Dry

Montana—Big Sky Country, a place of breathtaking landscapes, rugged adventures, and… incredibly dry air. If you live here, you know the struggle. Montana’s climate is relentless in its assault on your skin, hair, and even your indoor spaces. Compared to the nationwide average humidity of 77%, Montana’s 55% feels like a giant sponge wringing moisture out of every corner of your life.

Speaking of sponges, let’s indulge in a little tale. Imagine a villain, the Dry Air Sponge, hovering over the town of Humidityville, cackling as he zaps every last drop of moisture from the atmosphere. His reign of dryness doesn’t just make life uncomfortable—it’s downright unhealthy. Lips chap, skin cracks, and even plants give up. But the town isn’t defenseless. Enter the Moisture Defenders, a trio of heroes armed with the tools to restore hydration and save the day.

This isn’t just a fun story—it’s a guide to defeating Dry Air Sponge’s grip on your skin, health, and home. With the help of humidifiers, moisturizing skincare products, and smart hydration strategies, you can turn the tide in your favor.


Montana’s Air: A Nationwide Comparison

Montana’s dry air is no ordinary foe. While states like Florida bask in year-round humidity, Montana faces seasonal extremes that make winter air feel particularly parched. It’s not unlike Humidityville under siege from Dry Air Sponge, his arid grip tightening during the colder months.

Why Is Montana’s Air So Dry?

In other words, Montana’s air is the perfect battleground for Dry Air Sponge’s mischief. But before despair sets in, let’s talk about the tools you can use to fight back.


The Dry Air Sponge Effect: What’s Really Happening?

Hold On, Dry Air Isn’t All Bad

Before we dive into the challenges of Montana’s dry air, let’s give credit where credit is due—it’s not all bad news. In fact, Montana’s arid climate comes with a few surprising perks:

While these benefits are worth celebrating, they don’t negate the challenges of living in such a dry environment, an invisible villain with a relentless thirst for moisture.


How the Dry Air Sponge Strikes

Like a sponge that’s been wrung out to the last drop, dry air is desperate to soak up water from any available source—including your body and your home. This insidious process creates a host of challenges:

It’s not just your body, either. Your home feels it, too—cracked furniture, wilting plants, and static electricity running rampant. But don’t worry, help is on the way.


Meet the Moisture Defenders

While Dry Air Sponge may seem unstoppable, a team of moisture-boosting heroes is ready to help. Meet the Moisture Defenders, a trio of solutions designed to restore hydration and balance to every corner of your life. 

1. Canopy Humidifier: The Air Saver

Humidifier

When indoor air feels like a desert, think of the Canopy Humidifier as your first line of defense, a personal rain cloud restoring hydration to your space without the risk of moldy build-up that comes with traditional humidifiers. 


2. H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid): The Skin Scientist

HA

Hyaluronic acid is like your skin’s personal sponge, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Naturally found in your skin, connective tissues, and eyes, it acts as a cushion and lubricant, keeping everything hydrated and resilient. This hero ingredient replenishes what dry air has stolen, drawing in moisture and locking it into your skin. Loved in skincare for its lightweight, non-greasy properties, it plumps your skin, smooths fine lines, and keeps every skin type glowing and hydrated.


3. Dr. Hydrate: The Internal Strategist

Electrolytes

While Canopy and H.A. focus on the air and skin, Dr. Hydrate ensures your body is armed from the inside. Electrolyte drinks are his secret weapon, helping your cells retain water even when the air is conspiring against you.


Practical Tips for Everyday Defense

Even with the Moisture Defenders on your side, you’ll need a battle plan to maintain victory over Montana’s dryness. Here are some additional strategies to keep Dry Air Sponge at bay:

For Your Skin

  1. Layer Your Moisturizers: Use a heavier, fragrance-free moisturizer after applying HA serum to trap hydration. Ingredients like ceramides and glycerin are particularly effective.

  2. Shield Against Windburn: Wear scarves, gloves, and hats during outdoor adventures to protect exposed skin from harsh winds.

  3. Switch to Gentle Products: Avoid harsh soaps or exfoliators that can strip your skin’s natural oils. Instead, opt for hydrating cleansers and barrier-supporting creams.


For Your Home

  1. Seal Your Space: Keep doors and windows tightly closed to prevent dry air from sneaking indoors. Adding weather stripping can help maintain indoor humidity.

  2. Use Humidifiers Strategically: A single Canopy Humidifier in the bedroom can make a world of difference, but placing one in a larger living area during the day adds an extra layer of protection.

  3. Add Natural Humidifiers: Incorporate indoor plants like peace lilies or ferns that release moisture into the air.


For Your Health

  1. Drink Water Regularly: Staying hydrated is a daily effort, especially in a climate as dry as Montana’s.

  2. Use Saline Nasal Sprays: These keep your nasal passages moist, reducing irritation and nosebleeds.

  3. Snack on Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich options like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet.


A Hydration Victory: Lessons from the Moisture Defenders

As Dry Air Sponge retreats, defeated by the Moisture Defenders, Montana’s residents can breathe (and hydrate) easier. Their skin glows, their throats feel soothed, and their plants are thriving. The battle isn’t over—Montana’s dryness will always be a challenge—but with a humidifier, hydrating skincare, and smart hydration strategies, you’re well-equipped to win the war.

So, the next time Dry Air Sponge lurks, ready to pounce, remember: your moisture is yours to protect. With the right tools and a little effort, you can keep your skin, home, and health hydrated and happy—even in the driest conditions.

Stay hydrated, friends. 🌧️


Products to Consider: All products shown above in addition to many others can be found at your local Haskill Creek Store. Print this list out and stop on by and our staff will be happy to help you!

Thanksgiving

As an interior designer, you might think I go all out decorating our dining table for every event and holiday—but you’d be surprised! Like any good designer, I’d start with grand intentions of creating a beautiful, seasonal table setting. But soon enough, I’d overanalyze, get paralyzed by choices, and end up setting the table with nothing that excited me. Cue the disappointment! So this year, I decided enough was enough. I pulled together a few core table items that can be easily updated for any holiday or season.

With the holidays quickly approaching, I figured it’s the perfect time to share my list for simple, stylish "Tabletop Essentials," plus tips to make every dining event feel fresh and unique. And, of course, we at Haskill Creek have made it easy for you to create your own dream tablescape!

So, What is a Tablescape?

If you're like me, the word "tablescape" might conjure up images of a craft store explosion—artificial flowers, Hallmark-themed knick-knacks—enough to distract from the people around you and the food! But don't worry, a tablescape doesn’t have to be sensory overload. At its core, a tablescape is a thoughtful arrangement on your dining table to set the mood and highlight the meal. Whether you go all out with holiday decor or keep it sleek with just place settings, it’s about matching the vibe to your taste and the occasion.

Creating Your Tabletop Essentials

Just like a “capsule wardrobe” consists of core items you can mix and match, Tabletop Essentials is broken down into two sections, Core and Accessories. Core items are the basic linens and place settings that can adapt to any event. Accessories can be repeated or new for each season or event. Depending on your table size and guest count, consider having 2-3 extra place settings—perfect for easy replacements if needed.  

Grid

Time to Get Creative

Now that we have a list, it’s time to choose pieces that fit your style! Are you “more is more” or “less is more”? Do you prefer natural tones or bold colors? Look around your home, jot down a few keywords (like "blue, refined, vibrant"), and search online for inspiration (e.g., “Natural Organic Green Tablescape”). Use these ideas to find specific items for your Tabletop Essentials. 

At Haskill Creek, we’ve made it even easier with two versatile tablescape designs that seamlessly transition through all your holiday events. Each item in the Core Essentials section can be mixed and matched season after season, even between the two sets! Accessories like candle holders, vases, and napkin rings are timeless and adaptable for any event. For a special touch, consider seasonal tweaks—add herbs to napkins or swap in fresh flowers. Quirky additions, like corn-on-the-cob candles, can add a unique flair and spark conversation. And remember, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all orange and red!

Tablescape

Thanksgiving

Bring these images in, and our staff will be happy to help! As always, we look forward to seeing you at Haskill this holiday season and hopefully for years to come!  

Caldera

Come to Haskill Creek and grab a few (or all!) Caldera Lab products for the men in your life—husband, boyfriend, brother, father, best friend, you name it! I know, I sound like a QVC host, but trust me, these products are worth the hype.

Now, you may have noticed our Men’s section is a bit more compact than other areas in the store. And no, it’s not because we don’t believe men deserve great products! It's simply because finding high-quality men’s skincare that meets our Haskill Clean Standards and actually works is a real challenge. While we stand behind all the products in our men’s section, we think Caldera Lab has really nailed it!  We discovered Caldera Lab nearly a year ago, and after some friendly persistence, they agreed to partner with us! We’re beyond thrilled to bring this effective, ethical, and beautifully crafted skincare line to you.

So What is Caldera Lab?

Caldera Lab, founded in 2018 by Jared Pobre and his wife, Stacy Keibler, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, addresses the need for straightforward, high-quality men's skincare. Their commitment to community and environmental responsibility is evident through multiple certifications:

Additionally, Caldera Lab subjects all products to rigorous third-party testing, with results accessible online, underscoring their transparency and commitment to quality.

Ingredients

Caldera Lab is renowned for its innovative, scientifically-crafted skincare. Their non toxic, botanical ingredients are clinically proven, 100% fair trade, wild-harvested from the Wyoming mountains, or organic, and sourced from the most potent varieties worldwide. They've developed the trademarked Wild Antioxidant Complex™, a super potent botanical concentrate that's essential to their skincare line. In an effort to keep this post somewhat short, you can read more about the science behind their products  here. It is impressive! 

Best of all, Caldera Lab's products aren't overloaded with fragrances like so many men's skincare lines. I’m not sure who decided men’s skincare needs to smell like Axe body spray, but thankfully, Caldera Lab took a different approach! Their products are lightly scented, if not nearly unscented. 

Regimens 

Now that you are ready to get started, where do you begin? Caldera Lab knows men want a quick, no-fuss skincare routine, and their streamlined product line makes it easy. With just six facial products, two for shaving/beard care, and one body soap, they’ve created an effective, minimal regimen. Each product works for all skin types—from sensitive and acne-prone to mature skin.

The Products:

Caldera-

The Regimen (Baseline System)

Their suggested starter kit, “The Regimen,” includes The Clean Slate, The Base Layer, and The Good. We have included “Add-On” products, for when you are ready to advance your routine.

Morning Routine-

  1. Cleanse: Use 1-2 pumps of The Clean Slate.

  2. Moisturize: Apply a dime-sized amount of The Base Layer all over your face and neck

  3. Add-On: Gently pat The Eyecon around each eye.

  4. Add-On: Apply 1-2 pumps of The Face SPF.  While this is an add on, it is highly recommended that you use an SPF year round. 

Evening Routine-

  1. Cleanse: Use 1-2 pumps of The Clean Slate.

  2. Serum: Apply 4-12 drops of The Good, adjusting based on your skin’s needs (10-12 for for oily skin, 4-6 for dry skin)

  3. Add-On: Gently pat 1-2 pumps of The Eyecon around each eye.

Want to include The Deep mask? Use 1-2 times per week, morning or night.  Apply it to your face (avoiding the eye area) between steps 1 & 2, leave on for 15-20 minutes, then gently remove with a warm cloth.  Scot swears by this product!

With all that said, stop by Haskill Creek to pick up your new Caldera Lab skincare routine, or give it this holiday season to the man in your life who’s ready to take his skincare to the next level!

Halloween

Halloween in Whitefish isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full-on celebration of creativity for both kids and adults alike.  From spectacularly creative costumes to streets that go above and beyond to give their trick or treaters the ultimate Halloween experience, it is really a holiday not to be missed.  Here we wanted to share our plans for a complete night of Halloween fun with our kids as well as some fun festivities happening around town. 

Halloween Night Basics

If you are new to town and want a no-brainer guide to making sure your kids don’t feel like they missed a thing on Halloween night, we have you covered. In Whitefish trick-or-treating happens on Halloween night itself, so after a big day at school, there’s even more fun to be had.

Tips:
– Bring extra snacks, layers, and warm drinks
– Even though our kids aren’t little, we still like to bring a wagon for any younger kids to ride in, or to store costume pieces that get abandoned, or bags of candy!

Schedule:

3:30 PM: Head home from school and get kids (and yourself) ready for an evening of fun!

4:30 PM: We usually try to head to Central Ave by 4:30 so that kids can walk to all of the businesses downtown that are handing out candy. Don’t forget to stop at the Stumptown Art Studio, where they always have a fun “haunted house,” right downtown.

*New this year: Be sure to stop for a photo op in front of Haskill Creek! We’re hanging a big Halloween banner that should make for a fun picture with the kids.*

Depending on the weather, you may want to stop and grab a hot drink from Montana Coffee traders while you’re out on Central Ave–good for keeping fingers and bodies warm!

5:30 PM: We like to stop and fuel up with fries and chicken strips at either the Great Northern Bar or Bulldog Saloon. It’s a good chance to make sure kids are eating something other than candy, adjust costumes and warm up, and let’s be honest, enjoy an adult beverage before hitting the neighborhoods.

6:30 PM: Next, head from downtown Whitefish just a few blocks East to Columbia Ave. That’s where the fun really begins! We walk as far as our kids want to go up and down both Columbia and Somers, and see lots of friends on the way!

Bonus: If you’re not tired yet, be sure to stop over by Riverside Park and visit the big skeletons near the river.

Family Fun Spooktacular Events:

Oct 11th – 26th / Clydesdale Outpost's Haunted Hayride:  Embark on a haunted hayride through a circus abandoned decades ago on the outskirts of Whitefish. If you missed the first 4 events, make sure you get to the last two this Friday and Saturday!  

Oct 30 & 31st / Whitefish Theater Company Haunted House Experience: An Interactive Walkthrough Experience! Designed by Rachel Naber Burke, complete with witches, grim reapers and more, this all ages haunted house is sure to be a frightfully fun time for all!

Oct 31st / Downtown Whitefish Halloween Costume Contest: Historians have said the annual Whitefish Halloween costume contest originally started in the 1990’s and is back this year with plans to be an over the top costume viewing, bar-hopping event not to be missed. 

Dirtea

Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lion’s Mane… oh my!

While some of you may be familiar with these functional mushrooms, others might be wondering, “Turkey what?” These are just a few of the powerful superfoods we at Haskill Creek trust for their immunity, longevity, and healing benefits. Though mushrooms have been used in naturopathic medicine for thousands of years, they’ve only gained mainstream popularity in the U.S. over the past decade. After extensive research, we’re excited to offer DIRTEA—founded in 2016 by two brothers who experienced life-changing benefits from functional mushrooms. Here’s why you should consider adding Dirtea to your routine.

What is DIRTEA?

Dirtea offers three main product types for convenient use:

  1. Super Blends – a potent mix of DIRTEA Mushrooms to enhance your favorite drinks.

  2. Pure Powders – 100% organic mushroom extract powders with no added ingredients.

  3. Gummies – delicious bites packed with up to 3,000mg of functional mushrooms and essential vitamins. (Coming early October to Haskill)

All DIRTEA mushrooms are 100% organically grown and third-party tested. They use a dual extraction method, which extracts both water-soluble components (polysaccharides) and alcohol-soluble components (triterpenoids), ensuring the full spectrum of benefits. In other words, they squeeze the maximum amount of benefits from the mushroom. 

Dirtea focuses on six key functional mushrooms: Reishi, Chaga, Tremella, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail. Whether used individually or in combination, these mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits.

Some Basics About Functional Mushrooms 

I'm no mushroom expert, but I've always been fascinated by the benefits of plants (I have a soft spot for Claire Fraser… IYKYK, 😆) and now fungi! I highly recommend the book Healing Mushrooms by Tero Isokauppila (also found at Haskill Creek)—it's an easy-to-follow deep dive into the world of functional and adaptogenic mushrooms.

Stay with me for a moment, because there are a couple definitions that are important for truly understanding the benefits of DIRTEA products!

Adaptogens are defined as “naturally occurring, nontoxic substances that protect the body from stress by stabilizing and optimizing its physiological functions.” In other words, they have the incredible ability to adjust and support your body in whatever way it needs at any given time—AMAZING! However, not all mushrooms are adaptogens. In the DIRTEA product line, all of their mushrooms are considered adaptogens except for Turkey Tail.

Turkey Tail is classified as an immunomodulator, which means it helps regulate and balance the immune system’s response. In other words, if your immune system is overstimulated (e.g. allergies) they will work to calm it down and if it is suppressed (e.g. infections) they will work to help rev it up. While all adaptogens have immunomodulatory properties, not all immunomodulators are adaptogens. 

Beyond stress and immune support, each type of functional mushroom offers unique benefits. For example, Tremella mushrooms may boost the body’s production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, while Lion’s Mane may enhance memory and focus.

What DIRTEA Products May Be Right For You


DIRTEA 100% Pure Powders
can be simply mixed into hot water, juice, coffee or smoothies.  Also try blending into any recipe for a natural health boost. 

DIRTEA Super Blends are a great substitute to your favorite coffee, matcha or hot cocoa. Think of them as your go- to favorites with super powers.

DIRTEA Gummies I love a good gummy and these are no exception.  Flavorful, sugar free and loaded with up to 3,000 mg (the most of any gummy on the market) of functional mushrooms and essential vitamins, these are a no-brainer way to get your mushrooms!  

With all the said, next time you’re at Haskill Creek, check out our DIRTEA products located in the Pantry section of the store. They make it super easy to add the powerful benefits of functional mushrooms to your daily routine and with extensive third party testing and organic harvesting, you know you are getting an extremely high quality product. Personally, I’ve swapped my morning coffee a few times a week for their Coffee Mix and love adding Cordyceps Powder to my smoothies for an added cellular energy boost. If you’re a chia seed pudding fan, try mixing in some Turkey Tail for an extra immune boost (recipe below). Can’t wait to see you in the store—and if you try the recipe, let us know what you think!

https://us.dirteaworld.com/blogs/dirtea-mushroom-recipes/immune-strengthening-peanut-butter-yoghurt

Please note that I am not a doctor and this article is intended to provide educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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