So, after I painted my green dresser earlier this year I ran into a small problem: the cat food and water bowls we keep on top were really roughing up the finish. In fact, the paint started to peel along the back edge of the dresser, probably from water that spilled and then sat. I got in It took much longer than I expected but finally, after a few months, I found a cute vintage tray at a thrift store for only $2. I thought my problems were solved but I was wrong, because the metal tray quickly rusted, especially in the middle where the kitties’ shared bowl of water sits.

But never fear, spray paint to the rescue! I don’t get to do much pink in this house, but the tray is so small that I thought it would be fun. The can cost me just under $4 after coupon at Hobby Lobby.

I didn’t take any pictures of the painting process, I guess because it seemed pretty self-explanatory. I brought the tray outside, gave it a quick cleaning, placed it on some cardboard, and misted it with several thin coats of paint until the design and rust were both completely covered. I waited for it to dry before flipping it over to paint the back, then coated the whole thing with a protective sealant that I already had (Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel). I left it outside for a day to finish curing and then brought it in to regain its rightful place in the world.

The finish is not quite perfect, probably because I didn’t take the time to sand it down before painting, but since its purpose is literally only to contain bowls of cat food I’m not stressing over the details (do I ever stress over details???). In the picture above you can see the peeling paint on the dresser peeking out at the very back. This is what I get for painting laminate-and I even used primer that time!

The pop of pink is a fun addition to the laundry room, which is sort of subtly colorful with the green dresser and floral fabric. I feel like the white walls make it really easy to add color without it being overwhelming.

I took all three animals to the vet yesterday and the doc said that Pistachio, at a whopping 14 pounds, is overweight. It seems like an easy enough solution-switch the 1/2 cup scoop in their food jar out for a 1/4 cup one and consider getting her some catnip. If only it was that easy for me to lose weight! They also want us to bring Juliet back to get her teeth cleaned, but after dropping over $300 just on the visit and medicine yesterday I’m hesitant-have any of you found an at-home alternative to professional teeth cleaning? I’ve had dogs all my life and can not remember my parents ever brushing their dogs’ teeth so this feels sort of like a made up problem to me, but whatever.