Conroe, TX February 2026

HOPE FOR NEUROPATHY

Help for Peripheral Neuropathy

For years, Dawn R. lived with unbearable Peripheral Neuropathy — burning, stabbing pain that felt like walking on glass. Her doctor said there was nothing more to do.

Then Dawn found Clear Choice Acupuncture

Through Neuropuncture, Alyson Bayer focuses on restoring nerve function — without surgery or harsh medications.

“The burning is gone. I can wear socks and shoes again. It’s life-altering.”

Today, Dawn has her life back.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Valentine's Day! We love Conroe!

Howdy Conroe Friends, it's "Local Love" month.

One thing I have learned covering the stories of our community, is that Conroe has a massive heart.  February is traditionally the month of candy and red roses, for us, it represents a deepseated "Local Love" for the people and places that make our city shine. In this issue, we capture that spirit by highlighting the businesses that pour their passion back into our community to help us live better lives.

Our cover shot is of the "We (heart) Conroe" mural, which was created by the remarkable artist Jesse de Leon. We recommend checking out his other masterpieces.

When we think of unconditional love, many of us think of our loyal, lovable pets.  To keep your fur babies purring we found the perfect "doctor" for your pets. We proudly introduce Dr. Aaron Rainer, the former President of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. He runs a cutting-edge, locally owned clinic here in Conroe with a refreshing, non-corporate view of what pet care should look like, putting people and pets ahead of profit. We also found a caring family law attorney focused on protecting the rights of those we love.  Then we highlight "Love Week" at TWCA to see how the students are manifesting God’s love throughout our community.

Since it is Valentine’s month, I feel I should share a little advice from my own quest for a "Mrs. Publisher."  (Sadly, the woman in the picture is just a friend.) Most people simply want to be listened to and treated to something that you put a little thought into. It doesn't have to be expensive, just deeply personal. Also, keep some chocolate on hand—it supposedly releases the same pleasure chemicals as falling in love, for women only.  Sorry guys. In our last article Mirror Mirror we teach you how to love yourself and unlock the incredible power of affirmations.  They really work.

Finally, happiness is often defined as having something to look forward to. So, mark your calendars: the 2026 Houston Rodeo starts on March. 2nd, featuring a special Cody Johnson concert on the 22nd. Cowgirls unite!

Until then, enjoy our DIY valentine ideas and our secret recipe for "Love Potion #9."

Happy Valentine’s Day, with much "local love" to y’all,

KEVIN BRATTON, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

P.S. Cupid if you're reading this, I could use a little help.

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Kevin Bratton | kevin.bratton@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Andie Monet | andie.monet@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chris Staples | chris.staples@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Margie Taylor | margie@taylorizedPR.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dawn Allen, Chris Staples, Anna Barnes, Lea Grimaldi

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Matlock of Arrowhead Photography, Anna Barnes

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Healthsource at Harper's Preserve Ribbon Cutting

Ryan and Jen Eisenbath celebrate the ribbon cutting of HealthSource Chiropractic on December 22, welcoming neighbors to their new Harper’s Preserve location. The event marked a growing footprint for accessible, patient focused chiropractic care in north Conroe, with community members stopping by to tour the clinic and meet the team.

Photography provided

Conroe Chamber Ribbon Cutting at Frontier Waste Solutions

ARTICLE BY CHERYL PARTON

BY JANIE JONES

DIY VALENTINES

Simple Projects to Celebrate at Home

The first Valentines were handmade in the 18th century, long before printing presses and mass-produced options. Today, handmade signifies the ultimate in personal mots d’amour.  Enjoy these sweet projects as a couple, a family, or with friends.

1. Arts

Create heart ornaments to hang on a Valentine’s Day tree. The ornaments can be used as clue cards for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. Participants find their picture on the tree and hunt for a hidden treasure.

2.Sweets

A home-based holiday is made complete with a dessert table. Whether made from scratch or store bought, a collection of decorated confections is as beautiful as the treats are delectable to eat.

3.Sentiments

Poetry is a most personal way to express your heart. No need to be intimidated by haiku, a short form of Japanese poetry. While there are several variations of the form, a traditional place to begin is with a seasonal word that divides 17 syllables into three lines of five/ seven/five. Simple and sweet.

ARTS SWEETS SENTIMENTS

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARROWHEAD

PHOTO - SHANNON MATLOCK

PET Love LOCAL

Transparent care for Conroe’s pets and their families

On a bright morning on West Davis Street, sunlight pours through the glass walls of Horizon Veterinary Animal Clinic and Surgical Center as families arrive with dogs tucked under arms, cats in carriers, and the familiar mix of hope and worry that accompanies every veterinary visit. Inside, conversations unfold quietly. A receptionist greets a returning client by name. A technician kneels to let a nervous dog sniff her hand before standing. In a growing community like Conroe, where relationships still matter, Horizon has become something increasingly rare: a family run veterinary hospital built on transparency, dignity, and deep local roots. Founded by Dr Aaron Rainer, Horizon reflects nearly seven years of caring for pets belonging to the same families he sees at Conroe ISD and Willis ISD events, neighborhood gatherings, and community functions. When a veterinarian lives among the people they serve, trust begins long before the exam room door ever closes.

Horizon was designed in direct response to what many local pet owners described as a growing disconnect in modern veterinary care. Families told the same story again and again. They handed over a beloved animal, watched them disappear behind closed doors, and waited anxiously with little understanding of what was happening or why certain recommendations were being made. At Horizon, transparency is not a slogan but a physical reality. Glass walled exam rooms, visible treatment areas, and a centrally located ICU allow families to see their pets receiving care if they choose. For those who prefer privacy, quiet reassurance is

always respected. Choice sits at the center of the model, because partnership looks different for every family, and trust grows when people feel seen and heard.

The practice is currently completing the rigorous American Animal Hospital Association accreditation process, a distinction earned by fewer than fifteen percent of veterinary hospitals nationwide. For Conroe families, that effort reinforces an important message: exceptional medicine does not require corporate ownership. It requires accountability, consistency, and a willingness to be evaluated at the highest level. Horizon’s pursuit of accreditation reflects its belief that locally owned practices can meet and often exceed the standards people associate with larger systems, while remaining deeply personal.

February’s Love Local theme resonates naturally inside Horizon. Loving local in a veterinary setting means recognizing the lives people are living outside the clinic walls. It is the teacher stopping in after dismissal, the ranch family with hardworking dogs, the high school student squeezing in a visit before practice, and the retiree whose pet is their closest companion. It is also the firefighters, paramedics, constables, and frontline workers who entrust the care of their animals here. Loving local shows up in small moments, in remembering names, in adjusting communication styles, and in taking the time to listen before speaking.

It also means being present during the hardest moments. Unexpected diagnoses and sudden injuries bring fear, grief, and uncertainty. Horizon addresses that reality through transparent

“Great veterinary care honors both pets and the families who love them.”

pricing, honest communication, and support from the Shores Foundation. The foundation exists to bridge temporary hardship when a pet has a treatable condition and a family is committed to care. It reflects a belief that no one should be forced to make a medical decision for their pet based on panic or shame, and that the comfort and stability pets bring to families should never be reserved only for those with perfect timing or perfect finances.

Keeping care local also means keeping advanced expertise within reach. Horizon’s tele specialty consultation network connects the clinic directly to board certified specialists in real time. In urgent situations, this allows families to remain in a familiar environment while advanced guidance is brought into the room. Rather than sending people across Houston or asking them to wait days for answers, Horizon brings specialists into the conversation quickly, preserving continuity and easing emotional strain. Families remain part of the discussion every step of the way, reinforcing a sense of partnership rather than helplessness.

The clinic’s Recovery and Vitality Integrative Care program reflects the same philosophy. Conventional medicine is blended thoughtfully with therapies such as acupuncture, laser treatment, myofascial work, and red light therapy. These options are presented in a grounded, evidence based way that connects each modality to measurable outcomes like reduced inflammation, improved mobility, and enhanced comfort. Integrative care is positioned as an additional layer of support, not a replacement for traditional treatment. Families are guided through realistic expectations, clear benchmarks, and ongoing communication so progress is understood, not assumed.

Behind the scenes, Horizon operates as a teaching hospital for the next generation of veterinary professionals. Licensed veterinary technicians and certified assistants are empowered to practice fully to the top of their training, shaping protocols, mentoring students, and setting the standard for nursing excellence. The culture is built from the inside out, recognizing that when the people closest

“Exceptional veterinary medicine does not require corporate ownership. It requires transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving families and their pets at the community level.”

to patients are supported and respected, the quality of care improves for everyone. Many students who train here remain in Montgomery County, strengthening the local veterinary ecosystem for years to come.

The physical environment reinforces that philosophy. Light filled spaces, a visible ICU, comfort focused amenities, and a dedicated client experience associate help ensure families feel informed, welcomed, and cared for at every step. Horizon refers to this as the Horizon Experience, a white glove approach inspired by hospitality but grounded firmly in medicine. It is not about luxury for its own sake, but about reducing stress, restoring confidence, and honoring the bond between people and their pets.

Recently recognized as one of Conroe’s Best Veterinary Clinics, Horizon stands as a reminder that community centered care still matters. At its core, the practice is not simply about treating animals. It is about honoring the people who love them, preserving trust at the local level, and proving that compassionate, transparent veterinary medicine can thrive right here in Conroe.

LOVE POTION #9

ANNA BARNES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!

Family Law With Human Insight

Seasoned counsel meets genuine understanding for families across Montgomery County.

Family law often meets people at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. In Conroe, attorney Kate Bihm has shaped her practice around offering clear guidance to families navigating unexpected challenges. Her approach begins before a client ever sits across from her. She encourages people to understand their goals and research the lawyers practicing in Montgomery County, so they know who aligns with their needs and what they can realistically expect. That early clarity helps people make intentional choices rather than reactive ones.

Many who seek out family law services arrive carrying expectations shaped by television or stories from friends. Some imagine dramatic courtroom moments or moral verdicts based on past behavior. In reality, a divorce is the dissolution of a financial partnership, and custody matters hinge on stability and the daily needs of the children involved. Understanding the true nature of family court protects clients from heartache and helps them focus on decisions that move their case forward. For parents already overwhelmed, separating legal reality from myth becomes an essential early step.

Kate has also witnessed shifts in family dynamics in recent years. She describes an increase in conflict and emotional intensity surrounding disputes. These changes place

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY STAFF

more weight on early decisions, especially for parents navigating custody. One of the most impactful steps they can take, she says, is learning to set boundaries and assume less hostility from their co parent. Most people are not acting out of malice, but working through stress or fear. How each parent responds shapes long term emotional health far more than any single disagreement. Although many imagine family law as a battleground, most cases do not end in trial. Litigation begins when a case is filed, but most settle as clients learn what outcomes are likely in their specific court. This is where experience matters. Each judge brings nuance and temperament to the bench, and knowing how a case is likely to land allows families to negotiate with clearer expectations. When testimony is necessary, Kate prepares clients thoroughly, helping them understand the law and how their story will appear through the lens of the courtroom. That preparation often influences the way clients communicate and approach the process.

Her support for families extends beyond legal work. Kate invests in student organizations, youth sports, scholarships, and leadership programs across Montgomery County. She maintains an open door policy for students seeking support, believing that lifting young people strengthens the community for years to come.

The Bihm Firm awards two annual scholarships, one for a graduate of a local high school and another for an incoming college freshman. These programs reflect her belief that opportunity and encouragement can change a young person’s future.

Business owners and professionals often face an additional layer of complexity in family cases. The value of a business and the distinction between enterprise goodwill and personal goodwill can significantly affect a

settlement. Early financial clarity helps prevent surprises and ensures both parties understand what is at stake.

Beyond legal strategy, Kate emphasizes the relief that comes from simply knowing what lies ahead. Many people delay a consultation because they feel overwhelmed or afraid. Yet the weight begins to lift once information replaces uncertainty. Even a short conversation can offer perspective, direction, and a sense of control. She encourages families to view their attorney as a partner who will help them navigate a moment they never imagined.

Family law will always carry complexity, but for families in Montgomery County, guidance rooted in experience, human understanding, and community involvement can turn a tumultuous moment into a manageable path forward.

FAITH BEYOND CAMPUS

TWCA’S LOVE WEEK ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO LIVE OUT GOD’S LOVE

What happens when faith moves outside the classroom?

From February 9–13, 2026, upper school students at The Woodlands Christian Academy will live their week defined by action rather than routine. During the school’s annual LOVE Week, they will commit to putting faith into motion beyond the campus.

ARTICLE BY DAWN ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I spoke with Aaron Marez, TWCA’s upper school coordinator of spiritual development, to learn more about the history of LOVE Week and what’s planned for the future. Marez shared that for 2026, the core message he hopes students glean is, “to love the body of believers, known as the Church, and to become the Church for others, wherever they are...”

A WEEK OF PURPOSE

LOVE Week began in 2021 as one chapel service exploring the expression of God’s love in students’ lives. Building on that foundation, the initiative expanded into a full week of sessions in 2022. By 2023, it had grown into five days filled with worship, messages, breakout groups, and special guests. A celebratory worship concert featuring Christian rapper Hulvey closed the week.

Marez recalls LOVE Week 2025 as particularly meaningful, when students packed 50,000 meals for Mission of Hope in Haiti—a heartwarming expression of love and service. He shared that hands-on projects give students the chance to see the tangible effects and real-world impact of faith made visible.

A THEME THAT RESONATES

The 2026 theme, Love the Church, Be the Church!, emerged after staff prayer and reflection on student spiritual growth. The theme encourages students to understand both the global Church and the biblical call to serve within a local congregation.

Local youth pastors are invited to lead 2026 breakout sessions, giving students the opportunity to engage with local church leaders. Marez shared that TWCA hopes these assemblies encourage students to deepen their involvement with their faith community—whether attending church services more regularly, participating in small groups, or encouraging their families to do the same.

Participation in LOVE Week provides students with spiritual, social, and even academic growth, Marez explained. Students gain confidence in leadership, strengthen relationships with peers, and develop habits of service that carry beyond the walls of the academy.

A FAITH-FILLED GOAL

Looking forward, Marez sees students taking an active role in planning and leading future LOVE Week events.

“Organic faith in action,” he explains, “has the potential to create a lasting culture of service, love, and spiritual growth within the school body. The goal is to foster students who live God’s love outwardly, impacting their families, peers, and community.”

THE HEART OF THE MESSAGE

Marez reflects: “Events like LOVE Week offer more opportunities to encounter Jesus in ways outside our normal rhythms. Sometimes our hearts need a shock to bring them back to life; other times they need a few chest compressions to resume pumping for the Lord; and on yet other occasions they need a fresh workout to strengthen how we live and express our faith.”

Through intentional worship, service projects, and community engagement, TWCA’s LOVE Week provides students with a living, breathing framework for faith, allowing them to live out God’s love— both on campus and in the broader community.

MIRROR WORK FOR SELF-LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Everyone knows this line from Snow White. The Queen wanted to be the fairest. When she wasn’t, she poisoned beautiful Snow White. Most of us do not believe ourselves to be the fairest, but quite the opposite.

As February is widely known as the month of love, let’s focus on self-love. Often people, especially parents, tend to give a lot to their partners and their children and less to themselves. Sometimes it is challenging for us to silence the inner critic that speaks harshly to ourselves in a way we would never speak to a loved friend or family member. This is where mirror work can help.

Many people have a complicated relationship with the mirror. We don’t always like to look at our reflections. We may find it confronting. Taylor Swift even sings about it in her song Anti-hero: “I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror.” Why is it so difficult for some of us to gaze with love–or affection–into the mirror?

ARTICLE BY LEA GRIMALDI

Mirror work, a term coined by transformational teacher and selflove expert Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing, and the author of You Can Heal Your Life and Mirror Work: 21 Days to Heal Your Life, is the practice of looking at yourself in the mirror and saying nice things to yourself. You can start with something simple. “I like myself. I am doing the best I can today.” Or even, “Hey sweetie! You look great!” One of my favorites is, “I love, accept, and forgive myself fully and completely.” Mirror work combines well with affirmations, which are positive phrases said in the present tense as if they are already true. The practice of saying affirmations combined with mirror work can increase the benefits of both practices.

I AM STRONG. I AM CAPABLE. I CAN DO THIS. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I KNOW MY WORTH. I CAN DO HARD THINGS. MY LIFE IS ABUNDANT. I AM HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I AM KIND AND COMPASSIONATE. I DESERVE LOVE AND ABUNDANCE. I AM DOING MY BEST. I AM SMART. I AM BRAVE. I AM POWERFUL. I AM STRONG.

The objective of mirror work is to help people silence their inner critic and believe the positive words they are telling themselves while looking at themselves in the mirror.

Mirror work can help with self-esteem issues and can achieve results such as changing a negative body image to a more positive one. Hay developed the practice to increase self-compassion and self-love as part of the daily activities detailed in her 1984 book You Can Heal Your Life

Although it can be confronting and challenging, it is important to practice mirror work regularly to reap the benefits. Set a daily goal of saying affirmations while looking at your reflection in the mirror and seeing how it makes you feel. Start with two minutes a day and work up to five.

As a yoga teacher, I have included mirror work in my classes with clients. Often the first experience with the exercise is somewhat uncomfortable, but with practice, it becomes more natural. When resistance comes up, ask yourself what you are feeling, allow the emotion to be present, and then release it. It may be rooted in a past experience and just needs to be acknowledged and felt before you can let it go.

HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR HOW TO CREATE A MIRROR WORK PRACTICE:

• Make sure you will be alone and uninterrupted so you can let your guard down and allow emotions to surface

• Try to do it for a set amount of time, such as five minutes every day

• Allow yourself to feel and process whatever emotions show up

• Keep a journal to record your feelings, reactions, and experiences

• Start with less confronting or difficult phrases, and as you become comfortable increase the intensity

Mirror work can be used in tandem with inner-child work because many of the negative limiting beliefs that play in our minds are the result of something we were told as a child that is not true about us or our life. If something negative comes up during mirror work, we can challenge it and write about the feelings in the journal, thus freeing us from that limiting belief.

Inner child work is an approach to recognizing and healing childhood trauma. We all experience traumas as children which affect the way we experience the world. As adults, we can reconnect with the child we once were, in order to heal. Mirror work is one way to help facilitate that process, in addition to talk therapy, meditation exercises, and setting healthy boundaries.

MIRROR WORK COMBINES WELL WITH AFFIRMATIONS, WHICH ARE POSITIVE PHRASES SAID IN THE PRESENT TENSE AS IF THEY ARE ALREADY TRUE.

Here are some ideas for affirmations to use with your mirror work. I am strong. I am capable. I can do this. I believe in myself. I know my worth. I can do hard things. My life is abundant. I am happy and healthy in mind, body, and spirit. I believe in myself. I am kind and compassionate. I deserve love and abundance. I am doing my best. I am smart. I am brave. I am powerful.

In the words of Hay, “Doing mirror work is one of the most loving gifts you can give yourself.”

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6TH

Conroe Boat Show

Lone Star Convention & Expo Center

Dates: Friday through Sunday February 6th– 8th at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe, TX 77303. A great selection of new and refurbished pontoons, fishing and ski boats plus recreational vessels featuring experts and special deals.

FEBRUARY 7TH

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott | 6:00 PM

The  Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Waste Connections, is  Montgomery County Food Bank’s premier fundraising event, providing  reliable, nutritious food to more than  85,000 families. This year’s gala, titled  “Through the Looking Glass,” will be held  February 7, 2026 They invite supporters to step into a world of wonder and imagine a future where community support flourishes.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Valentines Day !!

Everywhere

Just a reminder that February 14th is Valentine’s Day. So, get your gifts and reservations in early. Put some extra custom thought into it. BTW Calories consumed on V-Day don’t count. So, have fun!

FEBRUARY 21ST

Friends of the Symphony (FOS) Casino Night

1500 North Frazier Street

FOS Casino Night Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 4:30 pm at Conroe Symphony Orchestra, 1500 North Frazier Street, Conroe, TX 77301.  Enjoy a fundraiser for the Friends of the Symphony, where attendees can play casino games to win prizes

FEBRUARY 28TH

Isaac Conroe, Founders Day Celebration

Isaac Conroe Homestead, 202 Avenue A, Conroe, TX 77301

Isaac Conroe Founder’s Day Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Join us for an event celebrating the founder of Conroe and an opportunity to experience Downtown Conroe.

MARCH 2ND

Houston Livestock and Rodeo

NRG Stadium

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 2026 is scheduled for March 2 – 22, 2026, at NRG Park in Houston, Texas, featuring concerts, carnival, livestock shows, and rodeo competitions, with the big BBQ Contest happening just before, from February 26-28, 2026.

PERMISSION to be

cheesy

VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES

Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch

to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!

TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE,

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving.

For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whip cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in their

YOU’LL NEED:

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust

favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.

To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.

In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.