September 2025 by HeartheldMagazine

HEARTHELD MAGAZINE

FEATURINGAN INTERVIEWWITH ONEMAN’S TREASURE

HOW TO EASE BACK-TOSCHOOL ANXIETY IN KIDS

RECIPE: AN EASY BREAKFAST BAKE FOR A CROWD OR MEAL PREP

A GENTLE NOTE FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS DAY

KIDS’ CORNER RECIPE: NOBAKE ENERGY BITES

GUESTSOFHEARTHELD

JessicaSchultz

ExecutiveEditor Grace-FilledBusiness

CreativeDirector HeartheldHealth

FindingBalance BalancePsychological Services

RitaSjouwerman Papers&Prose

KatefromSt AlbertToyShare RayanneForbes

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi, I’m Jasmine, Creative Editorial Photographer for Heartheld Magazine I love bringing magic to life through bold colour, creative set-ups, and collaborative ideas Always looking to travel and explore - let’s dream big and then bring it to life

Nicole Zee Photography

Hi, I’m Nicole! I’m a Spruce Grove photographer who is drawn to beautiful natural light, calming tones, simple items, and loving connection When I’m not taking pictures, I love painting and working in my garden If you love light and airy, true-to-colour photos, I’d love to work with you! wwwnicolezeephotographycom

Janice - Wildflower Photography

Janice is a Stony Plain based photographer serving the greater Edmonton area She loves capturing everything from weddings, newborns, families, and branding for small businesses When she’s not behind the camera she enjoys spending time with her family

Around the Nook CONTACTUS||MailingAddress:c/oJasmineJenne,511554Avenue,StonyPlain,ABT7Z1B8Email:heartheldmagazine@gmailcom

My first passion is my family! I have a wonderful husband, plus 3 great kids who are all grown! My husband and I are definitely “home-bodies” We love spending time entertaining friends and family or just staying home by ourselves snuggled up with a good movie and some homemade pizza! And of course a beer or glass of wine! I am so happy to have the opportunity to share my recipes, baking and cooking tips on my site Around The Nook! I hope you can pop on and find inspiration from some of my ideas wwwaroundthenookcom

JasmineJenne

RyderJenne

DonnaleaFerguson AroundtheNook

SarahWarrener

AngelavanLeeuwen Wellness

Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place and traveling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Metis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.

It belongs to those who came before us. We are learning to listen, to remember, to be grateful and to allow voices previously silenced to be heard.

We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us

As a media publication we recognize our responsibilities and roles in sharing these stories and our contributions within narratives We hold ourselves and Heartheld accountable for these, and pledge to embrace the heart of the treaty with love

FIND SELF-CARE STELLA

Hidden between pages 3 - 48 of Heartheld Magazine is our very own Self-Care Stella.

When you find her, send heartheldmagazine@gmail.com an email with a photo of your magazine and the page number you found her on to be entered to win

A $25 gift certificate to MNR Beauty Boutique.

Dear

The changing season has me reflecting on the importance of slowing down and being mindful of how we’re feeling It’s easy to get swept up in the rush, but I’ve found that taking a step back to breathe and check in with ourselves can make all the difference.

As the seasons shift, let’s be gentle with our minds and our bodies Taking time to slow down isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for our wellbeing I’m committed to taking those moments for myself and I hope you can find space to do the same.

In love and kindness, Jasmine Jenne

Simple Self-Care

is slowing down and embracing the quiet moments of change.

Month Year

1st Priority 2nd Priority 3rd Priority

Goals for my mind Goals for my body

Reflection Notes

Date Activity

Wake up on time

Take a shower

Eat breakfast

Read a book

Write in journal

Exercise

Eat nourishing food

Take a nap

Skincare routine

Practice Yoga

Cuddle a pet

M T W T F S S

Grace-Filled Business

Effective, Grace-Filled Business Advice For A Digital Age

Ask A Digital Expert...

Q: What is a keyword? Do I need to use those?

A: A keyword is a term or phrase that is used to describe the content of a webpage or website (or really any content online)

In the context of search engine optimization (SEO), keywords are important because they are used by search engines to help determine the relevance and ranking of webpages in search results In other words, if someone types a keyword into a search engine, the search engine will look for webpages that contain that keyword and rank them in order of relevance to the search query

It's important to choose the right keywords for your content in order to optimize it for search engines and make it easier for people to find, but this doesn't only apply to your website!

Social media platforms like Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook also utilize keywords to an extent It's definitely in your best interest to make sure that your captions, text on screen, and alt text all contain keywords that strongly connect to your content and its goals

TRUE OR FALSE?

Organic SEO (search engine optimization) is pointless

Verdict? This is FALSE!

More than 50% of web traffic is generated by organic keyword searches What does that mean?

It means that more than half the people who find websites are finding them based on the keywords on that page, and NOT because of paid advertising While paid advertising has its place, organic SEO is effective and absolutely worthwhile

WATCH YOUR MOUTH! WHAT YOU SAY TO YOURSELF MATTERS

We've all done it - we missed a deadline, burnt our lunch, or broke a cup We let words slip out before we had really thought them over, we called someone the wrong name, or delivered a less than stellar product.

We make mistakes, each and every one of us

Do you know why? Because we are human We are not robots (although even they aren't 100% flawless), we are human and it is completely normal to make a mistake once in a while.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the line we got the idea that it wasn't ok We started to demand perfection of ourselves, and any time we delivered anything less than perfection (which, spoiler alert, is basically all the time) we came down on ourselves hard. That voice in our head has become far from kind.

Since this is all happening in our minds and isn't something we often talk about with our business colleagues or friends, we assume that it's normal and probably ok I've got news for you - it might be "normal", but it's definitely not ok

Recently I was reading a blog post written by a local provisional psychologist on this very topic She explained that "negative self-talk has been found to not only be predictive of anxiety and depression but also influence their severity, persistence, and relapse Worse than that negative self-talk can affect how brains function when doing cognitive tasks What that means is that how we talk to ourselves can make it harder or easier for us to complete challenging mental tasks "

So speaking to ourselves like this is not only increasing our chances of feeling anxious and depressed, it's actually making it harder for us to complete the challenging task in the first place We're setting ourselves up to fail and then beating ourselves up when we do

Friends, as we move into a new season and a new academic calendar year I invite you to join me in a challenge When we find ourselves speaking to ourself in a way that we wouldn’t speak to a friend or loved one, let's pause Take a breath, and then say to ourselves, "I forgive you for speaking unkindly I know you think that's helping us be better, but it isn't Instead, I'd like to say (and insert words filled with grace)

Personally, I think the most important step here is the forgiveness If you get frustrated with yourself for failing to make this shift instantly, you're only repeating the cycle Accept that it will take time and lots of practice, and continue showing yourself the same level of love and kindness you would show your friends, your sisters, your nieces, or your daughters

Wishing you a fall season filled with love and kindness!

~ Jess

References: Hoyt, Lorelei “I Am a Horrible Person - Hello Pot it's the Kettle Calling ” Balance Psychological Services, June 24, 2023 www balancepsychservices ca

Papers & Prose

Some stories are told in ink, some in colour, some in the quiet spaces between.

Each month, Papers & Prose brings you a spread of inspiration words and imagery woven together to spark creativity, reflection, and a moment of pause. These pages are yours to interpret, to sit with, to take as a starting point for your own thoughts and artistic expressions.

Use them as a backdrop for journaling, a place to add your own sketches or quotes, or simply as a reminder that creativity takes many forms. However these pages speak to you, let them be a space where art and words meet in a way that feels personal.

BEAUTY & APPAREL FOR THE EVERYDAY WOMAN

Here’s a little game for you to enjoy!

1 Visit our boutique and find an item in your favorite colour.

2.Snap a photo of yourself with the item.

3.Post it on Instagram or Facebook and tag @mnrbeautyboutique with the hashtag #MNRFashionHunt

4 The most creative post wins a special discount on your next purchase!

We hope you enjoy the game and we can't wait to see your creative photos! Come visit us at MNR Beauty Boutique to explore your unique style and be part of our fabulous community

CONNECTWITHUS

AnInterviewwithRayanneBoychuk

Every morning, like clockwork, Emma Smith opens her antique shop and gently dusts off relics of the past, one item at a time.

It might sound like the plot of a Hallmark movie, but for one local resident, running a cozy antique shop in a small town is her everyday reality

Emma is the proud new owner of One Man's Treasure in Stony Plain What caught my attention was how young she is to be at the helm of a business often associated with older generations.

At just twenty-eight, Emma spends her days surrounded by vintage and antique finds, and her evenings with her two dogs or swimming in local lakes Her love for the old and storied runs deep. Born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Emma grew up in various small towns across BC, Alberta, and Ontario, thanks to her parents’ forestry careers

But how did someone so young form such a deep connection with items from generations long before her own?

EMMA SMITH: BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO OLD TREASURES AT ONE MAN’S TREASURE

“My mom collected antiques, so I was familiar with beautiful old wood furniture," Emma explains "My bedroom set was a 1940s waterfall set, which I now realize didn’t get the respect it deserved I would have happily traded it for a white canopy bed made of particleboard at the time!”

Her personal passion began at age fourteen when she stumbled across a pristine buttercream yellow 1950s grad dress in a thrift store. That discovery sparked a love for vintage treasure hunting that only grew stronger

“I started upcycling thrifted clothes and eventually moved on to small furniture and home décor once I had my own space,” she says “As I began to buy and sell more, I really focused on mid-century modern (MCM) furniture Now that I own One Man’s Treasure, I’ve been able to broaden my focus to antiques from all eras.”

MINIMALLIFE &VINTAGELIFESTYLE

During the pandemic, Emma began selling vintage furniture and décor under her brand Lightly Loved YEG on Instagram In September 2022, she rented a small vendor space at One Man’s Treasure

“I learned so much from the other vendors and loved the community. After a year of running my booth, I started working at the shop a few days a week I was still managing my own business on the side and helping vintage furniture find new homes”

Over time, she developed a deep appreciation for the shop and the effort the previous owners had invested over 16 years.

“When they decided to retire, they were looking for someone to carry on the One Man’s Treasure legacy, and they thought I might be that person”

In August 2024, Emma officially became the shop's new owner. “I decided it was an adventure I was ready to take on! Of course, there were bumps and challenges, but I’ve been lucky to have the mentorship and support of the previous owners through the transition I also owe so much to my vendors, staff, and customers for sticking with us”

So what does a typical day at an antique shop look like?

“My favourite part is that every day is different!”

Emma says “We have around 30 vendors, six staff members, and we’re open seven days a week Plus, we host several special events throughout the year.”

Emma spends her time helping customers, coordinating with vendors, and keeping the store filled with interesting pieces She also refinishes damaged furniture, creates new displays, and manages the store’s social media Much of her time outside of store hours is spent sourcing and transporting merchandise from estate sales, auctions, garage sales, and online marketplaces

“We’re also lucky that some people reach out directly to sell us their items,” she adds.

Why does Emma think antiques have surged in popularity in recent years?

“I think antiques are loved for their history and nostalgia,” she says “They’re often better quality, unique, more sustainable, and more affordable than new items. Above all, they make people feel good - they bring back memories.” Some pieces, she says, are especially in demand.

“Uranium glass is something we get asked about almost daily It was made during the Depression in the 1930s and glows green under a black light The pieces get snapped up quickly whenever we have them”

For anyone looking to add antique charm to their home, Emma offers some advice.

“Start small - mix a few antique pieces with your modern décor. If you can find special vintage or antique items that you genuinely love, they’ll naturally fit into your space And don’t be afraid to swap things out over time!”

Emma also has words of encouragement for aspiring young entrepreneurs

“My best advice is: it’s okay to take small steps! I started selling a few items on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram and doing a few vintage markets It was all outside my comfort zone at first, but those small steps built the foundation of my business”

If you haven’t visited this local gem yet, stop by One Man’s Treasure at 4912 50 Avenue in Stony Plain and discover a little magic from the past, brought lovingly into the present.

G A L L E R Y

Y O U R F A L L R E S E T

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Take Charge of Your Life

Doesn’t September feels like the true start of the year? It sure does for me. The long, chill days of summer fade, routines return, and suddenly everything speeds up. Work ramps up Schedules fill with kids back in school & sports Emails pile up Before you know it, you’re spending your days reacting to life instead of living it intentionally

But what if this year you did it differently? I used to run through fall on autopilot - juggling a corporate job, raising a family, and checking off an endless list of “shoulds” I’d tell myself I’d figure it all out in January, but by the time I got there, I was exhausted and starting from zero again

Everything changed when I started treating September as a second January - thinking of it as a fresh chance to set intentions, create healthy habits, and build a foundation that carries me through the rest of the year, feeling grounded and in control

I still have a million things to do, and I’ve also got a strategy in place so that I can do it all without crashing and burning out.

And that’s why I became a Certified Health & Life Coach I want to help other parents navigate the hectic, sometimes overwhelming list of things to do I am living proof that you can still thrive with a demanding schedule and live a healthy, purposeful life.

ThroughmyHikeYourWayHealthyseries,Iguide womentodoexactlythat:stepoffautopilot,getoutside, andresettheirmindsandbodies.

Eachhikecombinesgentlemovement,freshair,and focusedcoachingonthemeslikemindfulness,self-care, andgoalsetting.Youleavethehikenotjustfeeling better,butwithsimpletoolsyoucanactuallyuseinyour dailylife

Forbusinesses,Ialsooffercustomizedcorporate programsdesignedtohelpteamsreducestress,boost morale,andworktogethermorecohesively-even duringthebusiestseasons

Whetherit’sagrouphikethatfostersconnection,anonsiteteam-buildingworkshopthatstrengthens communication,orafullwellnesspackagetailoredto yourcompany’sneeds,I’llcreatesomethingthataligns withyourgoals Ifyou’dlikemoreinformation,justscan theQRcodeinthisarticletoreachmeandI’llsendyoua packagewithallthedetails.

Here’sthetruth:lifeisn’tgoingtoslowdown Butyou canslowyourselfdownlongenoughtogetintentional abouthowyouwanttoshowup

Septembergivesyouthatchance,butonlyifyoutakeit

Let’s take this journey together; you’ve earned it!

“I

took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”

-Henry

David Thoreau

So ask yourself:

What would it feel like to end this year already on solid footing for 2026? What could change if you stopped reacting and started leading your life, one small, intentional step at a time?

I'd love to help you find out

Join me for a hike, sign up for a workshop, or reach out to customize a program for your workplace Scan the QR code or visit my website to get started

Why Hire Angela van Leeuwen, RHC™

When it comes to your health and well-being, credentials matter In Canada, anyone can call themselves a coach - with zero training or oversight I don’t operate that way

I’m a Registered Health CoachTM (RHCTM), trained through one of the top schools in North America, the Health Coach Institute I’m also a Certified Hiking Guide with the Outdoor Council of Canada My services may even qualify under your Health Spending Account - check with your provider to see if you can access this benefit.

I go above and beyond to ensure you’re in good hands:

• I am fully insured for all my services.

• I’m a member of the Health Coach Alliance, Canada’s governing body for health coaches.

• I’m committed to continuing education, meaning I stay up to date with the latest industry standards so you always get the best support possible.

• I have extensive Corporate Leadership Training.

I specialize in helping women who are overwhelmed and burnt out create empowering routines, break through habits that hold them back, and finally feel better: physically, mentally, and emotionally. I also offer corporate programs and team-building experiences to help businesses reduce stress, boost morale, and build stronger, more cohesive teams

Whether you’re looking for in-person coaching, online programs, workshops, corporate wellness, or guided hikes, I bring the same level of professionalism, expertise, and care to everything I do It’s not mental health or physical health, it’s simply health

Let’s talk about how I can help you or your team thrive. Scan the QR code to get started today.

F I N D I N G

How To Ease Back To School Anxiety

The fresh, crisp air sends small shivers down your spine A yellow leaf flutters off a tree Fall décor lines the store shelves. All little signs that the summer days are coming to an end. And for some, that can mean only one thing: Back to School.

While some long for the unstructured summer days, some are equally ready to get back into a routine There are so many new things to enjoy with back to school: shopping for new clothes, shoes, and fresh school supplies; reconnecting with friends; and getting back into sports and afterschool activities

When Returning To School Brings More Worries Than Excitement

Not everyone looks forward to back to school For many kids, school is a source of anxiety It’s a lot of pressure - to study, to fit in, to sit still most of the day The mere mention of school might send these kids into a spiral.

So how do we help?

Get Back Into A Routine BEFORE School Starts

If routine has gone out the window over the summer, a good place to start is getting back into a schedule. Ways to do this include:

Bedtime/Wake Up Time: About a week or so before school starts, try moving bedtime closer to their typical school night bedtime and waking them up earlier Sleep is so vital to children’s mental health, and it’s often one of the first places I look to fix Meals: Have set times for meals and snacks. Try to eat together as a family if possible.

Screen Time: If screen time rules have gone out the window over the summer, see if you can start limiting screens to 1-2 hours a day before school starts.

Practice Calm Breathing: A simple “In through your nose, hold, out through your mouth, hold” can do wonders for calming the nervous system

Explore What’s Wrong Without Reassuring Or Problem-Solving

Once your child is calm, talk to them about what their specific worries are Our instincts might be to reassure them it’s okay, or try to find a solution, but I encourage you to let them sit with those feelings for a minute

Let them know it is okay and normal to be worried about going back to school. School can be hard. Making friends doesn’t come naturally for everyone. Studying isn’t usually fun And that’s okay We all get nervous and scared sometimes

This simple process is called validation Sometimes kids just want to be heard and understood.

Ask If They Want Help Coming Up With Solutions

Once you’ve thoroughly explored their feelings, ask them if they want support finding a way to deal with it

Potential solutions could involve:

Positive Self-Talk: Encourage your child to say things like “I can do it.” “I’m good at making friends.” “Not everyone will like me, and that’s okay, I can still make friends.”

Developing a Positive Mindset: Talk about the good/exciting parts of school

Help Them Prepare: Walk/drive to the school together, play in the playground there, or find any other way to get used to the environment prior to school starting

Praise and Reward: Give your child lots of praise for pushing past their anxiety and going to school. Rewards can be useful, especially in cases of school refusal.

When Should You Seek Extra Help

Let’s say you’ve done all this, but your child is still anxious When is it time to reach out for help from a therapist? Here are some warning signs that anxiety is getting the best of your child

Your child: has constant physical complaints with no medical cause cries before going to school every day lashes out/has tantrums refuses to go to school constantly asking for reassurance

In the end, only you can decide if your child needs some extra support from a mental health professional I encourage you to seek out support before your child is missing multiple days of school due to anxiety. Once a child starts missing school, they get behind and it becomes even harder to return.

Many of the therapists at Balance have helped children cope with school-related anxiety Feel free to reach out for a free consultation if needed

Disclaimer: Information provided through Balance Psychological Services' posts is meant for educational purposes only This is NOT medical or mental health advice If you are seeking mental health advice, please contact us directly at (587) 985-3132 B A L A N C E

Where value meets variety

meet the owners mother / daughter duo

Looking for something special? Your Stony Mart in Stony Plain has it all and then some!

Recently rebranded from Your Dollar Mart, this family-owned shop is all about stretching your dollar further while offering a wide selection of products you won’t find just anywhere

From vibrant artificial flowers that brighten any room to beautiful arrangements for gifts or events, Your Stony Mart has everything you need to add a little extra charm to your life. If you’re the creative type, you’ll love their range of DIY supplies, whether you’re painting, knitting, or sprucing up your home décor, they’ve got what you need to bring your ideas to life And if you're looking for something specific, they’re happy to order it in just for you

But that’s not all. Your Stony Mart is also your destination for a variety of home essentials, party supplies, and everyday items all at prices that make it easy to fill your cart without breaking the bank. Need something extra special for a celebration? Their custom balloon arrangements are a hit for birthdays, anniversaries, and just about any occasion that calls for a little extra fun

With an ever-growing selection of quality products and unbeatable value, Your Stony Mart is your go-to spot for everything from the basics to the unexpected treasures that make shopping so much more fun.

hours

Monday 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 4 4 , y Plain, Alberta

Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Discover,

Create, and Have Fun!

Kids’ Corner

Challenge of the Month: Put on a Parade

Host your very own parade—just for fun, right at home!

Here’s how to get started:

Q: How do you make an egg roll?

A: Push it down the hill!

Choose who (or what!) is in your parade: toys, stuffies, action figures, pets, or even YOU

Line them up and give your parade a name (like “The Great Jellybean March” or “The Rainbow Band Parade”)

Make mini signs, flags, or instruments using paper, crayons, and anything you find Parade through your room, down the hallway, or across the backyard

No-Bake Energy Bites

FORYOUNGCHEFSWITHBIGHEARTS (ALWAYSCHECKWITHANADULTBEFORECREATINGINTHEKITCHEN)

INGREDIENTS

2 hours

All About Butterflies

Did You Know?

Young children benefit more from rotating toys than having a large collection all at once?

HI! I’M KATE!

I’m the founder of the St Albert Toy Share, and I’m so happy you’re here!

As a mom and a lifelong lover of play, I know firsthand how magical it is to watch our little ones discover the world through toys But, I also know how quickly our homes can fill up with outgrown toys, plastic clutter, and guilt over waste

That’s why I created this toy library: to offer families a more intentional, joyful, and sustainable way to play.

St. Albert Toy Share is about more than just toys. It’s about connection, community, and creating a simpler path for parents who want to provide enriching experiences without overconsumption Every toy we stock is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, creativity, and developmental value, and every item you borrow helps reduce landfill waste and promote mindful parenting

Whether you’re here out of curiosity, looking to simplify your toy rotation, or wanting to make more eco-conscious choices, I’m truly grateful you’ve found us.

I hope this library brings ease to your parenting journey and lots of giggles to your home.

Welcome to a new way to play, I’m so glad you’re part of it For more details, visit www stalberttoyshare ca and follow along on Instagram and Facebook

SuicideAwareness

A CO-WRITTEN PIECE BY VICKIE B & JASMINE J

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE, KNOW THAT THE WORDS AHEAD SPEAK SOFTLY ON THE TENDER TOPIC OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE. IF YOU’RE NOT IN A PLACE TO READ ABOUT THESE THEMES TODAY, FEEL FREE TO CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 34. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART FIRST

Every Fall, Suicide Awareness Day invites us to pause and listen more deeply to ourselves, to each other, and to the quiet struggles we may not always see

In Canada, around 12 people die by suicide each day. It’s one of the top ten causes of death, and the second leading cause among young people aged 15–34 Behind each number is a story, a life, and a chance to show up with compassion

What to Look For

Someone who is thinking about suicide may not always say it directly

But there are signs that someone might be struggling:

Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden

Withdrawing from friends or usual activities

Giving away personal items

Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood

Taking more risks than usual

Asking “Are you thinking about suicide?” doesn’t put the idea in someone’s head It opens a door for support and it could save a life

How to Help

If someone shares that they’re having thoughts of suicide:

Stay calm and listen without judgment

Ask if they have a plan or access to anything that could hurt them

If there’s immediate danger, call 911

Let them know they’re not alone and help is available

Encourage them to talk to a doctor, call 811, or reach out to 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline

If you're not sure what to do, just being there and helping them take a step toward support can make all the difference

If You're Struggling

Please know this: you are not alone

If you are hurting or feeling overwhelmed, help is available 24/7.

Call 988 or 911 in an emergency

Visit your local ER or clinic

Talk to someone you trust

Even in the hardest moments, hope and help are still possible

Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep each other here.

Idon’thavealltheanswers aboutwhatcomesnext, butIknowthis: Youwouldbemissed. Deeply.Quietly.Completely. Bythepeoplewholoveyou, bytheworldyou’vetouched, andevenbythosewhonever foundthewordstosayit. IknowbecauseI’vefeltit inthespaceswhereothers oncestood, andintheacheofwishing they’dstayed.

Breakfast Bak

Packed with savoury sausage, mushrooms, vibrant green onions, healthy spinach, hashbrowns, and a rich blend of feta and cheddar cheeses, this breakfast bake is a symphony of flavors that will kickstart your day on a delicious note

Ingredients:

3 Italian sausages

2 cups diced mushrooms

½ cup diced green onion

1 cup chopped spinach

½ tablespoon butter

1 pkg dehydrated hash browns

½ cup feta

1 cup shredded cheese

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

18 eggs

1 cup light cream

Instructions:

1 Preheat oven to 350˚F Grease a large 11 x 15 inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter

2 Re-hydrate the hash browns as per package directions

3 Remove casing from sausages and scramble fry in a large skillet Set aside

4 Saute onions until opaque, add mushrooms and cook until moisture is mostly evaporated. Add hash browns, cooked sausage, and spinach. Stir and fold everything into greased baking dish.

5.Sprinkle feta and shredded cheese evenly over mixture.

6.In a large bowl, whisk eggs with cream and season with salt and pepper. Pour over hash brown mixture. Shake pan to ensure even distribution.

7 Cover with foil and bake for 30 min Remove foil, reduce heat to 325˚F and bake 15 min longer, or until egg is no longer jiggly in the centre

heartheld health

Written by Vickie Boechler

PAYFORWARDKINDNESS (PFK)INPARKLAND COUNTY:VANESSA’SSTORY

IF YOU READ MY ARTICLE IN THE AUGUST EDITION OF HEARTHELD MAGAZINE, THEN YOU’VE ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED TO VANESSA, A PIVOTAL MEMBER OF THE PAY FORWARD KINDNESS TEAM. I HAVE ANOTHER INSPIRATIONAL STORY FROM VANESSA TO SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU TODAY.

Vanessa shares: What does it mean when we say, “We are a big community street family”? It means that nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

It means that when someone is struggling deeply with their mental health and is feeling like they are not ok, they know they have someone to turn to It means that someone will show up to sit with you and listen to you It means that someone will remind you that it’s ok to not be ok and that you are human. It means that when you are not ok, someone is going to stay with you until you are. That might mean sitting together to go through it to get through it, listening until your tears run out and you catch yourself laughing a little It might mean the hugs were so big that they helped make it feel like it put some of your broken pieces back together

Tonight, it was a few things It was being there It was listening

It was talking about the big grief waves and the tough stuff and also remembering the good stuff and memories we are so thankful for. It was sharing old times and how things don’t feel the same and also being ok with our new normal and the changes that have been happening in our community It was about feeling unsafe at one point and having to make that call to Access 24 together

It was learning that the supports needed are there but there have been some missed connections with mental health to follow up with It was a simple contact update being needed and knowing that people do care and did try That meant the overwhelming feeling of starting from scratch was gone and it is possible to pick back up and have help on most any day.

It meant that when all of the above was done the feeling of “I just don’t want to live anymore” now felt like, “I’m going to be ok” It meant that when all of the above was done we were able to call on a couple of the guys from the street family to come make sure that this person was not alone tonight because he didn’t want to be alone

It takes a lot for men to open up, to be vulnerable We are proud of our communities unhoused They do have each others backs. They take care of one another. They show up, they make sure they are ok Tonight, I’m sure they may have helped saved a life

The guys remind each other that, “it’s ok to not be ok, just can’t get stuck there” Tonight, when someone said, “I have nothing to look forward to” some sharing about some exciting opportunities that are different and are being offered to help them dig out, learn, grow and a little hope to break the cycle they have known for so long by having opportunities to connect with community Help to keep busy and use time differently to grow

Tonight PTSD, trauma and grief came flooding in and hit someone like a tsunami We have faced so much loss in our community The pain runs deep and the love of this community also continues to light the way

Today we have the tools to work through these moments, today we stand strong together going through it to get through it That is what we, at PFK mean when we say, “we are a big community street family”

Love and light to all tonight Late night, stomachs full, and a few hope carriers heading back to camp tonight with hot meals provided because of YOU all Thank you for your support Hope begins with a meal! (V Fales Vezina, personal communication, May 16, 2025)

Sarah WArrener

A Real Estate Market Update

(The LOCAL Edition)

“Spruce Grove is on the radar in a whole new way for families looking for a safe, affordable, ideally located community to call home.”

“2020-2023 saw increased demand for affordable Alberta real estate from people relocating from other provinces. Prices increased, which was great news for sellers.

Now?

Spruce Grove & Stony Plain are attracting Edmonton families at an unprecedented rate. I recieve calls regularly from my Edmonton office colleagues (as the go-to ‘Spruce Grove girl’) asking what listings I have coming up in Spruce Grove

Our local market has become increasingly competitive - for reasons we all knew when we chose to call the tri-region home. But the cat’s outta the bag, now, for a lot more people.

Spruce Grove is on the radar in a whole new way for families looking for a safe, affordable, ideally located community to call home.

With an office on the west end of Edmonton & a Spruce Grove home base - I am strategically positioned to connect that influx of Edmonton buyers to my listings in the tri-region area.

I offer expert local representation with connections to a lineup of buyers for your home here in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain & Parkland County. Supply?

Gettoknow SpruceGrove&StonyPlain

What’sthedifference?:

Spruce Grove is a small city Stony Plain is a town

They are separated by a road that used to be called Boundary Road - now called Veteran’s Boulevard. They are essentially attached however they ARE different.

I often tell newcomers that Spruce Grove became a city as soon as their population permitted, whereas Stony Plain continues to maintain their town status by choice.

StonyPlain has a train that runs right through town, but the majority of people who live there appreciate that it allows for a slightly slower pace of life. Stony Plain offers many local restaurants, a quaint main street with shops, & a thriving weekly farmers market

SpruceGrove is a small city offering more large shopping options, a movie theatre, leisure centre, public transportation, a variety of established & newer neighbourhoods, & is 10 minutes closer proximity to Edmonton

Bothcommunities offer extensive walking trails & green spaces, a variety of great schools, and a quieter lifestyle compared to Edmonton. Stony Plain is slightly more affordable & Spruce Grove has more amenities.

When buyers contact me looking to move to our area, they often ask me about the difference between Stony Plain & Spruce Grove They see that we are almost connected and they do not know what we locals knowthey’re close, but they’re different! Both offer amazing value with a decidedly different feel

“Would you agree with how I describe Spruce Grove & Stony Plain? Would you add anything? I would LOVE to hear from you!”

PW Design and Co.

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4 Strategies for setting boundaries and managing your time effectively

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By the end of this workbook, you will have a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care and how it can positively impact your life as a working mom You will leave with practical tools and strategies that you can implement immediately to avoid burnout, enhance your well-being, and thrive in both your personal and professional spheres.

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