Rural Living 101
So you want to live on a ranch? How about an hour to the nearest bigger grocery store. Or an hour and a half (mostly on gravel roads) to a bigger city, HELLO Walmart! The nearest Costco or Target is four hours away and so is the airport. I’m not complaining, I see more cows than people on an average day. It just costs a little more time and the use of some quality online shopping to get things done around here.
Here are some of my favorite tips along with companies that keep life rolling on the ranch and also in business in rural Montana.
Personal / Shopping
THRIVE MARKET
Very rarely can I find “healthy” food options in Eastern Montana. My best bet is to drive to Billings or Rapid City which are both over 3 hours away.
That was until I found out about Thrive Market. Thank you friends! 🙌
Thrive Market is awesome for rural folks, especially those who can’t handle the meat and potatoes diet 24/7. (I wish I could but my jeans say otherwise). There are different diets to shop from or you can shop by category which I prefer. You pay for a membership to receive the discounts and your products are shipped directly to your door step!
I am definitely not vegetarian, or really any of the other diet options but the products I buy are so much cheaper on Thrive…plus I’m saving fuel and vehicle wear and tear. Really a win win in my book!
STITCH FIX
You’re probably starting to think I hate driving by now. I really don’t, but for some reason after driving I feel exhausted and rarely want to shop! I’ve been using Stitch Fix for a few years but recently really started loving it again last year. Stitch Fix takes your sizing and personal style profile and sends clothing items for you to try on and buy. Pretty much like a personal shopper but the clothes and accessories come straight to your home!
I schedule my fix’s when I see fit, so I just pick a date, try on the clothes, and send back whatever items I don’t purchase. Usually I buy one item, but in the past i’ve returned everything till I really liked something.
I think by giving really clear instructions, they send more of the staples you are looking for. For example-I don’t need jeans, so on my stitch I’ll tell my designer “No jeans, looking for some simple fall sweaters or bohemian tops”. The quality has always been amazing too!
I used to get gel manicures but after the time it took, and being so far from town, I decided to give Red Aspen nail dashes a try. I LOVE them! They last on the ranch, and they are easy to glue on. They honestly feel sturdier than gel. Plus they have other amazing self-care items.
COSTCO
I’ve become the queen of ordering things online. Although I do believe in shopping small, most days I don’t have time to drive an hour to pay super high prices at our local grocery. I use Costco for anything from dry groceries, toiletries, snacks and even canvas prints!
Photography / Business
LENS RENTALS
One of the best pieces of advice I was given as a new photographer was to rent gear. Whether you’re just starting out and want to test out gear before you buy, or you’re working on a special project that requires some fancy glass, renting gear is awesome!
Recently I’ve been using Lens Rentals to try out some new lenses. They are super fast (ordered my lenses on a Tuesday and they got here Wednesday). Plus, they give you the option to buy if you like what you’re working with.
Even if you don’t live near a camera shop, Lens Rentals is definitely worth checking out!
MILLER’S PHOTO
I use Miller’s for both my own prints as well as customers. Usually the overnight delivery gets here next day. Which is impressive where we live! I like to order in bulk to save a little bit of money. So far the quality has been great, and I haven’t had any issues. If you are interested in learning how to mat your own prints, check out this previous blog post.
AMAZON
Like I said, I try to shop small when I can. However, for many business items I find the best prices on Amazon. Plus, I don’t have to drive to town and spend time on the road, Amazon will shop directly to the ranch. Business items I buy include packaging for shipping, mats for my prints, small photography equipment items, tripods,
There you have it! Some of my favorite ways to save money and time living in rural Montana. If you have any questions, or ideas to add to the list feel free to reach out. Cheers from Montana!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. Thank you for the support! 🙏