Out of this world: conjure up sensual delights with these potions and pleasures

Better Nutrition, Oct, 2003 by Kat James

October brings about a change in seasons that can awaken our cravings for comfort foods, candlelight and earthy, exotic scents. With children back in school and the first chill in the air, why not indulge yourself? To heighten your senses and evoke your creative spirit, simmer some organic wine and mulling spices oil the stove, draw a sandalwood-infused bath, light a long-burning candle and immerse yourself in these simple, super-natural pleasures.

Autumn Glow

As you immerse yourself in a sandalwood-scented tub, don a green papaya mask on yore face to make your skin feel velvety-smooth--then treat your body to a spicy cardamom and clove body smoother, replacing the minty; salty rub you used during the summer. Remove the papaya mask with a warm, damp cloth, and apply a potion containing the age-defying substance carnosine for an enchantingly youthful complexion. Finish by dabbing on an elixir of "dry" oils, including sandalwood and neroli--a precious bitter orange essential oil that, like sandalwood, boasts skin-balancing and mood-lifting properties. Both purify and regulate your skin's natural oils, creating an otherworldly glow. Finish with a lip balm containing sweet oil of tangerines.

To continue this warm, sensuous experience, try misting yourself as well as your home with a tangy. sandalwood-citrus mist. No synthetic perfumes to spoil this sensual feast--your soul knows the difference,

Beautiful You

While spending more time indoors during the cold winter months, focus your attention on yourself and your inner beauty.

Avoid indulging in unconscious eating, overbooking social obligations or watching TV--classic distractions from tuning into yourself, which is the ultimate beauty, ritual. Listening to music, writing in a journal or enjoying other creative projects are catalysts for self-discovery, which yields fire most beautiful gift you can share with others--yourself

And while your children are off at the neighbors', plan some treats for you and your partner. Cast a delicious spell on a room by lighting jack-o'-lanterns with real cinnamon, clove and nutmeg candles made of clean-burning soy wax--you'll enjoy all tire sensory seduction of pumpkin pie without the work. Or try hemp, orange or patchouli candles for their evocative muskiness.

Relax to a CD whose softly primal rhythms conjure up some passion, and toast to all things sensual. Take turns reading passages from a favorite poet.

Feed each other some Wickedly Decadent Chocolate-Drenched Apple Slices (see recipe, above). Then exchange sensual massages with exotic babassu oil from the Amazon--tinged with essential oils of orange, sandalwood and frankincense. When you're ready for the last course, just share a taste of that tangerine lip balm, and surrender yourselves to the moment.

It will soon be apparent that you are the piece de resistance of this Tantrically tempting menu.

Send your questions or comments to Kat James--she'll post some answers in her new Q&A beginning next month at www.betternutrition.com. To learn about her cruise programs or her new book, The Truth About Beauty, visit her Web site at www.InformedBeauty.com.

Super-Natural indulgences

* Hydrogen Peroxide/Green Papaya Mask by Reviva

* Cardamom Body Sugar by Better Botanicals

* Wrinkle Serum by Youthful Essentials

* Organic Facial Treatment by Ecco Bella

* Zum Mist Room Spray in Sandalwood-Citrus by Indigo Wild

* Zum Kiss All-Natural Lip Balm in Tangerine by Indigo Wild

* Babassu Bath Oil by Inara

* The Hemp Candle Collection by Way Out Wax

Wickedly Decadent Chocolate-Drenched Apple Slices

The juxtaposition of tastes is quite sensuous, and without the sugar, this becomes a nutritious indulgence that feeds body and soul. Prepare these special treats ahead of time, and surprise your partner with a supernatural Halloween experience.

2 bars premium sugar-free, dark Belgian chocolate such as those by Daskalides or Yamate

2 apples, chilled and sliced

1. Melt two bars of maltitol-sweetened Belgian chocolate in double boiler or fondue pot.

2. Serve with chilled, crisp slices of apple.