Carole Middleton continues to make the right fashion steps. The British Couture House Catherine Walker & Co was chosen by Carole Middleton for her outfit worn at the christening of her grandson HRH Prince George of Cambridge today.
The tailored piece by Catherine Walker & Co, the Iris coatdress, is made in navy, superfine merino wool. Its elegant lines are enhanced by insets panels of chalk grey silk at the sides mounted with a delicate navy floral Calais lace.
An increasing number of young people are discovering the benefit of ‘fertility MOTs’, consultants have said, even if they have no immediate plans to start a family.
Patients can come in for fertility advice even if they aren’t yet trying for children, and have a full range of tests so they can decide when they should start thinking about a family.
Mrs Yasmin Sajjad, fertility consultant at Spire Liverpool Hospital said: “The growing popularity of our fertility MOTs reflects a rising trend of young couples and singles seeking peace of mind on their fertility status.”
As people get older some may find it increasingly difficult to conceive and fertility consultancy is valuable in providing early advice as to how long it is practical to wait.
Yasmin said: “At 25 – 27 years old a woman’s fertility is already starting to decline, and upon reaching 35, chances of conception have often halved. Women who take an early assessment of their fertility can make informed decisions about their options later down the line, including the possibility of having eggs frozen for a later date.”
Erica Wilson used the fertility MOT to help make an informed decision on when she and her husband should start trying for children, she said: “I came to Spire a few years ago for a fertility MOT at the age of 31. I was keen to see if there were any issues, and help become better informed so myself and my husband Ken could find out when we should start trying for children. It ended up being a very good decision because we found out early on that there were problems and it has given us time to address this.”
Erica is now going through a treatment called ICSI, Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. This involves injecting a single sperm into an egg in order to fertilise it, it’s then transferred back to the woman’s womb as an embryo.
Erica said: “So far we have undergone a few treatments of ICSI through the NHS. The treatment went smoothly but unfortunately it hasn’t worked. It’s now been diagnosed by Mrs Sajjad that I have certain cells, which identify the embryo being put back in my womb as a foreign body and I am now on a course of steroid treatment which should prevent this. Ken and I are now really hopeful that we can start a family and having a fertility MOT has given us the time to solve the issues, and have a good chance at trying for a family before time and the odds are against us.”
Yasmin also said that they have seen an increase in the use of the clinic by couples in the middle of trying for a family. “Many couples are leaving it later to try for children, which simply put means they can’t afford to wait around. If they have been trying for a year with no success then they should visit a GP, but often taking this route can mean they end up on waiting lists for tests and to see a fertility expert. This wait can mean the difference between having a child and not, as some couples have left it too close in terms of their fertility or accessing IVF on the NHS, where the cut off for funding is often around the age of 40. This means that the women should be referred for assisted conception treatment at least six months before their 40th birthday.
“Many older couples are now choosing to pay privately to find out if there is an issue straight away, then they can decide what action to take.”
The Fertility MOT includes a range of packages, all of which require only two visits to the hospital within the space of a week. The comprehensive process will provide a full assessment of a patient’s ability to conceive and identify any underlying factors that may prevent natural conception down the line.
Packages are available for men, women, and couples. Men receive an expert semen analysis, while women will be given a pelvic ultrasound scan, urine test and tubal patency test. Both will also have a full blood test to check hormone status.
Upon the second visit the results are discussed and potential options will be laid out. From there consultants can give expert advice on future options, and advise any appropriate treatments.
Yasmin added: “Modern hectic lifestyles mean that more couples are choosing to postpone a family until later in life, so a fertility MOT can be invaluable in checking one’s options before it’s too late.”
Spire Liverpool Hospital is holding an information event for couples planning a family on Thursday 24 October, from 6.30 – 9pm.
After months of royal baby speculation, it appears the nation believes the new royal arrival will be a girl named Elizabeth born on the 7th July.
These predictions came out top in a poll of nearly 4,000 fellow expectant mums who were asked to guess the sex, name and the date the royal baby would arrive on parenting website Bounty.com.
Despite recent rumours of Harry letting it slip that the royal couple are expecting a boy and Kate buying a blue Bugaboo pram, two thirds still believe the new arrival will be a princess.
And when it comes to naming their firstborn, most think the couple will be ‘keeping it in the family’ with Elizabeth the most popular choice, closely followed by Diana, Victoria and Alexandra.
These echo the recent ‘Royal Baby Odds’ released by Ladbrokes, which favour Kate giving birth to a girl at 2-5 with the same names as front-runners at 6-1.
Lisa Penney, spokesmum for Bounty.com, whose ‘Royal Baby Guesser’ competition is asking new mums and pregnant women to cast their predictions for the royal baby. “Everyone loves a royal baby and as speculation reaches fever pitch we thought it would be fun to ask our members for their own predictions,” says Lisa.
“The results show even though Kate and Wills are seen as modern, contemporary royals, people still think they will plump for a traditional royal name.”
When it comes to boys names, George – most widely rumoured to be favoured by the couple for a son – comes out on top, followed by James, Henry and Edward.
Interestingly, it seems new mums are already taking name inspiration from the royals with Bounty Parenting Club’s most recent baby names report revealing both George and James were among the top ten names given to baby boys by new parents in April.
However, the ‘most likely for a princess’ girls names have some catching up to do with Elizabeth the 42nd most popular name given to baby girls in April, Alexandra the 69th, whilst Diana just makes the top 100 at 84th.
And despite recent reports of a ‘family friend’ letting it slip that the baby is due on 13th July, 7th July came out top as the date believed most likely for the baby making its arrival, followed by the 17th and the 14th July.
Lisa continues: “Our records show that year after year parents continue to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity, so it’s highly likely that whatever name the royal couple go for they’ll be setting a baby-naming trend for the future.
“And it does seem that even rumours surrounding the possible name they’ll go for are enough to inspire new parents. Our latest baby data shows sharp increases since the beginning of the year for Diana (up 200%), Elizabeth (up 22%) and George (up 10%), leaping up seven places to become the eighth most popular name for baby boys in the UK.”
There is still time to take part in bounty.com’s ‘royal baby guesser’ competition for your chance to win a ‘Princess for a Day’ experience worth £1,000. Visit http://www.bounty.com/royal-
TOP TEN PRINCESS NAME PREDICTIONS
1. Elizabeth
2. Diana
3. Victoria
4. Alexandra
5. Charlotte
6. Sophia
7. Emily
8. Mary
9. Grace
10. Olivia
TOP TEN PRINCE NAME PREDICTIONS
1. George
2. James
3. Henry
4. Edward
5. Charles
6. William
7. Philip
8. Alexander
9. Arthur
10. Richard
TOP TEN BIRTH DATE PREDICTIONS
1. 7th July
2. 17th July
3. 14th July
4. 15th July
5. 6th July
6. 12th July
7. 16th July
8. 10th July
9. 5th July
10. 3rd July
What do you think the royal baby will be called?
A pre-baby what? A pre-baby list. Not for women who are pregnant and the dad-to-be, but for people who haven’t had children. Kids might be great but you can’t say they don’t cramp your style. My nephew is now two-years-old and has expanded my brothers life, but also allowed him less freedom. So I am not only compiling a list of things to do in your pre-baby years, but I am also writing a book on it, and I would love you to contribute. Just comment below on the things you think everyone should do before they have children. I have a few of my own below to start things off. I will be adding to the list and also keep you updated on the book. Here goes!
1) Go to Paris on the Eurostar.
2) Go to a music festival.
3) Go to London Fashion Week
4) Go scuba diving.
5) Get your driving license and have a roadtrip around America.
6) Have a roadtrip around Europe.
7) Spend weekends sleeping in late and doing absolutely nothing.
8) Read books
9) Buy the Sunday papers and read them (almost) cover to cover.
10) Learn a new skill
What do you think should be added? Comment below.
So Rad Boutique has developed a line of eco hip, luxury clothing for babies and toddlers. After the birth of her son, founder Jasmine Bashaj combined her background in digital illustration and a successful line of greeting cards into an affordable clothing line for babies and toddlers using luxury bamboo fabrics. Frost interviewed Jasmine to find out more. 
Tell us about your brand
So Rad makes bebe & toddler apparel the is eco friendly, modern and affordable. Bamboo and
organic cotton fabrics, made in Canada – from start to finish. Not your average kind of stuff
either! Creative, functional and simple designs by a Mummy.
Catering to the layette newbie crowd, the crawlers & walkers and now for the little big kids with
sizes up to 6X.
How did you get it started?
I was inspired by my own kids. There are so many choices out there for Mummy and Daddy to
choose from and I wanted to narrow it down. I took elements I liked from different pieces and
put them together to make 1 piece. I started because I thought other Mum’s could also benefit
from my creations. I talked to other clothing manufacturers – small guys, talked to people in the
industry, suppliers. Emailed all over the world to compare products, prices. Weighed all of my
options and decided to get everything made in Canada.
When did your interest in fashion start?
I was interested in fashion when I was 12 – I used to design dress’:) I never thought I would end up
actually designing clothes! At the time, it was more of an artistic outlet. I went on to study illustration
and by trade, I am currently a digital illustrator, still doing freelance on the side.
Why children’s clothes?
Well, I’ve got kids and when you have kids, the world revolves around them. I’ve never really thought
about “why kids” it was just a given.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere! Real life, nature, art, abstracts, urban, childhood memories, the mixed-tape generation,
geometry, patterns – should I go on?
Tell us about bamboo fabric.
I love love love this grass. So soft like silk when made into fabric, feeds Pandas and can be as solid as
steel when used for building materials. As a fabric, it’s amazing AND with benefits too! It’s naturally
organic, It grows like weeds – just try & kill it! My bamboo is actually certified organic.
It replaces full forrest canopies in about 3 years! It’s antibacterial, it’s hypoallergenic. It’s also naturally
moisture wicking. Great for cloth diaper inserts. It also gets softer as you wash it!
A little advice on bamboo fabric – you should avoid buying 100% bamboo for a couple reasons; Bamboo
is an interesting material – you could wash it once and it will stretch lengthwise and shrink widthwise.
You could wash it again and it could stretch widthwise and shrink lengthwise. You can hang it on a
hanger for a week and the arms could grown to the floor – very weird. Also, it is so silky, it could get
holes and rip at the seams. It’s weak on it’s own – it needs to be mixed with something, anything else
just to keep it’s “flexibility” in check. My fabric is 70% Bamboo, 30% Organic cotton.
What makes it better than other fabric?
Definitely for all that was mentioned above. What other fabric do you know can offer all of those
properties?
Any advice for people trying to start their own business?
I would say do your homework – research your industry, educate yourself.
Find more then 1 resource
Talk to lots of people who do the same as you – follow them on twitter, see what they’re saying.
Remember, these things take time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t make a billion dollars in
a year.:)
Last but not least, be open to change and learning, this never stops.
What’s next for you?
More designs!.. Oh, and I’ve having baby #3 early May!:)
South Korean superstar, Psy, has the most ‘liked’ video in YouTube history. He even has a Guinness World Records certificate to prove it.
Psy said “I’m honoured. This is the first certificate I’ve ever had… I didn’t get one at school”.
The online sensation has only been available to view since the 15th of July but as of today has been ‘liked’ 4,911,081 times. The figure puts its competitors in the shade; LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem has accumulated 1,574,963 likes, Justin’s Bieber’s Baby (1,327,147 likes) and British pop star Adele’s Rolling in the Deep (1,245,641 likes).
PSY (real name: Park Jae-Sang) is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and performer. Gangnam Style, his most successful single to date, is the most viewed K-Pop video on YouTube, and marks the first time a South Korean artist has topped the iTunes charts.
Kate Moss has told Vanity Fair that she suffered a nervous breakdown after being pushed into posing topless. The model also said she was in tears after being forced to pose topless and that she had no one to look after her apart from when she dated Johnny Depp.
Moss told Vanity Fair magazine that she felt uncomfortable on the shoot with The Face magazine with photographer Corinne Day which made her famous.
‘But they were like “If you don’t do it, then we’re not going to book you again”. So I’d lock myself in the toilet and cry and then come out and do it. I never felt very comfortable about it.’
The supermodel said that she suffered mental health problems while working for Calvin Klein in the early 1990s.
‘I had a nervous breakdown when I was 17 or 18, when I had to go and work with Marky Mark and Herb Ritts,’
‘It didn’t feel like me at all. I felt really bad about straddling this buff guy. I didn’t like it. I couldn’t get out of bed for two weeks. I thought I was going to die.’
She went on: ‘It was just anxiety. Nobody takes care of you mentally. There’s a massive pressure to do what you have to do.’
Moss also said that after she broke up with Johnny Depp she ‘cried for years’.
What do you think?
The pregnancy workout based on Heidi Murkoff’s best-selling pregnancy guide;What To Expect When You’re Expecting: The Workout is the ultimate pregnancy exercise programme designed to help you fit fitness into all nine months of your pregnancy and is out for the first time on DVD 26th December (RRP £17.99). With six 10-minute mix-and-match routines, you can customise your workout to fit your fitness level, your mood and your growing body from day to day, week to week and trimester to trimester.
Workouts include: 3x Cardio, 2x Strength and 1x Stretch & Relax – plus bonus workouts you can do anywhere, anytime*…
CARDIO:
BAREFOOT & PREGNANT: Enjoy this gentle Pilates-based workout that focuses on balance, muscle strength and circulation.
BABY BUMP BOOT CAMP: Back-to-basics training to build stamina and strength for a healthier pregnancy.
BABY STEPS: Bust some baby moves with this fun, easy-to-follow dance routine.
STRENGTH:
CUTE TO THE CORE: Fight aches, pains, and flab while keeping your abs and hips strong and toned with Pilates-based moves.
BUNS IN THE OVEN: Target-tone your buns with this total-body workout designed to firm up your legs, buns and thighs.
STRETCH & RELAX:
MIND, BODY & BABY: Practice gentle yoga moves to help rejuvenate your aching body and tight muscles.
BONUS FEATURES:
• Working This Workout
• Exercise Smarts
• Your Main Squeeze
• Workstation Workout
• Bouncing Baby Ball
*Weights, a yoga mat, and a pillow are recommended
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING: THE WORKOUT Disc Details
· Released: 26th December 2012
· RRP: £17.99
· Run Time: 60mins (TBC)
· Cat number: LGD94953
· Barcode: 5060223768120
· Copyright line: Programme Content and Photography: © 2012 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Package Design © 2012 Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK. All Rights Reserved.
ALSO AVAILABLE: What To Expect When You’re Expecting the hit comedy about facing the challenges of impending parenthood starring Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock and Matthew Morrison out to rent and own on DVD and Blu-ray now!