Oliver trumps Jack after 16 years in Top Baby Names 2010

05 January 2011 11:44

After a whopping 16 years as the most popular boys name in the UK, Jack has finally been bumped off top spot. The most popular name for baby boys in the UK is now Oliver.

Olivia remains the number one name for baby girls.

The list of most popular names 2010 reveals some monikers have completely dropped in popularity, some have risen several places and others have vanished entirely! Traditional names like Stanley sit alongside names of popular celebrities, like Lily.

A non-mover from 2009 in the girls list is Sophie, still second most popular. Lily jumped five places to third, and Emily and Ruby complete the top five.

Lacey, (shared by EastEnders actress Lacey Turner aka Stacey Slater), is also on the up, soaring 20 places from number 57 to 37th.

Florence is also becoming increasingly popular, moving up 33 places, as is Maisy.
In the boys list Harry stays in third place for another year after Oliver (1st) and Jack (2nd), while Charlie and Alfie, both non-movers, make up the top five.
The list was compiled by parenting club Bounty from names given to 423,000 children born in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010.
Yesterday, Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for bounty.com said: ''Our records show that parents are continuing to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity trends.
“However, parents are looking to a wide range of sources for influence and also seem to be rediscovering more traditional, ‘old-fashioned’ names like Ava and Stanley which have been more associated with grandparents in the past.
Faye Mingo added: “A recent study we ran found that one in five parents regret the names they have chosen for their children, so it’s more important than ever for parents to choose a name them and their child will love for the rest of their life.
“It’s hard to predict what we’ll see next year but it’s most probable that celebrities and popular culture will again play a part – and with a royal wedding on the horizon we may well see an increase in Williams and Kates born in celebration!”

For full lists of the most popular baby names of 2010, see:
Top Baby Boy Names 2010
Top Baby Girl Names 2010

Now read...
Seven steps to naming your baby
Bizarre Celebrity Baby Names
What not to name your baby
Top Baby Boy Names 2009
Top Baby Girl Names 2009

For more, and an A-Z of names, go to our Baby Names section!
TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2010   
                          
1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Charlie
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. Daniel
10. James
11. Jacob
12. George
13. Ethan
14. Lucas
15. Noah
16. Max
17. Logan
18. Joseph
19. Lewis
20. Dylan
21. Samuel
22. Oscar
23. Ryan
24. Archie
25. Riley
26. Jayden
27. Tyler
28. Jake
29. Callum
30. Liam
31. Alexander
32. Connor
33. Luke
34. Adam
35. Benjamin
36. Matthew
37. Leo
38. Finley
39. Jamie
40. Alex
41. Freddie
42. Mason
43. Harrison
44. Henry
45. Ben
46. Harvey
47. Nathan
48. Isaac
49. Cameron
50. Aaron
51. Theo
52. Edward
53. Ollie
54. Finlay
55. Owen
56. Kai
57. Harley
58. Aiden
59. Michael
60. Toby
61. Sam
62. Leon
63. Kyle
64. David
65. Rhys
66. Evan
67. Bailey
68. Reece
69. Zachary
70. Bobby
71. Ashton
72. Kian
73. Sebastian
74. Luca
75. Kayden
76. Louis
77. Zac
78. Taylor
79. Brandon
80. John
81. Hayden
82. Billy
83. Caleb
84. Jude
85. Blake
86. Joe
87. Louie
88. Jay
89. Christopher
90. Joel
91. Bradley
92. Ellis
93. Corey
94. Elliot
95. Zak
96. Robert
97. Stanley
98. Aidan
99. Jenson
100. Patrick

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2010

1. Olivia
2. Sophie
3. Lily
4. Emily
5. Ruby
6. Jessica
7. Chloe
8. Ava
9. Grace
10. Amelia
11. Mia
12. Evie
13. Lucy
14. Isabella
15. Maisie
16. Poppy
17. Daisy
18. Ellie
19. Ella
20. Megan
21. Isla
22. Freya
23. Charlotte
24. Lilly
25. Summer
26. Isabelle
27. Holly
28. Sophia
29. Millie
30. Erin
31. Katie
32. Amy
33. Scarlett
34. Hannah
35. Lexi
36. Imogen
37. Lacey
38. Molly
39. Eva
40. Brooke
41. Lola
42. Phoebe
43. Layla
44. Emma
45. Leah
46. Abigail
47. Sienna
48. Gracie
49. Amber
50. Jasmine
51. Alice
52. Matilda
53. Elizabeth
54. Anna
55. Madison
56. Rosie
57. Paige
58. Lauren
59. Isabel
60. Bethany
61. Caitlin
62. Georgia
63. Faith
64. Lexie
65. Florence
66. Rebecca
67. Niamh
68. Zoe
69. Maya
70. Skye
71. Maddison
72. Tilly
73. Keira
74. Scarlet
75. Tia
76. Amelie
77. Libby
78. Sofia
79. Sarah
80. Aimee
81. Isobel
82. Esme
83. Zara
84. Nicole
85. Julia
86. Martha
87. Maisy
88. Heidi
89. Abbie
90. Mya
91. Darcy
92. Rose
93. Eleanor
94. Kayla
95. Miley
96. Hollie
97. Eve
98. Bella
99. Evelyn
100. Courtney

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What I've Learned

By Brooke Burke on December 30, 2010

Someone once told me: "In really tough times, take time off." I wondered what that meant for a long time. Does that mean running when times are tough? Does that mean when you can’t handle your life take a vacation from it? When your kids are driving you insane, and you feel like a mommy failure, leave them for a few days?

NOOOO!

What I’ve learned is that in difficult times, and challenging moments, there are opportunities to learn and understand more layers of ourselves. Sometimes, taking a break can help settle the dust, or as I have often put it, calm your chaos and take a moment check in and do a bit of inventory. How else could one know what is running low or missing? If we do not replenish our own wellbeing, we simply cannot operate at full capacity.

When is the last time you took a day just for yourself, no kids, no man, just you to deal with you?!? Looong time for me. I always preach “me time" but with four kids it's not easy. I’m on a staycation with my kids for the holiday break, and I have been stealing every possible moment to take some much needed time for myself while they’re occupied at a kids club or swimming with friends. I need some time to think, to breathe and to discover some things about myself. I realize how difficult it is with four kids to actually read a book cover to cover- let alone complete a chapter without interruptions. I can’t even seem to finish a cup of coffee while it’s hot. I knew I was in trouble when my sister sent me a battery operated heated coffee cup for Christmas. I rarely even get a shower by myself. My scene looks more like a carwash! I do regret giving in to David’s desire for rain heads and multiple sprayers; they’re all occupied every time I get in!!!! Aaaah, the life of a big family.

Just as I have scheduled many fun activities for my children, I have also scheduled some necessary time for me.

Years end is a time for many people to examine their habits (mostly bad ones) and make commitments to break them. It's a time to promise to better the self. I always questioned why most people wait till Dec 31st to make necessary changes. Why don’t we tune in all year? Why not make a Bucket List just because you want to dream and make a plan for possible goals? I don’t really believe in New Year's Resolutions, because I won’t make promises to myself based on a calendar date. But I’m not knocking anyone who uses it to get motivated and make positive changes.

For me, my time is better spent focusing on the things that I have learned and reminding myself to practice what I know is my honest truth.

Here’s what I have learned this year:

Working my ass off is great for my bank account but will not bring me happiness.
Kids do not think like adults. They can’t- they’re wired differently.
What we say is not what other people always hear.
Yes you can make a difference if you GIVE.
Giving is better than receiving.
Don’t ask someone if they need love, just give it to them. They DO!
When you make dinner for 15 people, they may not say thank you. Be grateful for the experience.
Ask for help- your friends will give it to you.
Fear will hunt you down.
My highlights will never be the color of my son’s hair!
Make wishes in fountains.
Read between the lines, there is so much information there.
We deserve a break for what our parents did to us.
Chocolate will buy kisses.
Everything takes time.
Love will get you through difficult times.
Other people’s lessons can screw up your life. But they force you to learn your own.
Love makes everything better.
Don’t hurry.
Don’t worry.
I matter.
Believe.
When you listen, really hear what someone is saying.
Love.
Be careful what you give up.
Visualizing works!
You have to take care of you.
Smile at the world and it will smile back.
You can do ANYTHING as long as your intent is strong enough.

Happy New Year!

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'Two babies in nine months!’ in this month's Mother & Baby - OUT NOW

12 January 2011 12:08

This month, we’re bringing you 164 pages jam-packed with mum and baby health, fabulous shopping and amazing real-life stories, starting with ‘Two babies in nine months!’...

Find out how to tackle those first few hours with your newborn, and discover what he’s really thinking with ‘Inside the mind of a new dad’ - chances are he feels just like you!

PLUS: Save money with discounts on Inch Blue shoes and Jo Jingles music classes, plus our mammoth 99 ways to save feature.

Enjoy – and do let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter!

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New research claims breast may not always be best

By Sarah Funnell

14 January 2011 10:25

Breast is best, that is what mothers are told. But new research suggests this may not be entirely true.

Mothers are being warned that breastfeeding exclusively for six months may not be best for their babies and could put them at risk of allergies, food aversion and even obesity.

New research, which contradicts nearly a decade of official advice, says babies can be safely given solid foods at least eight weeks earlier in life.

The latest research into breast feeding has come from British researchers who have questioned guidelines issued in 2001 by the World Health Organisation (WHO)  – and supported by the Department of Health in 2003 – which told women to breastfeed for the first six months before giving solid foods to babies.

Based on WHO ‘global recommendations’, the aim was to help children worldwide avoid allergies and gastroenteritis.

But experts led by a paediatrician from University College London’s Institute of Child Health now claim the policy may actually have increased the risk of babies suffering allergies and iron deficiency. In addition, it could deter children from eating foods with bitter tastes that are good for them, fuelling the rise in obesity.

Commenting on the new study, Susie Willis, mum of three and founder of leading premium organic baby food Plum says: “These findings are well overdue – we have always believed that weaning is not about a text book answer.

"It should be about instinct and common sense, and as long as your baby is no younger than 17 weeks, it is appropriate to try and introduce them to new tastes and food sensations alongside their breast and bottle feeding.

The first two years are the most important in terms of setting up good eating habits and building an appetite for life.”

The new study in the British Medical Journal has sparked controversy, with the Royal College of Midwives claiming it can only benefit the baby food industry.

What do you think? Do you think the new research should be adhered to? Or do you think your baby gets all the nutrients he/she needs in the first six months from breast milk? Tell us your views by leaving a comment in the box below…

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Is Your Cup Half Empty of Half Full?

How do you typically embrace the world? Are you constantly waiting for the storm to arrive, or do you look forward to a day of uncertainty? Do you typically see the good and positives in most situations, or are you constantly looking over your shoulder? Our outlook on life can paint a canvas full of color and life or create a palette dreary and bland. Your attitude makes a dramatic difference on your response and experience to situations.

We are all dealt periods in our life that can alter our foundation, our safety. We have the power to choose how to respond to these circumstances. Sometimes it is easier to have a "pity party" for ourselves, which is completely ok and therapeutic. But then it is important to brush ourselves off, raise our heads and move on. Wouldn't it feel better to walk into an unknown situation prepared, thinking positively, than preparing for the worst with your head down? Talking yourself into something feels better, raises your confidence and typically creates an atmosphere that supports your end result. Even if the end result is unknown to you at the time, you have the power to think positively and expect the best. Your attitude and energy makes its mark on the world around you, create a surrounding that feels good and supports your best interests.

Just as you would "log" your financial spending to see where your money goes, track how many negative thoughts pop into your mind every day. Many of us are unaware how often negative thoughts cloud our choices and decisions. Make a commitment this week to "track" the negative voice for one or two days. Keep a journal or notepad with you and track how many times the negative voice pops into your head.

Now that you have tracked your negative thoughts, you need to replace them with positive words. What are you most critical of in your life? Do you put yourself down regarding your appearance? Do you criticize your work? Replace these thoughts with sentences that support you.

The way you begin your day, your outlook, affects the rest of your day and interactions. No matter what the day has in store for you, take control by uplifting yourself and your spirits right from the beginning. Say a positive affirmation, focus on your strengths, shine the light on yourself; do whatever it takes to begin your day on a positive note.

Lifecoach Leslie : Leslie Gail is a lifestyle expert, best-selling Author, MomTV webshow host and radio host. Her most valuable job however is being a mom to two wonderful children. She is a seasoned life coach with a wealth of experience, and has helped countless people transform their lives in positive ways. She is passionate about offering simple and practical advice that moms can relate to and connect with. She can be seen every Tuesday LIVE on her MomTV webshow, where she chats with moms from all over the country. You can also listen to her radio show on Mondays where she connects with other renowned self help experts. You can visit her website at http://www.newlifefocus.com/ for free advice and resources. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two children.

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Top 5 vacation spots

By lizfenton on December 6, 2010

Vacation. One of the most beautiful words in the English language. For me, nothing can match that feeling the day before I jet off to my favorite destination where I can unplug the computer and relax for a few days. And even though my next vacay is still at least a few months away, I'd thought I'd give you my top five fave spots to unwind..

Now let's talk vacation. Here are my top five fave spots:

1. Maui, Hawaii

Nothing beats getting lei'd after you land in this tropical paradise. The rest of the world always seems to fade away the minute you take a sip of my first pina colada. My favorite spot to stay? The Four Seasons in Wailea. But beware: it's so perfect that it will ruin you on other hotels forever.

2. Los Cabos, Mexico

There's nothing like a quick getaway south of the border to recharge your batteries. Whether I'm taking a siesta in my room at The Marquis resort or galloping down the beach on a horse, I just can't get enough of this sleepy beach town. The people and the food are both amazing and it's just a short flight from Los Angeles.

3. Cambria, California

The drive up the central California coast alone makes this trip worth it. If city living has worn you out, this quiet coastal community filled with charming B&Bs is the perfect place to find yourself again. I recommend checking into the J. Patrick House and taking a tour of the fabulous Hearst Castle.

4. Palm Springs, California

The cold weather bumming you out? Then head on over to Palm Springs. Filled with fabulous restaurants and happening nightlife, you'll be warmed up in no time. And if you'd like a star sighting, stay at the Parker Meriden. Taking the kids? Take them over to feed the giraffes at the Living Desert Zoo.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

The spot for when Mommy and Daddy need to reconnect with their pre-parent selves. I recommend staying at the state-of-the-art Aria hotel and gambling over at the Playboy tower at The Palms. And with world class shopping and spas, there's a little something for everyone in the city that never sleeps.

And speaking of favorite things like vacations spots - take a minute to check out the fabulous Favorite Things Holiday Giveaway (http://chicklitisnotdead.com/2010/12/liz-lisas-favorite-things-holiday-g...) on my blog-Chick Lit is not Dead. We've got a Blackberry Curve, a Sony eReader, a DXG camera and much, much more. All you have to do is leave a comment at the site and "like" us on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/chicklitisnotdead) to be entered. How easy is that?

Happy travels and don't forget to enter our holiday favorite things contest!

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The Importance of Alone Time

By lori bregman on January 3, 2011

"Once in a while you have to take a break and visit yourself."
- Audrey Giorgi

In this fast paced busy world we live in we spend so much time running around, working, filling up our time and space, avoiding ourselves by constantly doing and not leaving enough space for alone time. It’s important to make space in our lives to go within. It’s in this time alone that we cantruly reflect, contemplate and find clarity. Just like a bear that hibernates during the winter months so that he can emerge fresh and renewed in the spring.

This holiday season I had an opportunity to do just that. Let me tell you … not the most comfortable; however it was probably one of the most transformative times in my life! I was supposed to go away but weather and some financial obligations prevented me from leaving town. So here I sat all alone, my clients were all gone so there was no work to distract me and I didn’t have any extra money to spend. I had made a commitment to stay here and use this time to create and work on some projects that I didn’t have the time or space to finish. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with some undistracted time.

The holidays can be a hard time for a lot of people. There were a few days where I felt so totally alone. I experienced a loneliness I don’t think I had ever felt before in my whole life. It was in this intense loneliness that I cracked open. I began feeling things I haven’t allowed myself to feel before. I always thought I was taking time alone; but now I realize I wasn’t. I was just recharging my batteries but not fully dropping in. There was always the phone, work, clients , friends, TV, my blackberry, emails, boys and Facebook to distract me.

This time, I had nowhere to run, as everything was taken away from me. I was forced to sit and be with my own uncomfortable feelings. When I dropped in and surrendered to it, I began to see what was underneath. I felt instability in all areas of my life and felt the fear that came from it. It was in going there that I found clarity and focus for what I needed to do to be able to move forward and create the life I truly desire.

Like my teacher Michele Meiche (www.selfinlight.com) says, “I went deep into the volcano and got tossed out anew." Even as uncomfortable as those few days were it was actually a true blessing and a gift! I would do it all over again to get to where I am right now! So, if you have been feeling some underlying anxiety or feelings of unrest, maybe it's time to go within and visit yourself?

www.rootedforlife.com

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Cloud b Sleep Sheep - Four Soothing Sounds From Nature

Soothe your child into a restful, relaxing nap or night of sleep with the Sleep Sheep from Cloud b. This soft and adorable sleep time pal plays calming sounds that help drown out distracting noises and let baby drift into dreams.

Four Soothing Sounds Winner of several industry awards, including the National Parenting Council's Seal of Approval and the iParenting Media Award, the Sleep Sheep is plush and very cuddly, so it immediately gives a restless child something pleasing and calming to hold on to. It also creates a tranquil environment with four soothing sounds, from Mother's heartbeat (a steady thumping) to the gentle rhythms of nature. You and baby will both relax as you listen to the quiet stream, spring showers, swooshing ocean waves and harmonious whale sounds, making the Sleep Sheep a kind of audio pacifier that helps take some of the stress and crankiness out of rest time. Perfect for Naptime Many babies find it hard to settle in their cribs when noises from both inside and outside the house distract and disrupt them. They crave repetitive, comforting rhythms that don't frighten them. The Sleep Sheep creates a kind of white noise that blocks out the other surrounding sounds, so babies can be lulled into sleep. This parents-little-helper also comes with a Velcro tab so you can secure the Sleep Sheep to the outside of a crib. User-Friendly Operation The Sleep Sheep features user-friendly operation that both big and little hands can handle. Select sounds by simply pressing the push button, and then choose the most comfortable volume. For added convenience and to save battery power, the sounds automatically time out after 23 minutes--enough time for baby to fall into a comfortable and restorative sleep. Compact and lightweight, the Sleep Sheep stands 12 inches tall and takes two "AA" batteries (included). The sound box removes if your child simply wants to use the Sleep Sheep as a stuffed toy, and clean-up is a snap--just wipe the surface with soap and water. About Cloud b Cloud b, the baby sleep specialist, was established by two new mothers with the philosophy that every baby deserves a sound night's sleep for healthy development. That's why all of Cloud b's products are developed in consultation with an advisory board of pediatricians and sleep specialists with a single focus: to achieve a better, safer sleep for baby. What's in the Box One Sleep Sheep and two "AA" batteries.

The Sleep Sheep offers: Cuddly plush toy that provides soothing sounds. Built-in Velcro strap for easy attachment to strollers and car seats. Timer shuts off the sound after either 23 or 45 minutes. Shown here together with smaller, on-the-go Sleep Sheep.

Price: $28.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Lamp

Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Lamp 3-4 Lbs

Purify the air while providing a warm romantic glow.(Please note: Due to the nature of rock salt size and weight may vary). Finest Salt Crystals from the foothills of the Himalayas. .Born in an immaculate environment, free of all pollution, this salt remains perfectly crystallized. Bulb is included. Hardwood base.Heating the salt with a bulb or a candle creates an effect similar to an ionizer. This ionizing effect has many healthful benefits.


Heat of light/flame is dissipated within the salt, making the outside cool to the touch.


Benefits:


1. They will release negative ions into the air.


2. They will purify the air.


3. It's relaxing appearance will help you rest and reduce stress.


4. It will help relieve asthma, sinus and allergy symptoms.






Where to Use Salt Crystal Lamps:


* Home office/cubicle / Allergy/sinus condition sufferers/ Children's night lamp /Convalescents / Environments with pets, high pollen counts, smoking, or other atmospheric inhibitors.
Price: $29.99


Click here to buy from Amazon