My Ten Dollar Sofa

I am a big fan of yard sales. So on a beautiful Saturday about ten years ago, mom and I set out to hunt for treasures. We happened upon a neighborhood sale in the wonderful, historic part of Springfield. While I was still busy at one house, mom went ahead to the next sale. Within minutes I could hear her yelling, "DANAVEE, Get over here quickly!" from a driveway a few houses down. So I scrambled down the street as fast as I could go.......only to behold a most precious sight when I arrived.......

My $10 sofa........I knew I had to have it. TEN DOLLARS! However, there were issues. It was ratty and ugly, with faded upholstery and holes in the cushions. But is that really a problem? NOT FOR ME! I snatched it right up and had it reupholstered (for a LOT more than ten dollars)!


I wish I had a before picture, but unfortunately, I didn't think to do that ten years ago. But all is not lost. I had the upholsterer save the fabric from the seat cushions.........


Each cushion was covered in this design. I thought it would be funny to frame one or to recover a vintage footstool with one.

When it was being recovered, the upholsterer found a payment receipt from the early 1940's from City Utilities in Springfield! That means my sofa was most likely purchased locally and that it's from the late 30's or early 40's.

And that's the saga of my $10 sofa (that ended up being a $1,000 sofa) that I wouldn't trade for anything!

Reasons to Smile

My new boots..............


I really love them. I searched high and low for the perfect pair. I even found a great scarf to go with them. I want to wear both everyday. But I haven't.

Next up? Heirloom limas...............


My dad grew these in his garden! I've never seen purple or pink lima beans! I couldn't get over the colors. Now I'm trying to convince him to plant some heirloom pumpkins next year.

Third reason to smile............marching band competitions..............



Now you might be asking, "Danavee, WHY did you spend your Saturday at a band competition when you no longer HAVE to go?"

The answer is simple. I still love it. I love the band directors I worked with and my colorguard girls. I miss them, and I HAD to cheer them on. The Tiger Pride Marching Band did an AMAZING job at Ozarko yesterday, placing 2nd in their division and advancing to finals. Their show is outstanding and extremely fun to watch. GO RHS BAND!

Lastly, one more reason to smile...........old stuff with faded, chipping paint............


I bought the trunk awhile back at Leola's and haven't regretted it for one second. It was a little pricey, but it's RED and OLD. It's an excellent coffee table (with storage as a bonus). I knew it would match my sofa perfectly. This particular living area is starting to take shape. Now all I need are my hardwood floors to be installed and the walls to be de-wallpapered and painted. I think it'll be my favorite room after it's all said and done.

Celebrating 100 & The Accidental Matching Outfits

100 what, you might be asking??? 100 blog entries!!!!!! I just discovered this entry is the big 1-0-0. I had no idea I'd end up here, over a year later, all because I loved reading Whit's blog so much. So thanks for the inspiration, White-ny in the Hood. I owe it all to you.

Here's the real reason why I planned on whipping up a blog entry today, before getting sidetracked by the big 100...........

Another case of the Accidental Matching Outfits:


Ash entered my classroom this morning, and we both started the day off with a big laugh along with a big "Oh no!"

This isn't the first time it's happened either! Whitney and I have had a mishap or two...........same shirt, different colors. Should friends shop together?


99% of the time, these mishaps ARE accidental. HONEST!

Sometimes, however, they are quite planned...............


But that's only once a year, around MAP testing time, when we have to break out the pencil shirts...........they ARE hilarious. Who wouldn't wear matching shirts that say, "Number 2 is number 1, if you're a pencil."

Homemade Salsa ~ Take Two

I made salsa last weekend. Boy, it tasted great. But the color wasn't quite right.........


I ate it anyway. I really liked it. Still though, I was concerned with where I went wrong. After calling up the giver of the recipe, Andrea (who makes it perfectly every time), I discovered we each had different definitions of what a "large" can of diced tomatoes was.

This weekend, I purchased the correct size for salsa making (round two). And the color came out much better...........


I still think my green batch tasted better though!