One of my all-time favorite books as a child was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  As a matter of fact, once I found out I was pregnant, one of the first things I bought for Riley was a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and a large stuffed plush of the caterpillar himself.

To this day, she still loves it when we read this story together, especially the part about the caterpillar eating so much that he gets a tummy ache.

Riley even had a few toys from The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System when she was a baby, namely the Developmental Ladybug.  We had that toy hung from her baby carrier, her car seat and even her crib and it never failed to thrill and delight!

Now that Riley is almost 4 years old, I've had to part with many of the playthings she had as a baby, but I actually hung on to the Developmental Ladybug so that I'll never forget how much she loved it and used to play with this particular toy.

The World of Eric Carle has recently introduced four brand new additions to their The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System and I had the chance to review them.  Keep reading to learn more!

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With childhood obesity quickly reaching epidemic proportions in our country, I think it is in everyone's best interest to teach healthy eating habits to our kiddos.  While the food pyramid is an effective visualization tool for learning basic nutrition, sometimes it's helpful to bring the lessons directly to where they are put into practice...on our plates.

That's why I was thrilled to learn of a brand new game designed for children ages 4 years old and up from Learning Resources, entitled Healthy Helpings MyPlate Game.  Keep reading to learn more about a fun, family way to make good nutrition a top priority!

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As you may remember reading in a previous post, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Maytag Dependable Laundry Mom!  With that designation comes the perk of trying out the new Maytag Bravos XL High-Efficiency Top Loading Washer and Steam Dryer in my own home.

I'm happy to report that I've been using the Maytag Bravos XL pair to clean my family's never-ending supply of dirty clothes for over three months now.  In this post, I want to share some of my most valuable stain-fighting tips as well as more information about Maytag's PowerSpray Technology.  Couple a little stain-fighting experience with the Maytag Bravos XL duo and you've got a one-two punch that will knock out any stain!

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Now that I'm a work-at-home mom, I require a completely different uniform than what I used to wear in an office setting.  The perfect "mom uniform" in my opinion, is something that looks sharp and stylish, yet is comfortable, practical and versatile enough for a variety of tasks.

High quality fitness wear is ideal for a work-at-home mom's uniform because it looks great while grocery shopping, playing with your children at the park, running various errands around town or getting your daily exercise at the gym.

Of course, with any form of exercise, mobility and comfort can make the difference between thoroughly enjoying your activity and watching the clock as to when it will end.  Thankfully, I had the opportunity to review four pieces of fitness wear from Mondetta Performance Gear.  Keep reading to learn much more!

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If there's ever a time to get outside and soak up all that nature has to offer, it's NOW!  Both plants and animals are at their busiest getting ready for winter, and we have a front row seat.  The trees are transforming themselves into gorgeous shades of red, brown and gold and the birds are traveling along their usual migration routes to warmer climes.

Of course the weather is magnificent too, with cool breezes cooling us off from the recently hot summer season.  Autumn is the time for backyard barbecues, camping trips and fishing.  Basically, if it's something that can be done outdoors, get out there and do it!  Unfortunately, all of this outdoor enjoyment made me realize one thing...I needed a beautiful backyard makeover!

Never fear, for AvantGardenDecor.com has everything you need for a total transformation.  Here's my top 4 product ideas for a gorgeous patio or backyard:

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I don’t know about you but I am already feeling the stresses of the holiday season and the holidays aren't even here yet! What with planning my family's Halloween costumes, preparing for my daughter's birthday party and scheduling our family Christmas photos, I've definitely got a full plate.  Of course, I don't want to remember that I haven't started Christmas shopping yet either!  It seems as though every time I turn around something else is coming up that needs to be done.

Before the holidays completely overwhelm me, I think it's extremely important to have a wonderful night out to regroup and enjoy myself.  Thankfully, Ruth's Chris Steak House is providing the perfect solution on October 18th.  Ruth's Chris and Taylor Fladgate are teaming up for a superb night of fine food and port wines and I will be there with bells on.

In my opinion, there is no better place for a steak in Houston than at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. I am always impressed at the quality of their food, for no matter what they're serving, I love every bite.  Taylor Fladgate is one of the largest and oldest port houses in the world and I am looking forward to sampling some of their quality libations as well. Combine these two superior brands together and you are sure to have an excellent night of food and fun.

The menu for this event sounds especially delicious with a nice range of dishes, including my absolute favorite: filet mignon.  Just look at what is waiting for you at one of 51 Ruth's Chris Steak House locations around the country on October 18th during the Taylor Fladgate Port Dinner:

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