Billings, MT March 2021

M A R C H 2 02 1

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Robert Saunders | robert.saunders@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

It's Real Estate Season

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! It's that time of the year again - the sun is out, the air is warmer, and the sights, sounds, and smells of spring are all around us. If you live in Montana, that also means that the buying and selling of homes, land, and investment properties is going to pick up from its already frenzied pace.

Montana in general, and Billings in particular, may be entering a time of unprecedented growth - a time that presents both challenges and opportunities. Real estate is one of Billings' largest and hottest industries, and at Billings Lifestyle Magazine, we are going to do our best to offer our readers some new ideas and perspectives on the topic. This issue contains the first of a series of articles to that effect.

We hope you find them entertaining, educational, and thought-provoking.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Billings Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Billings areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Billings Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 08 Spring Garden Soup Something Healthy and Scrumptious

16 Multi-Gen Living...

On Purpose?

Rediscovering the Value of Living Close to Our Loved Ones

16 08

24 So You Just Moved to Montana A Collection of Thoughts from Recent Migrants

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24

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Culinary Creations

32 Renovate & Refine

March is finally here! That means BASEBALL! Well at least traditionally, March is baseball in the Valley of the Sun. For full disclosure, this ad was designed in late January to meet production requirements, so we don’t know what Spring Training will bring this year, but we hope it will be back in full “swing”. You might recognize the background photo as the Billings Mustangs logo from a few years ago. I photographed the Mustangs action shots, baseball cards, and team photos for a few seasons.

It is still a great time to invest in Arizona real estate with interest rates at historic lows and the Arizona housing market projected to continue to climb in value. Spring is a really beautiful time to be in Arizona. The spring cactus flowers are blooming, providing color everywhere! The temps are warm and there is so much to do!

If you are considering an investment property or planning your retirement housing options, I am here to help you explore the Arizona lifestyle.

Contact me today so you can discover all the surprises Arizona has to offer!

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CULINARY CREATIONS

Spr i n g Ga rden S oup ARTICLE ADRIANA VON HELMS

SPRINGTIME IN MONTANA MEANS HOUSEHOLD GARDENS ARE OVERFLOWING WITH ONIONS, CARROTS, AND GREEN BEANS. With an abundance of vegetables and the air still crisp, a hearty soup is welcome. Here is the coziest recipe to take your gardening straight to the family dinner table— Spring Garden Soup.

This dish is a staple for my family. With its flavorful broth, shredded chicken, and egg noodles, you can never go wrong. Simply harvest the vegetables that are in season, chop them up, and throw them in. It’s a synch!

While the flavors of this soup meld together, you might even flip through one of Montana’s classic gardening manuals: The Montana Gardener’s Companion: An Insider’s Guide to Gardening under the Big Sky by Bob Gough and Cherry Moore-Gough. Perhaps you will stumble across a new vegetable and tweak this soup to your family’s taste!

In the meantime, here’s a starting point! Follow the recipe below and enjoy the warmth it adds to your household:

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

A DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS NATURAL DISH

Family recipe of Spring Garden Soup Total Time: 1hr. 25min.

Prep: 40min.

Cook: 45min.

8-10 servings

CONTINUED >

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CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

INGREDIENTS: + 4 tablespoons olive oil + 2 cups chopped leeks, white part only + 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic + Kosher salt to taste throughout + 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped + 2 cups green beans (or peas) + 3 quarts chicken stock + 2 cups corn kernels + ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper + ½ tsp. oregano + 1tsp. apple cider vinegar + ¼ cup packed, chopped fresh parsley leaves + 1 to 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice + 1 lemon zested + 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded + 11oz. frozen egg noodles (optional) + A dash of cayenne pepper DIRECTIONS: In a large stockpot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, and salt. Sweat the leeks for approximately 7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Cook for 4 more minutes, stirring often. Add the chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and corn kernels.

Bring to a boil and cook until the vegetables are just beginning to soften, approximately 10 minutes.

Add the egg noodles and shredded chicken. Cook for 10 minutes more, and then remove from heat.

Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Serve and enjoy!

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

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ARTICLE ANDREW BILLSTEIN, ESQ.

YOU R C HOIC E S F OR E STAT E PL A N N I NG

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

THOUGHTS FROM AN ATTORNEY WHO SPECIALIZES IN IT

I AM OFTEN ASKED TO CHARACTERIZE MY PRACTICE AS A LAWYER. Generally, I find myself characterized as an estate planner. I like this characterization for two reasons. First, while the term estate planning may mean different things to different people, it is understood to mean an advisor regarding the preparation of wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Second, I like to assist the client in implementing a short- and long-term strategy, usually in cooperation with several advisors. I never want to be identified as peddling a particular product.

The older I get, the more suspicious I become of anyone (ranging from a financial advisor or a dietician to a plumber or a lawyer) who suggests everyone needs a particular product. I am fond of telling clients that any estate plan, whether a young couple preparing to have their first child to a complicated set of trusts designed to minimize the estate tax, fundamentally addresses the same two things: to whom should property be distributed and who should be in charge.

CONTINUED >

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YOUR CHOICES FOR ESTATE PLANNING (CONTINUED)

A common discussion during an estate planning meeting is the concept of probate.

The term probate is used in three different contexts. The first relates to the probate or proving of a decedent’s will. The second context relates to probate property, or property which is subject to administration in a court proceeding. This is usually an informal process through the clerk of court’s office rather than with judicial involvement. The third context relates to “probating” or administering a decedent’s estate. Most people own both probate and nonprobate property. Nonprobate property includes (a) property owned as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, which property passes to the surviving joint tenant(s), (b) property distributable to a designated beneficiary pursuant to a beneficiary designation, such as life insurance and annuity policy proceeds and retirement plan or account proceeds, and (c) property distributable to a designated beneficiary pursuant to a pay-on-death (or POD) or transfer-on-death (or TOD) designation.

For many clients, a will is the most effective estate planning tool. For other clients, a “living trust” is an effective means of carrying out the client’s wishes while also avoiding the probate process.

However, for a living trust to successfully avoid probate, the living trust must be properly funded, meaning that ownership of most or all of a client’s assets must be transferred to the trust during his or her life and any assets that are not transferred to the client’s trust during life must be transferred by a nonprobate designation. Very few publications promoting living trusts advise clients of the time and expense necessary to properly fund a living trust and the importance of continuing to ensure that assets are owned

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

by the living trust over time. Finally, some clients

financial and medical decisions. Again, these are not

can avoid the probate process and have an effec-

one size fits all documents. Some clients desire to

tive estate plan without the use of a living trust by

name a spouse or child who can make financial deci-

simply working with his or her financial advisor to

sions immediately. Others prefer a “springing” power

properly complete beneficiary designations.

of attorney that is not effective until the appointed

For clients with minor children, a will is the most

agent obtains a doctor’s opinion that the principal

common mechanism of nominating a guardian if

can no longer make effectively make decisions. For

both parents pass away prior to all children attain-

medical, we provide documents that many clients

ing the age of majority. For clients who own real

find helpful but other clients prefer to complete the

estate (including mineral interests) in multiple

5 Wishes through St. Vincent’s Hospital or POLST

states, the additional cost and expense of complet-

through the Billings Clinic.

ing a living trust is often the only effective means of

Some clients inform me that they would like to

orderly avoiding the probate process. For clients of

complete an estate plan so Montana does not take

retirement age who have downsized into an apart-

their stuff. Montana will not take your stuff but

ment, carefully completed beneficiary designations

Montana law will create an estate plan for you if you

are often the most important part of an estate plan.

do not create your own. For that reason, I encour-

Occasionally, clients overlook the importance of

age you to complete an estate plan. And yes, for

completing powers of attorney and a living will in

some of you, Legal Zoom or the purchase of legal

which a principal names one or more agents to make

forms is just fine.

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

15

THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-GENER ATIONAL LIVING FOR AFFLUENT FAMILIES

Part of the Annafeld Community

AN OLD CONCEPT PROVIDES NEW VALUE FOR AMERICANS

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE ROBERT SAUNDERS PHOTOGRAPHY NATHAN SATRAN loneliest, and saddest people in the world, and we may be becoming less wealthy. Median wealth and income are stagnant or declining from the previous generation when adjusted for inflation. Perhaps we will find help from returning to an ancient practice - sharing a roof with our parents, grandparents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, or uncles.

THE ADULT CHILD LIVING IN THE BASEMENT. The famed

In some situations, multi-generational living fits like a hand in a

“Mother-in-Law suite”. A spare room for a niece, nephew, or cousin

glove. Many grandparents are lonely, and love nothing more than

who has recently relocated. In recent American history, multi-gener-

seeing their grandchildren. Many young parents are dual-income

ational living has typically been associated with unusual or difficult

households, and therefore struggling to keep up with childcare, pets,

times, most often a result of health issues or financial constraints.

and other household tasks. Moving mom and dad in provides free

Concurrently, multi-generational living is often viewed pejoratively,

childcare for the couple and unlimited access to their descendants

as something to be avoided, especially by those with choices - the

for the older folks.

successful, the affluent, the wealthy. What if, however, multi-genera-

The financial benefits are even more straightforward than the emo-

tional living had a unique set of emotional and financial advantages

tional and relational benefits. The median net worth for Americans

to offer the affluent and was purposefully pursued as a strategy,

over the age of 60 is around $250,000, the vast majority of which

rather than avoided as a distasteful last resort?

in the form of home equity. If the typical retired person or couple

Beginning in 2005, the financial services industry defined a socio-

can sell their home, invest the money, and move in with family, it

economic class as the “Mass Affluent”, defining it as households

radically changes the financial future of both the elderly and their

with net worths between $100,000 and $1,000,000 and incomes

descendants. $250,000 invested properly should generate about

above $75,000. Put simply, the Mass Affluent have above average

CONTINUED >

incomes and net worths, but are not independently wealthy. Many doctors, lawyers, and other white collar professionals are Mass

A Private Living Room and Kitchenette

Affluent. The Mass Affluent are peculiarly suited to implement multi-generational living well because they simultaneously have the means to be flexible, but are still at a level where the financial benefits are non-trivial. While generally comfortable at present, the Mass Affluent sometimes have concerns about the future: replacing their full income when they retire, caring for aging parents, leaving meaningful inheritances to their children.

Few adjectives describe a majority of Americans in 2021 more aptly than “lonely”, “isolated”, and “financially stressed”. Politics aside, Americans must discover ways to become financially, emotionally, and relationally stable and healthy again. The emotional and relational benefits of multi-generational living are straightforward.

In poorer countries, people often live in close proximity to their extended families; concurrently, people in those countries often self-report having much better emotional and mental health than Americans do, despite significant discrepancies in financial and physical security. Why are Americans much richer materially yet worse off emotionally? Part of it is likely due to our lifestyle choices.

Humans are inherently social and relational - we are not meant to live alone. American abundance enabled us for a time to live in single-family households, something that was impossible for most of human history and still is impossible in much of the world today.

Unprecedented financial prosperity enabled Americans to have an unprecedented degree of privacy and seclusion - widespread single-family living became the American Dream, another “American Experiment”, if you will. The result? Americans are among the richest, CityLifestyle.com/Billings

17

THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING (CONTINUED) $20,000 annually, around $10,000 of which

As it turns out, McCall Homes specializes

can be responsibly withdrawn and spent.

in affordable new construction, and they

The elderly couple in question is boosting

specifically cater to clients interested in

their discretionary income by almost $1,000/

Multi-Gen living. The team at McCall Homes

month while simultaneously eliminating

has seen the trend towards Multi-Gen living

some of their largest expenses: property

for years and offers diverse options for fami-

taxes, home insurance, and maintenance.

lies interested in it.

Of course, they can also opt to leave their

Several of their floorpans feature mul-

money in their investments to continue to

tiple master suites, something that Kelly

grow, thereby allowing them to pass on a

says is essential. Having experienced pri-

much larger inheritance than they otherwise

vacy, Americans would find it difficult to

would have. $250,000 compounded at 8%

give up, so floorpans “…need to provide

annually turns into almost $1.2 million in

privacy for all adults. Everybody needs

twenty years, before adjusting for inflation.

their own sanctuary.”

Multi-generational living also allows sig-

Kelly mentioned Annafeld community as

nificantly more flexibility with generational

a great example of successful multi-genera-

wealth transfer for parents wanting to leave

tional living, adding that Annafeld “is a vibrant

their children secure. Savvy families can

community that emphasizes the community

set up a family Limited Partnership and use

aspect - existing in a community that is for all

that vehicle to buy or build a large home or

ages, that really benefits everybody.”

a comfortable multi-family residence, like a

McCall Homes’ signature communities -

fourplex or multiple side-by-side townhomes

Annafeld and Josephine Crossing - also fea-

that allow 3-4 generations to live under the

ture a hybrid form of Multi-Gen: parents and

same roof. Mom and dad are the managing

children purchasing adjacent homes, living in

partners and put the deal together. Grandma

a way that Kelly calls “close but still indepen-

might sell her home, move in, and roll the

dent.” While this approach doesn’t offer the

money into the partnership. Young married

same financial advantages as living under

children live in one of the units and pay the

the same roof, the relational and psycholog-

mortgage instead of rent. Suddenly, several

ical benefits remain, with the added perk of

generations are financially secure, and they

knowing and choosing your neighbors.

have the added benefit of knowing and

Leave it to America, the Melting Pot,

controlling who their neighbors are. When

to develop a new way of living. We have

the time comes for inheritances, children

melded our unique sensibilities with an

receive either a large home or a multi-unit

ancient and universal concept, combining

investment property that is fully paid off.

the advantages of both to offer a way of life

So you’re sold on the concept of multi-gen-

that is affordable, relationally vibrant, and

erational living, now for the hardest question:

maintains the privacy and independence

how do we do it? The vast majority of homes

that Americans - and Montanans - have

are not suitable for multi-generational living,

learned to value so much.

something Kelly Smith at McCall Homes knows all too well: “Existing homes do not allow for Multi-Gen. Retrofit would be very difficult and expensive, so the best option is new construction.”

I had coffee with Kelly a couple months ago, and she actually suggested I write this article. I have been pondering the idea of multi-generational living for a couple of years, but I wouldn’t have thought to put the idea in the magazine without her.

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

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Metropolitan Offerings, Small-Town Flavor THE BILLINGS HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW

A RECURRING THEME OUR READERS WILL DISCOVER IN BILLINGS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS WHAT I CALL “INTERNATIONAL QUALITY” IN BILLINGS. I use this term to describe Billings businesses or organizations that are excellent or state-of-the-art, providing comparable quality to what is found in major national and global cities. Beau and Devon Hedin call it “Metropolitan Offerings, Small-town Flavor”. They are referring, of course, to the experience at the Billings Home Improvement Show, the largest trade show in a 5-state area, attracting 400 vendors to fill 650 booths, and drawing around 30,000 attendees every year.

Another theme you will hear often is to support locally owned businesses. Billings Lifestyle Magazine is all about supporting the community and the companies they own. In describing the Home Improvement Show, the Hedin brothers said it simply: “We are what we promote: a local small business. We Push Local.” The Hedin family’s success is a testament to the truth of their paradigm: on March 5-7, they will host their 38th Home Improvement Show. I was a little ashamed to admit that I’d never been to the Show myself, but the brothers were understanding because they know better than anyone: Billings is rife with events worth attending. When I asked them what the best part of Billings was for them, they quickly said the plethora of excellent and diverse entertainment and dining options.

ARTICLE ROBERT SAUNDERS 20

Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

“The whole point of the show is that it creates an opportunity for the public to see all that the community has to offer. A chance for people to learn about things they didn’t know about before.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

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METROPOLITAN OFFERINGS (CONTINUED)

As Beau and Devon filled me in about the show, I immediately wished I had started attending it regularly years ago. For them, “The whole point of the show is that it creates an opportunity for the public to see all that the community has to offer. A chance for people to learn about things they didn’t know about before.” At this point it is almost cliche to say, but Billings is home to innumerable fascinating and amazing things even long-time residents might not know about. Beau was especially passionate about the audio-visual offerings on display. Attendees at the show have been treated to state-of-the-art home theater systems, TVs that convert into mirrors at the push of a button, speakers that can be built directly into a wall, then painted and textured over, and smart countertops that can charge phones or self-illuminate with neon light.

The more I learned about the Home Improvement Show, the more it reminded me of the major international conventions I used to attend annually in Las Vegas. Metropolitan Offerings, SmallTown Flavor. The passion for excellence is exemplified by some of their regular vendors. When they walk into the MetraPark Expo Center, attendees are graced by the sights, sounds, and smells of spring in Montana: babbling brooks and live blooming flowers, brought to you by Billings Nursery.

When asked if there was anything they wanted the community to know about their event that they didn’t already know, and Beau and Devon had two answers. First, they reiterated their earlier statement: we are what we promote, locally owned small business.

Second, every year the show is different: vendors always bring new and experimental products to demonstrate, so the show can and does change significantly from year to year. What doesn’t change, though, are their core commitments: The show is free to attend. The prizes are fantastic and also free. They offer a selection of activities for children, all of which are, once again, free. As the brothers said: “Happy kids mean happy mom, and happy mom means happy dad.”

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

Billings Lifestyle Magazine does its best to cater to all of our readers, from 5th-generation Montanans to those newlyarrived, so we always try to ask our interviewees if they have any advice for newcomers. Beau and Devon’s advice was simple: “Invest in the community. This is the Billings way.”

Something else that remains constant is the brothers’ desire to constantly innovate and improve the Show. They are always doing their best to improve logistics and upgrade technology - effectively coordinating events with hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of attendees is anything but easy.

Fortunately, as the Show has grown, so have their resources, so they now have the margin to implement significant projects.

Most recently, they started handling all of their own Convention Services, which they used to contract out. The upfront investment in pipe, drape, and other equipment now allows them to streamline their operations and have better quality control.

Even if you’ve been a faithful attendee at the Home Improvement Show for years, you haven’t seen everything Rimrock Promotions and the Hedin family have to offer. There’s also the September show, and their summer Microbrew Festival: Montana Brews and Barbecue, featuring almost 100 varieties of beer, all made in Montana, and a great assortment of all-Billings food trucks.

Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a newcomer to Billings, don’t miss one of the Magic City’s foundational community events, March 5-7, at MetraPark Expo Center and Montana Pavilion.

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

23

How to Adjust to L i fe I n M o n t a n a ARTICLE TANA LEE

WE LCO M E 24

Howdy, New Neighbor!

Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

IT’S A TOPIC THAT COMES UP OFTEN THESE DAYS. “Are you selling homes to a lot of people coming from other states?” The answer to that, without hesitation, is yes. The events of 2020 have certainly given us Montanans a renewed appreciation for our beautiful and less populated state. It has also become a destination for those looking to escape the heavily populated cities across our country.

“Tell them Montana is full but South Dakota is nice!”

native, and in an effort to offer a warm welcome to the many new Montana residents, I took to

While you may hear Montanans joke about our

Facebook and asked clients and friends who

state being “full”, you’ll also find them to be the

have relocated to Billings if they have any tips or

first to welcome their neighbor with a plate of

suggestions on getting acclimated to the area.

cookies. I have been told more than once by out-

The following is a compilation of their responses:

of-state visitors that they have encountered some

1.) You may experience all 4 seasons in a single

of the nicest people they’ve ever met while here

day. It’s often a good idea to dress in layers and

in Billings. We are also a city that has attracted

have an extra coat in the car. Oh, and shorts sea-

some pretty talented professionals who have

son for men apparently starts when the temps hit

helped shape our city for the better. As a Billings

45 degrees. But don’t be surprised if temps drop below 0 the next day!

2.) When driving on back country roads or through residential neighborhoods, it is common courtesy to wave back when oncoming drivers wave to you despite having no clue who they are.

3.) Prepare to drive defensively at roundabouts. Actually, just make sure you drive defensively everywhere in Billings. Blinkers are just a suggestion in this town.

4.) AWD vehicles are fantastic and will make your commute slightly less terrifying after a winter rainstorm has left a sheet of ice on the streets for your morning commute.

5.) One fellow real estate agent who relocated to Billings from Kansas years ago offered the suggestion to refrain from calling the South Hills “mountains”, noting he got laughed at for a misconception that could easily happen, especially if you’re coming from Kansas.

CONTINUED >

TO M O NTA N A

A COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS FROM RECENT MIGRANTS

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

25

HOW TO ADJUST TO LIFE IN MONTANA (CONTINUED)

26

Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

6.) Another friend, who relocated from Washington, mentioned that new residents from bigger cities will be excited to discover that their hour commute time will likely be reduced drastically. When your new co-worker complains about having to drive from the Heights to the West End for an errand, realize that in our minds, we may as well be going across the state and refrain from talking about how you are used to a 12-mile commute taking you a whole 90 minutes.

7.) While I was out touring property with recent clients who are relocating from California, they brought up how slowly the traffic seemed to move in comparison to the state they are leaving and how nice it was to just slow down.

It is nice until you need to be somewhere. It is not uncommon to be behind someone doing 25 mph all the way down Rimrock Road, especially if you are already running late.

8.) One minute you can be driving down a highway (or 8th and Grand) minding your own business and the next you are dodging deer.

Always be watching for the deer!

9.) Take advantage of the adventures that await you in this beautiful state! Always have bear spray and mosquito repellent on hand.

Expect to be out of cell range on your outdoor adventures, so tell people where you are going and plan accordingly. And please, as fuzzy and cute as they look, do not approach the buffalo at Yellowstone National Park!

10.) One final bit of advice from a Montana native who now lives in Washington: “If you’re lucky enough to live in Montana, stay.”I could go on to list numerous wonderful features of our community and the people who live in it, but I already know the town and its residents will let their actions speak louder than my words. With that, I’d love to be the first to welcome you to Billings!

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

27

are Valued

How Diamonds

WHAT THE FOUR C'S MEAN ARTICLE CHRIS MONTAGUE

DEVELOPED BY THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA (GIA), THE

the closer it comes, the higher its value. The clarity

4CS OF DIAMOND RARITY IS NOW THE GLOBAL STANDARD FOR ASSESS-

scale has 6 categories with a total of 11 specific grades.

ING THE QUALITY OF ANY DIAMOND, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit

The 4Cs refer to Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight. This standardized

light and sparkle intensely. People often think of a dia-

method of diamond grading accomplished two important things: First, diamond

mond’s cut as its shape (round, emerald, pear), but a cut

quality is communicated in a universal language. Second, buyers have a precise

grade refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with

understanding of the value of their diamond investment.

light and how proportionally it is cut.

A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue – like a drop

Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how

of pure water. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color grading systems measures the

much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200

degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and

milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’

precise standards.

This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth

Diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and

decimal place. Diamond weights greater than one carat

position of inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external), as well as how these

are expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone

affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure,

would be described as ‘one point oh eight carats.’

28

Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

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Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

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Appreciation For What It Is Original Art by Catie Radney @catieradneyart

get the look WITH HGTV + DIY NETWORK’S ‘BARGAIN MANSIONS’ DESIGNER TAMARA DAY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

32

Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

DESIGNER TAMARA DAY IS A PUR-

skill set comes from growing up on a

VEYOR OF THE GLAM AND COZY.

farm. Growing up, she learned all of

This busy wife and mother of four styles

her hands-on skills from her dad, Ward

for the spirited home, mixing glam, com-

Schraeder. After getting married, Tamara

fort, and family. Tamara’s sense of style

and her husband took on old, dilapidated

and eye for what works has created an

homes that no one wanted and turned

insatiable demand for her interior design

them into beautiful spaces.

expertise, furniture and décor .Tamara

One home in particular made Tamara

grew up on the Midwestern plains in

the sought after designer she is today.

Salina,

While rescuing a home from foreclosure

Kansas.

Her

“do-it-yourself”

01

Season 3 | Episode 10 View the full project and shop for products at TamaraDay.com.

Banquette Tile: Daltile® Marble 3/8 x Random Mosaic in Venetian Calacatta

Island Chandeliers: Kichler Brisbane Cabinet Knob: Nostalgic Warehouse Deco Cabinet Knob

Cabinet Pull: Nostalgic Warehouse Farmhouse Cup Pull

Countertop + Backsplash: Daltile® Natural Stone Slab – Natural Quartzite in Crystalize (Polished) Cabinet Color: Dried Thyme – 75% (Sherwin Williams)

and neglect, the economy tanked, forcing Tamara to do a lot of the work herself. To stay on budget, she went to estate sales and redesigned furniture to fit her vision for the house. Out of this experience, a new brand was born— Growing Days, Tamara’s interior design, furniture, décor and lifestyle business.

On HGTV & DIY Network’s Bargain Mansions, Tamara and her crew transform big, old houses that she finds at bargain prices.

While respecting the integrity and history of the homes, she integrates modern design, function and style to the space – perfect

CONTINUED >

for today’s families.

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

33

l i v i n g r o o m

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Rain Cloud Original Art by Karen Dreyer @karendreyerart

Boulder Original Art

by Rachel Harris @studiorhad

02

Fireplace Stone: Daltile® Ambassador™ Random Linear Mosaic in Voyager Black

Chandelier: Kichler

Rug: Heartland Beige

Fireplace Hearth: Daltile® Natural Stone Slab – Black Soapstone (Honed)

34

Billings Lifestyle | March 2021

View the full project and shop for products at TamaraDay.com.

Season 3 | Episode 11

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