This just popped up!

Oh if only I'd seen this heavenly Pop Up Advent Calendar by Eric Carle. Although our boys are a little too small,  I would be sorely tempted to pick one of these up as well as our current work in progress!
Bases on the best-selling Christmas story Dream Snow (note to self - must purchase), this calendar unfolds to reveal an intricate pop-up Christmas tree surrounded by presents. Children open a window each day to discover a new decoration to add to the scene, By the time December 25 arrives, the calendar transforms into a dreamy Christmas display!

Huge thanks to Alisa from x&y threads for sharing her find!

X&Y Threads Test Drive and GIVEAWAY!

Summer ain't Summer unless little bodies are well protected from our harsh sun, particularly here in Australia, where it can be rather relentless. This week we took the x&y threads Rope rashie down to our local rivulet for the next in our Test Drive series.
x&y threads is a refreshingly cheerful brand which caters for kids on the beach and beyond. Mix a little street cred with soft edges and bright colour, and you'll find a brand that invests in quality and performance.
I loved the little neck detail that allows for easy access and good arm and waist length that keeps all extremities nicely covered. Even if you're not quite in sunshine mode, then do remember this brand for your next holiday or beach excursion. Available internationally, these 'guys' are sure to go far!

GIVEAWAY - open to all readers
x&y threads are giving away either a Boardie or Rashie of your choice! Yes, you choose, how great is that!
All we need you to do is leave a comment before this Saturday 3pm EST. Be sure to like them over on Facebook too now won't you, that's after you like us first of course!

Test Driving by the river

Rope Rashie & Anchor Boardies

Picture This!

Looking for a special something for your Grandad this year? Pinhole Press is a wonderful online boutique that creates beautifully simple photos products. And it's in this simplicity that the beauty is really born. We especially love the Signature Photo Book which provides elegantly designed templates for you to add special photos and your subject of choice.

Be sure to visit Pinhole on Facebook and join in on their 24 Days of Giving . Be quick, they're giving away a gift a day leading up to Christmas and they're already half way there!

Photo Book by Pinhole Press

Musical Youth

I came across a great list of music for our youngsters and thought it worthy to share. So thanks to the clever clogs at Kid Independent, here is a great list of kindy rock that will leave you tapping the wheel on any car journey!

The Pop Ups

Recess Monkey

Apple & Bee satchels

Just stumbled upon these cuter than cute satchels from Apple & Bee. Also available in red, these unisex hold- alls have such an air of nostalgia that they remind me of little old French school bags. I'll have one in each colour thanks Santa.

Available internationally and from My Messy Room in Sydney

Deck the Halls

I love paper and am a sucker for anything decorative. So I have of course, fallen for these little treasures from Paper Source and Upon a Fold...

Paper Source Gingerbread Man Garland Kit

Paper Source Kids Elf Kit

Upon a Fold Christmas Creatures

Christmas Tree...in a Bag?

Yep, that's right, you can grow a Scotch Pine all your very own self in this cuter than cute colour-it-yourself seedling bag. Ok so maybe it takes two years to grow, but who cares, we have time! What a lovely gift for kids to nurture and for nature to shout hip hooray!

Christmas Ace Apparel

Being surrounded by all things Christmas, I think it's clear there's LOTS of choice out there for festive gifts. I've found some cute things along the way and thought I should show you my loot. So over the next week or so, I'll be sharing my favourite finds from Apparel to Travel. Let's begin...

Go nuts over this super cute belt from Bubbledog

Belt from Bubbledog

Rocket and Bear personalised T-shirt

Personalise a boys T-shirt with a favourite toy or teddy from Rocket and Bear or be the handsomest boy under the mistletoe in this rather handsome crew neck sweater from Surface to Air

Surface to Air winter sweater

And the winner is....

TESS! Congratulations, you have won yourself the latest issue of ANORAK! Just email me at jen@brotherstrimm.com so we can organise a swift delivery - hot off the UK press

Happy reading!

The latest issue

A taster of what's inside, above and below

Aotearoa Alphabet

With the Brothers Trimm owing half of their gene pool to New Zealand, we thought this might be a nice way to teach the boys their ABC's this summer, whilst reminding them of their Kiwi heritage. From Aotearoa to Zoo, you'll find all the iconic images from one of our very favourite parts of the world. Kia Ora!

Quick Question...Cathy Olmedillas & GIVEAWAY!

We are positively wrapped to have the rather terrific (and incredibly accommodating) Cathy Olmedillas from aforementioned Anorak magazine, contribute to our very first 'Quick Question' time. We'll be introducing you to some rather terrific people over the next few months who'll be sharing some of their favourite childhood memories...

Cathy, when you were little, what was your favourite...
BOOK 
Between 4 and 5 years old, it was Noddy. Then it was the Famous Five.
SAYING 
"Chapi Chapo" because of these little creatures



SONG 
Anything by the Beatles
ACTIVITY
Reading and knitting (same as today...)

WHAT "BROTHERS" OUT THERE DID/DO YOU LOOK UP TO? 

Definitely Santa! He has the best job in the world.


SO WHO IS ANORAK?

Anorak is a happy mag for kids - bumper filled with stories, activities and the bestest illustrations around. Not only are they enjoying super status following the opening of the Oscar Kirk Exhibition, but are totally app-savvy  in iPhone land AND have just launched their latest Friends issue. This issue celebrates their fourth anniversary, and we're thrilled that they are giving away a copy hot off the press to one lucky Brothers Trimm reader. Hooray!!

So go on tell us what you love about Anorak, and we'll pull a winner on Saturday. And yes, its open to EVERYONE this time, as Anorak is now available, not only here in Australia (thanks to lovely Lark,) but internationally. 

Always Pack your Anorak

The wonderful team at Anorak magazine have just celebrated the opening of  a rather special exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. The Diary of Oscar Kirk, a messenger boy working in the London Docks of 1919 has been brought to life by a wonderful talent of illustrators. Commissioned by Anorak, this 14 years old's diary is filled with illuminated thoughts and a wonderful insight into his life and times, and can now be enjoyed by young and old. Go see it if you're there!

The Diary as shown in the latest issue of Anorak 

Illustration by Ben Javens

The Diary as exhibited at the Museum

Illustration by Milly Freeman

Reading is Awesome!

Dallas Clayton is a little bit of a hero these days. Not only is he an eloquent poet but his heart is as big as the planet he considers. His book is simply called An Awesome Book. A book written with love,about believing in yourself, following your dreams and never giving up. A book solely written for his son. And off his own back, he published this book on the internet. And then his life changed. Forever. With this newfound success, he set up the Awesome World Foundation where, for every book purchased, another is donated to promote literacy both domestically and worldwide. Now he writes for a living and shares his stories all round the world. Phew people, give this guy a very big virtual hug! WHAT an inspiration.
So if you're considering a book this Christmas, then pick up a copy of An Awesome Book or the equally precious Awesome Book of Thanks, knowing you will you give your children a beautiful message, and help some other great kids find it too.

And the winner is....

'Stephu' come on down!
Congratulations on winning an Agoo Skater Tshirt. Now all we need are your contact details. Email Jen at Jen@brotherstrimm.com

Keep watching next week for another little giveaway - and this time everyone's invited ;)

Christmas Cards

I'm feeling rather organised with my card and calendar purchases already made. I only wish I had found these before I received this years stack! Take the labour out of the love and get your boys colouring your Christmas messages this year! Stay tuned to see which calendar I chose and some ideas for what to include in the countdown. Have a great weekend everyone.

Colour in Christmas cards 

Make and Do Advent Calendars

Here's an idea from our friends at Little Scandinavium. Why not take a leaf out of the Scandinavians book'and make your own! Start collecting your Christmas treats this month, wrap and label a small gift box, bucket or even brown paper sandwich bag. Add bakers twine and a little festive ribbon and voila! Tie or peg them to a garland or bundle them together. Get the older kids and relatives to contribute something special and hey presto, a wonderfully personal calendar to enjoy.

Or if time is not on your side and you still can't decide, invest in these little guys. I bet my Mum would love this Pixie Advent Calendar. Still wondering what I'm doing. Can't show you yet... I'm still customising....

Turbo booster!

I'm thinking if our boys got this for Christmas they would probable pass out with utter glee. Thankfully they are still a little young so this Turbospoke is a few years away from Santa's sack and the neighbours ears! It is pretty supercool though don't you think...

Turn bike to motorbike with the Turbospoke accessory

Ace Apparel test drive and GIVEAWAY!

You might remember our Agoo clothing post when we first started The Brothers Trimm. Well  we were terribly flattered to be asked to try out an outfit from their active kids range. With Skater shorts and Tackle shorts in hand, we headed for Hinsby beach in Hobart for a seriously active workout. Rock climbing, sand castle making, extreme running in all directions as well as a few shoreline splashes certainly put Agoo to the test! But we are pleased to say it passed with flying colours! Our 3 year old model is tall for his age so the size 4 was perfect on him. Loose fitting is ideal and he loved the fact that the clothes were so 'floppy and smooth'.
Made of high performance fabric, the Agoo collection is nothing short of complete comfort while providing sun smart UV protection, stain resistant properties and a soft hand-feel for kids with super sensitive skin.
If you are looking for uber high fashion for your boys, then Agoo is not for you. But if you are in need of super comfy, lightweight, easy to manage, cheerful outfits, then you'd be making a wise choice by adding a few pieces to your boys wardrobe. So go on stay out and play, that little bit longer!

GIVEAWAY!
Hooray!! Agoo would like to give YOU a Skater Tshirt ( in Azure blue (size 4) RRP $34.99! (as worn by our little Brother Trimm below)
Simply leave us a comment and check in this Saturday when we'll randomly select one lucky winner.
(Available to Australian readers only).

The eldest Brother Trimm putting Agoo to work!

Comfort plus for active boys

Mahar Dry Goods

If you aren't already in love with Robert Mahar, his fabulous Junior Society blog and online store - well,quite frankly, where have you been!? We have been fans for a long time now and been inspired by his creativity, wit and hand crafted devotion. Robert has recently decided to take time out from his current business-vintage emporium Mahar Dry Goods. We wish him well and recommend you all head over to the store for lots of Christmas goodies.

Counting down to Christmas

This year I decided to research and invest in a perpetual advent calendar. Not one that was filled with stale chocolate and glitter, but one that could be added to, customized and filled with handmade treats and reminders of the true spirit of Christmas.
So I set about looking and asking and managed to whittle my findings down to three:

1.Farmhouse Garland Calendar Kit
2.Vintage wooden drawer calendar
3,Canvas pocket calendar

1. Garland Calendar

2.Vintage Calendar Drawers

3.Canvas Pocketed Calendar

Which one do you think I chose?

What every superhero needs...

With your Ellie Bellie cape and super duper powers you've got the outfit and the means, but your feet just look, well a little less ordinary? Well stop right there Rescue Ranger! I've got just the accessory you need. Lightning bolts or dragon wings anyone? Lace these up to your shoes and you'll be flying high in no time. Sky Captain to the rescue...

Diesel Decor

If you went home with a roll of this for your son's bedroom, you would probably be top dog for at least a whole year! The delectable Dutch Studio Ditte have created a car wallpaper that values battered vintage over slick sports. Hours will be spent discussing old models, and don't be surprised if you find your husband and own Dad checking out the Hudsons and hatchbacks.