October 2025 by HeartheldMagazine

HEARTHELD MAGAZINE

FEATURING: HOURGLASS GAMES

THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE IS A GRATEFUL HEART

RECIPE: ROCKY ROAD DIP

HEALING IN RELATIONSHIPS: HOW THERAPY CAN HELP COUPLES COMMUNICATE BETTER

GUESTSOFHEARTHELD

JasmineJenne CreativeDirector

JessicaSchultz ExecutiveEditor Grace-FilledBusiness

Papers&Prose

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

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

RitaSjouwerman

DonnaleaFerguson

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 Your Stony Mart.

LETTERFROMTHE CREATIVEDIRECTOR

Dear Heartheld Community,

Lately, I’ve been feeling so grateful for the community around me. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but taking a moment to acknowledge the people and moments that bring joy to our lives makes all the difference Wellness is not just about taking care of ourselves it’s about nurturing the connections we share with others.

I’m deeply thankful for this community, and I hope you can take a moment today to reflect on the gratitude you hold for those around you

Let’s continue to lift each other up and celebrate the beauty of what we have together

In love and kindness, Jasmine Jenne

Creative Director || Heartheld Magazine

Simple Self-Care

is cultivating gratitude and nurturing our wellbeing through connection.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

I feel grateful for the level of physical activities I'm able to incorporate into my life given my daily schedule

I feel grateful for all my close family and friends that I am blessed to have in my life and how I'm able to remain in contact with them

I sit down and feel grateful for the challenges and obstacles I've faced in my life because it made me a better person

I feel gratitude towards everything I’ve been blessed with now and honour the journey that I'm on, even if I don't achieve my goals

I always manage to get through the worst times by reminding myself that life is not a linear journey; but, it is a journey of ups and downs.

I feel grateful for everything I have achieved but I also acknowledge the people and situations that helped me throughout my journey.

I feel like I don't have everything I want in life; everything feels wrong in life and practicing gratitude feels like an impossible task sometimes.

In positive psychology, gratitude is strongly linked to greater happiness and wellbeing. The whole day can take on a brighter tone when you pause to notice what you ’ re thankful for, whether that’s first thing in the morning or just before bed. Use the circles below to jot down what you ’ re most grateful for, and then bring it all together in the white box with a more detailed reflection in your own words.

Health Finances People Work

Spirituality Challenges Fears Experiences

Grace-Filled Business

Effective, Grace-Filled Business Advice For A Digital Age

Ask A Digital Expert...

Q: When I receive a negative comment or review, should I reply or just leave it be?

A: Good question! I think it is important to reply to all comments and reviews, BUT there are a few important things to keep in mind when replying to negative ones.

Avoiding a negative comment/review does nothing for your business On the contrary, replying to negative feedback in a professional manner can actually help your business image! Potential customers will see the negative feedback but immediately see that you were responsive to it and willing to correct the situation

My advice would be to apologize for the negative experience and ask them to contact you directly to discuss it Even if you know their complaint is inaccurate, it's best to approach it apologetically and encourage them to continue the conversation in a more direct (read: private) manner

NEVER have an argument about the validity of a customers complaint on a public forum It comes off as unprofessional, and depending on the forum you may not be able to remove your reply if you change your mind later It's far better to continue the conversation in a more private way

TRUE OR FALSE?

Posting on social media is enough It doesn't matter if I engage with other accounts or answer comments

Verdict? This is FALSE!

Just being on social media is not enough to reap the benefits You need to actively engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages, sharing relevant content, and connecting with other people This helps to build a relationship with your customers (which can increase brand loyalty and customer satisfaction)

NOT WITH THAT ATTITUDE, YOU WON'T

You've probably heard the retort when someone makes a selfdeprecating comment about their ability to do something - "Not with that attitude, you won't!"

It's trite and because of that I bet you've haven't given that statement much thought Let's slow down a moment and really look at what that cliche is saying

When it comes down to it, it's saying that your attitude matters It's saying that your attitude has the power to determine whether or not you are successful at the activity in question

And I've got to tell you, I think it's right. In an article published by the American Psychological Association in 2005, researchers found that, "happiness causes many of the successful outcomes with which it correlates Furthermore, the data suggest that the success of happy people may be mediated by the effects of positive affect and the characteristics that it promotes "

Basically they're saying that having a positive mindset can create characteristics that lead to more happiness, and that happiness is directly linked to a greater chance of success (in all areas of life) So what is "positive affect" and how can we create more of it in our lives so we can create more happiness and have a greater chance of success?

Positive affect is defined as "the internal feeling state that occurs when a goal has been attained, a source of threat has been avoided, or the individual is satisfied with the present state of affairs " It's our ability to experience positive emotions and interact with other people and with life's challenges in a positive way. So how can we get more of this in our lives?

Here are a few suggestions based on the research of Martin Seligman, an American psychologist and the author of Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life

Be grateful for your blessings. An excellent way to do this is by starting a gratitude practice where you habitually list things you are grateful for each day. This is one of the main components of the 5 Minutes to Focus journals I created and I can personally attest to its effectiveness

Help others in greater need than yourself. This one hardly needs explanation! Helping others makes us feel good, and it increases the good in the world So volunteer your time with causes you care about, donate your time/money/resources to those in need, and offer a helping hand when you can, where you can

Challenge the utility of your negative thoughts and beliefs. This is all about reframing your thoughts and beliefs, and it takes practice It's not something that is developed overnight, but it's absolutely worth learning more about!

Tackle negative self-talk head-on. When you catch yourself speaking negatively in your mind, do a full-stop Don't let it slide Pause and take a moment to practice the previous step and challenge the thought Is it true (factually supported, not based on your opinion)? If it's not, what is actually true? Is there a way to infuse this thought with a bit more grace?

I know a lot of these things are easier said than done, but I really think they are so worth the effort they require This fall I'll be focusing on the four things listed above (and taking some time to read Learned Optimism) Will you join me?

REFERENCES: (N D ) APA DICTIONARY OF PSYCHOLOGY AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION HTTPS://DICTIONARY APA ORG/POSITIVE-AFFECT

LYUBOMIRSKY, S , KING, L , & DIENER, E (2005) THE BENEFITS OF FREQUENT POSITIVE AFFECT: DOES HAPPINESS LEAD TO SUCCESS? PSYCHOLOGICAL BULLETIN, 131(6), 803–855 HTTPS://DOI ORG/10 1037/0033-2909 131 6 803

MOORE, C , PSYCHOLOGIST, MBA (2019, DECEMBER 30) LEARNED OPTIMISM: IS MARTIN SELIGMAN’S GLASS HALF FULL? POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

HTTPS://POSITIVEPSYCHOLOGY COM/LEARNED-OPTIMISM/

A GRATEFUL HEART IS THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

- William Arthur Ward

I firmly believe that a consistent gratitude practice is the key to a happy life. It’s a personal goal of mine to make time to acknowledge the things I am grateful for each and every day I hope you'll join me this October in searching for the joy and beauty in your own life in the space below

What are you grateful for in this season?

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.

Rocky Road D

Rocky Road Dip is a creamy, nutty dip that is perfect as a snack or a dessert! Cream cheese, peanut butter, yogurt, marshmallows, nuts and chocolate chips are blended together and, paired with your favorite dippers, will definitely be a hit at your house!

Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese

¼ cup peanut butter

¾ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla

⅔ cup powdered sugar

½ cup mini marshmallows, cut up

1 cup mini chocolate chips

⅓ cup pecans

Instructions:

1.With a mixer, blend the cream cheese, peanut butter, greek yogurt and vanilla till creamy.

2.Add powdered sugar and blend.

3.Fold in mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and pecans.

4 Turn out into a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve

5 Serve with fruit, Nilla wafers or pretzels

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.

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!”

This summer was the first time in years that our family slowed down Without the constant go-go-go of BMX training & races, our schedule felt almost foreign. Wide open evenings. Weekends without traveling for provincial races. We even took a real vacation - the kind where we didn’t have to drag bikes & great bags & coolers and folding chairs across endless dusty tracks It was absolute bliss!

But now? The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and basketball season is already here Between their club team & the upcoming school team, our calendar is filling faster than gym bleachers on game night.

Add in school drop-offs, practices, volunteer sign-ups, and work commitments, and fall can feel like a leaf blower set to full blast, scattering us in a hundred different directions If you’re a busy mom like me, you probably feel it too: that creeping sense that you’re about to lose your mind in the chaos

Here’s the good news - you don’t have to

Let the Leaves Fall

Just like trees shed what they don’t need in autumn, this season is a perfect reminder for us to let go of what doesn’t serve us That might mean saying “no” to one more committee, one more carpool, or even one more Pinterest-inspired bake sale You’re not failing - you’re creating space to breathe And remember, no is a complete sentence!

Keep Transitions Simple

The biggest energy drain isn’t always the activity itselfit’s the constant switching from one thing to the next

Try this: when you get into the car between drop-offs, take 3 deep breaths On your walk from work to the gym, roll your shoulders back and shake off the day These micro-moments of calm are like pit stops for your sanity

Fuel the Right Way

Busy doesn’t have to mean depleted. Keep a water bottle with you at all times, and throw some snacks in your bag (nuts, protein bars, fresh fruit if you can) A hydrated, fuelled mama is a much calmer mama

Protect “You Time”

Block off even 10–15 minutes a day that are nonnegotiable. Journal, stretch, sip tea in silence, take a quick walk - whatever fills your cup. If it’s on your calendar, it’s as real as basketball practice.

● 5thingsyoucansee

● 4thingsyoucantouch

● 3thingsyoucanhear

● 2thingsyoucansmell

● 1thingyoucantaste

Thisexercisepullsyououtoftheswirlofschedulesand intothepresentmoment.Ittakeslessthantwominutes, anditworksanywhere-eveninthestandsatabasketball game ThisisMYgo-towhenthingsaregettingtobetoo much(youknowwhatI’mtalkingabout!)andthisis somethingthatnoonewillevenknowyou’redoing

Here’sthetruth:wedon’tgetamedalforbeingthe busiestmomontheblock Butwedogettochoosehow wemovethroughthisseason Let’stakeacuefromthe treesandshedwhatwedon’tneed,sowecanholdonto whatmattersmost-oursanity,ourhealth,andthejoyof actuallyenjoyingthesemomentsinsteadofracing throughthem

Remember:don’tletfallblowyouaway Rootyourself, breathe,andenjoytheseason-eveninthechaos.

F I N D I N G

Healing in Relationships: How Therapy Can Help Couples Communicate Better

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines communication as "a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviour” Language is one of those systems we use to exchange information, share our thoughts and feelings and views Language is our speech, written words and gestures This is how we communicate love, safety and boundaries, essential for every love relationship Listening is a fundamental communication skill; it's how we learn to communicate in the first place.

The Different Pieces To Communication

Listening: Are you actively listening to understand, help build the relationship, and increase collaboration and empathy? Understanding and connection?

Speech: What choice of words do you use with your loved one? What is the tone of your voice? Intensity, hesitation, volume, repetition?

Written Words: What do your texts between one another look like, feel like? Any love letters or notes?

Gestures and Body Language: This includes our physical behaviours, how we express and move our body to communicate nonverbally.

What gestures do you make? What is your posture, how much eye contact do you make? These can all send strong messages to your loved one

Does Your Communication Style Need Improvement?

Ask yourself: how do you connect and engage with each other? How do you communicate love, trust, and understanding?

Therapy is a safe space to explore language and ways of communicating with each other in more healthy ways. Couple’s counselling is not only helpful in distressing times, but also very helpful for maintenance and support in general of your loving relationships

There are three resources below to get you started, helping you become more aware of how you communicate in your relationships and adapting as you learn

B A L A N C E

The Four Horsemen

In couple’s therapy this can be examined more closely to see if any of these unhealthy ways of communicating are showing up in your relationship These 4 horsemen can erode relationship connection and feelings of safety (in any kind of relationship)

Are the Four Horsemen of Criticism, Defensiveness, Stonewalling, or Contempt showing up in the way you speak to one another?

www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-the-antidotes/

Bids of Connection

John Gottman refers to this as the “fundamental unit of emotional connection.” Bids of connection are any gestures between two people that signal a need for attention and connection. Bids can be verbally or nonverbally communicated and include things such as asking for physical affection, help with something, or sharing a piece of your day with your partner Do you turn towards your loved one, or away when they are bidding for connection? What are you communicating when you don’t give your attention to your loved one?

www.gottman.com/blog/my-partner-doesnt-listen-to-me/

Listening

Active listening involves presence, empathy, and genuine engagement with your language Being present with each other and your emotions, turning towards your loved one, and truly connecting with your loved one Are you a good listener?

www.gottman.com/blog/my-partner-doesnt-listen-to-me/

Our connections to those we love are extremely important. Communication is key to connection. How will you connect today with your loved one?

If Extra Communication Help Is Needed

Needing extra supports in your love relationships? Our Balance team member, Cari McIntosh, is a trained Couples Therapist in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy Level I & II and is ready to support you

Whether you are wanting couples counselling or individual counselling to better support your love relationships, reach out today!

HOMEGROWN FOODS

HomegrownFoodsLtd.strivestoensuretheproductswecarrymeet theOrganicPrinciplesofAgriculturethroughourproducers, processorsanddistributors.Youcanalsobeassuredourproductsare freeofherbicides,pesticidesandotherchemicals,aswellas geneticallymodifiedproducts,astheyareNOTacceptedasorganic

Westrivetoenthusiasticallysupply,distributeandprocesshighqualityfresh,wholesome,local,organicandnaturalspecialty products;whileprovidingcustomerswithsuperiorserviceand knowledge,tohelpthemeatrightandlivewell.

CANYOUSOLVE ALLTHE PUZZLES?

Kids’ Corner

Challenge of the Month: Snack Swap

Create a new snack combo no one’s ever tried before!

Try mixing: Two things you already love (popcorn + chocolate chips?)

Something crunchy + something sweet

A snack with a silly name

Give your creation a brand-new name and write a mini-review like a food critic!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

FORYOUNGCHEFSWITHBIGHEARTS (ALWAYSCHECKWITHANADULTBEFORECREATINGINTHEKITCHEN)

Ingredients

Use a toaster bag to prevent cheese from dripping in the toaster! Toast for 30 seconds

Cootie Catcher

Fold this cootie catcher or fortune teller according to your teacher’s instructions. Use the process to reveal a Halloween writing prompt!

Here’s how to use the final folded object

Ask the person you're playing with to choose a number from the ones written on the top flaps of the cootie catcher

Spell out the number or count it out to reveal new numbers

Choose another number and count or spell again

Ask the person to choose one final number, and lift the flap to reveal the writing prompt

12 whereCreateaspookystorycharacterthemain getsforest.lostinadark conversationaImaginevampireabetweenWhatwitch.aandabout?arguetheydo

9 1 0 1 1 5

1 2 3 4 6 7 8

InventalegendaboutacreaturethatonlyappearsonHalloweennight. aaboutstoryaTellpumpkin thatlife.tocomes aWritealetterfrom ghostwhohas business.unfinished Describeahauntedhouseusingallfive senses. aaboutWritemysteriousobject infoundattic.oldan theDescribecostumescariest couldsomeone wear.

Did You Know?

90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of 5, and the right toys can help build stronger connections?

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