ToiBocks Blog

Dawn’s tip of the day – Plan your menu in advance to save time and money; and reduce stress and waste.

So here’s a blog post on one of my favorite things… Saving Money! I feed my family of five for about $80/week in groceries – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks… the works – often that includes laundry soap, dog food and other grocery type items too – not always, but often.

I teach a class on grocery shopping for low income folks – like women in transition at Haven Hills (domestic violence center – learn more about them here: http://havenhills.org I worked for them as a Facilities Manager for a year and did all their grocery shopping – please consider them if you’re looking to donate durable goods, new clothes, food or always welcome – cash); I also taught teens transitioning off onto their own at LA Youth Network (helps some of the more than 10,000 homeless teens on the streets of LA – learn more about them here www.layn.org – did you know you can feed a homeless teen for just $5 a day?); and The Promises Foundation’s Miriam’s House, an amazingly warm place where women battling addiction have a safe place to stay with their children – learn more about them here: Promises Foundation )

By the way, if you know of an organization close to West Hills who would benefit from my classes feel free to contact me or comment on this blog, I’m always looking for new people to help – which is why I decided, in this economy, that although my system of shopping is completely common sense, a lot of people (just like me) never thought about shopping this way so I’m sharing. One of my favorite quotes is “You don’t know what you don’t know until you know you don’t know it!”

In it’s simplest form, here it is – just implementing this one step from my class will put you on the path to saving a boat load of money. Plan your menu! Implement what works for you, replace or revise what doesn’t apply and let the savings begin!

So I sit down on a Saturday (or any other day) and I plan dinner for Sat night through Thursday night (we have take out every Friday). I take a look at what meat is on sale at 2 of the 3 stores I shop at (I shop at Costco, Vallarta and Vons). I have the family together choose what meals I’m going to make, example: I need a pork dish – they choose Hoisin Pork Noodles, Pork Chops, Pork Stir Fry or some other pork dish). Because the meat is on sale in the Value Pack we pick 2 nights of pork that week. This week’s menu plan is:

Sat – Wedding Day Soup (chicken, meatballs, lots of veggies, noodles)
Sun – Beef Fajitas (beef, tortillas, peppers/onions, beans, rice, tomato and sour cream)
Mon – Hoisin Pork Noodles (pork, red pepper, snow peas, bean sprouts, green onion, peanuts and sauce)
Tues – Crab Rangoon (egg roll wrapper, cream cheese, mock crab, Worcestershire, soy sauce and garlic) and Chicken stir fry (chicken, red pepper, green onion, carrot, broccoli, snow peas and rice)
Wed – Gyros (chicken, pita bread, red onion, spices, rice, tomato), Hummus (chick peas, tahini, olive oil, garlic) and Tzatsiki (cucumber, sour cream, garlic and sugar)
Thurs – Baked Shells with Chicken and Cheese (shells, chicken, Monterrey Jack cheese, garlic salt, garlic and parsley)

Once the menu plan is done I add all the ingredients I don’t already have to my grocery list, plus other stuff we might need like milk, bread, cereal, peanut butter and then I shop. I only buy what’s on my list (unless I see a super deal on something I can use for next week’s menu).

My groceries for this meal plan were $72 – keeping in mind that I already some of the stuff in the house from previous grocery shopping trips – noodles, rice, beans, sour cream, garlic, spices, pitas, soy/Worcestershire/hosin sauces and sugar. This is a regular thing – buy in bulk and you don’t have to buy as often and your weekly bill is lower. With the vegetables I only purchase enough to make the meals I needed to make, there is no waste and the cost is much lower. I was also able to purchase cereal, brownie mix and other things with this week’s stuff. Cereal is always on sale somewhere – I usually get it at Vons (safeway). The boxes go on sale 2 for $4 or 5 for $10 and I stock up. I’ve never purchased a box of cereal at regular price.

By implementing this common sense method of grocery shopping I not only save money and reduce waste but also reduce my stress levels.

How many times have you stared into the abyss of your fridge wondering what to make for dinner? How many times have you had to answer the question “What’s for dinner mom?” How many times have you heard “I don’t like _____.” How many times have you started making something only to discover you were out of one of the ingredients, were too far into it to scrap it and had to run to the store? How many “extra” trips do you make to the grocery store? This plan can eliminate all of that for you.

Try it out. I think you’ll see the difference almost right away – if you do, please share your experiences here in the comments for those who come after you.

Happy Shopping!
Dawn

I am a regular contributor to the Home Pleasure Party Plan Association’s magazine for their members. Thought I’d share this month’s article with you all. Note this is written for people who are party plan people, but the heart of the message is for everyone.

Valentine’s Day is all about the love
By Dawn Tulman

There are two ways to look at Valentine’s Day. One is as a special day set aside to acknowledge your love to your “Valentine.” The other is as a day to do what you should be doing all year long.

I used to not celebrate Valentine’s Day. I always made it a point to be romantic on a regular basis, to do sweet things for my beau, to be adventurous in the boudoir. Then I had three kids and sometimes… I don’t even remember to shower, much less invite him in with me! Now Valentine’s Day is having more meaning to me, is becoming more special because I know it will be OUR day. Yes, it’s ideal to have a day without your children on a regular basis but it’s not always possible, so I know I can count on this one day and plan for extras along the way.

I got an email from a customer who wrote to tell me that she’s using her ToiBocks to spice up her love life. When she first got it she hid some fuzzy handcuffs, a blind fold, a massage candle and a feather inside and handed the box to her mate. Once he figured out how to get inside (she had to help him) he used those items with her. She made little game out of it. The ToiBocks on her nightstand holds her favorite, regularly used toys and the one on his is their “game” box. They take turns putting different things inside and then he “unpacks” it like a little love kit for their intimate time together. Consider doing this for your customers. Making a little “list” of things that go well together for a romantic, intimate evening.

To me, intimate time is as important as privacy. What have you done lately for your mate? Maybe in your business you could make up a little card with some “love tips” to hand out at your parties. You are probably exposed to a great many ideas in your line of work and you can share those to enhance the experiences of those you’re selling to. Call it your “Top Ten Ideas for a Romantic Interlude” or something enticing. List out a few scenarios, print it on pink paper and see how many relationships you enhance with your ideas.

Encourage your customers to learn how to make more time for intimacy. For parents with children at home, suggest starting an “evening out” exchange with someone who has children their age. Every other week one set takes the others children and then you switch. Use that time alone to really spend some quality time with your partner, not cleaning the house! For customers who have no children talk about the “why” intimacy is so important. Women are all about the advice, considering copying some articles on intimacy and having them on the table for your customers to read during down times in your presentation. Encourage the women in the room to share how they make time for intimacy.

Make it a point to stand out from other people who do what you do. Develop your brand as someone who cares more about the customer than how much they purchase and the purchases will increase before you know it!

Dawn Tulman is the president of ToiBocks Inc.; she’s been married for 13 years and has three children. ToiBocks is a jewelry box with a hidden lock mechanism that enables you to keep your intimate items on the nightstand for easy access while keeping out sticky fingers and prying eyes. The idea for ToiBocks was inspired when Dawn’s oldest daughter “discovered” one of her novelties in the nightstand and she could not find a product that met her need to keep her toys handy and secure right out in the open. For more information visit www.toibocks.com or call 818.392.8558.

Hello All!

So excited that celebrity blogger Joshua Estrin loved the ToiBocks so much he added it to his Valentine’s Day gift list! Just because it vibrates doesn’t mean its dirty – A Valentines Day gift guide

ToiBocks is making it’s way through the mainstream world with as much success as it has garnered in the adult novelty and smoke shop markets. We were recently at the Atlanta, LA and NY gift shows with much success.

Although ToiBocks is a completely mainstream product, it is most unique in the adult novelty industry as there are no other products designed to keep private items discreetly on your nightstand where you can have easy access to them and your kids (or others) do not!

So, thanks for all your support! Would love for you to take a moment and read Joshua’s piece linked above and perhaps share it with your friends!

Well it’s a day that ends in Y and therefore there’s a new virus circulating the web.

I get my emails on my Blackberry first and I read this one fairly quickly, which is why it *almost* got me.

The return address was tracking@ups, which seems legit – then the nuances appear
- it’s addressed “Hello” and if UPS really needed me, they’d know my name.
- it says “you may pick up your parcel at our post office” and UPS doesn’t call themselves a post office.
- the tracking number it used was only a set of numbers and UPS uses letters in their tracking numbers too.

It claimed a “shipping label” was attached that I needed to bring with me.

All in all it was a pretty crappy spoof attempt, but to someone busy and distracted (or naive) it might be opened… so I wanted to let everyone know

Happy Computing!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dawn Tulman, President
ToiBocks, Inc.
(818) 392-8558
sales@toibocks.com
www.toibocks.com

CLUBX ADULT STORES AUSTRALIA CHOOSES TOIBOCKS FOR THEIR XMAS RETAIL CAMPAIGN

The Original ToiBocks does quite well for the holiday

ClubX Adult Stores Retail Development Manager Glenn Hill confirmed that an integral part of the chain’s Xmas retail offer was the launch of ToiBocks into the Australian market and after only having the ToiBocks in stock the three weeks leading up to the holiday he is pleased with the results. Glenn said “I’ve selected ToiBocks to become an important part of our Xmas sales drive for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are a stylish item which would not look out of place on any bedside table in Australian homes. Secondly, with restrictions on what type of product Adult Stores can promote through external advertising mediums, the ToiBocks is an item that will be readily acceptable for advertising agents to assist us in gaining maximum exposure. Thirdly, the versatility of the ToiBocks allows us to put a “cheeky” spin on our sales pitch whilst remaining within advertising guidelines.

“I guess the one aspect that sets this item apart from most other storage boxes is the “secret” compartment component. I have to admit, that without getting some guidance from the creator Dawn Tulman, I would still be trying to “unlock the secret.” This is a great selling point for our staff, and allows them to interact in a fun way with their customers.”

“Of course, the “secret” compartment is where we see the real opportunity to explain to customers how they can conceal their “toys” in a secure and discreet fashion. The potential of also obtaining “add on” sales of toys and novelties whilst demonstrating this feature is also very appealing.”
“We are very excited to be so well received in Australia,” said Dawn Tulman, president of ToiBocks Inc “we are looking forward to providing consumers with discreet storage options in many other countries as well.”
For more information contact ToiBocks by emailing sales@toibocks.com or by calling (818) 392-8558.

About ToiBocks
Based in Los Angeles, ToiBocks, Inc. offers uniquely stylish, discreet personal storage solutions that can be kept out in the open. For more information, please visit www.toibocks.com.

Happy holidays!

A lot of people are choosing to send E cards for the upcoming holiday. I wanted to email you all a warning of what to look for BEFORE opening an e card.

Just today I got a very convincing VIRUS email designed to look like an e-card receipt and wanted to share some information with all with you so that you know what to look for.

The email I got “appears” to be an E-Card. There are a couple things that tipped me off right away that it was not.

• There is no “confirmation number” in this email. A legitimate email will give you the option to go directly to the card website and enter a confirmation number to receive your card.

• There is no “sender” in this email. Typically the emails will say “Betty sent you an e-card” or “betty@website.com sent you an e-card”

The email appears to come from e-card@hallmark.com, which is easy enough to fool.

Not so obvious were the hyperlinks embedded in the email. If I hover my mouse over the links embedded in the email, where it says “to see it click here” the link does NOT go to hallmark.com but another site. The header links take you to the right place, except for the “E-card” link that takes you to a website ending in “hallmark-card.exe” which is where the malicious code lies.

When you receive an e-card from someone, even if you recognize the senders name, DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THE EMAIL – copy your confirmation number and go DIRECTLY to the site that created the e-card (such as hallmark.com) and put in your confirmation number to receive your card. If the email does not have a confirmation number, it is not a legitimate e card.

Happy Holidays and Stay Virus Free!!
Dawn

ModernAdult.com is now offering ToiBocks and ToiTissue to Canadian customers. Shipping from within Canada to Canadian customers saves you the hassle of dealing with Customs, Duty, etc. To purchase ToiBocks products please click on the Go To link below:

(NOTE: this is a site with images on it that are Not Safe For Work) Go to Modern Adult’s ToiBocks page

Modern Adult will also be distributing ToiBocks products in Canada, so if you have a store, website or business in Canada that would like to carry ToiBocks products, please contact Steve Callow Email: custserv@modernadult.com Toll-Free (Canada/USA) 1-866-724-7524.

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Two of my favorite “industry” people have reviewed the ToiBocks and gave it a big thumbs up!

Who are Freddy and Eddy? They’re a couple who are deeply committed to each other and to helping other couples find a new level of intimacy through reviews, advice and just simply sharing their experiences with others.

Here’s part of their About Us

We are a married couple – together since 1989 – who don’t ever want to lose the wonderful intimacy and sexual attraction in our relationship. We believe sex and intimacy are integral to the happiness and longevity of all relationships and that these components should be BETTER the longer we’re together. In other words, we wish to defy the stereotype that marriage shouldn’t be the sexiest and most fun time of our lives. Freddy – Ian – is the husband, Eddy – Alicia – is the wife (we’re now comfortable using our real names, incidentally). For the record, at one time we would’ve scoffed at visiting an adult store or cruising the web looking for sex toys. This site was created to address issues we OURSELVES had (and continue to encounter as we navigate the wonderful waters of marriage). We realize sex is a beautiful and natural occurrence, vital to fulfilling our roles as husband and wife. We need not be ashamed of our sexuality in any way, shape, or form and neither should you. Finally, we live in a house with a white picket fence and love to take our 10 year old son to the beach every chance we get. Probably just like most of you.

Here is their review of ToiBocks:

This box ROCKS. Plenty of space and gorgeous design set it apart from all others.
Synopsis: A line of stylish storage cases for all manner of sex (or otherwise) products.

Our Review: One of the most underserved categories in our industry is sex toy storage. Specifically, options that cater to the odd shapes and sizes of pleasure devices, while combining style and beauty at the same time. For Your Nymphomation and Devine Toys are both great options (FYN having the more diverse selection of the two), but neither approaches the traditional jewelry box in terms of being bedside table appropriate.

Then along came ToiBocks. Made of wood and velvet lined, this lovely container looks at home in almost any room, has plenty of space for even larger items, and locks securely to keep out unwanted snoopers (like kids). With two levels, one could conceivably keep rings and necklaces in the top compartment, while holding a couple favorite vibes or dildos underneath (with room to spare for lube, wipes, etc.). In ours, we keep our most necessary orgasm producers (Fun Factory Layaspot, Tantus Curve, Emotional Bliss Femblossom, and Sliquid Silk) in the spacious lower section, while keeping a few of our cock rings in the top. The ToiBocks even has a divider inside to further organize your fun.

Warning – spoiler alert!

However, as nice as the ToiBocks is, it has one more innovation we haven’t seen anywhere. That is, when you look at it from any angle, you can’t locate a locking mechanism. No key, no lock. Nothing. So how does it lock? Glad we asked. The designer managed to come up with an ingenious magnetic “key” in the form of a metal logo, that locks and unlocks the box. If you didn’t know about this feature prior to approaching the ToiBocks, you’d be hard-pressed to figure out exactly how to access the contents inside. In fact, we spent more than a few minutes in front of a grinning Dawn Tulman – the inventor of the ToiBocks – trying to unlock the mystery before finally giving up at a trade show in 2008. Kudos, Dawn, you stumped Freddy and Eddy, bigtime!

In conclusion, this is one of those “must-have” accessories for anyone looking to store their private fun within arm’s length. Not only is the ToiBocks a lovely little piece of decor, but it also keeps the dust away while protecting toys from possible light degradation. It’s sturdy construction means years (if not a lifetime) of use and we’ve installed ours right next to our bed where it serves up frisky contents night after night. Oh, and did we mention it is a gorgeous piece of functional furniture, regardless? For all of these reasons, we give the ToiBocks our highest recommendation and rating.

To purchase a ToiBocks or ToiTissue or a plethora of other items you can visit their online store here (NSFW): http://www.freddyandeddy.com/productreviews/suppliments/toibocksreview.html

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If you’re looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, ToiBocks is a great choice! It not only makes the perfect gift, but also the ultimate gift wrap! Be sure to have them open the ToiBocks when it’s just the two of you so that no one else sees how to get into it.

ToiBocks makes the perfect gift!

Recipe for a SUPER surprise: Set up the ToiBocks with the key in place and hide the directions. Get your loved one (mate, mother, sister) a beautiful piece of jewelry and lock it in the bottom. Watch their delight when they open their beautiful jewelry box/ valet and then tell them there’s something special hidden inside. Enjoy them trying to figure out how to get into the ToiBocks and watch the look of amazement on their face when they find their special jewelry!

ToiBocks is the ultimate gift wrap

Recipe for a sexy holiday: Set up the ToiBocks with the key in place and hide the directions. Get your sweetie a risque item and lock it in the bottom. Watch their delight when they open their beautiful jewelry box valet and then tell them there’s something special hidden inside. Enjoy them trying to figure out how to get into the ToiBocks and watch the look of amazement on their face when they find their risque item and know that they have somewhere safe to keep it!

For a fun variation put something in the bottom that they can use on you once they get it out!

Suggestions: OhMiBod’s new Freestyle, you no longer need an I-Pod to enjoy this fabulous product (www.ohmibod.com)! A sensuous massage candle – they make candles now that not only fill up the room with amazing scents but also can be poured directly onto your lover’s skin for a sensuous massage! Fuzzy handcuffs and a blind fold are fun items to play with.

Best thing is that now they have a safe place to keep those things that might embarrass them if they were discovered.

Feel free to post your own suggestions on what would be great to hide inside the ToiBocks this holiday!

Happy Holidays!

One last note – if you want to subscribe to ToiBocks blog you need to open this page in Firefox… for some reason the subscribe is not there for Microsoft IE users…

Shipping out the Original ToiBocks to Australia early next week! We were picked up by Club X which has a chain of 36 stores and runs a huge Expo down under. Very exciting moment!!!!