Thursday 23 April 2009
Laura Eyles – editor extraordinaire at SheerLuxe.com chooses her top picks
Monday 30 March 2009
Courtney’s pregnancy diary: Week 33
With a bit more than six weeks left until the baby is due, it’s safe to say I’m on the home stretch! I’m beginning to find myself in that very familiar ‘nesting phase’ of organization, tidying, planning, last-minute purchases, etc. Just this week I brought our moses basket out of storage because I want to replace the mattress and have it all ready for when the baby arrives. Just seeing the moses basket in our bedroom is making it all feel real. Soon there will be a baby lying next to my bed!
I’m still feeling pretty well, albeit a bit more tired and certainly a bit more heavy. I’m starting to feel pressure and the occasional cramping pains, especially if I’ve been on my feet all day (which is quite difficult to avoid when you’ve got two little boys to chase after)! It feels like the baby is already quite low in position, but I think this is pretty normal for a third baby. In any case, these cramps and twinges are all a sign that the birth is not far away.
Now, if only I could decide on a name for the baby I would be one step further to being fully prepared…
-Courtney
I’m still feeling pretty well, albeit a bit more tired and certainly a bit more heavy. I’m starting to feel pressure and the occasional cramping pains, especially if I’ve been on my feet all day (which is quite difficult to avoid when you’ve got two little boys to chase after)! It feels like the baby is already quite low in position, but I think this is pretty normal for a third baby. In any case, these cramps and twinges are all a sign that the birth is not far away.
Now, if only I could decide on a name for the baby I would be one step further to being fully prepared…
-Courtney
Thursday 19 March 2009
Spring dressing with a Bump
There are a few things to bear in mind when making sartorial decisions for a growing bump. Being pregnant for the second time I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
Tip 1.
Maternity Jeans - invest in good quality jeans. If you are a jeans girl then don’t cut corners on this. As they say, beware of cheap imitations! Believe me; I have tried and tested several pairs in every budget and the expensive ones will be worth every penny.
Try on as many pairs as you can – even shapes you’re usually stay clear of. You’ll need a friendly and attentive sales assistant for this but it’s worth the effort. Totally banish all thoughts of what size you usually are, this is a totally different body you are dressing, embrace the change and get to know what works on your new shape
Team your jeans with a long top; anything from a lightweight cardigan, v-neck jumper, or tank with a tee shirt underneath – as long as it’s the right length fitted or baggy works.
With regards to volume, the same rules apply as usual. If you’re wearing flares or wide leg jeans stick with a relatively streamlined / fitted top. Equally with straight leg / skinny jeans you can wear more voluminous tops. Silk blouses with lightweight cashmeres look divine and luxurious, even better when you wear tone on tone, keeping things in the same colour group creates a sleek silhouette.
Tip 2.
Dresses - A great pregnancy staple. Dresses are comfortable, easy, only one choice to make, and an absolute fail safe option.
In my experience, sack, cocoon, and empire line dresses work best and are the most comfortable. Although, stretch jersey is the obvious choice I think silk works beautifully as well; it’s more luxurious and is extremely flattering.
Retain your individuality, being pregnanat doesn’t mean you have to wear a “maternity uniform” of jersey pieces, nor does it mean you have to wear exclusively made for maternity items. Choose fabrics and colours you normally gravitate towards; it will help you feel more like yourself and you’ll be more confident.
There are lots of investment pieces which can be worn before, during and after the bump. Blossom are the experts at this they invented the concept. They test every item of clothing in their stores with and with out a pregnancy bump!
Tip 3.
Embrace Layering - For day wear layering is the key to modesty. For spring this means a selection of vests, long and short sleeve tee’s, perhaps some Breton stripe tops, and even a couple of super fine knits which can be worn with your favourite maternity jeans. Blossom has a strapless camisole which adds length to tee shirts that are starting to ride up, and helps keep exposed décolleté more modest.
As I said before, and yes I am fanatical about this, length is the most important thing, the longer the better if you want to feel comfortable and move around with out exposing your tummy. Tanks, tees and fitted items should sit under the belly at hip length. Longer tops and smocks work best at mid thigh just above the knees. This length allows you to layer over jean or leggings.
Tip 4.
Leggings – For me these are a must have. They look fantastic when worn with dresses but also turn an otherwise smart dress into something eminently more casual.
They offer a great sense of support while covering up the bits on your legs you might not feel like flashing as you get further into your pregnancy. All this while still feeling spring like and youthful.
Tip 5.
Long –Sorry to say this again but LONG, LONG, LONG. If you only remember 2 things remember make it long and retain your individuality as being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to wear a “maternity uniform”
Article by: Alexandra Wheeler, Fashion Editor at Easy Living Magazine
Tip 1.Maternity Jeans - invest in good quality jeans. If you are a jeans girl then don’t cut corners on this. As they say, beware of cheap imitations! Believe me; I have tried and tested several pairs in every budget and the expensive ones will be worth every penny.
Try on as many pairs as you can – even shapes you’re usually stay clear of. You’ll need a friendly and attentive sales assistant for this but it’s worth the effort. Totally banish all thoughts of what size you usually are, this is a totally different body you are dressing, embrace the change and get to know what works on your new shape
Team your jeans with a long top; anything from a lightweight cardigan, v-neck jumper, or tank with a tee shirt underneath – as long as it’s the right length fitted or baggy works.
With regards to volume, the same rules apply as usual. If you’re wearing flares or wide leg jeans stick with a relatively streamlined / fitted top. Equally with straight leg / skinny jeans you can wear more voluminous tops. Silk blouses with lightweight cashmeres look divine and luxurious, even better when you wear tone on tone, keeping things in the same colour group creates a sleek silhouette.
Tip 2.Dresses - A great pregnancy staple. Dresses are comfortable, easy, only one choice to make, and an absolute fail safe option.
In my experience, sack, cocoon, and empire line dresses work best and are the most comfortable. Although, stretch jersey is the obvious choice I think silk works beautifully as well; it’s more luxurious and is extremely flattering.
Retain your individuality, being pregnanat doesn’t mean you have to wear a “maternity uniform” of jersey pieces, nor does it mean you have to wear exclusively made for maternity items. Choose fabrics and colours you normally gravitate towards; it will help you feel more like yourself and you’ll be more confident.
There are lots of investment pieces which can be worn before, during and after the bump. Blossom are the experts at this they invented the concept. They test every item of clothing in their stores with and with out a pregnancy bump!
Tip 3.Embrace Layering - For day wear layering is the key to modesty. For spring this means a selection of vests, long and short sleeve tee’s, perhaps some Breton stripe tops, and even a couple of super fine knits which can be worn with your favourite maternity jeans. Blossom has a strapless camisole which adds length to tee shirts that are starting to ride up, and helps keep exposed décolleté more modest.
As I said before, and yes I am fanatical about this, length is the most important thing, the longer the better if you want to feel comfortable and move around with out exposing your tummy. Tanks, tees and fitted items should sit under the belly at hip length. Longer tops and smocks work best at mid thigh just above the knees. This length allows you to layer over jean or leggings.
Tip 4.
Leggings – For me these are a must have. They look fantastic when worn with dresses but also turn an otherwise smart dress into something eminently more casual.
They offer a great sense of support while covering up the bits on your legs you might not feel like flashing as you get further into your pregnancy. All this while still feeling spring like and youthful.
Tip 5.Long –Sorry to say this again but LONG, LONG, LONG. If you only remember 2 things remember make it long and retain your individuality as being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to wear a “maternity uniform”
Article by: Alexandra Wheeler, Fashion Editor at Easy Living Magazine
Saturday 14 March 2009
The secret of shedding that baby weight !
It is no secret that loosing weight and keeping fit involve a certain amount of ‘dedication’ that can be hard to fit into a busy mothers lifestyle. Thankfully, Blossom’s research team have discovered a little shortcut to help you get back into shape.Figure Fit is a natural body shaping method which is a combination of personal nutritional advice, targeted exercise and ozone, extra bonus – it’s a female only centre!
The unique approach is based on the number one weight loss and slimming technique in Switzerland and Italy for over 30 years. The Secret is Figure Fit’s heated beds. You exercise inside unique pod like bed where the temperature is regulated to 36.80C, exactly the same as normal body-temperature; thus, eliminating the need for a pre-workout warm-up or a post-exercise stretch.
It’s also been scientifically proven, that cellular metabolism is most effective at this temperature. This means you burn fat more quickly and efficiently than during a regular gym workout. (i.e less effort = better results) If it sounds too good to believe, look into a process known as Vant Hoff’s law.
Figure Fit is one of few exercise methods many doctors approve for pregnant women and it can be done all the way up until the last 4-6 weeks of the due date. It is ideal for keeping back problems at bay, helping prepare the body for labour, and helps new moms regain their figure sooner.
LOCATION
Just off the Kings Road, a short walk from Sloan Square at
First floor, 6 Burnsall Street, London SW3.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
About the same as having a personal trainer in a gym, but every session at Figure Fit includes personalised nutritional advice and full body ozone therapy, as well as exercising one to one with a trainer.
Figure Fit is offering Blossom customers 12 sessions for the price of 10.
Further details available at: www.figurefit.co.uk
Notes:
Emine Basak, the joint Managing Director of Figure Fit, used the Figure Fit method during both her pregnancies throughout. She gave birth to her second child a year ago. Feel free to email her at emine@figurefit.co.uk
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Pregnancy, Labour and the Benefits of Hypnosis
Imagine feeling empowered to expect and experience a positive calm pregnancy and birthing . How good would that feel?
Right from the beginning you can learn how to feel in mental and physical harmony with your body and the new inhabitant/s. You can feel calm, positive and generate your own natural pain relief processes, all of which reduce fear. This creates a positive expectation of a natural, relaxed and rewarding birth experience for you and your baby.
How can this happen? - Through hypnosis.
All hypnosis is self hypnosis, it is a natural attribute that you have always had and used. And this is a great time to learn more about it and harness the power of your mind to believe that your pregnancy and birthing process will be a comfortable and joyful event.
On the occasions when helpful intervention is required, the mothers who had learnt self hypnosis have reported feeling calmer and more confident. They also required less medication and feeling relaxed and well after delivery.
Your mind wants to do this for your body. Hypnosis increases your minds awareness of its ability because you learn about the process and you give yourself permission to enjoy all the extra benefits.
Where can you find out more?
Search the internet for courses on using hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. There are many wonderful hypnotherapists all over the country who have trained in hypnobirthing types of techniques. Usually they offer classes for you and your partner/labour supporting partner. These are of several weeks duration. These also open an opportunity of adding a new caring group of supportive friends to benefit the lives of you both and your baby.
If you attend a ‘hypnosis for pregnancy and birth’ class, you will expect to cover;
Right from the beginning you can learn how to feel in mental and physical harmony with your body and the new inhabitant/s. You can feel calm, positive and generate your own natural pain relief processes, all of which reduce fear. This creates a positive expectation of a natural, relaxed and rewarding birth experience for you and your baby.
How can this happen? - Through hypnosis.
All hypnosis is self hypnosis, it is a natural attribute that you have always had and used. And this is a great time to learn more about it and harness the power of your mind to believe that your pregnancy and birthing process will be a comfortable and joyful event.
On the occasions when helpful intervention is required, the mothers who had learnt self hypnosis have reported feeling calmer and more confident. They also required less medication and feeling relaxed and well after delivery.
Your mind wants to do this for your body. Hypnosis increases your minds awareness of its ability because you learn about the process and you give yourself permission to enjoy all the extra benefits.
Where can you find out more?
Search the internet for courses on using hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. There are many wonderful hypnotherapists all over the country who have trained in hypnobirthing types of techniques. Usually they offer classes for you and your partner/labour supporting partner. These are of several weeks duration. These also open an opportunity of adding a new caring group of supportive friends to benefit the lives of you both and your baby.
If you attend a ‘hypnosis for pregnancy and birth’ class, you will expect to cover;
- Learning how the mind body connection works and how to tune into it to achieve maximum benefit from the power of your own mind.
- Strategies to help you gain optimal health in pregnancy for you and your baby.
- Self-hypnosis techniques.
- Hypnotic pain and fear reducing techniques.
- Strategies to create a calm, confident birthing process and post hypnotic suggestions healing and health after delivery.
(If you live in North West London, I’d recommend developinglife.com)
Your birthing partner will be a welcome support at this time. They are important and want to be the closest part of your support team at this time.
Acquire and use hypnobirthing Cds. These are also available on the internet and in some good book stores. All hypnosis CDs/tapes are best used with head phones as this keeps out external noise.
What can you expect from the benefits of hypnosis in childbirth?
Your birthing partner will be a welcome support at this time. They are important and want to be the closest part of your support team at this time.
Acquire and use hypnobirthing Cds. These are also available on the internet and in some good book stores. All hypnosis CDs/tapes are best used with head phones as this keeps out external noise.
What can you expect from the benefits of hypnosis in childbirth?
- Feeling positive and calm from the start.
- You will need fewer/lower amounts of drugs or may require no drugs at all. This will mean lower risk of side effects to mother and baby.
- Labour is shorter as the birthing muscles feel more comfortable, and you will feel calm so that the body can just do its perfect work for you.
- You will feel more awake and energized because you will be experiencing the profound relaxation of hypnosis through out. (Hypnosis is a state of mind, not closed eyelids and inactive recumbent positions.)
- If the need for interventions or complications arise, you will feel able to cope.
- A baby who will be a better sleeper, more content and healthy feeder, as he/she has had a stress and drug reduced/free birth.
Pregnancy only happens a very few times in a woman’s life, enjoy it, Hypnotherapy it!
Wishing you well, Elizabeth Moon.
Courtney’s pregnancy diary: Week 31
I’m afraid I’m becoming a bit redundant with my weekly pregnancy updates, but this past week was another uneventful one. I suppose this is a good thing, as I’m still feeling really good, still have plenty of energy, and still getting enough rest in the evenings. And, thanks to my two other munchkins keeping me busy, I even sometimes forget I’m pregnant entirely… Until I bend over to grab something off the floor, or bump into the wall with my bulging bump! The growing belly is definitely a constant reminder.My husband and I are starting to think about baby names, which is more difficult this pregnancy because we don’t know the sex of the baby. (Previously, we knew we were having a boy, so it was easier to focus!) These days I am constantly scanning street signs, studying the newspaper, reading (and re-reading) baby name books, etc. We still haven’t come up with anything we love. Thankfully we still have two months to go…
-Courtney
Thursday 5 March 2009
Congratulations to the three lucky denim winners!
Our denim competition was a huge success and it’s has been really hard for us at the Blossom Head Quarter to choose only three winners for this competition.
We say congratulations to;
- Sarah Amies, Holmfirth
- Fiona Kelly,
- Nina Woods,
We hope you have not missed to notice this month’s competition, which is Conception, Pregnancy and Birth, a book written by Dr. Miriam Stoppard. Find out more about the competition here – and congratulations again to Sarah, Fiona and Nina – we hope you will enjoy your new jeans!
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