FASHION FIND - CROSSBODY BAG

I love a crossbody. It's been a long time since I've used a bag that I had to carry with handles. Over the past couple of years, I've really reduced what I carry in a purse, and I no longer need anything big and bulky. A credit/debit card, lipstick, phone, and keys. That about does it for me lately. So when this little cutie kept showing up on different Instagram accounts, I decided to give it a try. Plus, I had been on the lookout for a small, black crossbody purse. 

The fun part is that the strap is removeable and you can use any strap that speaks to you! This is the one I ordered to go with mine, and it comes is so many good color combos. 

Whether you like your crossbody high or low, it will adjust to the length you like.  

The stitching is done really well, and the outside pocket will work for a larger or smaller phone. 

There is plenty of room on the inside.

For a dressier look, use the strap it comes with. It's pretty too.

It's perfect for travel or every day around town . 

I hope you like this Fashion Find and the cute straps for giving it a personal look.

That's it for today! See you next time. 

(affiliate links used in this post)

LIFE AROUND THE LANE: JANUARY 2022

January proved to be a calm, fairly quiet, uneventful month - and I am not complaining in the least! The cold weather finally made it, I have a new group of students, and paperwhites finally made an appearance all over the house. I thought I would start there! 

I've never forced indoor bulbs before, but I'll be planting them every year from now on. It was so simple. How they look now...

How they started...

Vessel, rocks, bulbs, and water. 

Position rocks, place bulbs, fill water until it reaches the bottom of the bulb. Add more water as needed.

I watched a YouTube video for the recipe. :-)

I found the sweetest picture at Skyland Antique Mall. It was 4$, y'all. I'm going to have the back repaired and probably use it on the bookshelves in the living room. The colors are fantastic.

I made it to an Alabama basketball game for the first time in years.

Did you catch last week's Friday's Five? I've decided these are working. And I need all the help I can get. :-)

This is my favorite for winter lips!

I have a new rug headed my way for our long narrow foyer, and I'm thinking about trying these instead of a full rug pad. 

I'm seeing so many cute sweaters on Amazon, and now that the weather is finally winter-like I may order one or two. Love this one, and it comes in several colors. 

The best thing about January was dinner with my whole gang sponsored by my in-laws. They gave each couple in the family a gift card, but we all had to use them together. Thank you!!

That's it for January! How was yours? 

FRIDAY'S FIVE

It's the last Friday of January. Are you ready for February? I am loving the cooler weather that finally arrived! And even though I always welcome the spring months, this year I'm savoring the cold. I'm no where close to being ready for the southern summer heat.

Here are five links for you to check out as you get ready to enjoy the weekend!

1. A must-see renovation in a Nashville home chock full of bold color, patterns, and unbelievable before and after photos. 

2. A stunning Instagram account you'll want to follow if you love traditional decorating. 

3. Have you bought any furniture online yet? There are soooo many options out there. This article may help us narrow them down. This chair is from Amazon. 

4. I'm loving following Chris and Julia as they remodel their new home in North Carolina. Their blog is ChrislovesJulia and it's a favorite. 

5. I've been using these under eye patches that my friend Meg told me about. I think they are working. :-)

Have a great weekeend! Thanks for stopping by. 

NEW ART IN THE LIVING ROOM

A few years ago when our oldest son moved to New Orleans to be near his girlfriend who was already living and working there, we went down one weekend for a visit. During our trip we stopped by an antique store near the French Market, and I came across these numbered vintage bird prints. 

I knew right where I wanted them to go, and how I wanted them to look. I took them to two different framers for estimates, and both estimates were around $125 + tax for each. I decided to wait on the project, and stuck it on the back burner. 

But, as luck would have it, a few months later, I found two pretty faux bamboo frames while thrifting one weekend. I didn't buy them at first glance, but when I got home and remembered the birds, I knew the frames would be perfect for them. I went back to the Alabama Antique Market as soon as I had a chance! One picture was $40 and the one with the broken glass was $25, AND they were 25% percent off. (48.75 + tax) 

My friends at The Frame Shack are great to work with. They helped me pick out the mat (who knew there were so many shades of white) and then they fixed me right up. ($55) 

I don't think I could love them more. They were hung on either side of the couch above each of the tables. I really wanted to hang them together, and maybe one day they'll hang as a pair, but for now I think they look pretty good where they are. 

Left side...

Right side...

Once again, being a little patient and a little thrifty paid off. Grand total about 108, which beats 250. :-)

Here are a few of my other thrifting posts you might like. 

A NEW LOOK FOR AN ANTIQUE MIRROR

FIVE FAVORITE THRIFT STORE FINDS

FIVE FAVORITE THRIFT STORE FINDS

THRIFT SCORES AND COFFEE

THE DOWNTON ABBEY EXHIBITION

I still love Downton Abbey as much as ever. So much in fact, that over the Christmas break, I conned Mr. Woodbank into traveling to Atlanta for the exhibition.

The exhibit was set up just as mentioned on the flyer: the history, the fashion, the house. 

THE HISTORY 

I know it looks like I cut off half their faces, but I didn't. This is how the banners actually looked. 

THE FASHION

And my favorite, THE HOUSE. 

I was amazed at the reality created in the downstairs area. 

The kitchen...

Lady Mary's room...

The dining room...

I hope you enjoyed the view of a few parts of Downton Abbey. And in case you haven't heard, there will be another movie out this March, Downton Abbey: A New Era. I'll leave you with the trailer. :-)

See you guys next week.