Stephanie is finding joy in the journey of faith, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. Writing is her therapy and one of her favorite creative outlets.

The Wonder of Water

Water is a precious natural resource to be cherished and respected. In our Wonder of Water issue, we dive into everything from water's role in hydration and health to recreational activities, safety,...

Everything Belongs

This issue is filled with your most comprehensive resource to plan for summer break: the 2024 Summer Camps & Activities Guide. Also, inside is a story of hope through hardship, the power of compliment...

Local Legacies Carry On

This month marks 16 years of Simply Local serving as our community’s cheerleader! With a mission to share hopeful, complex stories and celebrate good news with enthusiasm, we aim to foster love among...

New Year, New Reflections

Our Embracing the Chill issue delves into the art of maximizing the winter experience at the beginning of this year. As we step into 2024, I encourage you to take moments for quiet reflection. May you...

A Note from the Editor: Season's Shine

Our Season’s Shine issue is sure to delight. Filled with beautiful, shimmering lights, glimmering sparkle, tasty treats, and timeless traditions. Enjoy the magic of the season. Merry Christmas!

Room at the Table

This issue is brimming with delightful holiday inspiration, offering a range of engaging content to get you into the festive spirit. From our highly-anticipated 2023 Holiday Gift Guide and an expertly...

Harvest of Giving

In this edition, we celebrate the givers, the individuals, and organizations dedicated to building a flourishing community, one non-profit at a time. Our 2023 Non-Profit Guide provides inspiration for...

Every House Needs a Grandmother in It

In this issue, we’re shining a light on grandparents, traditions, and aging well. There are numerous resources to connect the generations, preserve memories, and stay healthy and active as we age. Enj...

The Sunday of Summer

As we enter summer’s finale in August, a determination to finish it well is in full force. To pack every ounce of fun and adventure into the dwindling summer days and not miss a single opportunity the...

The Real Life of Montanans

This issue is a small tribute to those whose Western roots run deep; generations of families work the land to benefit us all. Throughout the pages, you’ll enjoy stories of those passionate about agric...

Embracing Mountain Modern

Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Montana and the Western states, a design style has emerged that seamlessly blends the rugged charm of the mountains with contemporary elegance. Local des...

Thriving in All of the Seasons

I love this month’s Seasons of Fatherhood feature because it explores stages in the parenting journey. And while the seasons change, each one is important. You never stop being a parent; when they’re...

Summer Rentals at The Post

Billings, Montana, known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor enthusiasts, is set to enhance its adventure offerings with an exciting new rental program, Paddles & Wheels.

Strong Women

May is a month when we recognize the fabulous women in our lives, celebrate teens and graduations, plant flowers and gardens, welcome the warmth of sunlight, and embrace the sparkle of springtime. You...

The One and Only You

Woven throughout the pages of this issue are difference-makers, like you and me, stepping out into uncharted waters and stepping up into voids to fill needs as they see them. Spurred forward by convic...

Outdo One Another in Kindness

As you go about living your best life here, we hope that Simply Local helps you in your quest to do just that. The content in our pages is purposefully chosen to align with our mission to equip commun...

Heart Matters

In this issue, love is at the forefront, with the theme woven throughout the pages. We cover the important (yet often overlooked) topic of organ donation, some uncomplicated ways to share love every d...

Intentionality

Happy New Year! While there is an abundance of ways to fill up our days, we must each decide the most important things we want to devote 24 hours each day to pursue. A new year is a beautiful time to...

The Message of Christmas

This issue is filled with Christmas magic. From our highly anticipated Holiday Gift Guide, recipes and traditions, and a look at navigating the holidays while grieving, we know you’ll find inspiration...

Gratitude & Generosity

The November issue provides a chance to thank and acknowledge some of the wonderful organizations within our community who are giving back and taking action to improve our city in diverse ways.

Give Them Grace

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Pro 16:24

West Fork Lodge: A Family’s Legacy

Jay and Joni Hancock have kept their roots in Montana with a lodge they’ve lovingly dubbed West Fork Lodge, but this dream began long before the build. Check out the full story online or in the pages.

Parade of Homes Wrap-Up

In case you missed the 2022 Parade of Homes, we’ll be taking you on in-depth tours of each home in the coming months. Before we open the front doors, we’re giving you a peek at the stunning exteriors...

Fun Finds: Tee Time

Staff picks for terrific tee times!

Getting to Know the 2022 Parade of Homes Builders

For over three decades (now in its 32nd year), the Parade of Homes has dazzled us with its arrival each fall. We are thrilled to bring you a look at the talented, well-known and new-to-the-Billings-sc...

Craving Connection

Enjoy this September issue; and remember to make the time to connect with your people while doing something that you love together.

These are the Good Old Days

In this issue, we have some timely content - ideas for everyone to stay active in all seasons, tips for busy families to find balance, simplified meal prep and school lunch ideas, and setting up study...

Outdoorsy-ish

This issue will likely inspire you to pursue some new ventures, particularly in the great outdoors (pickleball or disc golf, anyone?). There’s no time like the present to try a new sport, hit local fo...

A Lasting Legacy

leg·a·cy: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past

Building a Beautiful Backyard Oasis

This local couple's one-acre late served as a perfect blank slate in designing a beautiful backyard oasis that would make space for friends and family to gather.

My Momma Told Me…

Do you ever open your mouth and hear your mom come out? Throughout my life, Mom has given me lots of advice. At times I’m sure she wondered if it was falling on deaf ears, and yet, here I am, a grown...

Incredible Interruptions

For many, reading Simply Local Magazine is the most excellent interruption from the daily grind. This issue is the official marker for summer’s impending arrival with our spectacular Summer Camps Guid...

Vacay Every Day

When walking inside this beautiful home in the Sundance Subdivision, it’s immediately apparent that much attention went into making the most of the single-level home’s footprint and creating a beautif...

Celebrating Everyday Moments

Simply Local Magazine is one place we can look each month for a breath of fresh air amid extremely challenging times. In this Celebrating Community issue, we are shifting gears from years past and cel...

Style and Sophistication: A Family’s Journey Through Home Expansion

When you find the perfect neighborhood, but the house isn't quite your style, you reimagine your house into a home.

Coming Home with ZuHaus Contruction’s Parade Home

Come inside this Modern Prairie Parade Home by ZuHaus Construction in Vintage Estates.

Glamour and Style

Take a look into the unexpected design elements in this 2021 Image Builders Parade Home where glamour and style collide.

Above All Else

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

A Time for Comfort

When our team set out to plan the January issue several months ago, rather than the typical “New Year, New You” themed articles, we chose to focus on embracing what we believe each of us is in search...

A Home Built for Family

When local couple Calvin and Melissa Walter set out to build their dream home, they never imagined that it would end up being an award-winning adventure. Nevertheless, their two-story modern farmhouse...

The Hope of Christmas

This issue is filled with holiday magic and stories from the cover to the calendar. We hope that you will find inspiration and intention as you reflect on the true meaning of it throughout this holida...

Wraptastic: Beyond Boring Brown Paper Packages

This year, take your gift-wrapping skills to the next level and impress your recipients by coordinating wrapping paper, ribbons, and adornments for perfect holiday packaging.

Simple, Seasonal, and Stylish: 5 Festive Ways to Deck the Halls

When it comes to Christmas décor, it keeps things fun and fresh when you subtly change things up each year. Consider switching up the accent color of your tree, new placement of old decorations, or un...

Designing a Home to Love

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” Nate Berkus

Good Neighbor

In our Gracious Givers issue, we highlight the stories of important organizations and volunteers who are making an impact in our community. You'll also find the 2021 Nonprofit Guide, filled with local...

A Well-Dressed Table

As we gear up for festive feasts and cocktail parties with friends and family, here are five ways to set the stage for a well-dressed table.

Decking the Halls Designer Style

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the revolving pop-up shop from the creative team at Kibler & Kirch. The Holiday Home launched October 29, 2021!

Putting Down Roots: A Remodel Story

As Marvin and Mary Jo Miller watched families come and go from their neighborhood over the past three decades, they found themselves wondering if they should stay or leave. Ultimately, they decided to...

Rooted and Grounded

Our honor is to highlight a few Native American leaders, artists, and musicians from our community in this issue. Common threads woven through each of their stories are deep roots of faith and a celeb...

Render to Completion: A Student-Built Home

The Billings Career Center and Billings Homebuilders Association have embarked on hands-on learning through, an incredible, 46 student-built homes to date. Check out the 2021 Career Center home!

MSUB Science and Health Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

MSUB holds ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating its brand new, state-of-the-art Yellowstone Science and Health Building.

Loving Well

As our relatives and loved one's age, loving them well takes different forms and requires wisdom and decisiveness.

Elegance from the Inside Out

The first time I stepped into Central Wellness – the recent recipient of a signature HydraFacial – I had no idea what to expect or where it would lead...

Celebrating 31 Years of the Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes is celebrating 31 years in 2021, get to know the builders behind this year's homes.

Integrity

Each one of us is created uniquely with gifts and abilities that the world needs us to share. Contentment comes when we show up every day, faithful to use those gifts in whatever capacity we have been...

Freedom for Grace

This month, as we celebrate freedom, let’s remember the freedom that we have to love without limit, give grace, share a smile, control our reactions, responses, and daily choices, and be the very best...

No Time to Waste

Life today holds a sense of urgency to say the things we need to say, to let go of the things that don't matter, and to pause amid the rushing to breathe in the blessings of right now.

Creating the Perfect Patio

A well-designed patio can be an outdoor extension of your home's square footage and family's relaxing and entertaining space.

The Motherhood Journey

This month, we have the honor of highlighting local mothers and career women sharing their wisdom for fostering a connection with our kids at various ages and stages. We also recognize 2021's Simply A...

From Ashes to Amazing

This West End home was extensively damaged in a fire and the Huskeys jumped at the opportunity to purchase and renovate the home into their own style after the previous owner opted to move out of stat...

The Nature of Patience

In many ways, life's seasons can be a lot like winter - long, dark, and dismal - and spring - hopeful, bright, and beautiful. Springtime wouldn't be nearly as pleasant without...

Fun Finds in the Cupboard: Green on the Go

In honor of Earth Day (April 22), check out our Editor's Picks for Aprils eco friendly Fun Finds!

LEEDing the Way in Downtown Billings

If the walls inside the George L. Tracy Building could talk, they’d tell a century’s worth of tales. Today, the 18,000 square foot Tracy Lofts feature 19 LEED Platinum Certified apartments listed in t...

Cue the Confetti

Our March issue is all about life’s celebrations. Celebrations give joy to our souls and provide meaning to the mundane.

Private Patio Paradise

Step outside to this perfect patio paradise. Creating such a space takes time, so set a budget and start planning!

Love Never Fails

In lowering my expectations of all of the boxes being checked one night of the year, I’ve found a love that stands the test of time and pleasant surprises along the way.

Fun Finds: Bling for Every Budget

We've got bling for every budget in this month's Fun Finds!

What Dreams Are Made of: Wide Open Spaces & a Family Connection

Wide open spaces with a family connection made dreams come true for this Shepherd, MT family.

More than Sweet Slumber: Creating a Master Bedroom Sanctuary

Creating a master bedroom sanctuary is giving the "heart of the home" a run for its money!

Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope

Our honor at Simply Local Magazine is to continue providing our readers with thought-provoking, encouraging articles to help you live your best lives right here (no matter the circumstances). Thank yo...

At Home with Realtor Alicia Donovan

For those in real estate, buying and selling homes is all in a day’s work. Armed with firsthand knowledge and expertise in the industry, local realtor Alicia Donovan and husband Quinn share their...

The Thrill of Hope

As we reflect on a year filled with major challenges, each of us has been deeply impacted in one way or another. But sometimes, in the darkness, the light shines brightest.

Homebody for the Holidays

There’s no place like home for the holidays and that tune has never rung truer than now.

Homes on Parade: Modern Feel, Livable Appeal

Mac Leffler’s stunning 2020 Parade home located in Billings’ upscale subdivision The Nines, is nothing short of a work of art.

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.

Service, Love, Sacrifice, and Courage

In this, our Gracious Givers issue, we are privileged to pay special honor to a few of the many in our midst who are bringers of the good news.

Homes on Parade: Beauty Under the Big Sky

Ban Construction’s 2020 Parade Home doesn’t disappoint. Clean lines, angles for days, and numerous textures collide to provide a striking first impression of this modern-rustic masterpiece.

Modern Mid-Century Marvel

Take a step inside this 2020 Parade home by Image Builders.

Fall Refresh

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Introducing Simply Local Book Club

Introducing you to Simply Local Book Club!

Get Floored: The Latest Tips and Trends in Flooring

Check out the latest tips and trends in flooring, inspired by this year's Parade Homes.

Sneak Peek- A Look Inside four 2020 Parade Homes

Get a sneak peek inside four of the 2020 Parade Homes!

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh baked apples filling your home on a crisp fall day. This family recipe is a fall favorite that can easily be modified for our gluten-free guests.

The Best is Yet to Come

In this issue, we get a glimpse into treasuring old things of the past, while embracing new things of the future, hence our theme- Old & New.

Beauty Meets Function

“Our whole goal for this remodel was to create an easygoing, gracious space for our family and friends to gather, where people would feel loved and welcomed.”

Born to Be Makers

In this issue, we find inspiration in the stories of local makers and artisans. They are exceptional examples of adaptability and perseverance; things we all need in these days we're living.

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that we need one another. Whether we are apart or together, young or old, healthy or sick, in agreement or disagreement, we were created for community. The stronge...

TENThouse Suite

Although there’s a lot of talk in the design world about bringing the outdoors in, interior designer Jeremiah Young turns that idea upside-down with his interpretation of glamping- bringing the indoor...

Broken but Not Destroyed

This issue is a tribute to enjoying life and living locally, particularly as we continue to navigate our way through the uncertainty of a global pandemic.

Expanding Boundaries, Building Communities

Welcome to The Nines. An exclusive subdivision by P3 Coleman Property Development with upscale residences ranging from single-family homes with detached garages and/or outbuildings, to smaller luxury...

Fun Finds: Charcuterie Coordinates

Support our local businesses while you’re creating something delicious. Check out a few of our favorite places to shop for charcuterie essentials.

A Pandemic in Pictures

As a worldwide pandemic sweeps the nation and rocks the world, our Montana community members, businesses, and organizations are witnessing the ramifications first-hand. May this snapshot gallery serve...

In-Home Offices with Kibler & Kirch

When a pandemic dictates a significant part of the workforce work from home, well, creating an in-home office space is more important than ever.

You Are Essential

This special edition digital issue was borne from an extreme love for our community and the organizations and businesses that make up the fabric of why Simply Local exists. It is our hope that through...

Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Are you staring at bare shelves at the store? Don’t panic! At present, chemical cleaning products are hard to come by, but the following (healthier alternative) products are probably already in your p...

Connecting While Social Distancing

As we navigate new waters amidst social distancing and ever-changing announcements, let us not forget to find ways to connect with one another and give back in fresh ways every day.

Get the Look: Stem Trends

Beautiful botanicals and bright blooms are popping up everywhere in home décor. Check out a few of our favorite floral finds below.

Celebration at Home: Pool House

Come inside the stunning remodel of one family's indoor pool house.

Art at Home

When art and home make for a visually stunning combination.

Delicious Delivery

Life is busy, find out for yourself why it might just be worth it to hire local grocery and food delivery services.

Back to School with Aspinwall

No matter the style your kids are searching for while gearing up for back to school, there are a few factors everyone can agree on.

Great Escape: Soaking up Summer Evenings

Create backyard spaces made for escaping the crazy busy of the everyday.

August 2019 Fun Finds: Back to School

Summer is winding down, so it's time to be thinking back to school. Check out August's Fun Finds for everything from clothes, supplies, and organizational awesomeness.

Answering the Call of Heart Stirrings and Nudgings

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with someone on your mind or have a person spring to mind seemingly out of nowhere? Walk past a stranger down on their luck and feel compelled to do something for them?

Create a Backyard Summer Oasis

Whether you have an expansive backyard, small patio, or something in between, take some cues from this beautifully designed outdoor space to create an area you never need a vacation from.

Pool Rules: Safe Swimming

Water and pools are a summer staple, put these tips into action to make for a safe swimming experience for all.

July 2019 Fun Finds: Fun in the Sun

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Riding the Rails of Billings Celebrations

Over a century before becoming Billings’ #1 wedding and special events venue, the Depot on Montana Avenue served a different purpose for large groups to gather. Since its construction in 1909 for use by three railroad companies, the Depot has always been the place to be in the heart of Billings Downtown Historic District.

Home: Mountain Chalet

Homeowners Paul and Akvilina Rieger and their beautiful daughters Sofia (11) and Savannah (6) love their home. When the couple was searching for a place to live, they were drawn to this neighborhood in Rehberg Ranch Estates for several reasons. Akvilina says, “To me, our house represents Montana really well.”

Building Dreams- Providing Futures

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is all about building dreams and providing futures. Get your tickets before the May 5, 2019 drawing!