Just a girl who loves her family with every last bit of her heart while striving to put the words (real or made up) in all the pretty places.

Pearls of Wisdom from the Diamond

It’s July, and though Little League has mostly wrapped up for the summer, America’s favorite pastime is still in full swing.

2024 Simply Amazing Teen: Keatin Hertz

Our 2024 Simply Amazing Teen has big dreams, and his work ethic and level-headed determination will no doubt see his dreams take flight.

Water Wisdom: Safeguarding Lives at Every Depth

It's important that we respect water’s place in our lives, and we’ve got to be proactive in keeping ourselves and our people safe in and around it. To help us do that, we chatted with Jake Hover, a Sw...

Hello, Gorgeous! (The Art of Giving & Receiving Compliments)

The joy that can be bundled up in the simplicity of just a few words – spoken or written, it matters not. While giving a compliment might roll right off the tongue, receiving it can be another matter...

Creating a Healthier Community: RiverStone Health WIC

Sure, you’ve heard of WIC, but do you understand what it is, who it serves, and how it benefits our community? We chatted with Kate Monger, MPH, RDN, the WIC and Family Health Services Program Manager...

Inside the Pages: 100 Things to Do in Billings Before You Die

Come inside the pages and behind the scenes with co-authors of '100 Things to Do in Billings,' Gina Tarnacki and Nancy Icopini.

All is Calm: The In-Between of Christmas & New Year’s

In the in-between of Christmas and New Year’s, when the kids are still on break and we don’t really know what day it is, we can find the calm and enjoy real face time with each other. Come along as we...

2023 Santa Sightings

There are ever-growing options for tracking Santa’s magical journey on Christmas Eve, but what about finding him for those special, ahead-of-Christmas encounters?

The Art of Appreciation

Having an attitude of gratitude is grand, but let’s also develop the art of appreciation.

The Teal Pumpkin Project: Making Halloween Safe for All

For parents with children with food allergies, Halloween and trick-or-treating can be especially stressful and downright scary (in a not-fun way). How can you be a good neighbor this Halloween? Come...

We’re All Aging, How to Do it Well

Comedian George Burns once said, "You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” Now read that again, only this time imagine Frank Sinatra is crooning Young at Heart in the background,...

A Love Letter to Teachers: Teacher Appreciation All Year Long

Dear Teachers: This is us wishing you a school year filled with growth, grace, and learning. May your students be sparkling sponges of learning readiness, your administrators offer the support you nee...

Redefining Independence at Special K Ranch

Nestled in the beauty of the in-between of Park City and Columbus, tucked off the main road, is a unique, little working ranch that began its operation in 1987. SLM recently had a chance to tour Speci...

2023 Simply Amazing Teen: Kaiya Graves

2023's Simply Amazing Teen is bright in every variation of the word. A three-sport Varsity athlete, she also prioritizes faith and family, school, her art, and friends. This May she will graduate top...

Sustainable Shopping: The Search for Quality Over Quantity

New to thrifting? We scoured the internet and got top tips from local experts to help you on your next thrifting adventure. Spoiler alert: When it comes to thrifting, time and patience are key.

Finding the Value in Corporate Events

There are many ways a company can make its employees feel valued, let’s look at a few ideas to help foster community, boost morale, and build connections.

A Heart to Heart: About Organ Donation

No one wants to think about the worst that can happen, but so often in life, we plan for the worst and hope for the best. With that in mind, let's have a heart-to-heart about organ donation, shall we?

Local Contractor, Langlas & Associates Complete Construction on Montana's First Medical School

We took you inside the new Rocky Vista University-Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, now come behind the scenes with the contractors that delivered the project on time.

Inside Montana’s First Medical School: RVU-MCOM, part 2

Come explore Montana's first medical school, Rocky Vista University-Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, with Simply Local Billings.

Inside Montana’s First Medical School: RVU-MCOM, part 1

Construction is officially complete on the new 138,000-square-foot Rocky Vista University-Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine campus. Simply Local Billings toured the facility and got the scoop on...

Building Relationships Through Connection

From the moment our precious babes come into this world, we’re striving to create connections, yet how we accomplish that is ever-evolving. We’re looking at ways to connect at every age and stage – ev...

When the Holidays Aren’t Merry & Bright

Grief is such a tricky little monster. It ebbs and it flows, it is at times painfully sharp and others a dull ache, yet there are times when we might think we’re more prepared to encounter waves of gr...

Empathy & Entitlement

Living in a time that seems to be low on empathy and high on entitlement has us asking how to cultivate empathy in our children while eliminating entitlement issues. (Spoiler alert: it starts with us)...

Raising Financially Savvy Kids

Raising financially savvy kids in the 21st century means recognizing that banking has mostly stayed the same, but technology has made things easier and more convenient. Let's use the tools available i...

Growing Up Golf

In the world of sports, there is often an expiration date regarding how long one can play, but there are some sports - like golf - that are the very definition of a lifelong sport. We picked the brain...

Right Now

When our brains are spiraling, making a mindset shift by adding these two little words to the end of whatever hard or frustrating thing we’re experiencing can be a real game-changer. Let’s talk...

Creating Community at Thompson Family Dentistry

“Small town family dental practices have a different vibe than corporate practices. We love being able to accommodate the whole family with side-by-side appointments, same-day treatments without sacri...

The Evolution of Growing a Family: Gestational Surrogacy

As time has marched on and progress been made, the ways families grow have evolved. As a society, we are probably most attuned to adoption and IVF (in vitro fertilization) as alternative methods of gr...

2022 Simply Amazing Teen: Kaden Heller

Introducing 2022's Simply Amazing Teen: Kaden Heller.

Tiny Warriors

14 weeks early. 2 pounds, 12 inches long. 10 seconds before your baby is whisked away to the NICU. 1 global pandemic. 104 days in the NICU. Meet Luca and his mama, Anjali, NICU warriors.

From House to Home with B Staged Montana

Just what is home staging? Tami Soumas, owner of B Staged Montana breaks it down for us.

Keeping the Calm at Home

This month we're looking at how creating routines at home can help it to be the calm center for our family to rely upon, regardless of what's happening out in the world.

The Heart of Gift Giving

What is at the heart of gift giving? Let's discuss!

Making a List & Checking it Twice

This season of thanksgiving asks us to look outside of ourselves and find ways to operate from a place of gratitude and giving back. We’ve pulled together a variety of ways to give back, not just duri...

Spreading Magic with Project Christmas Miracle

Project Christmas Miracle: Giving hope one tree at a time. Find out how you spread a little magic this holiday season!

Connecting Cultures

Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale, in collaboration with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, are bringing the beauty of tribal music and customs straight to the Magic City this October.

The Keepers of the Memories

Don't let just one person be the collector of your family's stories, be an active participant. May we all be the keeper and sharer of our stories.

Reimagining Youth Sports

It would take a massive reawakening to truly effect change in the way youth sports operate. Barring that, we're looking at ways we could challenge the current mindset.

ZooMontana Alters Schedule Amidst High Temps

High temps have ZooMontana making adjustments to its schedule in order to provide relief for the animals and caregivers.

MSUB Elevates Virtual Learning with Cutting Edge Technology

In order to ensure students continued to receive the high-quality education the university is known for – online and in-person – MSUB has worked to upgrade classrooms with state-of-the-art technology...

It’s More Than Just Hair Dye

Food for thought: When your kid wants to color their hair some shade of the rainbow, remember it's only hair, but it might be a whole lot more than just hair dye.

BSOC Announces 2021-’22 Season & Subscription Options

With Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale's announcement of their 2021-'22 season comes subscription deals you won't want to miss!

Billings West End Market Winds Down on '21 Season

The Billings West End Market wraps up on July 3, don't miss it!

Turn the Page on 2021's Reading Rocks Summer Program

Ready, set...Read! Reading Rocks is ready to kickstart a new chapter, starting June 14!

#GirlDad

We're taking a deep dive into the importance of the father-daughter relationship. What does being a #girldad mean to you?

Make Your Mark with BPL’s Magic City Stories

Connect with our community and help to tell our tales with Billings Public Library's Magic City Stories sketchbook project, starting June 1.

2021 Simply Amazing Teen: Sophia Bohl

Meet 2021's Simply Amazing Teen, Sophia Bohl. Competitive, determined, hard-working and extremely deserving.

Billings Chamber Plans for Teacher Appreciation Week

Find out how you can get involved with Teacher Appreciation Week!

No Party? No Problem

We're looking beyond the party with these non-party celebration ideas!

What Dreams Are Made of: Rebuilding Kids’ Kingdom

Kids' Kingdom has been the go-to place for kiddos to run, jump, and play for 15 years, but as time has marched on so has the wear and tear. It's time to rebuild; how can you help?

Getting to Know April Buscher

April Buscher provided us insight on utilizing baby sign and now walks us through the sign language classes she offers at Lincoln Center.

Breaking the Non-Verbal Barrier with Baby Sign

When our littles are pre-verbal or are operating at the beginning stages of their vocabulary, frustration can easily set in as little and parent struggle to communicate. Enter baby sign language as an...

Essential Life Skills at Every Age & Stage

There are lessons to be learned in every age and stage, skills to be taught that will ultimately prepare our precious beings for life out in the world. Along the way, before they leave the nest, these...

Christmas Wreath Lane, More than Twinkling Lights and Tradition

More than twinkling lights and tradition, Christmas Wreath Lane in Billings offers a beacon of hope in a challenging year. It has managed to be a holiday mainstay for 60 years and brings joy and comfo...

Christmas Wreath Lane Celebrates 60 Years

Though neighbors have come and gone, Christmas Wreath Lane has managed to shine bright for 60 years.

10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Old School

As if you were stepping right out of a Hallmark movie, check out these ideas for celebrating the holidays old school!

Creating Christmas at Every Stage

Let’s journey our way through a few of life’s stages and look at how to create – not perfect – but memorable, perfectly imperfect Christmas experiences at every stage along the way.

Fa La La La Fabulous: Festive Fixings

Scrumptious food is synonymous with the holidays and the staff at Simply Local gathered up some of our favorite appetizer, dessert, and drink recipes to share with you.

Extending Small Business Saturday to Every Day

Get in the spirit of supporting local businesses every day with Billings Chamber's Keep the Cheer Here campaign!

The Comfort of Care Close to Home

A look at how having a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in our community has made a difference to one local family.

Youth Empowerment Program

With resources of all kinds seeking to fill the gaps in times of difficulty, the Youth Empowerment Program strives to help young people participate in the things that they love most.

2020 Halloween Happenings in Billings

Get the scoop on the Halloween fun still happening around town this year!

Teens and their BIG Emotions

The teen years are brimming with ALL the emotions, so let's talk tips for helping parents understand them AND help their teen handle all of the BIG emotions.

Playing with a Full Deck: Meet Cardsetter

Introducing Cardsetter, an innovative local startup that is here to make it easy for you to build (and update) a website unique to your needs, without being confined to a restrictive template.

Getting to Know Dr. Heather Hansen

Get to know Dr. Heather Hansen, regional expert in pediatric orthopedic care. at Ortho Montana and St. Vincent Healthcare.

Conquering the Fog: Face Masks Plus Glasses

We know mask-wearing is a necessity right now, but when you're a glasses wearer, the fog situation is really real. Here are some tips for conquering the fog while wearing your face mask and your glass...

Adapting Education Amid a Pandemic

The last three months of the 2019-’20 school year were like none other that we’ve experienced before, and Billings Catholic Schools adapted well amid the upheaval.

Fall 2020: Interview with Superintendent Upham

Navigating back to school in 2020, an interview with Superintendent of Billings Public Schools, Greg Upham.

Barbecuing for Beginners

To help bolster the confidence of the hopelessly challenged (like the author) and grilling newbies, alike, we turned to Kim Hager, owner of Blue’s BBQ for these hot barbecuing tips!

A Labor of Love

When you walk into this oasis that Brian Amestoy has created in his backyard, it is as if a weight is lifted off your shoulders as you take in the sights and sounds, no matter how many times you’ve ex...

4th of July in 2020: Finding Your Celebration

4th of July celebrations in 2020 are certainly different from our norm, but there are still celebrations to be had!

Grief and All Its Friends

While we're collectively sharing in the experience of living through this global pandemic, there are variations to everyone's experience and the things and the ways they are grieving.

The Little Things: Let’s Celebrate ‘em

In life there are the bankable celebrations - the things we will celebrate Every Single Time - but what about the everyday? Here's to the little things, let's celebrate 'em.

The Benefits of Fresh Flowers

Besides being pleasing to the eye, flowers have a whole variety of health benefits.

When Life Demands Heart Healthy Cooking

Being a trained Chef, as well as a Culinary Arts teacher at Billings Career Center put a bit of a different spin on the aftermath of Chef Bill Jensen's cardiac event.

Best Beginnings of Yellowstone County

The early days of parenting can feel fairly isolating and overwhelming, and Best Beginnings partners aim to build a bridge to expecting and new parents.

Behind the Social Media Smokescreen

Behind every #blessed there is a life being lived that goes far beyond what is shared on social media.
And that's okay.

Where is SFM Growing and Why

For a dozen years, Simply Family Magazine has created a link between families and this community we call home. In 2020, we're expanding our pages in a way that has Family becoming one piece of a large...

How to Make Edible Christmas Wreaths

In the midst of all the sugar cookies, white chocolate covered pretzels, and such is a family tradition that has been passed down from my mom’s mom to us – the edible Christmas Wreath.

2019 Simply Amazing Teen: Kyra Brockhausen

Introducing 2019's Simply Amazing Teen: Kyra Brockhausen, senior at Billings Central Catholic High School.

Long-Term Illness: Tough Conversations, Planning, and Support

When long-term illness becomes part of a family's fabric, there are conversations that need to be had, planning done sooner rather than later, and supports available for all.

The Importance of a Living Will

Having a living will in place is a gift to your family. We can't plan for the unexpected.

2nd Annual SteamFest at Billings Depot

Back for its second year, SteamFest is a collaborative community event bringing fun, hands-on STEAM education activities to the kids and their families.

2019 Teens to Watch

Introducing 2019's Teens to Watch!

Home Alone: How to Tell If Your Child is Ready

Of the many phases and stages of parenting, deciding when your child is ready to stay home alone is one of the trickier ones to identify.

Where Do You Fall in the Back to School Parenting Journey?

With each new school year, we hit new phases in our parenting journeys. Where do you fall on the spectrum?

Hot Air Balloons Take Flight for Balloons Over Billings

Experience the awe-inspiring glory of watching hot air balloons fill our sky during the 2019 Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous.

The Universal Language

Music can build bridges and create connections where maybe you thought none existed.

'Little Joe Chickapig: A Story About Following Your Dreams'

A sweet, rhyming story about discovering and following your dreams.

Diamonds: A Dad’s Best Friend

Diamonds, a dad's best friend? We think yes.

Potty Training 101

If there is anything certain in parenting, it's that the tiny humans we're trying to raise into adulthood are totally unique beings. What works for one might not work for another. When it comes to potty training, our kids each have their own quirks, but one local mom has come up with a method worth trying.

Creative Ways to Avoid the Summer Slump

We're talking 7 creative solutions to avoiding the summer slump; don't let your kiddos lose everything they gained this school year!

Egg My Yard Delivers Easter Magic While You Sleep

Local, specialty business, Egg My Yard, brings the Easter magic while you're sleeping. Take the Easter Bunny duties off your already busy schedule!

Ask the author with Aimee Andren

With her first book (a two-in-one delight) in print and her next one well on its way, local children’s author, Aimee Andren, took us on a journey from how she got the ball rolling, to her sources of inspiration, and some words of wisdom for those out there dreaming this same dream.

Be You

Two words – little words, at that - but they struck me all the same during a brainstorming session with a group of kiddos ranging in age from 3 to 14 on ways that we can choose - and spread - kindness.

Kindergarten Readiness: More than Academics

Back when this article was just a thought bubble being bandied about an editorial meeting, it started with the broad heading of “Literacy,” with a plan to incorporate Billings Public Schools’ new “Kindergarten Readiness Guide.”

Mom Guilt: Raising an Only

Mom-guilt, ever present and exceedingly nuanced.

How old is too old for an Easter Basket?

After the great "Should teenagers trick-or-treat debate of 2018, perhaps your wondering at what point is your kid too old for a fully functioning Easter basket?

Revel at the Taste of Billings

REVEL at the Taste of Billings - an immersive, uniquely interactive event that will tantalize all the senses!

2019 Meal Makeover

We all know the drill, with the dawn of a new year we find ourselves approaching things with renewed optimism, filled with incredible intentions. We will eat right! We will go to the gym! We will do all the wonderful things that equal living our best lives!