They’re saying the economy is perking up, and maybe it is, but not everyone is seeing it yet.  Most people are still focusing on ways to cut back and save some money, and the entertainment budget is usually the first to get squeezed. Even the basic dinner-and-a-movie does not exactly qualify as a cheap date anymore. Even after that simple night out, you’ll often find there’s not much left in your wallet besides your extra large condom (well, hopefully that won’t be left there much longer, either).

If you’re looking for ways to spice things up and get a spark going with your sweetie again, we’ve got some ideas for a few non-traditional — and not rip-roaring expensive — ways to have some good clean innocent fun.

And if these don’t work, you can always come home and engage in the ultimate free non-innocent fun there is.

• Make a new friend for the day. Visit the local shelter and play with the animals. Most shelters have a cat room full of purring pussies. They often also have an enclosed area outdoors where you can play with a dog off leash. Even if you don’t intend to bring him home with you, you’ll sure make his day by giving him romp time out of the kennel. Or, stop by the pet store when they’re having their adopt-a-cat day, just to say hi and get some purrs on the cheap.
• Check out some shooting stars. A cold night snuggled together under a blanket watching a meteor shower might create the opportunity for some other nocturnal events. A calendar of the year’s celestial performances is available here.
• Be efficient — and have fun too. Looking to do it cheap and get something done at the same time? When the weather warms up, put on an old t-shirt, grab a sponge, and wash the car together — and see how slippery things get. Or, just have an impromptu make out session when you’re going through the car wash

There are lots of things to do to get the groove back into your relationship without blowing your load all in one place. These ideas shouldn’t break the bank. They’ll let you indulge in some together time without busting the budget, so you won’t be condemned to spending the rest of the month on the couch with Netflix.

(And, be sure to have your Maxpro condoms at hand when you’re out and about — who knows when the opportunity will arise!)

It seems that the moment the Christmas decorations come down in the stores, red hearts and doilies replace them: Valentine’s Day. February is here and the day for lovers is fast approaching, and retail America won’t let you forget it. Expectations sometimes run high — it’s practically required to take your significant other out to a fancy dinner. That’ll probably be the most popular idea this year in particular, since Valentine’s falls on a Friday. If you’re sticking with that old fallback, you’d better make the reservations now!

But maybe you’re sick of the standard chocolates and roses and bottle of wine, and want to do something a little more exciting? Here are some different ideas to explore for having an adventure with your sweetie — on Valentine’s day or any day. (And don’t forget to keep a Maxpro condom in your pocket, just in case an even more adventurous idea strikes.)

• Go for the kids’ stuff: play bumper cars, or miniature golf. Or find an old school arcade with pinball machines.
• Go for the adult stuff: go to the batting cages or the driving range.
• Take a flying trapeze class.
• Play in the mud. Go to one of those pottery workshop stores and make a coffee cup or an ashtray that you’ll never use since you stopped smoking three years ago. Or, get a hot mud massage.
• Learn to drive. For real. Schedule a day at the track for racing school.
• Take a train to nowhere — or plan a whole getaway. Most cities in the US have Amtrak service. A real adventure would be just to show up at the station and buy a ticket for the next train out — no matter where it’s going. Or you can do the more traditional lovey-dovey routes such as the Napa Valley Wine Train or the Pacific Surfliner between San Diego and San Luis Obispo in southern California.
• Get wild. At an exotic animal park. We’re not talking about a zoo here. We mean an actual sanctuary for exotic animals. And there are a surprising number of them across the country, including in Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, Arizona, and Texas. (OK, Texas is a big state, but two of these things??)

Indulging in a little PDA can be fun. Why not make a little scene by making out a little somewhere along the way?

Valentine’s is coming. There’s all kinds of ways you can celebrate. Better start planning!

Portman/Kunis Black Swan

The new Natalie Portman/Mila Kunis thriller Black Swan is generating attention because of a steamy scene: the girls have sex!  I can’t remember a mainstream studio release that ventured into this territory before. Remember how scandalous Brokeback Mountain was when it came out? Or the uproar when Madonna kissed Britney on the MTV video awards way back in 2003? Having a full-on sex scene between two luscious (albeit essentially heterosexual) leading ladies on the big screen is definitely not something I thought I’d see anytime soon. Of course, their characters’ relationship is not a romantic one, and the girl-on-girl sex scene does seem to be a ploy to draw attention and box office revenue. So it’s hardly evidence that lesbians are now accepted within the mainstream American culture. But, with two other more newsworthy developments this week — civil unions being approved by the Illinois state legislature, and the repeal of “don’t ask don’t tell” slowly making its way through Congress — I am impressed and amazed by the changes at hand in the United States.

condom use is acceptable and even perhaps "morally" preferrable

And some other big news that made me take notice? The Pope’s new stance towards condom use. Wow! Never expected that one! In what is essentially a reversal of decades-long insistence on abstinence as the best way to prevent HIV/AIDS, the official word from the Roman Catholic Church now appears to be that condom use is acceptable — and even perhaps “morally” preferrable — in certain circumstances such as prostitution. The Pope is definitely not advocating condom use for all, and use of artificial contraception is still apparently considered a sin for Catholics. However, this softening of the previously stringently strict prohibition, in allowing that there may be cases where use of a condom is the right thing to do, is utterly amazing. This is another evolution in the world that has given me hope for the future. Maybe things will all work out for us in the end!

Obviously condom use makes sense (and the use of dental dams for those girl-on-girl scenes!). We at IBI Synergy, Inc., the manufacturer of Maxpro, Premium, and HUGE brand condoms, have long supported efforts to distribute condoms to the places in the world that need them most. Our “make a difference” initatives provide donated condoms to qualified groups doing education and outreach to America, Africa and other areas — see our very inspiring report from October where our new friend Sarah told us about her efforts in country. We also offer special pricing for nonprofits, government groups and education programs to purchase our products in bulk to support their programs. And of course we support HIV/AIDS research and fundraising efforts throughout the year. IBI Synergy is doing what we can to change the world, and we know you are, too!

You can check out our latest products in our online condom store.  We can’t wait to hear the next new development to watch how the world is becoming more open, accepting, and smart!

All condoms manufactured by IBI Synergy, Inc. are 100% electronically tested.

Our Condoms are certified to meet the manufacturing and product safety standards of the U.S. FDA – ISO – WHO – EN – ASTM.  You can learn more about condom manufacturing and the rigorous quality and safety assurance testing process, click the link below:

How Condoms Are Made

World AIDS Day is not a yearly event for me.  In my world it is an everyday event. I take eight medications twice a day. After taking the meds I wait around to see if there are going to be any surprises like dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, or the outright up-chucking. 

I have been on medications for the past 20 years. I have survived several opportunistic infections, endured medication side effects from the very painful neuropathy in my hands and legs to the embarrassing diarrhea which has lead to my personal knowledge of each and every bathroom available for miles around.   

AIDS has been part of my life for more than 27 years; I will soon be 50 years old. Due to a good Doctor, the right medications and a very stubborn nature, I am still walking on the grass under a blue sky. In my current condition I will be doing so for many more years. 

Thankful for a strong support system of family and friends, I have participated in SF AIDS Walks and California AIDS rides. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am and these events support organizations that help people living with AIDS. I still strive to be a productive member of society and make a difference each day. 

My family and friends love what I do for a living. Due to my background and years of personal study (this is a joke) I am the perfect individual for my job. I am the manager of several web sites that promote and sell condoms. What better occupation could I be in? This is my bully pulpit. This is my chance to speak to people, promote a product of which I have personal knowledge and endorse whole heartedly because I know the consequences of not using one. 

The value of a condom is immense; it protects your health, your sexual health and your future. Future, how does a condom protect your future? By keeping you healthy enough to reproduce and raise your children. Used properly and consistently this inexpensive medical device is the best preventative healthcare available. 

Education, promotion, and practicing informed abstinence, monogamy in relationships and consistent condom use with all sex partners will reduce transmission and eventually eradicate HIV/AIDS. The cure in the form of a pill, vaccine, or treatment will be too expensive for those living in poverty and should not be counted on unless charity becomes profitable. 

Volunteer nurses in Sierra Leone with beautiful happy children!

Meanwhile at IBI Synergy, Inc., we have been working on developing programs such as the make a difference program and the people making a difference program that help get condoms to people living below the poverty line and on the fringe of society. We are giving others a chance to make a difference and help to educate people about safe sex and promoting sexual health. We have in the past been able to sponsor appropriate events and fairs where we promote and actually hand out samples of our products.  Recently we have developed sample promotions and coupon promotions through Face book, twitter and other social media.  Visiting MaxproCondoms.com allows you to check on our current specials and read up on any new products we have introduced to our line. For people that are interested in saving money and time we have maxpro memberships. No cost. Just signup and receive 2-3 email advertisements a month letting you know what’s going on and how you can save money. Members are always the first to know about specials, discounts and new product deals. Maxpro members are also the first to know about free sample offers that are done 2-3 times per year.

Maxpro condoms are 100% electronically tested.

Maxpro Condoms are certified to meet the manufacturing and product safety standards of the U.S. FDA – ISO – WHO – EN – ASTM.  You can learn more about condom manufacturing and the rigorous quality and safety assurance testing process, click the link below:

How Condoms Are Made

As a part of the “Make a Difference” program, IBI Synergy, Inc. the manufacturer of Premium Brand^®, Maxpro Brand^®, and Huge Brand^® condoms, is giving recognition to the individuals, groups, communities and organizations  endeavouring to make a difference. Through their efforts they are improving the lives of others. Services, education,  support, mentoring and in various other ways, organizations and individuals are donating their time to help people improve their lives. IBI Synergy will be recognizing those that have chosen to help in the fight against teen pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy, the spread of STI’s, STD’s, and HIV/AIDS.

Earlier this year I received an email that read,

“I am going to Nairobi, Kenya this summer to participate in an HIV/AIDS outreach program. I am looking for companies to donate condoms that I can distribute during my HIV/AIDS education sessions.
I am going to Nairobi through the International Volunteer HQ organization. They encourage us to take charge and bring “projects” and ideas to the programs for which we will be working. I believe that having condoms available for the people of Nairobi would be a major step in the right direction.
If you would be interested in donating condoms to my cause I can assure you the people of Nairobi would be very grateful!
Thank you so much for taking the time to consider my request.

Sincerely,
Sarah Hysong”

The donation was approved with the condition that Sarah agree to write back and tell us about her trip to Nairobi, Kenya.  In an email received shortly after she returned Sarah wrote:

“Earlier this year I received a donation of condoms from IBI Synergy to be given out on my volunteer trip to Kenya. I am writing to let you know that I have just returned from my trip and the condoms were a great help and much appreciated by the people of Kenya. I gave them out to a few different groups.

The first group that received
condoms were the people in the IDP camp. This is a camp set up to house the people affected by the 2007 elections when major riots forced people flee for their lives and escape the terrorists.  When we set up a medical camp to administer antibiotics vaccinations and test for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, I was able to pass out condoms. The people were very grateful to receive them.

The second group who received condoms were a group of middle school girls. We visited several high schools and middle schools. I discovered that most girls do not buy condoms because they are so expensive. We tried our best to impress on the girls how imperative it was to use a condom, that thier life is worth the cost of a condom. We spoke at a boys shelter on hygiene and HIV/AIDS prevention where we distributed condoms as well.

My host mother did women’s talks where she passed out condoms when she could get her hands on them. I left her with the remaining condoms so she could pass them out at her talks. She was very excited and grateful to receive them.

I cannot express how truly grateful everyone was to receive a condom. I saw and heard many stories of how AIDS has torn apart families and communities in Africa. With your help I was able to bring hope to the people I met in Kenya.

Thank you so much for your donation. You will never truly know how much your donation has impacted the people of Kenya.

 Sarah Hysong”

Congratulations Sarah!  Job well done. Thank you so much for the photos and the incredibly moving letter.  I am sure that we can help you again if you choose to volunteer again.

The mission of IBI Synergy, Inc., through the “make a difference” program is to support the efforts of the underdogs, nonprofit groups, grass root projects, and programs working outside the box. Programs, efforts, and events, endeavouring to make a difference. Learn how you can help. 

For programs, groups, and organizations unable to obtain support through the”Make a Difference” program, IBI Synergy, Inc offers competitive pricing on bulk rate products and supplies.  www.ibisynergy.com.  Nonprofit organizations, educational programs and government agencies should contact IBI Synergy, Inc. directly to buy condoms. 1(877)274-7774

It is amazing that an object as simple as a condom, a medical device used to protect against unwanted pregnancy and life threatening diseases, can bring hope for a better future. A reduction in teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy can lead to better futures for families struggling to survive. Condoms are less expensive than babies or other medical procedures to prevent babies. Simple preventative health care (like using a condom every time you have sex) can make the difference between a life of joy versus an existence of misery. This holds true especially for the underprivileged already living in poverty.

Maxpro Condom.com, our online store, provides a safe and secure environment to buy condoms online. The Maxpro condom store provides the best condoms at the best prices. Our monthly specials section displays coupons and discounts for extra savings.  New products with introductory pricing are also found in monthly special and new product sections. Experience the difference and convenience of having premium quality latex condoms shipped right to your doorstep. Shipping and billing are completely discreet and your privacy is respected and protected on our site.

Other than abstinence, condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are the best defense against unwanted pregnancy, the transmission of STI’s and HIV/AIDS. It is important to use a condom every time you have sex, if not a male condom then use a female condom, unlike other forms of contraception condoms have no side-effects.*

*Condoms are inexpensive and readily available without a prescription from a Doctor.

Maxpro condoms are 100% electronically tested.

Maxpro Condoms are certified to meet the manufacturing and product safety standards of the U.S. FDA – ISO – WHO – EN – ASTM.  You can learn more about condom manufacturing and the rigorous quality and safety assurance testing process, click the link below:

How Condoms Are Made

*Some people are sensitive to latex.  Before using a latex condom for the first time please check for sensitivity. If you or your partner experience latex sensitivity use nonlatex condoms.

IBI Synergy, Inc., the manufacturer of Premium, Maxpro, and Huge brand condoms, together with the Maxpro Membership, made possible the donation of over 600,000 condoms to grass root endeavors, spiritual outreach groups, health and educational programs nationwide during 2009 and the beginning of 2010. 

After writing an article about a donation program for overstocked and short expiration date condoms in June of 2009, people from all walks of life contacted customer support at IBI Synergy to inquire how to qualify.

Several women’s church groups, high school nurses, college students doing outreach into the native Indian populations… The number of applications, the diversity of the people applying and the incredible ingenuity of the projects, programs and uses for the condoms was outstanding.  

Several health departments from Universities, religious institutions, even a museum asked for condom donations to help them raise awareness about condoms - the University via a condom fashion show and thelater an exhibit at the museum.

Medical Volunteers in Sierra Leone

Additionally, with the aide of volunteers and medical organizations 200,000 condoms  were directed to African, Central and South American countries helping to educate and support people and communities at risk. IBI Synergy will be sharing the stories and photos of several of the volunteer groups.

IBI Synergy, Inc. endeavours to continue supporting public events, grass roots programs, schools, colleges, and universities. Unfortunately, it isn’t economically feasible to meet every demand for condom donations. But in response to these challenging economic times, IBI Synergy, Inc. has developed several programs to assist individuals and organizations in their efforts to make a difference.

Sign-Up and Save!

Help IBI Synergy, Inc., continue to help others make a difference…

Become a Maxpro Member…

Members receive flyers, newsletters, (bi-weekly or monthly) with product specials, discount coupons and/or free shipping specials. Members receive advanced notice on product samples and price reductions. No purchase is required to become a member.

Maxpro Condom.com, our online store, provides you with a safe and secure place to buy condoms online. Inside the store you’ll find the best condoms at the best prices. Check our monthly specials section for extra savings and new product announcements. Experience the difference and convenience of having our premium latex condoms shipped right to your doorstep. Shipping and billing are completely discreet so your secrets are safe with us.

Other than abstinence, condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are the best defense against unwanted pregnancy, the transmission of STI’s or HIV/AIDS. It is important to use a condom every time you have sex, if not a male condom then use a female condom, unlike other forms of contraception condoms have no side-effects. *Also, condoms are inexpensive and readily available without a prescription from your Doctor.

Maxpro condoms are 100% electronically tested.

Maxpro Condoms are certified to meet the manufacturing and product safety standards of the U.S. FDA – ISO – WHO – EN – ASTM. To learn about the condom manufacturing and the quality assurance testing process click the link below:

How Condoms Are Made

*Some people are sensitive to latex.  Before using a latex condom for the first time please check for sensitivity.

What is the difference between safe sex and safer sex?

Abstinence is the only sure method of never becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or HIV/AIDS. But obviously abstinence is not safe sex because it doesn’t involve having sex. Abstinence = practicing no sex.

Safe sex includes practices like masturbation, fantasy, non-sexual massage, and sexy talk. These activities avoid contact with blood or sexual fluids. Sex with one partner (monogamy) is safe as long as neither partner is previously infected and if neither partner has sex or shares needles with anyone else. I am not sure of the statistics of serial monogamy. But based on the rate of divorce, and what you hear from the media, I wouldn’t stake my life on my partner being monogamous.Almost all sexual activity carries some risk of spreading infection, and/or HIV/AIDS. Reducing the risk of spreading a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can be as simple as using a male condom, a female condom, a dental dam or a sanitary barrier. All of these devices, make it more difficult for blood or sexual fluid to get into your body.

Abrasions, cuts, and sores increase the risk of spreading STI’s, especially HIV/AIDS. Rough physical sexual activity can also increases the risk. Very small injuries can also give STI’s a way to get into the body. Be aware of the condition of your body and that of your partner’s body.

Use a condom, dental dam or sanitary barrier to prevent contact with blood or sexual fluid.

Lubricants can intensify sexual stimulation. They also reduce the chance that condoms or other barriers will break. Avoid all oil-based lubricants like Vaseline, oils, or creams as they can damage condoms and other latex barriers. Be sure to use water-based lubricants that are labeled “condom friendly.”

Oral sex also has some risk of transmitting infection, especially if sexual fluids are allowed into the mouth. Bleeding gums and/or sores in the mouth are a sure path for infection, so “spitting it out” is not a safe sex practice. Latex dental dams or plastic wrap over the vagina, or condoms over the penis, can be used as barriers during oral sex. Condoms without lubricants are best for oral sex. Most lubricants taste awful. To optimize oral pleasure keep flavored lubricants with your condoms.

It is very important for you to remain aware of what you are doing. The use of alcohol or drugs before or during sex greatly increases the chances that you will not follow safer sex guidelines. Be very careful if you have used any alcohol or drugs.Be Prepared. When you are planning your evening, think about safer sex practices, set your personal limits, make sure to have condoms, barriers and lubricant on hand. Be ready to talk about safe sex with your partner. Do not let a hot partner distract you from practicing safe sex.

Other than abstinence, condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are the best defense against unwanted pregnancy, the transmission of STI’s or HIV/AIDS. It is important to use a condom every time you have sex, if not a male condom then use a female condom, unlike other forms of contraception condoms have no side-effects. Also, condoms are inexpensive and readily available without a prescription from your Doctor.

To read about quality assurance testing and the manufacturing process visit:

How Condoms Are Made

Other than abstinence, condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are the best defense against unwanted pregnancy, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV/AIDS.

It is important to use a condom every time you have sex, if not a male condom use a female condom. Unlike other forms of contraception condoms have no side-effects. If you have a latex sensitivity use non-latex condoms. Condoms are inexpensive and readily available without a prescription from your Doctor.

Condoms are the best defense, for sexually active individuals, against transmitting or contracting sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. The pill, IUD or any other contraceptive device that allows for the exchange of bodily fluids will not protect you from contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections or HIV/AIDS.

It is important that you use a condom correctly. Latex compatible lubricants and common sense are very important to the durability and strength of each condom. Fingernails, braces and jewelry are known to weaken, puncture, and tear condoms. Do not open a condom wrapper by tearing it with your teeth, it may look sexy but can prove disastrous.

No condom is unbreakable, no matter what the manufacturer promises. Be aware that forceful or rough sex without the proper lubrication can cause condoms to break. Petroleum based lubricants such as Vaseline, hand creams, oils of any kind including baby oil and some vaginal cream medications cause latex to break down and therefor should not be used with condoms. Water and silicone based lubricants are recommended but only if they are labeled latex compatible.

Maxpro condoms are made in a certified manufacturing facility and meet quality standards as set forth by the U.S. FDA, World Health Organization, European Nation, ASTM and ISO. (ISO 9002 – WHO 1998 – EN600). Maxpro condoms are routinely tested and certified by the U.S. FDA.

April is STD Awareness Month.

Reading articles and doing research, I ran into the following statements that just amaze me.

“In the United States, young adults between 15 and 24 years old only constitute one quarter of the sexually active population, yet they account for about half of new STD cases. The same age group accounts for half of all new HIV infections. “

Medical News Today, “Roll-Out Of Proven HIV/STD Risk-Reduction Intervention With Teens By Community Groups Successful”

“In 2007, 56 people tested positive for syphilis at the Cincinnati health department. That number rose to 70 in 2008 and 171 in 2009. Judith Feinberg, an infectious disease expert at the University of Cincinnati, said increases in syphilis can predict increases in other STIs, such as HIV and hepatitis C. “

Medical News Today, “Increase In Syphilis Leads To New Education Campaign In Cincinnati”

In 2008, there were 336,742 reported cases of gonorrhea in the U.S., making it the nation’s second-most commonly reported STI, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, that data might significantly underestimate the actual number of cases in the U.S. because not all people infected with gonorrhea are aware of their status, MSNBC reports. Edward Hook, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an expert on STIs, estimated, “We will probably have something like 700,000 cases of gonorrhea this year.”

Medical News Today, “Drug-Resistant Strains Of Gonorrhea Could Lead To Similar Cases For Other STIs”

Using a condom could have prevented each and everyone of these people from suffering. Many of these people (that are now statistics)will experience lives burdened with costly medical bills, will be unable to reproduce and some will die early.

Knowing that unprotected sex jeopardizes your health and your partner’s health and both of your futures; common sense tells you that the use of a condom is necessary. Condoms are inexpensive especially in comparison to the cost of treatment for any of the above mentioned STDs.

Condoms are a medical device used in the prevention of pregnancy and contracting STDs that will affect your future. Health education is the most effective approach to stop unwanted pregnancy and the spread of STDs.

Maxpro promotes a healthy tomorrow by providing educational information allowing people to make informed choices. Always use a condom every time you have sex, if not a male condom then use a female condom to prevent unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of STD’s and HIV/AIDS.

The best place to buy the best condoms. Buy Condoms online from the #1 provider of premium condoms designed for pleasure and safety.

Buy Condoms Online

Articles and Resources:
Medical News Today