Blog Posts by Babble.com

Though theme weddings used to be considered garish, The New York Times reports that, "The bar for creating weddings that are not only memorable, but also so thoroughly different that they might be talked about for years, seems to get ever higher," the paper notes. While some couples spend lots of money hiring a coordinator to create a tastefully themed affair, others use a more DIY-approach to styling their over-the-top ceremonies and receptions. These photos are incredible and the affairs were all stunning. Those of you planning weddings - or any party, really - will certainly be inspired. Click through for 7 epic and classy theme weddings! -By Carolyn Castiglia

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Summer is right around the corner and I have been summer shopping like crazy! I am trying to narrow it down to just the necessities and here are 7 things that have found their way onto my list. From dresses to bathing suits, and all the accessories in between, shopping for a new wardrobe can get pricey, so the majority of these items are also perfect for the woman on a budget, falling under the $50 price point. Take a look at the pictures below and then go get your summer shop on! - By Liz Stanley

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Last week, I shared my favorite gender neutral baby shower invitations with you. And this week, I'm excited to share 10 awesome baby shower invites for LGBT families! If you're planning a shower for two to-be dads or two to-be moms, check out these warm and wonderful invitations created by Rachael Garnett of Events You Can Print: The Etsy Shop that Caters to Any Kind of Family. - By Alea Mass

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Three Drowning Deaths of Autistic Children Highlight Need for More--and Better--Research (via Babble)The autism community is reeling with the news that three autistic children have drowned in just over a week. These tragic deaths highlight the need for more and better research into the issue of autistic wandering, more properly termed "elopement."

Mikaela Lynch, 9, went missing on Mother's Day. Her body was found three days later in a creek near her family's Lake County, California, vacation home. Owen Black, 8, went missing in Perdido, Florida on Friday, May 17. His body was found two days later, in the Gulf of Mexico, a half-mile from where he went missing. On Saturday, May 18, 2-year-old Drew Howell wandered away from his family's cottage. His family found him almost immediately, but it was too late: he had drowned in a nearby creek, about 100 yards away from the cottage.

When autistic kids wander, it's not the same as what most people would call "running away." The word "wandering" also kind of misses the point: autistic wandering isn't just aimless wandering around;

millennialsAre you familiar with Millennials? Also known as the ME ME ME Generation? They're the folks who were born between 1980 and 2000. Joel Stein wrote a cover piece about them for Time magazine, and I gotta tell you, he nailed it.

He nailed it when he pointed out the rampant narcissism prevalent within this generation. Seems like all those participation trophies have teamed up with the self-promoting (if not self-aggrandizing) aspects of social media to render a generation of people who are convinced of their greatness.

Are you ready? The heat is coming! I think it's about time I shared the best summer fabrics with you. Believe me, the right fabrics can make all the difference in the world! Temperatures are definitely rising here in Los Angeles, and I can't stand the heat. I really can't! Unfortunately I can't be at the beach and in my swimwear 24 hours a day, so I try to find the most lightweight and airy fabrics for my summer outfits. I recently bought a pair of linen pants, and I was shocked by how cool they kept me in 100+ degree weather. Seriously…it blew my mind! When you go shopping, you might want to be on the lookout for fabrics that will not only keep you cool, but provide comfort as well. I'm a big fan of the bohemian look, so I might just wear jersey maxi dresses and skirts all summer long. That's my idea of being chill and comfy chic! - By Monique Frausto

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Parents Who Smoke Have Children With Agression IssuesParents, why are you still smoking?

You have kids -- you are supposed to feel unconditional love. You would fly yourself in front of a speeding train to save their life, even if it meant sacrificing your own. Yet because of a selfish habit, you are slowly killing your children.

Why?

The repeated excuses are usually "I only smoke outside the house," or "I never smoke around them," or "I'm trying to quit."

Here's another reason to get that quitting regimen up to a faster speed: children of parents who smoke are more aggressive.

Scientists at the University of Montreal have presented findings that show exposure to even minimal amounts of secondhand smoke will lead to aggressive and antisocial behavior in children.

"What we have to do is consider the fact that environmental smoke doesn't go away. Children live and play in environmental smoke and at the same time, young children are being exposed at a critical time period of brain development. Putting all of that

medIn case you needed yet another reason to kick low-fat diets to the curb, a new study shows that following a Mediterranean diet that emphasizes healthy fats can maintain brain health better than a low fat diet.

The Mediterranean diet is exactly what it sounds like: a diet modeled after the typical diet of those that live in the Mediterranean, where heart disease rates are low and longevity is high. The diet emphasizes healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. The Mediterranean diet encourages high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fish, as well a lower intake of dairy and red meat. Red wine is allowed and encouraged, in moderation. {That alone may be enough to sign me up.}

Related: 20 things ALL women do but hate to admit

A study in Spain looking at how to prevent cardiovascular disease assigned men and women who were at high risk of vascular complications to follow a Mediterranean diet. A control group followed a low fat diet, which is common advice to prevent heart