I've been a little obsessed with lavender simple syrup for a while now--two summers ago I made it for the first time while trying out a new cocktail recipe, but it wasn't until I had it at my favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis that I really fell for the flavor. Lavender and coffee, especially when iced, is such a fantastic combination and when the weather gets warmer, I can't help but make a big batch of both to fancy up my mornings.

Here's how I do both:

Lavender Simple Syrup

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Four or five sprigs of fresh lavender

Instructions: 

1. In a saucepan, heat water and lavender to a simmer. Allow the lavender to steep in the water like tea for a few minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Store in a jar and add it to your iced coffee--I like mine with lots of ice and a splash of coconut creamer.

Cold-Brew Coffee

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of ground coffee
• 3 cups of water

Instructions: 

1. In a large jar or other glass container, combine coffee and water. Stir well with a wooden spoon.
2. Cover and let stand overnight, or for at least eight hours. Strain with a coffee filter (a paper towel works in a pinch, too) and store in the refrigerator.

I took a couple photos of some purple flowers in our courtyard and hopped on my HP Sprout to make a few labels for my jars. I think fancy simple syrup in cute jars with custom labels would make great gifts for Mother's Day or even a sweet bridal shower (I wish I had this computer last year when I was making body scrub for my bachelorette party friends)!

This post is brought to you in partnership with HP. As always, I thank you for your support as I work with sponsors.

Photos by Joshua Vasko for Freckled Italian.

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.