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JINGLE BELLS

Ready to dash through the snow and jingle all the way? We know we are. To ring in the new year, we've rounded up fabulous new fashion finds for your little girl and boy that are comfy, ethically made and oh-so-fab. Scroll down to our Nesting section to check out some last-minute gift ideas and a quick way to decorate the nursery, playroom or even kitchen. In Food we feature an inspiring recipe to warm up your body and soul. And if you're looking to get out of town, check out this amazing resort in the middle of Colorado, perfect for snowshoeing, skiing or just sitting around a cozy fire.

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Past Issues:

Wicked Fun
Back to School
Mid-Summer Night's Dream
Father's Day
Mother's Day
Spring
New Year
Trick or Treat
Water
Summer Travel
Food
Sleep
Sex&Love
Winter '08
Holidays '08





{ baubles }  

> Organic Wear
Gray is the new black



Based in Oakland, Ca, Scout designs clothes for real kids: you know, the ones in your living room climbing over the furniture, drawing at the kitchen table and playing hide-and-seek in the back yard. Made of organic cotton, Scout clothes are comfortable, stylish and designed to withstand a years of wear. What's not to love?!

{ Slate Explore Dress $52, Scout }


> Head to Toe Cute
Coveralls


These adorable coveralls feature a "drop down" butt that's perfect for diaper checks and oh so cute! The bamboo fabric is super soft and silky against baby's skin and its natural wicking ability will keep baby warm and dry.

{ Coveralls $26, Kicky Pants }

> Gypsy Style
Diaper bag goes boho

The one-bag-holds-all solution for the one-mom-does-all lifestyle, Serena & Lily's gorgeous Gypsy Tote was created by (and for) Serena when she couldn't find the perfect "un"diaper bag. It's got a pocket for everything. It hangs perfectly over a stroller handle. It scrunches up to fit inside another bag. It's machine washable and wipeable. But best of all, it's modular design means it's only a diaper bag when you want it to be, so it looks amazing through the bottle-and-binky years and beyond.

{ Peacock Gypsy Tote $175, Serena & Lily }

> Japanese Dream
Diaper-patch pants





Created by two Americans living in Tokyo, Noko Baby features baby clothes inspired by traditional Japanese silhouttes and made of authentic kimono fabrics in earthy colors. Fun and cozy, these diaper-patch pants are a comfy loungewear option for girls and boys.

{ Taro Pants $28, Noko Baby }

> Bling Undies
Diamonds are a girl's best friend




Has your little princess (or prince) kissed diapers goodbye? Nothing says you're a big girl now like a pair of stylish underwear. That's why we love Claesen's, which makes chic cotton undies for girls, boys and their parents that fit as comfortably as a second-skin. The Glitter & Glamour collection features such classics as this pair of briefs as well as tops, skirts and jackets.

{ Claesen's }

> Design a Tee
T Rex, Monkey, Robot, Oh My!




Inspired by the DIY approach to design, Grubbie Style offers t-shirt any kid will love. Gather around the computer and let your little designer choose the t-shirt style (thermal long sleeve, jersey short sleeve, baby rib), the shirt color, the illustration (skull, robot, boombox, turntable) and its color (from black to green and everything in between) and Voila!

{ Tees $38, Grubbie Style }

 

 

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{ dunton hot springs }  





DUNTON HOT SPRINGS

Over a mountain in a remote valley of Colorado's San Juan Mountains and accessible only by dirt road is Dunton Hot Springs. The place is not just a hotel but an entire town painstakingly brought back to life and outfitted with creature comforts for the modern cowboy. This is the kind of place that nature lovers and active travelers fall in love with thanks to expert guides who lead adventures in heli-skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter and mountain biking, fly-fishing and hiking in the warmer months.

Scattered across the valley are 12 guest quarters, some of which were originally on the site of the 1890s gold rush town and others that were hauled in from nearby towns and carefully reassembled. The exterior of the tin-roofed, hand-hewn log cabins may seem ramshackle but venture indoors and prepare to be treated to heated slate floors, sumptuous baths and smoked-glass showers and antique cupboards that conceal state-of-the-art stereos. Each cabin is entirely unique and furnished with carefully chosen antiques like Chinese chairs, Turkish kilims, Moroccan rugs and African masks.

While some of the cabins boast their own private hot springs, the heart of the town is a yellow Native American teepee that shelters one of many mineral hot springs available to guests. Dining takes place at a communal table by a big fireplace and the open kitchen inside a rustic but inviting Saloon where desperados can mingle, watch the Chef prepare the day’s meal and even lend a hand. After exploring the area by foot, horse or bike, there are yoga classes to take inside a converted pony express, spa treatments administered at the bathhouse, or a glass of vino to savor in the lavish library, a one-time barn from Durango that is outfitted with cracked-leather armchairs, a bearskin rug and crackling fireplace. Butch Cassidy and Sundance never had it this good.

What to Love:
1. Six ways to take to the waters, which range in temperature from 85°F to 106°F. We loved soaking inside a restored Bathhouse and under the stars at the source.
2. Locally sourced organic food and world-class wines to match.
3. Authentic hand-hewn log cabins.
4. An open kitchen where guests can watch and, if so desired, help the chef.
5. Communal dinning in a spacious saloon.

Need to Know:
1. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the rate.
2. Popular with couples and families.
3. Activities can be on the pricey side.
4. The entire town can be rented for a special occasion.
5. No cell phone coverage but free Wi-Fi.


 

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{ get crafty }  


> Take Me to the Moon
Spaceship puzzle

Imagine a puzzle that offers kids multiple solutions while at the same time helping them fine-tune hand-eye coordination and strengthen manual dexterity. The folks at P'kolino have created such a puzzle, one with simple yet colorful shapes sure to entertain longer and stimulate creative thinking.

{ Multiple-Solution Shape Puzzle $19.99, P'kolino }

> Trading Spaces
DIY modern home


Create a delightfully modern house with this innovative set of modular nesting boxes. Aspiring architects and designers of all ages can create modern spaces, arrange furniture and accessories, and pack it all up to go with this distinctive house.

{ MoMA Modern Play House $19.99, Chronicle Books }

 

> Let's Pretend
Breakfast in bed

Your kid may not be serving you breakfast in bed. Yet. But imagine how much you can get done around the house while she serves her dollies some bacon and eggs.

{ Honeybake Breakfast Set, Le Toy Van }

> Rub-a-dub-dub
Take a bath

Bath tubs have come a long way, baby! Happopo's bato tub features the kind of sleek lines and colored outside shell (available in lime green, blue and fuchsia) that makes us wish it came in adult sizes too.

{ Bato Bath Tub $49.99, Hoppop}

> Out of Sight
Animal Kingdom

In this big, beautiful, astonishing book, more than 50 animals are hiding. In elegant drawings and graphic, eye-catching layouts, Out of Sight will enthrall children with the amazing variety of the animal kingdom.

{ Out of Sight $19.99, Chronicle Books }

> Download This
Shape collage

Shape Collage is a free photo collage maker software program that lets you automatically create picture collages in a variety of shapes (hearts, circle, snow flake) with the click of the mouse.

{ Shape Collage }

 

>Stick' Em Up
Holiday ornaments


The window decals are visible from both inside and outside, and are made of a static material - so no adhesives - which means you can apply them over and over. The Flat Flowers are easy to use and will spectacularly brighten up your home. Whether you cling them to the window of your kitchen, living room, bathroom or car, the result is always the same: dazzling!

{ Dutch Holiday Ornaments$17.95, Oots }

>We Love Pigs
Olivia Does Xmas


It was the night before Christmas, and Olivia discovers that her favorite stuffed monkey, Mathilda, is missing. Not only is Mathilda missing, but other favorites keep disappearing around the house too. In the true spirit of Christmas, Olivia figures out how to not only give but to give back what has been missing.

{ Olivia Claus $16.99, Simon & Schuster }

 

 

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{ winter celebrations }  


THE BOOK
Stonewall Kitchen Winter Celebrations - Special Recipes for Family and Friends
By Jonathan King, Jim Stott, and Kathy Gunst
Photographs by Jim Stott

Stonewall Kitchen shows how to celebrate in style with these 50 tantalizing recipes for holiday entertaining. Take your turkey from traditional to modern by adding an updated side dish to your Thanksgiving menu, like Mashed Parsnips and Pears or Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Nutmeg-Cardamom Cream and Pancetta Breadcrumbs. The happiest Chanukah starts with a slow-roasted Brisket with Winter Vegetables, while Curried Maple Pecans and Indian-Spiced Meatballs with Yogurt and Mango Chutney will be the highlight of any holiday open house. And a cozy night by the fire is even better with a heartwarming bowl of Osso Buco with Orange Gremolata. Seasonal assistance comes in the form of a selection of very merry desserts, instant appetizers for last-minute get-togethers, and suggestions for turning many of the recipes into tasty gifts for loved ones.

THE RECIPE
Butternut Squash Soup with Curried Pecans, Apple, and Goat Cheese

This is a soothing, comforting soup to take you through the crazy rush of the holidays. You can make it in large batches, and freeze or refrigerate it for several days. The curried pecans will keep for several days as well. We love a big bowl of this bright orange soup with a salad and crusty bread for a simple midweek meal.

INGREDIENTS

The soup
11⁄2 tablespoons canola oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
Salt Freshly ground black pepper
3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
:::::
1 cup Curried Maple Pecans (page 49), chopped
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1 tart apple, like Pink Lady, finely chopped
12 whole sage leaves

1. Make the soup: In a large pot, heat the oil over low heat. Add the onions, plus salt and pepper to taste, and cook, stirring frequently, for 12 min- utes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramel- ized. Add the squash and cook 5 minutes, stirring well. Raise the heat to high, add the broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender when tested with a small, sharp knife. Let cool slightly.
2. Working in batches, puree the soup in the container of a food processor or blender. Return the soup to the pot and keep warm over low heat. (The soup can be made a day ahead of time, covered and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 3 months.)
3. Place the hot soup in serving bowls and top with some of the chopped pecans, goat cheese, apple, and sage leaves. Serve any remaining pecans, cheese, or apples on the side.

Variations:
Add chopped ripe pear instead of apple.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro to the soup with the broth and sprinkle another tablespoon on top just before serving.
Sauté the apple slices in 1 tablespoon butter for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until just turning golden brown.

Serves 6

 

Copy & Recipe courtesy of Chronicle Books
 
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{ X5 }  

2011 BMW X5

Knowing that rarely do SUV buyers venture off-road, BMW entered the luxury SUV segment a decade ago with a nible car built for on-road performance and handling. BMW also took out the "utility" out of "sport utility vehicle" and instead coined the term "sport activity vehicle." With the 2011 model year, BMW brings an X5 that features a new turbocharged inline-six and V-8 gasoline engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmission as well as fresh styling. And, of course, an optional thrid row seat to fit your entire brood as well as more cargo capacity.

Interior Yes, its on-road performance is something to behold. But even parked the X5 continues to impress. With built-in features like an iPod interface, privacy glass, and package options for cold weather, technology and more, the X5 Premium will be the first SAV that personally caters to you. All 7 of you.

Safety Nasty weather. Terrible road conditions. A deer crossing. When a driver loses control, there's usually more than one factor involved. Using built-in sensors to continually monitor multiple variables - such as speed, steering angle, yaw, brake pressure and traction - BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system can detect and help correct the loss of wheel traction immediately. All of which helps to keep you in control, no matter what the circumstances. BMW Assist intelligently integrates the driver, the vehicle and the environment as part of BMW's global ConnectedDrive initiative. Combining GPS location technology with hands-free wireless communication, BMW Assist connects you to a response specialist for help with almost everything, from an emergency situation to directions and traffic information. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is part of Ultimate Service, included at no cost for 4 years from your BMW's in-service date.

VERDICT: Rainstorms? Tight turns? Rough terrain? The X5 Sports Activity Vehicle is ready for any journey. And with seating for seven, it's as versatile inside as it is outside.

 

 

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Chronicle Books Parenting Banner




 
Editor
Celeste Moure

Contributors
Lola Augustine Brown
Catherine DeUgarte, MD
Candida Hadley
Julia Martin
Kia Robertson
Katharin Robinson
Gabriel Sheffer
Chris Tinselmann

This Month's Drawing

We're giving away a pair of baby shoes from Tip Toey Joey. Email us [celeste AT ontippytoes DOT com] and tell us when your kid started to walk.

We're now on Facebook and Twitter. Check us out and enter to win other goodies from this issue.

 

 

On Tippy Toes is a monthly magazine devoted to bringing modern families the best in home and nursery design, healthy recipes, travel advice, environmentally friendly toys and gifts from around the globe. Our experienced team of writers seek out the most inspiring products and ideas found at the intersection of parenthood and design.

Media Partnerships
Every month, On Tippy Toes presents one exclusive media partner. To find out more information about advertising opportunities, please email celeste AT ontippytoes DOT com.

Press & Feedback
We also welcome samples for review. However please note we do not return samples as they are given away as prizes to our readers.

Got something to say? Criticism or praise, we can take it, we're big kids. Let us know what you think about On Tippy Toes by emailing
celeste AT ontippytoes DOT com


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