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POETRY Collection

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If I Told You I Love Youby Unknown

If I told you I love youWhat would you thinkWould you think I was crazyWould your heart just sink

If I told you I love youWhat would you doWould you leave me as quick as you couldOr say that you love me too

If I told you I love youWould everything changeOr would you forget about itOr think I was strange

If I told you I love youWould you believe it deep insideWould your feelings for me changeIs it worth the tears I never cried

Should I tell you I love youI really don't knowI'm so afraidI don't want you to go

I'll tell you I love youI really know I doBut don't ever forgetFriends can love each other too.

Artist Suzanne Ervin www.semyart.com

239-777-9556

Book a Session A Portrait A Scene & Flowers An Animal ** Advertisement

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POETRY Collection

Photo by @Tanniee

Tanniee Subscribe to their feed: www.instagram.com/tanniee

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Mission: Sharing About Living with Heart.

Create * Conceive * Connect

Letter from the Editor 2News, Celebrations, and Giveaways

Heart of Fashion 3Style Tips for the Super Mom,Fiammisday.com

Heart of Travel 4Don't Vacation! Staycation!

The Elderly and Their Pets 5

Recipe Corner 6Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Thighs

You Asked? We Answered. 6 How do I stop Procrastinating and Reduce my Stress?

Heart of Home & Family 7Plan Your Family Staycation

Sumerlin Band 8Interview about their latest Album

Photography with Heart 10Interview with Marc Damon Photography

Tech Tips 12Hearts online& February Apps

Featured Foundation 13Providence House

Austin Gets a Puppy 13

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Artist Suzanne Ervin www.semyart.com

239-777-9556

Book a Session A Portrait A Scene & Flowers An Animal* Advertisement

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Happy Wives Club by Fawn Weaver

Enter for a chance to win!

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken ThighsPhoto by Recipetips.com

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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.

RESOURCESSend us an email at info@heartbeatmag.com

Advertise with Us!Heartbeatmag.comManaging Editor NICOLE FLOTHEPhotographer MELINDA NAGY OTEROPhotographer JENNY PLOCINSKIArt Director SUZANNE ERVINEditor CHERYL FLOTHECover -Adela Gallegos

CONNECT www.TWITTER.com/Heartbeat_magFACEBOOK HEARTBEAT CONNECTIONfacebook.com/heartbeatconnection

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Letter from the Editor

February is the month of love and celebrating all things heart related! This is a truly special month for Heartbeat Connection Magazine as we get to see so many hearts from all around the world. Recently I saw a cute blog post with photos of cats with hearts on their coats. I went to the Humane Society once and there was this dog that had a heart design, I wish I would have taken him home. Did you get any candy, flowers, or cards for Valentine's Day? I was pleasantly surprised that my husband got me a beautiful rainbow of roses. I got my family heart chocolate boxes. My daughter opened hers then left it on the table. Our dog decided he wanted to be part of the festivities and ate the small box of chocolates. Luckily he is big enough that the small amount did not affect him and cause problems, but it was concerning. Thanks to the internet we had our answer that he would be fine. The love of tasty sweet food is always something to be careful of when you have pets in your home. In this issue we will be sharing stories about pets, fashion, music, photography, and so much more. This month's giveaway is a book by Fawn Weaver called Happy Wives Club. Discover the best marriage secrets from the world's happiest wives. 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 a gorgeous blooming rose in my garden. I love the process a flower goes through from first bud to full bloom.

Lee Heyward - Style with LeeShelly Aristizabal - You Asked & We AnsweredBeth Gatrell - Tech Tip of the Week Cheryl Flothe - Heart of Travel, Recipe CornerHeart of Home & Family

Our heart beats without us thinking

about it, we are blessed!

Photo by Recipetips.com

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by Lee HeywardStylewithLee.com

The Children's Fashion Blog Outfit and Kid's Style

What do we do today? For this super special day I’m wearing this fantastic tee. It is my t-shirt with a doll from IL GUFO that my mom and I adore and that is always perfect with everything. We have matched it with the cute skirt from ALICE à PARIS and the jacket from 120% LINO. Here it is, what do you think? HAVE A SPECIAL DAY!! - Fiammetta

1. You are your child’s most important role model—make sure you dress like one.

It takes the same amount of time to put on a crappy t-shirt as it does to put on a great one.

Paying attention to your style ensures you don’t lose your sense of self.

What looks cute on your daughter is meant for your daughter—not you.

Dark denim jeans won’t show spills but always look classic and chic.

Dresses take two seconds to put on and look like a million bucks.

Great style is possible on any budget. (Seriously! Ask me what I can do with $200.)

Look chic on the go in a walking short and wedge.

Chanel your Mom “I’m not buying you more clothes” creativity when it comes to your own wardrobe. Turn pants into shorts or wear your favorite shirt four different ways.

Put the same amount of effort into the way you look as you do with the way your child looks.

Discover the best marriage secrets from the world's happiest wives. Join Fawn Weaver on an exciting, exotic trip across six continents and through more than eighteen cities, as she discovers what makes a great marriage. This month's giveaway is a copy of Happy Wives Club by Fawn Weaver. One lucky winner will be chosen to receive this book and mailed to an address of their choosing.

by Nicole Flothe

Fiammisday.com Blogger Simona from Florence, Italy

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by Cheryl Flothe

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Admit it---paying the tab for a family vacation has reached exorbitant heights these days! A recent article in Forbes Magazine cited some intimidating statistics from the American Automobile Association that said average vacations for two in North America could cost $244 or more a day, and some family vacations add up to $1,000 per day with children and airfare. A family vacation can be costly and is something the average family has to save up to afford. For a cheaper alternative, have you ever thought of a staycation? This is a relatively new term some people haven’t heard of yet. On a staycation, you stay in your hometown doing fun and creative things at home and in your local area. No travelling out of town, expensive travel costs, flight delays, or jet lag! With a little planning, your family will have a wonderful and memorable time.

Ten suggestions for places to go on your staycation if you decide to venture out of your vacation bungalow (your house):

Family trip to the local zoo.

Fiammisday.com Blogger Simona from Florence, Italy

Dad and sons kayak adventure.

1. Local city, state, or national parks.

2. Nature centers.

3. Local hiking trails.

4. The beach or water park in warmer areas.

5. Ski or other snow park areas in cooler places.

6. Miniature golf or bowling.

7. Local performances: movie in the park, plays, music, etc.

8. Sports games.

9. The movies.

10. Other local attractions you find while researching your staycation.

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cat on their lap, their own pets tend to live longer. Being a caretaker helps people to not focus on their health issues, and instead they focus on their pet.

The second benefit to the elderly that own pets is their emotional needs. When the senior is walking their dog, conversations often take place with neighbors and others who may be walking their dog, which may improve socialization and may reduce feelings of loneliness. Pets provide companionship and friendship, as well. Pets are loyal, loving, affectionate, helpful, and non-negotiating. Some studies suggest that a large percentage of people who own pets say that their dog or cat is their best friend. That speaks a lot about the health and emotional benefits of these loving animals. Family members would be wise if they would be more sensitive to the emotional importance and health benefits that a pet has in their aging loved one’s life.

Source: www.pgaa.com and www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health_benefits.htm

About Kathryn Goerig-EastlakeKathryn is the owner of My Favorite Furr and the creator of Love Your LaptimeTM. It was designed with Grandma and Gramps in mind. The thick center keeps both the pet and the owner comfortable when on the lap. Love Your LaptimeTM is scheduled to be available on the web market by the end of the month. This is a test market, and there will be a limited amount available. So, add your email to her website, and she'll send you notification when the Love Your LaptimeTM is available. It would make a great gift for your special loved one! For more information visit www.myfavoritefurr.com.

The pet and his owner photo was posted on my friend’s website and she gave me permission to use it. Her post: Paul home from nursing home and his buddy Max is thrilled! What a

beautiful picture! And it speaks volumes about the bond between the elderly and their much-loved pets.

A mature man who was walking his dog emotionally shared during a recent conversation: “What would my life be like without my Ziva (full-size collie)?” He said, as he put his hand upon his heart.

A friend recently shared that her mother needed to be hospitalized, and unsure of the length of her stay, the sons decided to take her dog to the local dog shelter. My friend, upon hearing this news the very next day went to retrieve the beloved dog, but it had been adopted! The dog was a pedigree. The woman was shocked, but can you imagine the additional, undue stress that the ill mother experienced when she was told that her precious dog was given away?

The above are just three stories about the elderly and their adored pets. Why should we care if granny, gramps, or old Aunt Suzie owns a pet that seems to appear to be too much work for them to take care of. Should we remove the pet from their house?

Studies conducted in the past 20 years have revealed many health benefits of elderly who own usually a cat or a dog. Why? Because it provides two primary human needs: health needs and emotional needs.

First, let’s take a look at the health benefits of owning a pet. When a person owns a pet, their physical activity is increased thereby keeping the owner healthier. They need to care for a pet such as walking a dog, or cleaning out the cat’s litter box. If an elderly person owns a dog, they may need to take them for walks. This requirement gets the person outside into the fresh air and they will receive some low impact exercise. According to some studies, a person who owns a pet is able to walk for a longer period of time than a mature person without a pet. In addition, when a person pats a dog or strokes a

by Kathryn Goerig-Eastlakeof My Favorite Furr

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by Shelly Aristizabal of Healthy Living Concierge

Health & WellnessQ: How can I stop Procrastinating and reduce my stress?

A: Good news- you can learn tools to combat it!

Procrastination, the habit of putting tasks off to the last possible minute, can be a major problem in both your career and your personal life. Side effects include missed opportunities, frenzied work hours, stress, a feeling of being overwhelmed, resentment, and guilt. Good news - you can learn tools to combat it!

The behavior pattern of procrastination can be triggered in many different ways, so you won't always procrastinate for the same reason. Sometimes you'll procrastinate because you're overwhelmed with too much on your plate and procrastination gives you an escape. Other times you'll feel tired and lazy, and you just can't get going.

ACTION: Is fear of rejection, fear of failure, or fear of what other people think causing you to procrastinate? Taking action is the key to overcoming any fear. Just do it! Do it afraid!

Recipe Corner

Here’s a perfect meal for your family’s staycation Hawaiian Night. So easy to throw together and will cook all day while you’re out having fun! To make it really special; serve fruity drinks in colored plastic glasses with little paper umbrellas, play Hawaiian music, and each family member can wear a lei at dinner!

Ingredients

k 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighsk 1 cup pineapple juice (or you can use 1-20 oz can

pineapple chunks or bits, undrained)k 1/3 cup soy saucek 1/2 cup brown sugar

DirectionsAdd all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low 6-8 hours. Chicken should fall apart.Serve over white or brown rice.

Note: Recipe adapted from recipetips.com

by Cheryl Flothe

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Thighs

Photo by Recipetips.com

cat on their lap, their own pets tend to live longer. Being a caretaker helps people to not focus on their health issues, and instead they focus on their pet.

The second benefit to the elderly that own pets is their emotional needs. When the senior is walking their dog, conversations often take place with neighbors and others who may be walking their dog, which may improve socialization and may reduce feelings of loneliness. Pets provide companionship and friendship, as well. Pets are loyal, loving, affectionate, helpful, and non-negotiating. Some studies suggest that a large percentage of people who own pets say that their dog or cat is their best friend. That speaks a lot about the health and emotional benefits of these loving animals. Family members would be wise if they would be more sensitive to the emotional importance and health benefits that a pet has in their aging loved one’s life.

Source: www.pgaa.com and www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health_benefits.htm

About Kathryn Goerig-EastlakeKathryn is the owner of My Favorite Furr and the creator of Love Your LaptimeTM. It was designed with Grandma and Gramps in mind. The thick center keeps both the pet and the owner comfortable when on the lap. Love Your LaptimeTM is scheduled to be available on the web market by the end of the month. This is a test market, and there will be a limited amount available. So, add your email to her website, and she'll send you notification when the Love Your LaptimeTM is available. It would make a great gift for your special loved one! For more information visit www.myfavoritefurr.com.

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10. Consider a theme for each day such as Hawaiian, Mexican, Great American, At the Beach, Italian, Movie Night, etc. Get decorations and incidentals to go with each theme at your local party or dollar store.

11. Plan your meals to go with each themed day---burgers on Great American Night, spaghetti on Italian, pizza for Movie Night, etc. And don’t forget the popcorn for movie night!

12. For meal preparation, try fixing and freezing part of the meals a few weeks

before; making crockpot meals to save time and

effort, cutting up meats and vegetables for

later use, putting meat and cheese in covered containers for easy access for sandwitches---doing whatever you can to make your staycation worry-free.

13. Play charades, have treasure hunts (with prizes), sing karaoke, make ice cream sundaes, have field day in the yard, go on bike rides and walks, or have a mystery party.

14. Take lots of pictures, including a group picture of the whole family.

15. Finally, have lots of fun doing things you don’t usually do on your staycation!

by Cheryl Flothe

So you’ve decided to have a staycation rather than an expensive vacation this year---you’ll be staying in your hometown rather than flying or driving somewhere else. You can make your family’s staycation fun and exciting by doing some strategic planning. Have a family meeting where everyone comes up with ideas on fun and interesting things to do. Plan a time when you won’t be interrupted and can concentrate on your planning.Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Decide how many days your staycation will last.

2. Tell friends and family members you’re on staycation! Of course, you can still invite friends and family to share in the fun. You can even send postcards!!!

3. Look up local things to do on the internet or collect brochures about local activities.

4. Consider either getting new sheets or pillowcases for everyone’s beds or at least put fresh sheets on right before your staycation begins.

5. Clean your house, mow the lawn, and do the laundry a few days before.

6. Make schedules for each day’s plans---kids can have fun decorating them.

7. Appoint family members every night for bed turn-down service, leaving a chocolate and schedule for the next day’s activities on each pillow.

8. Get out the board games and maybe invest in a few new ones.

9. Pick up some crafts or work on family keepsake books.

Here’s a perfect meal for your family’s staycation Hawaiian Night. So easy to throw together and will cook all day while you’re out having fun! To make it really special; serve fruity drinks in colored plastic glasses with little paper umbrellas, play Hawaiian music, and each family member can wear a lei at dinner!

Ingredients

k 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighsk 1 cup pineapple juice (or you can use 1-20 oz can

pineapple chunks or bits, undrained)k 1/3 cup soy saucek 1/2 cup brown sugar

DirectionsAdd all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low 6-8 hours. Chicken should fall apart.Serve over white or brown rice.

Note: Recipe adapted from recipetips.com

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1. How did you get started in the Christian Music Industry?

Most of us have been playing in bands since middle and high school, not really gaining any traction with the bands we played in until Sumerlin in 2009. We committed ourselves to following a calling we felt was put into our lives. Not that the previous bands were unsuccessful, but Sumerlin was the first band with which we'd achieved some notoriety in the Music Industry - especially the Christian Music Industry. This is great for us, as we're all active Christians pursuing a life dedicated to our faith — and this of course is reflective naturally in our music. 2. I have a 10 year old son who loves music and sings in his Chorus at school. How young were you when you knew that singing was what you wanted to do?

That's fantastic! Tell him to keep it close to his heart and always express his passion for it. "Singing has always been a part of my life growing up. I can remember singing along to the records my dad would play and slowly realized how much I enjoyed singing. I eventually picked up a guitar and learned anything I could on it. My passion for music flourished from then on. Singing is a huge part of who I am and I'm so thankful that I can share my heart with people through song." - Dan DiGiovanni

I first heard about Sumerlin from my friend TJ, who posted their new album cover on Instagram.

I went to iTunes to hear their songs and loved their vibe. I then sent TJ a message to see if the band would be interested in an interview and was delighted that they agreed.

by Nicole Flothe

anything. We wanted the timing to be natural and we feel staying committed to the calling helped everything follow through.

4. With the new CD on iTunes, which songs are your favorite? Please tell me a little more about the awesome song Breaking Out and how it was created.

We're a fan of the record in it's entirety. Each song is a reflection of what we all go through in this life we're given. Runaways is a blueprint for every listener. It's about recognizing the situation at hand and figuring out how to handle it. We don't always get it right, but in the end you realize where to turn — what to run away from and what to run towards. Breaking Out is about how you can build up walls with muck and anything that takes your focus off of what matters the most. It's a cry out to God asking Him to break you out of the cell that you created around yourself.

Sumerlin Online:www.sumerlinband.com

Sumerlin on Facebook:www.facebook.com/sumerlinband

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1. How did you get started in the Christian Music Industry?

Most of us have been playing in bands since middle and high school, not really gaining any traction with the bands we played in until Sumerlin in 2009. We committed ourselves to following a calling we felt was put into our lives. Not that the previous bands were unsuccessful, but Sumerlin was the first band with which we'd achieved some notoriety in the Music Industry - especially the Christian Music Industry. This is great for us, as we're all active Christians pursuing a life dedicated to our faith — and this of course is reflective naturally in our music. 2. I have a 10 year old son who loves music and sings in his Chorus at school. How young were you when you knew that singing was what you wanted to do?

That's fantastic! Tell him to keep it close to his heart and always express his passion for it. "Singing has always been a part of my life growing up. I can remember singing along to the records my dad would play and slowly realized how much I enjoyed singing. I eventually picked up a guitar and learned anything I could on it. My passion for music flourished from then on. Singing is a huge part of who I am and I'm so thankful that I can share my heart with people through song." - Dan DiGiovanni

3. Did you go through college and train to be musicians or just start your band and get a recording contract?

None of us went through college specifically for music. We picked it up and just kept at it. Not that we just started a band and stumbled into a recording contract…There were numerous attempts at attracting the right people through multiple bands between the four of us. All of which was a part of building our story. It's not always easy. Getting into the right company of people last year really helped in moving things along. We tried our hardest not to force

anything. We wanted the timing to be natural and we feel staying committed to the calling helped everything follow through.

4. With the new CD on iTunes, which songs are your favorite? Please tell me a little more about the awesome song Breaking Out and how it was created.

We're a fan of the record in it's entirety. Each song is a reflection of what we all go through in this life we're given. Runaways is a blueprint for every listener. It's about recognizing the situation at hand and figuring out how to handle it. We don't always get it right, but in the end you realize where to turn — what to run away from and what to run towards. Breaking Out is about how you can build up walls with muck and anything that takes your focus off of what matters the most. It's a cry out to God asking Him to break you out of the cell that you created around yourself.

Sumerlin Online:www.sumerlinband.com

Sumerlin on Facebook:www.facebook.com/sumerlinband

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by Nicole Flothe

As I was browsing on Facebook I read a story from my friends at Island Escapes about a Photographer that made an impact in one lady's life while she was suffering a heart attack. I private mesaged Marc Damon Photography to ask if he would like to share his story with The Heartbeat Connection readers and he accepted my invitation. Here are his answers to a few of my interview questions:

1. How did you get into photography?

I started taking photos after exploring the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands by foot and kayak. Captivated by the beautiful landscape, I wanted to bring something back from my adventures apart from a good story. After one of those adventures, I visited Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. His work inspired me to explore black

and white photography. Landscape photography has taught me to slow down, observe, and commune with the environment that surrounds us. It motivates me to explore places that are seldom visited by man in a quest to find that great photo and the adventure that comes with it.

2. Do you have a style you primarly use for your photos?

All of my photographs are captured on large sheets of black & white film with a large-format camera. It looks like an accordion! I believe this is the most appropriate medium for what I am trying to achieve, which is to detail rich images that capture the essence of a scene, usually in the wilderness. Capturing a nice black & white image requires finding and seeing beautiful light, which is what really matters to me in a photograph. in addition to being partially color blind, I find colors to be distracting. When things are in shades of grey one has to consider an image as a whole. Finally, black & white is great at conveying emotions and drama; these are things I appreciate in a photograph.

3. What inspires you in your line of business?

I am inspired by the desire to discover new places, usually untouched and pristine wilderness. I try through photography to showcase nature at its best. It took me a while to really appreciate Florida’s environment. Mangroves and swamps can be intimidating at first, but when in them I actually feel at peace. I become one with nature and feel more alive. I usually have a maximum of 8 sheets of films with me when I go out there, but generally do not make any images. I find that I enjoy myself more if I do not have the pressure of bringing a photograph back. The goal becomes exploring and that is exciting in itself. But when I am able to make a great photograph while out there, it is a real gift! 4. Do you have a few favorite photos?

I have a few favorite photographs. Usually, it is the last one I took or the next one I will capture. If I had to pick a few though, I would probably choose "Naples Beach - 2008," one of my first images. It conveys a really strong mood and also won the Rookery Bay Annual photography contest juried by Clyde Butcher. Another favorite of mine would be "Fisheating Creek 3 - 2013." It took me 4 years to finally capture it the way I wanted and I am still working to improve it. Finally, I have to mention my photograph of the Ghost Orchid "Phantom Ghost - 2012."

Blue Cypress 2012

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This one is very special to me because I really wanted to show the orchid in a ghostly way. When I finally found the elusive flower, I was devasted by the fact that there was not enough light to make the photograph. I asked my friend who came along to take a photograph with his digital camera at the same time. His flash went off and exposed my photograph, detaching the orchid from a black background. I was very pleased with the result! 5. How are you giving back to your community?

My photographs were used for the awards of the Naples Conservancy RedSnook Fishing Tournament. I also donated a piece for the event's auction. The tournament raised over $140,000 for the Clean Water Act. It felt great to be part of it.

But I feel most grateful from responses to my images. A client of mine, Susan, purchased my photograph of "Blue Cypress Lake - 2012." I met her and her husband when delivering the photograph. They were such a sweet couple. A month later, I got a very touching phone call. She explained that she had suffered a heart attack and was stuck at home for a prolonged time. She went on to explain that my photograph had been her

escape to the outside. She would stare at it and let herself get carried away in nature and the peaceful surroundings. She made my day!

To learn more about Marc, visit him online or at his gallery in Naples, Florida.

Marc Damon PhotographyPhone: 239-776-6389www.marcdamonphotography.comFacebook: www.fb.com/MarcDamonPhotographyGallery 1522355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Unit 152Naples, FL

Phantom Ghost 2012

Naples Beach 2012

Fisheating Creek 3 2012

February Appsby Nicole Flothe

I'm focused on getting healthy this month and so I have a few new apps to help in my endeavors. Runtastic is an app that I saw posted on Facebook by a relative. I can track my workout and log my stats. View is from my friend, Dr. Lucienne Valcourt, and it works with a device that reads your antioxidant levels. WW Mobile and Simple Start are Weight Watchers apps as I'm trying their program for the next three months. Wish me luck! SpeechTime is what a group I joined called Toastmasters uses to keep you aware of your time during your speech---very helpful! Waterlogue turns your photos into works of art! Smilebox has a new feature that adds animation to your photos. Wallpapers has some amazing designs to let you enjoy your home screen on your smartphone. Lastly, Paper is a Facebook app that allows you to flip pages of your social media site. I really love it. Enjoy!

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informative site with tips, research, help lines, and even a place to sign up for email updates. Check out Health Central for things you can do to prevent heart disease and make lifestyle changes, recipes, exercise tips, and more of what you can do to keep your heart healthy. Go Red for Women not only educates you on the risk of heart disease, but they also give you the opportunity to share your stories, show your support, and get involved. Healthfinder is another great site to check out for information and news on heart disease and they have many links to other good resources. WomenHeart not only has information available on their website, but they are traveling around the country with their Heart of Style tour which is bringing free mobile screenings to women. We wish all of our friends the best of health "Into Tomorrow"!

Into Tomorrow's Hearts Online...by Beth Gatrell

It’s American Heart Month, and there are many ways online you can help and be informed. The American Heart Association has an awesome website providing great information on what you can do to prevent heart disease: warning signs, blogs, research, videos, ways to donate and more. The CDC also has a very

Featured Foundation

To view more information about iPhone apps visit www.heartbeatmag.com, What's on my iPhone.

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Featured Foundationby Nicole Flothe

My friend, Julie Thomas, from Project Outreach shared with me about this heartfelt organization called Providence House. They are a local Naples nonprofit corporation with the mission of helping women with young children transition out of homelessness to independence through a faith-based, transitional housing and self-sufficiency program.

Nancy Farren, a retired registered nurse, is the founder of Providence House. She realized her calling while assisting poor, vulnerable women in crisis pregnancies through the Gabriel Project. It was through this mentoring work that Nancy met Audrey Messick, whom she trained as a Gabriel Angel.

Mrs. Messick proved to be a kindred spirit---deeply concerned with the wellbeing of women in need, genuinely compassionate, and unafraid to roll up her sleeves to help the poor in meaningful and life changing ways. Together they determined to do what they could to address the lack of housing, basic life skills, education, and growing problem of homelessness within this group.

In December of 2005, through the generous financial assistance of Andy and Audrey Messick, Providence House became a nonprofit corporation.

They now have a multi-housing campus where their office, alongside eight client family apartment homes, are situated today. Visit them at www.providencehousenaples.org for more info.

My nephew Austin got a puppy! Thank you to Chris Hedberg for this beautiful Papillon. He will be going to training school to become his service dog. Here is a repost from Chris's Facebook:Boy 2 has his forever home. We met Austin and his mother today. Austin is six years old and a quadriplegic. We met while Austin was being fitted for his new electric chair that he will be able to drive using his mouth/breath. He named his new puppy Turbo, a perfect name. Because Turbo will be a small papillon, he will be able to ride in a basket on Austin's wheel chair. I put Turbo on Austin's lap. Turbo stayed put and gave Austin several kisses, which from the size of Austin's smile I know he really liked. I believe this is a match that was meant to be. I am thrilled that Austin and Turbo will have each other. To learn more about Austin's journey to recovery visit www.BelieveAustin.com or Facebook.com/AustinErvinHealing

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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 Atlanto-Occipital 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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