Nspire Magazine

08/13/2025

Preserving Your Harvest

“While canning and preserving may seem like more of a food topic than a gardening topic, isn’t your organic vegetable garden pretty much a backyard produce department for your kitchen? Every year, I’m saddened when I have to put my garden to bed and then add tomatoes, herbs and cucumbers to my grocery list. Yes, I’m grateful for fresh produce year-round in this modern age, but I still want to extend my growing season and have my own home-grown delicious produce for a full 12 months.”

By: S. Michal Bennett
Photography by: Joel Riner Photography

While canning and preserving may seem like more of a food topic than a gardening topic, isn’t your organic vegetable garden pretty much a backyard produce department for your kitchen? Every year, I’m saddened when I have to put my garden to bed and then add tomatoes, herbs and cucumbers to my gr...

08/12/2025

Custom Northwest Contemporary Home Overlooks Lake Coeur d’Alene

“Sweeping lake views are featured in every room on the northern side of the home, particularly the main living space, while bedrooms have private patios and balconies. There are ample spaces to enjoy large gatherings or private moments of solitude as one takes in the scenic landscapes.”

Builder: eric hedlund design llc
By: Michaela Delavan
Photography by: Joel Riner Photography

Designer: Eric Hedlund Situated on a basalt bluff that overlooks the exclusive Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club, this custom home features stunning panoramic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the northwest as well as picturesque mountain views to the south.   “We knew that the view was one-of-a-kind ...

08/11/2025

Alpine Lakes

“At times throughout the year, Lake Elsie is stocked with trout. My son has found a discarded hook and a bit of line. He’s crafted a makeshift rod, and I watch as he kayaks about the lake trying his lunch, not because he’s actually trying to catch anything - he hasn’t even baited the hook - but because it gives him a reason to be out there.”

By: Toby Reynolds

I once faced down a mountain lion with a knife. I’d been living in the Clearwater National Forest about 5 months by then. My days consisted of beautiful sunrises over timber covered mountains, drinking from fresh water springs, and explorative treks that could take all day. I truly felt I was...

07/25/2025

Split Creek Ridge Trail

“Enjoy the scenic byway of the Lochsa River for 71 miles along Hwy 12 heading west until reaching the trailhead. There are pontoons, kayaks and rafters to watch and photograph along the journey. The Lochsa River is rich with forest and waterway scenery.”

By: Stephanie King

Closest city to the trailhead: Lowell or Kooskia Average Distance of hike: 21 miles Why do you recommend it? This trail offers true wilderness adventures and an abundance of nature including streams, forests and scenes of hills and mountaintops. This trail is great for backpacking adventures. What w...

07/24/2025

From Book to Blockbuster

“This artistic experiment in healing is one of the main reasons Michael chose a psychologist as his main protagonist. In the first book of the trilogy, The Invasion of Heaven, Loche’s mentor, Marcus Rearden, comments that Loche “wants nothing more than to figure out how to heal the mind, restore the hope and answer the questions that plague human nature.”

By: Abby Owens
Photography by: Joel Riner Photography

It was a glorious mid-summer day, aglow with golden sunshine sifting through verdant, swaying leaves. I pulled up to the home of local author Michael Koep, nestled amidst the houses of one of Coeur d’Alene’s older neighborhoods, and was instantly intrigued. His residence stood out with its uniqu...

07/24/2025

07/23/2025

Seared Diver Sea Scallops with Swiss Chard and Vanilla Teriyaki

Teriyaki Sauce
4 cups teriyaki sauce
½ bourbon soaked vanilla bean

Scallops dry pack
Diver sea scallops
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Swiss Chard
1 large bunch Swiss chard, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter
⅛ tsp garlic
⅛ tsp ginger

Photography by: Joel Riner Photography

Teriyaki sauce4 cups teriyaki sauceUse your favorite teriyaki recipe (at Syringa we make ours in-house) or use a store-bought teriyaki sauce.1/2 bourbon soaked vanilla bean Scallops dry packDiver sea scallops (we like to use these because they are hand harvested.)Salt and pepper to taste2 tbsp olive...

07/22/2025

The Key is the Trees

“Forest bathing is a Japanese concept that touts the benefits of immersing yourself in nature and embracing its serenity. With five acres of forest surrounding each home in this Rathdrum development, Timbered Ridge Homes has created the perfect place to pause and breathe some mountain air.”

Builder: Timber Ridge Homes
By: Michaela Delavan
Photography by: Joel Riner Photography

Life in your own private Idaho Builder: Timbered Ridge Homes When the city overwhelms your soul, come to the Wilderness Ranch for rejuvenation. Forest bathing is a Japanese concept that touts the benefits of immersing yourself in nature and embracing its serenity. With five acres of forest surroundi...