How-To-Paint Letter Wall Art by GreenVics

This is just an idea on how to decorate Letters for a babies wall on a budget.  If it's for your little one, or to give as a gift. Here is how I painted mine. 

Go find whatever letters you need.  Sometimes they are on clearance.  Don't forget to check your Sunday papers for those 40% off craft store coupons that you can use on an item.  Ask people you know if you can have theirs too.  

Royal Talens AMSTERDAM Standard Series Acrylic 2.5 oz.

5/0 Princeton Round

Also, don't go crazy with buying every color of paint you see.  All you need are a nice set of Standard Series Paints.  Something with Red, Yellow, Blue, Black & White paint. With those colors, You can make so many different shades.  You'll also need good brushes, don't be afraid to buy single brushes, the smaller, the better.  Especially for those small detailed lines.

The brush to the right is one of my favorite brushes.  It's a 5/0 round Princeton Preferred.  Love your art brushes, and take care of them!! Always clean them off after use.  A good brush will last a long time.

Just stick to the basics.  What is great about these Acrylic tubes are you will have so much left over for other projects that come along.  The brushes are a great investment as well.  The white brushes with the gold ends are by Trenton.

Trenton All-purpose synthetic brushes 1/4" Angle, #0 Round, #5 round, #6 Shader

You don't have to be an artist to create something.  Just have fun with it.  GO for it.  Worse case scenario, if you don't like it? Start over.   But, don't be hard on yourself.  

Here's how I created mine.  Use a pencil to sketch what it is you want to draw (my favorite art pencils are by Faber-Castell.) Pencil first, with light lines in case you do want to erase something.   

After you've sketched out your design , it's time to paint.  You don't need to use a special paint palette.  Grab a dollar store plate.  

It's all about relaxing, and filling in the color.  Take your time,  This really does relax me.

After awhile it will start to come together.  For fun I made stripes on the sides of the letters that matched colors I had used for the characters.  

The very last thing I do is add the black outline.  To do this just use the small brush, ,and when you are applying paint to it, roll the brush into the black side to side.  Test it to see how thin your line will be.

Really hope this motivates you into painting something special, and one of a kind for your little ones.  I've seen Dr. Seuss art, but I wanted a Dr. Seuss themed  letter wall art.  Maybe your theme is flowers, fairies, monsters, or other well known characters that it would be cheaper to paint your own.

Now, go create something! Don't have that mentality you aren't good at it.  First think of an idea that you want to try, or atleast a few colors you really want to add.  Start from there.  All art is, are lines, dots, colors, that create the overall picture.  It isn't going to look like what you want at first.  Tweak it, and make it yours.

Luvs #TheClueIsInTheBlue Diaper Review.

Did you know that the clue is in the blue?? With Luvs Super Absorbent Leak Guard Diapers.  I noticed the stretch to the diapers right away, and the light baby powder scent.  It's a nice scent.  After using them on my son, I was quite impressed at how well they lasted.  I did like that the sides did not sag down (So many diapers do that, its sad.) when wet.  The tabs were extremely easy to attach, and detach to the sides.  So it passed that test with flying blue colors.

The leak guard works well enough that it is even safe to ride piggy back on Daddys shoulders, without the thought that something was going to leak out!! Nothing leaked while wearing his Size 5 Diapers.

What made this fun, was the Clue Is In The Blue Luvs Game, and the USB Flash Drive that is also a working whistle.  We had fun with the kit.

Don't forget to check Luvs out on Facebook, on Luvs on Twitter @Luvs, and #TheClueIsInTheBlue.

I received products to facilitate a review for Luvs, this is a #Sponsored Post.  

Baby Buds Eco Friendly Toy Review!

Autumn loves her Baby Buds Toys so much.  Her favorite is the Monkey blanket, it's also a hand puppet.  It was kissing her sweet baby cheeks, and she would smile at it.

I also noticed how soft, and light Baby Buds baby toys are.  That made me feel safe allowing her to play with them. The Owl Bowl rattles like bells, and has velkro that can be used to attach to things like strollers, musical mobiles, and car seat carriers.  The owl rattler has little ball that rattle, its cute but she isn't old enough to hold it yet.  The Monkey blanket is her favorite so far.  She's old enough to pet the monkey, and have it kiss her chubby cheeks.

They honestly are some of the cutest baby toys I've seen for Monkeys, and Owls.  If this is something you'd love for your little one, you can go here to see if your Local Target Carries Baby Buds.

They look like twins, LOL! Just kidding, tho they both are extremely adorable! You can find out more about Baby Buds by their social media websites.  I received these items for free for review purposes.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/BabyBuds/153064368189854
https://twitter.com/4YourBabyBuds
http://pinterest.com/4yourbabybuds/

One more super cute photo of Autumn playing with the Monkey Hand Puppet!

Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Bath Treatment Review

Bath time is baby Sy's absolute favorite time.  He gets to splash, play with his toys.  Sometimes even make a mess with his bath tub crayons, and paint.  His skin is very sensitive, and he has Eczema patches..  What I found that helps his skin, and bath treatment that even my mom used to us growing was Oatmeal baths. Especially since we lived near the marsh, and woods.  We were always being ate by bugs, and getting into poison ivy, and sumac that she had a stockpile of the oatmeal soothing relief packs.  I love that they make a line just for babies now for it.

The New Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Therapy Line has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Fragrance-free. Dye-free. Alcohol free.

Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy is perfect for Sy.  It's soothing, and just one packet is enough to bathe him in.  He enjoyed how it turned the bath water into a milky white color.  Also, it's great for diaper rash, all rashes really.  Mosquito bites, since summer will be here soon.  Oatmeal baths are ideal for skin irritations.

Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy, Moisturizing Wash contains the same Oats, and natural colloidal oatmeal as the Soothing Bath Treatment.  I like to use just a little bit of this on a wash cloth, and some on my little ones hair.  I think it makes an overall head, to toe wash for his sensitive skin.

Aveeno Baby Ezcema Therapy Moisturizing Cream has a thick consistency.  After his oatmeal bath, I rubbed just a little of this on his face, and his arms where he breaks out the most.  I noticed a drastic change with in minutes.  

We have always been a fan of Aveeno.  One of my favorite lotions to use for Sy is the Calming Comfort Lavender Lotion.  Receiving these items for free to review just made me realize how great of a company Aveeno is, and that the products did help with his skin problems.  If it's good enough for your babies skin, of course even as an adult you can use the Oatmeal baths, and Lotions too.

Go give Aveeno some love on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/aveeno.  Do you use Aveeno? Or have any memories using Aveeno as a child? I love that I get to share the product with my Son now.

3 Hour Flash Milk Unleashed Giveaway!!!!!

Three Hour Flash Giveaway To Win A Gift Pack From Milk Unleashed!!

I absolutely love the convenience of shelf life milk packs. There are so many varieties, and different types, from Organic, Whole, 1%, Fat free, 2%, Chocolate, Vanilla. I was giving the chance for my Toddler to try packs from Hershey’s, LaLa, Horizon and Organic Valley from Milk Unleashed.

He enjoyed all the brands, but of course his favorites were the chocolate milk. I didn't feel guilty for letting him enjoy it either. It was a fantastic treat for my little man.

There is no purchase neccesary to enter. Winner is chosen via rafflecopter. I will manually add in facebook shares too (meaning if you share the picture I post on my facebook fan page wall, that will get you an instant 25 entries, only valid once tho since it is a flash giveaway per entry)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules: U.S. Residents Only. Giveaway starts 9/12/2012 At 8:30PM, Ends 9/12/2012 11:30PM. Must use valid email address, and be a fan of Life According To GreenVics on Facebook. Life According To GreenVics is not responsible for Prize Fulfillment.

Below is a cute interactive App to play,

Milk Unleashed

Don't forget to take the Quiz before you leave! Thanks for playing!

Balmers Monkey Balm Review Not Just For Babies

Balmers Monkey Balm Review and Giveaway!!! by Angel *GreenVics* & Baby Sy;

This balm is a triple threat, It's an organic supersized vitamin bar for the whole body, It also works great, and for more than just one thing at a low price.  I have been using it on the eczema the baby gets on his cheeks.  He doesn't like when I use the tube straight on him, so I rub it on my hands first, and then gently on his face.  

Only a little bit of the stick is gone, but I've been using it over a month now. I didn't just use it on the baby,

I also used some when my feet had sunburn, and it helped w/the flaking.  A little bit goes a long way.

Then my 20month old had his first heat rash around his chubby little legs, I used the Monkey balm again, and it went away the next day.  This was when Ohio had those freakishly 100+ humid days, He's my winter baby, and he's not used to heat.  

Balmers, MonkeyBalm.com "This formula includes all-natural ingredients and features the amazing healing power of the sea buckthorn berry. Sea Buckthorn (seed and fruit) oil is time-tested and clinically proven to soothe irritation and heal dry, cracked, even abrasive skin resulting from eczema, rosacea, dry climates, seasonal changes, sunburn, rashes, and even minor burns and wounds. Sea buckthorn has been used for centuries in Asia and Europe to heal skin problems and is considered a "Holy Fruit" by ancient and modern Tibetans. "  

Verdict:  I absolutely love this stuff. It's safe for the whole family.  I am someone that wont use chapstick, but I do carry a tube of Vitamin E in my purse.  This has been my goto tube for the baby, easy to throw in the diaper bag too.

(His little face is perfect!!!)

I would recommend Balmers Monkey Balm to every new parent, well, and to any parent for that matter.  From skin type, to even elements in the weather,  a tube of this would be a great investment in skin care. 

Another great thing about Monkeybalm.com, is the 100% money back guarantee.  Not alot of companies offer that anymore.  Or, buy 2, get free shipping,  2 tubes would probably last us years,  seriously, just a little bit, is so thick, and condensed I had to smooth it out in my hands first, then I rubbed onto the babies face.   I received this stick for free, I was not asked how to use it, or told what to write.  It worked great on Sy's sensitive skin. I used it on myself, and on the baby,  It being all natural, and no harsh chemicals like some baby lotion/balms out there made me feel better about using it, and giving it a review.  

24 HOUR FLASH GIVEAWAY: I am trying something new,  To enter the giveaway you just have to leave a comment saying You want to be entered! It's a 24Hr Flash Giveaway!!! Starts 8/22/2012, 4PM, Ends 8/23/2012, 4PM EST. 

Leave a comment below, or on my Life According To GreenVics facebook page.

The Alpha Beasts Review

I've been trying to find a fun way to teach Vic his alphabets. I came across The Alpha Beasts and instantly fell in love. Just the name alone, "The Alpha Beasts," I needed to give my baby. There is a whole clan of them from A-Z, all different characters.

Each has their own unique, silly name.

A:Alphie
B:Boogeyfus
C:Calicocious

We adopted V:Vin-Vin. Vic grabbed Vin-Vin up, and started kissing him all over. Vin-Vin is a great educational tool too. It didn't take Vic long to trace the V with his fingers while I chanted "V, Vic," and pointed to him. I said, "Do you love Vin-Vin?", and he'd kiss him again.

The Alpha Beast itself was extremely soft, and can be used as a pillow. I really love this thing. He's been dragging it around all day now, even took it to bed with him. I want them all! Even the Alpha Beasts Box ABC book set. At least this will be a fun way to teach toddlers the alphabets, and to spell their own names. I just need I, and C now, and Vic is done. Maybe, S-I-L-A-S for his middle name. That would be super-cute across his bed.

I think they are spunky, cute, and I want to live in their tree house too. I knew Vic would love it. He's a stuffed animal freak, and this just fit him perfect.

Kisses for Vin-Vin.

..My Blog Disclosure,  I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion for a review. I was not paid for this post.  No one told me what to say. Vic LOVED his new friend.  That's all that really matters. 

Tru Kid Review & Giveaway!

Check out my Review & Giveaway for TruKid All Natural Bubbly Body wash and Face & Body Lotion.
You can enter below too! Goodluck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway U.S. Residents Only.

Mambo Combo Play Tent; Something Cute for Ya'll

I bought Mambo Combo play tent for the baby to crawl in from Meijers, and he loves them.

I didn't realize how big the tent, and tunnels were until I put them together, they were simple to put together, just a few plastic pieces that snapped together w/strings int he middle.

The tunnels themselves can be put into little bags to store, then unvelcro and they spring back into full tunnel size.

Overall experience for the Mambo Combo playset: Complete fun for the whole family. He loves the tunnel, and we love getting on the floor to play with him.

Storage: When not in use the combo set comes with its own bags to put away, takes up no room once put back in the bags, and don't have to worry about lack of space anywhere.

Price: I paid for this out of pocket myself, it was on clearance for $19.99

Comforts for Baby, BzzAgent Greenvics

I didn't even know Kroger had their own baby line until I was accepted for this campaign, and now I am hooked. I used my free coupon from being a Bzzagent and purchased a 70pk of diapers. I'm very pleased with them, My son just turned a year old and he's already in size 5 diapers (He's 95% taller, and 50% heavier than other babies his age) Finding a diaper that fits his body type by weight is a little hard and Comforts for baby is just as good as the more expensive brands, Comforts for Baby box was only $14.99, I've paid up to $24.99 for other Store Brand Box diapers, and over $34.99 for high dollar name brand you only get 50 diapers in a box.

I was blown away at how much I could save by buying the big box of diapers instead of going to the baby retail stores.. The wipes are very thick, and unscented (good for him because he has excema during these cold arctic blast months, and I don't want his sensitive skin breaking out) Ive used every brand wipe imaginable, depending whats on sale, and what I had coupons for, and by far Comforts for baby has been the thickest. They should really advertise on that. I gave some of the 20& off coupons away while in the aisle at people looking at the products already. The selection was vast, and throughout the baby aisle, I was impressed. I was so impressed I went to Comforts facebook page and was surprised with a free diaper bag, and changing pad they were giving away! Talk about double awesome. The sippy cups are very well made, and I love the lid that flips over. I will definitively check out more items knowing how well the comfort line products are made.

The screen shot above is from Comforts for Baby on facebook when they were giving away samples.

Below are from my BzzKit. I received 20% off coupons, (1) Coupon for free diapers up to 90ct., (2) Sippy Cups, And (1) Box of wipes.

You can check out my other BzzCampaigns I have done for Kroger, & BzzAgent on my time line. I received these products for free to facilitate a review.