It's that time of year again: when the good weather turns on and the clothes come off. Whether you're alone or with a partner, there's no better time to get in touch with your inner hotness. Here are our top 5 tips to make this your steamiest summer ever!

1) USE THE HEAT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Don't be afraid to turn off the cool in order to fire things up. Most of us try to drown out the heat with A/C overload. Not only is this bad for the environment, it's not always great for your love life either. Remember, heat relaxes your muscles (which if anyone has ever taken a Bikram Yoga class knows, allows for easier access to unique…ahem…positions).

And don't forget sweating enhances your own natural scent which can be a powerful phermoneal (yes, I just made up that word) aphrodisiac.

2) COOL IT DOWN

If the heat is getting too much for you, don't forget that a shock of cold against hot skin can make for great sensation play. Anything from ice to a cold water spray bottle to a fan is a great way to play alone or with your partner. Aim for sensitive parts of the body, such as the nipples, the back of the neck and inner thighs.

3) GET OUTDOORS

In the winter we are all cooped up and many of us are in an unsexy hibernation mode. This is the season to find ways and places to be playful outdoors. Go hiking to remote areas and become "one" with nature. You can also make your days "Happy Days" by going to retro drive-ins or finding your own "Blueberry Hills" for thrills before heading home.

4) CHECK OUT A HOT NEW TOY

Either alone or with a partner – make a date to go out to check out a new toy. Some hot suggestions include Fun Factory's cute little vibrator called "Spring" that comes in pink or green and has a little butterfly on it. And for men, there's the cute little Tenga egg that will get your morning cracking.

4) TRY A SPICY MOVIE

There are lots of new great movies on the market that go beyond the usual badly acted, fake-o ridiculousness that is so often prevalent in most adult films.

Some "out of the box" suggestions include:

THE NEW ROMANTIX is an indie porn that gives you a glimpse into the real lives of some of the top alt porn stars today.

SPEAKEASY is a great queer film set in the 1940's - featuring girls with girls, bois with girls, bois with bois - HOT!)

And if you want to learn something while you're at it – don't forget that there's a whole range of educational DVD's available ranging in topics from G-spots to Swinging.

Happy summer lovin!!