Fox Business.com

...the idea of "personal touch" can easily be drowned out by a weak economy, says Dr. Gilda Carle, author of "Don't Bet on the Prince!," and professor of a New York-based Mercy College course, "Love as Big Business."

"The economy is still affecting people," says Carle. "People are not spending as much on a wedding as they might have some years ago, but brides are not going to lose the whole aura of their special day. Most people will spend as little as they can on weddings as long as they don't lose that fairy tale they've always wanted"

In years past, couples would put any savings toward their wedding. Today, Carle says they are more likely to invest in a new home. The down economy has placed the spotlight on value, and people who have been "around the block" have a better grasp on saving money. Carle says Costco may see most of their business coming from older couples who have been down the aisle before. "I think the younger generation whose parents are paying for the wedding will still go all out for a soup-to-nuts affair. But older people know how difficult it is to keep their heads above water and they'll have no problem buying everything they need at Costco and doing it themselves."

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/03/24/saying-bargain-costco-does-wedding-dresses/#ixzz1HeEbQW4v

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“ROYAL RELATIONSHIP RULES”

Read Dr. Gilda’s Healthy Relationship Secrets

Dr. Gilda is, incidentally, author of “Don’t Bet on the Prince!”

Read more: http://www.everydayhealth.com/printview.aspx?puid=F832195D-5F36-4106-87D4-DA6DD13FA15F

Dating should involve your love interest and you. It should not include your child.

Read more: http://www.hollybaby.com/2011/04/06/courteney-cox-coco-david-arquette-josh-hopkins/

Dr. Gilda is author of “Teen Talk with Dr. Gilda”

Read more: http://www.hollybaby.com/2011/04/06/jenelle-evans-teen-mom-2-reunion-barbara/

Follow Brit’s lead and get your kids into karate — it’ll boost their self-esteem and keep them fit!

Britney Spears was spotted taking her son, Jayden James Federline, to a karate class in Encino, Calif. And Dr. Gilda Carle tells HollyBaby.com that Britney, 29, deserves a lot of praise for encouraging her 4-year-old to study martial arts because it’s got a ton of mental and physical benefits. Way to go, Britney!

“Enrolling your kids in karate class and other physical activities are essential,” says psychotherapist Dr. Gilda, who is a firm believer in body and mind expansion. “When the body works out, the circulatory system pumps more effectively and the mind is clearer.”

Also, Britney loves to treat Jayden and his big brother Sean, 5, to fast food meals so karate is a great way to keep the pounds off. “With all the childhood obesity, educating your children about taking care of their physical endowments will also encourage healthful eating practices,” explains Dr. Gilda. That makes sense.

Practicing martial arts will also boost little Jayden’s self-esteem. “When we feel good, we look good. When we believe we look good, we feel more in control of our lives, and our ability to handle adversities of all kinds,” says Dr. Gilda. “Yay for Britney for her healthy parenting!”

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Divorce is never easy – especially when children are involved. Experts tell HollyBaby.com how the famous parents can best explain their separation to their son. Exclusive!

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz shocked us all when they announced their spit. While it’s sad that they were unable to make their marriage work, they now have to work hard to ensure that the divorce doesn’t affect their 2-year-old son, Bronx. “They will have to put their own disagreements out of earshot of Bronx and act as a unified and agreeable front for him,” says relationship expert, Dr. Gilda Carle. Easier said than done, right HollyMoms?

"The way they behave now will determine their child's mental health later," explains Dr. Gilda. "They must recognize that he's an innocent by-product of what they once had, and that his interests must be foremost before their own."

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