We’re already halfway through 2019, crazy right? I’m saying that’s “crazy” when really 2019 has been very…chill. And I like it. I like it a LOT.

I was overbooked and stressed the first half of 2018. I had been overbooked for over 18 months at that point and I was burnt out. By June 2018, I didn’t want to even look at a website, let alone build one.

I also gained weight, lost touch with some of my friends and overall lost my identity outside of work. I recovered in the second half of 2018 by taking some time off work and making exercise a big part of my life.

I ended 2018 with #goodvibes and I have carried them into 2019.

What I’m really proud of halfway through 2019:

  • I’ve stayed steadily booked but not overbooked
  • I’ve saved money
  • I’m physically fit for the first time in my life (and down 25 lbs!)
  • I’ve read a lot of books
  • I launched my new portfolio site (you’re looking at her right now!!)

What I’d like to improve in the second half of 2019

  • Push my site designs. I know the default “easy” website that a lot of my clients want, but I want to reach for the incredible website that my clients wouldn’t be able to imagine.
  • Improve workflow/programming knowledge.
  • Have a nice-looking yard. It’s the first time I’ve ever wanted this? I want curb appeal??

January

Demmie Hicks

Launched Demmie Hicks at demmiehicks.com

Demmie Hicks is a consultant for executive leaders. She wanted a professional, welcoming and unique website that made her stand out from other corporate websites.

What I Read:
The Great Believers cover
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

Feburary

On Feburary 1, I turned 26! Wooo into the second half of my twenties now.

Took a trip to Asheville with my family. The first two nights, Jeff and I stayed with my family and visited local breweries and restaurants. The second two nights, Jeff and I stayed at the Grove Park Inn. It was beautiful and so peaceful.

What I Read:
Goodbye Vitamin cover
Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Konig
Wolf in White van cover
Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle

March

Buxton Village Books Homepage

Launched Buxton Village Books at buxtonvillagebooks.com

Gee Gee, owner of Buxton Village Books, runs a bookstore on Cape Hatteras — a beautiful island off the cost of North Carolina. Books…on the beach! I don’t think I’ve ever been more jealous of a client’s life.

My portfolio site homepage

Launched my portfolio site!

This was a BIG achievement of mine. I build and launch websites all the time for my clients, but launching something of my own was so much work. My new portfolio site included an overall rebrand, eight new portfolio pieces and updated photography and copy.

What I Read:
The Marriage Plot book cover
The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
The Poisonwood Bible cover
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingslover

April

Avid Bookshop gif

Launched site redesign for Avid Bookshop at avidbookshop.com

I originally designed and developed the Avid Bookshop website back in 2016. In April 2019, we launched a site redesign that featured a clean, modern and cheerful design.

What I Read:
Circe book cover
Circe by Madeline Miller
In The Woods cover
In the Woods by Tana French

May

Homepage of Lamar Dodd School of Art

Launched site redesign for Lamar Dodd School of Art at art.uga.edu

I originally designer and developed the Lamar Dodd School of Art in Feburary 2018. However, we needed to update the site to Drupal 8 and I took this opportunity to also introduce a fresh design. It’s beautiful — I love it!!

What I Read:
Voices of Chernobyl cover
Voices of Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich

June

Our sweet angel baby Daisy. Our loved pug. June began with a devastating loss.

On June 1, Daisy, our sweet pug angel baby, passed. She became very sick and we needed to end her suffering. She went to sleep in Jeff and I’s arms. Her brother Cooper misses her very much. It still hurts, I’m crying as I write this. We loved her SO much.

Homepage of Select Trees

Launched Select Trees at selecttrees.com

Select Trees is a tree nursery that provides trees to landscape architects for large-scale projects. Their nursery, located in Crawford, Georgia, is an impressive production. The website includes an interactive map of where their trees have been planted, multiple tier memberships and in-depth tree profiles.

Homepage of The Pearl Girls

Launched The Pearl Girls redeisgn at thepearlgirls.com

Last year I launched The Pearl Girls sister site, The World of Pearl and this year I tackled the main Pearl Girls website. The new design features a new mega menu, jewelry repair section, blog and overall more user-friendly modern design.

What I Read:
Pachinko cover
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
The dreamers cover
The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker

June 30, 2019

Seven sites launched, 10 books read, one trip taken.

At this point last year (2018) I had launched 10 sites already. But this year (2019) I’ve made more money. I’m getting smart about this business!!

See you at Christmas with another review!

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