Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 1 mars 2018
Why There's So Much to Adore About the Instant Pot
Everyone has been talking about the Instant Pot. It's currently a top-selling kitchen item on Amazon. Despite its widespread popularity, is the multifunctional cooking device worth it? For a while, I scorned the Instant Pot like a unitasker. I already owned a rice cooker, pressure cooker, and slow cooker, after all. So why would I spend the cash for another appliance? Despite my initial judgments, I still felt pulled to try the cooker out and determine if it's a gimmicky fad or not. Let's just say, the results really surprised me and greatly exceeded my expectations. If you're wondering if an Instant Pot is for you (or IP, as seasoned users call it), here's a list of awesome things to know about the Instant Pot.
- Cook all the things in record time. The Instant Pot is essentially a pressure cooker that also has sauté and slow-cooker functions. Pressure cookers reduce cook time significantly. We're talking steel-cut oats in 10 minutes and chicken breasts in eight minutes. Most, if not all, dishes can be prepared in 20 minutes or less.
- The sauté function is truly awesome. You can adjust the heat, but I found it caramelizes veggies and meat faster and more uniformly than even stovetop cooking. As a bonus, nothing caked onto the bottom of my IP.
- You can switch between functions. Sear meat in the sauté function, then pressure cook or slow-cook it! Pressure cook something, then keep it warm. Changing up the functions allows you to create complex dishes in one pot.
- It's easy to use. Though there are lots of buttons on an Instant Pot and seemingly random beeps, the user manual and recipe guide (that come with the cooker) break each one down quickly so you can dive right into cooking with your device. Just be sure to read them! You shouldn't go rogue with this device.
- It does it all. While there are obvious things like making broth, soups, shredded chicken, and chili, the cooker does some extraordinary things. Make a big batch of eggs (frittata style). Steam up cake and cheesecake. Use it as a rice cooker. Defrost and cook frozen-solid meat in minutes. Forgo soaking dried beans and cook them in about 20 minutes. Make mac and cheese and other pasta dishes in only one pot. The list goes on . . .
- Cleaning is a breeze. I laughed as I lifted the IP pot and rinsed it in record time. The lightweight pot seems to be nonstick (in my experience), so all it needs is a fast, sudsy scrub-down, no exertion required.
- There's endless learning. Instant Pot's website and Pinterest's results for Instant Pot are two awesome sources of recipe inspiration and tips. There's also Facebook's Instant Pot Community that's very active (over a million users), where you can post or read troubleshooting questions and recipes.
All right, I love my Instant Pot. It's the ideal cooking appliance for busy people who are on a budget and want to cook homemade meals but lack one crucial thing: time! While I'm sure there are downsides to the Instant Pot, I haven't discovered them yet.
8 Grocery Store Policies You Should Be Taking Advantage Of
Grocery shopping on a budget isn't always fun, but these store policies make it easier. Did you know that your favorite stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Costco have company-wide rules that will help you save money? Before you head out for your next grocery shopping spree, read ahead for eight of the best store policies you can (and should) take advantage of, from return policies to coupon-filled apps.
Macarons: Don't Confuse Them With Macaroons
It's high time we set the record straight: the word "macaron" is not an alternate spelling of macaroon. In fact, the two terms refer to distinctly different things. Both macarons and macaroons are confections, and both names are derived from ammaccare, which is Italian for "to crush" - but that's where the similarities end.
A macaron specifically refers to a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream, ganache or fruit curd. The delicate treat has a crunchy exterior and a weightless interior with a soft ending that's almost nougatlike in its chewiness. To add to the confusion, it's often called a French macaroon.
In contrast, the word macaroon is a generic phrase that is applied to a number of small, sweet confections. Mostly, the term is equated with the moist and dense coconut macaroon, which is composed of egg whites, sugar, and dried coconut, often piped with a star-shaped tip, and sometimes dipped in chocolate. The coconut macaroon, or congolais, as it's known in France, is frequently served during Passover because it contains no flour.
The Completely Addictive Method of Grilling Steak
The reverse sear method for cooking steak is arguably one of the best indoor techniques, and a similar concept can be applied when grilling steak outdoors on a charcoal grill. Instead of slow-cooking in the oven, the steak is first smoked (positioned away from the charcoal), and instead of searing on a skillet, the steak is finished directly over the charcoal for just a few minutes on each side. You're left with perfectly juicy steak and a crisp exterior, no burnt bits or accidental overcooking. You can do this, grill master, you.
Here's what you'll need:
- A charcoal grill
- Hardwood lump charcoal
- Gelled alcohol
- Stick lighter
- Barbecue tongs
- Mesquite wood chunks (or any other type)
- 2 (12-ounce) strip steaks (at least 1-inch thick)
- Ghee or clarified butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
16 Make-Ahead Recipes From Ina Garten That Will Change the Way You Cook
If ever there were an award for queen of make-ahead recipes, Ina Garten would win. She's so good at this cooking strategy that she wrote an entire cookbook about it. The beauty of Make It Ahead is that "each recipe includes clear instructions for what you can do ahead of time, and how far in advance, so you can cook with confidence and eliminate last-minute surprises," according to the description from Ina herself. Whether you prep the dough for salty oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies in advance, or you make a big pot of soup and freeze the rest for later for dinner on a whim, there's a way to make cooking easier (and more fun) with Ina's expert direction. Ahead, take a look at more than 15 ways people are embracing the make-ahead lifestyle and start enjoying the time-saving recipes for yourself.
This Insane Watermelon Skinning Trick Will Make Your Jaw Drop
We all know how to cut watermelon into cubes and slices, but how many times have your guests really been impressed with those shapes? One former NASA engineer, Mark Rober, figured out the coolest party trick that presents the fruit in a way you'd never imagine.
Rober takes two watermelons close in size - the first he skins completely by removing outer slices with a knife, then smooths its surface out with a dish scrub. The second watermelon is cut into two equal halves and then gutted entirely. Place the skinned watermelon into the empty vessel, and you've got yourself a twist-apart melon.
Watch the video and try it out for yourself!
10 Unique and Thoughtful Wedding Gifts You Won't Believe We Found on Amazon
Not all wedding gifts need to come from a registry. If you're thinking about getting your friends something extra special, we made it easy and shopped for you. We looked to Amazon because the mega retailer has everything you could ever think of. From funny wine glasses to a DIY scrapbook, we have no doubt these thoughtful gifts will make the happy couple feel loved. You might even end up wanting some of these hot picks for yourself. Shop our top choices.
Things I Whisper to My Daughter
My dearest girl,
When I first learned that I was pregnant with you, many people told me how hard it is to raise a child in the current climate. I don't disagree with them. You're not my only child, but you are my only girl, which put a bit of pressure on me to really get it right.
The second I found out about you, I started to whisper things to you - things I knew you wouldn't understand then, things you still might not understand now. I whisper them to you because I want you to know that you can accomplish anything, no matter who tries to stand in your way. I whisper them to you because I know one day, after years of all my whispering, these thoughts will be ingrained in your brain as truth.
"You are strong."
When I was pregnant with you, your daddy and I were a newly married Army couple living in Alaska, and I felt lost amid a sea of strangers. I would marvel as you moved in my belly, and I would whisper, "You are strong." And the day you were born, we could instantly tell you were just that. You would (and still do) set your mind to things and always follow through. We revel in your strength.
"Yes, girl!"
Did you know that this started as a whisper? It happened the first time you sat up, and then again for each milestone after that. Now that you're a little older, I shout "YES, GIRL!" at an embarrassingly loud volume every time you do something at a gymnastics meet. I know it makes you cringe, but I want it to be something you hear in your thoughts as you get older. In your adult life, you will hear "No" far too often. That's just the way it goes. But at home, in our nest, you will hear as much "Yes, girl" encouragement as we can possibly provide.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."
Harry Potter has played such a huge role in the upbringing of you and your baby brothers. You, my girl, were the first to be treated to the entire series - I read them out loud to you as I rocked you in your glider and you drank a bottle. You would be drowsy but attentive as Hermione bossed those boys around and showed them what brains look like. I'd whisper in your ear that girls can be just as smart, and sometimes much smarter, than boys. I'd tell you, and still tell you, that you're just like Hermione.
"Take a deep breath."
In kindergarten, you started to realize that things are hard. School was hard, making and keeping friends was hard, and gymnastics was hard. There were many days when you arrived home and promptly burst into tears. I would hold you and whisper, "Take a deep breath." I never told you to stop crying, and I still never tell you not to cry, because you can! I feel so much pride when I see you take a deep breath and try something new. I'm also so proud of you for teaching this to your baby brothers. I have seen you calm two fussy babies by whispering sweetly to them to take deep breaths. They are so lucky to have you.
"Be kind, and ignore them."
Something girls with sisters learn early on is that girls can be jealous and mean when they want to be. I could tell you were shocked by other little girls when you arrived in the world of competitive gymnastics. And when you were in first grade, a few older girls told you your eyes were "poop-colored." I had never been so mad, but I told you to ignore them and to keep being kind. Don't let the haters bring you down.
"I love you."
I never knew I could love someone so much until you existed. When you were little and just wanted to be held, I would whisper, "I love you, little girl," over and over again. I tell you "I love you" as many times as I can during the day. I whisper it to you before you go to school, when you come home, when you leave for gymnastics, and when I check on you before I go to sleep. I also whisper it when you're not even near me. I just put it out into the universe and hope it finds its way to your heart.
These things I whisper will probably start to embarrass you in the next couple years, the years when being seen with Mom isn't the coolest thing in the world. But I promise to whisper them until I can't anymore, because even when you don't want to hear them, I still must tell you.
Love Always,
Mom
There's a 1 in 4,000 Chance Your Newborn Had a Stroke at Birth, but Don't Freak Out
Although it seems unbelievable, it's not rare for a newborn baby to experience a stroke. In fact, at least one in 4,000 newborns are affected by a "perinatal" stroke before, during, or after birth - a shocking statistic for any person, especially a parent, to hear. However, according to recent study results, there may not be a reason to freak out over this news, as apparently strokes don't have the same lasting impacts on newborns as they do for adults.
The study, which was led by Georgetown University Medical Center investigators, found that 10 to 20 years after a newborn suffered a stroke that affected the left side of their brain - which is where language is normally located - these individuals used the right sides of their brains for storing language. Out of the 12 individuals - ages 12 to 25 - studied, all had a left-brain perinatal stroke, all used the right side of their brains for language, and all had good, normal language and excellent basic cognitive functions. What's more, imaging studies revealed that the study subjects' right-brain language regions were exact mirrors of where they would typically be on the left side.
Elissa L. Newport, PhD, leader of the study, professor of neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and director of the Center For Brain Plasticity and Recovery at Georgetown University and MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, says that these findings "demonstrate how 'plastic' brain function is in infants."
"These young brains were very plastic, meaning they could relocate language to a healthy area," Newport said. "We believe there are very important constraints to where functions can be relocated. There are very specific regions that take over when part of the brain is injured, depending on the particular function. Each function, like language or spatial skills, has a particular region that can take over if its primary brain area is injured. This is a very important discovery that may have implications in the rehabilitation of adult stroke survivors."
As for the damage that we've come to associate with strokes in adults, no such trauma seemed to be present for the 12 individuals studied. The only "telltale signs of prior damage" to the subjects' brains included a slight limp for some, slightly slower neural processing, and the fact that many had dominant left hands because the strokes rendered their right-hand function impaired.
Newport and her team have plans to extend the study to include more people affected by perinatal strokes (both on the left and right side of the brain) and are collaborating on additional studies "that may reveal the molecular basis of plasticity in young brains - additional information that might help switch on plasticity in adults who have suffered stroke or brain injury."
Although that one-in-4,000-newborns statistic sounds pretty scary and it's clear that not enough research has been done surrounding perinatal strokes, it seems as though this small study's findings can provide parents with the reassurance that their child's brain will do its best to recover itself if it were affected by such a stroke at birth.
Our Baby Was Killed at Day Care - and It Wasn't an "Accident"
His death could have been prevented. YourTango shares the story of Shepard Dodd's life via his father, Derek.
Shepard was an unnaturally happy and healthy 11-week-old baby boy. He would smile until something needed to be corrected. He would cry, you would fix it, then he would smile again. He was a special baby to my wife and I after years of infertility, and he had a life ahead with limitless possibilities.
Which is why on April 6, 2015, our world changed forever.
We chose an in-home day-care provider in Oklahoma (where we reside) to watch Shepard. The woman was highly recommended by a friend and she would only watch teacher's kids. This meant she would be closed during the Summers and school breaks, which was great for us because I'm a teacher.
On April 6, I left for work early and was able to kiss Shepard and Ali goodbye. I will never forget him looking over for me and smiling. Shepard had only been going to the in-home day care for five days when Ali took him on that Monday. He had his first runny nose that weekend and had woken up that morning with congestion, but he was in good spirits, so we weren't overly worried.
Ali messaged the day-care provider about using a rock'n'play for sleeping so that Shepard could be on an incline instead of having to lie on his back. Originally she agreed, but when Ali arrived and saw what it was, she couldn't let him sleep in it.
In fact, this childcare giver confided that she had been cited by the Department of Human Services (DHS) 10 days earlier for allowing another infant to fall asleep in a swing, and that they told her how dangerous both car seats and swings were for babies to sleep in.
On that Monday, as Ali was unpacking her diaper bag, she realized that she had forgotten the bottles so she ran back home. She was very concerned about Shepard getting sick if she were to lay him down flat for his naps. While she was home, she grabbed her Ergo 360 carrier that our childcare giver had used before so she wouldn't have to put him down if she didn't want to.
Ali also requested a doctor's note for the caregiver so she would also have the option to use the rock'n'play. When Ali returned, the childcare giver reported that she had come up with a plan: she would sit the rock'n'play in front of the couch so Shepard could nap in it, so if DHS stopped by to "check on her," she could just pick him up and answer the door with him.
This ensured she wouldn't get in trouble. Ali, feeling confident the attention Shepard would be getting would be more than sufficient, left to go to her morning meetings and notified our childcare giver that our doctor was faxing her the note for the rock'n'play at 9:45 a.m.
At 12:51 p.m., the daycare provider called Ali and told her she needed to come quickly. The childcare giver reported that Shepard wasn't breathing. She had called 911, and a police officer and EMTs had responded.
Ali asked her to give the phone to an EMT, and after speaking with him she knew the situation wasn't good. Ali called me. In the middle of teaching a class I had to answer the phone to Ali saying I had to go, that Shepard wasn't breathing.
I ran to the truck and drove way too fast to the day-care provider's home. When I arrived, they were wheeling my son out of the house on a stretcher. They were still working on him, but told me that they had yet to get his heart going or him breathing on his own.
As I rode in the van in front of the ambulance, I had to prepare myself for life without my son and the grief that would follow. When we arrived at the hospital, as they wheeled him past me into the ER, I gave him a kiss on the forehead.
He was cold.
As they were working on our son, the attending physician came over and told us that they would try another push of epinephrine and two more rounds of CPR, and then they would have to call it.
Surrounded by doctors and nurses with looks of pity, and police officers, detectives, and DHS officials waiting to interview us, we had to say goodbye to our son, intubated on a stretcher.
Unbeknownst to us, our childcare provider had been educated by DHS for the swing violation where she was specifically counseled about safe sleep practices. The next day, DHS returned due to the serious violation, and she was reminded again of the dangers of putting a child in a swing.
It's documented in her public file that she specifically inquired about infants napping in their car seats. DHS told her that sleeping in the car seat was a dangerous practice and would increase the chances of SIDS. She was told this just 10 days before she chose to put our child in an unbuckled car seat on the floor, swaddled, where he wiggled down until he lost his airway and suffocated to death.
He was unable to alert anyone to the terrible trouble he was in because the door was closed and there was no monitor to catch his struggle. In addition, our childcare provider was distracted by her friend who had stopped by around lunchtime so she could drop off her 2-year-old while she went and had lunch with other moms.
TWO HOURS passed before she finally checked on Shepard and found him completely blue.
The childcare provider has never been charged with any crime. Shepard's case is still open and we're hopeful as a family that justice will find her in this world or the next.
This wasn't an accident.
She knew that a car seat wasn't safe for sleep and that two hours is much too long to leave an infant behind a closed door.
Shepard's death doesn't have to be in vain. Unsafe sleep surfaces are a REAL danger. We're looking to focus the attention to safe sleep standards so they can protect Oklahoma's children from negligent decisions.
Follow Ali & Derek's nonprofit (in honor of their son Shepard) for more updates.
More good reads from YourTango:
My Son Died, but I Have No Regrets About His Free-Range Childhood
After My Son Died From a Drug OD, I Nearly Died From Depression
Lay OFF Jackie Siegel: There's No "Right" Way to Mourn a Dead Child
Here's How to Get a Boozy, Sparkling Rose Gold Gelato Float at Disney World
The rose gold gelato cocktail at Epcot is joining my collection of favorite rose gold treats at Disney World (yes, I drank it while wearing my rose gold ears, rose gold spirit jersey, and millennial pink Magic Band after eating a rose gold cupcake). But before you start researching menu items, heads up: it's not actually on the menu!
In preparation for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon at Disney World - and my first trip to Disney World since 2001 - I was all about scoping out the treats in advance. You know . . . to carb load? And while I'm admittedly not a big drinker, I somehow became enthralled in the idea of trying all the different boozy treats around the different parks, particularly Epcot.
Diving deep into listicles and infographics for the best drink from every country, I somehow committed to memory a drink that doesn't actually exist - a sparkling gelato float at the Italy Pavilion. Because of said folly, I ended up creating my own drink.
In reality, the treats I fused together in my mind are both called "frizzante" - but to my intense disappointment, I learned the hard way that it exists in two iterations. The gelato frizzante doesn't have booze, and the boozy frizzante doesn't have gelato. Missed opportunity, in my opinion.
As such, I took matters into my own hands. The result was a more-than-magical sparkling rose gold concoction - an off-the-menu DIY treat that tastes like a fizzy, boozy creamsicle. Mmmm. Here's how you make it.
Head to the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar bar or the bar in Tutto Italia (they're next to each other), and order a frizzante cocktail with no ice. The blend of Prosecco, campari, and blood orange juice creates the rose-colored centerpiece for your float.
Once you've got your drink in hand, take it to-go (yes, you can take your drink to go!) and walk just a few steps over to the gelato cart just at the entrance of the Italy Pavilion. Order a scoop of vanilla gelato in a drink cup, and pour your frizzante cocktail over the gelato. Et voila!
From personal experience, I can tell you this delicious dessert drink made for the perfect nightcap while watching fireworks over the lake. But to ensure that this DIY method was doable for someone else, I told my friend Sarah to give it a shot; she had an equally easy time getting the drink and gelato and also found it to be quite delicious. She even snapped these gorgeous photos so I could share our new hack with the rest of the world. Win-win!
With Just 2 Photos, This Mom Shows What It's Really Like to Have Postpartum Depression
You'd never know it by looking at her Facebook feed, but Kathy DiVincenzo has postpartum depression. Like many of us who hide our true selves behind highly curated photos and filters, this mom of two has suppressed a side of her that's just as real as the one she lets the rest of the world see.
"I work twice as hard to hide this reality from you because I'm afraid to make you uncomfortable," Kathy, who also suffers from anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, wrote in a moving Facebook post. "I'm afraid you'll think I'm weak, crazy, a terrible mother, or the other million things my mind convinces me of and I know I'm not alone in those thoughts."
To better describe her dual realities, Kathy posted two photos of herself - one, the vision of motherly perfection, and the other, an honest look at what those first months of new motherhood often look like . . . exhausted, erratic, unhappy.
"I feel like it's time to show you what that can really look like, not just the side of me that's 'Facebook worthy," she continued. "The truth is, both of these pictures represent my life depending on the day. I would only ever comfortably share one of these realities though and that's the problem. The only thing more exhausting than having these conditions is pretending daily that I don't."
Her goal in sharing her true self - or selves, rather - with the world?
"We need to stop assuming that the postpartum period is always euphoric, because for one in seven it's not," she said. "We need to start asking new parents how they're doing in a deeper way than the normal, 'so how are you doing?' that triggers the knee jerk, 'everything's great!' response."
This Hydrating Skincare Method Is Literally Like a Moisturizer Sandwich For Your Face
I recently experienced a bout of seriously dry skin after flying to a much drier and cooler climate. And, although I'm mentally prepared for this to happen every time I fly home for the holidays, I'm never quite comfortable with the resurgence of my new, dry face. In fact, it's pretty uncomfortable (read: tight, itchy - not ideal).
Whether a temporary or long-term concern, dryness (caused by lack of oil) or dehydration (caused by lack of water) can be a real pain, particularly if you're trying to rehydrate on top of other, more aesthetically pressing skin concerns or if flaky skin isn't your MO.
While trying to resolve my desert-skin experience, I came across a straightforward formula that really is like a tall glass of water for your face. The best part? It doesn't involve buying new products or have so many steps that you need a YouTube tutorial to follow along. It's a simple, straightforward layering formula. Enter: the skincare sandwich. And no, despite the name, it doesn't involve any carbs (unless you want it to).
Enter: the skincare sandwich. And no, despite the name, it doesn't involve any carbs (unless you want it to).
Tokened by Caroline Hirons (who, if you don't know, is one of the best in the skincare blogging biz), the "skincare sandwich" is essentially just a digestible way of understanding how to layer your products for optimal hydration.
According to Caroline, you should think of your hydrating toner or mist as the "condiment in your sandwich." She goes on to explain, "You can make a sandwich using just bread and ham/cheese - but how much better does this sandwich work with butter/mayo? It all binds together and facilitates this process."
So, following Caroline's hydrating routine, you'd cleanse (this is your sourdough), acid exfoliate, spray hydrating mist (this is the butter, people!), apply your oil or serum, mist (again!), and then finally moisturize. And, if you're one of those people who asks for extra mayo on your bread, you can also follow up with a final mist if you please.
Layering your products in this way adds additional moisture between each step, helping to lock in hydration and, at the very least, help relieve some of that thirsty-skin feeling.
Bo Is Killing the Lipstick Game on Black-ish - Here's How to Replicate Her Look
Every week we tune into Black-ish for the comedy, but we stay for Rainbow's bold red lip! After constantly wishing we could get Bo's fierce red pout, we did some research. According to Tracee Ellis Ross, the actress has a signature color: Ruby Woo by MAC.
"I've been wearing MAC's Ruby Woo lipstick since high school," Tracee told the Los Angeles Times back in 2015. "I mix the majority of my lipsticks with Ruby Woo. I don't like glosses. I don't like stains. I like full-on, old-school, completely opaque matte lipstick."
The Black-ish actress loves the hue so much that she even wears it when she works out. "I love the look of a fresh face with a pop of color on the lips. It makes me feel so good. I'll even wear a red lip to the gym," she told InStyle last year. "I do the Tracy Anderson Method, so there's a lot of mirror work involved. When I see my red lips reflecting back at me, I'm like, 'Yeah, girl, that's right!'"
When it comes to her bright red lip look on the ABC series, you'll find the same shade. "Tracee does her own lips. We mix the colors. If it's a bright red, it's usually MAC's Ruby Woo with a MAC Cherry pencil," her makeup artist for the show, Nadyne Hicks, told The Cut in 2016 of her Black-ish signature lip shade.
If you want a perfect red lip like Rainbow's always on-point lip on Black-ish, or are just a major fan of Tracee's go-to lip look, then MAC's Ruby Woo should be your new lipstick for everything. If you'd rather a similar look that's a little different - at a different price point or different brand - we also have you covered with our favorite shades of red that would be Bo-approved.
Riverdale's Ashleigh Murray on Clearing Her Cystic Acne and Her Best Beauty Advice
Looking at Ashleigh Murray, you wouldn't know she used to have cystic acne. Her skin is glowing like she's been Photoshopped. But her life has been anything but flawless. Before landing the role of Josie McCoy on Riverdale, she was several months late on rent and was barely getting by, despite working several jobs at a time. "At that point, I had sold my personal belongings just so I could get groceries for the week," she said. "If I didn't do something soon, I was going to have to move back to Kansas City, which wasn't an option."
Ashleigh ended up deciding to take a break from acting and auditions for a year so that she could work full-time to get back on her feet. And then she got the audition for Riverdale. "And I was like, 'OK, this is it, this is my last one.' I didn't give a f*ck about whether or not I booked this job. 'I'm just going to do what I think is right, and we'll see what happens.'"
"I only bring all this up because I saw a comment somewhere - this is why I can't stand social media sometimes - but I saw a comment somewhere that was like, 'Is that even true? Did she even go through that?' And yes, it's true," she said. "I was broke as f*ck. I didn't have any money, and it sucked. I was working four jobs at one point just to be able to pay the rent. I'm very lucky to be where I am. But I worked very, very hard to get here."
Since the debut of the show in 2017, Ashleigh's social footprint has jumped to millions of followers and she's hoping to make an impact on the lives of the people who follow her. We sat down with her to get the scoop on her beauty routine - per the request of her devoted fans - and she was just as candid as you'd expect. Plus, check out her gorgeous unretouched images.
POPSUGAR: When I asked Twitter, they were like, "I just need to know what she's using on her face."
Ashleigh Murray: To address my cystic acne that basically became nonexistent, which is great, was birth control. I got on birth control and immediately, like within a month, I noticed that my skin was not breaking out anything like it was.
PS: So it was hormonal?
AM: One hundred percent hormonal. And it was really bad, like huge blisters on my face. For face wash, I like to use something really mild - I got something from the people that do my facials, and I don't even know what the hell it's called. (Note: we confirmed Ashleigh uses IS Clinical Cleansing Complex.) But when I don't have that, I use CeraVe, the salicylic acid foam wash. It's very gentle. Then I tone with either aloe vera gel that I get from Whole Foods - the chunky stuff, like the actual meat from the aloe. I like to tone with that because it helps with brightening and hyperpigmentation. And if not that, I use some regular toner with witch hazel in it.
Then after I tone, I use a serum. I'm not married to any serum. Whatever works. For my moisturizer, I sometimes use a combination of essential oils, like jojoba and coconut and a little bit of juniper sometimes, a little bit of lavender; definitely tea tree for that acne. And if not that, than just any yummy thing from Lush. I love Lush. And sunscreen from Murad. This is good for all the brown girls that don't want to get that horrible ghost face or anyone that doesn't want ghost face - it's called Murad Invisablur Perfecting Shield. It's a clear chemical sunscreen and it has mattifying properties too. It doubles as a primer. It's bomb.
The facials I get are from this place called Skin Girls and they are in Vancouver.
PS: What would you lay out for someone who says, "The time is now: I'm going natural"?
AM: It depends on how much hair you're cutting off. The type of cleansers that you want to use should be sulfate-free, no surfactants or any kind of foam because they will dry your hair out. Also, pay attention to products that have cetearyl alcohol, especially in the first five ingredients, because I'm alcohol sensitive and they dry my hair out even if it's a fatty alcohol. So pay attention to that. Cowashes are great, and have fun with at-home DIY deep treatments. Eggs, avocado, and honey are so amazing. Aloe vera - if you buy the actual plant leaf and cut it open and rub it on your scalp, it's good for cleansing your scalp and stimulating hair growth. Jamaican castor oil - if you're dealing with any itchy scalp issues or your hair is thinning out, it takes patience, but it absolutely does work. Once your hair gets into a length where you get into a more rigorous routine, what I can say is try everything. And go on YouTube! There are so many wonderful vloggers I've been following for the past seven or eight years, and you can find the women whose hair type falls closely to yours.
Have an arsenal of things you can pull from, and then get support from your friends or your family. Sometimes you may not always get it, but I feel like we're in a day and age now where we're getting more support, even if it's just online.
PS: So what are your go-to makeup products?
AM: Lancome. It is without a doubt the perfect match. Undertones like nobody's business. The 24 hour-wear foundation is my business. I just got the foundation stick. And Nars Creamy Concealer. I love it so much. I actually just recently fell in love with Better Than Sex by Too Faced. My blush, I use a MAC blush. It's a plumish-purple. And I have a really great bronzer from Becca that is a reddish sort of tint. I do have my Fenty, I'm not going to lie. If I know I'm going to be out for hours and hours and hours, that Pro Filt'r is matte all the time. And I'm like bacon grease queen. I have worn it and it has stood the test of time.
For my brows, Anastasia Beverly Hills, like anything they have, I will use. For my lips, sometimes it's NYX - it's what I have today. You know, I'm a bargain girl. I don't like to spend that much money, but I'll do it. There's a beautiful lip gloss I just fell in love with from YSL - it's a faint pink. I think it's called #7. That's it. I have a ton of makeup at home that I don't use, just like my nail polish.
PS: What is the best of beauty advice you've ever been given?
AM: I guess the best piece of beauty advice I've been given is don't sleep in your makeup. And I do it all the time; it's so bad. Like I woke up and my right eye was red because my eyelash was in it. I didn't take it off and I should have. I just wanted to sleep pretty. But you know what - the lights are off and nobody's going to see. Wash your face.
PS: What piece of advice would you give someone who is struggling with their self-confidence?
AM: I know it's hard because I have struggled with my own self-confidence at times. And honestly, my friends have helped me. That support system really makes a difference. Also, finding people that are very much like you to idolize, that helps too. It's something I try to do as an actor with the platform I have; I wanna be a pillar of strength or a shoulder you can lean on or somebody you can say, "Hey, I can relate to that," so it's not so bad. It's not always easy. And if you need to cry, cry. If you need to scream, scream. If you need to break something, break something. But don't dwell. There's only so much time you need to take to heal yourself if you're going through something negative, and then it starts to turn sour. And you never want to go sour. So be gentle, love yourself, surround yourself with people who love you, and also look for other idols you can emulate and help you get to a place where you're not so shy and nervous to be who you are.
PS: Who's your idol, then?
AM: Well, Halle Berry, first and foremost, always and forever. Yara Shahidi - I adore that girl. My mother, my aunt, hardcore. And my grandmother. Those are my idols. They're all women.
10 Setting Sprays That Will Make Sure Your Makeup Doesn't Budge
The oppressive humidity and scalding temperatures of Summer exacerbate any standard makeup gripes tenfold, but what no one's sharing with you is that there is one single product that cures all these woes for up to 16 hours at a time. Yes, really! Melted foundation, oily skin, vanishing blush, even sun damage - these issues can all be solved with setting spray.
This genius invention isn't new. In fact, it's been around for nearly 50 years but was an insider secret, available only to Hollywood makeup artists and other pros. Skindinavia is largely credited as the brand that made the category more real-girl-friendly. "They had been around since the 1970s as 'hair spray' for the face," explained Allen Goldman, CEO of Skindinavia. "We are the ones who helped blow up the category by making them comfortable to use and nonaerosol."
So how do setting sprays work? Skindinavia's formula actually features a patented cooling technology. Your skin temperature is approximately 90 degrees (which can of course get warmer or cooler depending on the weather). That heat is not conducive to durable makeup - it causes melting, color fade, and oiliness. Skindinavia creates an invisible web on the skin that works to lower the temperature of the makeup on your face, making it last.
Setting sprays also use special polymers to seal your makeup in place, creating a breathable mesh on top. They're super simple to use. Just spritz them across your face just like a standard facial mist. Many brands suggest misting in T or X shape. "This is a way to get a full application with the minimum amount of product," shared Goldman.
If you're convinced that using primer is enough for a long-lasting makeup look, reconsider. "Priming sprays are a bit more skin-care-focused and offer more texture for a smooth surface," Goldman said. "Finishing sprays are about a healthy, luminous look and extended wear."
Once you incorporate setting spray into your beauty regimen, you'll be able to party at a music festival, sweat it out on the tennis court, or work a full day and hit up happy hour looking like you just applied your makeup. Read on to discover some of our favorites.
This $11 Eye Shadow Brush Set Is Up 30,000% in Sales on Amazon - Customers Are Obsessed
If you're in the market for some new beauty tools, we have found a major deal for you. This Real Perfection Eye Makeup Brush Set ($11) on Amazon is currently up a whopping 30,000 percent in sales. 76 percent of customers who have reviewed the product give it five stars.
So what makes these brushes so great? For starters, the bristles are incredible soft on your skin, yet they hold lots of product. There is also a variety of brushes for everything you need from blending out eye shadow to applying eyeliner. There's even an eyebrow spool. They work for cream, liquid, and powder-based products, so you can use them will all of your cosmetics.
"Very soft, blend very, very well," one buyer said. "The price for the quality was better than I expected. Easy to use and clean. I am absolutely in love with these brushes! They are really great for contouring also!"
So what are you waiting for? Score these brushes soon before they disappear!
6 Bachelor-Inspired Long-Wear, Kiss-Proof Lipsticks to Add to Your Makeup Bag
Each week, we tune into The Bachelor to feed our inner hopeless romantics. But, if you're a beauty enthusiast, I'm sure you find yourself wondering what the contestants' go-to kiss-proof lipsticks are for date nights - even if you're a minimalist makeup wearer like Ashley Luebke from Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s season. Celebrity makeup artist Suzie Moldavon has worked with previous contestants like Lauren Bushnell, JoJo Fletcher, and Becca Tilley. In a previous interview with POPSUGAR, she recommended matte formulas to lock in your lip look before you kiss the night away. Inspired by this pro tip, here are six lipsticks sure to last all night long.
1. Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint ($20)
This transfer free, quick-drying formula comes with a recommendation from Moldavon. Don't forget to use a lip scrub before applying this formula so that your matte finish dries to perfection.
2. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color ($4)
With a four-star rating on Target's website and a host of colors to choose from, this drugstore beauty buy will not only go the extra mile, but also won't break your budget.
3. The Lip Bar Matte Lipstick in As If ($13)
Pink-nude hues are a staple of the Bachelor girls' beauty routines, so it was only right that we found a pink lip color that won't budge. There are two more things that make As If a treat - The Lip Bar line is both vegan and cruelty-free.
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick ($18)
This full-pigmented formula is a favorite of lipstick-lovers everywhere. With 30 shades and a smooth matte finish, this lipstick will keep your lips hydrated and your lipstick in place.
5. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick ($38)
The Bachelorette's longtime makeup artist Gina Modica revealed that while nothing is kiss-proof, this liquid lipstick was among her favorites to use on Rachel Lindsay because of its long-lasting hydrating formula.
6. MAC Velvetease Lip Pencil ($21)
Though these aren't technically lipsticks, lip pencils are another staple Modica recommended for long-lasting lip wear. These chubby pencils from MAC go on matte and are more like a lipstick than your standard lip pencil.
I Finally Found a Shampoo That Gives My Flat, Lifeless Hair Tons of Volume
I have superthin, fine hair that becomes flat and oily throughout the day. The one way I've combated this problem through the years is by using volumizing shampoos that give my locks some added bounce. A few months ago, I was recommended to try this Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo ($26), and it is hands down my favorite new product.
In case you're not familiar with the Swedish line, it's carried at department stores and at Sephora. The brand is driven to create simple and clean beauty products that give your hair exactly what you need without extra harmful ingredients.
The name does exactly what it says: it makes my hair feel thicker and silky soft. It's formulated with a blend of sea algae, which helps nourish and repair your tresses while adding a touch of softness and volume. I use it in combination with the moisturizing Sachajuan Thickening Conditioner ($29), which detangles my hair with ease. Both of the products contain UV and heat protectants to help keep your hair healthy. If you think you could use a boost, you'll want to give these a try.
Sachajuan is not only for thin hair; the brand carries a wide array of products for everything from curly locks to dyed tresses. Make sure to check out everything and see what suits your needs.
The 15 Best Products From Women-Founded Beauty Brands
Considering how many products women use, it's astounding how few beauty brands are actually female-run. In a multibillion-dollar industry that's geared toward women, the biggest companies are still run by men. Thankfully, that's starting to change with a generation of ambitious female founders who have created some of today's most coveted brands.
We've rounded up some incredible brands by female founders who created products they wanted to see in the market. Many of them created their own products because they wanted to use makeup with healthier ingredients, revolutionize an industry, or just feed their passions for beauty.
Keep reading to discover which of your favorite brands has a female founder and which products you should try next from the woman-led companies.
Want to Drench Yourself in All Things Disney? These Bath Bombs Are For You
One could argue that we have reached peak bath bomb. We've seen unicorn bath bombs, bath-bomb-inspired makeup, and even fried-chicken-scented bath bombs. (Yes, really.) To all of that, we simply say, "Keep them coming." In a surprising twist, Hot Topic has been selling Disney bath bombs - which Hello Giggles brought to our attention - that are so damn cute.
There's a cherry-scented Minnie Mouse Bath Bomb that features the iconic character's signature red bow, as well as an Enchanted Rose Bath Bomb inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Naturally, that bath bomb is rose-scented. Both are currently available online at a discounted price of $8. (Each originally retailed for $10.) Have fun turning your bathtub into a magical Disney oasis!
Galactic Rose Gold, Pastel Amethyst, and 10 More Nail Shades You'll Want This Spring
Whether or not your feet are ready, sandal weather is imminent. And much like the cute little groundhog that signals Spring, your toesies are about to emerge from their sock hovels to celebrate warmer temperatures. But before you bust out your favorite pair of slide sandals, consider picking up a new nail polish.
Sure, you could opt for a basic ballerina pink, but why not invest in a new statement color? Rose gold remains a favorite, but this season it's gone galactic, with many brands injecting the millennial-approved hue with flecks of shimmer. We'd also happily hail a taxicab-yellow colored manicure, as we've seen the traffic-stopping shade grace the nails of many an Instagram It girl. If you gravitate to more natural hues, you'll swoon over an earthy bronze or muted mushroom.
Keep reading to see the shades you won't want to take off all Spring.
What You Need to Know About the 6 Main Skincare Acids
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the skincare world, know that you're not alone. There's a veritable alphabet soup of vitamins, a constant debate over silicones, preservatives, and alcohols, and a never-ending stream of words like "occlusives," "parabens," and "surfactants."
Though it's impossible to cover everything in a day (let alone a single article), we can start somewhere. And today, that somewhere is acids. With the help of board certified dermatologists, we're breaking down six different types of acids by explaining what they are and how they can benefit your skin.
This Major At-Home Haircare Brand Will Stop Retouching Its Models
We're only a few months into 2018, but so far the beauty industry has taken some major steps toward more transparent advertising. First, CVS announced that it will roll back on photoshopping its models, going so far as to create a seal that lets customers know when an ad has been retouched. Then, luxury skincare brand Babor released a breathtaking campaign that showcased the natural - and unfiltered - beauty of its stars. Now, at-home hair dye brand Madison Reed announced that it will use "raw photography" in all of its imagery, in an effort to move toward more authenticity in advertising.
Some quick clarification, courtesy of a Madison Reed press release sent to POPSUGAR: "Many brands have vowed to not 'materially alter' the appearance of women in their imagery, but that leaves room for retouching." Some examples of retouching include minor smoothing over of wrinkles or digitally taming flyaway hair. So when Madison Reed reps say the brand won't "retouch" photos, that means it straight-up won't change a thing.
As chief marketing officer of Madison Reed Heidi Dorosin said in the release, "Recently, we had a photo shoot with six amazing women, some of whom are over the age of 50. When we received the digital files, we thought, 'Why alter these photos?' Yes, these women have wrinkles. Yes, they have smile lines. But these are all qualities that made the women even more beautiful to us."
Brand founder Amy Errett said, "Long ago, I decided Madison Reed would never use seductive photography. In fact, I named the company after my daughter to empower her to find her own path, with grace and without apology. So I am thrilled by our decision to promise zero photo alteration in our advertising."
This no-retouching policy will apply to advertising photos only - some web images and product packaging will continue to be altered. However, any photo that bears a Madison Reed "Real Mark" seal has not been retouched. Read on to see this beautiful campaign in action.
This $5 CVS Deodorant Pen Keeps Me From Being a Sweaty Mess
Allow me to set the scene. It's 2005. I'm in junior high. Puberty just hit me like a derailing train. Girls are covering their budding B.O. by delicately spritzing on Victoria's Secret Very Sexy. Meanwhile, on the other side of weirdo-town, I'm sticking maxi pads to the armpits of my t-shirts in hopes of stopping four-inch-wide sweat stains from developing under my pits.
Ten years later, I've thankfully developed a better system, but I'm still pretty choosy when it comes to my deodorant. Although one of my favorite parts of my job is testing new beauty products, I rarely volunteer to be the guinea pig when it comes to new antiperspirants. When I saw the puny Super Recipes Women's Deodorant Antiperspirant Pen ($5), I assumed it wouldn't work on me. Still, I was charmed by the idea of a portable deodorant disguised as a writing utensil, so I slipped it into my purse.
Lo and behold, a few days later I ran out of my go-to deo. I nervously spritzed the Super Recipes pen over my pits, and packed an extra shirt just in case I sweat through it. Luckily, I never had to change. The formula provided an instant, cooling effect that felt super refreshing. Although I was nervous that the spray might not set quickly and leave white streaks on my clothing, it never did.
The scent is sweet, but restrained and unisex, so even if you're sensitive I think you can roll with this coconut-oil-infused formula. What's more, this stuff lasts for hours - I wouldn't say the full 48 hours that's advertised on its packaging, but I can go a full work day without any touch-ups. Usually, I'll spray it on in the morning, and throw it in my gym bag to reapply after I work out in the evenings. And even though the pen is tiny enough to fit in my cramped going-out clutch, it lasts for up to 200 spritzes.
So, sweaty people of the world, don't be afraid to bust out those tight, long-sleeved shirts! This pint-sized pen will keep your pits covered, while adding more precious space to your beauty bag.
Beard Burn Is Really a Thing, and Here's How to Deal With It
Even if you're not totally down with the beard gang, you have to admit there's something about facial hair that is just sexy AF. Want to know what's not sexy though? The red, stinging, irritated skin that can come from kissing a face full of hair. Sure, it's a risk worth taking, but even if you're not doing any superheavy smooching, you still may notice tingling, almost rug-burned skin afterward.
That's called beard burn. On the surface, your skin may also look slightly swollen and dry. Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe shared three easy solutions for saving your skin after a heavy (or light) make-out session.
Suggest Some Grooming Swaps
If this one is too good to give up, you've got to speak up. Try communicating with your partner, and let him know this is an issue for you. Offer some grooming suggestions that can benefit the both of you. "It helps if the guy's beard is softened and cleaned by shampoo and conditioner but also a natural seed oil, which will aid in lubricating the skin," Bowe said.
Adjust Your Regimen
In case of an unexpected beard burn, you'll want to have a few products on hand with nonirritating ingredients to help calm and heal sensitivity and redness. Dr. Bowe recommends adding a topical probiotic like Tula Multi-Spectrum Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment ($85). Some probiotic skincare products have actual live bacteria or a bacterial derivative that when directly applied to the skin's surface can help to calm inflammation in the skin.
Cover With Correctors
To help neutralize any redness in the skin from the irritation, try a color corrector like bareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20 ($21) to even out imperfections in the skin.
Steer Clear of Fragrance
"Be careful of using moisturizers with fragrance in them while your skin is still experiencing irritation as it can cause discomfort," Bowe adds. She also advises against exfoliating, particularly on sore spots. It'll add more distress to your already-raw skin.
Seek Out Soothers
This includes ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and as previously mentioned, probiotics. Look for these kind of skin calmers in products like Dr. Jart Ceramidin Gel-Cream ($49) "Some probiotics can boost the skin's production of ceramides which help to lock in your skin's moisture, thereby protecting and strengthening your skin's natural barrier from any irritations," Bowe concludes.
See, there's no need to forfeit a good time in the name a beauty. So go ahead, and kiss all up on that man.
This Miracle Vitamin C Serum Is Up 120% in Sales on Amazon - It Makes Dark Spots Disappear
I have dark spots left behind from acne and sun damage that drive me crazy. Luckily, I found a solution that I am obsessed with. This TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum ($20) is a bestseller on Amazon and grows in popularity with each day - it's currently up 120 percent in sales. According to the brand, the serum is "proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while helping boost collagen, fade sun and age spots, improve skin firming, brightening, and tone for a smoother, fresher, more revitalized youthful complexion." I know it sounds too good to be true, but it actually works.
Almost 8,000 customers have reviewed the product, and 76 percent of them give it five stars. Hard to argue with those numbers. Vitamin C is a necessary supplement when it comes to skin health, so it's no surprise that this serum works so well. If you're not convinced yet, check out the reviews on Amazon. There are all sorts of before and after photos that prove the effectiveness of this formula.
I have tried the serum myself and can say that I started seeing results after one week of using it. My dark spots faded quickly and my skin has never looked so clear. Grab a bottle now - you'll be doing yourself a favor.
The 10 Best Beauty Products That Came From Shark Tank
There's no denying the binge-worthy watchability of Shark Tank, with its intense, high-stakes negotiations between entrepreneur and investor. But how many products actually make it through the process and come out fortuitous - even if they don't get any investment backing? You may be surprised to learn that a number of them do pretty damn well, and today we're rounding up 10 of the best beauty inventions that've been featured on the show.
Ta-Da! The Real Meaning Behind Those Vague Emoji
Rule number one of emoji: there are no rules. You can use those cute little symbols as much as you want. The only caveat is that sometimes they're a little . . . confusing. What's with the guy on his stomach, for instance? To get the meanings behind the most head-scratching characters, we looked to Emojipedia. Yes, it's a real thing, and all the names listed are official emoji character names. The meanings and descriptions, however, aren't necessarily accurate because Emojipedia isn't affiliated with the emoji makers. But it's better than nothing, right?
Source: Emojipedia
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
33 Sure Signs That You're an Empath
Do you pick up on the vibe of a room the moment you walk in? Can you almost always tell when someone is lying? Do you just generally have A LOT of feelings? You're probably an empath. You may be familiar with the spectrum of personality types between introverts and extroverts, but empaths are a whole other type of personality you may not know about. Empaths are often (but not always) more introverted, but the key aspect of the personality type is an empath's ability to relate to and absorb the feelings of other people. Empaths are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, and they are very affected by the energies of those around them.
There are positives to being an empath; for instance, they are sympathetic, caring, and understanding. They are intuitive and have the ability to influence the mood and energy around them. Empaths are good listeners and caretakers, and they are known for their compassion for others. However, being an empath definitely has its challenges. Because they are so sensitive, they can sometimes have difficulty differentiating other people's energy from their own. Commercials, movies, books, TV, the news, seeing the struggles of others - anything with an emotional element can affect empaths on a deeper level. Outside circumstances and situations can have a huge impact on the mental - and even physical - state of an empath. Empaths can unconsciously mirror other people's habits and moods, and for better or worse, they can soak up the energy around them. Empaths need to make sure to care for themselves in addition to caring for the rest of the world. Here are some signs you're an empath.
- You're extremely intuitive.
- It's easy for you to tell when people are lying.
- The energy of other people can change your own energy.
- You get "gut feelings" often (and they're almost always right).
- You often feel other people's pain.
- You consider yourself an introvert.
- You need to be near water.
- You often find yourself absorbing other people's emotions (both good and bad).
- You can get overwhelmed when surrounded by a lot of people.
- People feel like they can come to you when they have a problem.
- You're very sensitive.
- You love to be outside in nature because it revitalizes you.
- Being around certain people can make you feel drained.
- You feel physically or emotionally sick when seeing upsetting things in the news, on TV, or in movies.
- Your mood changes depending on who you're in a room with.
- You feel the same feeling around a specific person each time you see them.
- You have a big heart.
- You constantly seek answers for everything.
- You know that your energy can change the atmosphere around you.
- You go back and forth between being very expressive and very reclusive.
- You sometimes find yourself putting others' needs before your own.
- You value your alone time.
- You're a good listener.
- You deal with stomach issues and chronic fatigue due to emotional stress.
- You know and understand things, without needing any explanation.
- You are a creative type.
- You're a big animal-lover.
- You always need to know the truth and do not like deceit.
- You're a free spirit and find yourself daydreaming often.
- You're prone to mood swings (based on the environment you're in at the time).
- You're extremely open-minded and accepting of all people and lifestyles.
- You won't let a problem go until you find a satisfying solution.
- You sense things that other people miss.
Could This Heartbreaking Harry Potter Theory Explain Hogwarts Class Sizes?
A question that comes up often in Harry Potter fan circles is about the size of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. JK Rowling describes the magical institution as one of Europe's largest, with hundreds of students attending every school year. But, as book readers are well aware, the series's namesake character seems to have very few classmates, a mere handful of boys and girls in Gryffindor, with similarly scant enrollment of Harry's grade level in Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Well, one Tumblr user has come up with a theory for why Harry Potter's grade level is so small.
This theory, though heartbreaking considering its implications, has been parroted across Reddit and other fan blogs. It makes sense, right? Given that Harry's parents were killed when he was only 15 months old, it would explain tiny class sizes immediately surrounding Harry's year - Voldemort was at his peak leading up to and immediately following Harry's birth. Understandably, couples likely avoided conceiving during such terrifying times, with only a few brave wizards in Britain deciding to procreate despite the horrors of Voldemort's reign.
This sort of wartime fear surrounding major life events is a common theme in the Harry Potter series. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Molly Weasley explains that she and Arthur married young because everybody did during Voldemort's rise to power - they didn't know how much time they had left. And her son Ron justifies kissing Hermione during the Battle of Hogwarts for a similar reason.
"Is this the moment?" Harry asked weakly, and when nothing happened except that Ron and Hermione gripped each other still more firmly and swayed on the spot, he raised his voice. "Oi! There's a war going on here!"
Ron and Hermione broke apart, their arms still around each other.
"I know, mate," said Ron, who looked as though he had recently been hit on the back of the head with a Bludger, "So it's now or never, isn't it?"
So next time you're wondering why you only ever hear about a handful of Hogwarts students in Harry's grade level, understand that they're the few whose parents were brave (or foolish) enough to bring babies into the world during the reign of a complete monster.
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