Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Tales of the Traveling Tote - Custom Bags From MacKenzie-Childs


Welcome to a special edition of
Tales of the Traveling Tote
where we are celebrating five years of travels 
around the United States,
 and the world, with our 
MacKenzie Child's totes. 
 As you can see from the collage above, 
my MC bags have been from Hawaii, 
to the Caribbean, to 
London, Rome and Paris, 
and all the way to South Africa,
 besides 
having lots of fun in the 
United States and Mexico.


  If you have been following for a while, you know 
Patti from Pandora's Box started this fun group
five years ago, featuring the large checkered tote from 
MacKenzie Child's.  Click here to see how it all got 
started. 


I was invited along three Christmas's ago
 by Sarah and Linda, 
and have had so much fun taking my checkered tote 
around the country and around the world. 
 This was a highlight as I visited the flagship
 MacKenzie-Childs store in New York in 2018!


As self-appointed ambassadors for the 
MacKenzie-Childs brand, 
at the end of October Patti let us know
 that MC was creating 
a surprise gift for all of us in the group -
 a custom made 
bag, individually designed for each of us, 
based on our blogs. 
In addition, they created a gorgeous bag 
to give away to 
one of our loyal readers - 
this is quite the grand giveaway!!! 
Keep reading to the end to see how to win
 one of their 
lovely custom made totes!


It was so fun as the totes created by Julie and Joan 
at the Sewing Department of MacKenzie-Childs 
started arriving to our group across the country.  


Here in Utah 
mine was one of the last to arrive, as 
they were coming from New York. 
 We went out of town 
by the time it arrived.  My daughter 
told me a huge box had been delivered. 
 It was so exciting to come home from our trip and
open it and finally see my custom tote.



I held my breath as I drew her out of the bag.  
It is just as big as Miss Madi K, so it is 
wonderful to take around with me.
I decided to name her Miss Pansy, 
because all of her colors remind me of 
the colors of pansies in the spring.


We were told that some of the details would be 
similar to have continuity in the purses, 
and I think all of us fell in love
 with those details. 

Look at the button and tassel closure,
 and the metal name plate!  Just wow!!! 
The name plate is my absolute favorite detail.


I also adore the MacKenzie-Childs ribbon that 
becomes the handle, and the checkered trim
on the top and bottom.


Miss Pansy arrived just in time at 
Purple Chocolat Home 
to celebrate Christmas.


Once everyone had received their totes,
we each had a chance to guess whose bag was whose.  
I only guessed a few right, and that was with some 
help.  Of course, mine was easy, as it had purple on it!


We also wanted take our photo on a 
carousel horse.  It was a cold Thanksgiving morning, 
but I found a cute carousel in St. George, Utah, 
and went for a ride with a couple of my
 granddaughters.  We had the carousel 
all to ourselves.  

There was a sign that said no bags 
were allowed, but I explained the bag 
was the reason we were there!!!  

She was very kind 
and let us get some pictures.  She told us the music 
wasn't working, but we said that was ok, we would 
sing songs ourselves.  So we sang and made up 
Christmas songs as we rode around, and around, 
then did it again.


 Miss Pansy enjoyed the holidays, 
just spilling over with lovely Courtly Check items. 


 We wanted to do this post up in a "grand way", 
so what better place for Miss Pansy's debut 
than at The Grand America 
in Salt Lake City, for our traditional over-night
 right before Christmas with all of our
 children and grandchildren. 


It's our little reward for working so hard to get 
Christmas ready, and The Grand knows how
to do it up in style!


Miss Pansy was happy to be invited along, 
and she felt every so elegant there. 


She felt right at home with the lovely decor, and 
especially these gorgeous Mark Roberts nutcrackers.  
I really would have loved to purchase these, but 
they were way past my budget.  


We both went to the French patisserie in the Grand 
and ordered croissants and macarons.


Then we were off to The 
Grand America Gingerbread House
which was a replica of The Grand America 
this year with little vignettes of Maileg Mice
in each window.


I feel so honored to have received 
this amazing gift. 


Thank you so much to the 
lovely people at MacKenzie-Childs 
who made these beautiful 
custom totes for us, 
and to Patti who got all of the fun started.


Miss Pansy just sparkled with the holidays.


Here is our carousel of travelers with their 
matching totes.  Look closely to see 
if you can see their personal style 
in their custom-made totes.
Thanks to Linda for our 
collage and Cherry Kay for our poem.





Now for the fun for you -

  This gorgeous bag has been 
custom made by MacKenzie-Childs 
for one lucky winner!  
We will be submitting names to Patti of those who 
are loyal followers and commenters on our blogs, 
Instagram and Facebook pages.  She will then 
randomly pick the winner.

This is definitely the grand prize of all of our 
MC giveaways, to celebrate five years of 
Tales of the Traveling Tote fun!  

Good luck to the winner.  
Be sure to comment below and visit and comment 
on all of the posts of our fellow TTT ladies. 

 Patti with Miss Tizzy@ Pandora's Box
Debbie with Miss Tassie @ Mountain Breaths
Emily with Miss Lulu @ The French Hutch
Jenna with Miss  Hello Gorgeous @ The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Gigi @ Life and Linda
Rita with Miss Penny @ Panoply
Sarah with Miss  Poppy @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Jackie with Miss Pansy  @ Purple Chocolat Home  (you are here)
Ricki Jill with Miss Square Peggy @The Sketchy Reader
Cherry Kay with Miss Waverly  @ Entertaining Women


Then join us again in March for another adventure
with another giveaway.

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

Chocolat - French for Chocolate. I adored chocolate from a young age when I had to sneak in the cupboard to find where my mother had hidden the Nestle's Chocolate Chips. Having read about the famous chocolat shoppes in Paris, when I finally got there I was determined to try a chocolate from every Paris shoppe. I invite you to share my adventures in creating, in travel, and in life.

61 comments:

  1. Love Miss Pansy's name! It matches her beauty. Enjoy your week and Miss Pansy.

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    1. I know, her name just popped out to me, the minute she came out of the bag! Maybe I was hoping for spring weather too!

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  2. I love how they included :purle" in your bag - Happy Travels!

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    1. I agree, and purple isn't that easy to find. Thanks again, fearless leader, you are amazing!

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  3. Miss Pansy is THE perfect name for your bag. It's adorable (and it might be one of my favorites; I love the colors and pattern!). That was such a generous gesture for MKC -- and very smart marketing! Their work is so lovely! Thanks for the offer on the giveaway, too. That one is elegant!

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    1. I think it is gorgeous too. Thanks Jeanie. So nice to meet new friends!

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  4. I don't know all the TT gals..but I am happy for you all so well deserved..They've been around those gals..LOL..Sweet sweet gift!

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    1. I didn't know them at first either. It has been a fun way to get to know other bloggers, and we have had a lot of fun together.

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  5. Miss Pansy is fabulous, I love the plaids and the button and tassel It is perfect.
    I know shw will have many travels ahead of her and many memories.

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    1. I agree Christ, the beauty is in those little special details.

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  6. Miss Pansy is the perfect name for your purple tote Jackie! You travel more than anyone I know, your suitcase must stay packed! Your holiday tradition of spending the night at a beautiful hotel sounds like so much fun! Miss Pansy has been very busy already, and doesn't she look wonderful spilling out all those Courtly Check goodies! I love the gold plate and tassel closure, the totes are all so beautiful!! Here's to more adventures and safe travels in 2020!
    Jenna

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    1. I agree Jenna, the little details are what make me love her the most! I feel the same - I am often packing another suitcase as I unpack the first - life is always a whirlwind here!

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  7. Hi Jackie, wow, I love Miss Pansy, she is gorgeous. Of course we were all sure she would have purple and she's a perfect match for you and Purple Chocolate Home. Knowing you I'm sure she has a lot of travel in her future. Love all your pics, looks like you had a wonderful getaway............

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    1. So true, she couldn't have been mine without purple! Can't wait to take her along, although she won't be a stain free as Miss Madi K, so I will have to treat her with a little more TLC!

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  8. I love purple and plaid, so Miss Pansy is so beautiful to me! What a wonderful surprise you all received! I am visiting from my friend Debbie's blog and will take some time to look around.

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    1. So nice to meet you Suzy! I will come and take a look at your blog too. So nice to meet new friends.

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  9. Jacqueline, you are the queen of travel. How very special Miss Pansy is. Your totes are lucky gals to be able to see the world. Miss Pansy is perfectly matched to you and your fun personality. Love your ooh la la photos. I cannot wait to see more of your travels with Miss Pansy or Miss madi K.

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    1. Soul Sister, Soul Sister! You and I just have to get together someday!

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  10. Jackie, Miss Pansy is your perfect match! Y'all even dress alike, which I love!!! This is such a cute post. I can tell already that Miss Pansy enjoys traveling in style, too!

    I did guess that Miss Pansy belonged to you, and it wasn't just because of her purple fabric. I'm looking forward to reading about y'all's adventures in the near future.

    I still can't get over the generosity of MacKenzie-Childs!

    Happy New Year!
    Ricki Jill

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    1. I agree, and wouldn't it be fun to get together and see our new bags in person, and touch them! Some of the fabrics look so luxe!

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  11. Love this!! Love how she has purple! Love her name! Would love to have my own!!!!

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    1. matt621hew@yahoo.com I forgot to add this!

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    2. So glad you added your email! That helps so much. Good luck! Someone is going to be a very lucky winner.

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  12. What an attractive button and tassle design in Miss Pansy. Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks Marge. So glad you came to visit. The button and tassle and the name plate are such amazing touches.

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  13. Wow what a pretty bag! Love that they were designed for each of you personally! They chose the patterns and colors well for you too!

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    1. Good luck with a possible win! I have a nervous stomach just thinking about who might win!

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  14. Jackie, your tote is the most well traveled of all, so I do believe Miss Pansy is in for a fabuous future. I love seeing all your beautiful photos. The family tradition of Christmas Eve at the Grand is certainly GRAND! I admire the way you and your husband offer your children and grandchildren so many amazing experiences.
    Miss Pansy and Miss Poppy need to meet. I think they would be fast friends! So happy you joined the group. Cheers to friendship, travel, and Mackenzie-Childs.

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    1. Many, many thanks for bringing me along Sarah. It has kept me excited about blogging. They definitely need to meet. I want to touch everyone's bags - they are all so beautiful.

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  15. It suits you to a tee and I love the name you gave it :)

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    1. Thanks so much! It was certainly a fun surprise, and fun to be able to name it!

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  16. Your new tote is beautiful! I love those colors and patterns they picked for you. How wonderful to have a one of a kind original!

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    1. So nice to meet you and get to know a little bit about you and your busy, fun family! Good luck!

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  17. What a great inaugural trip out with your tote, Jackie! You and your tote are a terrific twosome. Love your photos (and your CC gifts spilling!). Cheers to many more adventures!

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  18. Miss Pansy is lucky to travel with you! I’m so impressed with each tote and the fabric that was lovingly chosen to reflect our individual tastes and personalities. And the tassel puts the tote over the top! Many thanks to MacKenzie-Childs for these one of a kind totes.

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    1. I think we are all in love with the tassels and the name plates, and so are the readers. This was such a fun experience.

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  19. Your beautiful tote has already been to wonderful places! Here's to many more fun times!

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    1. Yes, I start wondering if I plan trips just around the bag - haha!

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  20. Jacqueline, You do everything up in such grand style from your parties, tables and travel. Miss Pansy was made for you! I know you girls were beyond thrilled as well as honored to receive such a special tote from MKC. Wishing you many safe travels and adventures in 2020!

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    1. Thanks Mary! You should be one of the MC gals too!

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  21. I LOVE those Travelling-Totes, they are gorgeous!
    Wishing you a lovely rest of the week!
    Love and hugs, Claudia xo

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    1. Thanks Claudia. So nice to have you come and visit and good luck with the giveaway!

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  22. Miss Pansy certainly was created with you in mind! What a special gift from MKC, and then a wonderful giveaway tote for someone lucky.

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    1. Thanks Kitty! Yes, they did a lovely job. Now I just want to meet the bags in real life, and touch their gorgeous fabrics.

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  23. Congrats on being in the TTT group. I love the tote that MC made up for you and each one of you in the group. I look forward to reading about you and your bags travels.

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    1. Thanks, I feel very blessed to have been invited, and we try to make our travels fun. I have learned so much about the states the others live in too.

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  24. Jackie, I love this! I’ve loved see Sarah talk about her bag as well! What a great fun bag! I’d LOVE to win one!! It’s been so fun seeing all the places you take your bags!!
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy, you would adore this, as you make purses yourself!

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  25. Such a beautiful bag! Love seeing all the travels these bags take! And now to see a new group start their new adventures!

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    1. Thanks Tami! I can't wait either. It makes you think about bringing your bag along!

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  26. This is an amazing, lovely story. I love all the beautiful pictures you posted.
    Thank you for allowing this drawing for the bag.

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    1. What a beautiful way to put it, it is a love story, started by our NY gals!

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  27. A tote made just for you! Imagine! I would love to win.

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    1. Good luck on the drawing! I just loved your beautiful new sewing room cabinet! Wow!

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  28. Miss Pansy is perfect for you! I love the purple plaid. And I'd love to win a MC tote, thanks for the opportunity!

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  29. Thanks Joy and good luck! Someone is going to be pinching themselves!

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  30. I enjoyed reading about the adventures with your custom tote. Miss Pansy is beautiful!

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  31. Miss Pansy and you will make wonderful traveling partners!

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  32. Thanks for coming by my blog, Jacqueline! Oh, I loved looking at this post again!

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  33. Congratulations on your beautiful custom travel tote from Mackenzie-Childs. You must be aware that you and the Ladies of Tales of the Traveling Tote are the envy of MC Superfans like me. Purple is my favorite color and Miss Pansy definitely embodies royalty. Your next adventure should be in New Orleans where all the color of royalty will be displayed this Mardi Gras season. I'd sure love to have a custom made MC Traveling tote. Please count me in. Loved reading your blog. Geaux Miss Pansy. Geaux Mackenzie-Childs.

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