Billings, MT December 2022

A R T S + C U LT U R E

HOME + DESIGN

TR AV E L

HO M E FIRES

A SE A SO N O F GIVIN G

I' LL (N OT) BE H O M E FO R CH RISTM A S

All is Calm, All is Bright D E C E M B E R 2 022

Honesty Integrity Accountability Quality Safety Excellence Commercial Construction | Custom Home Building | Custom Design Services

406-969-5444 | ybconstruction.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The real gift.

December 2022 PUBLISHER

Richard Boggs | Richard.Boggs@CityLifestyle.com EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com

This time of year is by far my favorite. Everybody has a twinkle in their eye. Families are getting to see each other again after a long summer and fall, full of vacations and work. But the best part of this time of year is the chance to give your family and friends a year's worth of love and gratitude.

Appreciate those gifts and sacrifices given. No matter what holiday you celebrate, it's a time to come together and lift each other up.

I still remember being a kid on Christmas morning. One particular year stands out to me as the most memorable. I was a 7-year-old Batman fanatic who really, really loved the Michael Keaton movies. Crawling and creeping around my house like a miniature ninja, growling, "I am Batman!" at anybody and everybody. It was my every hope and dream to receive a Batman slot car track that I had seen at the store. I asked Santa every night before bed, the same way someone would wish on a star. Little did I know, Santa was on it.

My parents worked like madmen to provide for our family growing up.

We were never without but certainly not well off. I knew I couldn't ask my parents for a $200 Christmas gift but I just knew I had been good enough for some luck with Santa Claus. As the day grew nearer, however, I started to notice that my dad was gone way longer than normal at night. Turns out, he volunteered to work turnover the two weeks before Christmas. I was furious at him for not being around for the lights and the tree. It took me until I had my son to realize exactly what was going on. He had made a great sacrifice for his family and for that, I'll be forever thankful. I even let Dad drive the Batmobile.

RICHARD BOGGS, PUBLISHER @BILLINGSCITYLIFESTYLE

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Amanda Tucker | Amanda.Tucker@CityLifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Chelsea Culp | ChelseaCulpPhotography@Gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Ragain CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Nick Mack, Sarie Mackay CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Made for Home, Erika Spaulding, Clark Farm Silos

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/BILLINGS |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Billings City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Billings area’s 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 City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

4

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

LUXURY SERVICE AT ANY PR ICE POINT 2911 GREGORY DR N LISTED BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS BILLINGS, SHAWNA MORALES SOLD BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS BILLINGS, ALEIGHA SOLOWY

SHAWNA MORALES Broker - Advisor - Partner 406-850-3065

ALEIGHA SOLOWY Advisor 406-860-7663

4 0 6 -206- 0192 | shawnam o rales.evrealestate. com | 1 0 2 7 S h i l oh C ros s i n g B ou l ev ard S u i te 7 B i l l i n gs , M o n t a n a

DECEMBER 2022

inside the issue The Holiday & Giving Issue

32

12

22

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 I'll (Not) Be Home for Christmas

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Hot Spot

18

Fashion Forward

22

Gift Guide

30

Giving Back

32

Artist’s Palette

Staycation inspiration.

22 A Season of Giving

A holiday gift guide from Made for Home.

32 Home Fires

Montana through the years.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Chelsea Culp Gabrian Ranch uses a horse drawn sleigh to feed the hungry herd in Red Lodge.

6

T R AV EL EV ENT PLA NNI NI G + SE RV IC E S

HO ME + DES I GN LI FE + C U LT U R E A RTS + C U LT U R E

DECEMBER 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1

3

6

4

2

7 5

1-10: The Maize at Grandpa's Farm was a busy place to be this autumn! Family fun for everyone. Photography by Chelsea Culp

8

C I T Y SC E N E

8

9

10

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @billingscitylifestyle

BERMUDA

montaguesjewelers.com D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

9

DECEMBER 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Holiday Market at the Montana Audubon Center

Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

Murder Mystery Dinner & Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

On Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m., feast your eyes on locally made, handcrafted treasures by local artists and crafters. These unique gifts are made by people right here in our community. This second annual Holiday Market promises to be a jolly good time.

The Lockwood Performing Arts Center at Lockwood High School will host The Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra on Sunday, December 12 at 2 p.m. This December concert is part of their 15th season featuring four orchestras with students from preschool to college age, and will also include homeschooled students and students from outlying rural schools.

Seating is general admission and is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Snowflake Lodge will be hosting the holiday party of the season on Friday, December 2 at 6 p.m. Dress in your ugliest Christmas sweater and enjoy an evening of dinner and drinks while you collect evidence to crack the case at hand! Reservations are $95 per person and tickets include character name and description, costume suggestions, a 3-course dinner, wine, and participation in the mystery throughout the evening. Call 406.256.5100 and ask for Marlene to make a reservation.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Billings

10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

BILLINGS CITY LIFESTYLE™

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

SCAN TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Good news in your neighborhood.

Local content by local creators.

Inside scoop on all things local.

Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

11

I'll (Not) Be Home for Christmas

Staycation inspiration

12

H OT SP OT | TR AVEL

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING & CLARK FARM SILOS

Sometimes a weekend (or week) away after, before, or even during the holidays is much needed. We tend to think of getting away as this big, boxed package that perfectly fits the person it's for, and it usually comes with a hefty price tag, but traveling doesn't need to be pricey or grand by any measure. Montana takes care of that grand part all on its own.

Staycations during this season can be charming, adventurous, soothing, or whatever you need them to be! Here are a few places to inspire your own getaway this season.

CONTINUED >

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

13

THE CASITA AT BLACKFOOT BASECAMP, MISSOULA COUNTY If your friends or neighbors think it's fishy that you're vacating the fix around the holidays, well, it is! The Casita at Blackfoot Basecamp is an angler's paradise. Cast a line or just enjoy the natural beauty of the Blackfoot River corridor. This cabin includes a master bedroom (king bed), a loft (two twin beds), and the adjacent bunk house includes twin bunk beds. For a full list of details, accommodation notes, and availability, please visit The Casita at Blackfoot Basecamp Airbnb.

NORTHERN MONTANA YURT, SAINT REGIS The year has come full circle, so why not bring that sentiment to life by staying at a yurt. This one has a cozy cabin feel and serves for the perfect romantic getaway, fun family adventure, or a place for friends to meet and make memories. This yurt was hand-built by the family that owns it. With minimal space and minimal things,

14

H OT SP OT | TR AVEL

this family was drawn outside to focus on what was really important to them: relationships. The indoor space features one queen bed, one king bed and a queen air mattress. For a full list of details, accommodation notes, and availability, please visit Northern Montana Yurt Airbnb.

CLARK FARM SILOS, KALISPELL Care to experience the "Big Ol Soup Cans?" The Clark Farm Silos hosts guests in previously working grain silos that were strategically placed and reconstructed on the Clark's three-generation family farm. Every detail of the newly constructed interior was carefully curated to maintain the unique cylindrical structure. Each silo offers a different experience but all have the glorious setting of the Flathead valley, a perfect setting to enjoy a fresh cup of Maven Coffee roasted exclusively for the Clark Farm Silos. For a full list of details, accommodation notes, and availability, please visit Clark Farm Silos Airbnb

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

15

A Single Momen t In Time

Go to MandMTuck .PicFair .com

A Single Moment taken of the Beauty of the Montana Outdoors

First Week FREE with mention of ad 406.534.2883 | purebarre.com/location/billings-mt 1595 Grand Avenue Billings, Montana

Billings Complete Auto Repair Shop 2211 4th Ave North · Billings, MT 59101 montanabrakes.com

406-259-8622

A Trusted & Superior Level of Dental Care!

$0

406-248-6177 TurleyDentalCare.com

Cleanings!

For insured patients.

Call for details.

Appointments 7am–7pm & on Saturdays!

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

17

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA CULP

What a Life We'll Lead, You & Me CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO COUPLES WHO TIED THE KNOT IN 2022

Caiden & Haeley | Fox Fields, Red Lodge Angelique & Jason | Dan Walt Gardens, Billings CONTINUED >

18

FASH ION F OR WA R D | EVE NT PLANNI NI G + S E RVI CE S

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

19

20

FASH ION F OR WA R D | EVE NT PLANNI NI G + S E RVI CE S

HVAC PLUMBING AND REMODELING 406.252.7100 alpinebillings.com B/alpineplumbing 306 Moore Ln Billings, Montana

10% OFF up to $50 through December

30+ YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

THRIFT SHOP

Open

10- 5:30 Weekdays 10-4 Saturdays

giamt.org • 406.696.8704 • 10 S. 30TH ST. • BILLINGS, MT

I F YO U A R E R E A D I N G T H I S . . .

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH BILLINGS CITY LIFESTYLE™

L E A R N M O R E AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / B I L L I N G S

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

21

A Season of Giving

A HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FROM MADE FOR HOME ARTICLE BY NICK MACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA CULP & MADE FOR HOME

The holidays can be just as stressful as they might be merry, but gift-giving doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, you can make your shopping trip downright jolly by visiting Billings’ hottest décor destination, Made for Home. Candle scents ranging from cinnamon chai to lime salt guava will guide you through the historic downtown doors, where you’ll find inspiration in chaises under chandeliers and hand-carved dinnerware on hand-crafted dining tables.

“We work really hard to make it an experience for everyone,” says manager Bailie Quinones. “From the way we arrange our displays to the items we bring in, we want your visit to be more than shopping. We want to make people happy and inspire them to bring that happiness back into their own homes.”

With its emphasis on high-quality, affordable décor and lifestyle products, Made for Home is the perfect stop for anyone hoping to spruce up the home of a loved one this holiday season. Skip the gift cards and box calendars this year, and check out some one-of-a-kind gift ideas from the best in the business.

Bailie Quinones

22

G IF T GU ID E | HOM E + D E S I GN

Rustic Country Wood Cutting Board

For the Chic Chef

“We want to make people happy and inspire them to bring that happiness back into their own homes.”

Crafted from mango wood, with a rope loop for easy hanging, this cutting board demands to be displayed when it’s not in use. Of course, the chef in your life may have a hard time not using it constantly, but this staff favorite is more than up to the task. The rustic wood tolerates everyday chopping like a champ, and it doubles as an elegant base for even the most elaborate charcuterie arrangement.

CONTINUED >

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

23

Paulownia Wood Planter For the Plant Parent

“We work really hard to make it an experience for everyone, From the way we arrange our displays to the items we bring in, we want your visit to be more than shopping.”

24

G IF T GU ID E | HOM E + D E S I GN

Available in multiple sizes, this planter will complement a wide range of flora and brighten the home of your favorite plant parent. Pair it with a bundle of purple twotoned hydrangeas or any assortment of stems from lavender to eucalyptus—all of which you can browse in-store and on the webshop at www.madeforhomehh.com

Knit Ceramic Tea Mug with Infuser For a Cozy Day Indoors

This mug simply looks warm, like your favorite sweater, and the ceramic lid ensures the appearance doesn’t deceive. Complete with a micro-perforated stainless-steel infuser, the mug makes a fantastic gift for tea connoisseurs and casual sippers alike, and it partners nicely with any unique books or orange melt biscuits you may discover in the showroom.

Mint Green Tea Jade Crystal Facial Roller For Her

This guaranteed winner merges the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of green tea with the firming and toning benefits of a facial roller for an unbeatable self-care experience. The jade crystal surface rolls gently and smoothly, and the kit contains a travel pouch for maintaining that glow on the go.

CONTINUED >

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

25

Bourbon Vanilla Post Shave Balm For Him

This aftershave balm proves quality skincare products aren’t just for the ladies. Also available in black-amber scent, the balm contains aloe vera, jojoba oil, marshmallow root, witch hazel, and green leaf—a blend which soothes irritation and promotes healing, because even the savviest shavers get sloppy sometimes. The man in your life will never return to generic brands after giving this one a whirl.

Hannesson Home Signature Candle For Anyone and Everyone

This best-selling product, the manager’s personal favorite, is available in four intriguing scents: Folklore, Established, Nostalgia, and Tailored. Nostalgia burns with hints of loose tobacco, vanilla, cedarwood, and oiled leather—and the other candles produce similarly unique yet comforting aromas from their classy matte black containers.

26

G IF T GU ID E | HOM E + D E S I GN

Yatzy

For Kids (and Kids at Heart)

You’ve probably played this classic dice game. You might remember the thrill of a Full House or the unmatched exhilaration of screaming “Yahtzee!” at your jealous friends.

Now you can share the joy, with this quirky and decorative twist on the timeless experience.

Kids will love making memories (and enemies) as they compete for the highest score, and parents will appreciate how stylishly the case fits into any setting—if they’re not too busy joining in on the festivity.

“It’s a little something for everybody,” Bailie Quinones says, linking her favorite product to her company’s mission. “Everyone deserves to have a space that feels like their own, and there are big and small ways to make it feel like that.

We want anyone to be able to walk in off the streets, no matter what walk of life, and be able to purchase something—whether it be a candle or a couch—that makes their house feel more like home.”

Hannesson Home Signature Candle Visit MadeForHomeHH.com to view products or stop by for in-store shopping at 14 North 29th Street Suite 101.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

27

“YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR PRIORITY!”

YOU CAN GET HEALTHCARE

FOR 69.99/MO. $

CALL AND BOOK YOUR

MOVE TODAY!

BETTERPRICE BETTEROUTCOME BETTERHEALTH (406) 855-2422 vitality-direct.com 1537 41ST ST W, BILLINGS, MT 59106 28

(406) 302-5521 WWW.MONTANAMUSCLEMOVERS.COM 2601 OVERLAND AVE BILLINGS, MT 59102

WEDDINGS, ELOPEMENTS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, & BRANDING | CHELSEARCULP.COM

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE? Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

CLASSES OFFERED » CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) » EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS (EMT) » HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CPR » WILDERNESS TRAINING

» OSHA COMPLIANT B E YOU R OW N B OS S

SE T YOUR SCHE DULE

LOW F RANCHISE F E E

WO R K-L IF E BA L A NCE

» AVERT APPROVED TRAINING CENTER $10 OFF PER STUDENT WHEN THEY MENTION AD

«

START YOUR OWN PUBLICATION CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FRANCHISE

406-206-2105 » america1stresponse.com 3333 2nd Avenue N #250 Billings, Montana 59101

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

29

The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does.

To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.)

Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amount up to $3,000 each.)

With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue.

“We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.”

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

30

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

W here ha s t he c a mpa ig n g i f t e d?

Scan Code to

Nominate between Dec. 1 – 15, 2022

Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram for reminders!

To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link.

All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once.

The amount given to each recipient will be based on need.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

31

Home Fires Passing through the autumn gateway and into winter, we might come home to a familiar house, to a school, to the wider world of nature, or to ourselves. Holiday time is a broader concept than it once was, with more varied traditions and with more transcendent meaning.

Those of us who grew up in Big Sky Country remember many quaint and rustic things about the holidays and winter in general.

David Branger of Roscoe tells stories of cutting ice on East Rosebud Lake to last a whole summer’s worth of dudes at the old Tee-O Bar. In the first half of the 20th century, all around the state, sleigh rides to and from neighboring ranches were commonplace as folks went out for hot toddies and storytelling.

The dainty two-seater sleigh could be found in some places, but gone are the people who heard its peculiar sound on the snowy streets: my grandmother told me it sounded like a sustained note on the violin. More often, groups would board a heavy conveyance called a sledge with sturdy draft horses to pull it. Any driver who was up to snuff outfitted his horses with brass bells.

The cowboys of the late 19th century often found themselves without work after fall roundup and thus picked up odd jobs until spring came. The term "Christmas on the line" came from the cowboy riding snow-dusted fence lines from ranch to ranch, keeping track of strays and picking up a hot meal where he could. Alone he rode, through frosted sagebrush and over timbered rimrocks, knowing only the sound of the horse’s breath and the creak of saddle leather. Imagine the glad sight of a lit-up log cabin or bunkhouse, its windows casting orange rectangles of light on the night landscape. Inside, our cowboy was

made welcome and given a seat by the fire, whether he was a poor fellow with a borrowed horse or a smartly-styled buckaroo.

The little settlements that popped up around Montana knew they had arrived when they had people and resources enough to build a simple school, church, and a fellowship hall. Every town found a way to move beyond the private threshold of home, reaching out to those less fortunate and celebrating a larger love in community. Whether it was at the school, the church, or at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, there was a Christmas pageant, program, or dance.

In each of our lives, the holidays bring welcomed sights like a fire on the hearth or the doors of a community building flung wide.

The company of family and friends, especially for those whose lives are touched by loss and difficulty, makes all the difference. Dave Walter’s wonderful book, “Christmastime in Montana,” features newspaper articles from small towns like Avon, Conrad, Plentywood, Denton, Dillon, and more. There are stories of costume contests, of the first Christmas with the telephone, and of the Butte Boy Scouts who repaired all toys at the Twin Bridges Orphanage. Years from now, our own hours, days, and years will be the stuff of nostalgia for our children and their children.

The simple scent of a fir tree in the living room transports us back to childhood and times past, helping the clouds of worry drift away and revealing all that truly matters. Soon we begin the journey into another year. On our evening walks, the steadfast stars greet us again. We see them by the thousands, scattered like frost in an indigo sky and shedding on us the blessing that is Montana.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY SARIE MACKAY

32

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

In each of our lives, the holidays bring welcomed sights like a fire on the hearth or the doors of a community building flung wide.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / BI L L I N G S

33

34

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

www.asinglemomentintime.net

Michael Tucker

A Single Moment In Time, are large canvas photos of local landscapes, and views from the summits of Mountains in Montana and surrounding states through the eyes of Michael Tucker. These photos have been taken with an inspirational view in time, looking down from the summits, or taken at just a moment in time that will never be duplicated.

Find these beautiful large canvas photos that will add inspiration to any wall in your home or office.

Go to www.asinglemomentintime.net

Repair Fine Lines, Sun Damage or Scars

premieraestheticsmt.com 406-794-0003 CHERRY FINANCING NOW AVAILABLE