Balloon Animal Friends

Whether you're stuck at home fighting illness or avoiding the rain, Aimee has a quick and easy craft solution that's sure to bring the sunshine in...

We have had a poorly week here with both little people down with dreadful colds. Coupling that with a week of Sydney Spring rain has meant I have had to come up with a craft project that is simple and quick enough to keep the feverish ones happy.

To make our Balloon Animal Friend:

1. Gather balloons, light weight papers such a tissue paper, glue and scissors.
2. Cut out some eyes, noses and mouths in colourful papers.
3. Glue them onto a blown balloon and voila you have a new colourful creature....

Be careful not to hug them too tightly -  as poor Miss Evie discovered they burst with too much lovin'!

Make it BIG

There are times in your life that you take a deep breath and acknowledge a moment of greatness. I did today, when, after a days work I came home to find a copy of the very first BIG Kids magazine in the post box.
BIG stands or Bravery, Imagination and Generosity and is the brainchild of two extraordinary women, Jo Pollitt and Lilly Blue. The idea was hatched over a year ago when Jo couldn't find a magazine for her kids that spoke of the creative arts or offered a world view other than one interpreted by small and big screen, and there certainly wasn't anything coming out of Australia that was in any way design driven. So after a major labour of love and an incredible input by Jo's 8 year old son Luca (he's Mr Senior Editor if you don't mind! He is E-I-G-H-T), this magnificent publication has finally reached fruition.

Combining the work and imagination of children and grown ups, this 60 page bi-annual is all about amplifying the voice of our next generation through visual communication. It really is a very special piece of work and I am so thrilled to have been asked to contribute. Our favourite book is featured on page 16 and although it's a tiny imprint on an otherwise colossal production, I am really proud that these girls felt we had a voice.

So thanks to Jo and Lilly for following their dream and sharing their vision with us. Go buy yourselves a copy, sit with your kids and let your imaginations soar.

Broadening our Horizons, Introducing Aimee

Remember last week, you met my new pal Andrea? Well I'm about to excite you all over again with another new friend who is going to join The Brothers Trimm brigade (or should that be crusade?)
Aimee is a dear old friend from Sydney who in her own right is a very talented stylist and terrific Mum to her two small children. I was thrilled when she asked if she could hang out with us on the blog, as you'll see, she is so clever in creating crafty coolness without spending a fortune. This we like. So, would you like to say hello?

Hello there! My name is Aimee and I'm mum to Oscar (3 and 3/4's) and Evie (18 months). I'm a freelance interiors and food stylist when I'm not playing Mummy. Oscar is our beautiful boy and big brother, while Evie really hopes to be an honorary 3 year old boy too, due to her adoration of Oscar, cars and climbing. They all outweigh girly florals and pinks, give her a builders hat any day!

Oscar is tractor, farm, digger, fire engine, dinosaur and book OBSESSED. He talks non stop from 7am till 7pm to anyone and everyone. You could say he likes a chat, be it to his mates at preschool, the lady at the supermarket, the neighbours or even Archie our dog. Everyone hears about what's happening in Oscar's world, so we look forward to sharing some fun activities and stories from his world with you.

NEW Ace Apparel Test Drive - Eternal Creation

It's taken me a little while but I'm very happy this morning to write about a very special brand. The sun is shining here in Hobart and I wanted to start the week full of good juju. I am sure a lot of you have heard of Eternal Creation. Well if you haven't may I please introduce...

Frances and her beautiful team

Frances Carrington, a beacon of light, began a small tailoring unit in the late 1990's in the Himalayas following a life changing involvement with Australian Volunteers Abroad. Today she is one of the largest private employers in the lower Dharamsala region. You should read more of her story here.

Eternal Creation's range of fair trade babies, childrens, womens and menswear is lovingly and ethically crafted in one of the most precious regions in the world. Their aim is to improve lives of Tibetan refugees and local Indians by providing stable employment and training while promoting friendship between both communities.
We were lucky enough to review a set of Oakland Pyjamas that really are some of the cosiest PJ's we have owned. What I love about them, apart from their completely soul enriching background is that their tailoring is top quality, design is old school, nothing fancy but carefully created. The trouser length hits the ankle rather than the floor and for some magic reason doesn't ride up little legs in bed.
The fabric is soft and sturdy and washes a treat. I am definitely going to get a few more pairs, particularly as there is a super duper winter sale on. They are giving up to 50% off all winter products, some already reduced with up to 80% off the full price! Magic word is WINTERFIFTY at the checkout.

Licking the bowl in his Eternal Creation PJ's

Disclaimer time - there's nothing in this post for me, I just love promoting true gems like Eternal Creation.

Operation Alphabet

You may have seen this book glossing the screens of many blogs, but I just HAD to write and squeal and jump about it. Just arrived in the bookshop, Operation Alphabet is one of those books that you pick up, think Hmmm, is this new or something from my childhood? Turn the pages and you're transported to a London filled with spies, mysterious letterboxes and a major case of 'alphabetaheebeegeebees'.If you don't  instantly fall for Charlie Foxtrot I'll wonder why you're reading this blog. He has rosy cheeks, a taste for adventure and is Scottish, just like James Bond...was...in the '60's...c'mon what's not to love?

The best thing ever though, is that if you look inside the book jacket there is an equally brilliant Alphabet print, one that you'd be very happy to stick on your wall. Go get this book for your boys, it will be loved forever. And in the meantime, have a look at their website, perfect for school holiday fun!

Broadening our horizons - Introducing Andrea

Some of you may have read my wall post today and thought, ok, she's up to something, whatever. Well ok, but wait til you see what I've got planned! By the power of social media, I put out the call earlier this week to like minded bloggers, Mum's and general good people - boy owners really - to see who might like to join me in a little collaborating. Well I am skweefully pleased to say that some super duper ladies came forward and over the next few days and weeks, they will be introducing themselves, their boys, and their talents to you. Let's just say The Brothers Trimm Brigade is broadening in brilliance! Hah, see, I am giddy with glee. So to begin, may I introduce you to my new friend, all the way up there in Scotland... Andrea, over to you.

Hello to all you mothers of brothers and followers of The Brothers Trimm! 

My name is Andrea (aka flannery o'kafka) and I'll be appearing here from time to time to share a bit of  the lovely madness that is life with our three boys--it can be a little bit different than life with our girls (see photo below)!

Starting with the youngest, we have the baby boy - almost 6

Hugo is a sensitive, rice-pudding loving, emotionally articulate wee man with a love for insects, escalators, drawing, The Chronicles of Narnia and being photographed...which is good, because I love taking photos.  

The writer - almost 13

What can I say?  In true fiction-writer fashion, he lives on planet Jack-Lewis. He's a deep guy...sometimes, he's so deep that it takes a few minutes for him to swim back up to reality and tune into the conversation you thought you were having with him.  He reads Ray Bradbury, writes poetry, and listens to (good) music non-stop. His first CD at age 9 was Play by Moby.  

The engineer - 14

Otto is the logical one of the family.  On any given day, I can be heard telling him to 'stop parenting' the other children (or adults).  He excels in maths, science, technological studies and computer game programming.  He has spent at least half of his life building anything and everything with Lego.  He's also the most generous person I've ever met.

...and that's probably the longest introduction you've ever read...trying to sum up children in a few sentences is difficult for a mother! 

See you soon,

Andrea

www.flanneryokafka.blogspot.com

p.s. apologies to the 'fathers of brothers' reading this as well, but 'mothers of brothers' just sounded funnier.  

Picnics and Sticks

We made the most of a mild afternoon yesterday and hit the park for a picnic. We gathered some sticks  and decided to make something, so I suggested a raft. The boys replied with 'a WHAT?' So we went home and I showed them what a raft was, complete with dodgy sail! We did launch her in the bath but only lasted a few moments before she sunk to the bottom. Now all I need are some trusty old oil barrels?

Picnic complete with tablecloth and pretty daffodils

Sticks, twine and snippers. Thankfully those toes stayed away!

Our intrepid little raft, Papillon style

Counting down the days

This is such a simple way to help little ones get their heads around counting. I just love how some ideas can be SO obvious when someone spells it out for you. I'm definitely using this trick! Thanks Modern Parents Messy Kids!

Clever people over at Modern Parents Messy Kids!

Come to my Party

We have very lovely friends who are great at throwing a party and yesterday's 5th birthday celebrations were no exception. With the weather miraculously behaving itself, we spent a glorious afternoon in the bush, hanging out with fairies and whizzing on the flying fox. Keeping 18 kids under 5 entertained was no enviable task but it was seemlessly achieved by keeping almost everything outdoors. The key was having the flying fox game, fairy treasure hunt and general space to run around, all contained yet spacious enough for everyone to burn off lots of energy. The sun and the surroundings were pretty special as was the extraordinary fairy fort that was built. We plan to revisit that and maybe have a picnic. Anyway, I thought you'd like to see some snaps of the day.

A birthday under the tree, very Hundred Acre Wood...

Home made fairy fort

Braving the flying fox

Rather amazing fairy castle cake!

Like to Contribute?

Lovely readers, I'm on the hunt for some like minded bloggers to join the The Brothers Trimm. I'd love some crafty (or not) contributors to happily share some recent projects that are well suited to our boys. If you are interested or know of someone who might be, get in touch  - jen(at)brotherstrimm.com
You must be familiar with Blogger, be savvy with a camera and above all else share the same sentiment and design style as I do. Although I'd love to pay you in gold, there is only love and links as a reward.

My favourite find at Pinterest

Sticking to the Schedule

I've been a little quiet on the blog this week as I re-adjust my weekly schedule to new work commitments and all important family time. It's quite the juggling act at the moment, but I keep reminding myself that the balls won't be flying up there forever, right?!

Here's my favourite find for this week - the new ABC house wall sticker from Ferm Living. And oh that little foxy cushion just makes me swoon....

Veritable Velour

I had a very snazzy velour trackie as a kid, and remember going on playdates proudly wearing my burgundy outfit, complete with pigtails and toothless grin. When I spotted the Lily-Balou collection I became all nostalgic for those carefree days. You'll be oogling over the dungarees and tees, googling over the super sweet models that are just far too adorable. I wonder if you can purchase them too?

Your Fridge Friend

Spotted by Handmade Charlotte, these totally cute Japanese animal milk cartons are here to help in times of chilly need! Their aim is to keep all fridge doors closed, and that's it! Well isn't that enough? Bet you wish you had one when you found the door open and everything wilting inside? When those pesky little hands come a knocking, just call on your milk mate to politely remind the little people to keep the door CLOSED!

Trumpet Blast

Ok I'll admit it, this one is totally for me! Although I know the boys would get a real kick out of the watching the iPhone Speak Trumpet at work. No batteries required, this amplified speaker heightens the sound up to 5 times using the natural shape of the horn, great for listening to our favourite tunes on the go!

Saving their bacon

We all had a piggy bank of one description or another. Mine was a Felix the Cat food tin replica that on reflection was rather fashion forward for my 9 year old little head. Within the next 12 months I think we'll consider discussing the concept of saving with Mr. "I'm 4 and I'm the biggest" and discovering Money Savvy Kids is certainly one supportive arm I'll be leaning on. Teaching our kids the financial ABC's can do nothing but benefit the next generation and the award winning chambered piggy bank helps by offering kids the option to save, spend, invest or donate. Knowing there are options other than spend, spend, spending is gold in my book! Applauded in the States, this interactive system is now available in Australia and New Zealand

Favourite Fathers

For us all here in Australia, we are celebrating Father's Day this weekend. To celebrate, we thought we'd share our favourite with you, the Mac Daddy of them all, Mr. Brothers Trimm! He's insanely besotted with his two boys and dedicates his every free moment to playing, loving and 'being' with them. No better Dad you could meet (in my eyes).

So here's a little insight into the mechanics of our family, let me introduce you to Vinnie... in celebration of all the Dad's out there...

What was your favourite pastime when you were young?                    I grew up along the Maitai river in Nelson, New Zealand and spent many summers eeling, fishing and swimming. I also liked to play spacemen with my teddy bear. I remember building a spaceship for him out of an old packing box.

As a kid what did you want to be as an adult?

A chef, nothing else.

Did you fulfill that dream?

Yes I did! At 14, I was cooking breakfast’s at my Mum’s motel in Nelson and at 16 headed to Sydney to follow my passion.  That was almost 30 years ago now and I’m still loving it just as much as when I did back then.

What do you like to cook for your boys

Well, I like to try and cook them a healthy balanced meal with a little wholesome goodness. I also like to share the cooking experience with them, encouraging them to help out.

Their tastes are always changing too so we are constantly kept on our toes.Just because I’m a chef doesn’t mean they are eating anything different or fancy. They’ll quickly tell me if they don’t like something I’ve made! They have had a love of olives from a young age though, perhaps its their Italian heritage emerging!

Have you any tips when it comes to meal time?

Don’t overdevelop their palettes too early. Keep away from salt and too much sugar of course. Treats should always be enjoyed, but sparingly, remember the definition of ‘treat’. If you’re a working parent, try and plan and prepare simple, quick food that you know they’ll eat. Pick your battles and maybe leave them for the weekend. Just don’t forget to include some vegies!

What’s important to you at meal time?

We like to keep mealtimes fun and relaxed and always cook everyone the same thing. No-one gets special meals in our house. I love the Italian way of eating, relaxed, jovial, with all ages being equal. I want the boys to grow up enjoying meal times and treat it as a time to communicate, laugh and tell stories. If the table gets messy and loud, well so be it!

If you could take your boys anywhere in the world where would it be? 

It would be a dream to take them to Base Camp Mount Everest! Actually I’d really like to take them to the summit, but their Mum won’t allow me and I’m actually quite afraid of heights.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learnt as a Dad?

Hmm there are a few.

Patience, a cliche I know. 

Before kids I had never changed a nappy before.

I’m pretty good at avoiding scattered cars on the floor.

I’ve learnt that I’m really a big kid at heart, I love playing with my boys so much!