Meet Buttercup.

I'd like you all to meet Buttercup.

(pic from my Instagram)

One day strolling through Ikea, chatting on the phone with Ian, I walked from the Lighting Department into the Art Department to find Buttercup. She was had a bright yellow "last chance" sticker that was calling my name. I can't explain why I loved her some much, but Buttercup was coming home with me! There was just one little thing that I couldn't get past...the green background.

I've seen a few cow paintings online and on other blogs; and all of them have a lighter background. So that gave me an idea...

Time for a makeover!

Step One: Light sanding (I am not sure if this was completely necessary, but it happened anyway.)

Step Two: Paint. It took two coats of FolkArt Enamel in Hydrangea to cover to green. I used enamel for the gloss and because I wanted some texture out of the finish. 

Step Three: Cover the edge. Buttercup was glued to a board with an unfinished edge. I thought about a frame; most likely that would have cost more than the $9.99 I paid for the picture. In my craft supplies, I found some washi tape in a brown color (think kraft paper), and it made the perfect edge.

Step Four: Show off Buttercup's now look. You can now find Buttercup hanging in the second bedroom  in jussst the right spot be seen from the kitchen and front hall.

See?! All she needed was a little makeover.

Buttercup might be my very favorite Ikea hack. It's she lovely?

Must Have: Thrifty Finds

Happy Election Day! Hope you all made it out the polls and didn't have to wait too long in line. We lucked out and made to our polling venue at just the right time; we arrived after the morning rush and finished in enough time to miss the lunch time lines. After I cast my vote, I decided to do a little shopping.

I'm going to go ahead and call this Must Have: Thrifty Finds edition. Nothing was going to be left behind at the store for someone else to have! Does that sound greedy? I hope not...

First up is something that, well, everyone can have. I found these juice glasses at the Dollar Spot in Target. It's a favorite place of mine and ALWAYS put my total way over budget. How does that happen when everything is a $1, $2.50 at most.

I picked up a few of each design. Can't wait to sit down to breakfast with one of these!

Goodwill was calling my name and since there is a location not too far from Target; I gave in and drove over. This trip did not leave me empty handed. I found this painting for $8. Which is a steal since the previous price marked was $180. Just needs a frame solution and it'll be ready to hang. 

Since updating my desk, I've been in the dark. Literally, I needed a lamp...bad!

This beauty was originally from Ikea. I've got some plans and for $12 and a can of spray paint, I'm down. 

Oh, I'm not done yet. I saved the best for last. An impulse left turn found me at an awesome store in Cockeysville. The front of the store sells gift items; cute dish towels, painted wine glasses, earrings and things. The back consists of spaces that can be rented; most vendors sell painted furniture and reclaimed items. Walking through the different vendor's spaces I found these......

I died. HAD. TO. HAVE. THEM. They set me back $20....beyond worth it!

Anyone else found some must haves lately?