Kentucky Could Lose Its Last Abortion Clinic

As a national fight both against and to protect abortion rights marches on, pro-choice activists in Kentucky are working to save the state’s last abortion clinic.

The EMW Women’s Surgical Center in Louisville, whose website states it is a state-licensed ambulatory gynecological surgical center (a reference to TRAP laws, which require abortion clinics to meet some of the same building standards as hospitals), is at risk of closing its doors, leaving women in Kentucky with no abortion clinics. Now that the clinic is the last standing, it is taking on considerable heat from anti-choice activists whose goal is to shut it down.

The clinic has been facing local opposition, and now a national anti-choice group, Operation Save America, has set their sights on closing the clinic as well. In recent days, a judge ordered protesters to refrain from crowding the front of the clinic’s exterior, but the group has no plans of ceasing their efforts. Protesters have said they will continue to picket the clinic, and even show up to doctors’ homes.

While abortion clinics around the country are accustomed to protesters, this recent swell of anti-choice activity comes as the state’s openly anti-abortion governor attempted to shut EMW down in March. A district judge issued a restraining order that kept the clinic open, but Bevin, the Republican-dominated state legislature, and anti-choice activists are not deterred. The governor insists that EMW has not adequately met state standards, threatening to pull the clinic’s license; EMW says they are up to code.

While EMW remains open, Kentucky hangs onto abortion access by a thread. Since the start of this year alone, the Kentucky legislature has adopted a measure that bans abortion after 20 weeks, and another that requires patients to have an ultrasound before the procedure, while health care providers describe the image if the woman chooses not to look, and plays audio of the fetal heartbeat. But even these laws will be rendered essentially moot if EMW is forced to close, and patients in Kentucky will have only a nominal right to choice.

“Kentucky women already face some of the country’s most severe restrictions on their reproductive health care. Closing the state’s last remaining clinic would make it even harder to access constitutionally protected health care,” a NARAL spokesperson tells us via email. “The fact is that seven in 10 Americans support keeping abortion legal and accessible. That’s not just a majority, it’s a consensus, and it’s as true in blue states as it is in red states. NARAL won’t stop calling out the politicians who put their fringe ideology ahead of the health and wellbeing of the Americans they were elected to represent.”

In the last several years, a few thousand abortions have been provided per year in Kentucky. In 2016, 3,430 abortions were performed in the state, which gives an idea of how many people are in need of abortion services each year, and how many women may lose any hope to get an affordable, legal abortion in the state.

In a prepared statement provided to Brit + Co, Brigitte Amiri, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project says, “Women in Kentucky already face too many barriers to getting abortion care—and if the last clinic is closed it will amount to a ban on abortion in the state. Women with resources will be forced to travel out of state. Those without resources will have no choice but to carry their pregnancies to term.”

Amiri adds that what is happening in Kentucky is creating a ripple-effect for anti-choicers around the nation: “As if this situation weren’t difficult enough — anti-abortion extremists, emboldened by the prospect of ending legal abortion in Kentucky, are marshalling resources and out-of-state activists to stage a massive, disruptive action at EMW Women’s Surgical Center later this month which could threaten patient access to the clinic.”

Amiri also stated in May that Kentucky’s restrictive abortion measures created an “undue burden” on women seeking abortions, which makes the laws unconstitutional.

The stakes are high on both sides, but hope is not lost for the clinic. EMW assembled a legal team that is committed to keeping the clinic open, and has the support of national pro-choice groups like Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and the ACLU. However, there are no guarantees when it comes to reproductive care in this country, and in a state dominated by conservative politicians, the EMW still has a difficult fight.

What do you think about the fight over abortion in Kentucky? Tell us @Britandco.

(Photos via Drew Angerer / Getty)

Ryan Murphy knows how to create exciting shows that are full of exciting twists — hello American Horror Story — but the premiere of Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans may be his most tantalizing series yet. Based on the newly released episodes viewers can expect to see things that make the Real Housewives feuds look like petty banter. Just thinking about everything we've seen so far is making us equally hot and cold.

Here's everything we know about Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans.

Recap of "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans": Episode 1

Image via Pari Dukovic / FX

Brace yourselves because the first two episodes of Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans premiered last night on FX and they've already left us reeling. The pilot episode began with a scene of an older Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) staring at swans swimming in a lake in 1984, no doubt reminiscing about the time he knew the real 'swans' of society. We then see him in 1968 meeting with Babe Paley (Naomi Watts) and it's clear their relationship is one that's built on trust. In a matter of moments, we find out that Babe's husband William — aka Bill — has been having a long-term affair with Mary 'Happy' Rockefeller and she's grown tired of it.

We quickly see how Capote's persuasive nature encourages Babe to leverage Bill's extramarital affair to her advantage and he supplies her with something 'extra' for her troubles. We're then shown how Capote was able to intermingle with high society with a flashback that involves Bill and Babe inviting him to dinner. By the end of first episode, viewers are able to see the masterful and deceitful ways Capote gained the trust of those around him in order to fuel his writing career.

Before all is said and done, Ann Woodward (Demi Moore) has committed suicide due to the revelation that she intentionally killed her husband. However, Slim Keith (Diane Lane) is determined to show Capote he won't have the last word.

Recap of "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans" : Episode 2 "Ice Water in Their Veins"

Image via Pari Dukovic / FX

The beginning of the second episode shows that Babe has been diagnosed with lung cancer, but she's opting for a treatment that isn't as harsh. She's yet to tell the other swans what's going on despite getting sick shortly after Ann's funeral. We're introduced to Lee Radziwill (Calista Flockhart) and she, along with Slim, are ready to cut Capote out of their lives. After everyone agrees to do the same, the ladies successfully give him the cold shoulder. This definitely counts as the earlier version of 'ghosting' someone.

However, C.Z. Guest (Chloë Sevigny) decides she misses their old friend and has lunch with him. Slim quickly finds out and basically lets her friend know that she could be next if she decides to keep interacting with the stain of their high society circle. Despite the fact Capote manages to find another circle to mingle with, he's on a downward spiral that includes alcoholism, a dark vision of his dead mother Lillie Mae Faulk (Jessica Lange), and being in an abusive relationship with John O'Shea (Russell Tovey).

What's the premise of "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans?"

Image via FX Networks/YouTube

According to Variety, Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans shows the feud that occurs between Truman Capote and influential women he surrounds himself with. In a harsh betrayal, Capote writes a scathing exposé called La Côte Basque, 1965” that has damning effects.

We predict there's going to be a lot of sex, money and other salacious activity involved in this series.

Who's the cast?

Image via FX Networks/YouTube

Viewers are in for a treat because Ryan Murphy has tapped an all-star cast to lead Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans. We'll be seeing the following:

  • Tom Hollander as Truman Capote
  • Naomi Watts as Babe Paley
  • Treat Williams as TV Exec William Paley, Babe Paley's husband
  • Chloë Sevigny as C.Z. Guest
  • Diane Lane as Slim Keith
  • Molly Ringwald as Joanne Carson
  • Calista Flockhart as Lee Radziwell
  • Demi Moore as Ann Woodward

Where does the series take place?

Image via FX Networks/YouTube

Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans takes place in the socialite capital of the world — New York.

When can viewers start streaming "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans?" 

New episodes of Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans will premiere on FX every Thursday!

How many episodes will be available to watch?

There are 6 episodes left!

Is "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans" a new show?

As reported by Variety, Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans is actually the second part of Murphy's Feud "anthology series." Season 1 centered the intense feud between starlets Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) during the '60s.

Watch Official Trailer For "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans"

www.youtube.com

FEUD: Capote Vs. The Swans | Official Trailer | FX

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Lead image via Pari Dukovic/FX

This post has been updated.

Prepare for an exciting February, starlights — your horoscope is here, and things are about to get real. We begin this month in Aquarius season, and our whimsical ideas will pick up speed. Love, drama, intrigue galore, and this cosmic mixture are all a part of the fun in Aquarius’ zone. Here is everything you need to find out for your February horoscope.

What to Expect For Your February Horoscope In 2024

We start with the messenger planet Mercury, entering Aquarius on February 5, allowing us to expand our minds and align with our plans. Aquarius, an air sign, wants nothing more than for us to dream big. Mercury thrives in this future-oriented sign, and it will give us the grace and speed to begin or continue our passion projects. The best part is that Pluto, the power planet of transformation, is also perfectly aligned with Mercury. This planetary union will help your vision take flight, but this will require you to release an idea or situationship to make room for something brilliant.

Love will be in a challenging position at the beginning of February as Venus will be in an intense square with Chiron. This can lead to breakups or spontaneous pick-ups with an ex or random stranger. This is an opportunity to call it quits or evaluate your relationship and its progression. Just before Valentine’s Day, no less, it can be hard. Take this moment to review your love story and allow vulnerability to guide you in finding a resolution and a path to healing the heart.

On February 7, love will take an unconventional spin as Venus is in a harmonious trine with Uranus. Expect your relationship or love story to evolve. Embrace diversity and the idea that love is all around, guided by your energy. Serendipitous events, such as triple numbers, signs, or symbols, are to be expected. Pay attention to the signs. The Universe will guide you in shaping your love story.

The New Moon in Aquarius on February 9 will lead to curveballs in our plans as it's in an intense square with Uranus. The way to navigate this new moon is to reinvent our approach and become open-minded. To be comfortable, you have to analyze what is uncomfortable in your approach so far. Luckily, Venus continues to thrive with Uranus in harmony, and it will add flair to our life purpose – boldness is crucial to work with this energy. Relationships of all kinds require reinvention on this day, so review your position with your partner and assess.

Love will undergo scrutiny and intensity as Mars, the planet of sex and motivation, aligns with Pluto — the Underworld lord — in the Aquarius sign on February 14. These two planets, in conjunction, can lead to powerful breakthroughs in your creations and love, but this requires careful calculation. Invest time in contemplating the future of your desires. It's not the right time to decide — it's more favorable to strategize.

Our values and love will evolve to a different light as Venus shifts to the sign of Aquarius on February 16. This transit’s outlook and mood will focus primarily on freedom and ascending our connection based on camaraderie and friendship. If you're in a relationship, this is the moment to rebuild its framework to an intellectual connection. Live in the moment, laugh, and you will strengthen the bond. If you don’t feel free to express yourself, your relationship will likely undergo a test on February 17, when Venus aligns with Pluto. Focus on your truth and allow it to be your guide when deciding on the future of your relationship. This requires you to see your love story from every angle and assess its value in your love story.

The Sun enters Pisces on February 18. This season is whimsical, dreamy, and ethereal. The veil thins, and our connection to our Higher Self and the subconscious realms is more prominent than at any other time. Begin a meditation or mindfulness practice to help you get started if you desire to engage with the world of spirit or find inspiration for creative ventures. With the karmic planet Saturn, also in the sign of Pisces, this is the perfect opportunity to look back to the past, reflect on all you have learned in your journey, and assess how you can redefine yourself. Going through this process will help structure your ideas.

On February 22, the love and desire planets Venus and Mars will align, promising an opportunity to reignite the passion in your love story. If this month has been trying on your relationship, this day promises answers regarding the future of your love story. These planets in the Aquarius sign will promote a harmonious fusion of feminine and masculine energies, requiring conversations instead of brooding to convey your message. Negotiate.

The flow of our conversations will be heart-centered and emotional, with Mercury entering the sign of Pisces on February 23. Expect your dreams to be lucid and your ideas continuous. Get grounded because an idea or two can escape your memory. Write your thoughts in a journal these next three weeks because it will be worth revisiting when Aries season happens later next month.

The Full Moon in Virgo on February 24 will close a chapter regarding our emotional bearings. Invest time in self-care rituals by caring for your body and cleaning your space. Virgo is the sign associated with details, cleanses, and the body. When you consider these measures, you will reap the benefits of what this full moon can bring. Life is a ritual.

Expect a stroke of luck on February 28 — it's the Mercury Cazimi! Like the speed of light, your intuition will power up on this day. Expect your ideas to take root, come alive, and stabilize with the power of the Sun, Mercury, and Saturn. The Sun brings constitution and the ability to receive divinely guided support to your ideas. At the same time, Mercury allows you to receive messages clearly, and Saturn will help you ground down your principles accordingly. Meditate and ask the Universe for its guidance. Listen carefully, and you will succeed.

Read Your Sun, Moon, And Rising February Horoscopes For 2024

Aries

Expect this month to be busy with your networks, colleagues, and loved ones. There is an auspicious opportunity to manifest your long-term aspirations on the 9th, with the New Moon powering up your motivation to plant your seeds of intentions and go after your dreams. Go big or go home. On the 16th, love may get tricky involving communications. Be patient, and listen intently to your loved ones before jumping to conclusions or (spiraling). Things will slow down later this month when Pisces season begins. The Full Moon on the 24th will help you pinpoint your motivations while incorporating self-care. Clean your physical surroundings and invest time in meditation or somatic modality work to keep you balanced and confident. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will be a cathartic day filled with breakthroughs involving your inner beliefs, and you will also gain clarity regarding your life direction. Your intuitive abilities will power up – be sure to record your dreams in a journal in the next few days because they will be prophetic.

Taurus

This month will be filled with growth opportunities involving your standing at work. On the 7th, Venus and Uranus, harmoniously linked, will ignite inspiration for you to take a chance on pitching an idea. In the romantic zone, expect things to feel electrified in and outside the bedroom. The more experimental you're, the deeper the bond. The New Moon on the 9th will infuse you with momentum to initiate changes in your work life. It can feel pressure-filled, but by becoming bolder in your approach, expect clarity to kick in regarding your direction. Love will get interesting on the 17th when Venus conjoins with Pluto. A new phase in your public status creates challenges with your superiors or partnership. Something has to be released to make room for prospects. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th presents an epiphany to cultivate and bring your ideas to life. Something wonderful is brewing. Take a chance by collaborating with others who support you.

Gemini

Let your mind open up to infinite possibilities this month. Nurture your soul, look up to the skies, and become more interconnected with the Universe. An epiphany will occur when the Sun challenges Uranus on the 8th, imparting you to clear away from your self-limiting beliefs and invite a positive flow in your life. It all begins in the mind. On the 14th, Mars will merge with Pluto, instilling confidence to stand your ground regarding beliefs. Remember to hold steady with this mindset until the 17th, when Venus fuses its grace with Pluto, guiding you to become open to love of all forms. Love from unexpected places will enter your life or will improve its standing. The Full Moon on the 24th will manifest changes in your home and emotional life by questioning stability. Home is within you, and reconnecting with your ancestral roots and maternal figures will instill security and certainty in your next steps. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will be an outlet for you to heal and infuse your voice with confidence. Listen first and act later.

Cancer

It has been busy lately with your love and partnership zone, stimulating with endless tasks and discussions involving the future. The New Moon on the 9th will slow things down, help you observe your inner self and intimacy, and disclose what you truly want. It may feel uncomfortable to explore these depths, but it will position you to face your fears, worries, and insecurities and tackle them head-on. When Venus and Pluto merge on the 17th, expect more spice and grit in your love story, but this requires you to have that uncomfortable conversation or clearance from the past to make room for your love to grow. Things will lighten up in your conversations or outlook when Mercury enters Pisces on the 23rd—presenting hope and inspiration to aim high with your ambition and even book a retreat or take a class to evolve. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will reveal a message for you regarding your life purpose and place things into perspective. Take charge and lead by your heart.

Leo

A massive shift is happening, Leo, as Pluto just entered your love and partnership zone. Presenting transformation in your relationships – or a power struggle or few in its dynamics. Mercury joining Pluto on the 5th will help you receive new information regarding your love story or partnership status. Observe and analyze your feelings toward negotiation. When the New Moon happens on the 9th, this is a great opportunity to plant seeds of intention and power up your love manifestation ritual. Pluto, the planet of transformation and endings, will invoke courage to let go of the outmoded while inviting authenticity in your love or partnerships. Expect movement, fire, and passion in your love life when Venus and Mars join forces on the 22nd. Create a dating profile or schedule a date night. You will see love in a new light. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will ignite intuition to read between the lines regarding your intimacy, finances, and power. You will also gain a stroke of luck in receiving hidden information.

Virgo

Focus on your health and wellbeing this month, Virgo, because your work life is about to get busy. Your attention has been on your children, passion projects, or significant other. This is your opportunity to organize your surroundings and set yourself up for success at work. The New Moon on the 9th will be an auspicious time to manifest a fitness regimen or work endeavor. Remember to include self-care to help you stay focused on your goal. Mars and Pluto conjoin on the 14th, which will add pressure on you to achieve tasks and please everyone. Assert your boundaries regarding your time. The Full Moon in Virgo on the 24th will help you assess your identity, life purpose, and personality. This requires boldness and assertion to ignite the changes in your life – say yes to your happiness and no to those who don’t value your worth. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will propel you to initiate conversations involving partnerships and its future direction. If you want to attract a new relationship, ask the Universe for a message, and begin an exercise such as automatic writing to receive an answer in what can boost your chances.

Libra

Expect this month to be rose-colored yet filled with intrigues. Pluto entering your creative and romance zone will ignite a new paradigm in your views toward heart-related matters. Love or a new passion project will emerge when the New Moon phases on the 9th. Your manifestation ability will level up with Pluto on your side – but it's crucial for you to let go of something to attract results. When Venus enters Aquarius on the 16th, expect your passion to rise, adding more spice in love or a renewed feeling to your pursuits. On this day, Mercury and Uranus will also throw a curveball involving your idea or message, so reviewing it later this month is best to observe its stability. The Full Moon on the 24th will clear away self-limiting beliefs and heal your subconscious realms involving past grudges. Consult with a life coachor therapist, or begin meditation. Slow down and allow your intuition to guide you in this process. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will ignite magic and pleasant exchanges with others and initiate the necessary shifts in your daily life. Sorting out the clutter (mind-physical) and organizing your space will attract a positive flow and productivity in your work.

Scorpio

The home life and family zone will be your primary focus this month. Pluto, your ruler planet, just appeared in this sector of your life, and everything regarding emotional security and safety is about to shift. The New Moon on the 9th will ignite changes while emphasizing the need to review past grudges that you're carrying inside. In time, Pluto will assist you in dissolving this to make room for better security and strengthening family relationships. When Mars merges with Pluto on the 14th, this will cause a desire to escape from the mundane life or the impulsive pull to broaden your horizons by moving or traveling. Before packing your bags, slow down and assess the root cause of your wanderlust. The Full Moon on the 24th will help you slow down your thinking process and enable you to reflect on your inner needs while cultivating fertile ideas worthy of exploring later. Be absorbent to new experiences by slowing down. Begin writing, or get involved with localized groups to enrich your outlook. You will begin feeling renewed and have a zest for life on the 28th. The Mercury Cazimi promises creativity and a new inspiration flow with your future endeavors. Approach life like a child filled with joy and optimism. The Universe will grace you with a stroke of luck and clear direction.

Sagittarius

A continuous flow of inspiration and ideas will be circulating this month. Pluto spreads its influence in the communication zone and promises you to ground down your vision and see it to fruition when Mercury conjoins Pluto on the 5th. Expect a laser-like focus on your endeavors and the ability to persuade or gain winning points at work – make that pitch. The New Moon on the 9th will be a favorable time to learn a new skill or renew your interpersonal connections. When Venus enters Aquarius on the 16th, you can gain exposure to local surroundings or involve your siblings or close relatives in your endeavors. The more variety of people, the more your ideas will take root – embrace perspective. When Venus merges with Mars on the 22nd, your heartstrings will be pulled, and romance presents itself. A new passion project or relationship will emerge, leading to fruitful connections and lessons involving your beliefs. When Mercury Cazimi occurs on the 28th, it presents a stirring idea to capitalize on your future involving your roots. Visualize your future home and learn innovative ways to monetize your investments

Capricorn

Your self-esteem has been powering up lately, Capricorn, and this month is your opportunity to practice everything you learned. In your financial sector, Pluto will position you to question self-worth and security involving material possessions. On the 8th, the Sun challenging Uranus will highlight growth and awareness involving your stance with finances, prompting you to focus on fulfillment rather than status. The New Moon on the 9th will start the necessary changes regarding your finances, and it's time to turn over a new leaf regarding your old process of attracting abundance. It could present shifts in your career or the desire to break free from living the same script. Be mindful of impulsive decisions regarding your money and future ventures when Mars and Pluto merge on the 14th – reflect first and decide later this month. The Full Moon on the 24th will fully illuminate your personal beliefs. You're ready to redirect your new approach to success in alignment with your true self. The Mercury Cazimi on the 28th will hint at what’s next for you – celebrate, and may the world be your oyster.

Aquarius

Are you ready to step up and claim your sovereignty Aquarius? Pluto positioned over your sign is a big deal. This is your chance to go after what you want on your terms. This month is the official beginning of you living out your desired reality. The New Moon on the 9th begins your rite of passage, presenting you with cosmic magic dust to power up your manifestation game. This event will help you develop your new identity and align your societal position. When Mars and Pluto combine forces, you will feel energized and ready to take off with your passions. Be careful not to dive in headfirst – ask for perspective and feedback. This will ignite confidence. When Venus and Mars connect on the 22nd, expect your motivation to solidify and your influence to take root. Launch your business, start a podcast, or whatever is lighting you up because the Universe is on your side to deliver your wishes. When the Mercury Cazimi happens on the 28th, get ready to attract a new form of income or contract involving your passions. Luck will be on your side regarding finances, business loans, or investment opportunities.

Pisces

Expect swift changes regarding your inner subconscious realms Pisces. Pluto will reveal raw and cathartic insights in your dreams while powering up your intuitive abilities. Mercury will be your guide this month, and when it crosses over your subconscious zone on the 5, get ready to receive a taste of Pluto’s lessons involving letting go of the past and inviting spiritual growth in your life.

The New Moon on the 9 extends a new thought form to your beliefs while helping you take an authentic path. Honesty is the best policy, and it's time to face the hidden shadows of doubt and regret – let it go. The Full Moon in Virgo, on the 24, will help you sift through relationships that do not serve your well-being or refine it. It will also present an opportunity to ascend your relationship status to a higher level – engagements or contractual agreements will likely manifest. An auspicious opportunity will show on the 28 when the Mercury Cazimi infuses your sign to a higher level. Your intuition will level up and expect answers to unresolved matters. Your voice will strengthen, and you anticipate a shift in your reality by vocalizing your truth and assertiveness. The Universe is listening.

Want to work with the stars to boost your goals in 2024? Book a Discovery Call with Lumi today, and find out how you can make 2024 your year!

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Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your S.O. or going solo this year, you're obviously going to need some sweet treats to help celebrate the day. After you've found a romantic Valentine's day dinner recipe and some cute pink cocktails to make, it's time to think about dessert. These 36 Valentine's cookies will round out your sweet spread perfectly!

Stained Glass Cookie Pops

These Valentine's cookies take some real skill, but the heavy-lifting for this recipe will be well-worth it once you see your date's face upon their first bite. (via Brit + Co)

Celebrity Crush Cookies

You're already getting together with your girls for Galentine's Day, so there's no reason to not make this cheeky Valentine's Day cookie recipe with your closest circle! Decorating these treats with the names of your fave celeb crushes will definitely get the gossip going! (via Brit + Co)

Cupid's Arrow Cookies

If they just can't resist a sweet treat, aim right for their heart with these adorable Cupid's arrow cookies. (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Sugar Cookie Bars

Even though they're not technically Valentine's cookies, these cookie bars still deliver on the sweetness you know and love from the OG. The thick layer of icing and conversation heart toppings are super cute! (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Cookies

We love the idea of writing personalized messages to each of your Galentines on these heart cookies. Bonus tip: to keep everything nice, neat, and legible, invest in a food coloring pen rather than trying to write on these babies with a piping bag. (via Bake at 350)

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Crunchy and flaky on the outside, yet soft and gooey on the inside, these pink crinkle cookies pair perfectly with a V-Day nightcap. (via Meatloaf and Melodrama)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Valentine's Hearts

Why have we not been dipping cookie dough in melted chocolate for years?! This delectable V-Day dessert features a chocolate chips, peanut butter, *and* cookie dough, all dipped in a warm and creamy bath of chocolate fondue. We love. (via OMG Chocolate Desserts)

Valentine Chalkboard Cookies

Here's another creative Valentine's cookie idea that lets you share personalized messages with every Valentine on your list: cover your heart-shaped cookies with black frosting, wait for it to dry, then write some sweet messages with white food coloring for the chalkboard-like effect. Cute, right? (via Saving With Sarah)

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

These treats require just five ingredients — well, six, if you add food coloring to make them a thematic pink. (via Nest of Posies and Baker by Nature)

Teddy Bear Graham Cookies Holding Conversation Hearts

These Valentine's Day cookies are as simple as buying some Teddy Grahams and affixing conversation hearts to their lil' bellies with some frosting. The kiddos will adore these! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Valentine's Day Chocolate-Covered Vegan Oreos

No-bake dessert recipes are a total life hack, especially around the holidays when you don't have much energy for anything else other than making sure your Valentine's Day cards make it to the post office. This recipe uses Oreos, melted chocolate, and sprinkles. Easy! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Hearts

All you need to make some stellar V-Day treats is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a dream. And chocolate, of course – always need some chocolate! (via Hello Little Home)

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Two of our fave desserts – cookies and red velvet cake – amazingly come together in these decadent Valentine's cookies. The heart wants what it wants, and what we want is ten of these, please. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Valentine Butter Cookies

These low-key love day cookies are extremely easy to customize based on who you plan to share them with. Run with the recipient's favorite color for the main frosting – they'll certainly appreciate the special, personalized touch from you! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Cherry-Kissed Coconut Macaroons

Fresh cherries and coconut flakes combine in a truly otherworldly way with this Valentine's cookies recipe. Equally sweet and tangy, your V-Day date will instantly fall in love with your baking skills shown through these bites. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cardamom & Rose Palmiers

If you're not so big on small talk, let the romantic, floral allure of cardamom and rose do the talking. Bet you your Valentine has never tasted cookies like these. (via Signature Concoctions)

Valentine's Day Oreos

Sure, specialty Oreo flavors can be fun, but the homemade variety are so much sweeter. These almost remind us of Oreo Cakesters, which are the crème de la crème, TBH. (via Sincerely Jean)

Small Batch Sugar Cookies

How cute are these mini sugar cookies? Smear on red and pink frosting, and sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles to your heart's delight. (via Dessert for Two)

Take a Pizza My Heart Cookies

These Valentine's cookies might just be better than an actual heart-shaped pizza. Though this recipe requires some time and effort to decorate, the end result is *so* worth it. You'll need piping bags, icing tips, cookie dough, toothpicks, and red heart sprinkles to make 'em. (via Bake at 350)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're not a huge fan of sugar cookies or anything pink (if so, are you okay?!), these peanut butter cookies may be more up your alley. They're made with brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, and — bonus — they're ready in only 30 minutes. (via The Semi-Sweet Sisters)

Valentine's Day Oreo Pops

Treat yourself and your sweethearts to cookies on a stick this year! This Valentine's Day cookie recipe also leverages store-bought Oreos to deliver maximum yum. (via Happiness Is Homemade)

Very Valentine Pudding Cookies

These bites are essentially pudding, but in cookie form. They're incredibly soft, gooey, and chocolatey. The chocoholics in your life will have to try hard not to inhale them, we swear. (via Crazy for Crust)

Linzer Cookies

These traditional Linzer cookies are comprised of a tart jam filling and two sugary shortbread cookies. Almond and cinnamon also make a few guest appearances, making for a totally yummy dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

4-Ingredient Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, sweet, and strawberry-infused, these cookies give you a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate chip. And, as a *major* bonus, you only need four ingredients: strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, white chocolate chips, and eggs. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

Vegan Valentine's Day Cookie Pops

Saying “I love you" doesn't have to put your sweetie into a sugar coma. Try this gluten-free shortbread cookie recipe with a sugar-free frosting! Freeze-dried raspberries add some nice color and texture to this healthier alternative. (via Wallflower Kitchen)

Chocolate Valentine Kiss Cookies

Sharing a kiss is always sweet, but it hits different when the smooch arrives atop miniature chocolate cookies. 😉 (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Mason Jar Cookies

There's just something so special about receiving DIY Valentine's Day gifts. Take these mason jar cookies for example – we're totally into the detail + sugary goodness. (via The Crafting Foodie)

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies

A simple box of strawberry cake mix will make anybody blush when it's transformed into soft and chewy cookies that are dipped in white chocolate and adorned with heart-shaped sprinkles. (via I Heart Naptime)

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookies

This pink pomegranate fortune cookie recipe will let your S.O. know just how fortunate you feel to have them in your life. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

If you're addicted to Lofthouse cookies (we're guilty, too), this Valentine's cookie recipe will definitely come in handy. (via Cincy Shopper)

Valentine's Cookie Box

Give your sweetie your heart (literally) by baking these cookies that stack into a treasure box. One look at these, and they won't want to hide their favorite treats inside for long. (via Glorious Treats)

Valentine's Day Cookies

Share the love with the ultimate chocolate chip cookie lover in your life using this Valentine's Day cookie recipe. Yup, no sugar cookie recipe here – just a delicious chocolate chip cookie covered in lots of frosting and sprinkles. (via Fashionable Hostess)

Heart-Shaped Valentines Oreos

All you need is four ingredients to make quite possibly the best V-Day cookie you've ever made in your life. These taste like Oreos (!) and are double-stuffed with pink frosting for an even more festive treat. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are the perfect alternative to your average (albeit delicious) Valentine's cookie. Feel free to get as creative as you'd like with sprinkles and toppings, but we're personally loving the little gummy hearts. (via Dessert for Two)

Soft M&M Chocolate Cookies

It's all in the details with this cookie recipe. We simply can't get enough of those red, white, and pink M&M's peeking out of the top of the cookies! (via Averie Cooks)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Here's to showing peanut butter cookies more love than ever before. Not only are these heart-shaped cookies made using a simple peanut butter cookie recipe, but the chocolates on top are filled with it, too. Oh, happy day! (via Kara Creates)

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Lead image via Kathryn's Kitchen.

This post has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Yasmein James and Meredith Holser.