We had almost a week of rain here in Charlotte, which I kind of love, but this morning I went outside and it's warm and everything is green and that's my favorite thing about spring--the transformation. And the smell of fresh air plus wet grass.

On Wednesday night, Ender peed in our bed and at 11:30 PM we found ourselves at Walmart, buying white vinegar, a large box of baking soda, and a little hand-held vacuum. It wasn't the best night. Rob did an awesome job cleaning it (he was up until 3:00 AM), but we had to let the mattress dry so we've been sleeping in our guest bedroom. Last night we finally got to sleep in our own room again and I can't believe we ever had anything other than a king. It is just so comfy.

Our first wedding anniversary is coming up next weekend and I just think that is so crazy. Sometimes May 3, 2014 feels like it was just yesterday and sometimes it feels like it was ages ago. I'm excited to celebrate--we're going out for a really nice dinner on Saturday and on Sunday we have massages scheduled at a spa in our neighborhood. We also have a bottle of champagne in the fridge, ready to go.

I've been really busy lately and not so great with my time management, so as a result I've been feeling kind of frazzled most of the time. I've been sitting around during the day and then trying to catch up at night which just doesn't work for me at all. It's a new week and I'm determined to make the most of it--get my life and work together and feel a little less anxious these next few days. I have a big to-do list sitting on my desk and every intention to get it done before 5:00 rolls around this evening. How do you get back on track once you've let yourself get overwhelmed?

Wishing you a bright and happy Monday!

Photo by Sarah Gatrell, from my most recent La Crema collaboration.

Last night, while drinking a glass of wine and ignoring a list of about six things I actually needed to do, I decided to thoroughly clean my closet.

Earlier this month Rob and I filled two large garbage bags with clothes destined for the nearest Goodwill, but for almost ten years I've been stubbornly holding on to ridiculous name brand stuff that I have absolutely no intention of wearing. I'll get rid of this or that every few months, but the majority of the things I really should be getting rid of just stay in the same place, still unworn. Most of it is no longer my style, but maybe it's Ralph Lauren or J.Crew, so I leave it to take up space in our closet or random corners of the apartment. And then some of it was bought for me by my parents when I was in high school or college, and I feel guilty giving it away, like they're suddenly going to wonder what ever happened to that skirt they gave me when I was in the tenth grade. 

But those two bags of clothes we rounded up freed so much space and I felt lighter, even mentally. Staring into a closet full of things you mostly hate and thinking I have nothing to wear is such a stupid way to start your day. Especially because there are things in there I really love, they're just overtaken by the things I don't. And whose closet (and life) couldn't use a little less negativity?

I've always subscribed to the "Have you worn this in the last twelve months?" method of getting rid of clothes, until last month when I was looking for a green top to wear for St. Patrick's Day drinks with friends and I came across a really cute little silk tank top with black polka dots that I hadn't worn it in at least two years. I thought, oh my God! I'm so glad I held onto this thing while I silently tallied up all the other cute stuff I never should have gotten rid of over the years. I'm kind of a hoarder when it comes to clothes, if you haven't figured it out yet. Now I ask myself instead, "If you were shopping right now, would you spend money on this?" The answer is usually no.

There's a dress that I used to love dearly but wouldn't be caught dead in today, and I've refused to part with it over the years for a number of reasons. But I put it in a bag last night and felt a weight lift from my shoulders.

Yeah, maybe they're just clothes, but they say something about us and we move them around and they take up space in our lives and our homes. And there were so many pieces in my closet that I looked at last night and realized I don't think I ever liked that one. Sometimes it's good to let go. Move along. Start a new chapter. Who was this person, who bought that sweater and wore these pants? I barely even recognize her anymore.

(I feel like now is a good time to mention that I have a hair appointment next weekend to go lighter for the first time in my life and, if you can't tell, I'm already having an identity crisis.)

There's no reason to go through life looking back and thinking this shirt never fit to begin with about everything.

Sometimes a closet is more than just a closet. And a little spring cleaning can really do a world of good.

So throw off the bowlines.

I've been planning to post these Ender updates at the beginning of each month since we brought him home on February 2, but like last time, I have some professional photos of him--and he's growing and changing so fast that I already barely even recognize the puppy in our family photos!

So I'm here again with new photos and a list of updated stats. Thanks for humoring me while I share these--I know I'm going to love looking back on all of them after our first few months together.

• Weighs 30 pounds.
• Has lost all of his front puppy teeth, both on the top and the bottom.
• Tries to bring mulch into the apartment after every trip outside.
• Managed to destroy a seat belt in our car and will now travel exclusively in his crate.
• Wakes up at 7:30 every morning and immediately tries to get in bed with Rob.
• Is completely obsessed with birds.
• Regularly throws himself on the ground and wriggles around on his back like he's having the time of his life. 
• Thinks a Kong full of peanut butter is the most amazing thing in the world.
• Is best friends with Daisy, my in-laws' golden retriever. Has also become friends with dogs named Roger, Murphy, Lyla, and Beefcake.
• Falls asleep next to me on the couch every evening and melts my heart.

Photos by Sarah Gatrell.