One of my favorite tricks to play on my dog is to put peanut butter on her nose and watch her freak out and try to lick it off. After a fit of giggles, I realize that I should probably repay her for my amusement with a treat. Maybe two — I laughed quite a bit, and it was a tad evil.

I feel bad giving her the weirdly-scented, dry, bone-shaped treats you buy in bulk at Costco. There has got to be a few things in there that I probably should not be letting her eat.

Try making your own treats, if only on occasion, to spice up the regular treat routine. You do not even have to bake, just roll.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 2-3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2-1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup finely shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Add coconut oil, peanut butter and rolled oats to food processor and mix until well-combined.

2. Scoop out bite-size pieces with a spoon and roll into small balls.

3. Toss each ball in shredded coconut until well-coated.

4. Place on tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Other dog treat ideas

Vegan pet gift: Gourmet dog treat maker
Easy DIY dog treats
Homemade dog treats

Feminism

Play-N-Skillz, featuring Lil Jon, released the video for "Literally I Can't," which succinctly put, portrays women who don't want to get drunk, sleep with frat boys or engage in "girl-on-girl" action as stuck-up and hateful. When offered vodka or sex or the opportunity to make out with each other for the amusement of the men in the crowd, the women respond with, "Literally, I can't." The men crowd around the women and tell them to "shut the f*** up."

Want to make Nicki Minaj really mad? Steal her pen

There's a message for all the young girls in the audience: If you don't want to get "crunk," sleep with a bunch of drunk frat boys or make out with your friend while said drunk frat boys look on, you'll be demonized and told to "shut the f*** up."

Nicki Minaj doesn't just want fame, she wants a family

Thanks, guys, for solidifying that rape culture is alive and well and being celebrated in pop music. Thanks for sinking another nail in the feminism coffin with the theme that women can sexually glorify men, or they can shut the f*** up, because the only reason they were invited to the party was for male entertainment.

Nicki Minaj wig lawsuit gets thrown out of court

Even though the "Literally I Can't" video sinks a nail in feminism's coffin, Nicki Minaj's "Only" lowers it into the crowd where it will find its eternal resting place. "Only" offends on so many levels, perhaps the least of which is constant reference to "ass" and "titties." Though it is just a lyric video, the words remind us that music videos have become a virtual and visual Hustler magazine, providing content that scratches the itch of male sexual fantasy.

Lyrics: Too far

While the women in "Literally I Can't" cower when told to "shut the f*** up," in real life they'd get a knee to the junk, followed with a "You know why!" These lyrics, as presented in this video, are abusive and rapey.

When it comes to lyrics that go too far, Minaj wins again. The lyrics that we're referring to are too offensive to print here, but we knew they went too far when Drake raps, "Ass on Houston, Texas, but the face look just like Claire Huxtable." When you bring Claire Huxtable into your sexually explicit lyrics, you've gone too far.

Racial slurs and imagery

Minaj chose Nazi imagery as the background for "Only." Beyond that, the N-word is used so many times it makes us cringe. To recap, Minaj's song offends racial groups, women and more or less anyone who has the ability to hear.

Glorifying drive-by shootings

"Only" is not done offending you just yet. After several references to guns and gangs, the lyrics state, "If you mouth off, I blow your face off. I mean pop, pop, pop and then I take off." Wow, talk about not leaving any stone unturned. I guess we can check the box next to "glorification of random violence."

Manipulation

When it's all said and done, the reason these videos make us insane with anger is because all this is done by music industry executives who want to sell music. The formula for that in today's culture is to manipulate people with overly sensational and offensive content. If you offend and anger people, headlines will be created. You'll trend on Facebook. You'll show up in Google hot-trends. Ellen DeGeneres might parody your video. All of this leads to sales.

Before you lash out at me for writing an article that draws attention to these two horrendous videos, please note that I went out of my way to not post the videos in this feature. If you really want to watch them, you know how to go to YouTube and type in the name of the song. If you do that, please share your comments after you watch the videos. Are you OK with this kind of content? Are you offended? Did it make you insane with anger? Why — or more importantly — why not?

This tweet is probably some of the best advice ever crammed into 140 characters.

We understood the plot of Interstellar — it's the whole Matthew McConaughey staying young while Jessica Chastain becomes an old lady stuff that has us scratching our heads.

Why Ben Affleck may be feeling jealous when he sees Interstellar

Wait, there is a book to explain the physics in Interstellar? Good to know — we'll add it to our Christmas list.

Here's one way to sum up Interstellar.

Thank you Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain for adding the estrogen to this movie!

Anne Hathaway puts her Hatha-haters on blast

Proof that Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey still influences all modern sci-fi movies.

We hope dystopian films are done now that Tomorrowland is here

Wormholes are theoretically possible, but don't actually exist, as far as scientists know.

Those giant waves terrified us, but maybe if we had an intergalactic surfboard, we'd feel differently.

"Zero G" means zero gravity, or weightlessness.

This next tweet is exactly why you should see Interstellar in an IMAX theater, if possible. It's outrageously beautiful.

Some of us are still trying to figure out Einstein's theory of relativity, so it's good to know Christopher Nolan got it right in the movie.

By "real universe," does Neil deGrasse Tyson mean the one in the movie isn't real?

We were kind of hoping for a robot named Siri, but we get why that might have been a problem.

We agree, it's great to see multiple scientists, both male and female, depicted in movies.

Interstellar is currently playing in theaters.

The photo that sparked the speculation was taken last week at the 2014 World of Children Awards, where the sisters struck their usual pose: side by side, turned in toward each other, lips slightly pursed like they're saying "Prune" (which they totally do when being photographed, FYI). You can see it over at ExtraTV.

In the shots, Mary-Kate does kinda resemble Jessica Biel, especially along the jawline — and that's what got tongues wagging.

This is what happened when one writer asked Jennifer Grey about her nose

ExtraTV compared the photo with one of the sisters looking much more like the women we've grown up knowing and loving, with a definite "did she or didn't she?" vibe to their brief coverage. The Daily Mail says they "now look incredibly different," and Twitter is blowing up with fans dismayed that the former child star-turned-fashion designer went under the knife.

Ashley Judd says STFU about her face, please

Now first of all, that's just harsh. And second of all, we're pretty sure Mary-Kate has done absolutely nothing to her face. Here's why.

1. She and Ashley are fraternal twins, not identical twins. Although they generally bear a very strong resemblance to each other, expecting them to look exactly the same all the time is unrealistic.

2. Eyebrows. In earlier photos her eyebrows were bushier, like Ashley's. In this one they've been shaped and trimmed considerably, which any makeup artist will tell you makes a huge difference in the appearance of the shape of the face.

3. She's barely wearing any makeup. The sisters often wear a semi-smoky look to play up their gorgeous green eyes, but Mary-Kate looks like she is maybe wearing a little mascara here, if anything at all.

4. That hair. Admittedly not a great look for Mary-Kate, but it does help explain why her jawline looks more prominent than usual. When her hair is pulled forward it helps soften her jaw and chin, but when it is pulled back so severely they stand out more than we're used to.

5. Mary-Kate was spotted in a similar look in October, but no one said anything then. Which leads us to believe that this issue is more a matter of a bad angle and unflattering lighting more than anything.

So there you have it: She's the same Mary-Kate she has always been. We're not loving her super low-maintenance look, but she has the right to rock any look she wants without being mocked for it. Just ask Renee Zellweger.

Many restaurants are offering free meals, free appetizers and discounts to active duty military and veterans. Check out the participating restaurants below. Make sure to call ahead at your local spot to confirm its participation and to find out what, if any, proof of service is required.

Applebee's

At Applebee's on Nov. 11, veterans can choose a free meal from a special "Thank You" menu featuring seven entrées. Beverage and gratuity not included; military ID or proof of service is required.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

This Veterans Day, active duty military and veterans with proof of service can receive a lunch entrée (up to a $10 value) at BJ's on the house.

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK is offering a special Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11 to those in uniform or with military ID or proof of service. Choose a salad, pasta or pizza; for dine-in only.

Chili's

On Nov.11, Chili's is offering any lunch combo during lunch or one of seven meals at dinner for free to veterans and active duty military with proof of service. Dine-in only; beverages and gratuity not included.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral will be holding its 14th annual Military Appreciation Monday buffet dinner on Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at all locations for any person who has served or is serving in the U.S. military.

Hooters

On Veterans Day, Hooters is offering veterans and active duty military a free meal (up to $11 in value) with any drink purchase, with military ID or proof of service.

IHOP

On Nov. 11 at IHOP, veterans and active duty military with proof of service will receive a complimentary Red, White and Blue pancakes breakfast or Red, White and Blue pancakes combo plate, depending on the location.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is offering a free entrée to veterans and active duty military with proof of service on Nov. 11.

On the Border

Veterans and active duty military with proof of service will receive a free "Choose 2" or "Choose 3" selection from "Create Your Own Combo," for dine-in only, on Veterans Day at On the Border.

Texas Roadhouse

On Veterans Day, Texas Roadhouse is offering free lunch to active duty military and veterans with ID. There are 10 meals to choose from, sides and drink included. Dine-in only.

Red Robin

On Nov. 11, Red Robin is offering a free Red's Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries to active duty military and veterans with military ID or proof of service.

Sizzler

This Veterans Day, Sizzler is offering a free lunch, with a choice of three entrées and a beverage, until 4 p.m. to those with proof of military service.

Gordon Biersch Brewery restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and ChopHouse & Brewery

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, these restaurants are offering a free craft beer to veterans and active duty military personnel with valid military IDs or who are dressed in uniform. At locations where craft beer is unavailable, they are offering a free appetizer.

Even more Veterans Day meal deals for military

• Get a free coffee at Einstein Bros Bagels.
• Build Your Own Grand Slam for free at Denny's from 5 a.m. to noon.
• On the east coast, swing by Friendly's for a free Big Two Do breakfast or for a free burger, fries and beverage at lunch and dinner.
• Get a free doughnut and small coffee at Krispy Kreme.
• Receive a complimentary tall brewed coffee at Starbucks, valid for active duty military, veterans and spouses too at participating locations.
• Lone Star Steakhouse is offering up a free starter.
• Enjoy a complimentary Texas Tonion and nonalcoholic beverage at LongHorn Steakhouse.
• Get a free 6-ounce froyo at Menchie's.
• On Nov. 11, active duty military and veterans with military ID receive a free Bloomin' Onion and nonalcoholic beverage at Outback Steakhouse. From Nov. 12 to Dec. 31, also receive 15 percent off your purchase.
• At Red Lobster, get a free appetizer from a select menu.
• Ruby Tuesday is offering a free appetizer at participating locations.
• Get a free doughnut at Tim Hortons.

For updates and to find out about even more meal deals on Veterans Day, check out The Military Wallet.

More on Veterans Day

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?
Veterans Day facts and trivia for kids
Veterans Day via the television: The lazy way to appreciate

Photo credit: Fiskars

Turkey leg place setting

Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of these personalized turkey legs. Use a small paper treat bag and stuff with a filler, such as newspaper, and push in the corners to make them rounded. Use pinking shears to create the jagged edges. Card stock serves as the turkey bone and decorative heart. Use a stapler to attach the bone and to close the edges. Peel and stick letters can be used for the name or you can even have the kids write their own names.

Photo credit: Ourbestbites.com

Edible turkey and pilgrim hat place settings

This place setting is sure to be a hit because not only is it adorable, but it doubles as dessert. Although they are so cute, it may be hard eating them. Who are we kidding? They will be gobbled up in no time. The turkeys are made from Oreos, peanut butter cups and Whoppers, with candy corn creating the feathers.

The pilgrim hats are made from marshmallows dipped in chocolate and perched on top of a Fudge Stripe cookie. Head on over to ourbestbites.com for the complete tutorial for both the turkey and the pilgrim hat.

Photo credit: Fiskars

Pilgrim hats coloring table

This place setting is not only cute, but it keeps the kids busy while at the dinner table. Use kraft paper to line your table to create a crayon-friendly surface. To make the cups, cut out the bottom of a black paper cup (or paint a white one black) and turn it upside down. Glue to a black circle cut out of construction paper or card stock and create the buckle on the hat with construction paper as well. Fill with crayons and watch your kids create table masterpieces.

Photo credit: Beeinourbonnet.com

Handprint turkey cookies

These colorful, cute (and tasty) handprint turkey cookies would make the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Trace your child's hand on a piece of card stock and use that template when cutting out your sugar cookie dough. Use colorful candy beads for the decoration and icing to personalize with each person's name. Check out beeinourbonnet.com for the complete tutorial.

Photo credit: Keepingitsimplecrafts.com

Place card turkey

Using ice pop sticks, colorful washi tape and a block of wood, these personalized place card turkeys are easy to make (in fact, the kids can help). They also make a great keepsake item for the grandparents to take home.

Photo credit: Jennwa.blogspot.com

Photo place settings

There is no mistaking which seat is yours with these fun photo place settings. Use a cut-out printable for the body (she used Indian characters, but you could also find printable pilgrims or turkeys as well) and personalize it with the photo and feathers. Check out her website for the complete tutorial.

Photo credit: Alittleclaireification.com

Pinecone place cards

Not feeling so crafty — or perhaps you are running out of time? These pinecone place cards are cute, classy and easy to put together in no time. Download these printable Thanksgiving place cards from ALittleClaireification.com, personalize them and glue them on a piece of cardstock. Place them in the top of a pinecone and set next to each place setting.

Photo credit: Flamingotoes.com

Thanksgiving chalk placemats

These Thanksgiving chalk placemats are such a great idea for kids because they keep them busy and allow them to write and share all of the things they are thankful for. To make your own, start with Chalk Cloth (it is a material that looks like chalkboard, but is actually fabric) and use colorful fabric for the back, which she used bias tape to attach to the chalk cloth. That’s right — no sewing needed. Check out Flamingotoes.com for the complete tutorial.

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Dominique Ansel has nothing on Redditor jaymax, who knows that while some of us may be willing to wait in an hours-long line to get a cream-filled fusion pastry, the rest of us are sitting at home with a can of crescent rolls in the fridge and a yearning in our heart. But this is America, the land of manifest destiny, and here, we go big or go home.

This massive croissant burrito is the culinary expression of the desire to expand our horizons beyond that which is known to us. Not all of us can go to New York to experience the Cronut. But most of us can dip our toes into the world of croissant-fusion cuisine thanks to a little help from the Pillsbury Doughboy.

Photo credit: Imgur

All one needs to create this masterpiece are two cans of croissants (or "crescent rolls"), cooked taco meat or the burrito filling of your choice, refried beans, Spanish rice and lots of cheese.

Photo credit: Imgur

The result is a croissant-urrito: crispy, buttery and golden on the outside, meaty, cheesy and beany within.

And the possiblities for this creation seem endless. Go the way of Taco Bell and throw in a layer of crushed Doritos, or add pulled pork, jalapeños and Jack cheese. If you can put it into a burrito, then you can wrap it in croissants. You could even attempt a ques-ant-urrito, using cheese-stuffed crescent roll dough as the burrito wrapping. But that iteration might actually kill you.

You can follow the entire process of making this behemoth below. What would you stuff inside a croissant-urrito?

Photo credit: Imgur

More delicious burritos

The quesarito: You know... a quesadilla and burrito combined
Thai green curry chicken burrito
Make-ahead breakfast burritos to keep in your freezer

1. Vanilla bean scones recipe

There's nothing like a bite of these vanilla bean scones as an afternoon pick-me-up with your caffeinated beverage of choice.

2. Bacon and Gouda artisan breakfast sandwich recipe

Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes

Start the morning by making your own bacon and Gouda artisan breakfast sandwich instead of paying for one — you'll be able to customize it to your liking.

3. Raspberry swirl pound cake recipe

Photo credit: Country Cleaver

We're loving the gorgeous swirl in this raspberry swirl pound cake, packed with bright, berry flavors.

4. Iced chai latte recipe

If you're a lover of spices and obsessed with iced beverages like we are, then this iced chai latte is perfect for you.

5. Starbucks pumpkin scones recipe

Photo credit: Damn Delicious

Perfect for the holiday season, these copycat Starbucks pumpkin scones are sweet and oh so tasty, especially when paired with a large mocha.

6. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe

Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes

Another seasonal favorite, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte came out this year on Aug. 25. A bit early, don't you think? Celebrate the season by making it at home.

7. Copycat passion iced tea lemonade recipe

Although a perfect summer drink, this passion iced tea lemonade is also the best afternoon pick-me-up when you're not craving coffee but still need a boost of energy.

8. Low-carb salted caramel cake pops recipe

Photo credit: All Day I Dream about Food

A healthier twist on a favorite, these low-carb salted caramel cake pops are sure to sweeten up your day.

9. Homemade chai tea concentrate recipe

Stock up and make gallons of this homemade chai tea concentrate! Or maybe just a couple of jars — this would be a great gift idea.

10. Walnut-banana bread recipe

Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes

Start your day with a slice of walnut-banana bread, and you'll be on your way.

11. Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe

Photo credit: Recipe Girl

A cult favorite, these copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are layers of tart cranberries and sweet vanilla icing. One of our favorites!

12. Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino recipe

Photo credit: Raining Hot Coupons

Perfect for when berries are in season, this copycat Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino is a summer staple.

13. Copycat Starbucks black bean quinoa wrap recipe

Looking for a quick lunch that's both flavorful and hearty? Make a black bean quinoa wrap, and call it a day.

14. Eggnog latte recipe

Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes

Nothing more seasonal than eggnog, like in this eggnog latte.

15. Green Tea Frappuccino recipe

Photo credit: Raining Hot Coupons

The great thing about this copycat Green Tea Frappuccino is you can use either regular or decaf green tea, depending on the time of day.

16. Copycat Starbucks lemon loaf recipe

Bright and citrusy, this lemon loaf pairs perfectly with coffee, as citrus fruit and caffeine go hand in hand.

17. Marshmallow Dream Bars recipe

Nothing like these gooey, chewy copycat Marshmallow Dream Bars!

18. Copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe

Photo credit: Cincy Shopper

Take one bite of this copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin, and you'll be in pumpkin heaven.

19. Copycat Starbucks gingerbread biscotti recipe

The perfect treat to dip into your coffee drinks, these copycat Starbucks gingerbread biscotti have just the right amount of spice and icing on top.

20. Frozen caramel macchiato recipe

Photo credit: Around My Family Table

Sip on this frozen caramel macchiato before the snow starts to fall (might be too late for some of us!).

21. Vanilla bean frappé recipe

Photo credit: The Black Peppercorn

Make sure to use a real vanilla bean in this vanilla bean frappé if you can — it makes all the difference!

More on Starbucks

Starbucks copycat pumpkin scones
Oprah teams up with Starbucks to sell chai tea
Here comes the Chestnut Praline Latte

We love, love, love the girls of Broad City, but we reckon too many people might not know who they are or what, exactly, the cripplingly hilarious show is about. It's time to know everything there is to love about Abbi and Ilana.

Falling for Chris Hardwick @Midnight

1) They can tell a dick joke (or they can tell a dozen)

Perhaps the best way to learn about Broad City is to watch the brand-new trailer and laugh your ass off at all the inappropriate jokes.

2) It's from truly talented comedians

Abbi Jacobsen and Ilana Glazer are members of the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improv group based in New York City. Other members of the UCB include Horatio Sanz, Matt Besser, Adam McKay and yes, Amy Poehler.

3) It all started as a sketch

The idea for Broad City started as a sketch for UCB and slowly continued to branch out. It went from a web series and eventually transitioned into one of Comedy Central's coolest new shows.

4) And, seriously, how often are comedies run by women?

Take a look at the comedies on television, especially cable. It's still a fairly male-heavy environment. (If you cite New Girl or The Mindy Project, think again. The leads are females, but they're surrounded by guys.)

16 Quotes from the James Franco roast

5) The ladies are truly hilarious

Need even more proof that Glazer and Jacobsen are crazy funny? Earlier this year, they appeared as guests/contestants on @Midnight and killed it.

6) It's the anti-Girls

Ever watch HBO's Girls and feel completely overwhelmed by their entitlement and how they seem to live the high life without any real, consistent jobs? Broad City is the answer. Abbi and Ilana aren't bankrolled by super-rich parents. They're young, poor and struggling to make it in the city they love. In other words, it's actually relatable.

7) Most girls will feel like Abbi is their spirit animal

Ilana is a bit wild and apathetic to her or anyone else's struggle, but Abbi is a little more sensitive. She hates her job, but she works hard at it to survive and because she (sort of) understands the importance of a good work ethic. Having a fun-loving friend can be both exciting and difficult for a girl who tries to keep her priorities straight. Even in your late 20s, you're prone to peer pressure. Abbi is proof of that.

Ready to catch the girls in action? Broad City returns for Season 2 on Comedy Central on Jan. 14.

Want more TV news and reviews? Sign up for our newsletter

Maria Shriver interviewed Sam Simon, creator of the TV show The Simpsons, about his terminal cancer and his decision to donate his millions to charity. But even Shriver, known for having a thick skin, seems a bit thrown off by some of Simon's odd answers, leaving us with mixed feeling about the dying man.

5 Influential women standing up for gender equality in the U.S.

Here are five reasons we have the utmost sympathy for him.

1. Terminal colon cancer

Any cancer is bad, but we can only imagine how difficult a deteriorating colon might be.

"They showed me my scans," said Simon to Shriver. "They said, 'These are the scans of a dead man.' I said, 'Is it curable?' And they said, 'We don't use that word.'"

2. Creative genius

Simon's plan to take Matt Groening's animated family of characters, the Simpsons, and give them their own half-hour TV show has proved to be one of the biggest success stories in entertainment history.

3. Animal lover

A long-time vegetarian, Simon cares about animals and has a history of liberating animals who've been kept in cages. "I get to watch these animals that have been in concrete bunkers their whole lives take their first step on grass," he told Shriver.

4. Dog rescue haven in Malibu

Simon is doing everything he can to rescue unwanted or lost pooches and find them a home, including funding a facility to help them in Malibu.

5. Partnership with PETA

Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, also known as PETA, jumped at the chance to partner with Simon and is planning a "series of animal liberations" for him to participate in.

Dax Shepard: PETA's sexiest vegetarian eats chicken

Now we have three reasons why Simon is making us feel awkward.

1. Using cancer to "pick up chicks"

Does Simon really mean he's working his cancer to get with the ladies? We think that's just a weird thing to say.

PETA gives Miley Cyrus a pig for her birthday

2. Cancer is good for publicity

"If you want publicity… cancer is the greatest thing in the world," Simon told Shriver. OK, we get that he's trying to look at the glass as half full, but getting publicity isn't something Simon's ever struggled with.

3. No wife or kids

Though Simon was married to Jennifer Tilly from 1984 to 1991, he has no significant other or children to speak of. We wish he had an heir to carry on his amazing work with helping animals.

Yes, salads are a pretty common staple when it comes to the warmer months, but with the right ingredients, they can also be great during the cooler months. Using such seasonal fresh foods as sweet potatoes and greens and fruits like pomegranates or citrus, you can create salads that are totally winter appropriate. Here are three easy, healthy and winter-friendly salad ideas to keep bowls of greens lasting the whole year through.

1. Clementine, pomegranate and feta salad recipe

The sweet flavor of clementines meets the tartness of pomegranate in this salad, which includes quinoa and organic arugula. Serve with the cranberry vinaigrette for more fall flavor.

Serves 4

Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups organic baby arugula
• 2 cups cooked rainbow quinoa
• 2 clementines, peeled and sectioned
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/4 candied cashews (look for these in the bulk section of your grocery store)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large salad bowl, arrange the arugula.
2. Top with the cooked quinoa, clementines, pomegranate arils, cashews and feta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
4. Just before serving the salad, drizzle the dressing over the top, and toss with tongs.
5. Divide among salad bowls, and serve immediately.

2. Almond, currant and baby kale salad recipe

Baby kale greens are topped with tangy blue cheese, almonds and currants and then served with a zesty apricot dressing.

Serves 4

Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups organic baby kale greens
• 1/4 cup dried currants or raisins
• 1/4 cup organic slivered almonds
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 3 tablespoons apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. To a large serving bowl, add the organic kale greens.
2. Top with the currants, almonds, onions and blue cheese.
3. To a blender, add the apricot preserves, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper.
4. Blend on high, and then pour the dressing into a dressing bottle.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving, and toss well.
6. Divide among salad plates, and serve immediately.

Talk like a baby because everybody is doing it

An anonymous survey indicates that 91% of pet owners do baby talk to their cats and dogs. We're guessing you do too!

Check out Matthew Patrick of Petcentric as he schools us on whether or not we should keep baby talking to our furry friends or grow up in our conversations with our pets.

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You vote! Can cats school humans when it comes to parkour?

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Wilkinson let it slip to Dish Nation that she is single and ready to mingle in the wild jungle. Upon her arrival in Australia to film I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! the reality star said she is ready to put her husband's transsexual cheating scandal behind her — along with her marriage.

6 Reasons the Hank Baskett cheating scandal is super-weird

"That is what I am trying to escape from. I am going to have some thinking time in the jungle," she said.

"It's going to be good to be away from all that… I'm single for the time being."

Did you catch that? She said she's single! And not only that, she's already thinking of finding love again — or at least a fling.

"I don't know what I'd do if there is a Tarzan in there who wants to sweep me off my feet. I'm quite picky about men. I do like a British accent, though," she said.

"I'd love to be the jungle queen. I might even catch some jungle fever!"

Um, wow. Kendra must have meant malaria because the alternative is kinda racist.

Don't worry about Kendra Wilkinson — she'll come out on top

Wilkinson also made a pointed comment about who she would miss — and the person she left out speaks volumes.

"I'm going to miss the kids the most. I feel like I've been gone for a year already, but it's only been one flight," she said.

Sounds like saving her marriage is nowhere on her agenda anymore. Should we be sad for her or cheer her on?

One of my favorite stories on this topic is by Ruth Jones, who wrote in our book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness, about how she deliberately and methodically introduced gratitude into her life. In "The Great Thanksgiving Challenge" Ruth describes how she and her friend Marilyn were sitting in a coffee shop complaining about everything they had to do. Marilyn was bemoaning all the preparation required to have her friends over for her book group meeting, and Ruth was dreading the work required to have her whole family come for Thanksgiving. She and Marilyn listed what that meant: "Cooking and cleaning, changing sheets, wondering what to feed everybody for breakfast."

Then a bedraggled woman entered the coffee shop, obviously homeless. Marilyn headed for the counter and paid for the woman's breakfast. When Ruth complimented her, Marilyn said, "That was guilt."

Ruth realized that she and Marilyn had fallen into a bad habit of complaining about their lives, which were full of family and friends, nice homes and good food. "We should stop complaining, it's a bad habit," she said. They decided to give up complaining for Thanksgiving. Marilyn laid out their challenge: "We'll keep a diary. Write down every complaint. Then think of something to be thankful for, and write that down too."

The next morning Ruth called Marilyn. "I've been awake 15 minutes and all I've done is complain," she admitted. "This is hard!"

Marilyn laughed. "Okay, quick, what are you thankful for?"

"I'm talking on the phone with my best friend and the cat is purring in my lap. What about you?" asked Ruth.

"I'm drinking coffee in a warm kitchen and about to go work out," Marilyn answered. "See? This won't be so hard after all."

Ruth said, "It was hard to believe I complained so much about trivial things. Hard to believe I wasn't more thankful for my family, my friends and my health. My mind kept wandering back to the homeless woman."

As the weeks passed, Ruth and Marilyn noticed their notebooks recorded more blessings than complaints. They had better attitudes and they were looking forward to the rest of the holiday season. Counting your blessings really works!

As Gerald Good said, "If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily."

For a similar story read, "Entering the Thankful Zone" by Jeannie Lancaster.

Photo credit: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/360/Getty Images

Back on the Instagram social scene, the unreserved singer was up to her usual stripping ways when she provocatively posed for the camera again. This time she appears in a wet, see-through bra while sitting on a locker room bench with her legs wide open and facing a regular household fan (which looks to be turned off, adding to the photo's unrealistic factor).

Rihanna's return to Instagram is not what we were expecting

While the photo in itself is bordering on X-rated, it is nothing new for the "Diamonds" star, who is constantly posing in scandalous ways for both social media and the paps alike. But, while her normal demeanor is full-on sexy with no filter, Rihanna went a bit more clothed when she visited the White House on Monday.

Solange's fight with Jay Z is all Rihanna's fault

The Barbados native trotted to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with administration officials to address "a few issues that are critical to our agenda for expanding opportunity, including the My Brother's Keeper initiative," an official told The Hill political blog.

Apparently, during meeting breaks, Rihanna found it fun to impersonate Olivia Pope, the character from Scandal, the popular TV show about naughty high-ranking political officials, played by Kerry Washington. The normally scantily clad songstress wore an elegant getup that mirrored Washington's on-screen fashion as she posed for photos all over the White House grounds.

Drake & Rihanna's steamy duet sparks romance rumors

In one shot she's using a pay phone outside the White House gates with one leg bent behind her, her back arched and the caption, "Fitz, darling..." Then, in another photo she is in the White House press room addressing an imaginary audience, and it was captioned with "#heyAbby."

We invited the Hatchlings to watch Emma Watson's powerful #HeForShe speech that she gave to the United Nations on Sept. 20. We then had them pick their favorite lines from her speech to discuss what feminism means to them and whether or not they consider themselves feminists.

As a mom, I've never understood parents who don't teach their kids about equality. As a mom of sons, I want them to grow up believing that the women they meet in this world are deserving of their kindness and respect. As the mom of a daughter, I want her to grow up and receive the same pay for the same work she does as a male co-worker. Feminism has nothing to do with wanting special treatment — it has everything to do with equality. If these tweens can understand that, so should the rest of us.

More on feminism

Being a feminist is not making other women feel bad for their choices
Why I'm raising a feminist
The debate over "ban bossy"

Jack had apparently heard that microwaving a glow stick would cause it to shine brighter. Fair enough… I understand the need to experiment and prove (or disprove) these theories for yourself when you're young and adventurous. His father had requested that he not do it, because he has a functioning brain and realized it wouldn't be a good idea. However, Jack was not deterred and zapped the stick for around 30 seconds before taking it out.

It certainly seemed to pulsate and glow… Cool, right? Well, Jack, who is clearly a teenager, decides to shake it, and it proceeds to burst fiery, hot, toxic fluid all over his face, eyeballs and shirt. He shrieks for his dad, who flips his lid upon discovering his son covered in melty goo.

It's hard to judge this father for his words and actions, but plenty of people do. Commenters fuss that he's more concerned about his kid's "beautiful shirt" than his vision or that he shouldn't be upset or yelling at his obviously injured child. Still others chastise him for leaving his child alone to microwave the glow stick in the first place (seriously).

I admit it is really hard to rein in your pissed-offness when your child does something he was not supposed to do and gets injured by it. It's something I've had to work on personally, because I feel it really doesn't help the situation at all in the heat of the moment. For example, my 4-year-old jumps on her bed, and I tell her not to, and later she jumps on it and bangs her foot. I've had to retrain myself to focus on the injury first and the disobeying later.

However. This dad probably had it up to here with his "ding-a-ling" teenage son, and while he is super upset with him, he does immediately try to help him by reading the warnings on the package to see what to do. He's cussing, he's obviously mad at his kid, but he does work to help him right away (and in case you didn't know — which this dad may have not — if you get something in the eyes, you should probably wash it out).

Yes, he could have handled it better — I imagine Jack was punished enough when he sprayed hot, glowing chemicals into his eyes — but the dad did what he had to do. And funnily enough, Jack's brother has updated the YouTube page to say that not only did Jack survive with no permanent injury, but the "beautiful shirt" did as well.

Parents go on autopilot when their kids get hurt. I've always been really calm when disaster strikes, which has always helped to dissipate anxiety and terror. Not everyone is like that. But to say this dad was abusive or negligent? Please.

More kids in the news

Stranger shows support for injured child at Chiefs game
Mom finds daughter with special needs in cage during surprise school visit
Middle-aged mom of 6 sets women's world record in beer run

Photo credit: FreePhotos.com

When out and about:

1. If you're dining in the same restaurant as a veteran, offer to pay for his or her meal.
2. If you can't afford to buy the full meal, then buy an appetizer, drink or dessert instead.
3. At the movies? Buy his or her ticket or a snack and drink from the concession stand.
4. Pay for a coffee at Starbucks, and instruct the barista to award it to the next veteran in line.
5. Just be courteous in general. Hold open doors, offer to help them get their groceries to their car, smile and be friendly, etc.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

When traveling and commuting:

1. If you're on the subway and see a veteran standing, offer him or her your seat.
2. Offer your cab to a waiting veteran.
3. Flying first class? Offer your seat to a veteran on the plane.
4. If you run into a service member in the airport gift shop, buy him or her a snack or a magazine for the flight.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

At work:

1. CEOs: Think of ways your company can offer special discounts and/or services to our veterans.
2. Recruiters: Seriously consider veteran applicants for open positions in your company.
3. Bosses: Give your employees who have served our country the day off, or allow them to work a shorter shift.
4. Team members: If Veterans Day is not a paid holiday at your company, then pool together funds to cover a day's wages for veterans on your team.
5. Bring doughnuts and coffee for the veterans in your office.
6. Decorate veterans' work spaces with American flags.
7. Have every member of your team write a thank-you note to each veteran you work with.
8. Pass out small American flags to each of your co-workers.

Photo credit: FreePhotos.com

Anywhere and anytime:

1. Shake their hand, look them in the eye and thank them for their service to our country.
2. Send thank-you letters and care packages to our troops.
3. Support the families of our troops by giving to the spouses and families of deployed soldiers.
4. Bake cookies or cupcakes for veterans in your neighborhood.
5. Visit a local VA hospital and share stories with the patients.
6. Ask them to share their stories, and listen to what they have to say.
7. Know an aging vet in your neighborhood? Give him your phone number, and tell him to call whenever he needs a hand.
8. Rather than selling your old car, donate it to Cars for U.S. Troops.
9. Organize a collection drive for items our troops need.
10. If you have a special skill, find projects like Made with Love where you can put that skill to use to support our troops.
11. Shop! When you buy merchandise from Operation Gratitude, every purchase sends a care package to a deployed service member.
12. Look for crowdfunding campaigns that help veterans. Operation Homefront is a unique resource you can use to find them.
13. Offer to help with house upkeep (mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, etc.) for the families of deployed service members.
14. Help injured veterans, past and present, get into homes that accommodate their needs by supporting Homes for Our Troops.
15. Help homeless veterans by supporting organizations like the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
16. Support Operation Write Home, which sends blank stationery to active duty soldiers so they can continue to write home to their loved ones.
17. Support businesses that regularly offer special discounts and support to our veterans. This will encourage them to keep at it!
18. Fly the American flag.

More about veterans

Why we celebrate Veterans Day
Sgt. First Class Dannielle Woosley leaps from planes for her country
Dogs of War tells inspiring stories of rescue dogs and veterans with PTSD

Welcome to the future, where your smartphone knows all about you, outside and in. Although these tools are still in their infancy, companies are developing products that will allow your smartphone to become your health repository by keeping track of your personal health data, which includes the kinds of tests that used to require a trip to the doctors office.

Here are five exciting developments in the world of "medtech" at home.

1. AliveCor Heart Monitor

AliveCor Heart Monitor allows you to track your heart health anywhere, at any time, by generating an actual electrocardiogram (EKG) that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. How? By attaching their monitor to your smartphone. The heart monitor uses electrical impulses from your fingertips, converts them into ultrasound signals and then transmits them through your smartphone microphone.

Being able to monitor your heart health is especially important if you suspect or have been diagnosed with heart conditions, but it's also useful information even if you don't have a history of heart problems, and are simply health conscious.

2. CellScope

CellScope is developing a smartphone-enabled otoscope (a medical device used to look into ears) that will enable physicians to remotely diagnose ear infections in children. Parents will be able to use the peripheral, which attaches to a smartphone camera lens, to send an image of their child's inner ear that physicians can use to make a diagnosis and then write a prescription if need be.

3. EyeNetra

EyeNetra is developing a device that recommends power for your eyeglasses and contact lenses, correcting for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The device, which measures how well your eye focuses light, consists of a viewer that a user places against a smartphone screen. Spinning a dial yourself, you align green and red lines. From the difference between what you see and the actual location of the lines, an app calculates the focusing error of your eyes. Bonus: No more flunking the eye care exam at your ophthalmologist's office!

4. MobiUS

MobiUS created the first FDA-approved ultrasound imaging system on smartphones. The software, made by MobiSante, could be used for a slew of clinical applications, including confirming and tracking pregnancies, and assessing kidney disorders. The images and video can be shared over email or through a standard USB connection.

5. iStethoscope

iStethoscope also taps into cell phones' existing microphones. The app allows patients to record their own heartbeats, and then forward along the audio to doctors who can track the development of or monitor various conditions.

Be sure you speak with your health care provider about any at-home testing or monitoring you would like to do and be sure to discuss any results. Over time, there will be more and more diagnostic devices that allow us to take charge of our health and monitoring, raising all of our heart rates a bit higher!

Photo credit: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/360/Getty Images

I'm not going to lie to you: I expected big things from my first Thanksgiving with a baby. I've never been a huge fan of the world's most boring holiday, but it was going to be different this time. After all, I'd been waiting for the better part of a year for my own little pumpkin (haw) to make an appearance, which is why I assumed that absolutely everything that I did was going to be dusted in magical new mom fairy dust.

If you've had a child, you probably see this for the naive fantasy it was and are perhaps having a good chuckle at my expense — and I don't blame you. If you're not a mom yet but are expecting a wrinkled little bundle of poo sometime around the holidays, then take heed, there are a lot of reasons that a food baby is the only good baby to have around the holidays.

1. You can't drink

Even if you've decided not to breastfeed, don't do what I did and dive right into the wine. Your tolerance is even lower than you imagined, so just... don't.

Photo Credit: giphy.com

2. Hey, how come you never noticed that your relatives sucked so bad?

Because they really, really do. Maybe it's the hormones or maybe it's the way Aunt Mags can't shut up about your uterus and when you'll be stuffing another baby into it, but you will not come away from this with any great love for the people you were genetically saddled with.

Photo Credit: giphy.com

3. When's the last time you pooped?

Expect your tush-to-toilet time to be greatly drawn out by the addition of all of those delicious crescent rolls and anything with cheese in it.

Photo Credit: giphy.com

4. Water. Retention.

Feeling swollen? If you make the mistake of eating basically any of those delicious buttery potatoes or delectable gourd-flavored delicacies you won't be able to lace your shoes, if you were dumb enough to wear them. Of course this one was a wash for me, because on the one hand, uncomfortable bloating. But on the other hand, "mmmm pie."

Photo Credit: giphy.com

5. Do you mind if everyone watches you breastfeed?

You don't? Awesome! Now how about your weird, lecher second cousin five times removed who won't stop calling your breasts moo bags?

Photo Credit: giphy.com

6. No one cares about your new schedule

"Hey, everyone, let's have loud drunken conversation that begins at the precise moment that the baby goes down for a nap."

Photo Credit: giphy.com

7. Your clothes already don't fit

Those maternity pants you're still wearing because the world is full of lies and your baby didn't weigh 30 pounds don't even come with belt loops, let alone a belt that you can loosen for relief.

Photo Credit: giphy.com

8. You can't drink

Hey did I mention that there's nothing to dull the unpleasant sensation of being a new mom with an infant on Thanksgiving? Because there isn't.

Photo Credit: giphy.com

More on Thanksgiving

The ultimate Thanksgivukkah menu
Thanksgiving craft: Gratitude garland
Kids' gratitude board for Thanksgiving