4th of July Pass - Nordic Area

Since we have not received enough snow here is Spokane, my husband and I decided to drive Idaho in search of snow.  We live about 10 minutes from the border, so don't have to go too far.  After looking up some nearby snowshoe trails, we settled on this one right off highway 90 at the top of 4th of July Pass, about 15 miles from Coeur D' Alene.

You make a right turn, just off the freeway and drive down to the turnout.  You will see portable restrooms on the left and the trails are straight back and to the right.  This trail is for Cross-Country and Snowshoe.  You are supposed to have a Park and Ski Permit from what I could tell. No sign where we were and did not realize till later and were not parked for more that about 1 hour.

Here is a link with more info and you can get some maps: 4th of July Pass Area

Fun day out trying our snowshoes for the 1st time in my life.  Never too late and here are a few pics of the area.  Not the best of pictures due to using a camera phone

Natural Coconut Oil Soap

This site shows you how to make body soap as well as laundry soap out of coconut oil.  A must try using this great natural product.  I don't care for eating coconut, but I do love the smell of it so I know I would give it a shot.  This looks pretty easy to make and I would find various shaped/cheap items at the dollar store to use as your molds or see what you can find a at a thrift store.  Great gift idea for friends and family!

Coconut oil body bars and laundry soap

Note: I would search around on the internet or in health stores for a good deal on coconut oil if you want to save some money since it can be a bit expensive if you don't shop around.

Idaho's Natural Beauty - PBS Video on Scenic Byways

Being that I am right next to Idaho, I am looking forward to checking out some of these scenic byways as soon as I am able.  I will post my own pictures as I go.  For now, enjoy the video shown on PBS in regards to all the natural beauty Idaho has to offer.  Definitely much more than potatoes!

Idaho's Scenic Byway PBS Video

Our Fall is Almost Over in Spokane area...

Leaves are beginning to fall and soon the trees will all be naked.  Good thing we still have the green pines out here to make up for it and soon there will be snow on the ground to play in.

Mirabeau Park Walking Trail, Spokane Wa

Very pretty area which is only 1 mile from where I live in Spokane Valley.  Not the best video in the world since we were walking and the dog--left to us from grandma-- kept pulling me or stopping.  Not my 1st choice in dog, but he is cute at times.  At least it gives you an idea and this park has walking trails that go all over the area.  Across the street is the Centennial Trail along the river.

The small waterfall you will see in the video is man made, but it is still pretty.  I am sure when we get snow runoff next spring there will be a few real ones near by.

Lemon, Lemon, Magical Lemon....

Lemons or lemon Juice is another great, natural product that does so many things.  I am listing 10 great items, but I am sure it does much more....I do vaguely remember rubbing lemons on my face when I was a kid to try to get rid of the freckles that went across my nose and top of my cheeks.  Not sure if that worked, but they did fade by themselves as I got older.

1. Keeping items such as fruits and some vegetables from browning.  Squirt lemon juice on potatoes, apples, pears, avocado and my favorite...guacamole!
2. Mix with some water and use to clean off cutting or chopping boards to disinfect and deodorize.
3. Gets rid of onion or garlic odors on hands
4. Mix with some water and sponge/spray onto glassware to get rid of water spots or other streaks.
5. Put left over lemon rinds in garbage disposal to freshen.
6. Add to any cleaner for an extra boost to cut odors and disinfect or just use it by itself mixed in a spray bottle with water.
7. Cuts through grease!  You probably knew this one since they add it to dish soap.  Use it to clean stove tops, pots/pans, etc.
8. Great way to clean and freshen microwave.  Add a few slices to a bowl of water and microwave on high for about 30 or 40 seconds.  Any stuck on splatters will come right off with sponge.
9. Use lemon juice to pour into ice cube trays to make 'lemon cubes". Great to add to water, or other drink concoctions for an added taste.
10. Rub some lemon onto a mosquito bite to help sooth the sting.  So, if you like being outdoors or camping, might want to keep some handy in a zip lock bag!

All Things Vinegar

Vinegar is another great and cheap product that does so much. I have listed a few items below that vinegar is good for and I would recommend getting a big jug to keep around the house.

1. Clean and freshen your sink disposal - This one is kinda fun since it makes a mini-volcano in your drain.  Mix: 1/2 cut hot vinegar (I put it in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes) and 1/2 cup baking soda.  Pour the soda into the the drain and add the hot vinegar and watch the bubbling begin.  let sit for about 5 minutes before running any water.
2. Freshen and remove buildup int Dishwasher or clothes washer.  Add 1 cup vinegar to its regular cycle and run an empty load.
3. Coffee maker: run 1 cup of vinegar through your coffee maker's cycle.   Let it sit with the main reservoir lid open overnight to air out.
4. Pet Accidents on carpet: Blot up any excess you can first with paper towels.  Then mix water and vinegar then pour onto stain to soak.  Blot till almost dry and sprinkle baking soda onto it.  Let dry and sit overnight, then vacuum.
5. Ketchup, BBQ or spaghetti sauce on clothing: pour some on the stain and let it soak.  Wash as normal.
6. Make bites and insect stings feel better.  Blot on vinegar using a soaked cotton ball.
7. Clean your hair brush:  Soak in a mixture of vinegar and water.
8. Help whiten your teeth: Brush with vinegar once per week.

There are tons more suggestions that I found from this website:  Vinegar Tips

Aggrand Natural and Organic Fertilizers for Your Home Grown Garden

Aggrand offers a great choice of natural and organic fertilizers for your average home gardens.  This is a way for you to do your part and fertilize naturally and reduce any environmental impacts.

Some of the benefits are:

• Can be a cost savings compared to other non-natural fertilizers
• Actually has been shown to help improve your soil base
• Safe and effective
• Environmentally friendly 

Gardening Guide Brochure (Click Here)

If your may be interested in purchasing products you can (Click Here) for the link.

Hydrogen Peroxide - Cheap "Does Everything" Product

Natural and non-toxic household product, Hydrogen Peroxide.  It has tons of uses that I did not even know about and a big bottle of it is really cheap.  Heck, you can probably use a case when you realize how many uses it really has.

Some great ideas...

1. Use a few capfuls in your dishwasher in addition to your regular dish soap to add extra sanitizing power; likewise, you can also add a few capfuls into your bottle of liquid dish soap you use to wash dishes by hand.
2. Clean your counter tops and cutting boards
3. Use a 50/50 mix with water as a natural mouth rinse.  
4. Make a paste with peroxide, baking soda for a natural toothpaste.
5. Use it as a spray (add spray head) to whiten grout.  Let sit for quite a few minutes and let it bubble to work its magic, then scrub with a brush.  May take a few times or so.  
6. You can mix 50/50 with water and spray on wet hair for natural and subtle highlights.  I would recommend a test section to see how it works on your own hair type.
7. Add a cup to your bath water to help cleanse your body naturally. 
8. Use to blot on blemishes or acne to help them heal.
9. Use to naturally disinfect children's toys.  Rinse well after application.
10. Great natural carpet cleaner for pet stains and urine.  It will also help get rid of the odor!

More great natural product remedies coming soon....

Hiawatha Bike Trail

This biking trail runs from Idaho to Montana for a distance of 13 miles.  You will go over 7 high trestles and also through 8 open tunnels in one of the most scenic areas this part of the united states has to offer.  They will soon be adding another 31 miles of trails which will extend further into Montana for more spectacular views.  Not only do you get the high mountain views, but also rivers, creeks and an occasional waterfall on your path. Soon I will be moving out to Washington State, just 90 miles from where you begin this trail and I can't wait!

Location: Taft exit 8, off highway I-90 (midway between Washington State and Missoula, Montana)

Website: Hiawatha Trail