My initial idea for this post involved talking about how every child should have that special, huggable something, and how Sweetest Pea is just the place to find it.

After going back to the store (too many times to count) and staring at her plush creature menagerie, I realized that I wasn’t thinking of which one I would recommend for a child, but instead, which of these creatures needs to find its way to MY home?

I mean, I could be eco-friendly AND sing “baa baa black sheep” whenever I want if I were to take the Fat Sheep home.

OR

I could sing some of the songs from “A Jungle Book” and march around if I were to give the Fat Elephant a place to call his own.

OR

I could be other worldly with Albert, the Fat Monster and have him teach me his monster language.

Her creation that speaks to me most, however, is Fat Fugu. Who doesn’t want a fish that tells jokes to be her new best friend?

Peekaboo Picks Magazine is an online magazine devoted to “fabulous finds for hip moms” and Whimsical Walney is so tickled to be among them that we’re hosting a giveaway this weekend with the Peekaboo Picks team.

Click on over, enter the contest, and then check out all of the other wonderful featured products as well as the great insight and advice by each of the columnists. My latest favorite posts have Caryn Bailey’s Lavishly Green columns devoted to a variety of natural remedies. These posts include advice on bug bites, summer safety, and the always challenging ear infection.

Back in June, I wrote a post about Zac Sunderland who is attempting to be the youngest person to circumnavigate the world alone by yacht. My team and I were so inspired by his quest that we decided to sneak an additional design into the new batch in his honor.

The design is available in English and Spanish and can be purchased here.

Happy sailing!

Many years ago, I mentioned to a friend that I might stop writing him letters and he said, “Please don’t. Otherwise I’ll only have the Publisher’s Clearinghouse envelope to look forward to when the mail arrives.”

I remember giggling but also thinking that getting an unexpected letter or card in the mail is a lot of fun. A postcard is even more exciting because it usually means that the person is away from home and is thinking of you.

So for those of us who feel not only that snail mail still holds meaning, but also really enjoy travel to far away places, Postcrossing is just the site for us. (Thank you Swistle for writing about it, btw).

Basically you sign up and start exchanging postcards with other “postcrossers” around the world. The site even tracks where postcards have been swapped.

This reminds me a little bit of the Flat Stanley project, but is instead something for kids of all ages.

So sign up and send and receive some cards in the post!

P.S. Come back and tell us what you’ve received. We’d love to join you on your postcard adventures.

With the blogging world on fire, the fine art of journal keeping is not as much at the fore as it used to be. And while I understand how easy it is to furiously tap away at your keyboard, press publish, and be done, I also value the tactile experience of holding a journal, turning its pages, and putting pen to paper.

There is also something to be said for having written something that is yours and yours alone. Should you choose to share what you’ve written, it happens in person and becomes a shared moment (and memory) with the recipient.

Journal writing is a great outlet for kids of all ages to express what they’re thinking and feeling. No experience necessary and you don’t have to be a budding author or poet.

If you’re looking for a beautiful gift for the journal writer in your life you need look no further than Sidneyann’s Etsy store. She offers a color selection and even has one that is made of recycled leather (which is my favorite).

So go ahead, purchase one of her beautiful journals and see how quickly you can run out of ink.