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Marfa, TX
October 30, 2015

Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-1I first heard about Marfa, TX when a local magazine featured a furniture maker whose studio is out here. In the middle of West Texas where the plains go on forever and the antelope literally roam. I didn’t even know that there were antelope in Texas! Dave and I spend a couple days in Marfa for our anniversary this year. The sub-2000 population town which started as stop along the railway, and army post during the wars, is now kept alive through a thriving contemporary art scene and some nomadic tourism. It was everything I expected it to be: historic, quirky, peaceful, and inspiring. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-2Our six-hour drive from Austin led us west, and somehow between conversation (alone in the car without kids!) we missed a turn that took us on a little loop. Luckily, the detour led us straight past Prada Marfa on our way into town, rather than us having to take the 45 minute drive out of town to see it later. That worked out well, and it was a great introduction to the place. We happened to arrive on October 1st, 2015–the ten-year anniversary of this pop architectural land art project. It looks like a Prada retail store, and houses selections from the 2005 collection. But it is art. Just a shell of a building, in the middle of the desert. Nothing else along the highway for almost an hour in either direction. It doesn’t at all fit in, while at the same time being now such an iconic piece of the Marfa experience, it seems just right.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-68 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-3Not everyone see beauty in the desert, but it is my favorite landscape. I’m endlessly inspired by the shades of earth, greens, grey, and blues. The desert has to be resilient and tough to stay alive, and the plants and animals look it. The weathered signage, rusted fences, and dusty pathways all add to the charm. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-4Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-69 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-5We stayed our first night in a teepee at El Cosmico. I had looked at lots of photos online before booking our trip, but ducking through the small front flap of the structure, I was still surprised by the awesomeness of the scene. The spacious interior was super well designed with cow hide rugs, a leather safari couch, beautiful blown glass lamp, and the classic sarape bedding tucked into the queen sized bed. The gas fireplace nestled at the foot of the bed was a huge selling point for me, and ended up making our stay cozy.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-70 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-6 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-7 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-73The bed was super comfortable, and we both slept well, with the stars overhead peeking in through. We decided we’ll have to bring the kids back, because they would love sleeping in a teepee so much. The novelty of it made the whole experience especially fun.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-74 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-75 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-8In addition to the teepees, there are a couple yurts, several safari tents, and a dozen or so refurbished vintage trailers available. The grounds are wide open, connected with walking trails between the different accommodations, the shared outdoor bathrooms and shower areas, the community kitchen, and the hammock groves. I loved the setup. Even with the rustic feel, the details were amazing, and I kept seeing perfect little vignettes everywhere I looked. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-76The starts at night really are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. I had never seen so many in my life than we saw out here. It was incredible.

We ate dinner at Jet’s grill, which had a great outdoor patio. I had a terrific burger with herbed parmesan fries and Dave’s chile relleno was delicious.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-11 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-77 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-9 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-10The morning light was pink and lovely as we packed up and got ready for our day. We spent a few minutes hanging our on the hammocks and decided we need to build a similar hammock structure in our yard. It’s so good.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-78 Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-12I had really wanted to rent a wood-fired hot tub for our stay at El Cosmico, but they had all been rented. Next time I’ll book that at the same time as my reservation, because they look amazing.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-13Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-14In the morning, we headed into town and stopped to eat at Marfa Burrito, which has been around for years but still doesn’t show up properly on Google Maps. It’s a little white house on a corner on the outside of town, with a handful of tables and chairs inside. Ramona cooks up batches of fresh tortillas, spiced chorizo, potatoes, eggs, and all the other perfect breakfast burrito fillings. It feels a little like stepping across the border, and Spanish is helpful, but not necessary. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-15Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-16Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-17After Breakfast we ventured over to the Chinati Foundation, where we had scheduled a full collections tour. No one else signed up for our time slot, so we ended up with a private full collections tour, and our tour guide Alan was great. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-46Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-81Chinati and it’s founder Donald Judd are most of the reason that Marfa is now a destination. This 340 acre decommissioned army base houses permanent contemporary art pieces created by Judd as well as several other notable artists. Judd first came to Marfa when he was in the army, then later remembered it’s vast landscape when he was looking for a place to create some permanent large contemporary art installations. The collection is really breathtaking, and we were lucky to get to see it all up close and personal. Not only were the pieces themselves inspiring, also the simple designs of the furniture, architecture, and stark contemporary pieces against the natural, overgrown desert landscapes was such a welcome visual. Everything was interesting to look at. We both came away super inspired.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-18Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-19Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-20Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-82Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-23Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-24This installation by Daniel Flavin is housed in six separate buildings, each with long, white hallways leading to different configurations of neon lights. So odd, and so awesome.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-21Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-22This old army mess hall doesn’t house contemporary art, but rather the preserved murals painted by men in the army. The cartoon illustrations were cheeky and really cool. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-26For this installation, one of the buildings on the base was converted to look like an abandoned Russian schoolhouse. It was a little like stepping across the world and through time. The plaster and paint and furniture were all installed in a way that made them look a hundred years old.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-25Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-89Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-43The works in concrete were Judd’s first installation at Chinati and were my favorite, partly because of their immensity and the scope of the project. The pieces cover over 3 acres. Concrete boxes built out in the middle of a field. You know.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-42Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-44Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-27Gah, the chairs. They’re amazing.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-80Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-83Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-28This hall is used for big gatherings and dinners. I loved the space so much. Everything was utilitarian and industrial and still beautiful.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-29The tour ended off the main Chinati campus at this secondary site that houses John Chamberlains 22 works in steel, which looked a lot like crushed cars tipped on end. They were fun to see. I also fell in love with the towering yucca out front.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-32Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-84Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-93Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-30For lunch we visited the much raved about Food Shark truck and found out what the fuss was for. The food is spot on delicious. Unexpected mediterranean food from a truck in the desert and it blew us away! We both ate falafel, Dave on a tortilla and mine in the meal, and we both agreed that in the meal was the best way to go. Mmmmm.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-33Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-58Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-60On every corner there was something to take a photo of. The whole place is weird. Super good weird.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-37Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-38For night two, we were staying at Thunderbird Hotel, which is the other talked-about place to stay. The office is across the street from the hotel itself, which was confusing at first. As we wandered through the courtyard to our room I took notes on the landscaping. It’s so well done.Desert chic in a great xeriscape that would work in my own yard. I loved it.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-35Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-40The room was Marfa Minimal, with a clean-lined bed and tables, classic leather butterfly chair, and another beautiful hide rug. The bathroom had a huge chunk of geode on the counter next to the sink, and again I took notes for my own home. I loved the simple design.  Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-41Since we were on vacation and it was 90 degrees outside in October, we took advantage of the pool. A few quick minutes splashing about reset our batteries and we were ready to continue exploring the town.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-90Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-62Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-47Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-48I loved peeking into Cast + Crew, which is a brand I’ve followed for a while, intrigued by their bright refurbishing of vintage furniture and goods with a powder-coated pop of color. The shop was great, and we brought home a turquoise horse shoe to hang above the door for good luck.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-49Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-92Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-67In our wandering through town, we ventured into Marfa Book Co, which was filled with shelves of gorgeous art books. We flipped though a few and I realized how little I know. We also grabbed homemade Ice Cream at Frama Tumbleweed Laundry, which is half coffee and ice cream shop, the other half laundry mat. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-51For dinner we stopped in at Cochineal. I initially had planned for us to go somewhere else, but so many people in town recommended this place we thought we should check it out. The patio looked great and the weather was amazing, but we were sat inside and the interior was stuffy. They gave us a 6pm reservation saying they were booked, but we were the only people in the place for our entire meal! The food was interesting on the menu, but when it came I was really disappointed. Everything was a little disconnected and felt very unfinished (cold cornbread, unsalted chicken, runny slaw.) I don’t love to share a bad review, but I don’t think I’d chance wasting another $100+ on a meal here again. I’d rather eat at Food Shark!Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-54Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-53After dinner we headed up towards the McDonald Observatory to do a star party. On the way, we spotted “The Largest Live Rattlesnake Exhibit on the Planet” and knew we had to stop! Tucked into the back of a car-repair shop live about 30 different types of rattle snakes. It honestly may be the larges exhibit on the planet! It was really dirty and sort of gross back there, but the snakes were incredible. And all of those boxes and cages on shelves were filled with tarantulas, both dead and alive. Totally worth the $4 admission. Weirdest place ever.
Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-55Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-56The Observatory is up on a mountain top, where it’s multiple high powered telescopes get great views of the universe. The drive was beautiful. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy for us, so we watched an indoor presentation about stars rather than viewing them outside with telescopes. We’ll try again when we come back next time.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-94After the star party, we stopped in at the Museum of Electronic Wonders and Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlor, which opens at 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday only. It really lives up to it’s name, with vintage tv, radio, and computer equipment adorning the space, and a cash-only grilled cheese menu. The food came laid out on a clear acrylic tray lined with astroturf grass. And it was good. So good. My brisket and cheese sandwich was gooey, melty, and delicious. No wonder, because it’s owned by the same cool young guy as Food Shark, which is next door. If you’re ever in Marfa on the weekend, make sure you give this spot a try.Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-57We went to bed feeling super satisfied with our adventure to Marfa, and already excited for the next time we can come and do and see and eat a little more. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-66Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-63Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-64Our final meal as we headed out of town back home was Buns’n Roses, and appropriately named baker and flower shop. The fresh donuts and pastries were warm and fresh and amazing. Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-65Marfa, TX-One Little Minute Blog-61We left feeling even more intrigued than when we arrived. For being such a small place, there are still a bunch of places we want to eat, and shops we’d like to visit, and revisit. Also, being out in the desert feels renewing to me, and I can see how Judd became so captivated by Marfa. We can’t wait to return sometime soon.

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    Packing up for our 15th anniversary getaway (Costa Packing up for our 15th anniversary getaway (Costa Rica ☀️🌺🌴🥰) and grateful for this past month of relationship-focus. 

All of October the #livefreecreativepodcast episodes centered on ideas for a more intentional, connective marriage, in partnership with our fave all-natural intimate body oil @coconu 🥥 (watch my story highlight for more info!)

As I taught and implemented some simple tips, I noticed a measurable difference in my own partnership with Dave, and we’re so excited to continue building on that with this next week away together. 

Some of my favorite takeaways from the episodes are these: 

• Take care of yourself so you can take care of your relationship! (Ep 155)
• “Foreplay is everything that happens in between sexual encounters.” -@kristinbhodson (Ep 156)
• Have more fun simply playing together! (Ep 157)
• Learning to love one another is an ongoing process. (Ep 158)

The biggest takeaway is that great, loving, balanced marriages don’t happen on autopilot. They require an investment of intentional time, emotional energy, and commitment and can be so worth the effort!

Use LIVEFREE for 15% off your order of @coconu (it’s a perfect sexy stocking stuffer 🎁😉) and tune into the show for all of these tips and more.
    Slip-sliding into the holiday season this weekend. Slip-sliding into the holiday season this weekend. 🎃🦃🎁
Here’s a quick reminder that the most meaningful gifts of the year might not be under the tree (or on a cargo ship in the ocean. 😜🚢)

#lessstuffmoreadventure
    How well do you know your partner, TODAY? Do you How well do you know your partner, TODAY? 

Do you know their current stressors? Dreams? What they love to spend time doing and what they wish they could set down?

The Gottman Institute has found that one of the foundations of a solid, long-lasting relationship is what they call “marital friendship”. 

Marital friendship looks like getting to know your partner and then CONTINUING to get to know each other as life changes, circumstances shift, and your own core identities and understandings progress. 

This week on the #livefreecreativepodcast I share some ideas for building and updating your personal “Love Map” and even include a free, printable PDF to get the conversation started! 

Tune in on your favorite listening app. 💕
    Hi there! It’s been a little while since I intro Hi there! It’s been a little while since I introduced myself and thought I’d take a minute to share: 

1. I’m an RN patient educator turned online educator and intentional living specialist. I’m applying right now for a Master’s Degree program in Applied Positive Psychology, and look forward to adding new research and understanding to what I share in my podcast, online courses, and retreats! (🤞 I get in!)

2. I have been married 15 years, have 3 kids, 2 cats, 6 chickens, 1 dog, and love the mild chaos of our small and quite full house, #ourrichmondfixerupper.

3. I teach and share principles for wellbeing and living life on purpose in four main ways: 
• my free weekly podcast #livefreecreativepodcast
• one-on-one monthly creative mentorship
• 2x annual group online masterclass, opening again in January 2022
• small group work retreats #livefreecreativecamp and #lfcgrownupsummercamp, 2022 dates coming soon

4. I’m the author of More Than Enough, a non-fiction book about the lessons I learned during a year of not shopping. The experience and book were pivotal in my relationship to stuff and to myself.

5. I love reading, nature, tacos, running, diy projects, kitchen dance parties, loaded French fries, traveling, sleeping, teaching, making lists, trying new things, and the feeling I get when I still my thoughts for long enough to settle into the wholeness of the present moment.

6. I’ve been sharing online for over 14 years (first blogging, then Instagram…) and sometimes feel more disconnected because of the perpetual nature of these platforms. I crave the true connections we can make as humans in the real world and love using IG as a jumping off point to meet and gather, teach and learn with women in other, longer-lasting ways. 

7. I’m an Aquarius , enneagram 7, Generator, and a nuanced, unorthodox Mormon who truly believes we are all meant to walk our own pathways in this life, discovering our truest selves and finding alignment with her wholeness. ✨

Okay, that’s enough about me. Did you learn something new? 

Now, tell me something about you!! 

(Headshot by @heathermildenstein at Fall 2021 #livefreecreativecamp)
    Spending the weekend in a little corner of heaven Spending the weekend in a little corner of heaven called Idaho. 💛

I read a great article last week about how experiencing “moments of awe” and creating space to feel all of the perspective that feeling brings, can increase our overall wellbeing. 

Just stepping outside here feels like entering a wonderland— add in having fun with good friends (redesigning and styling @3in30podcast main floor ✨) and I feel pretty great. 

How will you take a moment to feel awed today? A walk outside? A quiet corner with a good book? Delighting in a lovely bite of delicious food? Remembering how lovely life can be invited even more of that loveliness into our experience.
    How much effort and intention do you put into your How much effort and intention do you put into your marriage every day? Week? Month? 

Did you know that some super simple (fun and easy) practices can keep your relationship running smoothly and help reduce the uncomfortable friction that comes when we work against— rather than in alignment with— our partner. 

Tune in to episode 157 of the #livefreecreativepodcast to hear more about these 5 practices! 

Which one jumps out to you as something you could implement easily today?
    Simple, beautiful, functional storage for the win! Simple, beautiful, functional storage for the win! ✨

In our little home (1400 sq ft) I am always on the lookout for forgotten spaces we could maximize with easy and affordable design solutions.

This over-the-keyboard nook is a perfect example of a little-used wall that transformed into an efficient family command center with about $150 of shelving supplies and 2 hours of effort.

 As soon as I finished I thought “Why on earth hadn’t I done that earlier! It’s MEANT to be like this!” 

Sending you a bit of confidence and creativity to use your own home to its fullest most meaningful potential! ✌️

#ourrichmondfixerupper
    “As long as you’re dancing, you can break the “As long as you’re dancing, you can break the rules. 

Sometimes breaking the rules is just extending the rules.

Sometimes there are no rules.”

— Three Things To Remember, Mary Oliver ✨

This whole week of #livefreecreativecamp was a gift— stepping outside of the passing of time to pause, reflect, gather, and connect.

Sometimes, even over a dozen years into this hobby-turned-business-turned-career, I wonder what I am even doing. If I’m doing it right or well. 

And then I remember: we’re all just sort of making it up as we go and doing the best we can with what we have. 

Dancing along to the beat of our own heart, and hopefully spreading joy along the way. 💛
    It’s impossible to put the experience of Creativ It’s impossible to put the experience of Creative Camp adequately into words. One part incredible community of supportive women meets one part deep solo work time, mixed with a beautiful location, thoughtful meals, inspired masterminds, and the kind of synergy that fills your heart to the brim. 💛

I am honored by the women who chose to step into the space I create for them, and fill it with such generosity and love.

I’m headed home with an added dose of gratitude, confidence, and friendship in my pocket. (Plus a solid first draft on an exciting new essay.✌️)

#livefreecreativecamp

Beautiful photos by @heathermildenstein
    In this week’s podcast, I sat down for a chat wi In this week’s podcast, I sat down for a chat with my friend and sex therapist @kristinbhodson to answer some community questions about sex. 💛

Our chat feels like and approachable, candid conversation with a friend, and I hope you’ll tune in and learn a little something new to increase the connection, desire, and pleasure in your own most intimate relationship.

For most of my own childhood I thought “sex” was a swear word 😂 so needless do say, there has been lots of learning, growing up, developing myself not only so my own personal relationship flourishes. Also because I know as I model a healthy, whole understanding of sex, my kids will grow up with so much more of that perspective. 

Tune in, save, share, and let me know your favorite takeaways! ☺️

#livefreecreativepodcast
    Last week we hosted our first annual #Coopstock ba Last week we hosted our first annual #Coopstock backyard bash! 🐓🎉

Celebrating our cute backyard chickens as a #HenUpOrganicsPartner was a great excuse to bring family, friends, and neighbors together to eat, chat, and enjoy live music (isn’t Luna amazing?🎶). 

I wanted a backyard flock for years before we finally made it happen, and these past three years have been a dream come true. We love taking care of our girls and @henuporganics ingredient list reads like our own grocery list: ancient grains, fruits, and vegetables. 💛

The whole night was magical, and I’m already looking forward to next year. 

Follow along to learn more about Hen Up® Organic Chicken Food by visiting https://clvr.li/HenUpCoopstock (also linked in my IG story and profile!)
    Four years ago, during our first fall living in Vi Four years ago, during our first fall living in Virginia, I rented a convertible for a day to take the kids on a leaf peeping drive through Shenandoah National Park. 🍂🍁😍

Tonight I finally spent 30 minutes compiling the video I took that day into a short montage, and remembered the fun and whimsy of that little adventure. (The kids have grown so much!! ❤️) 

I think it’s time for a repeat this year! ✌️

#lessstuffmoreadventure
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