The Cottontails Travelling Rabbit - would YOU like to host him?

Sylvain rabbit has got itchy paws. He has decided he wants to go off on an adventure. Too many Famous Five books if you ask me...

All ready to set off on his adventures...

He has packed a little bag, acquired a compass, and is all ready to head off on his travels.

But it's a bit world out there for a little rabbit, and I think he needs some safe places to stay during his adventures.

Essential supplies - compass, carrot and lettuce

Would you like to play host to Sylvain rabbit?

He would arrive at your house (with bag and compass) and stay with you for a few days. Perhaps he could help out in the garden, or do a spot of work around the house? And he would love to be taken out to see the local sights.  He is fully litter trained and very well behaved. Usually.

In return for hosting Sylvain, all I would ask is that you:

a. Share some of his adventures - take a few photos and put them on your blog, Facebook page etc

b. Pay the p+p to send him on to his next destination - second class post is fine (but don't tell him I said that)

Please leave a comment on this post, or email me charlotte@cottontailsbaby.co.uk if you would like to play host to Sylvain.

This is something completely new so I have no idea if there will be much or any interest. But paws crossed. He is very keen to get out there and have some adventures! 

"I think I shall head East..."

A lovely review of Cottontails Baby

I just had to share this with you - a simply lovely review of Cottontails Baby from Kate at Leaff Design Ltd.

In case you haven't already heard of Cottontails Baby, it is the toy shop that dreams are made of; independent, traditional and utterly charming.

Earlier in the week I had emailed Kate - it was a bit of a bleak email, I was telling her how things have been pretty tough here over the summer -  it's a constant balancing act, trying to keep up excellent service levels (packaging, delivery, little extras) while staying competitively priced. And let me tell you, this summer has been harder than ever.

And out of nowhere she has put together this little gem of support. She has captured 100% what Cottontails is about and I am so grateful to her - for understanding, for taking the time to write.

Cottontails is not a hobby business, I need to make a living from it so ultimately there has to be some commercial sense behind what I do, but there is also real heart and soul in this little business - my heart and soul - and getting this kind of feedback and support is what keeps me going sometimes.

Thank you Kate!

Why do we say White Rabbits on the first of the month?

Today is the first of September.
First of the month and the month has an R in its name.
You know what this means don't you?

WHITE RABBITS!

Tiny felt rabbit, hand stitched, £9.50

Obviously this is my very favourite superstition. Any excuse to think about rabbits.

But where does it come from and what is it all about? A quick bit of research found the following:

Saying 'white rabbits' on the first of the month will bring good luck throughout that month

Some say you will get a present before the month is out

It only works during a month with an 'R' its name

It must be said first thing in the morning, before any other words are spoken

There is some debate about whether is should be said once, twice or three times

Some say it should be said at the top of the stairs

The first written reference appears in a 1922 novel 'Solomon in all his Glory' by Robert Lynd: "Why," the man in the brown hat laughed at him, "I thought everybody knew 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.' If you say 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit'—three times, just like that—first thing in the morning on the first of the month, even before you say your prayers, you'll get a present before the end of the month."

The funniest variation I came across was someone saying it should be 'brown rabbits' said three times whilst walking down the stairs, backwards. (But surely this is more likely to bring broken bones than good luck?)

And finally here is my own definitive, Cottontails Baby, version of the myth:

On the first of any month, with an R in its name

Visit Cottontails Baby and play this little game

Place an order for a rabbit, fluffy-tailed and long-of-ear

And before the month is out, a rabbit parcel will appear

Go on, try it - it really works! And did you know we have a dedicated Bunnies department at Cottontails, where you can see all our rabbity toys and accessories in one place?

Tiny grey and white Ostheimer wooden rabbit £9.30