Rob and I live in a one-bedroom apartment and have more stuff than we know what to do with; so although I would love a little bench by our window, something at the foot of the bed, and a number of other little pieces that would make our place feel even homier, we have managed to refrain from any recent furniture purchases. But when Rust-Oleum® asked me if I'd like to use their Universal® Spray to do a little home project, I couldn't resist.

We picked up a cheap utility cart from Ikea and I got to work! It was originally white, but I wanted to paint it black so it'd match our coffee table, kitchen table, and just generally look a little shinier.

This is my kind of DIY, which is to say that it's incredibly self-explanatory. All you need is a bar cart (extra points if you can find a cool vintage one or build yourself a new one--I couldn't) and some spray paint.

1. In a well-ventilated area or outdoors, lay out newspaper or big huge pieces of wood that you bought during a failed attempt to build a bar cart (actually don't do that--maybe just stick to newspaper) and spray each shelf with smooth, even strokes. I used Rust-Oleum® Universal® Gloss Spray in Black.
2. Let dry overnight before assembling or putting any bottles/glasses/etc. on the shelves.
3. Stock the bar cart! I like to just include the basics (for us, that's vodka, gin, or scotch and some tonic water), with a few little extras (in this case tequila, dry vermouth, Goldschlager or some other fun liqueur). A bowl of limes serves as a nice garnish for drinks and decorates the bar itself.

Rust-Oleum® Universal® Spray Paints offer a variety of on-trend colors and unique finishes, and boast the first-of-its-kind 360 degree any-angle delivery system that allows DIYers to tackle those hard to reach areas, even upside down.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Rust-Oleum® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Rust-Oleum®.

Hello from Roanoke! I have an awesome giveaway for you guys today. Ooh Baby Designs is a sweet little shop that sells bags, scarves, and other adorable handmade items. (I have two scarves and a tote bag and I love them all!) Stephanie of Ooh Baby is giving away one spring scarf to a lucky Freckled Italian reader! Enter below and good luck--I'll pick a winner as soon as I get back from my honeymoon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you're looking to do some good with your mother's day gift shopping this year, I have an idea for you. As though gorgeous stationary, notebooks, invitations, and wedding items weren't enough, Minted recently launched a line of beautiful art prints. This year for Mother's Day, they're donating 20% of all art proceeds to Every Mother Counts, an organization that works to end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world.

Want to get involved? Order a print for your mom (or any woman you celebrate on Mother's Day), and use the code FRECKLEDEMC at checkout so Minted can track the 20% donation to Every Mother Counts. When you use the code, you'll also receive a downloadable card explaining that a donation to EMC was made in their name--and Minted will be able to follow up and let us know how much Freckled Italian readers raised to increase education and support for reducing maternal mortality around the world.

Click through the gallery below to check out some of the beautiful art that's available! Which one are you going to get?

Order your prints by April 28th to receive them in time for Mother's Day!

This post is sponsored by Minted. You can learn more about their partnership with Every Mother Counts here.