before and after: bar cart

 When I moved into my new place, I had the need for more kitchen storage.  I decided a bar cart would give me the versatility and mobility and display space I wanted in my extra storage.  Not ready to drop the cash for a bar cart worthy of Domino, I settled on a cheap, but sturdy brass bar cart at a thrift store.  As you can see from the "before" photo, the bar cart was in dire need of a facelift.

After scouring the web for contact paper or wallpaper in a design I liked, I found contact paper  with a brass-colored bamboo design at TJ Maxx.  While there were a few designs I liked better, I couldn't argue with the sub $10 price tag of the bamboo paper. 

If you want to similarly change the surface look of your bar cart:

1.  Thoroughly clean your bar cart.
2.  Carefully measure the shelves to be covered. Use kraft paper to make a pattern for your surfaces.
3.  Cut kraft paper to size using measurements, and place on shelves of bar cart to ensure that pattern      fits the surface area perfectly. Modify pattern if needed.
4.  Use pattern to cut contact paper to size.
5.  Carefully place contact paper on first bar cart shelf, and press firmly with a straightedge ruler to
     create a smooth surface without air bubbles.
6.  Repeat steps 4 & 5 with second shelf.
  

I am really satisfied with the way this DIY turned out and have used my bar cart for several get-togethers since moving in.

lately

clockwise from top left: poolside x2, get-in-my-tummy tomatoes, darling Dusty, my sprawling rose bush/tree, a single dark pink rose, Joe building an IKEA etagere for my new place (I helped), bamboo contact paper, bar cart getting a facelift with the new contact paper.

A few of my favorite things as of late.  Nothing beats cooling off in the pool when temperatures have been above 100.  Move moving prep has been happening and the countdown has begun--2 days!  And my tree-like rosebush is sporting several pink flowers.  Amazing what a little water and love can do for a knockout rose plant.  I love how hardy they are, and how often they bloom.

Wishing you a happy fourth!

scenes from a weekend spent gardening, thrifting, lounging

clockwise from top left: happy dusty, another flower from my garden, lamps for my new place, poolside fun, grilling out, thrifted bar cart waiting for some DIY love

The weekend was the perfect combo of  relaxation and productivity, friend time and solo moments, hanging around the apartment and stepping out in the city.  Next week, I'm moving down the road to slightly larger digs so I was able to pack up most of my current apartment and find a few things on my list for the new place.

Hope your weekend was just what you needed, too!