Blog Posts by Babble.com

There's something about simple cotton 1950s shirt dresses with full skirts that seem so fresh right now! When worn with a classic pair of light-weight sneakers, this combo may be the perfect summer look that is cute and appropriate for all ages. With a nod to the '50s and '90s, finding these adorable and whimsical house dresses shouldn't be too difficult, but they do come at a price. If you're lucky enough to find one at a local thrift shop that's in great condition and fits like a glove, pick it up immediately- because the vintage 1950s and new shirt dresses don't come cheap. But for that one-of-a-kind piece that will make you feel carefree and comfy this summer, it may be worth the splurge. To get inspired, here are 7 adorable day dresses you'll want to wear all summer long… with sneakers.

-By Maegan Tintari

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If you've got kids running underfoot, you already know the beauty of closed storage. Closets, credenzas, cubbies - each one perfect for stashing last-minute everythings in a pinch. Yet for most of us, closets are prime real estate for our daily threads, and credenzas and cubbies can get so pricey. Good news! I've rounded up 7 budget storage finds - all under $100 - that provide as much style as they do storage. Warning: your kids might love tidying up from this day forward…- By Erin Loechner

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Skip the neutrals, because this season is all about color. From sweet pastels to bright neons, the latest nail trends focus on mixing hues and having fun. I've rounded up 7 cool summer manicures in style right now, including ocean blues, neon lightning bolts, seasonal fruits, nautical stripes, and so much more. You're sure to find something that inspires you! - By Sonya Lee Benham

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Sandal season is officially upon us! Are your feet ready? Summer can be especially tough on feet. Sandals keep them exposed to the elements, and skin can become really rough and cracked. Maintaining the look and feel of your feet is much more than an aesthetic issue. Dry skin can build up and evolve into painful calluses, and rough cuticles can become hangnails. Click through the slideshow for 7 products and tools that can help keep your feet healthy and pretty all summer long. - By Sonya Lee Benham

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Plan the perfect beach day with a whole new set of homemade essentials. Forget store-bought bags that fall apart or expensive tents you'll never get the sand out of, and customize your summer stock. Your trip will be easier, prettier, and way cooler than everyone else's, so enjoy basking in your fellow vacationers' envy (and the sun) as you gear up for summertime, and check out these 7 ways to have the perfect beach day.

-By Jacinda Boneau

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baby boxHere in the US, shopping for everything a baby needs is a rite of passage for expecting parents.

Registries, baby showers, and long hours combing the internet, Pinterest, and baby stores are all part of the package for outfitting a household with everything a baby could possibly need.

Related: 10 "unsafe" things I did while pregnant...and still had a healthy baby

No so for families in Finland. Instead, expectant moms get a gift from the government that gives them everything they need to start a baby off right. According to the BBC:

It's a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and it's designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they're from, an equal start in life.

The maternity package - a gift from the government - is available to all expectant mothers.

It contains bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products for the baby, as well as nappies, bedding and a small mattress.

With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes a baby's first bed.

They say breaking up is hard to do but not for the folks you're about to meet. Whether it's mad giraffe drawing skillz, purchasing billboards, scavenger hunts or posting signs on the freeway, these scorned lovers know how to get it done. The latest break-up letter making the rounds is the first one you'll read. It begins with "Hey Honey! Guess who left his Facebook open on the computer and got a message from Kelsi? Yeah! You!" She then sends him on a scavenger hunt to find his belongings. Excellent. Bonus points for creativity. Plus, she didn't ruin anything so even extra points for her restrained rage. The letter has been viewed more than one million times since it was posted on Reddit on June 1. Click through for 7 of the best (or worst) breakup letters of all time! -By Monica Bielanko

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With the warm summer weather comes the opening of the community dog parks. A place where you can let your dog run and play leash free and interact with other dogs. While it's a fun place for both of you to go, there are some safety precautions you should take to keep your dog safe and having fun. Also remember that by taking your dog to an unleashed dog park, you are responsible for your dog and you recognize and understand that there will always be some degree of risk to your dog at these places. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. shared in a press release that in 2012, their policyholders spent more than $8.8 million on medical conditions that are commonly associated with a visit to the dog park. The most common conditions according to the data pulled from Veterinary Pet Insurance Co include: insect bites, lacerations and bite wounds, sprains and soft tissue damage, head trauma, Kennel cough and, heat stroke. Treating these conditions is not cheap to pet owners so of course, prevention is