Missoula Valley, MT March 2021

M A R C H 2 02 1

THE MAKINGS

OF HOME

HOME + DESIGN O U R M O U N TAI N ES TAT E WELLNESS FA M I LY AN D FI NAN C I N G G O HAN D I N HAN D LI F E + C U LTU R E L AY ERI N G S T O RI ES

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@LifestylePubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

It's so good to be home.

Erika Fredrickson | Erika.Fredrickson@LifestylePubs.com

THERE IS A CURTAIN THAT TAKES THE PLACE OF A DOOR ON MY UPSTAIRS

Marla Huggins | Marla.Huggins@LifestylePubs.com Lorien Sasek | Lorien.Sasek@LifestylePubs.com

BATHROOM VANITY. It's taupe in color and I'm not sure if whatever it hides is uglier than the curtain itself but that's not the point. The point is what it says: Great work takes time. And in my sixth year of homeownership, boy is that true.

ACCO UNT MANAGERS

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Erika Spaulding | InspiredByMontana@Gmail.com AD DESIGNER

My husband and I were house broke for what seemed like years. But we didn't care.

Whitney Lockhart

We bought when the market was low and we created our own paradise that was

L AYO UT DESIGNER

full of the basics. We nearly lived outside with how much fencing we put up and outbuildings we built, and rebuilt. It was homeowner's bliss. Now that our twenties are over, it's as if our thirties have offered up a yearning for sophistication. I like clean lines and white rooms. I love natural things, like wood grain and metals. I capture a candid moment every Saturday morning of my son lying in bed with a big toothless grin and I want to blow it up in black and white and hang it on the wall. Our home is

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Shelby Humphreys, Jill MH Taber CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro

our experience. We are the birds with the twigs pinched between our beaks.

Now that almost every wall is painted a new color, our master bedroom is the lone survivor. It calls out for a deep green—Regal Leaf by Magnolia to be specific. I can already envision the walls shimmering while they dry, hanging clean curtains, seeing my baby's face on the wall. It's a refuge for our day's work and a canvas for all the days to come. Their beginnings will take place here.

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

This issue always makes me feel cozy. I love being a homeowner and I love all the

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

things that go into homeownership, even the really important stuff like finances. This

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

issue has it all, right down to the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe to truly enve-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

lope you in the happiness and wholeness that home offers. I also think it recognizes how home has been reshaped in the past year, with so many of us spending much more time here. There's been a shift. Our stories are representative of our truest desires—comfort, tranquility, meaningfulness, and simplicity. Now more than ever, we're truly experiencing our homes in the way they were destined to be, which is,

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

for ourselves and our families.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

ON THE COVER

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Editor

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

@OurMountainEstate

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

is a gorgeous place for a new beginning for one Bitterroot Valley family.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING 4

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

Proverbs 3:5-6 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Missoula Valley 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 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Uncompromising Service. Montana Style.

Investment and Portfolio Management

Left to right: Jim Benson, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Julie Passuccio, CWP, FPQP™, Senior Registered Associate; Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Laurel Kato, CWP, FPQP™, Senior Registered Associate; Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager

283 W. Front St., Suite 101 | Missoula, MT | (406) 329-4040 | 406wm.com CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 10 The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Nothing says home quite like a cookie.

14 Family and Financing Go Hand in Hand An interview with Justin Blodgett at Mann Mortgage.

20 Our Mountain Estate A Bitterroot family is not afraid of a little DIY.

20 26

26 Layering Stories Smithblack Furniture inspires simple style with antique and modern pieces.

10

14 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

10

Culinary Creations

26 Open House 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts

Passionately crafted dishes for the foodie in you!

AROUND TOWN

YMCA CLIMBING CLUB!

CALL FOR ART! LAST BEST PRINT FEST: MAKE ME LAUGH

YMCA Climbing Club helps youth build confidence on the wall alongside friends. It also famil-

On Sunday, March 21 at 10 a.m, join this fun,

iarizes beginning climbers with how to tie in,

online event! You can apply through Zootown Arts

belay team communication, and the process of

Submittable at ZootownArts.Submittable.com.

belay. Ideal for youth interested in joining YMCA

Last Best Print Fest is an annual month-long event

Climbing Team who have not yet learned belay

devoted entirely to the wonderful world of printmak-

or basic climbing knot work. Open to youth ages

ing, and is a fundraiser for the ZACC’s Public Print

7 to 17. Begins at 4 p.m. at the Missoula Family

Shop. LBPF always includes a portfolio exchange,

YMCA. Sessions are eight weeks and the club

with each artist submitting an edition of twelve

meets once a week for two hours. January 20 to

prints based on a theme. Additionally, LBPF nor-

March 10 or March 24 to May 12. Cost is $174 for

mally boasts a featured print artist, free print demos,

non-Y Members

and a LBPF Bingo game involving local businesses.

This year’s Last Best Print Fest will be run a little dif-

$154 for Y Household or Family Members.

ferently and will feature a Print-a-Thon, where folks

SUPER/TINY SPROUTS PRESCHOOL FUN!

can sponsor the ZACC Print Shop Manager, Patricia

Super Sprouts: Ages 3 to 5 on Fridays, February

Thornton, to ‘marathon print’ throughout one whole

12 to March 12, 2 to 2:45 p.m.

weekend. All printmakers are invited to submit an

Get your preschooler moving during this last

edition of 12 prints based on the theme Make Me

part of winter! Your little sports star will develop

Laugh. Visit ZootownArts.org for all information

coordination, balance, and movement skills

regarding submitting art and deadlines.

while having fun and learning about a variety

NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORS WALK & ROLL

of sports. Parent participation is welcome and encouraged! Super Sprouts includes Strider

Go for a walk and roll with your neighbors and stay

bikes along with the classic sports kids love. We

connected every Friday! They’ll meet at Northside Park

use soft Koosh and Nerf-type equipment so kids

pavilion at 4:00 p.m., move on a set route for 30 min-

can build confidence and have lots of fun. Tiny

utes, and end back in the same place for hot chocolate.

Sprouts: Walkers to age 3 on Fridays, February

Bring the kids! Distancing and masks, please.

12 to March 12, 1 to 1:30pm. Fun, structured playtime for toddlers to 3-yr-olds and their parents

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

or caregivers! Little ones learn to play together

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

with our soft and safe equipment, and kids are

MissoulaValley using the Get In Touch link and let us

introduced to basic sport skills.

know what you think.

114 8

east main street

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

°

d ow n tow n m i ss o u l a

°

c lov e r l i f e st y l e . s h o p

° 4 0 6 -5 4 4 -9 1 2 0

CULINARY CREATIONS

t he per fect chocolate ch ip cook ie ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY CHELSEA LYN AGRO

THAT’S

RIGHT,

I

WENT

THERE:

THE

PERFECT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE. This recipe is perfection. I love how it strays from typical increments and stays outside the box unlike store bought dough or other generic recipes. It’s so specific and the secret weapon, for me, is the trifecta of sugars. You’ll need to put your health resolutions aside for this one.

It’s a household favorite for my family and a real crowd pleaser whenever we have guests.

And in a world of online recipes, it makes my heart happy to know that this little recipe lived only on a stained notecard until now. It was passed along from a family to a coworker to me and I just can’t help but want everyone to experience this bold cookie. Imagine all the things you love most about different types of chocolate chip cookies—mountainous, soft, chewy, sugary, gooey, crispy. It truly has everything.

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

chocolate chip cookies + 1/2 cup butter + 1 large egg + 2 tablespoons granu- + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + 3/4 teaspoon baking soda lated sugar + 2 tablespoons turbinado + 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt + 1/2 pound dark chocosugar (Sugar in the Raw) + 3/4 cup packed late chips + 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour brown sugar

Heat oven to 360 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together with electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Mix in salt and baking soda and then the flour at low speed until combined. The dough should be crumbly. For an extra chocolately cookie, add two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Pour in chocolate chips and mix by hand until evenly dispersed. Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough about 2 inches apart and bake for 11 to 12 minutes.

Let cookies rest for five minutes before enjoying!

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

11

A Single Momen t In Time

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13

family and financing go hand in hand

ARTICLE SHELBY HUMPHREYS

AN INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN BLODGETT AT MANN MORTGAGE

A HOUSE BECOMES A HOME WHEN A FAMILY

S: What got you into home lending?

MOVES IN. And getting that home is where Justin

J: My father owned a mortgage company in the Seattle

Blodgett, Branch Manager with Mann Mortgage, can

area before he retired a few years ago and I have family

help. Whether you’re looking for something big or small,

still in the business.

countryside or smack dab in the center of town, Justin

14

has the education, qualifications, and family-driven com-

S: As markets fluctuate, home lending has its own ups

pany behind him to assist you in this important step of

and downs. What has kept you coming to the office

the home-buying process.

these last ten years?

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

J: Helping people is what drives me. I remember one family. I had worked with the mom for about a year. She found a property but there were some big hurdles to conquer. The team at Mann Mortgage worked together to help her close on the transaction. When I found out

nothing better than getting one-on-one help from a licensed loan

the mother had been sleeping on a couch in their small rental, word

officer. Set yourself up right by getting pre-approved and you can

got around to our CEO. As a donation, we purchased her a bed frame

avoid becoming disappointed later.

and mattress so she could rest comfortably in her new home. I can still see my processor’s email: “This is why we do what we do.”

S: What kind of financing options does Mann Mortgage provide and how can someone get started with you?

S: There are so many unknowns all throughout our nation’s econ-

J: We offer a large menu such as conventional, FHA (Federal

omy right now. Do you have any tips for someone looking to buy

Housing Administration), Rural Development, VA (Veterans

a home these days?

Administration), and Montana Housing Loans, including down

J: You can say that again! As professionals, we learn to adapt and

payment assistance programs for first-time home buyers. I’m

continue to focus on helping people reach their home financing

happy to help. They can reach me at 406.755.6203 ext. 2031 or by

goals. You can easily find information online, however, there is

email Justin.Blodgett@MannMortgage.com.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

15

FAMILY AND FINANCING GO HAND IN HAND (CONTINUED)

We pride ourselves in helping our clients to achieve their home financing goal.

S: If someone feels overwhelmed at the idea of searching for prop-

Justin Blodgett, NMLS# 144932 Branch Manager/Loan Officer

erty, what advice would you give them?

213 Main Street Stevensville, MT 59870 Phone no. 406.755.6203

J: Missoula is comparatively small and it can be nerve-racking to

Mann Mortgage, LLC NMLS #2550 is an Equal Housing Lender.

find that ideal property. Mann Mortgage has been around 32 years so give your local office a call and we’ll help you get started. We’re a

Mann Mortgage, LLC is not endorsed by, nor acting on behalf of or

family company. We pride ourselves in helping our clients to achieve

at the direction of, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel-

their home financing goal.

opment, Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Federal Government. Not af-

JUSTIN BLODGETT

filiated with Zillow.com or any of its affiliates. All programs are subject

Branch Manager, Mann Mortgage

to credit and income qualification. This is not a guarantee of financing

406.755.6203 ext. 2031

or a firm offer of credit.

justin.blodgett@mannmortgage.com 16

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

Give us a call and we’ll be there chop-chop.

call 542-SEED

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19

Our Mountain

Estate ARTICLE JILL MH TABER PHOTOGRAPHY ERIKA SPAULDING

ON A JANUARY FRIDAY, FRESH INTO A NEW YEAR, CAITLYN

I wouldn’t have been able to see the poten-

SARGENT MADE HER ROOKIE DEBUT—GROUTING TILE, THAT

tial in this house five years ago.”

IS. A few days prior, she tackled another first-time project: faux terrazzo countertop on her bathroom vanity.

A big house with big projects requires a strategy, so Caitlyn and Zach made a list of

Caitlyn and her husband, Zach, are no strangers to do-it-your-

three must-dos and set a goal to complete

self renovation. Their home in the mountains west of Stevensville

them by Christmas: replace the roof, nix the

is their third project in five years. They’re drawn to investment

carpet, add new flooring, and swap wooden

projects and this estate (complete with 24 acres, a hangar, and a

paneling for sheet-rocked walls.

lighted airstrip) is no different.

“One thing I’ve learned is that you have to

The Sargents hadn’t planned to sell their previous home but a

prioritize. You have to go in with a strategy,”

realtor friend approached them with a buyer, so in July 2020, they

she said. “But also, you need to be able to be

looked for a new project.

spontaneous and pivot. That’s also beneficial.”

“This house was a mess. It was jam-packed with stuff,” Caitlyn explained. “But we knew it was what we were looking for.”

The house hosted tired wall-to-wall carpet but boasted phenomenal Bitterroot Valley views.

“To see that investment potential is motivating,” Caitlyn said. “To see what you can put into it and what you can get out takes practice.

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

And while her master list is long with projects, the big three they identified back in September are done.

“It’s livable and it’s comfortable. We can do other projects as time is available,” Caitlyn said.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

21

OUR MOUNTAIN ESTATE (CONTINUED)

She knows the temptation to tackle everything at once but she explained that resisting the urge to power through the list means you won’t end up with a houseful of décor you don’t like.

“There can be so much to do. You have to figure out what’s going to serve you best in your home,” Caitlyn said. “Ask yourself, ‘what can I do to work with what I have so this will be something I like and stay within my budget?’ It doesn’t have to cost a ton of money.”

She described the bathroom vanity that wasn’t totally their style but rather than starting from scratch, she and Zach cut it down, added legs, refreshed the hardware, and Caitlyn experimented with the faux terrazzo countertop rather than installing the real thing (and a heftier price tag).

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

She encourages other DIYers to work their

Living in a construction zone isn’t most

way up to bigger projects and to be inten-

people’s idea of relaxation but Caitlyn

tional with purchases, large and small.

takes comfort in her home being a work-

“I used to want everything done at once,”

in-progress, especially as the renovations

Caitlyn explained. “But then I realized, ‘what

give her a chance to work with family

if I bought all of that stuff—is my mind going

(Caitlyn’s dad and Zach’s dad both lend

to change in a couple of months?’ If you

their expertise and her kids have learned

don’t like it, you’re going to be spending

to scrape carpet staples from subfloor).

money on it again.”

But on a bigger level, she appreciates the

She said she’s learned to be more

lessons learned.

patient and more intentional about the

“I can’t force things. Things happen on a

projects she starts and the items she

whim,” she said. “We make use of the time

purchases—a trend she sees taking hold

and we go with the flow.”

across our culture as well.

When they decided to sell their previous

“I’ve seen so much in the last year: people

home last summer, they worried an invest-

focusing on simplifying and minimizing in

ment property would be hard to find. They fell

their home. I think there’s a realization of how

in love with a home that was in foreclosure,

much stuff is around you and how that stuff

only to lose it to another buyer.

can start to feel heavy,” Caitlyn explained. “I

“I’ve learned to be patient,” Caitlyn said.

see a lot of people having a mindset change.

“We’re a faithful family. Our home sold, we

People are really focusing on making home a

accepted an offer on it and found this house

happy and relaxing place.”

that we couldn’t have even dreamt of.”

CONTINUED >

“YOU’LL NEVER KNOW IF YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU DON’T GIVE IT A SHOT. THINGS SEEM SCARY AT FIRST BUT GIVE IT A CHANCE. THE HARD PART SOMETIMES IS TAKING A STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. YOU CAN TRY NEW THINGS.”

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

23

OUR MOUNTAIN ESTATE (CONTINUED)

Caitlyn uses her Instagram platform to give her followers insight and how-to for projects but she hopes that she can encourage people (and her own kids) to take the leap and try something new.

“Everyone is capable and can be equipped to do this. My family is no different than anyone else,” she said.

“You’ll never know if you can do it if you don’t give it a shot. Things seem scary at first but give it a chance. The hard part sometimes is taking a step outside of your comfort zone. You can try new things.”

Follow Caitlyn on Instagram at @ourmountainestate.

“ Eve r yon e is cap ab le a n d ca n b e e q uip p e d t o d o t his . My fa m ily is no d if fe re nt t h a n anyon e e lse.”

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

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25

OPEN HOUSE

L AYE RING

STORIES SMITHBLACK FURNITURE INSPIRES SIMPLE STYLE WITH ANTIQUE AND MODERN PIECES 1. FURNISHING A HOME OR A NEW IS NO SMALL TASK. IT TAKES TIME, MONEY, AND AN EYE FOR DESIGN THAT CAN BE BOTH FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING. AT SMITHBLACK FURNITURE, HOW DO YOU HELP SOMEONE LOOKING FOR JUST THE PIECE FOR THEIR HOME? ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

We essentially interview our customers! We will ask about goals for the

CHELSEA LYN AGRO

space. Who’s using it and how? What feeling are they trying to evoke? We can advise about budgeting and where to spend or save. Our first goal is to make people feel comfortable enough to open up and share. Interior design is a creative, personal decision process that should be a pleasure!

We like to pair a casual experience with a professional backing. We play loud music, allow dogs here, crack jokes and we’re friendly. We, Nickie and Nora, also have a combined 60 years in the furniture industry.

26

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

2. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW SUSTAINABILITY WORKS WITHIN YOUR PRODUCT CHOICES OR CUSTOM DESIGNS? If you buy well and make it last, you’re consuming less. That’s one sustainable approach that we offer our customers. Think of buying some pieces for life. Another component is our manufacturer’s commitments to sustainable practices. That’s easier to find with American-made furniture. Finally, we sell quality second-hand pieces, for literal recycling.

3. WHAT’S THE MOST LOVED ITEM AT YOUR STORE? A BEST SELLER PERHAPS? During these trying times, choices seem to be comfort-driven. Sectionals with down-cushions have been a daily discussion. The most popular fabrics are calm and textural, not patterns as much. People are looking for a gentle, mellow environment to relax. We have lots of rug customers lately, which is a high-impact way to change a space. It’s also a great starting point for a new project. And for good rest, our linen bedding is wonderful.

4. SINCE A LOT OF YOUR SOURCING COMES FROM FLEA MARKETS, ANTIQUE FAIRS, AND ESTATE SALES, WOULD YOU SAY THAT MOST OF YOUR TABLETOP INVENTORY IS ONE-OF-A-KIND? A majority of our accessories are vintage. We seek out ceramics, glass, paintings, natural history objects, etc. This has been a passion for us. We do offer some new essentials like candles and books. Then we mix in local artists and makers. In a custom furniture showroom, the art should be unique as well. Our artwork has already drawn a lot of attention and the vintage one-of-a-kinds go quickly.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

27

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

5. YOUR INSTAGRAM PAGE IS DROOL WORTHY FOR HOME LOVERS. YOU POSTED A PHOTO FEATURING A GORGEOUS FABRIC SELECTION. CAN YOU TELL US HOW A CUSTOMER CAN CUSTOMIZE THEIR OWN LOOK USING THIS SERVICE YOU PROVIDE? Thank you! Instagram has been a huge part of attracting our customers. It’s a mix of our vendors’ photos, inspiration and Nora’s own pics.

We have thousands of fabrics for custom sofas and chairs! Our upholstery and leather furniture is built in North Carolina. Clients can come in our showroom to test the comfort, see the tailoring, learn about the construction, then take home samples to see in their home. We have facilitated hundreds of custom orders and can guide you through. We also offer design consulting.

6. HOW DID SMITHBLACK FURNITURE COME INTO EXISTENCE AND WHY MISSOULA? Here’s the quick version: Smithblack is a mother-daughter partnership. Nickie (mama) owned a furniture store in Minnesota for about 40 years, Bedpost Furniture. Nora (daughter) worked at Bedpost through college, aquired an art degree, then moved to Montana and eventually Oregon, where she continued working in design showrooms.

Nora felt linked to Montana and the outdoor opportunities and didn’t want to return to Minnesota.

Nickie sold her business and told Nora she would help her start her own store someday. Now Nora runs Smithblack in Missoula and Nickie still lives in Minnesota. The word Smithblack is secret code… we will tell you about it if you come visit.

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

7. TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MEANINGFUL PIECES. THIS SEEMS TO BE MAKING A COMEBACK CONSIDERING GENERATIONAL PIECES AND HEIRLOOMS ARE OFTEN THOUGHT OF AS ANTIQUES IN TODAY’S WORLD. It’s a pleasure to see, feel, use quality design from the get-go and it maintains longer. The attitudes toward simplifying, buying locally, sustainability, etc. have driven a new generation of people to consider heirloom pieces. The furniture industry had gone through changes that reflect our culture…a fast, disposable lifestyle became popular…now there’s a backlash to that. Some people would rather slow things down and make more intentional decisions. This keeps us looking for designs that are “timeless” and don’t go out of style. Wise choices are always in style.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

29

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED) SMITHBLACK FURNITURE 2025 South Higgins Avenue 406.926.1553 SmithblackFurniture.com

8. WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT TO SEE FROM SMITHBLACK FURNITURE IN THE COMING MONTHS OR YEARS? Expect to see more interesting pieces for your home! We’ve started small and are building a careful collection of lines, so there are new additions constantly. We anticipate representing more artists and woodworkers soon. We look forward to hosting events: First Fridays, trunk shows, brunch. We know so many of our customers would love to meet each other. There are some very interesting, witty, artful people in our community. We feel lucky to interact with them here in our store.

30

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

MORGENROTH MUSIC CENTERS RENT-TO-OWN BAND AND ORCHESTRA

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www.montanamusic.com 406-549-0013 CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

31

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2

elements of pilates, yoga, and

THE PHOTO PROJECT

Sundays and Mondays! Call ahead

strength

training.

Shake

8

your

booty with Mismo Gymnastics on

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Online

to reserve your spot: 406.728.0908.

The Photo Project is a longer-term,

Wear clothing you are comfortable

American Eagle)

immersive online experience to guide

moving in and a mask. $15/class

The community is invited to give

and support you in designing, imple-

or $100 for an 8-class punchcard.

the gift of life by donating blood

menting, and completing a personal

Begins at 10 a.m.

to the American Red Cross of

Southgate Mall (across from

Montana. Drop-ins are welcome

project to share with the world. Visit

8

or if you prefer to schedule an

6

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP SERIES

or visit RedCrossBlood.org and

WINTER MINI SESSION ON THE RANCH!

Join Donna Barragan of Tamarack

Southgate Mall

ship workshop series designed to

Winter is an unconventional but beauti-

up-level your leadership skills. With

ful time for family photos. Kelsey Kradel

nearly 20 years creating success in

will be holding 20 minute mini sessions

a male-dominated industry, Donna

on her ranch. Visit KelseyKradel.com/

knows the power of being able to

Thinking of buying a home? Learn

MontanaMinis information.

relate and connect with people

the basics of the home-buying pro-

at all levels and inclusively. As an

cess through this nationally certi-

Executive and Leadership Coach,

fied homebuyer class. Learn how

7

Donna supports leaders to build

to select a lender, determine what

the relationships, teams and posi-

you can afford, use your credit

BOOTY BARRE

tive cultures that attract and retain

wisely, learn about different types

talent while elevating results.

of loans, understand home inspec-

DougJohnsonPhotography.com for more information.

appointment ahead of time, call 1-800-RED Cross (1.800.733.2767) enter “southgatemall.”

Hearts Afire Pottery

13

Coaching for this powerful leader-

HOMEBUYER CLASS Online

tions and insurance, and identify

Mismo Gymnastics

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special financing programs among

ing

other important things!

ballet-inspired

moves

with

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406-721-9359 www.signpromissoula.com

· Digital Printing · Vehicle Decals and Wraps · Window Graphics · Site Signs · · Parking Signs · Sandwich Boards · Banners · Dimensional Lettering · Trade Show Displays · 32

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years

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33

PARTING THOUGHTS ARTICLE SUSIE WALL, REALTOR WITH ERA LAMBROS

10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN Buying or Selling a Home

1. Take the time to find the right real estate

6. Watch your social media presence. No

agent. Your agent will be your partner, guide,

matter how discreet you and your agent are,

and advocate through any real estate trans-

you will be Googled and unfortunate as it is,

action. Ask what attributes they bring to the

you should consider how you will be judged

table. What are their plans to either market

by potential buyers or sellers. The safest

your home or find you a home?

route may be to forgo social media until clos-

2. Research the market. Montana is a

7. Don’t be surprised by unexpected

home sales aren’t required to be disclosed to

expenses. Closing costs, monthly HOA dues,

the public but you can talk to friends or family

inspections, appraisals. Have a detailed con-

that just went through the process or look at

versation with your lender and your agent to

similar homes in different areas on Zillow.

make sure you’re aware of these expenses.

3. Buyers, have your financing in place before

8. Think beyond the price. You’ve received

you start your home search. Pre-approval from a

an offer $20,000 over asking. Congratulations!

lender allows you to start looking for homes with

But the buyer is asking that a slew of repairs

confidence. And an offer backed by a pre-ap-

be done before closing and they haven’t nailed

proval letter is all that more attractive to a seller.

down financing. Sales price is just one compo-

4. Sellers, clean and stage. Walk into your home

nent. Take into account other factors that may

and try to look at it as a buyer would. Talk to your agent about staging, clearing and cleaning to make it attractive to all who walk through the door.

5. What’s your schedule? In today’s real estate market homes often go under contract

34

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2021

ing day.

“non-disclosure” state which means past

cloud the deal in the end.

9. Don’t panic when you see the inspection.

Any good home inspector will be very thorough. Talk to your agent about items in serious need of repair.

in a matter of days. Sellers, do you have a place

10. Don’t take it personally. Offer rejected?

to go if the buyer wants to close in 45 days?

Showings but no bites? Be patient, take a

Buyers, if your home search takes six months

break to talk to your agent and reassess your

are you able to stay where you are?

situation and keep trying. Success will come!

HE L PI NG YO U STAY Healthy

!

•NEV ER FORGET YOUR M ASK AGAIN• N o w t h a t t h e w o r l d h a s o u r f a c e s c o v e re d…

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With our new Tucker-Hold-A-Mask your mask will always be with you!

Order yours online at www.TuckerHoldAMask.com As well as at these great local businesses: Fuel Fitness | Rockin Rudys | Montana Acupunture & Herbal | Stitches Embrodery Westside Lanes and Fun Center | Wordens Market | Pro Adjusters Chiropratic | Hockey Wolf

Board-certified

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Dr. Stephen P. Hardy is a boardcertified plastic surgeon offering an unparalleled level of care to patients in Missoula, Whitefish, Butte, Helena, and surrounding communities.

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To learn more about the benefits of trusting your care to a certified plastic surgeon, and to undergo evaluation for any of our services, schedule a consultation with us today.

Missoula Office

Helena & Whitefish

2802 Great Northern Loop Missoula, MT 59808

406.728.3811

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