She had met several people online who seemed interesting on the surface. But with further discussion, she realized one was already in a long-term relationship, and the other had a fetish she just could not fathom. My heart sank for her. I understand all too well the emotional frustration of dating as a single mom. In fact, in my on and off years online trying the dating thing, I have consistently come across five types of men who seem to prey on single moms.

I have never felt as undesired as a woman as I have as a single mom. There, I said it. It is not a scarlet letter, but it is a piece of neon "baggage" alerting men to the complications of the package deal. Now, I am one of those single moms who does not introduce my kids to men. Like, at all. I don't believe in bringing people into their lives if they may not stay in mine. So I add my own barrier to dating in that respect.

I still have hope that one day, a nice man will want to take me to dinner with no expectations for after, and actually get to know me. But as a mom to three daughters, I am finding it harder and harder to find any quality man for one date, much less a relationship.

I did an experiment once, with a profile that did not mention at all that I had kids. I had a TON of interested guys. But once we got to talking, and I mentioned my mom status, they all — and I mean, every single one — said they did not date women with kids, and that I was a horrible person for not mentioning it in my profile. So I added it back, and the same types of men came after me again.

I am not online anymore, conceding to the happenstance meeting should I ever go out without my children again, but I can tell from social media that they are still there.

1. The marrieds

After the Ashley Madison hack and release of all information, which spawned suicides, further falls from grace for celebrities and the best year for divorce attorneys everywhere, we now know that an enormous number of married men are online. Non-affair websites are no exception. The sad stories of the supposed neglect in their marriages are everywhere.

Two types of marrieds always thought I was fair game, even though my profile clearly stated that they must be unattached in any way: the "open" marrieds and the "affair" marrieds. The open marrieds claim to have an open marriage and want to pursue a relationship Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. Not very "open," if you ask me. The affair marrieds want the same, but with so much discretion that the "dates" only take place in one place: a hotel room.

Basically, married men seem to love single moms. I don't care what I put in my profile, this was always the number-one status of men who contacted me, no matter what site they were on.

2. The sex-onlys

These are the guys who want you to, literally, meet for a drink and then head to a hotel room. The ones who proposition you from the start. They want the sexting and the verbal play that excites them. They want the naughty photos texted (please, don't ever do that!), and they want sex to be all you have in common. I get the "meet me for a drink and we'll see where it goes" email all the time. I reject them, flat out!

3. The nonmonogamous

There are the guys who want to date you, someone else and then someone else. They don't want a commitment. They want friends with benefits only. These guys may be fun for a date or two, especially if you are not looking for a full-on committed relationship, but they will drop you in a heartbeat if one of their "other" friends with benefits has a better offer for a night out! I tried this one time, and will never do it again. It is like dating a married: very frustrating, and demeaning, in the end.

4. The liars

These are legion. Many men just lie. They are married when they say they are not; they're in a relationship when they say they are not. They are evasive when you ask questions that should be common knowledge, and they often change plans at the last minute. I used to ask a series of questions, and if a red flag for lying came up, I stopped talking to them.

If you're dating one of these guys, it can be hard to tell. A safe rule is that if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. When you're dating someone, they should easily tell you things about themselves without a lot of excuses to go with it.

5. The control freaks

Oh, these guys. They're the ones who want to talk to me all day and all night. The ones who start talking about when they get to meet the kids and start to fill a dad role. The ones who, even before the first date, start questioning your lifestyle and friends. They want to move in, adopt the kids and take over your life so it matches what they want. They reject nights out with your friends, underhandedly insult what you love and make you feel like it's somehow your fault if you don't agree with them on something.

I love these guys, because they solidify my decision to not marry or allow anyone into my kids' lives right now. Most single moms these days don't need someone to come in and take over. We got this, and we're pretty proud of what we have built!

I don't really date online anymore, though I still get the urge to check in when I think "this time will be different." I don't think it is all that safe for me or my kids, anyway. And after several attempts, nothing solid has come from it... except that, every time I try, I am immediately bombarded by these five types of men.

It was different before I was a mom. I met many men online, and had great dates! I'm not sure what about being a single mom has depleted the quality pool, but it sure seems to be the case.

If you want love in your life, be love.

Take yourself out on a date. Make yourself a delicious home-cooked meal. Buy yourself chocolate or fresh flowers. Take a bubble bath and light candles. In other words, romance yourself. Treat yourself to a massage, reiki session or trip to your favorite park or museum. Go to the movies. Write yourself a love poem. Make a cup of green tea. Buy yourself that rose-scented facial cream. Whatever makes you feel loved by others, do those things for yourself. You'll see those icky feelings of neediness, desperation and fear dissolve from your life and clear space for more love.

Some of the most powerful things you can do to love and honor yourself don't cost one penny.

8 More steps toward your new reality

1. Forgive yourself — You did the best you could at the time. I forgive you.
2. Accept yourself, flaws and all — You look beautiful today.
3. Be your own standard of beauty — You decide what's beautiful.
4. Validate yourself — You are good enough.
5. Be proud of yourself — Great job today!
6. Listen to yourself — You already know the answer. Just listen. Trust.
7. Let yourself rest and relax — Learn to be still. Allow yourself time to recharge your batteries.
8. Tell yourself, "I love you" — Look in the mirror and say, "I love you." Beating yourself up is no longer acceptable. It's a new day. Choose love.

Why these steps work to improve your life

There have been times in my life where I wanted to hear and feel these things so badly from another person. We can't control anything outside of our own thoughts and behavior, so if you're desperately craving love, attention, affection and forgiveness, give it to yourself first. It's also the quickest and easiest way to attract it into your life. The simple concept takes practice and commitment.

I used to think, "When I get that job/money/relationship/house/ring/apology, I'll be happy."

That mentality translates into: I will never be happy. Yikes!

The trick to having everything you want flow into your life is to be happy now! That is one of my favorite lessons from the late, great Dr. Wayne Dyer. Let me say it again, "Be happy now." Let that sink in for a second: be happy now.

Dyer would say, “Act as if… ” you already have and are everything your heart desires. That's the sure-fire shortcut to attract abundance of any kind into your life. Be a magnet for miracles — not a repellant to them.

Having an abundant life happens when you align the thoughts you think on a consistent basis with the energy you put into the universe and with your actions. Commit to dwelling in a high-vibe, loving, joyful state and watch the beautiful people and situations you attract. Your daily life will feel more uplifting and fulfilling. Dwelling in this higher vibrational state can seem difficult at first, but commit to feeling your best and living the life of your dreams. The life you create will be well worth the effort, and you will get better and better at returning to your happy place quickly in times of stress.

Much peace, love and hugs!

Kate

P.S. Want more inspiration? Check out my blog: kateeckman.tv

But Los Angeles-based writer Kevin McDevitt hopes to change that with his hilarious (and educating) parody of Taylor Swift's smash hit "Bad Blood."

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McDevitt's video "Good Blood" is based on his experience going through a 2014 bone marrow transplant to treat his aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The transplant came after years of lethargy and a series of scary incidents that sent him in for testing.

"I knew something was wrong when I was getting very fatigued and even developing carpal tunnel-like symptoms," McDevitt told Yahoo Health. He figured it was burnout and took some time off to rest, but that only worked for so long. "My doctor thought it might be a stomach issue, as my blood test results at the time were normal." His condition continued to deteriorate, and he developed large bruises — a common sign of low platelets.

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The main focus of the video isn't about him, though: Its purpose is to get people to register with BeTheMatch.org, a service that pairs people in need with those willing to donate bone marrow. McDevitt is lucky that his sister, Megan, was a match, but others aren't so fortunate

"My friend Shahonna (from the video) has been looking for a match for 20 years," he told Yahoo Health. "It’s a cold world sometimes; you definitely learn that at the transplant ward. But an organization like Be The Match represents hope for the many patients who aren’t lucky enough to have a sibling match."

More: Biotech company claims jellyfish protein can improve memory

The lyrics he created and performed with his wife are timed pretty amazingly to the original song and, paired with some fancy cinematography and editing, make his video efforts are as entertaining as they are educating. "Spend 3-5 minutes on BeTheMatch.org’s form, then they mail you the swab, you swab and mail it back. My video shows it in about 7 seconds — that’s how simple it is," he said.

The look might be super trendy, but more and more men are seeing dermatologists because their hair is falling out and they're freaking out. "It's really, really common," Jackson, Mississippi, dermatologist Sabra Sullivan told Mic of the condition known as traction alopecia. "I see it probably once or twice a week."

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My response to the crisis? Duh. Millions of women — especially women of color and those with super fragile hair — have experienced traction alopecia resulting from years of pulling hair back into tight updos or constantly adding too-heavy extensions. The intense pressure on the follicle leads to eventually hair shedding and possible follicle death or scarring — and once it's gone, it's not coming back.

Take my hair, for instance. I've fought with my hair for years, thanks to the blessing and the curse that is naturally curly hair. I was teased mercilessly in school for having "big" hair, so the only way I knew to combat the bigness was by pulling it back into a tight ponytail accessorized with about nine gallons of hairspray. Over the years, this hairstyle formula led to constant breakage and small hairs wisping in the breeze at the nape of my neck and on my front hairline. Not only that, but I recently compared photos of my hairline from a few years ago to more current shots, and the position of it is noticeably receded (at least to me). And there are spots on the back of my head where I can see a definite thinning of the hair. Not good.

More: Stop telling me to cut my hair just because I'm over 40

Lucky for me, I have a lot of hair, so unless someone is specifically looking for signs of baldness, they're not going to notice anything. But that doesn't mean I don't worry about the state of my hair 10, 15 or even 20 years down the line. I have stopped wearing my hair up as much, but old habits certainly die hard when you have a bunch of unruly curls and hit the gym on the regular.

So, take my advice: Ease up on the tightness. I'm not saying you can never wear a cute topknot or sleek pony again, but just don't do it every day. Otherwise, you'll be investing in plenty of bobby pins to cover breakage and cover spots where hair just won't grow anymore.

And that goes for you too, man bun connoisseurs.

More: New book teaches women to love our hair despite all beauty standards

How things have changed. Now I'm a mum of three and I live in a world where children expect to be entertained for the entire time they are awake. Did I miss out by not having the opportunities that today's children have or is there a lot to be said for a simpler life?

Here's why I'm glad I was a child in the '70s and not today.

More: Living in a flat might make your child obese

1. No 24/7 TV channels or electronics

My children don't believe me when I tell them that there weren't any television programmes in the afternoons AT ALL when I was a kid. And they can't believe there were just three channels and children's programmes only came on for a couple of hours in the morning and then again in the evening. Instead of being glued to screens indoors, we spent time outside with our friends and, even in winter, we would stay out until the bitter end, using only the light of the street lamps to play.

More: How to create a mobile phone contract for your kids

2. We played real-life physical activities

I'm very strict about electronics and we don't have an X-Box or Wii or anything like that. Tablet time is restricted to car journeys because even I am smart enough to know that three hours playing eye spy is no fun for children or parents. But in the '70s, fun was made using only a ball and the edge of the pavement, playing rounders in the field or racing up and down the streets. Kids played on bikes, roller boots, skateboards and the like for real, not electronically. My children have all of these things in our garage but they're not the natural option to pick up and play with.

3. No homework or after school clubs

We didn't go to after school clubs and we rarely had homework. Now parents are expected to put so many extra hours into our kids' education. Whether that's because standards are higher or the teachers don't have time to teach them everything, I don't know. Homework at junior level has always been a real bugbear of mine. There's plenty of time for doing homework when you're at senior school and being out discovering the real world for yourself is just as important.

4. The freedom to play unsupervised

No one is comfortable letting their children out of their sight anymore. I don't think the world is a more dangerous place either — I remember being exposed to what was going on in the world from a very young age. It may have been a consequence of only having limited television channels to watch but I heard about various serial killers and murderers during my younger years. I grew up with an innate fear but in a way it made me more streetwise and savvy. Nowadays we protect our children from all that is bad in the world and we personally escort them everywhere they need to go. They don't have the same amount of independence that we did. I'm not saying we were left to our own devices but letting your kids "get on with it" was a common attitude.

More: 15 Vows to my child this school year

Ultimately children are a product of the environment around them and today's children are growing up in a digital world.

What do you think — would you rather be a child now or back in the '70s?

Contestants have to pass a psychological exam that proves they are mentally ready for a long and grueling couple of months. But a mental test given in a controlled environment in no way prepares you for the real-life pressure that awaits you once the race begins.

More: Facts about all the new The Amazing Race contestants

Green Team: Pity party of two

In the 26 previous The Amazing Race seasons, there have never been as many tears in the first leg as there were tonight. We weren’t 25 minutes into the race before Justin from the Green Team started stressing out. Next thing we know, waterworks.

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And Justin! You’re from the Bronx! You’re a tough guy! I'm not sure what annoyed people more, the tears or the cockiness that came out of him. Let me clarify: Not only have there never been as many tears in the first leg of the race, but a man has never been the first to spring them. And before you hate on me, I am not against men who cry. It was just... awkward.

Lucky for Justin, he has a strong fiancé who was able to calm him down enough to get his head somewhat back in the game. I get it, Justin. You beat everyone else and won the advantage of getting the one flight that was 30 minutes ahead of everyone else. Except your flight was delayed by 20 minutes and the other team's flight was early by five minutes — so in the end, you guys were only five minutes ahead, not 30. I’d be stressed, too. At least a little. But not enough to cry — yet.

More: 9 Burning questions with The Amazing Race’s Rochelle and Mike before the finale

But Justin and Diana prevailed (thanks for the pep talk, Diana!) and got to the first clue stop where they had the option for a Fast Forward. Green Team chooses the Fast Forward and head to a hang gliding spot, where they have to wait because the wind is too high and, therefore, too dangerous to go out. And they wait some more until the guide finally tells them there’s no way they’re flying, it’s too dangerous. So they have to head back to the clue box and pick up their first clue — way behind all the other contestants.

But if you think the Green Team was the only team bubbling up with emotions, you’d be wrong. Team Cheerleaders did nothing to dispel misconceptions about cheerleaders, and Twitter was exploding over it:

They did great all the way up to the Volleyball Challenge, and halfway through it, they had an emotional breakdown over how frustrating it was to be "so close." Girls, the only thing you were close to was the sand as it flew around you from missing shots. This breakdown led them to go back and try the puzzle challenge, and this is where, somehow, the Green Team comes racing in ecstatic to find they actually had a shot in the dark of not losing the first leg, tears and all!

I'm pretty excited for this season of The Amazing Race, and starting off in Rio was awesome. However, I had some side observations beyond the tear-fest:

1. What was with the white bathing suits? The color white only looks good on so many people.
2. Why were so many people confident they could beat the Rio volleyball team just because they could only use their feet and heads? Did they miss the part about soccer being the most popularly played sport?
3. When the Reporters were racing to the airport and speaking in their TV voice, all I could think was: "If they do this the whole time, I’m outta here."
4. The Dancers flying over Rio and calling the one part the "ghetto" of Rio? Hysterical.

That’s it for the first leg! See you guys at the next stop!

Zolciak has never been one to easily be knocked down, and her recent health issues are no exception. The Dancing With the Stars star recently released this statement for her fans: "I want to thank everyone for their love and support over the past few days. I am now home with my family, resting and taking care of my health. I can't express enough how much I love dancing and this whole experience, and I hope this will not be the end of dancing."

More: Kim Zolciak posts heartwarming photo from hospital bed

Whether or not we will see Zolciak tomorrow night on Dancing With the Stars is up in the air. Fans hope she will be there but the latest reports from her doctors weren't clear. Zolciak's recovery is being monitored and discussed between her doctors, and the decision to let her travel has not yet been made.

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Reality TV fans are loving watching their favorite Real Housewives star compete for the mirror ball trophy. Zolciak has won favor with fans for her role on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Don't Be Tardy prior to her performances on DWTS. She earned respect after her last performances when her score improved so dramatically.

More: Kim Zolciak surprises with strong DWTS performance

How do you feel about the latest Kim Zolciak medical drama? Do you think she should jump on a plane and fly to Los Angeles in order to compete on Monday night, or should she withdraw from the competition and heal? Give us your opinion below!

But that's exactly where one celebrity hair pro found the inspiration for her latest hair color trick. "I've been trying to re-create gasoline or oil when it's on the ground and it rains," colorist Aura Friedman told PopSugar of her "oil slick" creation. "I find that when you take a dark purple and a dark green and layer them one on top of the other, you end up with this iridescent feeling."

More: 8 Big mistakes you’re making when you dye your hair yourself

Also known as the "duck feather," this color trick is made specifically with brunettes in mind because it doesn't require a time-consuming and hair-ruining bleaching process first. "You don't have to lighten it so much to get it there, so your hair will be in better condition," Friedman said of the look that's dramatic enough for the cooler fall and winter months.

More: Hair stylist creates heart-shaped bun that's easier than you think (WATCH)

Plus, you can make it dramatic with bold highlights.

Or more subtle with a "did she or didn't she get highlights?" sort of glow.

To get the look when you get to your stylist's chair, Friedman recommends asking for a "shiny, blackish base with color peeking through."

The only downside seems to be the time involved with creating the look. According to some Instagram posts I looked at, time in your colorist's chair could range upwards of four hours (!!) to get the right sort of hue.

More: How to cut your own bangs without it ending in disaster

On the upside? Unlike pastel highlights, these will last for several months, so you won't have to get touchups as often. Between this and the new peacock trend, it looks like I'll be wearing rainbow locks for the foreseeable future.

While that may seems like a lot, it's rather small compared to other types of bacterial diseases. However, health officials in Kansas City, Missouri, have confirmed 150 cases of the disease this year — way up from their average of 10 cases per year. Most of those infections came after July 1.

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And it's not exactly something you want to contract. The different types of Shigella bacteria are generally transmitted through contaminated food or water or through contact with someone already infected. Shigella can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramping with "explosive blood-lost stools" and "high spiking fevers up to 104, 105 degrees Farenheit," Kansas City Health Department Media Spokesperson Bill Snook told Fox 4 KC.

Yikes.

It affects the young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems the most, though luckily, shigella can be generally be treated through a course of antibiotics supplemented with plenty of rest. Doctors are generally the only ones who can diagnose shigella.

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Though health officials haven't speculated what caused the sudden spike, "we always develop resistance to different bacterial organisms so it's really important that we are able to identify what type of shigella it is and how to treat it best," Scott Dattel, M.D., told Fox 4 KC.

Should you be worried about contracting shigella if you don't live in Kansas City? As with any illness, it's important to play offense with both your health and the health of your children. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, and use paper towels to dry off.

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And if you still get sick? We're headed into prime cold and flu season, so make sure you get to the doctor as soon as possible to cut down on your suffering — and to avoid passing it on to others.

Warm apple crisp recipe

Serves 6 (150 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

For the apple mixture

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Zing™ Baking Blend

For the crumble mixture

• 2 teaspoons flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup diced almonds
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 3 teaspoons Zing™ Baking Blend
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a bowl combine the apples, lemon zest, water, cinnamon and Zing™ Baking Blend, and place in the pan.
4. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, oats, almonds, butter, Zing™ Baking Blend and cinnamon until well combined.
5. Sprinkle over the top of the apples.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.

Up Next: Cinnamon-pumpkin bar recipe

This post was brought to you by Zing™ Baking Blend.

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Cinnamon-pumpkin bar recipe

Yields 15 (120 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 4 tablespoons Zing™ Baking Blend

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and Zing™ Baking Blend.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, applesauce, vanilla, oil and pumpkin.
4. Mix together wet and dry ingredients.
5. Add to your non-stick-sprayed pan.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.

Up Next: Vanilla bean cheesecake bites recipe

This post was brought to you by Zing™ Baking Blend.

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Vanilla bean cheesecake bites recipe

Yields 15 (50 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Zing™ Baking Blend
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, Zing™ Baking Blend, vanilla and vanilla bean paste, and mix till smooth.
3. Add both egg yolks, and mix.
4. Fold in the flour.
5. In separate bowl, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, and then fold into the vanilla mixture.
6. Line a mini cupcake pan.
7. Pour the batter into the cups 3/4 of the way.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.

Up Next: Stuffed baked apple recipe

This post was brought to you by Zing™ Baking Blend.

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Stuffed baked apple recipe

Yields 4 (150 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 4 small Granny Smith apples
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 2 teaspoons Zing™ Baking Blend

Directions:

1. Using a melon baller, scoop out a 1-inch-deep circle from each apple.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, pecans, oats, cinnamon, cardamom and Zing™ Baking Blend.
3. Place a heaping scoop of the mixture into each apple.
4. Place the apples in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20 minutes.

Up Next: Caramelized pear cake recipe

This post was brought to you by Zing™ Baking Blend.

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Caramelized pear cake recipe

Yields 12 (167 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Zing™ Baking Blend, divided
• 1 large pear, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Add melted butter to a 9 x 9-inch pan.
3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Zing™ Baking Blend over the butter.
4. Arrange the pear slices in a single layer on top of the Zing™ Baking Blend mixture.
5. In a large bowl, beat the flour, baking powder, salt, remaining 1/2 cup of Zing™ Baking Blend, water, oil, vanilla and egg with an electric mixer on low speed until well mixed.
6. Pour the batter over the pears.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven, and immediately place a heatproof serving plate over the pan. Flip the pan upside down, and leave the pan over the cake for a few minutes.

This post was brought to you by Zing™ Baking Blend.

Here are seven ways to promote a healthy lifestyle.

1. Keep a good attitude

• Notice your words and try not to use the words always and never.
• Look at things as they are — but not worse than they are.
• Try to see difficulties as temporary.

2. Have purpose

• Get a blank sheet of paper — or open a Word doc.
• At the top of the page, write, "What is my true purpose in life?"
• Write an answer — whatever pops into your head. It doesn't have to be a complete sentence.
• Repeat step three until you write an answer that makes you cry.
• You have found your purpose.

3. Eat right, get enough sleep and stay engaged

• Engage with like-minded people.
• Find support systems.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Don't drink too much alcohol.
• Respect your body.
• Have fun.

4. Use it or lose it

• Do a physical exercise every day (walking for 30 minutes counts!)
• Take a yoga class (chair yoga counts!)
• Go outside and breathe fresh air.
• Get up and move around, even if you're just stretching or walking between rooms.

5. Make sure blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes are under control

• Get a yearly physical.
• Follow your doctor's orders — or get a second opinion if you really disagree.
• Eat healthy and nutritious foods.
• Listen to your body when it seems like something is wrong.
• Exercise in some way each day.

6. Listen to others, be mindful and be willing to change

• Practice mindfulness meditation every day.
• Look for the good in the world.
• Make a point to think about things for which you are grateful.

7. Practice Moderation

• Take it easy, because life isn't a race.
• Be kind to yourself and to others.
• Don't overindulge in anything — food, alcohol, exercise or gossip.
• Be conscious of your body and mind.
• Minimize sedentary behavior. Get out of your chair and move around!

Celebrate what you have and minimize regret. Happy aging to you!

Children’s emotions and how they deal with them have been the focus of my academic and professional work for many years. I’ve traveled the globe to work with children who are in crisis, helping them process their feelings. This work confirmed for me that children everywhere experience the same emotions, that feelings truly are universal. So I was very interested to see how the film depicted the inner workings of a child’s feelings.

As you undoubtedly know by now, Inside Out focuses on an 11-year-old girl named Riley and the maelstrom of emotions she experiences after she and her parents move from her childhood home in Minnesota to San Francisco. But the film primarily takes place inside Riley’s head, where the emotions themselves become characters: Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear, all competing to take charge of what Riley is feeling.

Naturally, being a Disney/Pixar film, Inside Out is beautifully animated and highly entertaining, especially for older children — and for their parents, who will appreciate some humor that may go over their kids’ heads! (I think young children may find certain elements of the film too complicated, and a few scenes could even be quite upsetting.)

To me, one of the most exciting things about the movie is that it shines a light on the subject of emotional intelligence (or EQ): the ability to recognize, understand and manage one’s own emotions. The film can serve as a springboard for conversations between parents and children about what they’re feeling and why. Those are vitally important conversations to have.

Interestingly, there’s a significant difference between the emotional development of young children and that of older kids, like Riley in the film. It’s actually preschoolers who focus on the primary emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, fear and love (the film has Mindy Kaling giving perfect voice to Disgust, but I think love — thankfully — is a much more common emotion among small children!). And it’s preschoolers who can most benefit from learning what emotions are all about.

Inside Out is right that every one of a child’s emotions is important. Despite Amy Poehler’s best cheerleader antics, a child can’t feel joy all the time! But what does a 3-year-old make of the unpredictable feelings of anger that storm in when her favorite toy is taken by another child? How does a 4-year-old cope with a tidal wave of sadness when his beloved grandparent dies?

Abundant research shows that learning emotional intelligence skills in early childhood is critical in helping children interpret the complex and ever-changing world around them. The key for children approaching kindergarten is to learn the EQ skills of recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing and regulating those emotions: what the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence calls the RULER method. Decades of research have shown that children who learn EQ skills are more likely to do well in all aspects of life—socially, academically, physically, psychologically. Yet kindergarten teachers report that more than 30% of children entering their classrooms are emotionally unprepared for the demands of school, even though these teachers note that EQ skills are more important to school success than the ability to read or hold a pencil!

Because of this overwhelming need, I wanted to give parents the tools to help their children learn these important life skills. I created The Moodsters, a line of educational toys, books, and an app that teach young children the fundamentals of feelings. Children can engage with the characters and have fun while learning how to understand and manage their emotions. Our homes are our children’s very first classrooms, and there is no better place for them to begin learning about their emotions.

While Inside Out shows us a hilariously chaotic “control room” where emotions are dictating Riley’s behavior, in real life we want our kids to be at the controls. Our job as parents is to help equip our children with the ability to take charge of their feelings and navigate the challenges of everyday life.

Stay away from these six common career stoppers:

1. Forgetting about yourself and paying attention only to what others need

Many females naturally fall into a nurturing role, which often gives them the image of being caretakers. There is nothing wrong with looking after other people, even at work. However, if you always say "yes" to every favor someone asks of you at work, you may run out of time for your own tasks. What’s worse is that this could have a negative impact on the efficacy of other people within your own team.

2. Being too concerned about yourself and not others

Women sometimes think highly of their own skills, while doubting those of others. When problems arise, avoid overreacting and overcorrecting the people you work with. Learn to listen to what others have to say and consider others' input. This balance allows you to earn the respect of your coworkers.

3. Not taking the initiative

Too many women wait for someone's approval before making a career move. These women often see themselves passed over for promotions because they don't seem to have confidence in themselves and what they can do.

4. Spending more than you can afford

Putting on debt is simple, but taking off debt is difficult. When you are in debt, you lose control and power over your finances. High levels of debt force a lot of people to stay in jobs they don’t like. When you don't feel passionate about your job, it's more of a struggle to do your best to succeed there.

5. Having a broad vision without a plan of action

Many women excel at making plans and looking at the bigger picture, sometimes in an idealistic manner. These are great traits to have — if you can focus on implementing them. To avoid failure in your career, you've got to set realistic expectations. You have to pay attention to how you are going to achieve all your goals.

6. Flirting with men to get what you want

Flirting isn't a career strategy. Flattering men can work to your advantage, but only for short-term gains. You want — and have the skills — to achieve your goals on your own merit. Aim for promotions based on the quality of your ideas, your ability to work well with others and your strong technical skills. With proper career planning, you won’t have to rely on anybody to get to where you want to be.

It all felt wrong.

My heart lurched into my stomach. The bus was driving away with my child. She was on it — without me. I panicked. It was so wrong.

I calmed myself quickly. This was the plan. We had discussed the options, and my budding independent lady wanted to ride the bus to and from school. The nagging feeling was so strong, though. How would I know she got to school ok? How would I know she found her classroom? What if she got lost? So many bad things that could happen. Why did I let her do this?

Preparing for this day

I had grown her inside of me. I thought about everything I ate and measured the amount of water I drank — all for her. I went through the most pain I will ever feel and had been exhausted beyond belief — all for her. I had held her, fed her, cuddled her and loved her for five years. I was there for every moment, big or small. She was it for me. Her two younger brothers filled even more of my heart when they joined her.

I had known this day would come. I'd celebrated every milestone of her little life. I eagerly waited for her to sit up, crawl, walk, talk and giggle. Her first smile melted me.

All of those milestones were preparation for this: her going off on her own. Granted, it was just kindergarten, but this was in preparation for bigger, more life-altering moments. I knew if I did my job well, she would be ready for them. After all, I only get to keep her for a small time in her life. She is not mine forever. She is the world's. She is her own. This is my time with her, and I was giving up a piece of that.

Facing a painful — but necessary — milestone

I had to trust what I had taught her — the lessons she had already learned in her short life and the independence I had encouraged in her. I knew she eagerly wanted this. She craved the time alone, the responsibility of riding the bus. She asked for this moment.

I did too.

I asked to be a parent, wanted it, dreamed of it and pinched myself when I knew I was pregnant. I asked to have a baby, cuddle a toddler — to raise a person. My three kids are little, budding people with their own futures, destinies and plans. My job is helping get them there.

This was the first milestone that hurt. She was leaving to experience things without me — without needing me. Writing that hurts, even now. This is a sign of a job well done. Isn't this when I pat myself on the back? Yet all I could do was watch where the bus had gone, calculating where in town it was. I imagined her trek from the bus to the classroom.

While she was at school

As I sat to eat lunch with my two boys, I thought of her. I looked at her place at the table and wondered if she was ok. Did she have someone to sit with, could she open her containers in her lunch box? Did she find the note I left her?

Did she miss me?

I realized I did not want her to feel like that. I hoped she was gleefully not thinking of me, giggling with her budding friendships, excited to learn and setting up her desk. I wanted her not to need me.

Seeing her after the first day of school

I got through the day and was waiting at the bus stop 15 minutes before it was due to arrive. If I was there early, would it come earlier? I finally saw it. I saw her. She jumped off the bus and ran to me, giving me the best hug ever. She was excited and talking a mile a minute. She held my hand in hers the whole walk home, telling me everything. I took in her words, took in all of her.

We had made it. She loved her school, teacher and classroom. She came home wanting to tell me all about it. She may have not needed me for her first day, but she wanted me. That filled my heart. I may be raising my kids for the world and only keeping them for a short time. My hope and goal is that they still want to keep me, that they still want me — not need, but want.

I gave her a snack, overheard her brothers asking questions about her day. I opened her backpack and found it empty. She may not need me for school, but remembering to bring her lunch box home is another thing. She still needed me, my job was not done!

Looking into her future

I assume watching the bus driving away each morning will hurt less each day. The pain of her leaving me will become a dull ache. It will always be there. I will always shove it down, encourage and smile at her achievements and independence, ignoring my pain of each step and where it will lead her. It will lead her away from me, hoping she will one day choose to keep me.

I will also report that by the end of her first week she had forgotten her lunch box two times and lost one sweater. I still have some work to do before she is ready for the world.

Sometimes my soundtrack plays for major events in my life. When I drove my first new car, a Toyota Tercel, off the used car lot, I heard the Cars singing “Let’s Go.” “She's driving away / With the dim lights on / And she's making a play / She can't go wrong / She never waits too long.”

And when the doctor in the emergency room told me he thought my mother had a brain tumor, I heard the '80s Canadian band The Pursuit of Happiness singing, “Cause I'm an adult now / I'm an adult now / I've got the problems of an adult / On my head and on my shoulders / I'm an adult now.”

I was only 23, barely out of college and I was living at home with my parents because my first real job didn’t pay enough to cover rent. My weekdays were spent working as an associate editor for a magazine then going out with my new boyfriend at night. My weekends were spent shopping with my high school girlfriends, then hitting the bars at Faneuil Hall in Boston. I had no worries – up until that point.

But one night, sometime after midnight, my sister came into my room and told me I needed to move my car. “There’s an ambulance coming for Mum, and we need to clear the driveway.” I went outside and pulled my car alongside the hedges that lined our yard just as the ambulance rounded the corner onto our street.

I followed the EMTs inside and sat down in the kitchen and watched as they carried my mother out on a stretcher. I couldn’t tell if she was conscious or not. My father said he was going to change out of his pajamas and go to the hospital. Still, I sat there. I was frozen, not comprehending what was going on.

But just as my father was leaving, I told him, “Wait. I will drive you.” It felt like a grown-up thing to do. On the way to the ER, I learned that my mother had had a seizure while she was sleeping and my father had called 911. My mother was never sick — not even head colds. We had no idea what could be wrong.

At the hospital, we had to wait until 6 a.m. before we were allowed to go in and see her. “Why don’t you go home and send your sister up?” she asked when she saw me. I knew she was suggesting that I go home and get some sleep — I was her baby, after all — but I teased her that I finally had proof my sister was her favorite and that she preferred her company to mine.

Before my mother could give her standard response, “I don’t have favorites,” the doctor came in. “Can I talk to you two outside?” You two? Who two? I was confused. The doctor was talking to my father and me. Why me? Wasn’t this going to be an adult conversation? Sure, I was feeling grown-up, accompanying my dad to the hospital, but I was still a kid.

Nevertheless, I followed the doctor and my father out into the hall like a good girl; my mother raised me to respect authority. “We believe she has a brain tumor. We’ll run some more tests and if there is a tumor we’ll want to operate immediately.”

Cue the music. The sound quality in my head was excellent. The volume deafening. I’m an adult now. My mother did indeed have a brain tumor and the doctors gave her a year to live. I was officially an adult. I had meetings with the neurosurgeon, errands to run for my father, my first real job to hold onto amid a family crisis, and death knocking on the front door of my childhood home.

Weeks later, the doctors changed my mother’s prognosis, and she lived cancer-free for 23 more years, minus a scary but manageable bout with melanoma. But my diagnosis didn’t change. I remained an adult. I got married, had children, became a vice president at work, bought a house and paid my mortgage. And I continued to worry about and care for my parents.

I yelled at the nurses when my father got an infection following his open heart surgery. I slept in the SICU following my mother’s heart surgery. I sat by her side in the ER when she fell and broke her nose, and found her a rehab when she broke her wrist. I eventually took over buying my parents’ groceries and paying their bills. I moved Dad into assisted living when he started to have memory issues, and I was the one who told my mother, 24 years after our first trip to the ER, that she had ovarian cancer and approximately three months to live.

There was no soundtrack playing that day. All I heard was the deafening responsibility of adulthood bearing down on me. I had hospice care to research, financial statements and healthcare proxies to sign, a funeral to plan. I was reminded in that moment that I was a full-fledged, never-going-back adult, and my days as a child were long gone.

But I was wrong. My mother lived for three months after her last diagnosis, and I sat by her side all but a handful of days during that time. As we faced her death, our roles shifted back and forth. Sometimes she was the child, reliving her early life, leaning on me for guidance and support, seeking comfort from me as she contemplated her death. And sometimes she was the mom — giving me advice for the future I would live without her, beaming with pride at the woman I had become and giving me comfort as I contemplated her death. I was an adult, no doubt, but I would always be her child.

And now, when I think of my mother, and our final months together, one of her favorite songs, “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music,” plays in my head, “Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow / Bloom and grow forever.” Because that’s what life is all about, right? There are moments, years perhaps, where we feel the full weight of adulthood, but the child in us is never gone. We simply bloom and grow forever.

Here are six approaches I successfully used to find a mental health counselor who helped me with my problems.

1. Talk to your primary care physician

Your doctor is a great way to find a good counselor. Explain your concerns to your doctor, and he or she can steer you to the right help.

2. Go to your local hospital

A hospital is also a good source for finding different mental health programs in your area. Hospitals know a lot of good counselors and programs in your area, and they can lead you in the right direction.

3. Ask your friends and relatives

Ask your social network to see if any of them know of a good counselor in your area. This can be very effective, as long as it doesn't bother you that other people know you're looking for help. Many of your friends deal with anxiety, too, so you are not alone.

4. Join a support group

Many churches and nonprofit groups offer community support groups. Ask around. Talk to the members of the group, and see who they recommend you should talk to in your search for a counselor.

5. Look for quality

Always seek out someone who has a good reputation. Remember that finding the right counselor depends on how you interact with each other. It may take a couple of tries to find the right person, but don't give up. Finding someone you work well with will pay off for you in the long run, so be persistent in finding the right person for you.

6. Know what you're looking for

The key things to seek are affordability, the ability to talk effectively together, and (most important) your counselor's ability to find the answers to your problems. If you do not see any improvement in your mental health after a couple of months of working with your current counselor, you may want to find someone else.

There is all kinds of help out there for your mental health issues, but it does take some work to find a counselor that is right for you.Stay persistent in getting help for your anxieties and fears.

More on horoscopes

Weekly love horoscopes: Sept. 28–Oct. 4

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You can't make people stay if they don't want to. It's a harsh truth, but it's an important one for you to understand on Sept. 30 when the sun conjoins retrograde Mercury. It's clear that a lover, business partner or employee simply doesn't want to continue. And there's good reason to believe that this doesn't have much to do with you. Sometimes people just come to the end of the road and need to go their own way. This could get tricky if there's a contract involved but find a way to let this person out of it.

Next: Taurus horoscope

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It's never a good idea to force anything when Mercury's retrograde. Now it's true that you've been exceedingly patient while a client or buyer went back and forth about finalizing a sale. You were fine with this person grilling you about certain details and even a good sport about the price shopping; however, it's getting to the point where you are really over it. But put up with the shenanigans for just a little while longer because it looks like the last-quarter moon in Cancer on Oct. 4 will reward you handsomely for your time and effort.

Next: Gemini horoscope

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You thought everything was signed, sealed and delivered, but Mercury retrograde has something else in mind for Sept 30. This is when you learn about an unforeseen postponement or delay. Now this could be real or it could be the other party's way of backing out of an agreement. If it is, then you need to see if your agreement is binding and then decide what you want to do about enforcing it. If the delay is real, then you'll have to wait it out. In any case, you won't really know where things stand until Oct 9.

Next: Cancer horoscope

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It appears as if you are having a hard time closing a deal or finalizing a purchase. This might materialize as a last-minute diversion, a sudden fixation with inconsequential details or even bouts of spaciness. Cancer is a water sign, which means that the unconscious has a strong hold over you. It can even shut down your conscious mind if it has to in order to get its way. Clearly what's at stake has a deep emotional meaning for you, which means that you should take all the time that you need to sign off on this.

Next: Leo horoscope

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The people around you are itching for a fight, which is why it's important for you to keep a clear head. The moon/Uranus occultation on Sept. 28 shows that tempers will be tense, accusations loud and fingers will be pointing in all kinds of contradictory directions. Now there probably is good reason for the outrage, but nothing will be settled by pouring gasoline on the fire. You want to bring light rather than heat to the situation, so call upon your wisdom, insight and humor. This will calm the atmosphere and impress those who didn't think you could lead.

Next: Virgo horoscope

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It's hard to tell if the decision to pull out of a deal on Sept. 30 is sincere or a calculated maneuver aimed at gaining the upper hand. These sorts of things often happen when Mercury is retrograde, which is why astrologers advise against making any major sales or purchases during this time. However, there's more going on than meets the eye as you'll discover near week's end. This is when another player enters the scene thereby bringing the original client back to the table (did somebody say bidding war?), or you could receive a larger sum.

Next: Libra horoscope

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Tune out the guilt trips, the emotional blackmail and the psychological manipulation because people will be doing whatever they can to rope you back in this week. Your recent walk out left everyone scrambling. They had no idea you were serious about making changes in your life and now that you have, they'll do just about anything to win you back. But do you want to return — even if terms were made more favorable? That's a question only you can answer, but the last-quarter Moon on Oct. 4 shows that whatever you decide will be to your benefit.

Next: Scorpio horoscope

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The moon/Uranus occultation on Sept. 28 introduces a crazy twist from out of left field. Evidently a client or coworker who criticized you in the past for being so grabby now faces a situation similar to the one she was so judgmental about. And it looks like she'll feel the heat like you once did. You could point out that karma can be a bitch, but you'll score more points by taking the high road. Helping this person back on her feet gives you clout and credibility. It will also win you her undying respect and gratitude.

Next: Sagittarius horoscope

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A joint property matter will be taking up a lot of time and attention this week. This could involve someone you rent from, share real estate with or who has a controlling interest in something you own. It looks like this person will receive an amazing offer or price. Now he could go ahead and say yes, but he'll want to know what you think. Don't assume that you don't have a say because you do. He really cares about what happens to you. Think long and hard about what you want to get out of this.

Next: Capricorn horoscope

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So why is it that you're the one who has to put up with the meltdowns, tolerate the emotional tirades and countenance the no-shows? Because you're better than that. It isn't always easy being the designated adult in your business associations but that's what comes from being born under Saturn, the planet of trials and tribulations. This planet gives you a thick skin, and it also allows you to see how things play out further down the road. Where other people will be tripped up by their follies and their foibles, you will still be going strong.

Next: Aquarius horoscope

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Don't be dismayed by disappointing news on Sept. 30. The reason that someone is backing out of a pledge is because he or she doesn't want to make a promise that he or she can't deliver on. Admittedly, this will leave you scrambling to find a replacement, but you'll find it. The important thing to keep in mind is that the party you were negotiating with is still interested in working with you, so you'll want to keep those lines of communication open. Just because things don't come together now doesn't mean that this will always be the case. You have a true ally.

Next: Pisces horoscope

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Be careful issuing an ultimatum on Oct. 1 because somebody might take you up on it. Threatening to leave or quit when you don't get your way is getting old. Push people's emotional buttons enough times and they grow immune and will stop responding. This can wind up having the opposite effect than what you intended. Loved ones, friends and coworkers have more than just a passing knowledge of what you're going through. This experience is something that should forge ties, not sever them. Next time think before you sound off. The emotional life you save may be your own.

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So what is it about this strange, dry substance that gets cats so excited? Is it the feline equivalent to weed? In which case, should we be concerned about them "getting high" too much? Where did it come from, and how long has it been around? The herb certainly has a lot of mystery surrounding it, even for the scientists who have tried to dissect its attributes.

More: 6 Tips for cat ladies who hate kitty litter

1. What exactly is catnip?

Catnip comes from the Nepeta cataria, which closely resembles mint. Fun fact: This is why catnip is sometimes referred to as catmint. The plant is called Nepeta because that's the Latin derivative for the Italian town from which catnip was first harvested (the town was called Nepete).

2. Why does it drive cats crazy?

According to chemists at the American Chemical Society, cats react to the psychoactive chemical compound in catnip known as nepetalactone. It binds to the receptors in their noses and in turn triggers a neurological response. The effect is similar to what they experience when they're exposed to sexual pheromones. Scientists still don't know what it is about nepetalactone that causes cats to react the way they do.

3. How long does a catnip high last?

The effects of catnip can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the cat.

4. Are all cats receptive to the effects of catnip?

About 70 percent of cats can enjoy the effects of catnip. It can even affect other species of felines, such as tigers. It is an inherited trait, so if your cat's parents didn't react to it, neither will your cat.

More: Cats after anesthesia just as funny as people after going under (VIDEO)

5. What happens if humans ingest it?

Catnip has been used in everything from herbal teas to soups to liquors since the 1700s. According to Drugs.com, it can also be smoked medicinally and reportedly caused euphoria in the 1960s.

6. What benefits does it have?

Catnip-infused tea has been used to treat indigestion, induce menstruation, increase appetite and as a sedative. People sometimes smoke the dried leaves to cure respiratory infections. That being said, there's little clinical data to support how effective catnip is at aiding any of these ailments.

7. What happens if my kitten gets a hold of catnip?

Nothing. Catnip typically has no affect on felines before they're 3 to 6 months old, according to the Humane Society.

8. Does catnip go bad?

No, but it does lose its potency over time. In order to prolong catnip's shelf life, keep it in a sealed, plastic bag or container when it's not being enjoyed by your cat.

More: Why your cat won't stop scratching when you close doors

More: Once Upon a Time: Insider inspires 7 likely theories for upcoming season

At the end of the episode, Emma officially unveiled herself as the Dark One and proved there are many differences between good and bad Emma. The moment the former Savior uttered, "Because I am the Dark One," viewers saw that she isn't going to be the same Emma they've watched for the past four seasons. Apparently, she has embraced the Darkness and is going to use it to her advantage, no matter who gets in her way.

I, for one, am looking forward to even more Dark Emma. There's no doubt Jennifer Morrison continues to be a force and is embracing her new character wholeheartedly. With that said, let's take a look at good Emma and bad Emma's differences.

1. Her loyalty

Obviously, good Emma is loyal to her loved ones, including Charming, Snow, Hook and Henry. However, now based on the premiere's ending, it seems bad Emma is only remaining loyal to herself, especially since she is now in control of the dagger.

2. Her wardrobe

Forget that red leather jacket (anyone else appreciate Sneezy sporting good Emma's former piece of apparel?), because bad Emma is going full Darkness with an all-black attire, snow-white hair and red lips. Yeah, she totally rocks it, too.

3. Her mission

What is bad Emma's mission now? Unlike good Emma, who was all about being the Savior, Dark Emma is no Savior who would do whatever it takes to prevent Storybrooke and those she cares about most from any type of harm. As Season 5 progresses, I'm curious to see Dark Emma's mission and whether her family and friends can save her from the Darkness.

4. Her magic

Good Emma possesses some powerful magic, which fans have only recently watched her put to use. Now that she is the Dark One, will Emma's original powers become even stronger and different? As shown throughout the premiere, she definitely has new magical skills as the Dark One and she isn't afraid to use them, especially when it comes to turning people into stone.

More: Once Upon a Time theory: Ruby might help save Emma from the Darkness

5. Her personality

Bad Emma is dark (obviously), doesn't smile, has a dry sense of humor and isn't the bright person she once was. The Dark Swan has a villainous personality and I'm loving every minute of it, mainly because I enjoy watching Morrison fully embracing Dark Emma 100 percent.

6. Her actions

Let's face it: Dark Emma is kind of a badass, even though she is a so-called villain. Throughout the premiere, Emma almost crushed Merida's heart, turned Sneezy into stone and is seemingly getting revenge on her loved ones. Yeah, her actions are nothing like good Emma.

7. Her destiny

Seeing as she is the Dark One, does this change Emma's destiny, whatever that might have once entailed? Has this always been her life's mission, to become the Dark Swan? Is her life's path and her fate now forever changed? Whatever the case, now that she possesses the Darkness, Emma's destiny appears to be quite different than Emma as the Savior.

Despite all of these differences and the hope that good Emma will return soon enough, OUAT fans are enjoying Morrison's dark side.

Once Upon a Time airs Sundays at 8/7c on ABC.

More: Once Upon a Time Season 5: A new king is set to rule Storybrooke

More: Scandal review: Was the Princess Diana storyline still too soon?

Talk about the way to catch a girl's attention at the end of a show!

I was alone, in my room, with a glass of wine right when — *spoiler alert!* — a lone cinder flame floats to ignite the puddle of oil Wick and his crew caused trying to steal Hap's oil. And, as everything is engulfed in flames, the words "Oh, f***," just fell from my lips. And I am not one to curse without cause. It was that unexpected, in the best way possible. Now that's a cliffhanger.

And the rest of the show was just as watch-worthy.

With a fast-paced, drama-packed storyline, Chase Crawford and Don Johnson with some stellar acting chops and a unique setting that is instantly intriguing, it was hard not to feel smitten with this new series.

Admittedly, the show does take a few minutes to warm up. And it isn't exactly setting-accurate; Blood and Oil is supposed to take place in North Dakota but was shot in Utah. But suspend your disbelief, and instead appreciate the characters and plot lines established. Once the show gives you a roadmap for the politics, the wild ride begins. And I can't wait to see where the rest of the season takes us.

More: Every 2015 Fall TV premiere worth seeing on one calendar

If that's not enough to convince you this show is worth the watch, there are plenty of other viewers raving about the premiere and sharing their awesome reactions to that last scene.

It really was that good.

More: The Walking Dead finale: 14 Questions we have for Season 6

The pilot alone has me chomping at the bit for more. With a stellar cast and a unique plot that is Revenge meets Dallas, this is definitely a show your friends will be talking about. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on the drama that's sure to come.

Were you as big a fan of the Blood and Oil premiere as me?