This week’s quick takes are inspired by a quote I came across recently which has been stuck in my craw for a while now.

The grass is greener where you water it.

7.

I discovered an awesome blog, Homestead Revival. She posts lovely ideas for the home, garden, and chickens! I wish we had chickens. Maybe someday.

Anyway, the post I linked to above is inspiration for doing a “simple kitchen” makeover. I spend a lot of time each day in my kitchen working, and just about an equal amount of time wishing it looked better.

Well, thanks to that post, I realized the importance of surrounding myself with pretty and functional things. If something is ugly, even if it’s super-functional, I will hate it.

So I spent the better part of Thursday afternoon scrubbing, cleaning out cabinets, and moving things around. With three baskets purchased from Target, and a few glass canisters added to my wish list for future purchase, I’m on my way to having a pretty and functional kitchen.

Watering my grass.

6.

This is a new goal for our home; to fill the rooms where I spend most of my day and do a lot of work into spaces that are pretty and functional.

The laundry room will be the next space to makeover. It’s in our basement, which means there’s only so much I can do. However, our basement is being painted, and I’m going to be on the hunt for ideas to make a basement laundry room as pretty and functional as possible. If you have any ideas please share them!

This post has some great ideas as well.

5.

Sometimes in order to “water the grass”, you need to step back from your home and travel to places which “water” your soul. This weekend Atticus and I are doing just that. We’re spending tonight with his parents, and then he and I are going to the second most beautiful college campus in America for the day:

Now, I’m sure this assertion has you wondering, “Well, if Notre Dame is second most beautiful, which is the first?” Friends, let me tell you. My alma mater, Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD.

Founded in 1808, it’s the second oldest Catholic college in America, and has been on the Cardinal Newman list for the last several years as well for strong Catholic identity. It’s also home to the National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes.

In fact, the grotto at Notre Dame is a replica of the (larger) one at Mount St. Mary’s. No big deal.

Anyway, even though I love ND, I love the Mount more. But alas, South Bend is closer than Maryland. *wistfully looks east*

4.

Going back to my pretty and functional goal, I found some words that I want to post in those areas where I need inspiration.

I LOVE that!

What words inspire you?

3.

Friends, I have a baby girl into everything, and so I’m going to end these quick takes with some more shots from our fall photo shoot.

2.

1.

Isn’t she so cute? Well, I guess I might be biased.

That’s all folks, and I hope you have a very “grass is greener” weekend.

Check out Jen for more quick takes.