Spokane Metro Woman Blog
Growing Tomatoes with Spokane’s Own “Tomato Lady”
Growing Tomatoes in the Inland Northwest
Growing tomatoes in the Inland Northwest is an interesting and often challenging proposition.
Choosing The Right Varieties For Our Area
Early and Cherry varieties are great, especially in the outlying areas, such as Deer Park and Colville. Good picks are Stupice, Glacier, Alaska, SubArctic Plenty, Earliana, Manitoba, Siberia, and Early Wonder, Black Cherry, Isis Candy, Sungold, Green Grape and Ladybug. We successfully grow others like Red Brandywine, Rose, Delicious, Goliath, Kosovo, and Orange Russian.
What Tomatoes Need
Sun Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of sun or more. Fertilizer I believe that “if you feed the soil, it will feed the plants”. Every fall, I amend with composted manure, (usually horse or cow) and mulched leaves, turning it under in the spring. Use fertilizers sparingly and follow label directions. When choosing fertilizers, look for a low “N” (nitrogen) number or you’ll have beautiful plants and little fruit. Water Overhead watering versus a drip system. Overhead watering encourages disease; water droplets bounce off the soil, hitting the underside of the leaves, spreading fungus spores. A drip system waters where it’s needed and slowly.
Helping Them “Weather” Our Climate
Seaweed extract has been shown to help plants with cold. Use as a foliar spray spraying the undersides of the leaves. The best time is early morning. A “hoop house” made with pvc pipes and plastic is another option. Plant against a southern wall for ambient heat after sunset.
Keeping Them Growing
Mulching retains moisture in the soil and holds down weeds. Compost, grass clippings (NOT sprayed with weed killer), and straw all work. Crop rotation Don’t plant tomatoes (or potatoes and eggplants) in the same bed every year. Wait 2-3 years. They attract many of the same insects and diseases. Pruning and Pinching I never have. Plants use their leaves to make chlorophyll and to avoid sunburn.
End of Season
Blankets and tarps can be used to protect plants from frost. If a heavy frost is predicted, pick the largest tomatoes. Most will still ripen. Mid to Late September: Cut back on watering, shovel prune (sever roots on 3 sides a foot out), pick off smaller tomatoes and blossoms, pinch off growing tips.
Problems
Leaf Spot/Early Blight Usually occurs during periods of high rainfall, overhead watering. Use a fungicide spray, choose resistant varieties. Mulch. Sunscald White papery spots on fruit. Blossom End Rot Inconsistant watering, use eggshells (calcium). Cracking Usually after heavy rain. Blossom Drop Temps too hot or too cool (nighttime temps over 70 F or below 50 F) irregular watering, excess nitrogen.
For more information, see my website at http://www.thetomatolady.com, email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call Elizabeth Casteel, 509-928-3342
Bio: I have been growing and selling tomato and most recently, pepper plants for the last 15 years. I started on the South Hill with 50 extra plants in my driveway. Now I have 6000 tomato plants (151 varieties this year) and 900 pepper plants (44 varieties). We sell about three quarters of our stock from our home in the Spokane Valley and then finish up at the Garden Expo at SCC in May. It has been a family business and a great way to teach kids business principles and a work ethic.
Spokane’s Smile Expert Debra Craig, DDS Harmony Family Dental
SMW: Today I am excited to talk to one of Spokane’s premier women dentists, Debra Craig, DDS of Harmony Family Dental Spokane. Personally I know as I have gotten older my teeth and gums have started to look and feel different. I am looking forward to learning how I can protect my smile for many years to come!
SMW: Dr. Craig, it is wonderful to have this opportunity to learn from your years of experience in treating women. First however, I’d love to know what brought you and your practice to Spokane.
DEBRA CRAIG: Spokane is a wonderful place to live. My husband and I moved from the Minneapolis area about ten years ago. We feel Spokane offers so many amenities: four seasons of recreation; the cultural opportunities of a larger city, yet the warmth of a small community. My husband, Bruce, and I have been married for 33 years. We have three adult children and 2 grandchildren.
SMW: It sounds as if you keep busy with your family. Please tell me what you enjoy most about being a dentist?
DEBRA CRAIG: I truly love being a health care provider. I am passionate about health! Before becoming a dentist, I was a registered respiratory therapist. I feel my medical background has prepared me to treat dental patients with complicated health issues.
SMW: What are some of the most common challenges women face when it comes to dental health?
DEBRA CRAIG: First and foremost simply taking the time to practice good oral hygiene. Most dental problems regardless of our age can be prevented. A thorough home care routine goes for all members of the family at every age. Dental decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, second only to the common cold.
SMW: I had no idea dental decay was such a huge problem. Can you be more specific about what women should be doing to protect themselves?
DEBRA CRAIG: Certainly, it all begins with good oral hygiene. Cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease are all caused by bacteria which must be mechanically removed by a toothbrush and dental floss. Women need to brush their teeth a minimum of twice daily with a soft toothbrush using ADA approved fluoride toothpaste. In addition, it is important to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner. Everyone needs to floss or use an interdental cleaner at least once a day. This will remove the bacteria found between the teeth.
Beyond oral hygiene, eating a well-balanced diet is important. As you would suspect women should limit in-between meal snacks as well as those foods high in sugar such as fruit juices, sports drinks and sweetened coffee/tea.
And finally, women, men, children – everyone – needs to visit a dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. This not only will keep you healthy but it will save you money. It is much easier and less expensive to treat problems or potential problems early before they become big problems!
SMW: Here is a personal question as I wonder every time I go to buy dental floss. Is any type of dental floss better, or is it all a matter of preference?
DEBRA CRAIG: I prefer a woven floss as it is similar to a rope and expands after you fit it between the teeth/exposing more surface area. I find the smoother the floss the less effective it is in removing plaque. The floss must not only go through the tight area between the teeth but should then wrap around the two teeth in a C-shape. This allows the floss to remove the plaque that is slightly below the gum line.
SMW: Do you have any tips on keeping our teeth white? I’ve been told whitening your teeth creates and overall younger look. What type of whitening programs do you recommend?
DEBRA CRAIG: Again, good oral hygiene and limiting beverages that stain teeth such as tea, coffee and red wine will help. Smoking is also a BIG no-no when it comes to white teeth and good oral hygiene in general. In terms of whitening teeth, a professional dental cleaning is very effective in removing these stains.
In addition I find that the custom trays/home bleaching technique has been used with great success for many years. Typically patients use the trays once per day for 1-2 hours over a period of 10-14 days. This form of whitening is long lasting and most people see dramatic results. The need for periodic touch ups is minimal usually 1-2 days once a year is enough to lighten the teeth back to the desired white.
SMW: How is periodontal disease linked to other health problems?
DEBRA CRAIG: Periodontal disease is very common in adults. If you have any bleeding when you brush and /or floss you have some degree of periodontal disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The risk of periodontal disease increases as people age. It has been linked to diabetes, low-birth weight babies, heart disease and stroke. In fact, researchers have found that people with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease.
SMW: So, please tell our readers about your practice and what women can expect when they make an appointment.
DEBRA CRAIG: We offer complimentary tooth whitening to all new patients. This consists of custom fitted trays and enough solution to whiten for 14 treatments (which is usually all that is needed). The effects are long lasting and very effective. It is so gratifying to whiten someone’s smile. They appear years younger.
In addition, we offer many other state of the art/computerized services, including laser and digital x-rays. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by 90%. We place natural looking crowns and tooth colored fillings which adhere to the natural tooth. Conscious sedation via oral medications and nitrous oxide is available for your comfort.
We have a wonderful staff of professionals with many years of experience to provide personalized care. We welcome new patients of all ages and are committed to giving you a happy, healthy smile.
Harmony Dental is located at 10103 N. Division, Suite 201. Call to schedule an appointment today and receive a complimentary teeth whitening with a comprehensive exam and full set of x-rays. 509.467.1562
Savory Springtime Brunch
A Savory Springtime Brunch
Warm breezes, blooming flowers, pretty pastels — when spring is in the air, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. It’s the perfect time to bring family and friends together for a welcoming brunch.
When planning your menu, be sure to have plenty of savory dishes on hand to satisfy your guests. And rest easy, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare your feast. Using ingredients already full of flavor, such as Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage, lets you create memorable brunch dishes without a lot of work.
These recipes are simple yet satisfying — and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the company gathered around your table.
For more savory brunch recipes, visit http://www.johnsonville.com.
Amazing Muffin Cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
3 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 links Johnsonville Original
Breakfast Sausage
6 eggs
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded 4-cheese
Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
Chopped fresh chives or green onions,
for garnish
Place 12 paper liners in a muffin pan; spray liners with cooking spray.
In bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press hash brown mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage between muffin cups.
Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Pour over sausage. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.
Sunrise Breakfast Casserole
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 12 to 15 servings
2 packages (12 ounces each)
Johnsonville Breakfast
Sausage Links
9 eggs
3 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 packages (20 ounces each)
refrigerated shredded hash browns
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 cups salsa or picante sauce, optional
Place sausage on a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, turning once; drain and slice into 1/4-inch coins.
In large bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Add hash browns, sausage, cheese, sweet red pepper and green onions; mix well. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 65 to 70 minutes or until set and golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with salsa or picante sauce if desired.
Blue Ribbon Skillet
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
7 links Johnsonville Original
Breakfast Sausage
3 tablespoons canola oil
4 cups refrigerated shredded hash browns
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped orange bell pepper
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded 4-cheese
Mexican blend cheese
In large skillet, cook sausage per package directions. Cut links into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add hash browns, onion, green and orange peppers, jalapeños, salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until hash browns are lightly browned and tender, turning occasionally.
Return sausage to skillet and sprinkle with cheese. Cover skillet for 2 minutes until cheese is melted.
Option: This recipe can be doubled to make a “2-Skillet Breakfast.” Cook sausage in one skillet and hash browns, onion and peppers in another skillet.
Easy Sausage Roll-Ups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 roll-ups
1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville
Breakfast Sausage Links
2 containers refrigerated crescent rolls
(16 rolls total)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
Prepare sausage according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Unroll crescent roll dough according to directions on package. Place one cooked sausage onto one end of a dough triangle. Roll dough around sausage according to directions on dough package and place on jelly-roll pan with the seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausage and dough. (You will have 2 extra rolls. Bake and enjoy with jam.)
Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over roll-ups. Bake according to directions on dough package. Serve hot.
Suggestion: Serve with warm maple syrup, honey or your favorite preserves for dipping.
Sausage Mushroom Quiche
Yield: 8 servings
1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage Patties
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
1/3 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash ground nutmeg
1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
In skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, chopping into small pieces. Add mushrooms, onion and peppers. Cook and stir 5 minutes longer or until sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; drain well and set aside.
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs and cream.
Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, nutmeg and sausage mixture. Pour into baked pastry shell. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. If necessary, cover edges of crust with foil to prevent over-browning. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Getting Organized – Where do I start?
Getting Organized – Where do I start?
By Martha Goss, Professional Organizer, Rathdrum Idaho
OrganizeItWithMartha.com
Most folks that need to get organized also really want to get organized. But they procrastinate either hoping that things will change on their own or that it really isn’t as bad as it may look. One of the biggest obstacles is knowing where to begin. Recently, one client lamented, “I’m paralyzed by not knowing where to start”.
The starting point for just about any organizing project is a mental one. Assessment is crucial. Grant it, the assessment process is not nearly as dramatic as grabbing 30-gallon garbage bags and purging like there’s no tomorrow. But, without an honest assessment you will spend many more hours trying to get organized than actually completing the project. And your frustration level will be through the roof. So, if you want to tackle an organizing project in your home or office, try these assessment tips BEFORE you start.
Tip # 1: Write down all the areas that you would like to get organized. The list might include “the kitchen, my office, the hall closet, our bedroom”. If you tried to organize all these areas at once it would be very overwhelming. And it would probably create a huge mess. So select ONE AREA to organize at a time. Start small – maybe that hall closet – so that you will have a successful project and want to continue on to the others.
Tip # 2: Now that you have selected just one area to deal with, look closely at that area. Write down what is working (everyone has at least one thing that works well and you should get credit for yours), what is really driving you crazy about this area, and your goal - how you would really like this area to function. Your goal is your dream for this area. Make it closer to a reality by writing it down, drawing pictures, cutting out ideas from magazines. Whatever it takes to express how you would like this area to work for you.
Tip # 3: The final ingredient to the assessment process is to take a moment and BREAK DOWN THE TASKS that you will need to do to get to your project done. The tasks should take only as long as you have to devote at one given time. If you only have 15 minutes a day to work on this project, break the tasks down into 15 minute chunks. Write the tasks down and schedule them. Put them on your calendar and in your day planner.
Now you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get start on your organizing project. You have a plan and a time line, so getting started should be a breeze.
SPOKANE VALLEY’S HIDDEN GEM… JEMA LANE – ACCESSORIZING SPOKANE’S BEST DRESSED
SPOKANE VALLEY’S HIDDEN GEM…
JEMA LANE – ACCESSORIZING SPOKANE’S BEST DRESSED
SMW: Today I am thinking I truly chose the right profession as my reporting has brought me to a whimsical cottage on South Pines that houses one of Spokane Valley’s few clothing boutiques. Jema Lane offers women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry and scarves. Offering a personal shopping experience, customers appreciate Jema Lane’s warm, attentive staff. Today I spoke to Jani Davis, owner, Kelly Alteneder, manager, and Lisa Roth, personal shopper.
SMW: Jani, I love what you have created in Jema Lane. It is truly a special place. What inspired you to open your own boutique?
JANI DAVIS: I had always wanted to own my own store. It had been a dream since college. This said after college I spent 27 years as a stay-at-home mom before realizing my dream!
SMW: Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind your unique offering.
JANI DAVIS: I wanted to create a place that offers real fashion that is affordable and fits real women. I love it when our customers come in and get excited about something they see. And I should share we sell as many accessories as new clothing pieces. We are perhaps, best known for our unique jewelry pieces. In fact, we know our regular customers so well that we often go out hunting for one of a kind accessories and clothing pieces to fit their personal style.
SMW: What has been your biggest challenge as a woman business owner?
JANI DAVIS: Balancing work and family is the biggest challenge. I have seven children so it is important for me to keep my priorities straight. My role as mom is most important – work is temporary, family is forever.
When possible I include the children in the business – as much as they want to be included. My oldest daughter was instrumental in Jema Lane’s opening and my other daughters come in and work when they can. Both my son-in-law and my 22 year-old son are the resident handymen.
SMW: Tell me about the name Jema Lane.
JANI DAVIS: I named the business after my four daughters: Janae, Erin, Megan and Ashley. J-E-M-A Lane
SMW: Do you have any special events coming up that might interest our readers?
JANI DAVIS: We always participate in the “Desperate Housewives Shop Hop” in the spring. And we will have an “Anniversary” sale in July and a “Fall Open House.” But don’t wait until an event. Come in now and we’ll help you transform your wardrobe. Kelley and Lisa are the masters at accessorizing. Helping women create new looks without spending a lot of money.
About Jema Lane Boutique is owned by Jani Davis and located at 613 S. Pines, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 – 509-321-2330. Be sure to “like” Jema Lane on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jemalaneboutique to learn about new “arrivals” and receive special promotions.
