Latest news with #AnnSummers
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible'
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible' When shopping writer Lauren Codling came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - she knew it was time to explore further Smile Makers create products they hope customers will proudly display on their bedside table rather than feeling compelled to hide under the bed (Image: Smile Makers Collection ) Ever since I purchased my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18, I've been a strong advocate for sexual wellness. What began as a curiosity has evolved into something far more empowering, and I now view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care. When I discovered Smile Makers Collection - a brand that promotes female pleasure and is renowned for its colourful, approachable range of toys - I knew it was time to delve deeper. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had caught my attention for some time, and it seemed like the ideal moment to enhance my toy collection, reports the Mirror. Read on to find out how I fared with my new bedtime companions. And if you're tempted to make a purchase, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% reduction. READ MORE: 'I tried protein shakes for women and lost weight while getting more energy' READ MORE: Hand luggage bag that's the 'perfect fit for Ryanair' now has a massive 45% off My thoughts on Smile Maker toys Firstly, I had to choose my preferred toys, and Smile Makers makes this process incredibly straightforward, particularly for novices. The website features a quick and friendly quiz that inquires about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences. Shop the range Prices vary Smile Makers Collection Buy Now on Smile Makers Collection Product Description Use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount. I was matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, coincidentally, a friend had already praised. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my basket - essentials for anyone assembling a thoughtful kit. The toys arrived in vibrant packaging, perfectly complementing the aesthetic of each toy. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone, and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only downside was that both needed to be charged before use. Once powered up, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully. There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds ingenious, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129. Lauren tried two toys (The Poet and The Tennis Pro), as well as a toy wash and lubricant (Image: Lauren Codling ) As for the results? Let's just say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to bear in mind if you're sharing walls. Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£59.99) - it's been a reliable favourite for a couple of years now and never lets me down. The Tennis Pro boasts four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's potent, offering a delightful deep rumble rather than a light tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it an exciting toy to explore. The Tennis Pro has an angled head and flexible neck to hit the right spot every time (Image: Smile Makers Collection ) Article continues below It's a fantastic gadget for solo sessions but also a welcome addition to partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is quiet, which means no uncomfortable morning after discussions with my flatmate about strange sounds. A combination of discretion and pleasure is always a winning formula. So, if you're on the hunt for toys that feel contemporary, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers deserves your consideration - whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro. I'll certainly be returning for more.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tested the adult toys from a woman-centred wellness brand'
These fun and friendly adult toys are seriously worth the hype I've been a big advocate for sexual wellness ever since I bought my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18. What started as a curiosity has since grown into something much more empowering, and I view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care. When I came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - I knew it was time to explore further. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had been on my radar for a while and it felt like the perfect time to upgrade my toy box. So, how would I get on with my new bedtime besties? If you're tempted to shop, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount. What I thought of Smile Maker toys Firstly, I had to select my chosen toys, and Smile Makers makes the process incredibly easy, especially for beginners. The site features a quick and friendly quiz that asks about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences. I matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, incidentally, a friend had already raved about. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my cart - essentials for anyone building a thoughtful kit. The toys arrived in colourful boxes, perfectly matching each toy's aesthetic. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only buzzkill (no pun intended) was they both needed to be charged before use. Once charged, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully. There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds genius, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129. As for the results? Let's say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to keep in mind if you're sharing walls. Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£109.99) - it's been a go-to for a couple of years now and never lets me down. The Tennis Pro has four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's powerful, delivering a lovely deep rumble rather than a buzzy tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it fun to try. It's an excellent toy for solo sessions but an equally welcome guest in partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is actually quiet, which means no awkward morning-after chats with my housemate about mysterious noises. Discretion plus pleasure is always a win-win. So, if you're looking for toys that feel modern, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers is worth your attention - whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. I'll definitely be going back for more.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Boux Avenue have baffled customers with their new bum-less pants that ‘show everything' and will still give you a VPL
Plus, five best celeb lingerie collections for curvy women THREADBARE Boux Avenue have baffled customers with their new bum-less pants that 'show everything' and will still give you a VPL Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN shopping for a new pair of pants was left baffled by a bizarre 'bumless' style, featuring a large hole over the bottom. Charmaine Hargreaves was browsing Boux Avenue looking for fresh underwear, when she noticed the strange look. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The undies feature a peek-a-boo detailing on the back Credit: Jam Press/Boux Avenue 5 Online shoppers have been left totally baffled by this bizarre trend Credit: Jam Press/Boux Avenue 5 Some of the lace knickers are on sale for less than a fiver - would you dare to buy them? Credit: Jam Press/Boux Avenue 5 Story from Jam Press (Bumless Brief Pants) Pictured: Another type of bumless brief featuring a hole at the back. Woman baffled by bizarre ¿bumless¿ pants ¿ ¿What¿s the point?¿ A woman shopping for a new pair of pants was left baffled by a bizarre ¿bumless¿ style, featuring a large hole over the bottom. Charmaine Hargreaves […] Credit: Jam Press/Boux Avenue The 'Brianna lace bumpless briefs' were on sale for just £3, down from £9, but they have significantly less material than you might expect. Featuring a lace design, they appear to be standard briefs from the front – but at the back, there is a large oval slit over the bum. Charmaine shared the find on Facebook, writing, 'Being a Yorkshire woman, I like a good bargain. 'Being an Equestrian, it's very rare I buy anything for myself. 'My horses cost as much as another mortgage and get everything they need and more, while I wear the same clothes day in, day out until they fall apart. 'Now it's not often I talk about my undergarments to anyone…But I thought to myself, it's about time I treat myself to a few new pairs, as mine are quite literally falling to pieces. 'I went on a popular website to see if I could find a bargain under the 'sale' section. 'I came across these at £3 a pair and thought that seemed reasonable. 'I was a little confused as to the meaning of 'bumless briefs' and thought I best check this out before I make any sudden decisions. 'All I can say is this is… interesting. Primark drops brand new collection of bikinis in gingham, floral and colour block designs - and they'll set you back just £2.50 per piece 'For what reason would someone want their butt crack on a show? 'Is it sexy? Is it to make it easier to use the toilet? 'Thought I was young, but maybe being put off by this attire is showing my age.' The best celeb lingerie collections for curvy women SVELTE celebs are flogging smalls in tiny sizes – but how do they fare on curves? Fabulous' Fashion Editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, shops the must-have undies. Tasha Ghouri for Ann Summers When it comes to sexy smalls, Ann Summers is a high street favourite, and its collection, fronted by Love Island's Tasha is gorgeous. Bras range from 32A up to 44G and briefs come in sizes 8-24. Rihanna for SavageX The 34-year-old singer's lingerie line is famous for being inclusive. Her extravagant catwalks have featured women of all ethnicities and sizes, including pregnant model Slick Woods. Her sexy designs go up to 46E for bras and 5XL (size 24) for briefs. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Marks & Spencer Thirty-five-year-old Rosie's line is one of the longest-running and most popular ranges – one of her products sells every 30 seconds. Her inclusive styles go up to 44H for the top and size 28 below. Abbey Clancy for Victoria's Secret Model Abbey, 36, has created an edit with Victoria's Secret and styles range from silky pyjamas to lacy lingerie. Sizes reach 40F for bras, XL (size 18) for briefs. Oti Mabuse for Bravissimo BRAVISSIMO is a go-to for a specialist touch and a really secure fit – and 32-year-old dancer Oti's collection is no exception. With rich colours and practical but stylish designs, they're a win. Sizing goes up to a 38J and 2XL (sizes 18-20) for the briefs. The post garnered more than 4,000 likes, reports What's The Jam. One person commented: 'What's the point'? 'I wonder what they do with the tiny piece of material left…behind!?!?' another user wondered. Someone else joked: 'Maybe for female plumbers to make them look like their male counterparts when working.' 'Surely you'd still have to remove them when using the toilet? It's almost impossible not to wee at the same time as a poo isn't it?' questioned one viewer. Another joked: 'It's like a slot machine.' While this particular style appears to have since sold out, Boux Avenue has nearly a dozen similar styles currently for sale, featuring the same hole around the bottom.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Check out this home on a Florida golf course that just sold for $17.5 million
Check out this home on a Florida golf course that just sold for $17.5 million The 1930s-era house on El Bravo Way is about a mile-and-a-half south of Mar-a-Lago. The house was the longtime home of Ann Summers and her late husband, Peter. A trust was on the buyer's side. The landmarked family home of the late investments adviser and businessman Peter Summers and his widow, real estate agent Ann Summers, has sold in Palm Beach for $17.5 million, the price recorded with the deed. The 1930s-era house at 215 El Bravo Way stands on one of the so-called 'El Streets,' which are considered prime real estate in the Estate Section, the historic neighborhood that is also home to President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club. Along with neighboring El Vedado Road and El Brillo Way, the streets are renowned for their history, handsome architecture and proximity to shopping and dining options in Midtown. A trust named after the property's address was on the buyer's side of the sale, the deed recorded May 14 shows. The document lists West Palm Beach real estate attorney Maura Ziska as trustee of the 215 El Bravo Trust. Ziska declined to comment about the sale, and because of rules governing trusts, no other information about the buyer was immediately available in pubic records. The two-story house is the second one west of North County Road with windows and glass doors that look across Island Road to the Everglades Club's golf course. The property is about 1½ miles south of Mar-a-Lago. The Monterey-style house has six bedrooms and 7,366 square feet of living space, inside and out. It stands on a lot measuring two-fifths of an acre, property records show. The house was designed in 1934 by society architect Howard Major, who drew up plans for a number of Palm Beach houses in the Monterey style. The focal point of the main façade is a second-story cantilevered balcony with an ornamental metal railing. Among its distinctions, the residence was owned in the 1930s by silent film star Norma Talmadge and her husband, comedian George Jessel, according to a 2020 report prepared for the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The house earned landmark status in March 2020. Peter Summers paid a recorded $2.2 million for the house in 1993, courthouse records show. After his death at age 81 in 2024, ownership passed to his widow and two children from his first marriage — Bliss Elizabeth Summers and George Ellis Summers Jr. The just-recorded deed lists all three as the sellers of the house. 'We were there for some 30-odd years,' Ann Summers told the Palm Beach Daily News. 'It's a lovely house on an 'El' Street. I lived on El Brillo (many years ago) and then on El Bravo — they are the best streets in town.' Peter Summers was an avid outdoorsman who once worked as an African safari guide. His career expanded to include financial services, real estate development and the cattle industry, according to his obituary. He began his corporate career with E.F. Hutton and Co. in 1971 and retired in 1999 from Alex. Brown. He also worked in real estate development in Florida and as a commercial cattleman in the Sunshine State and Virginia. Ann Summers sells real estate as an agent with Brown Harris Stevens' Palm Beach office. She and Peter Summers were married when he bought the house on El Bravo Way. Summers is downsizing to a Palm Beach lakeview apartment in a Midtown co-operative building at 369 S. Lake Trail, she said. She bought that two-bedroom penthouse with for about $4 million in January, property records show. Broker Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate handled both sides of the just-recorded sale on El Bravo Way. He listed the property at the tail end of August 2024 at $23.95 million, a price that had dropped to $19.95 million by the middle of January, records in the multiple listing service shows. Angle could not immediately be reached for comment. The sales listing described the property as offering 'serene outdoor living' with tropical landscaping and a covered poolside loggia accessed from the house through French doors. 'The garden is absolutely beautiful,' Ann Summers said. She added: 'The garden comes alive at nighttime,' thanks to landscape lighting and the light from the pool. Among the property's other notable features, the listing said, are a cabana room with a bar and an oversize family room with a fireplace and wood-beamed ceilings. The layout also includes a living room with a fireplace as well as a formal dining room. The house's landmark designation protects exterior walls viewable from the street from significant changes without the permission of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The Summerses supported the effort to designate the house a landmark, town records show. The Monterey style is a fusion of architectural revival styles, including Spanish Colonial, British Colonial and French Creole. It originated in California and was especially popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, according to architectural historians. 'This is a really lovely house that will be a great addition to the town's landmark list," former landmarks board Chairman Ted Cooney said when the house was landmarked five years ago. 'Major was a master of the Monterey style ... having [a Major design] preserved in such an important neighborhood makes a lot of sense to me.' A second-story addition and the pool cabana were added to the rear of the house in 1992, according to the landmarks report. But apart from that, changes over the years were minimal, according to the report. The house was originally part of El Bravo Park, a 27-acre, ocean-to-lake property bought by engineer Frank Clements, a winter resident and engineer who intended to create his own estate. But Clements, responding to demand for villa sites, divided the property into 36 lots and two streets — El Bravo Way and El Brillo Way. In 1921, first-generation Palm Beach architects Addison Mizner and Marion Sims Wyeth were the first two architects to design villas in El Bravo Park, according to the landmarks report. dhofheinz@ (This story was updated to add new information.) This is a developing story. Check back for any updates. Portions of this story appeared previously in the Palm Beach Daily News. Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly 'Beyond the Hedges' column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Which landmarked house just sold for $17.5 million in Palm Beach's Estate Section?
The landmarked family home of the late investments advisor and businessman Peter Summers and his widow, real estate agent Ann Summers, has sold in Palm Beach for $17.5 million, the price recorded with the deed. The 1930s-era landmarked house at 215 El Bravo Way stands on one of the so-called 'El Streets,' which are considered prime real estate in the Estate Section, the historic neighborhood that is also home to President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club. Along with neighboring El Vedado Road and El Brillo Way history, the streets are renowned for their history, handsome architecture and proximity to shopping and dining options in Midtown. A trust named after the property's address was on the buyer's side of the sale, the deed recorded May 14 shows. The document lists West Palm Beach real estate attorney Maura Ziska as trustee of the 215 El Bravo Trust. Ziska declined to comment about the sale, and because of rules governing trusts, no other information about the buyer was immediately available in pubic records. The two-story house is the second one west of North County Road with windows and glass doors that look across Island Road to the Everglades Club's golf course. The property is about 1½ miles south of The Monterey-style house has six bedrooms and 7,366 square feet of living space, inside and out. It stands on a lot measuring two-fifth of an acre, property records show. The house was designed in 1934 by society architect Howard Major, who drew up plans for a number of Palm Beach houses in the Monterey style. The focal point of the main facade is a second-story cantilevered balcony with ornamental metal railing and posts extending to the roof. Among its distinctions, the residence was owned in the 1930s by silent film star Norma Talmadge and her husband, comedian George Jessel, according a 2020 report prepared for the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The house house earned landmark status in March 2020. Peter Summers paid a recorded $2.2 million for the house in 1993, courthouse records show. After his death at age 81 in 2024, ownership passed to his widow and two children from his first marriage — Bliss Elizabeth Summers and George Ellis Summers Jr. The just-recorded deed lists all three as the sellers of the house. An avid outdoorsman who once worked as an African safari guide, Summers career expanded to include financial services, real estate development and the cattle industry, according to his obituary. He began his corporate career with E.F. Hutton and Co. in 1971 and retired in 1999 from Alex. Brown. He also worked in real estate development in Florida and as a commercial cattleman in the Sunshine State and Virginia. Ann Summers sells real estate as an agent with Brown Harris Stevens' Palm Beach office. She and Peter Summers were married when he bought the house on El Bravo Way. Broker Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate handled both sides of the just-recorded sale. He listed the property at the tail end of August 2024 at $23.95 million, a price that had dropped to $19.95 by the middle of January, records in the multiple listing service shows. Angle and the sellers could not immediately be reached for comment. The sales listing described the property as offering 'serene outdoor living' with tropical landscaping and a covered poolside loggia accessed from the house through French doors. Among the property's other notable features, the listing said, are a cabana room with a bar and an oversize family room with a fireplace and wood-beamed ceilings. The layout also includes a living room with a fireplace as well as a formal dining room. The house's landmark designation protects exterior walls viewable from the street from significant changes without the permission of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The Summerses supported the effort to designate the house a landmark, town records show. A fusion of architectural revival styles including Spanish Colonial, British Colonial and French Creole, the Monterey style originated in California and was especially popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, according to historians. 'This is a really lovely house that will be a great addition to the town's landmark list," former landmarks board Chairman Ted Cooney said at the time. 'Major was a master of the Monterey style ... having [a Major design] preserved in such an important neighborhood makes a lot of sense to me.' A second-story addition and the pool cabana were added to the rear of the house in 1992, according to the landmarks report. But apart from that, changes over the years were minimal, according to the report. The house was originally part of El Bravo Park, a 27-acre, ocean-to-lake property bought by engineer Frank Clements, a winter resident and engineer who intended to create his own estate. But Clements, responding to demand for villa sites, divided the property into 36 lots and two streets — El Bravo Way and El Brillo Way. In 1921, first-generation Palm Beach architects Addison Mizner and Marion Sims Wyeth were the first two architects to design villas in El Bravo Park, according to the landmarks report. dhofheinz@ This is a developing story. Check back for any updates. Portions of this story have appeared previously in the Palm Beach Daily News. Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly 'Beyond the Hedges' column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Historic house on prime street near Trump's Mar-a-Lago fetches $17.5M
