With the festive holiday spirit in the air and shopping and baking on your mind, be sure to not forget about cuddling up close this cold-weather season! It doesn’t have to be an entire evening in front of the crackling fire, gazing into one another’s eyes – you definitely don’t have time for that right now! Instead, look for other (faster) ways to inject some fun and romance.
Truly Spice It Up: Literally. Here’s a short list of spices that are meant to stimulate the sexual appetite: ginger, chocolate, and chiles. Why such a short list? Well, when brewing hot cocoa (made with 100 percent cocoa, milk, and brown sugar to taste, heated up and whisked in a small pot), toss in a few slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne for an aphrodisiac hot cocoa. Perfect for fireside foreplay.
New Lingerie: Yes, boys like it when girls dress up – some pretty new little things under your holiday dresses may prove very exciting for you both. Shop Christmas ideas here: www.figleaves.com
Music for Love: A little dancing in the dark is the perfect way to get in the mood. Blue Note’s Music for Lovers series captures all of Sarah Vaughan’s most romantic ballads (think “The Very Thought of You” and “Stella by Starlight” in one place.

‘Tis the Season for a Quickie: Between family obligations and Secret Santa sneakiness, sex may be the last thing on your naughty or your nice list. On the nice side, bust out your organizer and pencil in some alone time with your man. For the busiest of the busy, the bedroom may be out of the question. Get naughty by stealing cheeky kisses, squeezes, and more while wrapping presents, just before the folks turn up for dinner, well, whenever the fancy strikes!
Give a Sexy Gift: If you just can’t think of anything, chances are he’d be delighted with the classic ‘wrap yourself up with a bow and wait for him in the bedroom’ approach. That is likely his favorite kind of gift anyway!
Silk Sheets: Ooh, la la! Silky, sensual, seductive sheets will definitely trigger some naughty behavior every time you and your guy climb into bed.
Massage Candles: Keep the fire burning with these enticing candles. Alluring scents of cocoa and figs create a romantic setting for an innocent massage or something steamier. Candles come in gorgeous porcelain containers, each with a different subtle but sensual design. For some extra heat, blow out the flame and pour the wax over his body to use as massage oil. Click this link to see a sampler set – a perfect way to try them out: www.jimmyjane.com

We carve them around at this time of year and munch on their seeds, but what you may not know about fall’s signature squash is that they have health benefits, too!
Pumpkins Keep Eyesight Sharp
A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which aids vision, particularly in dim light,  according to the National Institutes of Health.
Pumpkins May Reduce Cancer Risk
Pumpkins boast the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may play a role in cancer prevention, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Pumpkins Help Your Waistline
Pumpkin is an often-overlooked source of fiber, but with 3 grams per one-cup serving and only 49 calories, it can keep you feeling full for longer on fewer calories. A fiber-rich diet seems to help people eat less and in turn, shed pounds.
Pumpkins May Help Skin
The same free-radical-neutralizing powers of the carotenoids in pumpkin that may help keep cancer cells at bay can also help keep the skin wrinkle-free, Health magazine has reported.
Pumpkin Seeds Help Your Heart
Nuts and seeds, including those from pumpkins, are naturally rich in certain plant-based chemicals called phytosterols that have been shown in studies to reduce LDL or what is known as “bad” cholesterol.
As long as we are on the topic of pumpkins, rumor has it that there is a delicious shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath product out called Homemade Pumpkin Pie, by Philosophy. It is sure to get you into the fall spirit with a rich, foaming lather that they say smells fresh from the oven. Mmm.

Lastly, a little DIY home treatment we read about that you may want to try out:
Pumpkin and Papaya Mask:
Combine:
1 fresh papaya
1/4 cup of pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup oatmeal
1 tsp of honey

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix to a thick, creamy consistency. Apply to face and throat, avoiding eye area, leaving it on for up to 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Enjoy your hot cup of java every morning to get you going? You probably think about the toll that can take on your pearly whites, but have you considered the effects on your skin health? There are many opinions out there and you may want to check out this article to see what it says about the topic. To summarize: Scientific research shows that coffee may actually be good for your skin’s health! Please remember to stay extra hydrated when you drink caffeine products, as they naturally will dehydrate the skin and it will not look the best. Another article mentions that a study showed coffee intake may increase longevity as the study participants who consumed 2-6 cups per day had a 10-15% less risk of dying than their non-coffee drinker counterparts. So, there aren’t just skin benefits and you might not feel as guilty about your daily habit now!