Tales of the Traveling Tote #21

Rabbit, Rabbit Hello, December! Welcome to  Tales of the Traveling Tote #21. Come in from the cold and join me by the fire.

Though Mother Nature brought us our hottest September on record, we have since enjoyed a lovely fall, including an early freeze in October and pleasant days of sweater weather and cozy fires.

Many of my readers know that "The Chef" 

recently had successful knee replacement surgery.

Unfortunately complications from anestheia or pain meds 

sidetracked his return home, so I've not much travel to share.

Suffice it to say, my total energy and concentration 

has been focused on my guy, who I'm happy to report 

as of this week is now back home and doing well.

Many thanks to each of you for your notes of concern and

support during this past month.  I appreciate your friendships!

Every fall and spring, I head to Round Top Antiques Festival.

Miz Checkers is the gal that typically gets to go along.

She is the perfect size to carry my phone and wallet, 

while leaving lots of room for a few small treasures to take home.

There is always a lot to tempt this collector at heart,

but I admit this year I only came home with a few apothecary jars.

Booths are artifully styled with a multitude of fabulous finds.

It definitely has a Texas vibe, but don't be fooled, there are

many beautiful American, French, and English antiques.

One of my favorite booths each show is 

Cotton Seed Trading Company.

It is owned by my friend, Marsha, who is an amazingly creative stylist.  Marsha is one who currates her booth with interesting finds, and creatively uses various objects to set her fun tablescapes.

I've featured some of her tablescapes here, here, and here.

Miz Cherckers and I were out shopping in September and met this charming young lady at a Williams Sonoma pop-up shop.

Toni's Toffee is made right here in Austin, one batch at a time,  and let me just say, " My chef and I are avid fans!" We keep it in our freezer for a quick little bite.

When we read that Toni's Toffee would be the feature at the Peached Tortilla's first Sunday in October, we took our 

good friend, Eddie, to celebrate his birthday.

The Chef and I enjoy Peached Tortilla's monthly 

Milkshakes, Burgers, and Bubbles 

offered the first Sunday of the month.  

Miz Checkers is always ready for an outing, and you can see previous special shakes here, here, and here.

October's offering was of course, 

Pumpkin spice and everything nice!

Toni's Pumpkin Spice Toffee Mega Shake 

featured a pumpkin praline ice cream base, topped with

Toni's Toffee, a housemade pumpkin roll, 
whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle.

Yum, Yum!

Yesterday, the last day of November, Miss Merri Mac

and I stopped by one of our favorite local shops.

We went to visit my darling long time friend, Vickie, 

the propertier of The Menagerie, 

a fine jewelry and gift salon that is full of temptations.
Click her link above and do some Christmas shopping!

We had been invited to stop by for a special photo 

opportunity with this jolly fellow and his darling helper.

 I haven't had a photo taken with Santa in decades, but

couldn't pass up the opportunity with this darling elf.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Are you in the holiday spirit?

Be sure to visit all the adventures below.

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 

Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch

Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron

Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda

 Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box

Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply 

Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader

Cherry Kay and Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women  

Giveaway has ended.

Congratulations to Rusthawk.

Joining

Love Your Creativity @ Life and Linda  You're the Star @ Electric Red Barn

Happiness is Homemade @ Bluesky at Home  Inspire Me Monday @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia  Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House   Celebrate Your Story @ Celebrate and Decorate  Keep in Touch @ Let's Add Sprinkles    Tuesday Turnaround @ Bluesky Kitchen
Over the Moon @ Marilyn's Treats 

All About Home @ Common Ground  Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop @ Electric Red Barn
Share Your Style @ French Ethereal Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life