspired accessories, or shall we say, gift ideas?

	Let’s start with the basics! The Complete Illustrated Kama Sutra. Note, it’s illustrated. But let’s all calm down, these are images of ancient Kama Sutra art seen in museums and private collections. The author, Lance Dane is one of the foremost scholar in the Kama Sutra. Of course, there are many modern interpretations of the Kama Sutra. Something to suit every taste. Just search Amazon for Kama Sutra in books and you will be sure to be met with quite a few choices. We thought this classic was risqué enough for these pages. Find it here.
	When The Succulent Wife had her gift shop, the Kama Sutra line was always a best seller. With reason. It’s a high quality and high class line of sensual products that comes in pretty packaging that you wouldn’t mind seeing displayed in the open. That is, until your daughter walks in and asks “Mommy what’s in this box?”. The Weekender Kit was a must-keep-in-stock-at-all-times classic, but Earthly Delights gift box and the Lover’s Paintbox (edible chocolate body paints) were my favorites. But for Valentine’s Day, we choose the Chocolate Sweet Heart Box.
	The music. Need the music.  This CD, the Language of Love, is a sensual blend that is also appropriate for relaxation, meditation and massage. Or you could always go for the classic Pachelbel’s Canon.
	If you have some serious appreciation for the art of Kama Sutra, you might like to display one of your favorite positions as an art piece featuring reproductions of ancient Kama Sutra art scenes. Though, I must say that by looking at all the other prints, I’m quite sure that one must be, at minimum, a level 3 yogi(ni) – with stamina -  in order to even contemplate getting into such, ummm, asanas. Take a look here.
	How about a game for the playful, sexy souls? The Kama Sutra board game promised to “expand your sensory awareness through activities using sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch”. All five senses. It does sound like all the right ingredients are there to make for an engaging evening. See it here.
	Kama Sutra Deck: 50 Ways to Love Your Lover. This card deck features fifty cards each with a lovely illustration, a verse from the Kama Sutra and, more importantly a suggestion to inspire romance and sensuality. Something for every week of the year. Now, you’re all set. Buy on Amazon.

And, I wish that these Kama Sutra chocolates were still available for sale (it seems not. Can’t find them anywhere), b/c they are quite amusing. That yoga level 3 three mention I made earlier? Yep.