Behold, Blake Lively’s Heart-Shaped Hairstyle You Need to Copy for Valentine’s Day

Blake Lively celebrated Galentine’s Day yesterday with her mom Elaine Lively and sister Robyn Lively at L’Oreal Paris Paints + Colorista launch party in New York City. As is Blake’s way, she didn’t just show up in a heart-covered dress and red-soled heels (although there were both of those). She nailed the style with a very festive hairstyle.

Blake wore her hair in a half-up, half-down style. But instead of just letting the gathered strands fall naturally or braid them together, the Gossip Girl alum had the ends fashioned into a giant heart by celeb hairstylist Rod Ortega. “He’s a genius,” Blake told Popsugar. “I told him it was a Valentine’s Day event, I described my dress to him, and then he just made it happen within like 20 minutes. He’s so talented it’s upsetting.”

Otherwise, she kept with the Galentine’s theme (because who doesn’t love a good theme?) in a SemSem mini-dress with red and white hearts, a sequin Chanel bag and studded Christian Louboutin heels.

What do you think of Blake’s heart-shaped hair? Do you love it? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Matthew Eisman, Anna Webber/Getty)

Hair trends come and go, but some of them should remain frozen in time forever. It's not that we think you'll be making a major faux pas, but we want to see you look your best! There are so many cute hairstyles that will suit your face much better than a mullet would, but that's not the only trend you should bury in the sands of time! Here are the outdated hairstyles what you should avoid at home, at the salon, and really anywhere right now.

Scroll to see the 8 outdated hairstyles it's officially time to retire for good!

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1. Deep Side Parts

Coming in at #1 on our "outdated" list are deep side parts. They used to something we admired on everyone from Amy Winehouse to Katy Perry, but now they remind us of the questionable choices we made in our early 20s.

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2. Space Buns

Princess Leia may look great wearing her space buns in the Star Wars franchise, but we think you shouldn't bring them into 2025. The last time someone on our team wore them was between 2018 or 2019, so that should say a lot.

We don't say this often, but let's wear hairstyles that don't revert us back to our grade school days.

Brit + Co

3. Side Braid

Unless you're trying to relive your childhood days or want to mimic Blake Lively's character in It Ends With Us, this outdated hairstyle shouldn't be on your list of favorite looks to wear. There's other braided styles you can wear that are way more stylish anyway!

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4. Super Visible Highlights

Whether you're getting microlinks or a sew-in, wearing super visible highlights in 2025 is truly outdated. It's one thing to switch up your style, but it's another to let the world know how much you love a good contrast by letting your hair scream it from the mountaintops.

Keep your color of choice seamless this year if you decide to get a color service.

Brit + Co

5. '60s Up-Do

There's a time and place for everything, including updos that resemble what was popular during the '60s. If you must wear this style, go for a more modern take that doesn't feel as stiff. You might want to update your bangs too.

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6. Wand Curls

When's the last time you heard someone mention this once popular style? Chances are you haven't because it's a reminder of how long it took to achieve overly done curls. Depending on the size you wanted, you could spend anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour on this style. Oh, and it was mandatory to wear the accompanying glove that came with the 'wand' or else you risked burning your fingers!

No thank you!

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7. Barbie Bleach

Remember when it was a cardinal sin to show up to the beach without "effortlessly wavy" hair? It seems more people are moving away from that and embracing 'messy' buns and the beauty of textured hair. It's one thing if you hair naturally looks like this, but it's another if you try to make your hair conform to this style just because it's "on trend."

Newsflash: you don't have to force your hair to do something it doesn't want to! (And not everyone has to look like Serena van der Woodsen!)

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8. Millennial Pouf

Oof, how can we forget the millennial pouf? This was one of our go-to hairstyles that we swore we'd always wear. Little did we know how much we'd avoid it once we graduated from college.

It's not the most annoying style, but we're throwing this one in the "outdated" bag so we can't even pretend we're going to start wearing it again.

Want to know what else is "outdated?" Revisit the nail trends you shouldn't be wearing in 2025!

Summer is just around the corner, and that means laying by the beach or the pool and getting lost in a good book. To kick off beach read season, we’ve rounded up some of the most-anticipated books coming to shelves this summer. From enchanted star-crossed lovers, romantic summer flings, and thrilling forbidden loves, these books should definitely be packed in your suitcase for any and all of your summer vacation plans!

Here are all the new books we can't wait to read this summer!

Amazon

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria (May 27, 2025)

Ava Rodriguez is a divorced school teacher who meets the handsome Roman Vásquez, for a steamy one night stand – or at least what was intended to be a one night stand. But when Roman shows up as Ava’s cousin’s best man, things get complicated. Ava tries to hide her dirty little secret from her family, but Roman wants to be all-in. What started out as no strings attached has become much more complex.

Amazon

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler (May 27, 2025)

Anna is beginning art school in New York and befriends Willow, a mysterious and moody art student who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Five years later, Anna’s former muse Willow has turned into a shell of herself. When Anna tries to intervene in Willow’s life by staging a planned mugging, Willow goes missing on September 11th. Did Anna go too far, or did Willow play into Anna’s game all along? This thriller challenges the morality of revealing the truth when it may be better left unsaid.

Amazon

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20, 2025)

Katie Vaughn’s career is sinking fast—so she takes a daring gig profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. The problem? She can’t swim but pretends she can. Worse, Hutch is her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. In Key West, Katie gets caught in a whirlwind of secrets, swim lessons, and sizzling chemistry. With hurricanes, stolen kisses, and a chance to be truly brave, she must decide if facing her fears—including love—is worth the plunge.

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Optimistic Alice Scott and Pulitzer-winning Hayden Anderson both land on Little Crescent Island to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. When Margaret offers a one-month trial, Alice is determined to win. She’s great with people, eager to impress her family, and, strangely, rattling Hayden. But Margaret shares only fragments of her story, and an NDA keeps Alice and Hayden from comparing notes. As tension rises and sparks fly, their own story—like Margaret’s—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad, depending on who tells it.

Amazon

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams (May 6, 2025)

Audre, the junior class president and debate team captain, is spending the summer before her senior year writing her self help book, AKA her one-way ticket to Stanford. Bash, a mysterious new senior who everybody is crushing on, is spending his summer helping Audre complete her five wild dares to write about in her book. The scorching hot-summer leads to crazy chemistry the two friends can’t deny. Will Audre be able to maintain the friendship, or will she begin to fall for Bash?

Amazon

Love On Tour by Lee Adams (June 17, 2025)

Music executive Christine Matthews lives a quiet life until a broken heel sends her tumbling in front of country star Austin Garrett’s tour bus. When Austin realizes she pitched him his latest hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards, catapulting her into the spotlight. Suddenly, she’s facing cyberbullying, unwanted attention, and growing feelings for Austin’s tour manager, Matt. As past trauma resurfaces and threats turn dangerous, Christine must decide if chasing success and love is worth the risk—or if walking away is the only way to protect her heart.

Amazon

It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27, 2025)

Jane Jackson, a former child sitcom star, is determined to make it as a Hollywood executive. Her mantra: fake it till you make it. But when she takes it too far and claims she can get popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss—to write a song for her movie, she’s in trouble. Now, she must turn to her old crush and frustrating cinematographer Dan Finnegan for help. Can Jane juggle her past and career, or will her lie unravel? This novel is perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat with an enemies-to-lovers romcom.

Amazon

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3, 2025)

Joan Goodwin has been fascinated by space since childhood. When she gets the chance to join NASA’s first group of women scientists in the space shuttle program, she leaps at it. Training alongside a Top Gun pilot, a brilliant scientist, and a bold group of astronauts, Joan forms unexpected friendships and discovers a love she never imagined. As they prepare for their first mission, she begins to question her place in the universe—until one fateful moment changes everything.

Amazon

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 10, 2025)

Roman Carruthers returns home to find his father in a coma, his brother drowning in debt to criminals, and his sister struggling to hold their crematorium business together. When he tries to buy Dante’s way out, he learns the hard way that real gangsters don’t play fair. With no other options, Roman offers himself as collateral. As he’s pulled deeper into a dangerous game, Neveah searches for answers about their mother’s mysterious disappearance. But Roman isn’t as weak as they think—and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Amazon

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda (July 29, 2025)

Beckett Bowery thought she had her future planned out: stay in Wyatt Valley, Virginia and study at Wyatt College, the college her parents taught at. But when a tragedy leaves two men dead and her roommate goes on the run, she vows to stay as far away as possible from Wyatt Valley. Later when her daughter Delilah receives a full ride scholarship to Wyatt College, she is forced to confront her lingering fears and the fact that her past isn’t the only dangerous thing in Wyatt Valley.

Amazon

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett (May 6, 2025)

Thirty-seven years after the Republic fell, war rages between the five clans and the Kingsland. Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, saves lives—until she’s struck by a poisoned arrow from Kingsland assassin Tristan. Instead of letting her die, Tristan uses rare magic to save her, unknowingly binding them together. Their connection gives him access to her memories, the key to destroying her people. But Isadora can see into him too. To protect her clan, she must outmaneuver Tristan, and resist the dangerous pull between them, before he claims victory and her heart.

Amazon

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (June 17, 2025)

Joni Lark has a secret. She’s one of LA’s most coveted songwriters, but she can’t write anymore. Hoping to find inspiration, she returns home to Vienna Shores, North Carolina. But nothing is as she left it. Her best friend is distant, her mother’s memory is fading, and her family’s music venue is closing. Then Joni starts hearing a haunting melody and a stranger’s voice in her head. When the man behind the voice shows up in town, guarded and frustrating, they realize they must finish the song together or risk exposing their hearts and deepest secrets.

Amazon

No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell (May 6, 2025)

Charles Davids is a rookie firefighter starting his first week with the FDNY, struggling to prove himself to his new team. The job is grueling, the training intense, and the pranks relentless—but the dangers are real. Across town, Alan Johnson, bitter and unhinged after being kicked out by his wife, begins reporting fake fires at her apartment every night. At first, it’s just a cruel joke. But soon, Alan wants more than revenge. As the calls escalate, Charles faces a trial by fire that could make or break him—and put lives on the line.

Amazon

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani (May 20, 2025)

After being left at the altar, Stella Baldwin dreads attending her cousin’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Formula 1 driver Thomas Maxwell-Brown is desperate for a break from his crumbling career and bad press. When a wild night ends with a ring on Stella’s finger and Thomas as her husband, they realize staying married might actually benefit them both. It’s impulsive, reckless, and maybe exactly what they need. Because sometimes, what happens in Vegas doesn’t need to stay there.

Amazon

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld (July 8, 2025)

During her freshman year of college, April’s life changed overnight. After meeting up with her friend Rudy one evening, he was arrested, she was expelled, and her future fell apart. Months later, she met Peter, a young attorney who helped her rebuild everything. Fifteen years later, April has a happy life, three kids, and Peter is running for local office. But when Rudy is up for parole and April’s past makes headlines, it threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must decide whether to protect her family—or the man who once saved her.

Amazon

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6, 2025)

Alice never expected to see Charlie Florek again. Years ago, she spent a magical summer at her grandmother Nan’s lake cottage, capturing a photo of three teens in a yellow boat that changed her life. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay to care for Nan and find something she’s been missing. But when Charlie, now a charming and grown-up flirt, reappears, old feelings resurface. Long days on the water and stolen glances make Alice wonder if she’s finally ready to step into the frame or risk her heart again.

Amazon

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (June 3, 2025)

Blaze’s birth unleashed a deadly storm that killed thousands, branding her an outcast and stealing her magic. Hidden ever since, she’s shocked when she and her twin brother are invited to compete for the empire’s throne. Suddenly thrust into the Golden Palace’s dangerous court, Blaze faces deadly rivals, forbidden love, and the possibility of reclaiming her lost power. Torn between a captivating Crown Prince and a darkly alluring stranger, Blaze must decide if she’s ready to step out of the shadows and claim a destiny no one ever believed she could have.

Amazon

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (July 15, 2025)

Sera Swan lost her magic, her status, and her place in the magical Guild after a spell gone wrong. Now she runs an enchanted inn with her resurrected great-aunt, a mischievous talking fox, and a houseful of quirky guests. When she discovers a spell that could restore her powers, she enlists the help of Luke Larsen, a reserved magical historian with no interest in her chaos—or her charm. But as they work together, unexpected sparks fly. Sera soon realizes that the magic she craves may not be as powerful as the family she’s built.

Amazon

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer (June 10, 2025)

Charity Trickett arrives in Hollywood in 1997 determined to break into the movie industry. As an assistant to a blockbuster film director, she expects glitz and glamour but instead faces cutthroat coworkers, a failing love life, and a mistake that could cost the studio millions. Her bank account is running dry, and an FBI investigation threatens to derail her future entirely. With grit and heart, Charity must fight to keep her dream alive and avoid losing everything. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary will love this witty, behind-the-scenes Hollywood adventure.

Amazon

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (May 13, 2025)

Hendrix Barry has built a life most people dream of. With a successful business, amazing friends, and a loving family, she has everything except time for love. Caring for an aging parent and staying focused on her goals leave little room for romance, and she’s never met a man who could keep up. Until Maverick Bell. The charming tech mogul sees her in a way no one has before, but he’s off-limits if she plans to stay on course. When Maverick refuses to walk away, Hendrix must decide if love is worth changing her plans.

Amazon

What’s Yours is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley (August 5, 2025)

Valerie Yarnell is a devoted single mother who has always supported her daughter Kate’s dream of dancing. But it stings when Kate idolizes her best friend Colette’s mother, Elise, a former prima ballerina married to the man Valerie secretly loves. When Kate outshines Colette at a major competition, tensions soar. Elise’s pressure on Colette intensifies, and the rivalry between mothers and daughters reaches a breaking point. Then a shocking attack shatters everything, exposing dark ambitions and unraveling secrets. Soon, both families will learn just how fierce and dangerous competition can be.

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With all the sweetness surrounding February 14th, it's no wonder that Valentine's Day desserts are some of our favorites! Sweethearts, sweet desserts, sweet date ideas… it never stops. And when it comes to holiday-themed desserts, you have plenty of pink, red and heart-shaped ideas at your disposal, from healthy Valentine's Day fruit salad recipes to colorful red velvet cheese tart recipes. But here are our absolute *favorite* romantic dessert recipes for lovebirds!

What are popular Valentine's treats?

Image via Mister Mister/Pexels

If it's sweet and maybe features either chocolate or fruit, there's a good chance it's a popular Valentine's Day dessert. With everything from chocolate-covered strawberries and strawberry donuts to cheesecake, chocolate raspberry treats, and crème brûlée, there's something for everyone this Valentine's Day!

What is a sweet thing to eat on Valentine's Day?

Image via Pixabay/Pexels

If you're less of a baked goods kind of dessert-lover, don't worry. There's plenty of candy to choose from. Lollipops, Hershey's kisses, chocolate bars, and candy hearts are all some of our favorite Valentine's Day desserts.

What are the 7 basic desserts?

Image via Ella Olsson/Pexels

There are definitely more than seven desserts on our favorites list. Even though there are plenty of recipes to pick from, you can break them down into seven general categories:
  1. Baked desserts
  2. Frozen desserts
  3. Dessert drinks
  4. Cold desserts
  5. Fried desserts
  6. Puddings and custards
  7. Cobblers

What is the number 1 dessert?

Image via Kalei Winfield/Pexels

When it comes to the best Valentine's Day desserts, some say crème brûlée, some say chocolate chip cookies, but we'd say dark chocolate strawberries are our favorite. No matter what you make, you can't go wrong if it's something that you love!

Homemade Valentine’s Day Lollipops

We were always happy to get lollipops in our valentines as kids, why should that change once you become an adult?! This DIY version calls for sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin dessert. Just don't forget the gold stars! (via Brit + Co)

Non-Dairy Salted Caramel Brownie Sundaes

It's no fun missing out on ice cream when you have a food sensitivity or dietary restriction. Dairy-free sundaes to the rescue! Add some homemade hot fudge and dig in ;) (via Brit + Co)

Heart-Shaped Honey Hazelnut Baked Brie

This sweetened cheese makes for the perfect Valentine's Day dessert since it's flaky and gooey, (and heart-shaped!) all at the same time! (via Brit + Co)

Heart-Shaped Waffles

Every Galentine's get together or Valentine's brunch deserves food that looks this cute. If you're more of a pancakes gal, use your spoon to pour the batter into the shape of a heart. Drizzle with some icing, top with sprinkles, and enjoy. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Strawberry Tart

The glossy, candied sheen on top of this tart comes from brushing a generous amount of strawberry jam right on the berries. With the fruity burst of flavor and the rich vanilla custard, this might just become your date night dessert from here on out. (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Sugar Cookie Bars

Pastels are always a good idea this time of year, and the candy hearts add a nice crunch. This sweet Valentine's Day dessert is a guaranteed success! (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Not only do these cookies only need three ingredients, but they're also gluten-free *and* vegan! If you have someone with a peanut allergy, just swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and you're set. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Bonbons

Chocolate bonbons sound expensive and difficult, but this recipe is the opposite of that. Using your favorite toppings and an ice tray, you can make your own collection of chocolate goodies for all your galentines, valentines, and even a few for yourself too. (viaBrit + Co)

Vegan Dark Chocolate Truffles

This recipe is a fun one to make because once you've melted and mixed all the ingredients (and refrigerated for an hour), it's time to get down and dirty! Roll them into balls between your hands and top them with cacao powder, shredded coconut, or chopped pistachios. (via Brit + Co)

Jacques Torres’ Famous Hot Chocolate

When it's time to cozy up by the fire with your boo, make a mug of this *delicious* hot chocolate. This Valentine's Day dessert recipe requires only four ingredients (whole milk, milk powder, cornstarch, and dark chocolate) and once you try it, you'll never go back to the powdered stuff. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Heart Cherry Pies

Why bake an entire pie that you cut into triangles when you can make a bunch of tiny heart-shaped ones instead? When scooping your filling, make sure to leave enough room around the cherries to press the crusts together. Pass the plate, please! (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Candy Charcuterie Board

Ditch the meat and cheese (even if it's only for one day) in favor of a charcuterie board brimming with all your favorite sweets. We're talking candy, donuts, chocolate, cookies. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy Burger Cookies

Instead of giving your friends and family paper valentines, make some cookies that will let them know how you feel! Bonus points if you can come up with some funny burger-related puns. Use an edible marker to write them down. (via Brit + Co)

Cute Dango Donut Holes

There's no doubt that donut holes are delicious, but we think they should look as good as they taste! Withmatcha powder, raspberry juice, and lemon juice for color, and fondant for the little faces, you'll never eat a plain donut hole again. (via Brit + Co)

Fruit Pie

This pie is great because it's totally customizable to include your favorite filling. Alphabet cookie cutters mean you can also pick your own phrase. Go with funny, romantic, or find a mix of both! (via Brit + Co)

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Valentine's Day Desserts

We're pretty sure you can never have too many cheesecake recipes, and that includes this no-bake recipe. While it does call for cream cheese and Greek yogurt, you can definitely swap for non-dairy substitutes if you have allergies. (via Brit + Co)

Retro Pop Tarts

One of the most fun parts about baking a dessert is getting to decorate with whatever colorful, whacky designs you can think of. And these Pop Tarts are about as whacky as they get! Plus since you're making them yourself, you don't have to get stuck with a flavor you don't like. Whew. (via Brit + Co)

Green Tea Waffle Pops

Move over popsicles, there's a new treat-on-a-stick in town. Cut up marshmallows and use chocolate buttons to create the animal faces, or just have some fun dipping the edges into different colors. Either way, you'll get an all-out waffle. (via Brit + Co)

Frozen Cookie Dough Bites

While this Valentine's Day dessert recipe calls for non-dairy ice cream, if you'd rather stick to something that's already in your fridge, try frozen Greek yogurt or blended frozen bananas. Drizzle with your melted chocolate morsels and then prepare yourself for the longest 10 minutes of your life while they set in the fridge. (via Brit + Co)

Glitter Champagne Jell-O shots

Even when it's just you and your S.O. on Valentine's Day, you still want to have a good time, and these Jell-O Shots are an easy way to par-tay. Make them ahead of time so they can refrigerate overnight. You'll have them ready for V-Day *and* you won't have to worry about them while you're making dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Triple Chocolate Scones

Make these scones to go with an evening cup of tea or (if you want some extra chocolate), hot cocoa! Some espresso powder mixed into the batter and the coffee whipped cream take things to the next level. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Strawberry Kabobs

Replace your trusty chicken and veggie kabob recipe with strawberries and cream. Grilled fruit might sound weird if you've never had it, but trust us: this is one trend you'll want to try. (via Brit + Co)

Lemon-Elderflower Waffles

We'll eat waffles for breakfast, dinner, or dessert. This romantic, colorful recipe is the perfect way to celebrate V-Day *and* look ahead towards spring at the same time. (via Brit + Co)

Bruléed Grapefruit Tart

This bright orange Valentine's Day dessert is made with one of our favorite winter finds: grapefruit! Gelatin, cream cheese, and condensed milk come together for a recipe that's great for V-Day, summer picnics, and a birthday cake alternative. (via Brit + Co)

Layered Fruity Terrine

This terrine gives "ice cream cake" a whole new meaning. We're obsessed with the berry layers that make this a perfect V-Day, spring, or summer treat. Before you sprinkle your go-to berries around the edge, pop them in the freezer to give your dish some extra crunch. (via Brit + Co)

Ombré Donuts

We know that donuts make a great breakfast food, but that doesn't stop us from eating them any time of day! Separate white icing into a few different cups and add different amounts of your favorite food coloring to get the ombré color effect. (via Brit + Co)

Upgrade Your Go-To Boxed Cake

Who says boxed cake can't be as good as the made-from-scratch stuff? There are tons of easy hacks — like swapping oil for butter, adding coffee, or even including instant pudding in your cake batter — that can upgrade your blend. (via Brit + Co)

Healthy(er) Strawberry Donuts

Underneath that mouthwatering glaze, these donuts are chock full of fresh berries, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat flour. Doctor yours up with chocolate chips and cocoa powder for a chocolate-covered strawberries spin, or add in more berries for a very berry donut instead. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas

Margs are a great afternoon treat but make one that's sweet enough and you can serve it as dessert too! Agave and strawberries balance out the heat from the jalapeños, but if you're not a fan of spice, feel free to leave the peppers out entirely. Pour and enjoy! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate-Covered, Champagne-Soaked Strawberries

These skewered treats are equal parts sweet and boozy. They'll be the perfect snack to share with your boo! (via Brit + Co)

Lisa Frank-Inspired Cake Batter Milkshakes

Put your sweets-loving skills to the test with these candy-colored (and candy-filled) milkshakes. Stuff with all your favorite lollipops, marshmallows, donuts, chocolate bark...you get the picture. The more colors, the better. (via Brit + Co)

Dominique Ansel’s Mini Madeleines

While these only take 15 minutes to make the day you're baking, don't forget that they also take 15 minutes the day before. You'll refrigerate the batter overnight so that it chills + thickens, giving the madeleines their recognizable hump. (via Brit + Co)

Tie-Dye Mug Cake

To get the tie-dye effect of this cake, add food coloring to your batter while it's in different jars. Pour the batter into your mug in layers, but make sure to only fill halfway so that it doesn't overflow. Once you've got your mug assembled, you just have to pop it in the microwave for a minute and a half. (via Brit + Co)

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

As far as we're concerned, when it comes to Valentine's Day desserts, any kind of chocolate takes the cake (we couldn't resist that pun!). Everything about this recipe is a good idea, including licking the bowl. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle-Dipped Chocolate Hearts

The best part about these treats is that not only are they easy to make, but they also only take 45 minutes! A heart-shaped silicone mold is the secret to making them extra cute. Simple enough that a baby cherub could do it. (via Brit + Co)

Peanut Butter Banana Shake

Keep your fingers clean with this hands-free drink. Not a huge fan of vanilla? Just swap the regular milk and vanilla ice cream for chocolate instead. (via Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Beaten eggs are used in place of flour to make these cupcakes a great option for gluten-free gals. Once the cupcakes are finished, just dollop with cream, jam, and a raspberry and serve immediately. You won't want to wait to try these! (via Brit + Co)

Breakable Chocolate Heart

This is one kind of heartbreak that feels good. Whip this edible box up and fill it with candies and (more) chocolates that your Valentine will love. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

To make this gluten-free and vegan Valentine's Day dessert, whisk 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 2/3 cup of a peanut butter like the Cocoa PB2, 1/4 cup of unsweetened dairy-free milk, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 pinch sea salt together. Mix in 1/4 cup of maple syrup or agave nectar, add to a wax paper-lined loaf pan and chill in the fridge for an hour in the freezer or three to four hours in the fridge. Sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberries and chocolate drizzle. (recipe and image courtesy of Leelalicious)

Chocolate-Covered Almonds

For people who don't have a crazy sweet tooth, balance sweet and savory with this recipe. Besides the fact that it isn't super sweet, this snack also only requires two ingredients: almonds and chocolate. By making it yourself, you'll also know exactly what you're putting into your body. (via Almonds.com)

Raspberry Coulis

This sweet treat make the perfect topper to ice cream or an in-between spread for a cake, but it tastes just as good when it you eat straight from the jar. (via Culinary Hill)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Lava Cake

This cookie with a molten chocolate core is large enough to go halfsies with your date. Although if we're honest, we could also eat an entire one while we binge watch Valentine's romcoms. (via Hot Chocolate Hits)

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecakes

Speaking of rich, silky treats, these mini cheesecakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Feel free to serve them as-is, or get creative with holiday-inspired (think pink hearts and bright colors) cupcake liners. You can also use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make these goodies extra festive. (via Away from the Box)

XXL Death by Chocolate Cookie

This bad boy is for real chocoholics. It’s EXPLODING with chocolate-y goodness, stuffed with tons of cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips. Bonus points for the colorful heart-shaped sprinkles on top. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies

Fudgy brownie fans, this one's for you. Chocolate covered strawberries are a Valentine’s Day hallmark, but we love this creative, and much more indulgent, iteration. Serve with a fruity (and preferably pink) cocktail that cuts the sweetness. (via Closet Cooking)

Lavender Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée is arguably the quintessential date-night dessert for two, so why not serve it on V-day? This version is made with the floral tastes of delicate lavender, making it a feminine and romantic choice. If you don't have a blowtorch to crisp the sugar topping, place the dish under your broiler instead. (via Lavender and Macarons)

Easy Tiramisu Mousse

This delicious tiramisu mousse is ready in about 20 minutes, and is a cinch to make (really!). Coffee lovers rejoice. (via Crazy for Crust)

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Wait until right before serving to add fresh strawberries on top of these babies. Mix the chopped berries with a bit of sugar and they'll release some of their juices for an extra flavorful bite! (via Chocolate With Grace)

Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart

The crust on this Valentine's Day dessert is made from scratch, so this isn't the most low-maintenance option… but we don't mind. It's certainly one of the most delicious! (via Home Cooking Adventure)

Rosé Champagne Mug Cake

Mug cakes are easy to whip up in roughly one minute with the help of a microwave. These particular mug cakes are made with sparkling rosé, sugar, milk and flour (and can be made right in the coupe glass!). Sprinkle with candy pearls before serving. (via Kirbie's Cravings)

Easy Chocolate Creme Brulee

If rosé mug cakes don’t sound like an enticing Valentine's Day dessert, maybe this easy chocolate recipe is more up your alley. Bonus: It’s super easy to make… in fact, it’s no-bake! (via Crazy for Crust)

Cherry Coconut Yogurt Bites

These yogurt bites are so good that you might mistake them for ice cream. But with high-protein Greek yogurt, whole cherries, and maple syrup, they're a lot better for you. (via Greenletes)

No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake

Here’s another no-bake idea for you. This layered dessert is flavored with strawberries, vanilla and bananas, and is so flexible that it can be made into whatever shape you desire (hearts, anyone?). (via Cakes Cottage)

Black Magic Chocolate Cake

We love, love, love dark chocolate and we cannot WAIT to dig into this recipe! This cake is simply bursting with the flavors of rich, chocolatey dark cocoa and will pair nicely with a glass of milk. (via Diethood)

Easy Chocolate Mousse

Another Valentine's Day dessert idea for the chocolate-obsessed: this frothy, whippy chocolate mousse. It also happens to be amazingly easy to make, and simply has to chill in the fridge for about two hours before it’s perfect and ready to enjoy. Even the kids will love this one! (via Cookies & Cups)

Easy Tiramisu

This traditional yet simple-to-prepare recipe is ideal for rounding out an Italian-inspired V-day dinner. Side note: You’ll notice that this recipe calls for raw eggs. Don’t be alarmed — this is the traditional way to make tiramisu. But feel free to beat the eggs over a double broiler if you feel uncomfortable with using them raw. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Valentine's Day Puff Pastry Hearts

Give the gift of love and pastries when you bake up a sweet, edible heart. Cover in cinnamon sugar or dip in chocolate, but you can't go wrong, whichever way you choose to make them. (via Salt & Lavender)

Pink Velvet Cake

Red velvet is so passé (JK, we love red velvet cake). But this *pink* velvet cake is even more interesting and romantic, and we are totally on board with that. Top with chopped strawberries for the finishing touch. (via Cake Whiz)

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake

This sweet and fruity cheesecake recipe is a major crowd pleaser, so it’s perfect for serving at your Valentine’s Day dinner, Galentine's gathering, or family brunch. (via Foody Schmoody Blog)

Raspberry Champagne Cake

Champagne is the perfect way to toast your honey on Valentine's Day, and what better way to do that than with a Champagne-infused dessert? This cake *literally* has bubbly baked right into it. And it's also topped with raspberry-Champagne buttercream. (via The Cake Blog)

Famous Brick Street Chocolate Cake

This indulgent dessert has everything you love about chocolate cake, but it comes with a catch: it’s made in a convection oven! If you don’t have one, no worries. It can easily be adapted to work with a regular oven instead. (via Through Her Looking Glass)

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Is it weird to call cupcakes sexy? Because these cupcakes are *sexy.* They're made with rich chocolate batter, topped with silky buttercream and finished off with a fresh, chocolate-covered cherry. Hot. (via Baked by an Introvert)

Lebanese Avocado And Strawberry Cocktail

If you're someone who prefers your Valentine's Day desserts on the more fresh, less sweet side, then you have to try this recipe. The cream topping and almonds take it to the next level. (via Forks & Foliage)

Follow us on Pinterest for more yummy Valentine's Day desserts!

Additional reporting by Chloe Williams and Meredith Holser.

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Julia Roberts has given us some of the most iconic rom-coms in pop culture history, from Valentine's Day and Pretty Woman to Runaway Bride.

If you're a Millennial or even a Gen Zer, you probably watched the movies as a tween or teen and gleaned (what you thought were helpful) insights about love, life, and relationships. After all, it's natural to look up to the woman on the big screen and want to follow in her footsteps.

Well, allow us to present a different take on the matter. In our humble opinion, movies can be just as wisdom-packed when they show you behavior you shouldn't strive to emulate. So, here's what I learned not to do by watching Julia Roberts rom-coms.

Scroll to see the lessons I took away from all my favorite Julia Roberts rom-coms!

1. Don't say "yes" if you're not truly ready.

In Runaway Bride, Julia Roberts plays Maggie Carpenter, a woman who leaves her fiancés at the altar multiple times, and her track record leads her to be called "the runaway bride" by a journalist.

Perhaps there are two lessons here. Of course, while fleeing your own wedding day is bound to leave your partner with a whole lot of (valid) upset feelings, it's okay to say "no" and get out of a situation that isn't serving you, even if it feels like it's not what you're supposed to do.

But at the same token, remember that you shouldn't feel pressured into saying "yes" in the first place when you aren't genuinely ready to tie the knot with someone.

Being ambushed by a romantic proposal or facing expectations of marriage following a long-term relationship can be frightening. Still, don't allow yourself to be backed into a corner. Learn from Maggie's mistakes and say "yes" on your terms.

2. Manipulation isn't the way to get what you want.

My Best Friend's Wedding follows childhood best friends Julianne, played by Julia Roberts, and Michael, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney. They made a pact to marry each other if they were still single at 28 years old, yet four days before Julianne's birthday, she learns Michael is marrying another woman.

So, she attempts to break up her best friend's wedding, but let's just say it doesn't end well. I'm sure that all viewers could sympathize with Julianne's feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. Even so, this movie shows that trying to force someone into a relationship they don't want is manipulative (and won't work).

The lesson here? Respect other people's choices and realize that not every single romantic feeling has to be reciprocated.

3. Fame won't solve your problems. 

In Notting Hill, Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, a famous actress who falls for the charming bookshop owner, William. Despite being a beloved film, it also serves as a master class in how fame can breed a whole host of relationship issues.

First off, Anna cheats on her boyfriend with William and cites the pressures of fame as an excuse. Instead of owning up to her actions, she seems to think that being a celebrity gives her a free pass to make poor decisions.

Then, Anna later takes it a step further by badmouthing William to strangers, again justifying her behavior as a consequence of her famous status. If that wasn't enough, when paparazzi harass her and follow her to William's house, she tries to pin the blame on him.

The takeaway here is that getting famous will not be a glamorous solution to all your problems. Rather, it often makes things worse. The spotlight can turn a person into a chaotic, out-of-touch mess who can't take responsibility for their actions.

Don't rely on grand gestures to fix your relationship. 

Finally, Valentine's Day is filled with romantic, grand gestures. From declarations of love to over-the-top surprises, the film portrays these moments as a way to fix whatever's wrong in a relationship. In reality, these gestures are surface-level and don't actually address deeper issues at play.

The real lesson is that true connection and lasting relationships are built on open communication, trust, and support. These things go much deeper than a bouquet of roses or an elaborate dinner.

Yes, grand gestures may be exciting, but they won't magically solve being on different pages with your partner.

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Today, many at-home libraries look a lot different than they did just a decade ago.

First, thanks to inspiration and ideas shared by avid readers on social media, classic shelving has gotten a major upgrade, with plenty of people using built-ins, DIY-ing shelving to look like built-ins, or displaying books in more unconventional stands.

Literature lovers are also upping their reading game by incorporating warm lighting, cozy chairs, and other viral bookworm accessories.

What's arguably the most new, though, is the introduction of colorful "sprayed edges" on the books themselves. Perhaps it goes against the classic mantra, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this trend has taken over the reading scene. This is why!

Here's everything you need to know about sprayed edges books!

What are books with sprayed edges?

Books with "sprayed edges" have their page edges painted, which adds a bold pop of color or reveals an illustration when the book is closed. They're typically designed to complement the cover and invite you into fictional worlds before you even crack a story open.

So, this extra detail has become extremely popular among readers everywhere. It turns any ordinary book into a visual statement and provides book lovers with tons of new opportunities to display their collections.

In fact, some people have opted to begin exhibiting their books with the edges facing out as opposed to the spine. With this technique, your shelving practically transforms into a mosaic of art instead of just a storage area.

When did books with sprayed edges start?

It's important to note that while viral fantasy and romance novels have popularized this trend recently, the concept of decorating book edges has been around for centuries.

In 17th-century England, for instance, a technique called fore-edging, or painting watercolor scenes along the edges of books, became popular. Some novels have even been adorned with gold or silver leaf.

More on books with sprayed edges:

Nowadays, the process of mass-producing books with sprayed edges has been streamlined, with publishers using high-powered machines to keep up with the demand. Plus, countless readers have been DIY-ing this effect for years, using tools ranging from spray paint to markers.

The result makes books feel more exclusive, and they're often even labeled as such, being called "deluxe" or "special editions."

If you want to get your hands on some, you're in luck, too. Various highly anticipated books are being released this year with sprayed edges, including The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Signed B&N Exclusive Edition).

Additionally, even some older bestsellers will get their turn to shine with the release of special editions featuring sprayed edges.

Kristin Hannah's historical fiction novel The Nightingale, for example, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a deluxe edition. Readers won't just get sprayed edges but also a new dust jacket, a gold-foil stamped cover, and a ribbon bookmark.

Still, while social media platforms have helped fuel the demand for colorful, eye-catching books, not every work will get such special treatment. Since sprayed edges add to production costs, publishers have to carefully choose which titles get them.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain: fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction books tend to feature them the most, as readers who enjoy these genres really seem to appreciate the decorative aesthetic.

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