Hello, readers, and welcome to Panoply! Today marks the 39th instalment of the Tales of the Traveling Tote, can you believe it? That's almost ten years of quarterly tales of ladies connecting friendship and stories of our everyday lives via a MacKenzie-Childs tote we all purchased at one time or another. If you're not familiar with the concept behind this series of posts, you can read how it started here. A link to all my previous tales can be found here.
To summarize my past three months of travel, I have a little game for you to play. Remember Where's Waldo? Well, for these past few months it's been, Where's the Tote?
If you spotted my latest addition of the MacKenzie-Childs crossbody bag to my tote collection on my garden statue, you are onto where I've been the past three months - in the garden!
Y'all, I have turned into a real homebody. No travel to report this quarter except for local shopping. You see, I have been immersed in garden therapy, both at our local Capitol Market...
...and my local Lowe's.
As of this writing, everything's planted. I promise a garden update sometime later this month!
One of the my favorite restaurants at the Capitol Market is Soho's. My besties took me there to celebrate my birthday, which is tomorrow. 😊It's an Italian restaurant, but it's a great place for various salads, Sunday brunch, and great adult beverages.
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| Photo Credit: Marcus Constantino Photography |
NOW, ONTO THE GIVEAWAY!
Our giveaway is now closed. The winner of our "To Go Tote" is Pam @ Everyday Living. Thank you to all who commented!
The Traveling Totes Tribe is offering another giveaway and Emily at The French Hutch is our giveaway sponsor this time. One lucky reader who leaves a comment on Emily's post will have their name thrown into the hat for an opportunity to win this MacKenzie-Childs "To Go Tote".
Be sure to check out my other traveling sisters' posts to see how they spent their spring months.
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch
Patti with Miss Kenzie and Miss Taylor @ Pandora's Box
Jenna with Miss Coquille @ The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply (you are here!)
Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Jackie with Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Ricki Jill and Countess de Monet @The Bookish Dilettante
Join us again on September 1, 2024 for another edition of Tales of the Traveling Tote.
Thanks so much for your visit. I love reading your comments, and be sure to leave one on Emily's blog for a chance to win our token gift. Stay safe, and Happy June (and soon-to-be 🏖️summer🩴 in the Northern Hemisphere).
Rita C. at Panoply
Good Morning Rita, Your Capitol Market looks like a great place to shop and dine. I could see myself shopping there frequently. I’m anxious to hear how your online garden shopping turned out. Your Proven Winners order look so well packed. Love the adorable photos with Baby J who’s not so much a baby anymore. Congrats on your anniversary. Happy June ♥
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY, RITA! I love seeing your girlfriends and your family photos. Happy Anniversary also! That dessert looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou have not been idle. What a busy bee you are! Gardening is so satisfying and there is always something to do. I came home from my trip and was overwhelmed with all the work to do. My body is feeling two days of work. It is raining today so that is good. My hand and knees need a break.
I enjoyed reading your post.
Hi Rita, I've been in the garden, too and I can't wait to get outside every morning. I think you've moved up from gardener to master gardener. But, it is always a work in progress, isn't it, as things are moved around, some removed that didn't work, and new plants put in. I loved to see your beautiful family and the big smiles of joy while they are having fun. I seem to be missing posts from you, but I'm glad this one came through. Love ya, Rita.
ReplyDelete-Ginene
Good morning Rita, sometimes we don’t have to travel. You have certainly been busy with the gardens. I am so looking forward to seeing more of your garden. How wonder PW p,ants are so perfectly wrapped. I need to look into that. How special to celebrate with girlfriends and your adorable family, happy Birthday and happy anniversary. Baby J is growing up so fast. Enjoy the month of of June.
ReplyDeleteHappy June Rita! It's the little things in life like, family, friends, and favorite pastimes like shopping and gardening that are the big things! I am certainly looking forward to seeing your garden, it sounds like you put a lot of time, energy and thought into it! Baby J is growing up fast, that's adorable about the Halloween shirt :) Your photos of the Northern Lights are beautiful, I didn't get to see it this far South. Capital Market sounds like a very fun place! Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!! The photo shoot looks like it was too much fun! Your gardens are gorgeous and you will reap the benefits by enjoying your hard work all summer! Enjoy thee little one as they grow up so quickly! Happy Summer!
ReplyDeleteRita, our lives are running parallel these days. I look forward to your garden updates since I know you are an expert and I do love the information you share.We've been ripping out and totally designed a new look with trees, shrubs and flowers. Sweet little baby J (not a baby any longer!) is growing so fast. I know you loved all the sweet photos. Wishing you and Will a belated Happy Anniversary! Have a wonderful summer.........
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Rita. And, happy anniversary! That dessert looks luscious! Katie's been working diligently in our garden...digging new beds, weeding, mulching, and planting newly acquired flowers, seeds, and trees. Some days are hotter than others, so she plays a lot in the cooler evenings and ducks into the shade when it's available. I can't wait to see what you've been doing in your garden. Take care!
ReplyDeleteRita, in the past year I have had both of my knees replaced.. And you guessed right, your son in law is with my surgeon. What a great guy!!
ReplyDeleteLove hearing feedback on my sil - he's a gem, and so is his boss! I think our family is somehow trying to negotiate a punch card after so many completed surgeries. I think we're up to 9!
DeleteI am so glad you have been enjoying your garden. You have transformed your yard into a beautiful garden in such a short time. Your love and wonderful gardening touches have really shown. I am so glad you took your statue to the new house he is really the highlight of your sense of humor and love in your plants. Little J is so adorable. Gosh they grow up fast. Love the candid picture just adorable. Happy Birthday. Enjoy your special day. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Rita! 🥳 Happy belated anniversary also! Hope you have a wonderful day today! Your Capitol Market looks like a fun place to go. I'm a home body too and so is my husband. When we were younger, we did a lot of vacation traveling so it's nice to just be home without having to plan trips or pack! I bought a lot of plants this year to place in pots and enjoy the porch this year. I also bought new seat cushions for all the outside furniture. It's been relaxing to stay home on the porch since we have had a few cooler, less humid days. Love your new vase! The family pics are so cute. J is adorable! Hope you have a relaxing weekend! Happy gardening! Clara❤️
ReplyDeleteOh Rita you have been busy. I personally love being at home after travelling so much over the years and I adore being in my Secret garden with all my plants. I am intrigued by the beautiful packing of PW plants. I am anxious to see just where you have them planted.
ReplyDeleteI ordered a kinda rare Alocasia Lutea ...(common name elephant ear) because of it's upright growing habit and bright yellow stems and veins. I ordered from a Florida Nursery and to be safe, I ordered two 10 inch plants (as it was the only size I could get), and the shipping was less than desirable but still adequate and long story short, one died immediately and the other hung on for a couple months but I finally had to say it's last rites as I removed the limp, withered little leaves to it's final resting place. :( I actually have the common elephant ear plant (Odora) that I have tried to keep from taking over the Secret Garden with severe pruning but it just keeps laughing at me and spreading out further. LOL But enough of my gardening woes...your girls are all adorable and Happy Birthday and Anniversary. The Captain and I celebrate our anniversary in a couple days. Have a wonderful June Summer. Hugs and Blessings.
I sure did spot your latest addition of the MacKenzie-Childs crossbody bag to my tote collection. Your latest addition is actually my favorite of all. Perfect size for us! I can relate to you being in the garden, and I think I have visited our garden centers daily for the last three weeks. I keep running out of soil! Our area has been enjoying the Northern Lights and I have the apps on my phone to alert me when it looks promising. You and your girls are all adorable. Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! Have a wonderful summer.
ReplyDeleteExcuse the typo :-)
DeleteI spotted your cute crossbody on your statue, Rita. That size purse is perfect. Being a homebody like you, I completely understand the happiness of being at home. I do get out everyday, but coming home is a welcome hug. I loved your pictures with friends, all your girls and anniversary with Will. Happy Birthday tomorrow and enjoy your Summer and your garden.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday tomorrow! Also, happy belated anniversary! Rita, I can’t wait to see all the PW plants in your garden. I have only ordered seeds to be delivered. I can’t believe how much Baby J has grown, love the photos, and the one with your friends. Capitol Market looks perfect for shopping and eating. I have become a homebody the past couple of years, but RM keeps me moving 🥰
ReplyDeleteRita, you have more fun not going anywhere than a lot of people have on their weeks-long vacations! And best of all, that fun includes family and friends, all of whom look lovely and happy to be with you -- because who wouldn't be? I send all good wishes for the happiest of birthdays tomorrow. May those celebrations continue till the next traveling tote (or beyond!)
ReplyDeleteRita, you are very clever with Where's the Bag? game. I spotted your new girl immediately! Like you, much of my free time has been spent in the garden. I had help here today to get the last of the bulbs planted. I'll be eager to see your garden update. Looks like you have planted a lot of new things. Capitol Market looks like an amazing center. Wish Austin had such a venue. I'd be there every week! Wishing you a fun filled happy birthday tomorrow. Hope my card arrived and made you smile.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with being a homebody....we're planning on staying home all summer. I know you've been enjoying your garden, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the plants you've planted. I'm sure your garden is gorgeous! I also enjoyed seeing the photos of your girls and Baby J. :D I can see how much joy they bring you, and their smiles are beautiful! I love your new M-C vase. I like the color combination! Have a great summer, Sweet Friend!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday AND Anniversary, Rita. Your market looks wonderful; a place I imagine you could spend hours in. I love seeing your girls putting together a photo extravaganza for you. How sweet and spontaneous they are! Love the vase, I'm sure it's filled with flowers from your lovely garden endeavors. My flower containers have been chewed, dug, and ripped out more times than I can count. I go out there every day and repair them. There's a possibility some may survive. We didn't have much of a show of northern lights, just a lot of reds and purples on the horizon. I always look forward to your posts. Happy Summer, friend!
ReplyDeleteStopping back by to wish you a Happy Birthday! 🥳🎉🍸
ReplyDeleteHi Rita, you know I didn't realize we have so much in common. I have two girls, a grand girl and have been married 21 years. I love to enjoy the garden but I don't like the bending part as much as you do haha. Hope you have a great year, happy belated bday - and anniversary. Can't wait to see how your garden turns out. Had great northern lights here too. Very plum and red. When I saw them growing up they were green and yellow and much more "dancing." But I was on the north coast then where I grew up.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! And Happy Birthday! I hope you got my gift in the mail - the MC bowl. No gardening here yet as only front lawn and the sprinklers for it are in. I am trying to be patient, and have cut some flowers from my daughter's house next door. I transplanted some irises and peonies from my old home to her yard and told her I had picking rights! I heard we had northern lights down here, but it was cloudy so we didn't see any ourselves. What a marvel to have them reach down this far. Enjoy summer - it always goes too quickly. I am a little late with getting around to everyone as Kirk's dad passed away last week and so it has been crazy.
ReplyDelete