POETRY x
Collection Two Wolves One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wovles" inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied. "The one you feed." - unknown
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Artist Suzanne Ervin
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Danielle from 2littlesuperheroes enjoys hunting down thrifty charm for her builder grade suburban home. What does the fox say? http://www.2littlesuperheroes.com
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7 Letter from the Editor
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News, Celebrations, and Giveaways
Heart of Fashion
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Your Style Inspiration-Are You Inspired, Fiammisday.com
Heart of Travel
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Ten Reasons to Travel!
You Asked? We Answered.
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How do I stick to Healthy eating?
Celebrate 3 years
Balloon Blessing by Jill Jana Marie
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Heartbeat Connection Magazine
Austin Goes to School
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Recipe Corner
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Enter for a chance to win!
Mini-Meatloaves with Loaded Mashed Potato Frosting
Heart of Home & Family
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Music Education Helps Kids Succeed!
Tech Tips
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Bundle Up Your Tech Services & January Apps
Featured Foundation
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Cancer Alliance of Naples
Photo by Dealpeddler.net
Mini-Meatloaves with Loaded Mashed Potato Frosting
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Are some companies making a difference in the world? At Heartbeat Connection Magazine we discover the answer. Online, we share exclusive company reviews. Be sure to visit us at www.heartbeatmag.com.
Letter from the Editor
I have started to organize my house and get things into place. I love the New Year. I find myself able to release things that I have kept for so long. Thanks for New Year's resolutions. I have been working with Cancer Alliance of Naples this year for their big fundraiser event called Wine, Women & Shoes. I have never attended the event and am very excited to be able to take part. The luncheon will be filled with designer vendors, "Key to the Closet" raffle designed by Marla O from Professional Organizer Florida, delightful food, a fashion show, and one-of-a-kind auctions! My kids are back to school and they've started another session of SWFL Basketball. It's always a joy to see how happy they are playing basketball. This month's giveaway is a book by Jill Jana Marie called Balloon Blessing. Find out how one girl's note inside a balloon can change a life forever. Please make sure to visit the Giveaway section on our website for more details. If you'd like to be a contributor or are interested in advertising, visit our website or send us an email at info@heartbeatmag.com!
With love, Nicole Flothe Managing Editor
This month's cover is a photograph I took of the setting sun in Naples, Florida. One of my favorite times of day is when the sun sets. e
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RESOURCES
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Managing Editor NICOLE FLOTHE Photographer MELINDA NAGY OTERO Photographer JENNY PLOCINSKI Art Director SUZANNE ERVIN Editor CHERYL FLOTHE Cover -Adela Gallegos CONNECT www.TWITTER.com/Heartbeat_mag FACEBOOK HEARTBEAT CONNECTION facebook.com/heartbeatconnection
Take a deep breath check in with your heart and start your day!
Lee Heyward - Style with Lee Shelly Aristizabal - You Asked & We Answered Beth Gatrell - Tech Tip of the Week Cheryl Flothe - Heart of Travel, Recipe Corner Heart of Family & Home
by Lee Heyward StylewithLee.com
Every January I'm excited to have so many x
new clients who are ready to make a change to how they feel. Yes, I said how they feel. Changing what you wear changes how you feel on the inside. It makes you feel powerful, confident, and excited to take on whatever the day brings. The New Year is a great time for reflection, so I have an important question for you. Do you feel inspired each day? Inspired to be the best version of you? Inspired to take on the New Year and make it the best one yet? Inspired to only wear clothes that make you feel like a million bucks? It's something to think about! Here's some Inspiration for Valentine's Day! The Children's Fashion Blog Outfit and Kid's Style
Today I woke up early, because it is MY MOM’S BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY BDAY MOM. I prepared a nice breakfast, then took it to her in bed with these two flowers that I found at home. What do you think? Inspired from what my mom told me about PITTI BIMBO, I dressed in GREY. Here is my outfit, along with a gift for my MOM and all my LOVE for her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY again mom, have a nice day, drive out bad thoughts and open your heart to happiness. I’m part of that happiness and I am here to remind you. - Fiammetta
Fiammisday.com Blogger Simona from Florence, Italy
by Nicole Flothe Sometimes one simple gesture can make someone's day. Majorie merely writes a note and releases it inside a balloon, but forever changes a life. This month's giveaway is a copy of Balloon Blessing by Jill Jana Marie. One lucky winner will be chosen to receive this book and mailed to an address of their choosing.
Visit the Heartbeat Magazine Blog to Enter our Giveaway!
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by Cheryl Flothe
My next trip is coming up and I’m looking forward to the exhilaration I feel when I first start out. It’s a big beautiful world out there. So much to see and do, so enjoy traveling while you can---life’s too short to put off that trip you want to take (someday). What if someday never comes? If you’re still procrastinating, here are 10 reasons not to put it off any longer.
1. Reconnect with family and friends at weddings, reunions, or just because. We aren’t here forever, so make time to visit.
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Our niece's country wedding in Levenworth, WA.
2. Learn some family history while you’re visiting. Other relatives usually have a story to tell.
3. Take trips with friends and family. You’ll be creating special memories and will broaden everyone’s horizons, especially the kids'. We visited our old friend in Chicago, IL.
4. Inbetween visits, see the sights along the way---visit local attractions or take in sporting events.
5. Travel to new and exciting places--you’ll find people all over the world have a lot in common, despite cultural differences.
6. Talk to the people you meet along the way---It’s fascinating to meet new people and learn about how they live. You just might make a new, lifelong friend.
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It was exciting to watch a NASCAR race in FL.
7. Driving is a good way to travel--take a road atlas with you. You wouldn’t believe how many interesting places you’ll find. 8. It’s fun to try new foods in other countries or in places in your own country. 9. Keep your eyes open for changes in scenery, different architecture and clothing styles, and some amazing wildlife. Our grandson loved The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
We visited our relatives in Minnesota and learned about our oldest cousin's family from Norway!
10. There’s no time like the present to venture out. It’s amazing what a trip can do to brighten your spirits and your outlook on life.
Here we are at the Tower of London Castle.
Climbing the Chikoot Trail was on our bucket list.
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by Shelly Aristizabal of Healthy Living Concierge
Health & Wellness Q: How do you stick with Healthy eating? A: Follow these 5 Tips to Sticking to Healthy Eating! Healthy eating tip 1: Set yourself up for success. To set yourself up for success, think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think. Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety, and freshness. This way it should be easier to make healthy choices. Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will become healthier and more delicious. Start slow and make changes to your eating habits over time. Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart. Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan. Make small steps, like adding a salad (full of different color vegetables) to your diet once a day or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices to your diet. Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet. The long term goal is to feel good, have more energy, and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let your missteps derail you—every healthy food choice you make counts.
Healthy eating tip 2: Moderation is key. People often think of healthy eating as an all or nothing proposition, but a key foundation for any healthy diet is moderation. But what is moderation? How much is a moderate amount? That really depends on you and your overall eating habits. The goal of healthy eating is to develop a diet that you can maintain for life, not just a few weeks or months, or until you've hit your ideal weight. So try to think of moderation in terms of balance. Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to sustain a healthy body.
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For most of us, moderation or balance means eating less than we do now. More specifically, it means eating far less of the unhealthy stuff (refined sugar, saturated fat, for example) and more of the healthy (such as fresh fruit and vegetables). But it doesn't mean eliminating the foods you love. Eating bacon for breakfast once a week, for example, could be considered moderation if you follow it with a healthy lunch and dinner—but not if you follow it with a box of donuts and a sausage pizza. If you eat 100 calories of chocolate one afternoon, balance it out by deducting 100 calories from your evening meal. If you're still hungry, fill up with an extra serving of fresh vegetables. Try not to think of certain foods as “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods or food groups, it is natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. If you are drawn towards sweet, salty, or unhealthy foods, start by reducing portion sizes and not eating them as often. Later you may find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences. Think smaller portions. Serving sizes have ballooned recently, particularly in restaurants. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entree, split a dish with a friend, and don't order supersized anything. At home, use smaller plates, think about serving sizes in realistic terms, and start small. If you don't feel satisfied at the end of a meal, try adding more leafy green vegetables or rounding off the meal with fresh fruit. Visual cues can help with portion sizes–your serving of meat, fish, or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards, a slice of bread should be the size of a CD case, and half a cup of mashed potato, rice, or pasta is about the size of a traditional light bulb.
Healthy eating tip 3: It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat. Healthy eating is about more than the food on your plate—it is also about how you think about food. Healthy eating habits can be learned and it is important to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids.
Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits —particularly for children—and allows you to model healthy eating habits. Eating in front of the TV or computer often leads to mindless overeating. Take time to chew your food and enjoy mealtimes. Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of our food. Reconnect with the joy of eating. Listen to your body. Ask yourself if you are really hungry, or have a glass of water to see if you are thirsty instead of hungry. During a meal, stop eating before you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly. Eat breakfast, and eat smaller meals throughout the day. A healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating small, healthy meals throughout the day (rather than the standard three large meals) keeps your energy up and your metabolism going. Avoid eating at night. Try to eat dinner earlier in the day and then fast for 14-16 hours until breakfast the next morning. Early studies suggest that this simple dietary adjustment—eating only when you’re most active and giving your digestive system a long break each day—may help to regulate weight. After-dinner snacks tend to be high in fat and calories so are best avoided, anyway.
Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables . Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet. They are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal—the brighter the better. Colorful, deeply colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and different colors provide different benefits, so eat a variety. Aim for a minimum of five portions each day. Some great choices include: Greens. Branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce. Kale, mustard greens, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options—all packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Sweet vegetables. Naturally sweet vegetables—such as corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, and squash—add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. Fruit. Fruit is a tasty, satisfying way to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.
The importance of getting vitamins from food—not pills: The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases. And while advertisements abound for supplements promising to deliver the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables in pill or powder form, research suggests that it’s just not the same. A daily regimen of nutritional supplements is not going to have the same impact of eating right. That’s because the benefits of fruits and vegetables don’t come from a single vitamin or an isolated antioxidant. The health benefits of fruits and vegetables come from numerous vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals working together synergistically. They can’t be broken down into the sum of their parts or replicated in pill form.
Healthy eating tip 5: Eat more healthy carbs and whole grains. Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart. A quick definition of healthy carbs and unhealthy carbs: Healthy carbs (sometimes known as good carbs) include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, helping you feel full longer and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable. Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are foods such as white flour, refined sugar, and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and energy. Tips for eating more healthy carbs: Include a variety of whole grains in your healthy diet, including whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and barley. Experiment with different grains to find your favorites. Make sure you're really getting whole grains. Be aware that the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran can be deceptive. Look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” at the beginning of the ingredient list. In the U.S., Canada, and some other countries, check for the Whole Grain Stamps that distinguish between partial whole grain and 100% whole grain. Try mixing grains as a first step to switching to whole grains. If whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat pasta don’t sound good at first, start by mixing what you normally use with the whole grains. You can gradually increase the whole grain to 100%. Avoid: Refined foods such as breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain. For more tips visit www.healthylivingconcierge.com
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by Nicole Flothe It has been an honor working with my Mother-inlaw, Cheryl Flothe, the past three years publishing Heartbeat Connection Magazine! I also appreciate all of my family and friends who share articles and photographs with us! I've selected three past covers that each have a special place in my heart! The one with the candy hearts is the first cover issue of The Heartbeat Connection Magazine. The second cover is of my daughter, Lizzie, in her school uniform. We took the photo idea from a Selena Gomez magazine cover shot and that issue was the first huge success in views. The last cover is of my friends daughter, Clara. Her sweet cover has received the highest amount of views, currently at almost 13,000. Looking forward to the next issue and cover story! Thanks again for reading!
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by Nicole Flothe My nephew Austin has been a highlight throughout the years on a few covers. His accident last year and his incredible survival have provided a dedicated page for him in each issue. This month we are excited to share, Austin Goes to School! He also continues to receive rehab at home. Austin went to school to meet his classmates for the first time. He will still stay homebound until he starts first grade and is strong enough to start school. Tina and Austin brought Rice Krispie squares and he got to share them with his class. Austin said he was in Heaven. He's so cute!! He had a blast!! Thank you Mr. Robinson's Class!! You can read updates on Austin via Facebook: Facebook.com/AustinErvinHealing
Here is a pic with homebound school teachers, Miss Kim and Miss Kristie, from Swanson School. Austin video conferenced from home with his school teacher, Mr. Robinson, and kindergarten class for the first time.
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Recipe Corner
Fancy Mini-Meatloaves with Loaded Mashed Potato Frosting by Cheryl Flothe
I always keep my eye out for interesting and different recipes. This elegant looking meat dish was on Face Book. It’s a little more work than traditional meatloaf and mashed potatoes, but it’s so eye-catching it would be even be good for company. You could serve it as an hors d’ouvres or as a special meal with salad and French bread. I bet the kids would love it!
Directions 1. Heat oven to 350F Degrees. Lightly grease cupcake pan, set aside. 2. In large skillet, cook 8 strips bacon over low heat. 3. While bacon cooks, saute mushrooms in a little olive oil. 4. Thoroughly beat eggs with a fork. 5. Combine meat, mushrooms, onion, bread crumbs, eggs, and cheese. Mix together by hand in a large bowl until all ingredients are blended. 6. Spoon and pack meat mixture into 10 muffin pan openings. Fill unused openings ½ full of water to prevent warping. Be careful not to spill when taking to and from the oven. 7. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes.
Ingredients
8. While mini-meatloaves are baking, boil potatoes until soft, then drain.
Mini-Meatloaf Ingredients (Makes 10 mini-meatloaves.) 1 pound ground pork, turkey, or hamburger 1/2 small onion, diced 2 eggs 1/4 to 1/3 cup white mushrooms, sauteed and chopped. 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup smoked Gouda or similar cheese, finely chopped or shredded Season with around 1/2 teaspoon seasoned or regular salt, according to taste.
9. Add butter, milk, sour cream, cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Mash until smooth.
Loaded Mashed Potato Topping Ingredients 6 to 8 small potatoes, peeled, and cubed 1/4 cup (1/2 Stick) butter 1/4 cup milk 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup cheddar cheese Salt and pepper to taste
13. Fill a piping bag with mashed potato mix, using a large frosting tip, such as a star.
Garnish Ingredients 6-8 strips of fried bacon (keep a strip or two for crumbling.) 1 green onion (or you could use chopped spinach) Cheddar cheese
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10. Remove bacon from skillet; transfer onto a plate with paper towels to drain the grease, then cool. 11. To assemble the mini-meatloaves, remove from pan and place onto a serving platter. 12. Break 5 strips of bacon in half. Lay one half on top of each mini-meatloaf.
14. Pipe the loaded mashed potato frosting on top of each mini-meatloaf, creating several layers. 15. Garnish with cheese, green onion, and crumbled bacon. Recipe adapted from Man Cave and Woman’s Den on DealPeddler Blog at: http://dealpeddler.net/.
by Cheryl Flothe
Music Matters!
Confucius said: Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. Music education has so many benefits for developing children I couldn’t begin to list them all. The Children’s Music Workshop Music Education Online site gives a list of reasons music is so important:
1. Success in Developing Intelligence -Increases growth in neural activity and uses more of the brain. -Increases reasoning skills. -Increases ability to understand and solve multi-step problems. -Increases fine motor skills.
3. Success in Society & Life -Increases desire to accept new challenges. -Increases self confidence to go beyond the status quo. -Increases ability to communicate and cooperate. -Increases education and work possibilities. -Brings meaning to life through self expression. Encouraging your children to participate in music education; chorus, band, or orchestra; might be one of the best things you can do to help them have a happy and successful life!
2. Success in School -Improves math, language, and computer skills. -Improve test scores. -Improves concentration. -Improves teamworks skills.
Nathan Flothe playing the Bass in Orchestra at Cypress Palm Middle.
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January Apps by Nicole Flothe
Into Tomorrow's Bundle Up Your Tech Services... by Beth Gatrell With the New Year comes new specials and promotions for some of your most needed services. For most people there are many choices when it comes to providers of cellular, TV and Internet service, but who do you choose? Bundling your services together with one provider can simplify
Thanks, Santa, for the iTunes gift cards, we have been having so much fun buying new apps. A few of my new favorite photo apps are Pics and Rhonna. Pics gives you photo challenges and Rhonna provides endless ideas. The Bible App just came out with a new Kid version and my kids have been reading it. I always love classic games, so Pac-Man is one of my new favorites, along with BTD Battles where you pop balloons. 94 Fifty is an app that works with our electronic basketball and gives us stats and updates on our performance. Awesome! The last two, Songza will give me music suggestions based on the activity I'm doing, like bedtime or staying up all night, and RadiON is a cool retro radio that plays stations. Enjoy!
those choices and give you great deals. Many companies like AT&T, Verizon, and DirecTV offer a combination of services in one discounted package. It is a good idea to visit each provider website to see what features best fit your needs, especially when it comes to TV stations, as many are only offered with certain service providers or packages. Some providers offer special gifts if you sign up for their services like the iPad offer from DISH that includes their Hopper service or the Visa gift card from Xfinity’s bundle package. Specials are also available when you purchase service for just your cell phone or other electronic devices by bundling certain features together. Before you buy service from each separate provider you need to be sure to research your options to get the best package all in one! For the latest in services and tech products, be sure to visit us at "Into Tomorrow" and share your favorite bundle deals.
To view more information about iPhone apps visit
www.heartbeatmag.com, What's on my iPhone.
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Featured Foundation
by Nicole Flothe
by Nicole Flothe I was first introduced to Cancer Alliance of Naples through my friend Shelly Aristizabal. She had invited me to go to a Wine Women & Shoes event that helps fundraise for the nonprofit organization. I wasn't able to go that year, but always wanted to attend the next time they had another event. This year my friend Shelly asked if I would be interested in helping out by volunteering for the Social Media Chair for Wine Women & Shoes, January 31, 2014. Of course I said yes! Their Mission is to help people touched by cancer who are children residing in Lee or Collier County and adult residents of Collier County, Bonita Springs and Estero, by providing financial aid with non-medical bills, support, education and information services. Cancer Alliance of Naples, a grassroots nonprofit organization, was founded in 2002 by a wonderful group of individuals with whom cancer was familiar territory. Through their recognition of the difficulties that accompany such an experience, the decision was made to combine efforts, ideas and resources and build upon a simple gesture. Neighbors helping neighbors, supporting the community.
•CAN has helped 1200 families with $2.6 million in non-medical financial aid or other support since 2002 •CAN pays rent so cancer survivors and their families won’t be evicted, utilities so they won’t be turned off, car payments so they won’t be repossessed, gas to get to treatment, and food so they are strong enough to withstand treatment. •CAN does not duplicate the services of any other agency in Collier County. •CAN also offers free group counseling, free nutrition programs, college scholarships for graduating seniors who have had cancer or whose parents or siblings have cancer, and an extensive library for anyone in the community to use. To learn more visit www.cannaples.com
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Hi, I'm Austin Ervin and I'm recovering from a car accident I had in Alaska. I was diagnosed with AtlantoOccipital Dislocation. I had to have spinal surgery at Seattle Children's Hospital, went to Kennedy Krieger Institute for Rehab and now I have returned to Alaska. I'm on a breathing tube and have to get assistance with moving. My Mommy & Daddy are raising money to help support my care now and in the future. Your donations help with: extra expenses, extra therapies, and so much more. Thanks! Visit www.believeaustin.com
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