Nellie & Phoeb's

Design, Food, Kids, Laughter, Love...

Shoot It: The 4th of July

Because it's the last day of July...

I feel it's still totally appropriate to share my 4th of July neighborhood parade photographs!

This is my oldest daughter, she will be starting PreK next month, OH MY GOODNESS!
 
This is my sassy & silly baby girl. She's 1.5 years old, but can hang with the 3 & 4 year old girls like 'it ain't no thang'!
 
This is my middle child. She is made of pure sugar! She is the sweetest, most patient & tender hearted little girl I have ever met, I have no idea how I produced this!!!

This is our one of our sweet neighbor friends, and BFF's with my 3 year old. They may be soul sisters!
 
The snow cones were courtesy of our H.O.A., they were the perfect refreshing treat for a hot Oklahoma summer day.
 
Daddy pulled the 2 little one's in the wagon, I had photo duty, so I got to sit on the side lines & cheer on the kids.

 
 
This is the 4th annual parade we have participated in, & they have grown considerably each year. There were lots of decorated bikes, scooters, golf carts, wagons & Hot Wheels. There were prizes for the most creative, but I'm not really an overachiever...
 
And they are off! This is my oldest & her new partner in crime. They refer to themselves as Super Girl & Super Boy.
 
The kids really enjoy the parade. My oldest kept asking me if there was going to be a band! It's nice to live in a neighborhood that is more like a community.
 
 
 
 
 

Shoot It: Mamarazzi of Tulsa

Photography Workshop for Moms

My mom bought me a Canon T1i body & the 50mm 1:1.8 lens, two & a half years ago. I use the green box most of the time, occasionally I will venture into the flower, the portrait silhouette, or the guy running. But, I have never done anything in full manual mode. I tried reading the manual that came with the camera, & it made sense, then I put the pamphlet down & forgot everything. I should have taken this workshop years ago!

(I was lucky enough to win a seat by entering the maximum amount of times on Jenny Collier's blog giveaway!)

My auto shoot days are over, I am movin' on up to manual! Here are some of my favorite shots from today's workshop (these are NOT my kids, they are little models).














And, these are the lovely teachers, Ashley Thompson & Jenny Collier!
Ashley is a full time professional photographer, you can take a peek at her work, or schedule a session with her here: Ashely Thompson Photography. Jenny is a blogger & co-teaches the Mamarazzi class, you can take a peek into her life as a blogger here: Jenny Collier. I am luck enough to be friends with these girls, & they are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside!

I highly recommend this workshop if you live in the Tulsa area & are wanting to step outside of the green box & learn to use that fancy camera of yours! You can find more info on their website Mamarazzi of Tulsa.

Gift It: My Top 10 Preschool Girl Gifts

Christmas In July

As a mother of 3 little girls, 2 that are preschool age, I often get asked for suggestions on little girl gifts. It can be so overwhelming to even walk down the toy isles, especially if you don't have kids, or yours are a different age or gender. That being said, I have no idea what preschool boys like! But, here is what I consider fail-proof gift purchases for 3-5 year old girls. These are all moderately priced & they won't outgrow them overnight.
I have spent the last calendar year staying home with preschool age girls, & these are toys that we have, that the girls use & abuse! They are also toys I don't mind getting on the floor & playing with too.
OUR favorites:
1. Pizza Parlor by Green Toys
2. Shopping Cart by Melissa and Doug
4. Hungry Hungry Hippos by Hasbro
5. Mala Easel by Ikea, with Felt-Tip Pins & Drawing Paper Roll
6. Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set by Melissa and Doug
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Five on Friday

Design I'm Diggin': In Leopard

 I'm linking in for 5 on Friday!
Here are 5 items on my leopard want list:


1. Set of 2 animal print velvet pillows from Studio Tulia on Etsy
Every bed needs a leopard pillow!
Get them here Etsy







2. Sam Edelman Sutton in Saddle/Leopard
These are so neutral & casual, but a little sassy, I like 'em!
Get them here Amazon
 

 
3. 1969 Leopard Print Always Skinny Jean from Gap
Gray & leopard = A perfect marriage
Get them here Gap
4. Evan Leopard Satchel from Banana Republic
Calf hair, with 10K gold plated hardware, oooh! This is either dated or timeless, either way I would sport it.
Get it here Banana Republic
 
5. Kate Spade New York Leopard Ikat Resin Phone Case
So feminine, but not girly, that's why I love leopard!
Get it here 

Buy It: Skin Care

My Results: Rodan + Fields REVERSE- for Brown Spots, Dullness, and Sun Damage




MY PERSONAL RESULTS!
I have been using the Reverse skin care regimen from Rodan + Fields Dermatologists for around 90 days. This skincare line was created by the doctors that created Proactiv. REVERSE LIGHTENING claims to "Erase the signs of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and sun damage. REVERSE Regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens and protects your skin for a more even tone and texture."

First of all, I am the biggest skeptic EVER! So, I was blown away after 2 weeks of using the regimen, my skin looked so bright & even toned, & so many of my freckles had faded. I WAS SOLD! The picture above is my before & after at 90 days. The pictures are horrible, the before pic is fuzzy & the after pic is very shiny (because I had just applied the step 4 sunscreen).

I really didn't believe there were products out there that actually changed your skin & did what the label said they did. I guess I thought products were just for preventing sun damage & slowing down the aging process. While Rodan + Fields products do those things, they also change your skin! My skin tone is so even now, I can go without any concealers, powders or foundations, & feel pretty & natural. 

Some people love their freckles, however, I do not. But, my goal with using REVERSE is really not to erase all my freckles, but to brighten my skin, give me a more even complexion, & to erase some of the uneven sun damage splotches on the top of my forehead. The rest is just a bonus!


REVERSE is a 4 step regimen, each step relies on the other. You have to use all 4 steps to get the maximum results. The "products are based on a philosophy of Multi-Med Therapy—using the right medicines and active cosmetics, in the right formulations, in the right order." You can use REVERSE until you achieve the results you want, or up to 6 months. Then you get to the goal products, the REDEFINE anti aging line.
I experienced some dry spots while using REVERSE, so it was recommended that I add REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream in the evenings. Since the first use, I have had no more issues with dryness. I only use it a 2 or 3 nights a week.
The nights that I am just too lazy to do my 4 step REVERSE regimen, I use the REDEFINE Eye Cloths. Not only do they gently & safely remove eye makeup, but they remove all my makeup, while depositing cosmetic ingredients to combat the visible signs of aging, including PEPTIDES. They are called Eye Cloths, but they are made for your whole face. 
And, this is the newest product I've added to my routine, REDEFINE Multi-Function Eye Cream. I have only been using it for a week, but already love it! It is so silky & thin, I think the tub may last me a year!

 Now that I have completely embarrassed myself by putting terrible pics of myself on the Internet for the world to see... If you have any questions about Rodan + Fields products or the business opportunity, please contact me christysquyres@gmail.com
or visit my website for product info- Rodan + Fields Products or go to the Solution Tool & let the Doctors that created Proactiv, customize a skin care plan for you!
 For more information on the business, you can also visit my biz site-

FYI:
Results are guaranteed, the company offers a 60 day, empty bottle money back guarantee.
There are 4 regimens, REVERSE, REDEFINE, SOOTHE, & UNBLEMISH.
Each regimen is packaged to last 60 days.
Products are currenly only available in the U.S., they will be available in Canada in January.



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Design Concept Board No. 2

Design Concept Board No. 2

I have been working on a few interior design concept boards to show my design style range. I am making plans to start an interior design business on Etsy, where I remotely help people design one room at a time via the Internet.

There will be a set fee per room, the client will be emailed a style & budget questionnaire, & provide me with room dimensions, photographs of the space, photo's of furniture or fixtures they want to keep, & any inspiration photos they may have. In return I will provide them with a custom design concept board & a shopping list, & paint color suggestions. All items would be purchased online by the client in their own time frame.

If you or someone you know would be interested in my design services, email me your info & I will be in contact with you, christysquyres@gmail.com!

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Oh, So Crafty: Framed Chalkboard

Went with Reduce Reuse Recycle on this Van Gogh Turned Chalkboard (Sorry Vincent) 


I got this fancy shmancy plastic gold framed Van Gogh, Cafe Terrace at Night print when I was in high school for $10. I'm not sure why I kept it all these years, but sure glad I did! The print was mounted to particle board & popped in the back of this frame. Like any good DIY'er, I knew this had another life in it!

After a light sanding to the back of the particle board, I coated it with Krylon spray primer, then 3 coats of Rust-Oleum Chalk Board spray paint.
Buy the $4.98 Chalk Board paint here The Home Depot.

I primed the surface by rolling chalk across the entire surface & wiping it clean with a dry cloth.

It's hanging in my kitchen, & I just adore it! My goal is to use this to help me stay on top of weekday meal planning, & to highlight a weekly Bible verse.

I am slightly intimidated by spray paint, but was pretty stoked about my finished product. I may give spray paint another go.

Enjoy!

Nellie & Phoeb's in the Kitchen: My Skinny Minny Tacos or Bowls

Ground Turkey, Black Beans, Peppers, Onions, Green Chilies & Homemade Taco Seasoning, on a Bed of Fresh Spinach or Wrapped up in a Low Carb Tortilla



I could eat Tex-Mex 5 days a week! It's always my first choice when we eat out, primarily because Mexican restaurants are always a little louder (& drown out my 3 small kids), they have free chips & salsa (kids get fed immediately, no waiting for food), & because I LOVE it. I am a salsa, queso, & guacamole junky! I'm also a huge fan of cheese, all cheeses really, & 50% or more of the menu is usually topped with it! Bring it on!

But, when I am home, I try to keep my Tex-Mex a little lighter. I usually use ground turkey in place of ground beef, especially when I'm adding heavy spices, like taco seasoning. It really becomes more of a texture thing for me, & I don't miss the beef at all. I try to use corn tortillas when I can, but this recipe needs flour tortillas, I highly recommend the Mission brand low carb tortillas!

I recently started making my own taco seasoning, it's all ingredients I have in my pantry & it only takes a minute to mix up. I use a tablespoon of it per pound of ground meat. I store it in small glass food storage container.

Brown the ground turkey, add in chopped onion & bell peppers & cook till they are tender. Add in the black beans, tomato paste, green chili's, & the taco seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes, until the mixture is warm. 
Serve over a bed of fresh spinach, top with low fat cheese & salsa. Cilantro, green onions, & a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt would also be great additions!
I made my little girls tacos with the meat mixture, fresh spinach & a sprinkle of cheese. My husband & I opted for the no carb version & ate it bowl style.



Simple Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon Onion Powder
2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
2 tablespoon Cumin
2 tablespoon Chili Powder
1 tablespoon Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Cayenne

Directions:
Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Use 1 tablespoon for every pound of ground meat.

Skinny Minny Tacos or Bowls
Ingredients:
1 pound lean Ground Turkey
1 can Black Beans, rinsed & drained
4 ounces Tomato Sauce (half of a small can)
4 ounces canned Chopped Green Chilies (half of a small can)
1/3 cup chopped Bell Pepper, any color
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
Fresh Spinach
Optional Topping Ingredients:
2% shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salsa
Guacamole
Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
Cilantro
Green Onions, chopped
Directions:
Brown ground turkey over medium heat, drain fat. Add bell peppers & onions, cook until they are tender. Add Taco Seasoning, black beans, tomato sauce, & green chilies, cook until warm.
Serve over a bed of fresh spinach or on a flour tortilla, top with your choice of toppings.
Enjoy your guilt free Tex-Mex!!!


Let's Party: The Wizard of Oz Double Birthday

My Big Girls Turned 3 & 4 This Year!

They insisted on a Wizard of Oz themed birthday party, we started planning MONTHS in advance.
'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' fruit skewers. I had seen this several times on Pinterest & finally found an excuse to make them!

Both the girls got their own 3 layer Dorothy gingham rainbow cake from Merritts Bakery Tulsa, we went with one chocolate & one vanilla. Aunt Jen started a fantastic tradition of buying the girls their cakes as part of her birthday gift to them. It takes one thing off my planning plate!

'Melting Wicked Witch Punch', another Pinterest idea. I found a basic pineapple & lime sherbet punch recipe, & made a floating witch hat out of black craft foam & hot glue.

I used the shoe sting potato chips as 'Scarecrow Stuffing', I was pretty proud of this idea, cute huh!?
The cake cutting seems to be the girls favorite part of any birthday party, they always tell you exactly which piece they want.
I purchased card stock glitter hearts at Party City, punched holes in them & ran sliver glittery rope through them. All the kids all got 'Tin Man's Heart' necklaces.


The party favors were 'Dorothy's Basket' full of Oz themed goodies. I purchased the baskets at the Dollar Tree & bought a couple yards of blue gingham fabric at Joann. I cut squares of the fabric with pinking shears to line the baskets.

The Treats: Glenda's Wand, Ruby Slipper, Emerald City Coins, Lollipop Guild Suckers
I used a high heel cookie cutter to make the ruby slipper sugar cookies. (It took an entire tub of Wilton red gel food coloring to get the frosting red!)

I found Oz coloring sheets online, printed off a stack & put them on the tables with crayons. I also topped the tables with white craft paper & asked guests to draw Oz themed pictures on them. Giving the kids an activity, is always a good idea. Plus, even grownups like to draw on the table!

My husbands BFF Luke, crafted this fancy Oz cutout for us! It was fun getting pictures of the kids behind it.

The 4 year old birthday girl as Dorothy!

The 3 year old birthday girl as Dorothy!
My 1 year old baby girl & her little buddy got a boost for a photo opp!

Aunt Jen with the big 4 year old!
I made both the girls matching Dorothy inspired dresses & we got them sparkly ruby red  shoes to match. They looked adorable, & they can still wear them because they don't look like costumes. I didn't want to spend hours making them dresses they would never wear again!

The party was A LOT OF WORK, but it was totally worth it. The girls will remember it forever, & if they dont, I WILL REMIND THEM!


Dresses, Cookies, Gift Bag Treats