Mister Mista

Before we are officially in winter, I thought I'd squeeze in a last autumnal Ace Apparel, before it's all beanies and thermals. Although we are not huge advocates of spending big on children's clothes, we needed to make an exception when we came across Mister Mista. I was going to describe their limited edition t-shirts (check out their swing tags below!) and prints but find they do it best themselves...
"In a prematurely maturing world Mister Mista is a throw-back to the days of old, meticulously illustrated, cheeky products for the non-conservative boy.(They cater for boys ages 2-8) "With Mister Mista we wanted to create kooky characters for kids rather than resized adult graphics and it was just natural that each illustration has a back story. But we also wanted unique-ness, there's something nice about a limited edition tee, a collectors item I suppose."
Sock eating monsters and rock-a-billy foxes in custom wind up hot rods - welcome to the mirky waters of Mister Mista and their limited edition T-shirts, prints and decor for boys."

With thanks to Lark

Spinning Tops

I just had to share these beautiful wooden spinning tops by German company Madel Kreiselmanfaktur. They are available through a handful of international suppliers, but should be picked up by a whole lot more we think!

Pronto Pocoyo!

Working in the world of animation allows me to meet lots of very creative characters. Some with rather amusing imaginations! I recently met the colourful Guillermo Garcia, who directs the endearing pre-school cartoon Pocoyo. You know, that sweet little bubblegum-blue guy with the colourful animal friends? If not,well Pocoyo, is an inquisitive and fun little boy who explores and discovers the world with his friends Elly the Elephant, Pato the Duck and Loula the Dog. This Spanish animated cartoon is visually stunning and acclaimed as the one of the most innovative TV shows ever for toddlers!

Narrated by the lovely Stephen Fry, Pocoyo is all about learning through laughter, approaching the world with enthusiasm and delight.

Pocoyo, meaning 'little me', is visually very different to any other pre-school programme. Its innovative use of CGI animation allows Pocoyo to become a very real child - he moves, talks, plays and learns like a toddler, and he can also sulk and throw tantrums like only a toddler can!

You can watch most of the 7 minute episodes online (in English and Spanish). However he has his very own website where you can meet all of the other characters, but more importantly enjoy the activity section where you can download and print lots of fun things, like colouring and join the dots. You can even learn how to recycle. Now we really like Pocoyo! Oh and in case you wondered, Guillermo does look a little like his animated friend, and the day we met, he was wearing blue...

Toothpick City

What do you get when you add 23 gallons of glue and 1.3 million toothpicks? Why a toothpick city of course! If you are ever looking for a new hobby and like to use your pinkies, then this one's for you. Meet Stan Munro. When he was eight his art teacher assigned his class to create a toothpick structure, one that could say, support an egg. Stan's supported his desk!
Years later his hobby has turned into a full time career and Stan is now featured internationally! He is currently working on creating an exhibition of the world's greatest temples and towers no less and has produced a tutorial on how to build your very own toothpick windmill. So with the colder weather down here inviting us indoors, what a great winter project this could be!

Elvis Sings For Kids

When I was a young boy and I discovered Elvis' Greatest Hits in my Dad's record collection I immediately wanted to become like The King, singing and dancing, looking effortlessly cool. Of course that was never going to happen but imagination is a wonderful thing and when kids emulate their idols it breeds healthy aspiration and dreams.
I came across this great collection, Elvis Sings For Kids, a great way to introduce your boys to one of the cornerstones of rock n roll.

Use the Force...

The fabulously clever geeks at Tom Tom now offer Star Wars voices to help direct you to your next destination. Light sabers at the ready boys, (and Mum's BEWARE), you and Dad will be taken to the Dark Side by C-3PO, Yoda and Han Solo with this latest navigation invention! Available from June

Zoo-ologie

Be still my beating heart. The glorious world of Anthropologie is now available to Australians! What has this to do with boys you ask? Well, I couldn't help but share these adorable Savannah Story Busts. Repurposed cement bags have been covered with vintage French books to create four handsome papier-mache animal heads. Boys will love the idea of a hanging animal head in their bedroom, right?! A humorous nod to the old colonial hunting trophies, these winners are a little decadent in the price category, but still so nice to admire! And if they aren't in your price range, why not try making them instead?

Ever looking for a different way to display your boy's works of art? Well, we've found these nifty re-usable decal kits from Land of Nod. Presented in colourful sets and shaped like photo corners, they also come with customised nameplates. So if that drawing is not quite framing standard but still beats the 'I can't throw that away' pile, then these Frame Corners are for you!

Sourced from Babyology

The Crafty Kid

I have had the idea for some time now that when it comes to birthday party time, I'd prefer the boy's friends to bring a present that they have either upcycled or made themselves. It just creates a more personal tone and allows the kids to really appreciate the process of giving. Therefore, I was very excited when I heard about Australian Kelly Doust's upcoming book The Crafty Kid.
Written especially for those who like the idea of hand-making their own beautiful gifts, and to help steep children in the creative life from an early age onward, The Crafty Kid is full of fun, simple ideas for rainy day entertainment and passes on the sensible adage: make do and mend.Including more than 50 projects, from kite and pirate T-shirt decorating, to super cute soft watches, The Crafty Kid is published by Murdoch books and will be available from June.

Images from The Crafty Kid by Kelly Doust, published by Murdoch Books 

Circus Act

Some of you may have already seen Kate Dixon's circus inspired room for the 41st Kansas City Symphony Designers's Showhouse. I just had to share it around as dream-like inspiration for any boys bedroom. Just look at the ferris wheel storage unit and personalised Ring Master portrait!

Jeanius REPOST

(A second look at last week's post, due to minor glitch, now repaired...phew...)
What boy isn't complete without a good pair of sturdy jeans? But let's face it, they need trousers that can withstand tree climbing, skateboarding and dinosaur stomping, while not falling down around their ankles, ripping at the knees, and costing us as much as an adult pair! So we've hunted down some ace apparel that should fit the bill...


First cab off the rank is Australian clothes label Oobi. Their classic denim jeans are a straight fit Japanese wash denim jean and have been designed for both boys and girls. Hand-me-down perfection! In Australia they are available at the delectable Shophouse, but are also available internationally

Quick pit stop to London where you'll find these super gorgeous dark denim trousers from Louie Louis at Sparkle and Spin (shown above).With an elasticated waistband and sporty fit, bright drawstring AND coloured stitching detail, they even have extra deep pockets on the front to keep pocket gadgets super safe. Let's just say, we heart them. Actually, we'll take the whole outfit thanks!

We're back in Australia and are thrilled to feature Three Little Trees. These Harlan jeans (shown above) are a dark denim with slightly worn look and a hoot tootingly cute owl embroidery on the back pocket. Not only are they stylish but are also designed with 'sensible' in mind! A special gift of native seeds is also attached to each purchase, a little gift to teach children how to nurture Nature. Big tick of approval. Don't despair non Australians! Three Little Trees is available internationally. And last but by no means least is the supercool collection by Little Rivet Jeans (image below). This is a range that hits the spot..comfortable, durable, well fitting and all at a reasonable price. With a focus purely on all things denim, you'll be sure to find a long lasting pair for your Tom Thumb here.

Happy Days

A good cup of tea is a critical component for a successful day here at The Brothers Trimm. Therefore a suitable cup or mug is paramount for the entire experience to be a satisfying one. This ideal will most definitely be passed on from mother to son (but tea will be replaced by a yummy hot chocolate) and so when I spotted this heavenly mug by the darling Belle and Boo, I instantly fell in love and have now added it to my list of 'must have's'. The eldest brother Trim(m) is lucky enough to have a print of 'Muddy Morning', and so I think a matching mug is just the ticket for a boy in need of a good cuppa...

Wooden it be nice....

The wooden block just got better; a lot better. We all love classic wooden toys right?,well when  Tegu was getting a little bored with traditional old fashioned blocks, they set out to update the most basic children's toy for the 21st century. Using eco-friendly wood,  they created an innovative line of educational toys and, with the mysterious help of magnets,  have made sleepy wooden blocks do things they've never done before! Try them out...Tegu blocks will unleash the boundless creative spirit of your children (and you) in remarkable new ways! Buy them online here

Eco cups for thirsty boys

Remember the days when picnics included those old stainless steel cup sets with their leather holders? Well this old design has been translated into modern marvels by Ecococoon.  Bright and playful motifs decorate these environmentally friendly stainless steel cups, and its cocoon-like nurturing ethos maintains a warm and fuzzy family focus! Each set comes with their own neoprene cover and we are particularly partial to the Boys Adventure range. And that's not all! If you are looking for some cups to serve up a warming cuppa, Ecococoon have created the Cocoon Betweens, a neoprene band that slips onto the Ecocoon cup and protects little fingers from hot surfaces, and can also double up as a handy stacker, no more sticky situations!

Music Month at Monkeytail and Wellington

Our new friends at Monkeytail and Wellington are celebrating their second annual Kids Music Month and we are thrilled to be taking part! Our very own Chris Familton is sharing some 'sound advice', with his Top 10 all time favourite kids songs. Click over to their brilliant blog to share some nostalgic melodies and memories...and be in the running for a 20% discount voucher if you give your pals a Monkeytail and Wellington shout out!!

Meet Bond, The Young James Bond

"Before the name became a legend. 

Before the boy became a man. 

Meet James Bond"
(Penguin.com.au)

Dun de dun dunnn.....If your pre-teen boys haven't read Charlie Higson's prequel series to the legendary Ian Fleming secret agent, then we suggest you introduce them to Silverfin, Blood Fever, and the rest of the Young Bond series. Higson is currently in Australia promoting his celebrated series aswell as his latest zombie thriller The Enemy (eek). The first of  five books begins with a young James at boarding school in 1930's England and takes him on adventures through the Scottish Highlands, Sardinia, Mexico and the Caribbean. Filled with villains, henchman, gadgets and (yes) girls, the Young Bond series is for all 10+ boys who love kidnapping and explosions. On paper only that is...ahemmm

Silverfin, the graphic novel (as seen above) is a spine tingling visual adaptation of the best selling novel by Charlie Higson, and is illustrated by renowned comic artist Kev Walker.

Lost and Found

....and now for a real treat to start your week. If you have not already come across 'Lost and Found' by Oliver Jeffers, well may I suggest you do your best to find a copy of the animated adaptation and share it with your boys.
The tale is based on Jeffers best selling children's book and is about the blossoming friendship between a lost penguin and a little boy, who wakes up one day to find him on his doorstep. Sensing the penguin is unhappy to be so far from home, the boy decides to help him - even if it means rowing all the way back home to the South Pole.
This multi award winning short film (32 international awards in total!) is narrated by Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn in Harry Potter) and is filled with some of the most beautiful and charming animation you will ever come across - once you start watching, you and your boys will be glued to the screen! Directed by Philip Hunt from Studio AKA this really beautiful film is well worth seeking out.

Strumming Fun

As children of the 70s and 80s and possibly beyond, we were all subjected to the recorder as the entry into musical instruments. Our parents were more often than not the victims of its shrill sounds, so no wonder new generations are taking up the ukelele as a much more ear-friendly first instrument. The ukelele is the nephew to the guitar so in many ways it is also more relevant to contemporary music, if kids are eager to learn songs they hear on the radio or being played to by their parents.

The soprano ukelele is a model of the 19th century Hawaiian instrument that most beginners start with and there are an endless number of websites that can show your boys how to play virtually any popular song. Starting prices are around $25 AUD and they come in a crazy array of colours to suit your boy's taste. So head to your local music store, join the fun and give your son the gift of music.

Interesting fact: The word ukelele means jumping fleas in Hawaiian, and relates to the way your fingers look as they dance across the fretboard.

My Messy Room

We have just returned from a mini break in Sydney and managed to sneak in a few visits to some great little shops around the traps. I had been meaning to check out My Messy Room for ages, when living in Sydney, but with two babies in tow, I just never managed the trip. So as I was staying only walking distance away, this time I made it my mission. Situated in the friendly village of Summer Hill, in Sydney's inner west, My Messy Room is a corner store filled with clothes, gifts and interior goodies for your little treasures. You'll find Monstar and Well Spotted tops, Click Clack toys and the super- cool My Escape table tents, to name but a few. The girls are lovely, so lovely in fact that Bec came to my rescue with a children's fancy dress emergency, from her own daughter's wardrobe, only minutes after meeting me! So next time you're near Summer Hill, visit the lovely ladies at My Messy Room, and tell them I sent you!

Your very own 'Entourage' t-shirt from Well Spotted. I love it!

My Escape Table tent. You can even get wood pile cushions to match!