Billings, MT August 2021 by City Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Robert Saunders | robert.saunders@lifestylepubs.com Jessica Bickham | jessica.bickham@lifestylepubs.com

The Dog Days of Summer WELL FRIENDS, AUGUST IS UPON US, AND THAT USUALLY MEANS THAT EASTERN MONTANA GETS TOASTY. What do you do to beat the heat? River rafting on the Yellowstone? Boating at Cooney or Yellowtail? Road trip to the Flathead?

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Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Randah O’Doherty CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary Muncy, Chris Montague

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mexico, Hawaii, or Tahiti - like my wife and I did on our honeymoon. This is a bit of a

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throwback issue - as we get into the dog days of summer, it is nice to look back on the good times we had throughout the year. Stay cool, and have fun!

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

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 08 Looking Back Photos from Our New Years Eve Launch Party

12 Relationship Column Meeting New People

16 CardSetter Solving the Problem of Web Design

12 16

28 Birthstone: Ruby The Blood-Red Gem

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Artist’s Palette

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ARTIST’S PALETTE ARTICLE ROBERT SAUNDERS | PHOTOGRAPHY ALIENATED PRODUCTIONS

P H OTO S F R O M O U R N E W Y E A R S E V E L AU N C H PA R T Y THE PARTY OF THE CENTURY AT THE CASTLE Artwork on Display

The Champagne Fountain

Tasty Treats from High Horse

Art and Silent Auction Item on Display

Dance Floor and Live Band

The Grand Stair

IT’S LONG PAST TIME WE SHOWED OUR READERS SOME SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR LAUNCH PARTY THE NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA AT THE CASTLE! Billings’ Party of the Century! The photos speak for themselves, but here are some highlights of what we and our guests experienced. Food: heavy hors d’oeuvres courtesy of High Horse Saloon, the Billings Petroleum Club, Stacked, a whole roast pig, and a fabulous charcuterie spread courtesy of our own Jessica Bickham. 8

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

The Main Bar in the Grand Kitchen

Photo Room

The Downstairs Bar

Happy New Year! Balloon Drop!

The Enchanted Forest and Sculpture Gallery

String Quartet

Drinks: Two main bars in the grand kitchen and the basement kitchen, a high-end liquor room in the ladies’ closet in the master bedroom, and a selection of red, white, and sparkling wines in the wine cellar. Complimentary Cigars, for use on any of the five patios and balconies. A disco vape room, courtesy of our friends at Cloudz Vape. Two live bands: John Roberts y Pan Blanco and Brickhouse. Three dance floors and a DJ. A live string quartet and a guitar and violin duet, all featuring local musicians.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

One of the Outdoor Balconies

High End Liquor Room in the Ladies' Master Closet

The Grand Stair to the Basement

Jewelry Room in the Office

Brickhouse Band

A state-of-the-art bowling alley. A dedicated speakeasy-style comedy room, featuring Lukas Seely. A golf simulator, staffed by a local golf pro. A home theater room seating fourteen, playing old movies, where our guests could rest their tired feet. A spa wing, offering complimentary massages and a variety of other treatments. A selection of fine art from our local artists. A variety

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

Art and Deserts in the Master Bedroom

The Shooting Ranges

Balloons are Ready to Drop! Thanks To Barry Usher at Beartooth Harley Davidson!

Maskuerade in the Master Bathroom

of live entertainment, including a fire breather and ballerinas. Fine jewelry for sale. A silent auction. Two indoor shooting ranges and a tactical course, all with gel bullets. A midnight balloon drop, designed by our own Chris Cross. A dedicated photo room, decorated by Chris Cross and featuring two custom-build thrones for our kings and queens.

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

Relationship Column ARTICLE MARY MUNCY

NEW PEOPLE

I HOLD A PLATE FULL OF LUKEWARM PASTA AND

by a “Nice to meet you, I’m Mikayla.” Then some napkin

BROCCOLI STARING AT THREE TABLES FULL OF 28

wiping and handshaking. Then, suddenly, we’re talking

PEOPLE I DIDN’T KNOW. Where do I sit? I choose a

about our families, her boyfriend, and just a little bit of,

girl who has similar clothes to me and make a beeline.

what do you think of the Black Live’s Matter movement? I

I confidently set my plate down with a quick “May I join

think I made a connection.

you?” as she nods and smiles. There’s an awkward cou-

After letting his train leave, Jon Levy had two options,

ple seconds of settling in and a “Hi, I’m Mary.” Followed

sleep on the street or make a strong enough connection

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

to crash on someone’s couch. Well, he could have gotten a hotel, but that wasn’t the point. He wanted to learn how to build meaningful relationships quickly. These things apply to dates too. How To Get A Date Worth Keeping: Be Dating In Six Months Or Your Money

Levy could get rid of some of his nerves knowing he would never

Back emphasizes getting to know a lot of people quickly which

see the people again, but you can get rid of some of your nerves

requires a few skills.

knowing that you have the power to make people feel comfortable.

Take a litmus test, Levy said. You need to know within a few min-

Everyone loves the person who saved them at the party or at the

utes whether this person is going to be a good friend or partner.

table where they don’t know anyone. Mikayla and I stuck together

For me, that meant trying to find some commonality in clothing. For

for the next few days because we were able to take that first little

Levy, that meant asking questions like “What’s the wildest thing that

pressure off each other. I’ve stuck with dates because he made me

you have done on a dare?” Or, to figure out if they’re self-centered or

feel comfortable by asking questions and listening.

self-conscious, ask them to write an E on their head. My mom always told me that everyone else is also very nervous. It’s not just you.

Don’t be afraid to move on to the next person. How To Get A Date Worth Keeping says to go on a lot of dates. Meet new people regularly and intentionally and give them a chance. But don’t

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

RELATIONSHIP COLUMN (CONTINUED)

Somehow, in the span of seven days, four or five of us decided we get along and now we’re going to be sad to leave. drag something out when you know they aren’t the one. That isn’t

The first week, meals were awkward… very awkward. The first

healthy for them or you. It’s the same with friendships. Once you

dinner, we all sat and asked for the third and fourth times where each

know you’re not going to be friends with that person, try to sit with

person’s hometown was. The Monday of the second week, telling

another person each mealtime until you’ve found a few that you’re

some of our most embarrassing stories. Somehow, in the span of

comfortable with. Notice a few—don’t just stop at one. People are

seven days, four or five of us decided we get along and now we’re

incredibly interesting.

going to be sad to leave.

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

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TWO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS’ RADICAL WEBSITE SOLUTION

TECHNOLOGY

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

Cardsetter

TWO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS’ RADICAL WEBSITE SOLUTION

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT DEALING WITH TECHNOLOGY, ESPEmercial websites over the years, and the boogeyman has always been the same: the fact that the entire process is completely user-unfriendly. Even today, creating a website of decent quality that is sufficiently robust for commercial

Meet Joshua Toenyes and Jessica Baldwin, the

purposes is beyond the capabilities of most

young entrepreneurs who have found a solution

non-techies; and, even today, having a website

to the problems endemic to business-to-cus-

done professionally takes a lot of time and a

tomer technology. A military veteran and a

non-trivial upfront cost, anywhere from $5,000

mother of two, respectively, they have managed

on up to tens of thousands.

to achieve the long-elusive trifecta in web design:

But, the real fun starts after that. Once your

fast, good, and affordable.

new website is up, get ready to have all kinds

Toenyes and Baldwin provide what has long

of fun navigating the labyrinthine back end of

been the holy grail for web managers: Front

the website to make simple changes, and forget

End Editing. You can edit your website in real-

about making any real changes to your sites

time, changing almost anything yourself in a

layout unless you want to pay an astronomical

simple and intuitive user interface. Cardsetter is

hourly rate to have it done for you.

designed to provide that. This is what I and many others have been looking for for decades, and as soon as I meet Josh and Jessica, I had to know what made them tick. Joshua Toenyes grew up in Billings and went to West High School. When he turned eighteen, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill as an Electronics Technician. At one point, seeing potential, a division officer asked him “What are you doing with your life? You need to get your act together. Go to college and become an officer.” Josh took his officer’s advice to heart, but didn’t see a long-term career for himself in the Navy. He enrolled in college from the ship, and studied almost full-time during his last four years in the service, earning his Associate’s Degree. Once he finished and was

MATTERS

CIALLY WEBSITES? I’ve had a number of com-

discharged from the military, Josh went to UC San Diego and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, simultaneously working fulltime as a software consultant. After graduating, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

CARDSETTER (CONTINUED)

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

most of the people he knew from school were going to the Bay Area to work for big tech companies, but Josh knew that wasn’t for him: he wanted to start his own company instead. He moved back to Billings and started working at WebGrain in 2015. Shortly thereafter, he met Jessica Baldwin, who also worked for the company, and together they came up with their idea, leaving WebGrain in 2016 to incorporate CardSetter. Jessica Baldwin was born and raised on a farm and ranch in Baker, MT. She has a long family history of small business and entrepreneurship: her parents were independent business people, and her grandparents owned a drive-in theater, where she worked growing up. Jessica says she always felt like she was meant to own business; from a young age, “Everyone in my family always had their now thing going on.” After graduating high school, Jessica

and what it takes to really generate revenue for a

went to MSU Bozeman and got a Business degree

business. While running Billings 365, Jessica went

with a marketing option. Immediately after graduat-

to work for WebGrain.

ing, she got engaged and moved to Billings, where

Her experience with Billings 365 and Webgrain

she started working at an ad agency. As part of her

were what inspired her to start Cardsetter.

job, she attended an SEO conference in San Jose

“WordPress sites were to restrictive for a non-tech-

and started getting into digital marketing. Jessica

nical administrator. What Billings 365 needed, I

spent six years in the marketing department at

believed other businesses needed also.”

MetraPark; there, she helped transform their digital

Josh and Jessica worked well together at

marketing system from retail emails to professional

WebGrain, and his technical expertise combined

software and social media.

with her digital marketing savvy made them the

At the same time, Jessica started a side hustle

perfect entrepreneurial team. After incorporating

most Magic City natives have at least heard of:

and laying the groundwork, they went through Early

Billings 365, a local event calendar and business

Stage MT’s intensive weeklong hyperaccelerator for

director. Montana attracts a lot of tourists, but

Montana entrepreneurs, which helped them refine

people from out of town often struggle to connect

their vision and pitch. They raised a seed round of

with the true local culture. “Locals always knew

funding led by Frontier Angels, which enabled them

instinctively what there was to do, but there wasn’t

to both come on full-time and get the company off

a comprehensive source for anyone else. Visitors

the ground. Leveraging Josh’s Computer Science

needed info on hiking trails, local restaurants, and

background, the duo developed their own propri-

local stores that aren’t the mall.” The endeavor

etary website technology, designing it to be pow-

taught her a lot about sales, building an audience,

erful and able to handle large amounts of content. They have already found success. As of June 2021, hard setter has over 200 paying monthly customers, and their growth is beginning to become exponential. People liked CardSetter’s value proposition: “An easy-to-use website platform CONTINUED >

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CARDSETTER (CONTINUED)

with design and set-up included. Customers don’t have to go through the difficult hurdle of designing and building a website themselves.” Most of Cardetter’s customers are small business owners looking for an easy way to manage their website. They lack the time and technical expertise to manage a traditional site for themselves, and the money to outsource everything and do it properly. CardSetter disrupts the traditional website business model, allowing cash-strapped new businesses to get a great and serviceable website at a reasonable rate. How reasonable? New clients can have a website up and running in about a month for a one-time $199 setup fee. Thereafter, clients pay a modest monthly fee of as little as $49, to $129 for realtors, to $199 for full commercial clients. Jessica says “CardSetter is great for solo-preneurs. It allows you to test your idea with minimal cost and have expertise on your own website.” Unlike other do-it-yourself platforms, CardSetter is there to help its clients when they need it. Their hybrid model fills the gap between going it alone and using expensive ad agencies. Joshua Toenyes and Jessica Baldwin credit the local community with getting them off the ground. “We have found Billings and Montana to be a favorable place to start our business. Frontier Angels and Early Stage MT helped us gain a deeper understanding of investment capital and connected us to a network of truly dedicated mentors. While we serve customers all over the United States, we truly enjoy serving our hometown customers, which is a large fraction of our business.” I always ask interviewees about their favorite things in Billings, often receiving unique answers. Josh was no exception: his favorite part of Billings is the Shiloh Conservation Area, and he likes eating at The Divide restaurant. Even though Jessica grew up in Baker and moved to Missoula in 2019 with her husband and two daughters, she came to love many things about Billings during her time here. Her favorites: the brewery scene. Swords Park. The Coffee Shops. And, most of all, the people.

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

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Billing’s Overlooked Suburbs:

Roundup and Absarokee SAFE HAVENS IN THE BIG SKY REAL ESTATE RUSH ARTICLE ROBERT SAUNDERS

Everyone knows that the Montana real estate market has been

The first thing Kerry mentioned was her

exploding since 2020. Bozeman, Big Sky, the Flathead, Missoula, and

“Georgia Boys”: four brothers who moved

Billings are booming. Naturally, rising prices and feverish competi-

here from Georgia and purchased proper-

tion in the cities have led many people to the suburbs. Instead of

ties in roundup with her help, with whom

Bozeman, people are looking in Livingston, Three Forks, and even

she still maintains a close relationship. They

Butte. Billings, of course, has many surrounding towns: Columbus,

came to Roundup with little money but a lot

Laurel, Lockwood, Shepherd, Huntley, Bridger, Joliet, and Acton,

of ideas and a strong work ethic. Initially they

among others. Many long-time residents of Billings are now con-

purchased modest properties contract-for-

sidering selling their homes while the market is hot and moving

deed; now they are looking at businesses,

further out of town, where there is more land, less noise, and less

commercial properties, and larger spreads.

traffic. Curious about the real estate market in the Billings suburbs, I

The Georgia Boys appear to be typical of a

reached out to Kerry Skiles, a long-time friend and a real estate who

new demographic of Montana immigrants

is opening her own brokerage. She is concentrating her business on

headed to Roundup. “People are coming to

two towns: Absarokee and Roundup.

this state that sort of feel like their state left

Both communities are roughly forty miles from Billings, but the

them. Most of them aren’t bringing millions

similarities end there. Roundup is located on the high and dry plains

of dollars, but they have a nest egg and an

to the north, while Absarokee is in the lush river valley to the west.

idea. They are not coming up there with a

While many of us are familiar with Absarokee because of its wonder-

lot of money, but they’re figuring out how to

ful rivers and the fact that is easily accessed on the Billings-Bozeman

make money. They’re survivors and innova-

corridor, Roundup is a little more out of the way, with fewer natural

tors, looking for a new place to call home.”

attractions. Talking to Kerry, I was surprised to learn that the old

The Georgia Boys certainly succeeded:

agricultural community has become quite a destination for people

they built a profitable business helping fill

moving here from out of state.

orders for Blackhawk, a major gun holster

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

BILLINGS’ OVERLOOKED SUBURBS (CONTINUED)

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

and tactical accessory manufacturer in the Bozeman

There are plenty of good deals still to be had for real

area. One one instance, they helped fill an order for

estate bargain hunters in Roundup, but it does come

260,000 units for the French army.

with a price. Water can be a challenge, as finding reli-

Roundup has attracted a surprisingly diverse pop-

able wells is not guaranteed, and the alkaline water

ulation of newcomers; apart from Southern emigres,

requires significant treatment. Nonetheless, as Kerry

there are Californians uncomfortable with the direction

says, “Drilling a couple deeps wells isn’t so bad if it’s

their home state is heading and Montana veterans who

the place that’s right for you, and you’re buying the

appreciate the peace and quiet of the community.

land for $400 and acre.”

Despite the town’s relatively isolated location, it does

Absarokee, on the other hand, has plenty of water

get a surprising amount of traffic, between the sur-

and is rife with the scenic beauty Montana is famous for.

rounding agricultural community, the mine, and people

Kerry says, “The Columbus Valley is one of the prettiest

traveling between other communities around Roundup.

places we have, and all of it is ripe for making new com-

Though not known for its scenery in the same way as

munities.” While Roundup’s population are more akin to

the western and southern parts of Montana, Roundup

pioneers, seeking opportunity and solitude, Absarokee’s

does have scenic beauty from the Musselshell River

transplants are more into family life and community.

and the Bull Mountains. Kerry is optimistic that the

“People go to Absarokee because they want to raise

town’s growing population will quickly develop its own

their families there. They’re into family life, local business,

unique and positive identity.

and local community. Unlike Red Lodge, they’re not all

Roundup’s aspirational and innovative population have

that interested in tourism.”

developed some interesting architectural designs, most

Much of Absarokee’s nascent community life centers

notably the “barn-dominium”: a large steel commercial

around developing Main Street. Some choose to have

building with a condo-style home in the back and a large

offices or commercial properties in town instead of on

shop. Some of these buildings are surprisingly posh - a

their own spreads, so that they can interact with the

number of the shops even have radiant floor heat.

rest of the community on a regular basis. There is also CONTINUED >

“TH

E COLUMBUS VALLEY IS ONE OF THE PRETTIEST PLACES WE HAVE, D ALL OF IT IS RIPE FOR MAKING NEW COMMUNITIES.”

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

BILLINGS’ OVERLOOKED SUBURBS (CONTINUED)

a financial incentive: developing commercial property on the main street of a thriving community is an excellent long-term investment. Many Billings residents have considered buying homes or vacation or investment properties in the Stillwater area at one time or another, and Kerry has a piece of advice: “Do it. There is likely to be a long-term recreational land grab in the area, as it is in the BozemanBillings corridor, with two river heads and a valley that protects you.” While good deals are still to be had on good-sized parcels, including lucrative riverfront property, Kerry suggests an oft-overlooked alternative: buying smaller homes in town for mixed-use purposes. Using the property as both a VRBO, a vacation property, and a long-term appreciating investment can be rewarding from both a financial and a lifestyle perspective. If you’re interested in exploring the Absarokee area, Kerry recommends checking out the world-famous Tippet Rise and dining at the Wildflower Cafe. Whether you’re looking to move outside of town for peace and quiet, to acquire agricultural land for recreation or food security, or pick up a nice vacation or investment property, Roundup and Absarokee are two fascinating options where opportunity still exists in a state currently defined by a real estate gold rush.

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION.

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ARTICLE CHRIS MONTAGUE

JULY’S BIRTHSTONE: RUBY

WHEN WORN AS A TALISMAN, RUBY’S MYSTICAL PROPERTIES EXTENDED TO PERSONAL PROTECTION. People believed wearing the stone on the left, the heart side, would allow the bearers to live peacefully. None could take their land or rank. The blood-colored stone would preserve them from all perils, even their homes from storms. Ruby’s blood-like color no doubt encouraged strong associations with this life-sustaining fluid. Those who risked their lives were believed to have a special connection to the gem. The ancient Burmese prized the ruby as the stone of soldiers.

invulnerability. However, wearing it on the left wasn’t enough. Only

They believed it bestowed

those who had rubies physically inserted into their flesh would gain this benefit. They believed they were safe from wounds from spears, swords, or guns. Other sources claimed rubies and other red stones could remedy bleeding and inflammation as well as increase the body’s warmth. (In fact, you’ll find that the folklore surrounding another famously red gem, the garnet, has many similarities with ruby symbolism and lore. Before the development of scientific classifications of gem species, many people considered all red gemstones to be the same type of stone). Ruby’s inner glow seems to hint that perhaps it contains an inner fire. This visual effect may have inspired some curious bits of lore. A ruby placed in water could bring it to a boil. If hidden in a wrapping, the gem could shine through and reveal its presence. Stories are told of rubies that emit their own light. One was even described as “shining like a torch.”

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

“ T H E B E AU T I F U L A N D T E R R I B L E F I G U R E O F A D R A G O N . I F T H I S I S F O U N D O N A R U BY O R A N Y O T H E R S T O N E O F S I M I L A R N AT U R E A N D V I R T U E , I T H AS T H E P OW E R T O AU G M E N T T H E G O O D S O F T H I S WO R L D A N D M A K E S T H E W E A R E R J OYO U S A N D H E A LT H Y.” CONTINUED >

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JULY’S BIRTHSTONE: RUBY (CONTINUED)

All varieties of rubies were thought to hold similar

The beautiful and terrible figure of a dragon. If this

properties. In addition to their protective powers,

is found on a ruby or any other stone of similar nature

they reputedly helped control evil thoughts, dispel

and virtue, it has the power to augment the goods of

anger, and resolve disputes. However, darker rubies

this world and makes the wearer joyous and healthy.

were considered “male” and lighter gems “female.”

With such a long and varied history, no wonder

When people in the Middle Ages encountered

the ruby has acquired such a mystique. We all want

gems with carved images, they believed such stones

our things to be the very best. Of course, ruby own-

occurred naturally. Although these pieces were

ers have a vested interest in their possessions, but

carved in ancient times, they didn’t think humans

the ruby has the reputation and beauty to back such

worked them. They believed such gems possessed

claims. So, if you want a gem to increase your wealth,

special powers. For example, in the 13th-century

impress your rivals, and protect you from harm, the

work, The Book of Wings, Ragiel writes:

legends point to ruby.

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

PUT YO U R CIT Y O N O U R MAP. Start a magazine & build a legacy. Life is short. Love what you do.

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ARTICLE JENNIFER ANDERSON MSPH RDN

TE AC H I N G YO U R K I D S TO E AT H E A LTH Y

HEALTHY LUNCHES & SNACKS FOR KIDS AS PARENTS, ONE OF OUR BIGGEST PRIORITIES IS ENSURING THAT OUR KIDS ARE GETTING THE NUTRIENTS THEY NEED. But getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables isn’t always easy, especially if your kids are picky eaters like many seem to be. Let’s talk about the benefits of introducing healthy food to your kids at an early age. Read on to find helpful information about feeding picky eaters, plus a healthy lunch and snack recipe for kids.

With over 1.3mm Instagram followers and over 250,000 visitors each month, Kids Eat in Color is a VIBRANT, educational, and inspiring national resource for parents to learn the ease and creativity of “what to feed kids” who “love to have fun.” About the Author

Known for her beautiful and colors-of-the-rainbow photos of flavorful meals, Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietician who has a FUN and playful approach to guiding parents to reduce mealtime stress.

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

4 B E N E F I T S O F H E A LT H Y LU N C H E S A N D S N A C K S F O R K I D S TO E AT NUTRITION IS ESSENTIAL TO KIDS’ DEVELOPMENT Kids develop quickly in the first few years of life, so incorporating a variety of nutritious foods is essential to their growth and development. BALANCED NUTRITION LEADS TO HEALTHY KIDS Feeding your child a variety of foods is the key to getting them many different types of nutrients. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help your child fight off illnesses. HEALTHY EATING AS CHILDREN EQUALS HEALTHY EATING AS ADULTS When little kids learn to eat fruits and vegetables at an early age, they are more likely to continue eating healthy foods as adults. COLORFUL FOOD PROVIDES ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS Each plant compound does something different in your body, which is why eating lots of different colors helps keep our bodies healthy.

3 T I P S F O R G E T T I N G YO U R K I D S TO E AT H E A LT H Y F O O D S

Kids, especially kids who may be picky or selective, often like a little bit of novelty.

MAKE SNACKS AND MEALTIME FUN We all know that kids like to play and have fun, so why not make food fun? Whether you’re turning broccoli into a microphone at dinner, or playing tic-tac-toe with edible carrot sticks, kids get into it. DON’T GIVE UP Parents often assume that if a child doesn’t eat a food the first or second time it’s served, the child doesn’t like the food. Many children may need to see or taste a food 10 or 20 times before they are willing to eat it. FORCING HEALTHY FOODS ON KIDS OFTEN BACKFIRES Often, making a child eat food or eat a certain amount of food backfires. It may backfire in the short run by making a child more selective and less likely to eat the foods you want them to eat. CONTINUED >

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EAT HEALTHY (CONTINUED)

MIDNIGHT MEDITERRANEAN P A S TA Affordable Flavors

Meal Plan

Yield: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes INGREDIENTS

+ 8 ounces whole wheat (or regular) linguine + 3 tablespoons oil + 4 cloves garlic, chopped + 1 cup canned tomato, chopped + 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, drained + 1 teaspoon dried oregano

LU N C H A N D S N A C K R E C I P E S F R O M

+ Salt to taste + ½ teaspoon black pepper

K I D S E AT I N C O LO R M E A L P L A N S

+ ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon paprika + 3-½ cups fresh spinach METHOD

1. In medium-sized pot, bring water to boil. Cook whole wheat linguine according to instructions. 2. In large pan, heat up oil. Once heated, add chopped garlic. Cook until lightly browned. 3. Add tomato, chickpeas, oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to simmer.

S TA R T H E A LT H Y H A B I T S E A R LY

4. Add spinach and cook until wilted. 5. Strain linguine and add to pan; stir well to incorporate. 6. Remove from heat and enjoy!

The key takeaway here is to introduce healthy foods to your child at an early age. Be patient with your pickiest of eaters, and re-introduce a food several times. Stick with it; their long-term health habits depend on it!

G R E E K YO G U R T RANCH DIP This goes great with raw veggies like celery, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower, or any veggie your kids might like raw. It also goes

Real Easy

Weekdays Meal Plan

great with whole-grain crackers and pita chips! INGREDIENTS + ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt + ½ to 1 Tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Onion Salt (alternatives include Ranch dressing mix, onion salt, or a combination of onion powder and garlic powder) METHOD 1. Mix Greek yogurt with seasoning. Serve. 34

Billings Lifestyle | August 2021

Children tend to mimic adults, so try to be a good example and eat the foods you want them to eat. Your health will benefit too! Try to make snacks and mealtime fun for your kids so they will want to participate and develop a healthy relationship with food.

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