Valentine’s Day may traditionally be a lovers’ holiday, but it’s also an opportunity to connect with those who make your heart happiest, whether it’s family, friends or anyone who enriches your life. Celebrate all types of love this Valentine’s Day with thoughtful gifts that show how much you care.

As the old adage says, the fastest way to one’s heart is the stomach. Sweet treats are a sure sign of your affection, and for centuries, chocolate has been revered as the flavor of love.

From gifting to hosting and all the other moments throughout the season of love, you can delight your nearest and dearest with gourmet chocolates from Ethel M Chocolates.

This spring, make plans to bring family and friends to Northshore Park for a popular tradition of music and fun. The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation proudly presents the Spring 2023 Concert in the Park series. 

Concerts are held on Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the scenic Northshore Park, located at 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive in The Woodlands, TX 77381. This concert series is free and consists of six artists covering various genres in 2023:

A beloved spring tradition is back at Market Street, and the shopping, dining and entertainment destination is inviting amateur and professional artists to showcase their paintings, photography, jewelry, metal works, sculptures, digital art, mixed media and other works of art at the 2023 Spring Fine Arts Show on Saturday, May 13 from 10 am – 7 pm.

Live music at Market Street is back as the Spring Concert Series lineup features artists performing Top 40, jazz, Latin, country, cover favorites and more, every Thursday, April 13 through June 8 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Sponsored by local Internet provider TACHUS, Market Street’s 2023 Spring Concert Series is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs and sit back, relax, and enjoy the performances.

Meet Lori S., our Spotlight Mom for February 2023!

If you're a mom interested in being in our Mom Spotlight in 2023, please CLICK HERE. 

Please tell us a little about your family:

My husband and I met in 2002 in Conroe, and found out we shared the same birthday among other things we had in common! Needless to say, we hit it off and we’re married in 2004! Since then we've had three beautiful children and I have stayed home with them and homeschool them. Our daughters have been involved in National Youth Theater for several years and love it!

Do you have a business you'd like to share with our readers:

I do! Years ago I started MakeThingsPersonal.com, a blog about connecting and making meaningful relationships in our busy, disconnected world, because relationships have always been important to me. That is a continuing work in progress. Then in 2018 I started my photography business and I absolutely love getting to capture the love, joy, and connections in the families I work with! What a privilege! I also offer Senior Portraits and serve business owners with branding and headshots.

Favorite place to go in The Woodlands area:

I love visiting the parks with my family. Being in nature, taking a relaxed walk, swinging with them for a few carefree moments, those are the moments that fill up my heart. Rob Fleming, North Shore, and Town Green Parks are among my favorites!

Favorite blogs I read:

I love WoodlandsMommy.com for all the local happenings and articles specifically for moms. I also love NotConsumed.com. It’s been fun to watch her grow over the years and I have enjoyed many of the Bible studies and resources she provides!

First job:

Oh goodness! My first job was being a cashier at McDonald’s! Living in a small town the options were limited. I did enjoy it, though. Getting to work with people, serve them with great customer service and mop the floors with excellence! Yes, I was regularly complimented on the floors the next day! LOL

Favorite childhood book or story:

Growing up, my favorite story was The Giving Tree. It was still one of my favorites to read with my children when they were little! Love and Giving is what life is all about!

Favorite meal to prepare at home:

Oh, hard to choose! I make a Mexican Casserole that everyone loves. Basically layers of rice, refried beans, taco meat, onions and peppers, crushed tortilla chips and cheese baked to yummy, melted goodness!

3 Things on my Long-Term To-Do List:

This past year I began one of them -- taking care of my parents as they age, when my father had a stroke. All my life it’s been important to me to be there for them when this time came. It’s not always easy, but I’m glad I can help them.

Another thing on my long-term to-do list is continue my education. I have so many interests, I would like to dive deeper into some of them, and become a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach and maybe a naturopathic dr after that! I’d also love to becoming a parenting coach.

The 3rd thing on my Loooong-Term to-do list— I’d love to buy a house in the Bahamas one day!

How I spend my Friday evenings:

Some of our Fridays are spent taking our daughters to Theater rehearsals, but if we’re not doing that, I may have a photo session, or a date with my husband or a movie night in with the family!

Favorite non-homemade dessert (and where can we find it):

I’m a sucker for a no-sugar added fro-yo at Chiller Bee, but if you’re on the area, Caroline’s in Tomball makes amazing low carb treats as well!

Best way to spend $50:

I love spending time with my family, so I’d spend it eating out with my family, roller skating with them at Rainbow Roller Rink, or some other experience having fun with them!

Something in your purse that has an interesting story behind it:

I have a Visa gift card with 42 cents left on it! My daughter didn’t know what to do with it so she offered it to me! It’s hanging out in my purse for when I find something for exactly 42 cents! LOL

My life:

…is nowhere near perfect, but it’s perfect for me. We’re so blessed and I try to soak up the moments of love, joy, and connection with family and friends; laughing, serving, giving, and growing!

How can our readers find you?

Sure! I’m on Facebook at
Facebook.com/LoriSlottPhotography

And Instagram at
Instagram.com/LoriSlottPhotography