Since I am extremely busy with freelance work right now WHILE simultaneously trying to relax this week in honor of my 25th birthday (it’s tomorrow…if you were wondering), my blog posts aren’t going to be epic. Today I thought I’d share some of the projects I’ve completed and other collaborations I’m excited to be a part of!

I just finished the blog design and development for Janine Renee! Check out Snapshots and Secrets (category graphics displayed above) yourself! It was so fun to work on! I also recently finished design for Start It Up Athens (website displayed below). It was a project I worked on through Cement Marketing. I rarely post design projects over here on Show + Tell but I thought I might sporadically and point you towards my portfolio if you want to see more!

I’m also excited to share some recent collaborations that I’m involved in:

I’ll be blogging over on Piece of Chic three times a month featuring amazing, stylish ladies in new and unique ways. My favorite part? There will be a feature shot entirely on 35mm film!

I’m blogging about four times a week over on the Weapons of Mass Creation Fest blog! I’m featuring interview with speakers and designers. Not only am I blown away by the amount of talent that will be at WMC Fest this year…but they’re all so NICE! Be sure to check out my posts and Nikki’s interviews with the musicians.

I’ve been asked to be involved with Influence – The Conference in Indianapolis this fall! I can’t wait to share more. For now, visit the site and be on the look out for more details.

So that’s essentially what I’m up to when I’m not here blogging, at my day job, or working with my other 8+ freelance clients! Selfishly, I wish some of my awesome freelance projects would be over just so that I can share them but I must be patient and put in the work. I hope your having a fabulous Tuesday! Check back tomorrow for a birthday post + an update on my #30DaysToSanity challenge!

This weekend we went to Indianapolis and I got the privilege to watch Adam run his third half marathon. Indianapolis hosts the largest half marathon in the nation (35,000 participants!) and it was so incredibly fun. I know that I can get really selfish, “focused,” and distracted sometimes so it was really wonderful to get away from work, computers, daily life and really focus on someone else (well, the most important person really). Indianapolis is a gorgeous city and the view from our hotel room was awesome the night before the race AND at 6am the next morning. We all celebrated afterwards with pizza and family. I’m entering this week really thankful. I hope you are too.

*All photos taken on my iPhone/VSCO CAM 

I was sincerely moved yesterday after stumbling across Creature Comforts’ post titled, “Things I’m Afraid To Tell You” (a post inspired by Jess Constable). I read her post followed by the many brave souls who really opened up and shared a lot. I decided that I wanted to follow their example and post my own today. Not because I love jumping on every bandwagon but the more I thought about it…I realized that I am no better than any one else and I truly long to be real with everyone I encounter. I spoke with Jess last night about this series of posts sweeping the blog world and we agree that it’s easy to blog about purses, travel and interior decor because then it’s harder to get hurt. Hurtful comments, judgmental assumptions and negative attitudes are too prevalent on the internet. My list of fears are a mix of serious & lightheartedness. Thanks for reading.

I’m a slob. Straight up. I don’t make my bed. I don’t like cleaning the bathroom unless I have to. I don’t even really like to shower (and avoid it if possible). Oh and I don’t have a dishwasher so…yeah.

I don’t miss people. That sounds so cold hearted but it’s true. In my adult life, I have only missed one person and that’s Adam (whenever I travel or am away from him). Everyone else? I do alright moving forward. This is a blessing and a curse. While I don’t have to deal with much heartache, I think I can slowly destroy friendships because of this.

I think Ryan Gosling is repulsive. It’s true. Simple as that.

I’m often afraid I’ll place work before the things that really matter to me. I have this thing where I know work isn’t my top priority but my actions tend to reflect otherwise. I’ve been having a difficult time lately trying to find balance and HATE the phrase, “This is temporary. It’ll be worth it in the end.” I could die tomorrow. Why would I want to “push through” an entire year of my life just for something that might happen.

I’m afraid I’ll work for myself full time next year and completely fail. The projects are coming in steadily now and my ultimate fear is that I’ll quit my day job and that will all stop.

My biggest fear is that I’ll be arrested and found guilty for a crime that I didn’t commit. Yeah, I’m weird. But that would SUCK.

So that’s me (a very small glimpse of me). What are you afraid to tell?

Today’s CITY GUIDE is brought to you by Mallory Nickels of Little Rock, Arkansas!

Rosalia’s Family Bakery is one of Little Rock’s hidden gems. A Brazilian bakery which sprung from a Brazilian restaurant next door, it’s a place people are constantly popping in and out of. It’s got authentic Brazilian coffee, daily homemade breads, and an ever changing array of American and Brazilian pastry favorites from macarons to pao de queijo to cookies and cupcakes. It’s the absolute perfect place to start a leisurely Little Rock morning.

Hillcrest is one of Little Rock’s most beloved neighborhoods with homes aging back to the 1920s. One monthly event everyone looks forward to is First Thursday Shop ‘N Sip. Kavanaugh Blvd. runs right through the middle of Hillcrest and is lined with amazing restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and antique shops. The first Thursday of each month they all stay open late, street music pops up out of nowhere and people wander up and down the street sipping wine, shopping and generally enjoying liveliness!

When the weather is nice, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon in Little Rock than on the deck at Ciao Baci whether you’re looking for drinks, appetizers, a full meal or just dessert. The atmosphere is just perfect and the menu matches. I personally can’t go without devouring the cheese board and the tabletop s’mores are as delicious as they are fun.

White Water Tavernis a local dive bar that always showcases the best live music in all of Little Rock.  Acts range from the local bands Amasa Hines and Velvet Kente to regionally and nationally renowned acts.  Up the narrow staircase and directly above the stage there are pool tables and spaces for people to chat. Out back is a patio area for fresh air and mingling. (White Water Tavern photos taken by Cody Riggan.)

A huge thanks to Mallory for sharing all her favorite spots in Little Rock! Be sure to visit her blog & follow her on Twitter!

Last Wednesday, I shared that I was taking a step back to re-evaluate and prioritize. I’ve only messed up a few times but other than that it’s been working really well. This week I’m starting Sarah’s #30DaysToSanity challenge for the month of May. I’ve made a few tweaks but it includes the following:

• No more digital multi-tasking. Take in one article at a time. Focus on one project at a time. Plus, it helps when logging hours.
• Adopt the 5 blog rule. I’m choosing 5 blogs to read in May. Essentially, my Google Reader is going to hit high numbers. That’s okay.
• Stop working by 10pm, daily. That doesn’t mean I work 7am-10pm. I allow myself to cook, workout, meet friends.
• Making creativity + physical activity a daily practice. I’m most excited about this.
• Try three new things. Mine include: Take a fitness class, plant my own herbs, and make my own jewelry.

I’ll be using Wednesdays in May to update you on this challenge! Here We Go posts will resume in June (get ready for lots of information, video tutorials, and helpful downloads!). Also, you should notice that my May sponsor are now on the sidebar! I scaled back this month and chose to only bring on 5 sponsors total (one more coming soon). Happy May!

All photos above taken on my Pentax K1000, Kodak Porta film. Processed in Photoshop. I’m having fun with color lately.

Lately I’ve been trying to avoid materialistic posts. I tend to get tired of that when scrolling through my Google Reader but beautiful, quality products still catch my eye. I thought maybe once a month I’d post a “Good Goods” post. It’ll be a combination of things I’ve recently purchased and things I have pinned or Evernoted. We’ll be debt free in May and I cannot WAIT. I tend to buy things if we have a little extra cash or if I’ve acquired points through Birchbox. I’m hoping to go on a little shopping trip next month for my birthday but I think I’ll end up feeling guilty. Oh well, a birthday girl can splurge right?

1. LSA International Centro Carafe. I love water bottles, carafes and pitchers. I don’t know why!
2. Odette Arrow Ring. I don’t really like wearing jewelry with the exception of rings. This one is gorgeous.
3. Zoya’s nail polish remover. I’ve never experienced anything better. It takes off glitter and dark polish with ease.
4. Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment. I snagged this with my Birchbox points and it’s almost gone! Addicting.
5. Klorane Dry Shampoo. I only wash my hair about 3x a week and so I’ve been trying a lot of brands lately. Need to try this one!
6. Smashbox’s Brow Tech To Go. AMAZING brow pencil. Worth the $26.
7. RBG Polish in Punch. Another product I ordered through Birchbox. The prettiest spring color! Goes on smooth.
8. Panasonic Headphones. Recommended by Sharon and I love them! Great sound and comfortable. I’m a sucker for white.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. I have NO PLANS so I intend on working for a bit but then enjoy free time by reading, cooking and sleeping in. What are your plans?

Today’s City Guide is brought to you by Heather of Tea with Me! I’m excited to share the first Canadian destination! Enjoy.

Is there good food? Is there fascinating history? It’s these two questions that constantly pop into my mind when choosing a place to visit; it so happens that this city has both, plus one downtown street full of chic boutiques. Fort Langley is an overlooked gem when it comes to the Lower Mainland, especially with Vancouver an hour or two away (maybe if Allie is nice she will let me do that guide for you). It’s a hidden secret with the locals and perfect for a low key Saturday.

Start off by going to Wendel’s Bookstore and Café and don’t get frightened away by the lineup, when it comes to food it’s a good sign and it moves at a decent clip. The problem … trying to actually decide on what to get, everything looked incredibly delicious, not to mention the ooey gooey baked treats that tantalize behind a glass shield with seductive whispering, “Take me home with you!”

Once your belly is full and completely satisfied walk down the road for shopping. This is perfect for a day with the girlfriends, unless your fella is in to shopping. It’s time to catch up on gossip between the clothing boutiques, art galleries, trinket stores and even a spa there is something for everyone. There are two treat stores, one dedicated to candy and another for chocolate if you feel the urge to have a little snack or have the same chocolate sweet tooth I have.

Treasure hunters should not miss the Village Antique Mall, a 10,000 square foot place off the main drag full of wondrous items. I’m not exactly sure how it works, but my guess is an individual can purchase a booth and fill it with their items to sell. It can be a little annoying especially if you know what you want, but I find it intriguing to see the style of each person come out.

The Fort to Fort trail, is a flat all seasons trek that connects the first Hudson Bay Company’s Fort Langley site (1827) to the current fort location (1839) which is a National Historic site in the downtown area. The trail takes you through lush vegetation and wildflowers amidst trees to farmland by the Fraser River and Bedford channel.  It’s a serene trek, especially in the morning, when the grass is still covered in dew and the birds chirp (even better when you stop at Wendel’s afterwards.)

Fort Langley was established by the Hudson’s Bay Company, the oldest commercial corporation in North America, over a century ago to trade with the First Nations of the area. The fort isn’t of large size, but it’s still fun to take the kids too, especially around Canada day, when they are doing more interactive pieces. Take them there for a little history lesson, gold panning, and visit the farm animals.

For me, a trip to the town cannot be complete without stopping in at Infusion Bouteaque, either a quick hello to the owners or to try a new tea. They have near on a 100 different loose leaf teas for sale and I love how they have placed them in little bottles for you to open and smell. Its fascinating watching people, shake and sniff, then share the bottles with friends with exclamations of, “Try this one!” They are the tea merchant that first got me addicted to loose leaf tea. As of now they have some help, but if you get lucky and find the owners in, you will see how tea is a pure passion of this couple.

Not as popular as the Vancouver core when visiting British Columbia, but it’s still a fabulous place, well worth a taking a few hours of your day with girlfriends to explore away from the hub of city life.

A huge thanks to Heather for rounding up her favorite places in Fort Langley! Be sure to visit her blog and follow her on Twitter! All photos taken by Heather.

I’ve been working. A LOT. Like…too much. 70 hour work weeks. Last weekend I had one of those moments where I realized I needed to take a step back. I don’t mean “quitting” anything necessarily but moving things around and restructuring. It was a great weekend to think about it all. One of my friends had her baby boy, another is pregnant, I photographed our friends’ engagement, and two of our best pals moved in down the street. The real stuff. I’m not saying work, blogging and my crazy obsession with Instagram isn’t real. It’s just not what I want my entire life to be consumed by. So what changes am I making? Here’s a list (I love lists):

• I’m hiring an amazing virtual assistant (details to come). For now, she will handle all inquires and new client emails. Hopefully we’ll build up to her helping with scheduling, blogging and invoicing!
• I’m turning off my computer by 10pm daily. This is huge for me. I’m usually awake until 12-1am working on freelance projects.
• Adam and I will wake up at the same time and spend at least an hour together before work. Breakfast, reading, and a kiss goodbye. No more rushing.
• I recently switched my invoicing platform to Freshbooks. I can’t get enough of it. I’m also starting to track my time on every.single.task so get a better sense on what I’m doing with my time.
• When in doubt…walk. I want to take more walks with Adam, maybe just Desh and sometimes by myself. Maybe I’ll take a camera. Maybe not.
• I want to look into either a chiropractor or a monthly budget for a deep tissue massage.

Those are just a few of things I’m implementing (I started this week). I think I’ll be a better wife, friend and business owner if I take steps backward and look at the big picture more often. The photos above were taken recently. Getting tea with Adam, exploring Columbus, and sending letters to my best friends…all good things.

How do you stay balanced & healthy? When do you know you’ve reached your limit? Any tips or recommendations?

*Top four photos taken on my Minolta SRT-201. Bottom two photos taken on my iPhone.

April flew by. I think I say that after every month nears its end. I’m now accepting May sponsors and a handful of spots for swap. If you’re interested, please contact me here. We can chat about your options, opportunities and if it would be a good fit! I love all the support I’ve received for past clients, readers and local businesses. Funds received for sponsorships are used towards hosting photo challenges, purchasing the prizes, sending gifts to the judges, paying for giveaway postage and monthly fees used to host my blog.

All May sponsors will be added to my sidebar on Wednesday, May 2nd since my blog was down for one day in April. Thanks for considering and as always…thanks for reading!

Time for my monthly Birchbox review! This month’s was lovely. First off, I loved the bright green tissue paper. I’m not a huge “pink” person and so I definitely noticed this month. Inside I found:

• Befine daily moisturizer and body scrub. The lotion (SPF 15) definitely smelled a bit like sunscreen but in a way…it made me really excited for summer.
• YesTo Facial Towelettes. This is actually my favorite brand of facial wipes and was excited to try the blueberry! Plus it’s the perfect size for my purse.
• Taylor Swift’s new perfume Wonderstruck. Not really for me.
• Lulu Organics dry shampoo. I tried it and LOVE it. More than any dry shampoo in an aerosol can. It’s actual powder and smells great.
• Zoya nail polish. Part of their spring collection! So pretty. I’m a huge fan of Zoya. I prefer it over Butter London or OPI.

Overall, GREAT month. I was introduced to two new brands that I love and got products from brands that I already adore. If you want to sign up, it’s only $10/month and you can earn points by reviewing products/buying products/referring friends and ultimately use those points to buy things through Birchbox! I’d appreciate it if you used my referral link! Oh also, I’m going to be sharing some NEW favorite makeup products (brands like RGB, Smashbox, and Zoya!) that I’ve recently invested in next week. Stay tuned!

PSSTT! Last thing: my awesome April sponsor, Emily Elizabeth Jewelry is having a HUGE sale over at her online store (up to 80% off!!!).

I can’t decide between this necklace ($15.00–originally $48.00) and this cuff ($25.00–originally $50.00). If you don’t want to purchase anything yet..head on over to Emily Elizabeth Jewelry’s Facebook page and enter to win their giveaway!  All you have to do is be a fan of their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter, and answer “yes” in their Facebook questionnaire. You’re welcome!