I admit I had my reservations about the Ella. It's a real love it or hate it toy and I'm pleased to report that I love it.

I was immediately impressed by the packaging; simple white exterior box with a picture of the toy, information on the material and toy along either side. Pop that in to discover the sturdy black storage box. Nothing gives away what's inside, save for the LELO logo embossed on the lid. Inside the Ella rests on a molded shelf with a clear plastic cover on top. Underneath the shelf you'll find two informational booklets, a sample of lubricant and a satin storage bag.

The first, smaller booklet contains information on LELO's 1-year warranty and 10-year quality guarantee in several languages. The second is on the toy itself, again in multiple languages. It describes the Ella and gives basic information on g-spotting and toy maintenance. The drawstring satin bag is perfect for taking you Ella with you in a bag or case or if you prefer a bag for storage instead of the box. The lube sample is water-based and free of glycerine and parabens. It's about the same consistancy as natural vaginal lubrication and while it has no odor it does have an unpleasant bitter taste. Rubbing it on my arm, it lasts about 20 seconds.

I originally wanted Ella in the stunning rose color, but it was out of stock and I was impatient. I didn't have any white toys in my collection and figured it might be a nice change of pace. I've heard some talk of "mystery scuffs" and the like popping up on white Ella's and was a bit worried, but I've had mine for a few months now and haven't had any on it. The Ella has curves and ridges that are as beautiful to look at as to feel and add to the fun of using it. When I first took it out of the box I just ran my hands over it, in love with how smooth it was, which has become something of a habit every time I take it out! Nothing it the way of grooves or decorations except for the LELO logo on both sides of the traditional/handle end of the toy, which cannot be felt while in use.

The handle end is great as a warm up to the flat head or for using by itself. At first I was worried by it's lack of girth but it's incredible design makes up for that with it's unique "pleasure point" as the booklet calls it. More of a cute little bump that might not look like much but can certainly deliver. The thing to keep in mind with this end is it's tapered tip, which can poke at the cervix if used too vigorously. Learned that the hard way!

The pièce de résistance, what has everyone curious: the flat head. Intimidating at first but worth it in the end. This end takes some warming up to and a decent amount of lube. The angle of the toy isn't too extreme, but coupled with the head it might be unenjoyable for some women. I've had toys snag my pubic bone before which, as you may know is not a pleasant experience. Thankfully, the Ella hasn't been a major offender in that respect but can be if I'm careless while removing it. Twisting it to the side while taking it out should fix that problem.

Since Ella is 100% silicone and has no mechanical parts you can sanitize it by boiling, or tossing it in the top rack of your dishwasher. You can also use a 10% bleach solution. If you don't share your toys you can just clean Ella with soap and water or a wet wipe.

Ella has no flared base and is not safe for anal use.

Bonus: The flat head makes a great back massager!

My specs:
Length: 7 inches
Handle circumference: 4 inches
Handle diameter: 1 1/2 inches
Flat head length: 2 3/4 inches
Flat head width: 1 inch

If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. G-spot toys hadn't done much for me in the past but I was determined to try harder with the Ella. It's like learning to play an instrument; you know what a piano does but if you don't learn how to play it your just hitting keys hoping to make a nice sound, relying on luck. That's how I was with my g-spot. I knew what it was supposed to do, kinda knew where it was but in the end I was always just hoping my normal toys would feel nice on it. They did, but I wanted more. I played with the Ella until I figured out where my g-spot was, how I liked it stimulated and until I was able to orgasm with it. I know it's all to do with the internal clitoral bulbs and erectile tissue but it's an entirely different experience than normal vaginal orgasms and especially clitoral orgasms. Still hit-or-miss at times, but practice makes perfect!