Lifestyle

With a fiery passion that developed at a young age, Bonnie Montgomery had no choice but to pursue a career in music. A Searcy native and Ouachita Baptist University graduate, Montgomery has been a fixture in the Arkansas music scene for years. While she’s drawn inspiration from Texas-based artists such as Rosie Flores, Billy Joe Shaver and Ray Wylie Hubbard, Montgomery has never steered too far from her roots, calling Johnny Cash her “North Star.”

Music has long been a medium that encourages partnership from different backgrounds, and The House of Songs Ozarks in Bentonville is no different.

Do you want to be a better listener? Here is an advanced practice drill. Listen to someone you really disagree with. It should not be a challenge to find someone in today’s political climate.

Two of Broadway’s most famous musicals are among the attractions for the upcoming season at Robinson Center Music Hall. “Wicked” (Jan. 1-19) and “Cats” (June 5-7, 2020) headline the five-act season which begins with Jimmy Buffet’s “Escape to Margaritaville” on Nov. 1.

While the 91st Academy Awards ceremony has come and gone, the movie celebration in Little Rock continues. The theme of this year’s annual Downtown Dash 10K/5K race hosted by the Junior League of Little Rock is “Movie Madness,” with all participants encouraged to dress as their favorite movie character.

Keep those black ties and dresses in the closet for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming Beethoven and Blue Jeans performance April 13 and 14 at the Robinson Center.

Even for those with no Irish heritage to boast, St. Patrick’s Day means a time of fellowship and fun with friends and family. Here in Arkansas, the celebration will include a slew of parades across the state.

With American Heart Month in full swing, CHI St. Vincent has launched an online assessment tool to help people start taking control of their own heart health. The free test allows participants to gain access to their heart age, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of their potential heart-health risks.

As the temperature slowly starts to rise and spring approaches, there’s no shortage of upcoming events in Little Rock. Here are a few to consider in the coming weeks:

Northwest Arkansas residents with a brilliant idea will soon have an avenue to share it. The IdeaFame Live contest, coming to Fayetteville on Feb. 21, is an event that gives innovators, entrepreneurs and dreamers an opportunity to pitch their businesses, products, services and solutions.

North Carolina toddler Annie was watching “Sesame Street” late December when her mom, Amanda, thought she heard Grover say the “F” word. Annie’s dad (my son Thomas) replayed the segment, agreed it was debatable, posted it to Reddit, launching a top listing, 124,000 views, 3,400 comments and an international sensation.

Achieving optimum success while keeping office stress levels at a minimum is a difficult tightrope for employers to walk. As everyone seeks to improve workplace wellness in 2019, media company Well+Good recently released its predictions for what to expect this year.

Feb. 1 marks the beginning of American Heart Month, an annual reminder for people to take charge of their heart health. CHI St. Vincent, which has the largest and most diverse network of heart specialists in the state, continues to lead the growing efforts to improve heart health.

The next featured speakers at the Clinton School of Public Service will be serving up the big impact of smaller housing. John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin, co-hosts of “Tiny House Nation,” are scheduled to speak to the public at 6 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Sturgis Hall.

Gambel Communications is proud to be completing its second year publishing The New Orleans 100. This milestone is made sweeter because Tod Smith, general manager of our presenting sponsor, WWL-TV (CBS, Tegna), recently was awarded The 100 Companies’ inaugural Visionary Award.

With the holiday season in the rearview and summer still months away, staying motivated at work can be challenging. Here are some tips to keep yourself moving each day:

American Heart Association’s revolutionary movement, Healthy for Good, inspires people to create lasting changes in their health and in their lives. Make 2019 the year to be “healthy for good,” with the following tips:

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. As we kick off 2019, it’s time to turn our attention to the year ahead and resolve to get on track this year, whether in business, personal finance, health or wellness.

According to Forbes, only 8 percent of people accomplish their New Year’s resolutions. Here are a few guidelines to ensure your 2019 resolution is a success:

We all know the importance of taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But how do we find time for self-care?

Many people journal to pass the time, relax or keep a log of their accomplishments, but did you know that it can benefit your mental and even physical health?

Resolve to fill your life with more pleasure and beauty in our overworked world by getting to know the rich local art scene. At The Galleries at Library Square, exhibitions open every month with refreshments and live music from talented musicians, thanks to the Central Arkansas Library System’s Arkansas Sounds music series.

This new year, a healthier and happier you is just a tap or swipe away. There are countless apps designed to help users stick to their New Year’s resolutions:

One Word 365 says by choosing your word, it becomes the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps.

Christmas is less than two weeks away and there’s still shopping to do. If this sounds like you, here are suggestions for last-minute gifts:

Gene Simmons and the rest of the Kiss crew will make their way to Pulaski County next year before hanging up the microphones for good.

For all the joy it brings, the holiday season can cause even the most committed diets to come to a halt. Here are a few tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle this holiday season:

Several of New York’s premier art galleries have set up in Little Rock for the 50th Collectors Show and Sale at the Arkansas Arts Center. With approximately 150 works on display, the event features 26 different exhibits with styles ranging from 19th- and 20th-century American art to contemporary pieces.

After the year I got a cheese grater for Christmas, I’ve come up with my own list of gifts. My list includes a SodaStream to make my own carbonated water, unbreakable sunglasses, handwoven bag from Kenya and a line of gorgeous leather goods.

With the season of giving right around the corner, the CHI St. Vincent Foundation offers unique opportunities to make a difference right here in Arkansas.