The fast food chain's penchant for selling sandwiches via sex is nothing new, as the world has been subjected to many previous commercials by them, featuring Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton and Heidi Klum — all obviously well known for their love of eating greasy, fattening food. The women are usually in slinky clothes, bikinis or loosely fitted robes, which is what I usually wear when I'm eating hamburgers, so I totally get that part. Sometimes the women are lounging in a bubble bath or climbing on all fours to get to the sandwich, again all totally part of how one normally eats a burger.

Despite the fast food restaurant trying to attempt something new with Ronda Rousey, this ad is anything but "sweet." In fact, as someone who has suffered image issues and eating disorders, it surprised me to see the UFC champ agree to sign on to this at all, especially knowing Carl's Jr.'s track record when it comes to commercials.

More: Carl's Jr. hits an all-time low with super-sexist Super Bowl ad (VIDEO)

Rousey has not shied away from identifying as, in her words, a "badass feminist." She also purports to be a role model for girls, showing that being athletic and successful in a male dominated sport is possible. That's incredibly admirable, but doesn't quite fall in line with her allowing herself and her brand to be used in this way by Carl's Jr.. This can be confusing to young fans who may want to follow in her footsteps. There's nothing feminist or badass about being reduced to body parts to sell sandwiches.

Carl's Jr. does get bonus points for actually showing Rousey in the ring doing what she does best. But that doesn't make up for the fact that spliced in between her fighting shots are images of her eating a breakfast sandwich like it's the last man on earth. Carl's Jr. had an opportunity to change up their ads, use Rousey as a spokeswoman and show her in her element. Yet, they couldn't leave well enough alone and had to include the sultry style of eating with the sexual innuendos peppered throughout.

More: Ronda Rousey wants a guy who does nothing

These commercials degrade and devalue women, whittling them down to sexy mouths and fingers in order to sell some food. They become mere objects rather than actually people. While Carl's Jr. was on the right track, having a spokeswoman who has a different, more athletic body type than the previous ones, they still couldn't help themselves and strayed into their sexy lady stereotype.

And seeing Rousey take part is disappointing at best.

The fact that Mr. Robot was edgy, eerie and quite unique made it special, but now it looks like in the Season 1 finale, something even more unnerving has happened: The content of the episode appears to have predicted the WDBJ shootings.

This resulted in the USA Network pulling that episode and sending out a series of tweets stating, "The previously filmed season finale of Mr. Robot contains a graphic scene similar in nature to today's tragic events in Virginia."

Image: @whoismrrobot/Twitter

Looking back on TV history, it appears that this is not the first time a television show has unintentionally predicted real-life events of all kinds.

1. Scrubs predicts Osama Bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan

The brave Navy Seals who killed Osama bin Laden hadn't discovered him hiding there until 2011, but had they been Scrubs fans they would have seen that The Janitor (Neil Flynn) knew where Bin Laden was back in 2007.

2. Family Guy outs Bruce Jenner as a woman in 2009

OK, so they didn't know she was going to be named Caitlyn, but Seth MacFarlane somehow accurately predicted that Bruce Jenner was a woman. During the episode "We Love You, Conrad," which originally aired in May of 2009, Stewie tells Brian "Bruce Jenner is a woman. An elegant, beautiful Dutch woman."

3. The Simpsons predicts the FIFA Scandal

This one is eerie because it was almost a year to the day that The Simpsons somehow knew that the FIFA scandal was coming. The episode titled "You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee" aired May 30, 2014, and the FIFA scandal erupted in May of 2015. In this episode, a member of soccer's governing body tells Homer that corruption within the organization is everywhere and "I am about to be arrested myself," which he is, after showing us a "L'ESPN" newspaper headline, "SCANDALE de FOOTBALL."

4. Star Trek predicts Martin Luther King's assassination

How well do you know your history? If I told you that the Star Trek episode "Assignment: Earth" had a scene where Spock is reeling off a list of tragic events to come and adds that an "important assassination" is imminent, it would make your skin crawl to know that the date of that episode aired was March 29, 1968. Why is that so creepy? If you are good at historical dates, you will realize that the episode aired exactly six days before Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

5. Seinfeld predicts that nonfat yogurt makes you fat

OK, not all predictions have to be doom and gloom, although eating something you think is good for you and gaining weight can be gloomy. If you remember, in the Seinfeld 1993 Season 5 episode "The Non-Fat Yogurt," Kramer invests in a nonfat yogurt store and the gang can't stop eating it. However, they soon begin to pack on the pounds, learning that nonfat is a myth when in truth, the Harvard studies and subsequent research did not acquire this knowledge until the mid-2000s.

6. Rowan and Martin's Laugh In predicts the fall of the Berlin Wall

Your grandparents watched a TV show with comedy team Dan Rowan and Dick Martin that was sort of an early version of The Daily Show. In it they had a segment called News of the Future, where in 1969, Dan Rowan talks about what will be in 20 years, saying, "There was dancing in the streets today as East Germany finally tore down the Berlin Wall."

7. SNL Weekend Update predicts several aspects of Sept. 11, including Flight 93

On March 18, 2000, Weekend Update host Colin Quinn runs through several stories in a row that are creepy. One where he talks about a then-obscure figure, Osama bin Laden back to back with a story about President Bush, and ending in the most prescient story of all: he tells of fictitious airline passengers fighting off would-be hijackers of a flight that crashes anyway.

8. Family Guy predicts Robin Williams' suicide

In a 2012 "Viewer Mail #2" episode, Peter turns everything he touches into Robin Williams as the song "Rockin' Robin" plays in the background. In a dark turn of events, Peter, who can't take it anymore, repeatedly attempts suicide, finally succeeding in cutting off his own hands, metaphorically slicing his wrists.

9. The X Files spin-off The Lone Gunman predicts Sept. 11 accurately

I know, I know, lots of Sept. 11 predictions on this list, but this one is the most prophetic. In this spin-off, we see a plane flying into the World Trade Center. The episode revolves around a plot by compromised airliners with shadowy government connections to fly planes by a remote-control airliner into the World Trade Center. This show aired six months before Sept. 11, 2001.

10. Buffy The Vampire Slayer predicts Columbine

In 1999, an episode of the WB's teen hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer had to be pulled for its depiction of a school shooter reminiscent of the Columbine high school massacre. The episode was slated to run the same week as the actual school shooting. In the episode "Earshot," Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was endowed with the power to read minds and uncovered a mass-murder plot at the school.

When the Southern Women's Show announced that the 19 Kids and Counting star would be a special guest speaker, people expressed shock and disappointment in her inclusion.

More: Why the Duggars are way worse role models than the Kardashians

More: Jessa Duggar reportedly blames sex scandal for ruining her first pregnancy

Despite the protests, Duggar Seewald's appearance is scheduled to go on as planned.

More: Research on the Duggars' lifestyle and beliefs exposes shocking revelations

Despite once referring to presidential hopeful Donald Trump as a "shame pile of idiocy," the Anger Management star thinks the real estate mogul should choose him for a running mate.

It was just a month ago that Sheen posted this tweet condemning Trump.

More: Charlie Sheen tweets strange poem supporting Brian Williams

But now the admitted drug user and serial porn star dater with a criminal history thinks he and Trump would actually make a great team — and we can blame Owen Wilson for that.

In an interview with the Daily Beast, Wilson compared Trump to Sheen because they both have a habit of shocking and often inappropriate honesty.

"You can't help but get a kick out of [Trump], and I think part of it is we're so used to politicians on both sides sounding like actors at press junkets — it's sort of by rote, and they say all the right things," Wilson said. "So here's somebody who's not following that script. It's like when Charlie Sheen was doing that stuff — like, wow! He's answering a question completely honestly, and in an entertaining way."

Sheen took the comment to heart, so much so that it gave him an absolutely brilliant idea: He should be Trump's running mate!

More: Heidi Klum looks smoking hot while getting revenge on Donald Trump (VIDEO) 

Trump has not commented on Sheen's offer, but we certainly hope he brings it up tonight when he is interviewed by Sarah Palin, as she announced on Facebook today.

Yes, this a real thing that is actually happening.

More: Sarah Palin is more upset over "pedophile" Lena Dunham than Josh Duggar

The moment Dr. J walked in to the room, Champ stuffed his 85-pound self under my chair and pretended he didn't exist. It took a fistful of treats, a tug and a scratch behind his ears to coax him out of hiding.

Then began the exam of the problem area: the bump on his butt. I honestly thought it was nothing. He's 11 years old; weird things are bound to happen to his aging body. Shoot, my grandma grew skin tags. Totally harmless. Maybe the bump was just a hemorrhoid.

Champ, our Champ, was fine. He was eating and acting normally. It was just a bump. Only it wasn't.

It was a tumor, and there were more: one on the back of his neck, and one on his chest.

In June 2015, Champ had surgery to remove the tumors—and thankfully, those tumors were benign. He came out with a reconstructed booty that even Kim Kardashian would be jealous of, and he is even livelier than he was before the surgery.

Someone yelled "Dirty underwear!" and he went wild for an entire five minutes.

Because our Champ is a senior dog, we take special care to keep him happy and healthy. He's at that stage in his life in which the aging process is wearing out his joints, deteriorating his eyesight and hearing, and grizzling up his beard. Here's what you can do to help keep your senior dog happy and healthy through his golden days:

1. Take your dog to the veterinarian for at least one yearly wellness testing.

As much as my dog loves to hate the vet, it's the only way to make sure you're getting a thorough physical examination of your dog. This can also include urine and fecal exams and additional vaccinations. Wellness testing is particularly important in geriatric dogs, since an older animal has a greater chance of contracting a disease or developing an ongoing but stable condition that needs to be monitored.

2. Feed your dog a nutritious diet, including plenty of fresh water.

Remember when you were a teenager and could eat all the things and didn't gain a single pound… but now you just think of nachos smothered in cheese and poor life decisions and wham, 20 pounds later and you're reaching for your stretchy pants? Senior dogs are a lot like that. As they age, their nutritional needs change, too. Their metabolism slows down, and their activity may also change pace.

You may need to adjust how frequently they eat, increase their fiber intake, or decrease their portion sizes. Consult with your veterinarian to see what will work best for your dog.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

Just like with us humans, obesity causes many health problems, and may shorten your dog's life.

4. According to what he can physically do, make sure your dog receives adequate exercise.

In Champ's world, he plays "fetch the tennis ball" for an hour. In the real world, that's roughly five minutes. But every day, we take a gingerly stroll around our neighborhood so that he can mark his driveways. Do what they can handle.

5. Give your dog lots of love.

It should go without saying, but give them lots of love and attention. After all, no matter what they do, be it lounging on the couch snoring, or snuggling on your lap snoring, or lying by your feet snoring, or just staring at you with those adorable eyes: They spend their entire day filling your heart with happy.

While diversity gets a lot of attention, both in the press and within companies, it's facing an uphill battle — like trying to convince the drama kids that the science nerd is a great fit for the play.

Psychologists have studied the "us vs. them" bias for years. It's in our nature to assign people into one of two groups: like us or not like us. We think people who are like us are more competent and warm. This presents an automatic bias when it comes to hiring someone. With every interview or screening, a person, not a company, is evaluating whether or not you are in the "us" or "them" category — whether they realize it or not.

Diverse but the same

1. Focus on the similarities.

Yes, you may have been working in retail your entire career and now you want to get into an engineering group. Things aren't that different at the core of it. Make the connections in your resume and in your interview that highlight the similarities.

For example, I was working for a team of economists that looked down at my psychology degrees. In the interview and throughout the first months, I pointed out how the methodologies and the statistical models were similar for both disciplines. I also pointed out the economics was based on the decisions of individuals and groups — exactly what psychology sought to explain.

2. Bring something the team needs.

Maybe in high school, you had a barn with open space to build sets. Maybe you had a backyard with a half pipe. Tell people what you can bring to the team. Do you have a large network of past clients? Do you know a technology from the bottom up? Make it easy for the interviewer or company to understand how you can enhance their team.

3. Fit in with the team.

Know that everyone is thrown off their game when a new person joins the team, it's not just the newbie that needs to adjust. Team dynamics are sensitive, just like high school cliques. Highlight your ability to quickly build relationships, learn the culture, and start contributing on day one.

4. When in doubt…

Don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know the company or person. Showing an interest is the first step in breaking down biases.

5. Get motivated with these great reads about the benefits of diversity

• Five trends driving workplace diversity in 2015
• How diversity makes us smarter
• What if the road to inclusion were really an intersection?

Good luck in your job hunt!

Bad parenting is nothing new on Bring It, but the coaches aren't much better. Arguably, the most mature people on this show are the young dancers. They managed to conduct themselves with at least a little decorum during tonight's episode, which is a lot more than you can say about their coaches.

During a very important competition, Dancing Dolls coach Dianna and Lowndes County Dance Company coach McCoy got into a huge fight about whether their respective dances went over the time limit. Dianna made a point of counting LCDC's battle dances carefully, and according to her calculations, the team went over the time limit. But according to McCoy, it's really not a big deal if a performance is a few seconds too long. The LCDC coach assumed (perhaps correctly) that Dianna just needed something to nitpick because her rival was just too darn good.

More: Abby Lee Miller hit an all-time low encouraging shameful behavior

Interestingly enough, while Dianna was the one to bring up the issue of timing, this same problem ultimately ended up biting her team in the butt, as the reason for their loss was mainly their super-long entrance with the marching band. Next time, Dianna better think twice about approaching another coach and yelling her head off, as this just makes her look like a huge hypocrite and a poor sport.

More: Chrystianna needs to stop playing it safe

Twitter fans can't seem to agree about whether the Lowndes County Dance Company or the Dancing Dolls looked better. The Dancing Dolls brought challenging choreography and an ambitious concept to the football field, but the LCDC's performance was very clean. Fans have differing opinions about who deserved to come out on top, but most agree that the coaches were out of line.

It must be very embarrassing for the dancers to see not only their parents but also their coaches acting up. It's amazing that, surrounded by so many poor examples, these young ladies are so professional. It's time for Dianna and McCoy to observe the dancers' good behavior and follow suit. If they continue to scream at each other, it's only a matter of time before their impressionable young students do the same.

More: Selena Johnson acts more immature than her teenage daughters

Images: Lifetime

What did you think of Dianna and McCoy's behavior on Bring It? Sound off and share your opinion below!

To substitute eggs, I used buttermilk, which makes the loaf turn out extremely soft (and absolutely delicious). And you don't even need to go out and buy it: To make homemade buttermilk, just combine milk and vinegar, and set it aside for 10 minutes. Your buttermilk is ready.

I hand-kneaded the dough, which nearly 15 minutes. But if you are using a stand mixer, then you only need to knead it for 6-7 minutes. To get the lovely color, mix a little honey with milk and brush it on top of the dough before placing into the oven.

This is a mildly sweet loaf, which is perfect for toasting or using in bread pudding — or, of course, you can devour it as it is.

Egg-free brioche bread recipe

Makes one 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" loaf

Prep time: 20 minutes | Proof time: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Bake time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temp
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

For the milk wash:

• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix together milk and vinegar and set aside for 10 minutes. It will curdle. Your buttermilk is ready.
2. In a larger bowl, mix together flour, salt, sugar and instant yeast.
3. Make a well in the center and add buttermilk.
4. With a spoon, roughly mix the flour to incorporate the liquid. At this stage, the dough may seem a bit dry — but after you add the butter, the consistency will change.
5. Now add the butter and mix until it is incorporated into the dough. The dough will become very sticky.
6. Dust two tablespoons of flour on the counter and transfer dough to the counter.
7. Start kneading. Do not be tempted to add more flour. Keep on kneading for 15 minutes. Use a dough scraper to make kneading easier.
8. After kneading, the dough will become soft and elastic, and lose its stickiness. To test whether you've kneaded enough, take a small piece of dough and stretch until there is a thin film in the center. It should be sturdy enough not to break, but when you place it before light, it should be translucent. This is the windowpane test: If the dough passes, it is ready for its first proof.
9. Oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it and coat the top of the dough with oil. Cover with cling wrap and set aside until it doubles in volume. The time this will take depends upon the temperature of your kitchen — it will take less time if it's hot, and longer if it's cooler. If it is very cool in your kitchen, place the dough inside a warm oven with oven switched off. Do not over-proof the dough; keep checking it.
10. Once your dough has doubled in size, transfer dough to counter and press it to release the gas bubbles. Shape it into a 7" * 12" rectangle. Roll it tightly into a log, keeping the 7" width intact.
11. Place the roll seam side down in a buttered loaf tin. Cover with cling and set aside until it doubles again.
12. After 15 minutes, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, mix the honey and milk.
13. Apply a coat of this milk to the doubled dough. Place it in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes in the middle rack. The top will start browning fast. After 20 minutes, move the loaf to the lowest rack, cover with aluminum foil and bake for another 30 minutes.
14. Remove the brioche from the oven, and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, with the help of a spatula, loose the sides of the loaf in the tin and remove the loaf.
15. Let it cool completely on the wire rack. When it's cool, slice it evenly with a bread knife and enjoy!

QT with Hot Tub Jake

The first few minutes of this week's episode show Wilkinson meeting up for a "date" with another hunky I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! costar. This time, it was Jake Quickenden — a popular UK singer who gave Wilkinson an, ahem, steamy shoulder rub in the jungle.

More: Kendra on Top premiere highlights huge problems in Kendra & Hank's marriage

"The hot tub thing happened like two weeks in when I was so f***ing horny," Wilkinson says of her chemistry with Quickenden.

When he arrives, Wilkinson can't contain her excitement over spending the day with him. Later, at the bar, they start pounding drinks, and Wilkinson says she feels like "K. Dub" again. The affection between the two is pretty palpable, which Wilkinson realizes — she confesses she is extremely flirty with the sexy pop star.

Giggling, she points out she is "in the dating stage of my life again." Of course, she's being facetious (we think), because the camera then cuts back to Wilkinson's California home, where Baskett is tending to the couple's two small children, Hank Jr. and Alijah.

Meanwhile, back in Calabasas...

Baskett, for his part, seems genuinely down in the dumps until he gets a call from his former business partner and old friend Travelle, who Baskett calls an unbiased person. "I truly appreciate that about him," he says of his pal, solidifying plans to meet up for a meal later.

Shortly after, Baskett gets Rosa to watch the kids so he can meet Travelle for dinner. And, you know, I've not been Baskett's biggest fan throughout this journey (he didn't exactly make it easy on fans), but I must admit it's nice to get a picture of what life is like for him outside of Wilkinson — which, says Kendra on Top's executive producer, we'll be seeing more of this season.

"Hank's new career in the gaming industry has really been taking off, and it's something we will be incorporating more into the show as we go on," says the EP.

Confessions of a post-scandal, SAHD

Because Travelle is like a brother to Baskett, he feels comfortable venting at dinner about Wilkinson's visits with "Hot Tub Jake" and "Jungle Jimmy" during her London trip. One part of me wants to scoff, thinking, "What right does he have to be angry at Kendra after everything he put her through?" But another part thinks it is a good sign. Baskett loves his wife. If he wasn't made a little jealous by her UK shenanigans, wouldn't that be disconcerting too?

By any measure, Baskett makes it clear he is ready to move on — yet he can't help but feel like Wilkinson "pushes my buttons as some kind of punishment."

More: Kendra Wilkinson is now defending herself against cheating rumors (VIDEO)

To Travelle's credit, he doesn't just let Baskett off the hook. He presses, asking why his friend would put himself in a situation that jeopardized the things he is best at: being a father and husband. Unlike last season, when Baskett always seemed to skirt around the hard stuff, he answers directly, telling Travelle he was extremely depressed and exercised bad judgment.

Perhaps counseling is helping him process his emotions better. "Hank is seeing a therapist," explains Kendra on Top's EP, "and he and Kendra have been seeing a couples therapist who will appear in later episodes this season."

Planking <del>with</del> on the British Howard Stern

The rest of the episode flies by in a flurry of press appearances for Wilkinson, including one incredibly odd appearance on a BBC Radio show akin to our Howard Stern's.

Aside from the host making Wilkinson answer questions while planking atop him, the thing that stuck out most to me — and this may just be a matter of clever editing — was that Wilkinson seemed to default to sexual innuendo and commentary before she was ever prompted. Was it insecurity? Is she trying to deflect so people don't ask about Baskett and the affair? Curious. Very curious.

And even though Wilkinson has been covering a ton of ground during her UK trip, Kendra on Top's executive producer says that in reality, the bubbly blond mom was ready to wrap it up. "Kendra was there 10 days but was eager to get home to her family," says the EP. "She was missing too many milestones with her kids and wanted to get back."

After the radio show, Wilkinson gets a call from another family member she was missing — her dad Eric, who explained he had to have surgery on his neck and be in the hospital for a few days. It's clear this news visibly shakes Wilkinson up, as she only recently (and memorably) reunited with her dad after what essentially amounts to a lifelong estrangement.

Words of wisdom from Daddy dearest

"My dad being in my life actually inspired me a lot, because he is a very free-spirited person," she explains. And much like he did when we first met him last season, Eric busts out with some surprisingly insightful advice for Wilkinson regarding her marriage to Baskett.

"The longer you let that stuff go," he tells her, "the harder it is to mend." Preach, brother. Since Eric is obviously speaking from experience, it would behoove Wilkinson to mull his words over. However, the teaser for next week seems to suggest it might take a while for the message to sink in, as Wilkinson tells the camera about her behavior, "I want Hank to know how it feels."

Ruh-roh... sounds like trouble!

Echoes the show's EP, "Kendra's life these last few months has been a wild ride. Even those of us who work with her have no idea where it is heading — just when we think we know where her life is going, she turns it around. We are still filming as we speak, and anything could happen."

More: Hank Baskett "confronts" transgender model who assaulted him (VIDEOS)

During my most recent attack I was with my children at their Taekwondo class and having a decaf coffee while waiting around for them. That's all. No food, nothing. As soon as we started to leave the building, the pain began. It's a gripping pain and one that finds me doubled over and unable to stand up straight. Put another way, it feels like someone is trying to tie my intestines in knots. I was one step away from being sick, passing out, needing to phone a doctor — I wasn't sure. Trying to pretend to your children that you're not that bad really and you'll be OK in a minute is difficult, especially when you're worried. All I could think was "what has caused this attack?"

More: Caroline Quentin poisoned herself with gluten to get proper diagnosis

IBS attacks can come out of nowhere and knock you off your feet. I thought I had mine under control but the problem is that with IBS it's never that simple. There is no "one thing" that you can blame and it makes dealing with it that much more difficult. Was it the coffee? Could it be stress? I hadn't eaten properly since lunchtime and so I had the coffee on an empty stomach. I've found that having an empty stomach for too long triggers attacks too. Eating little and often is better for me. If I'm going out for a meal in the evening and I don't have a snack before I go out I will be in big trouble.

Over the years I've come to know my main triggers. One is the nightshade food group (potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers). Discovering you're allergic to tomatoes by having your lip swell up like a collagen implant gone wrong is one way of finding out; even better when you are on a second date with your new boyfriend (who happens to be my husband now so it wasn't as bad as it seemed). That was almost 20 years ago but I didn't give up the rest of the nightshades until around three years ago. I mean what's a salad without tomatoes and peppers? It took me a while to adjust to a life without these foods but, alongside a low sugar and predominantly gluten- and lactose-free diet, my symptoms are manageable. I also take a good quality probiotic every day.

More: 5 "Healthy" foods that can hurt your gut

After a friend offered to bring my children home that day I was able to lie down and let the spasms ease. There really is nothing else you can do because moving around only makes it worse. Have I learnt my lesson? Yes, of course, but that doesn't mean I can stop myself from getting stressed or rushing around. Instead I need to make sure I look after myself by eating regularly and getting some early nights in to recharge the batteries.

And if my symptoms don't calm down once the madness has stopped I'll have to look at other potential causes but, for now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I've worked out the reason for this flare-up. Because if there's one thing that I've learnt about IBS it's that you have to be vigilant, listen to your body and adapt as circumstances change.

More: 6 Foods to cut from your diet for better health

Do you suffer from IBS? How do you control your symptoms?

Yes, your 20s are the building block years of your future, but there is something they didn't tell us, too, something that is pivotal for our growth, for our sanity. Your 20s might be for building — but as a seeker, a dreamer, a visionary, you will spend your entire life building.

Now is the time for honing your vision for your future years. These are the years where we have the freedom to try, try and try again — to search, explore and play. We have the ability to test the waters and find the things that bring us the most life, the paths in which we thrive. Each step, each day, each conversation, each laugh is a block that helps build a foundation we can launch from.

Some of us pull together that foundation and clear vision sooner than others, able to go hard in our direction of choice. Some of us are entering the second half of our 20s thinking, "I still have no idea what I want to do," but I bet you know what you don't want to do, which is exactly my point. Relax. Allow yourself the time it takes to find your niche, and don't let it stop there.

If you hit that beautiful 30 and find you're still working toward identifying where you come alive, that's okay, too! You are an explorer and have found areas where you wanted or needed to spend more time learning. Your transition season will come, when you will either climb up onto the platform you've been building, or find the next block you need.

Either way, trust the process. Here are a few ways to make the most of your freedom years:

Identify your passions

What makes your heart beat fast? What areas of your life make you feel most alive? When do you feel that voiceless pull deep within your chest? If you aren't sure, that's okay! Take some time this week to look for those moments in your life.

Make a builder's list

These are the things that you want to build or help make stronger, things that are founded on your passions. They can be businesses you want to start, books you want to write, places you want to travel, people you want to work with or organizations you want to partner with.

Prioritize

I've come to understand that every opportunity is not a "yes" or a "no," but instead a "yes," a "no" or a "not now." Each of those options is both powerful and freeing. Using the power of yes, no and not now, you can prioritize projects, people and opportunity in a way that focuses your potential and expedites your growth.

Persevere and be fluid

Dude. It's hard. I know. Trust me, I know. But we can do this. Buckle down, make your list and go for gold. Use it as your guideposts and mile markers, and whenever you feel a bit foggy or confused, lay down, remind yourself are on a journey of learning and that there is no right or wrong answer, there is only growth. Sometimes new opportunity will surprise you — just remember that it's okay to try something new whether you are 20, 30, 50 or 80. Remember your passions, and be true to those!

These no-bake lemon-lime meltaways are the perfect cookie for vegans or anyone looking for something easy to satisfy that sweet tooth. They're soft and chewy and full of tangy citrus flavor, with a powdered sugar dusting to sweeten them up just enough. And the best part is that they take only 15 minutes to put together.

No-bake lemon-lime meltaways recipe

These sweet and tart no-bake treats use natural ingredients like coconut oil, fresh citrus juices and almond flour for an easy vegan dessert.

Yields 12

Prep time: 15 minutes | Inactive time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Wet ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw agave
• 1/4 cup melted organic coconut oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 limes, juiced

Coating

• Organic powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, combine all the wet ingredients. Mix very well.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
5. Using a small spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet.
6. Once all the meltaways are spooned out onto the waxed paper, place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
7. Remove from the refrigerator, and roll into balls, then roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat.
8. Enjoy immediately, or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

More no-bake dessert ideas

No-bake pineapple-coconut cheesecakes
21 No-bake chocolate desserts
No-bake red velvet cheesecake

1. Update with paint

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/3124810/Modern-Green-Seattle-Remodel-transitional-living-room-seattle'><img src='http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/94f194480137e7e4_8-3515/transitional-living-room.jpg' border=0 width='500' height='332' /></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/living-room' >Transitional Living Room</a> by <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-staging/c/Seattle--WA' >Seattle Home Stagers</a> <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/pro/seattlestagedtosell/seattle-staged-to-sell-and-design-llc' >Seattle Staged to Sell and Design LLC</a></small></div>

Image: Houzz.com

Paint the walls. The easiest, most affordable updates you can make to a room involve paint. "A fresh coat of paint can make a room look clean, and a drastic change in wall color can make the room look completely different," says Elizabeth Dodson, co-founder of HomeZada digital home management. Even changing the color of one wall — creating an accent wall — can make a space feel brand new.

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/6250759/Living-and-Entry-craftsman-living-room-seattle'><img src='http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/e8810838025dac41_8-2816/craftsman-living-room.jpg' border=0 width='500' height='334' /></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/craftsman/living-room' >Craftsman Living Room</a> by <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Seattle--WA' >Seattle Architects & Building Designers</a> <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/pro/boardandvellum/board-and-vellum' >Board and Vellum</a></small></div> 

Image: Houzz.com

Paint the trim. Don't stop at wall color. Painting your living room's dark wood trim can dramatically transform the space. Wood trim lends an old-fashioned feel to a home. Consider painting it a few shades darker (or lighter) than your wall color. Paint it white, cream or even black. Match it to a favorite rug, drape, pillow or home accent. Or run with a fun trendy color, like gray-blue or red-orange.

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/2382952/11th-St-traditional-living-room-dc-metro'><img src='http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/83c1470a00e9011a_8-7460/traditional-living-room.jpg' border=0 width='500' height='740' /></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/living-room' >Traditional Living Room</a> by <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/c/Washington--DC' >Washington General Contractors</a> <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/pro/thinkmakebuild/thinkmakebuild' >ThinkMakeBuild</a></small></div> 

Image: Houzz.com

Paint the furniture. Matching living room tables are definitely out of fashion, but there's no need to replace them. Paint them! Use milk paint or chalk paint for a shabby chic effect, or use a bright glossy hue in a paint sprayer to get a sleek, contemporary look.

More: How to paint furniture

2. Update the floor

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/771633/Walnut-Wide-Plank-Floor-traditional-living-room-new-york'><img src='http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/b851e2230f7c9a50_8-7236/traditional-living-room.jpg' border=0 width='500' height='346' /></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/living-room' >Traditional Living Room</a> by <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/professionals/carpet-and-flooring/c/Riverhead--NY' >Riverhead Carpet & Flooring</a> <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/pro/rbscorp/heritage-wide-plank-flooring' >Heritage Wide Plank Flooring</a></small></div>

Image: Houzz.com

Modern wood floors. "Changing a floor can transform the entire dynamic of a room," says Frank Santana of T.F. Andrew Dream Floors in Elmsford, New York. "Right now, we're seeing a remarkably high demand for wider plank wood products instead of the narrow plank wood floors often found in older homes." If wider planks or more exotic wood species are not in your budget, trying faking it. "Faux wood floors require much less maintenance," says Santana.

More: Pros and cons of hardwood flooring

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/1576614/Quirky-House-Renovation-eclectic-living-room-dublin'><img src='http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/eb71f01e005328e0_8-4228/eclectic-living-room.jpg' border=0 width='500' height='614' /></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/living-room' >Eclectic Living Room</a> by <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/dublin' >Dublin Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/pro/thinkcon/think-contemporary' >Think Contemporary</a></small></div>

Image: Houzz.com

Modern carpeting. If you prefer soft carpeting underfoot in the living room, consider replacing your dated rug with something more updated. Debbie Gartner, "The Flooring Girl," recommends these trending looks:

• Colors: Neutral grays and taupes, muted blues and teals, earthy greens
• Design: Patterns, textured loops, ribbed, striated, two-toned, geometric
• Features: Pet resistance, environmentally friendly, super-soft

You can go wall-to-wall with your carpet or utilize area rugs to define areas. If you're not ready to replace your existing carpeting, just layer a few new area rugs on top! Check out all of Gartner's carpeting tips!

More: How to design around an area rug

3. Update home accents

Home decor is fun and easy to update. And it's perhaps the least-expensive change you can make to your living room. "There are so many stores that provide a variety of home accents and using a new color scheme in the living room can make a big difference," says Dodson. "Swap out…

Image: Zazzle.com

… throw pillows. Display pillows that fit the season. Or have fun with quirky pillows that express your personality, like this Gerbera Daisies Pillow. (Zazzle.com, $38)

More: 29 Of the coolest pillows... ever

Image: LampsPlus.com

…table decor. Instead of old-fashioned crystal or brass decor, look for bright, contemporary pieces that will attract the eye — like the Key West Party Time Giclee Paley White Table Lamp. Again, let your personal style shine through with these little touches. (LampsPlus.com, $99)

More: 13 Animal decor accents that aren't tacky

Image: AllModern.com

…artwork. "It's easy to forget what we have hanging on our walls," says Dodson. Step back and observe your hanging pieces. Update them with edgy framed posters (like the DENY Designs "Punk Bird" wrapped canvas by Robert Farkas), funky portraits of the family or even pieces of your favorite fabrics! (AllModern.com, $22)

More: How to make your own cutout canvas wall art

When I rescued him, several dog-owning friends gave me unsolicited advice about how to train him to be a well behaved and "obedient" dog. Of course, like all of us, dogs need a certain amount of training and structure just to get through the day, or life would be total anarchy. But I wanted a furry friend, not a robot.

Dogs are different from children. I don't have to worry about my dog growing up and understanding the value of a dollar or being polite enough to say, "please" and "thank you." My only goal in raising my dog is that he spends his limited time on the planet as happy and healthy as possible. Showing him boundless love and making him always feel safe and comfortable is my sole responsibility in his world.

I remember sitting with him at the veterinarian's office after I'd just brought him home. He was still a hyper mess. An older woman with perfect posture was there — with her two poodles sitting as perfectly straight as she was — as my pup climbed all over me, trying to eat my purse. When the nurse came out to get Pete, he immediately peed on my lap. I knew I had my work cut out for me… but I also knew I didn't ever want him to sit in the vet's office like a statue of a dog instead of a sweet, affectionate little guy.

Today, he follows basic commands like "sit" and "stay," and is house trained. But he's still "spoiled." He still gets really excited when he sees new people, and can't resist the urge to jump up and kiss them — or roll around on the floor so they will feel compelled to rub his belly. But I'm not sure that's a pattern I want him to break, anyway.

The truth is, I don't really care if he sits on the couch or in my favorite chair. Before I got a dog, I was probably a lot more rigid — but maybe I was the one who needed to be trained. Life is messy, but it is a lot more fun with Pete around. If there is some dog hair on my furniture, big deal. I'm sure I could break him of that habit, but it is so much more important for me to have a happy home than to obsess over imperfection.

Pete has a playroom filled with toys, a car seat so he can come just about everywhere with me, and his own blanket on my bed. He even has his own shelf of healthy treats in the kitchen. To people who tell me not to spoil him too much, I say: Why not? People are constantly stopping me in the street to tell me what a happy dog he is. There is a reason for that: He feels loved.

1. Test dates

The tests your student will take depends on her age. Whether it's the PSAT, ACT or an AP exam, find out what's required or recommended for her age and whether you need to register. Some schools pay for students to take standardized tests at school during normal class hours; others require you to set it up yourself. Most tests are only given a certain number of times per year, so look into this early to select a date that works for your kid.

2. College admissions

Much like the standardized tests, staying on track with college admissions is very dependent on the student's age. Freshmen and sophomore students should begin looking at colleges and programs online. The wide variety of school options can be overwhelming, so starting the search sooner may save your child some stress.

If she's starting her junior year, try setting up school visits — and remember that much of next summer may be spent working on college applications. Students starting their senior year should be working on finishing and sending off college applications; after that, they should focus on maintaining academic excellence. A slump in senior year grades can impact college acceptance.

3. Life after school

Before too long, the school system your child is so accustomed to will disappear from her life. Whether she's done after high school, trade school, college or graduate school — eventually, her schedule will stop rotating around classes. Does she know what she wants to do then? Get the conversation rolling with open-ended, casual questions about her future.

Try thinking of some of the "adult" lessons that threw you for a loop when you went out on your own, and work them into conversation. Did budgeting leave you baffled? Have a talk about finance and help her come up with her own budget. Was cooking for yourself entirely new? Get in the kitchen together and teach her your favorite recipe. While these may seem unnecessary now, she'll likely thank you in the long run.

4. School social life

Before she knows it, she'll be out of high school: Make sure she remembers to enjoy it now! Talk to her about her social life, and discuss what uniquely high school activities she should try. Whether she's intrigued by pep rallies or theater performances, decorating the gym for prom or finally joining the yearbook staff, don't let her get too sucked into the academic stress and forget about the social aspect of high school.

For more tips and strategies to help your student succeed in school, visit varsitytutors.com.

I decided to tackle new ways to find natural or organically minded products that that really work. I came up with few easy strategies that prove that you really don't have to break to the bank to score quality skincare.

1. Review a product

It's very easy to score beauty products for free from up-and-coming skincare companies that want to get their products honestly reviewed. You can sign up at places like Swaggable, Influenster, and PinchMe. You don't need a blog or a site of your own, but having a social media account or two does help.

2. Snag an online deal

I've had some of my best luck with promo codes and online deals. These codes and sales can easily be found by spending a few minutes online at sites like Obey the Kitty, Retail Me Not, Goodsearch and the Sephora and Ulta Beauty online stores. If the promo code gives you a percentage off of the entire purchase and you have some time before it expires, save it until you're sure you have everything you want to buy — that way, you'll make sure you get the biggest discount on the total purchase.

3. Buy organic — really!

Did you know that organic and natural doesn't necessarily have to equal expensive? I was under that impression myself, until I started to take a deeper look. I did my own research on organic skincare and beauty and found that many times, the products were not only better for you, they were also more effective and less expensive, which equals more bang for your buck.

4. Try a sample

Not ready to commit to a full-sized item or hefty cost? That's okay! Even high-end brands have started to offer optional luxe-sized samples, or even travel-sized items, for sale — and at a reasonable cost, too. I love discovering a high-end makeup or skincare brand's ad offering a generous sample size just for stopping by! You can find these deals in magazines, or online at the retailer or brand's site.

5. Become a member

I'm a huge fan of free "points" memberships and clubs that give you perks just for signing up. Most programs won't cost you a dime to sign up, and they provide great extras like free products, sneak peeks and special deals. The reason why I'm such a fan? Because they actually work! Every time I make a purchase and get things that I'm going to buy already, I rack up points that earn rewards for free products I really want. A few memberships I'm part of — Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Tarte — give you a gift for your birthday, as well.

Find more beauty tips on The Beauty Closet blog.

These high-tech sex devices just make sex better for all involved, from the long-distance couple, to the single lady, to the couple who just wants to kick their sex life up a notch or two. Ladies, these will make your love life more satisfying than you ever imagined.

1. Glance app on Google Glass

Google Glass allows couples to see what the other sees, from their point of view, in real time. Just say "OK Glass, it's time" and Glance on Google Glass will stream what you see to each other. You are the only person who has a copy of the video if you save it. Otherwise, it's gone forever. Not hosted anywhere. What is Glance? Moments are more beautiful when we experience something we've never seen before. Glance makes even the simplest experiences more special, surprising and delightful. With the app on iPhone, capture two videos and it lets you watch them simultaneously, side by side. Two perspectives in the same place.

2. SugarDVD

If you're into porn, take a look at this company that gave it a digital makeover, taken a once-taboo industry and raised it to the next level in the digital revolution. The movie streaming company has already developed an app to watch porn on Oculus Rift, the virtual-reality headset. Finally, you can immerse yourself completely! However, with full immersion, there is a higher risk of sexual addiction with all this stimulating sexual imagery. Buyers beware.

3. HappyPlayTime

This app is a sex education game aiming to eliminate the stigma around female masturbation. Happy is your friendly neighborhood vulva. Sexuality is one of the most basic instincts of human beings, and loving your body is a beautiful thing that shouldn't warrant shame or secrecy.

Being comfortable with your own sexual pleasure is a prerequisite to both being able to accept pleasure from others, and pleasing others. How can you exchange pleasure with someone else if you don't understand what your own body likes? Learning how to masturbate is a fundamental life lesson.

This app is perfect for teaching a woman exploring her own sexuality all about her own body. In fact, I think this app should come standard on the phone of every girl over 18.

4. OhMiBod

The company recently announced a new app for controlling its devices via smart watch. The app, which will host biofeedback functionality in the company's line of Bluetooth-enabled blueMotion massagers, will track a user's enjoyment through the person's vital signs while offering better wireless product control, including preset and individually recorded vibration patterns. The best part is, your partner can control it from the other side of the planet. This could be the tool that makes long-distance relationships thrive.

5. Autoblow 2

What has two thumbs and loves blow jobs? Every man you know. The Autoblow 2 is an oral sex tech toy for men. The new and improved Autoblow 2 sets a new standard in realistic solo experiences, or it can be used by your partner. I don't know about you, but I can almost always get down with sex but I really have to be in the mood. I think the Autoblow 2 is great for satisfying your favorite guy's BJ craving while not necessarily having to do all the "heavy lifting." So give your arm a rest and allow the Autoblow 2 to work a load or two out, automatically. Bada bing bada boom, everyone's happy.

These five innovative, new high-tech sex toys will definitely rev up your sex life. What's your favorite sex game to add some spice to your love life?

I like the idea of beginning to discuss the school year upon beginning to buy new school supplies. Preparation for school means buying school supplies, organizing schedules, packing lunches — and preparing emotionally for change and adjustment. You can start discussions at dinner about expectations and thoughts on meeting new classmates, new teachers, and adjustments to spending the day in a schedule.

Ask your elementary-school child, "What are your thoughts about the third grade? How can you begin to make new friends? What do you expect to do when you are feeling sad or missing home?" Teens might need a discussion about study habits and peer pressure, while the littler ones might need some direction on what to do if they are missing a parent.

Whatever your child's age, it's best to initiate honest conversations about how the school year will begin. These allow your child to open up and share feelings and thoughts about the first day, or maybe even the entire year. It might also help to discuss social skills and bullying before your child enters the classroom. Give her coping tools and a clear plan for what to do if she feels sad or hurt by another classmate.

It's great to get the communication started before school starts, but even if your child is already in school, you still discuss problems or issues that could arise as the year gets into swing. Help your child become emotionally prepared by going over possible scenarios. For example, you could talk through how your child might feel about a new classmate, discuss what to do if she feels angry, practice social skills through role play, and explore what do if she's anxious or nervous in class.

We need to do a better job at preparing children and teens to have a successful year not only academically, but emotionally. Open up discussion now about potential challenges at school, and guide your child to have a plan. The stability that these beginning-of-school conversations provide will help her to sail through the year with planning and communication.

1. Know what you want

When I started online dating, I thought I just wanted to have fun, hang out and meet people. Great! Except that I was so unclear about what I wanted that I responded to far too many messages — wasting my time, and confusing the guys who messaged me.

I'm not much of a driver. And I wanted a guy I could see during the week without a big hassle. Most of the online daters I know have specific distance requirements. I should have been realistic about mine form the start. Several guys didn't like my requirement that they live within a half hour of me, but that's what I could live with (unless they wanted to relocate).

Are you looking for marriage, a boyfriend or a casual friendship? I didn't really know when I started online dating. But I soon came to realize I wanted a committed relationship. Once I knew that, I could screen my responses better, leaving out guys who wanted casual dating, or multiple partners, or… well, there are some interesting arrangements out there.

I'm offline now, but if I go back on, I will have a clear idea of what I want from the start.

2. Don't spend weeks emailing

Some guys wanted to know everything about me before meeting up. Where did I see myself in 20 years? How would I characterize my romantic history? My favorite brand of toothpaste? The questions droned on. They offered their own heartfelt, but lengthy, responses. Note to all us former honor roll students: This is not an essay exam, and you don't have to answer these questions.

Other fellows seemed to be traveling for months, but they wanted to keep an email conversation going. This entailed lots of checking in, chatting about our day, sharing our expectations, discussing our mutual dislike of business travel.

But these pre-meeting discussion may all be a waste of time. You may never meet up. Or you could meet, but there's no spark. Or find nothing to talk about after all that early sharing.

One fellow went on about his egalitarian philosophies, but then refused to meet me halfway: It was drive to him or nothing. I could have found that out sooner by suggesting a meeting. A couple fellows who were traveling never followed up with me when they got back home.

I learned not to let these pre-meeting emails ramble on. If the initial messages appear promising, it's time to suggest a call or meeting.

3. Never accept nebulous meeting times

Some guys proposed a first meeting on a day they claimed to have free time, saying they'd text me that day with the meeting time. And on that day, I heard… nothing. After I'd arranged my day so I wouldn't be covered in gardening dirt or exercise sweat around the meetup. Which never happened.

I hadn't insisted on a set time, because I wanted to seem flexible and chill. But these non-materializing dates really messed up my day. Next time, I will insist on a set time. After all, I wouldn't accept an all-day window from the phone company or a repair person.

So: Know what you want, screen people by those criteria, do not let emailing drag on and agree to set meeting times. (And if he seems that wonderful, you can always make an exception.)

Some of my favorite quotes come from Hollywood’s original leading ladies. Although they gave us many memorable lines on-screen, it’s their noteworthy words from behind the camera that encourage me most. More than just icons of beauty and glamor, they had some important things to say about life, love and happiness. And most important, the happiness you find within yourself.

Timeless wisdom that every woman should live by, their personal insights leave an empowering impact that will uplift you.

Image: WENN

1. “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”

— Lucille Ball

2.  “Be yourself. The world worships the original.”

— Ingrid Bergman

Image: WENN

3. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!”

— Audrey Hepburn

Image: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

4. “Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.”

— Sophia Loren

Image: WENN

5. “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

— Judy Garland

Image: WENN

6. “I never say 'never' and I never say 'always'.”

— Grace Kelly

Image: Wikimedia

7. “Taking joy in life is a woman’s best cosmetic.”

— Rosalind Russell

Image: WENN

8.  “A girl doesn’t need anyone that doesn’t need her.”

— Marilyn Monroe

Image: WENN/MANDER MITCHENSON

9. “I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.”

— Katharine Hepburn

Image: WENN

10. "Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work."

— Bette Davis

Image: WENN

11. "It's not the having, it's the getting."

— Elizabeth Taylor

So if you’re looking for some guidance or just a personal pick-me-up, remember what these smart sirens from the silver screen had to say. They understood what it meant to be a woman and did it with a remarkable grace that has endured through the decades.