Category: ATL

Things I’m doing around Atlanta

At Home Beautification – Devices (Electronic & Manual)

ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Beauty, Cosmetics, Skincare

Over the last few years, I have tried many new things, hoping to find new ways of living and taking care of myself as I age – ways that resonate with me at heart. I have been a part of a spa membership service, KSPAS really have been a great escape, and I have since ventured into the land of at home electronic beautification devices.

In my younger years, I was a bit averse to these devices as they seemed to be linked with increase risk of cancer, however, I do believe that the FDA has worked to ensure that the public is more aware and knowledgeable as to what is advised/approved for use and what is not.

Here is a pretty exhaustive list of the devices I use at home. My focus is primarily on maintaining my youthfulness, I do not have many signs of aging nor acne – this could also be due to using the direct acids (Glycolic & Lactic) by The Ordinary, and oil cleansing with hemp seed oil.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRX Spectralite Faceware Pro

At a $455 price point, I would not recommend this for those that are just dipping their toes into this world, but I do believe that it is a worthwhile purchase. I used my HSA to purchase this – it falls under acne prevention. I used this everyday for a long while, however, I have since moved to using this device 2-3x a week. I generally use the Red Light and the Combo Acne and Red Light modes – I believe that this has greatly assisted with maintaining matte skin. I really used to be an oil slick – I have the Pewter Color of this model and I have not been disappointed with this color choice at all. This can also be used on the head to aid in the health hair growth.

I have also used this on my chest to keep the decolletage area (neck, chest, etc) skin youthful.

Price $455.00

Ulike Air10

I am so happy with this device. I used to go into the spa every month for laser hair removal, however, device has made hair removal easy, less painful, and inexpensive. I have PCOS and the very coarse body hairs that come with this illness do not stand a chance anymore. My legs are hairless after all the spa visits, even my Type A sister has noticed. Again, I used my HSA to purchase this beautiful little device (with doctor’s approval) and it comes in with a discount at $350.

Price $350.00

High Frequency Electrotherapy Wand

I found this at my local Marshalls for less than 30 dollars. What a steal – this also has red light therapy benefits and can often be found for a steal. The ones I own are by Luxe + Willow. The sticker on my box states that the price for it was $24.99.

Price: Less than $50.00

Silicone Facial Cleansing & Massaging Scrubber

I believe that this device has really assisted with manually cleaning my face. I do not use cleansers that frequently, however, I do think that this in addition to using oil has been a true benefit. My skin has been very clear with the aid of the products I use and my electronic devices.

Price: Varies

Wood Therapy Kit

When I was new to the KSPA life, I used to get body scrubs every month. They are not only beneficial to maintaining beautiful skin, but they are also very helpful for lymphatic drainage. I highly recommend them, but if you are on a budget, check out the wood therapy skin tools. Using these tools a few minutes a day will greatly assist in keeping your Lymph active and moving. Dry brushing is also a good idea. Prices on these tools vary, but I’ve gotten some as low as $5.00 and others as high as $30.00. I recommend getting a wood therapy set from Etsy as they are more encompassing. The sets are generally less than $100.00.

Price: Varies

Luxury Items Wish List

Anime, Artist Spotlight, ATL, Capsule Wardrobe, Enhancements, Entertainment, Michael B Jordan, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams, Uncategorized, Wishlist

Trying to keep myself uplifted, so, I’m gonna dream.

Here are some items I’m dreaming of and a full bank account.

Chanel: Mini Classic Handbag

I have not seen this in person, but I think it would be a great addition to my capsule wardrobe. If the leather is like it looks here, I’m sure it can really withstand years of use. I’m sure it is really beautiful – lambskin.

Price: $5,400

Louis Vuitton Pochette

I have seen this purse in person numerous times – the design is timeless, especially with the monogram. I love it and hope to add it to my capsule in the near future. I just read about the details of the bag on the website and it is canvas.

I doubt most people know that. Looks like leather.

Price: $1660.00

Michael Kors: Bromley Over the Knee Boots

I’ve had a few pair of these and I really enjoy them, however, I would prefer that they were still full leather. I lived in these during the Fall and Winter months, however, if they continue to fall apart after a few wears, I will stick with my second hand Frye Boots, for sure (I may need to do a whole post on my Frye Boot collection). I really like the design of these boots, they are very simple and greatly enhance my Capsule Wardrobe, but come on, Michael of Michael Kors. Come on.

Plastic upper?

Price: $Varies

($250 when initially released)

Prius Plug In Hybrid

I am more of a Honda fan, but they keep discontinuing the cars that I like, so I’m moving on to Toyota. I love the new Prius design, but that price tag? It needs to be fully electric in my opinion. If I were rich, I’d buy this car and convert it. This would be an upgraded version of the CRZ for me.

Price: $47,000

I made a wig!

Alibaba, ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Beauty, Cosmetics, Data Science, Enhancements, Hair, NELLIEL Approved, Reviews

I made a wig by hand. Thanks for all the help, A.

For the curious, the black square is my radiant heating. I need to get it set up correctly so that the wiring is hidden. It kind of looks kind of like a TV but it isn’t – I should have just gotten a white one.

Just so you all know, I have no interest in doing this as a professional.

Bundles used: SexyLadyHair – Straight, 24 IN 13×6 closure, this hair is SO Beautiful and SO THICK. I got double drawn bundles.

Styling Tool: Dyson Co-anda 2x

Wig Caps: Small Ventilated Wig Cap – Size down as I need an XS.

Nylon Thread & Needle

Bleach for frontal was used

A more serious image – just imagine this one someone’s head.

In total, took about 5 hours to make but that is with lots of breaks. It is lovely, I’m proud and I’ve been perming hair but had to wait until the perm rods arrived for the curly hair to be upgraded. Now that I am in receipt of them, I’m happy I bought them on TEMU instead of the pack on AMAZON as I’m afraid that those are short and fat instead of “New Curl” like I need.

Anywho. I forgot rubber bands. 🙁

Back to my data science program.

Adventures in Hair Extensions: Indian Curly > Bouncy Curly?

Alibaba, Artist Spotlight, ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Beauty, Enhancements, Entertainment, Etsy, Google, Hair, Hair, NELLIEL Approved

I recently decided to give hair sourcing a try.

Idk what I was doing, but I thought why the heck not? These girls seem to make a grip! Hell, I’m kind of familiar with brand design and I know some good companies to buy hair from. After several WhatsApp message exchanges and a few different purchases…I chose not to pursue it. If you’re looking for a good vendor or two, let me know. It’s on the free.

Honestly, I do not believe that I have the same heart for hair sales as some of my favorite extension brands do, but I do think that it has been a worthwhile pursuit. I bought bundles of Raw Indian Curly, the name of it varies from brand to resale brand, however, it is not the texture I was hoping for. I keep trying to do the spiral curls at the end, and I’ve noticed that it never curls in quite the way that I would like. I made a half wig by hand on a breezy wig cap (I have special needs when it comes to the heat in GA, I can’t be out here sweating because I have approximately 10 bundles of curly hair on my head), and I really know what I am doing now. But, what I really need to figure out is how to get my ends to spiral curl a la Chaneeezy. HOW? Even after the same used products, my curls didn’t come through. I’m gonna have to work on the flick o’ da wrist. Lately I’ve been using water and aloe only to revive the curls and I think it has gone pretty well. I have noticed that the hair dries out very quickly, but somehow the hair on my faux locs extensions stays moist for months on end without needing a refresh. I’m pretty sure it is the same hair, however.

Have any of you seen this beaute? Come through SCZHAIR. I want cha sometime soon and I think I will bid the foray into extensions adieu.

Anyway,

I have decided half perm the RAW (aka VIRGIN) hair. I know this is possible. I’m also going to half perm the curlsqueen half wig that I added a 4/4 closure to to see if I can get a bouncy curly texture going for me. The curls have been falling too flat for ya girl with my hot tools, even when utilizing hair spray.

What did I learn? That basically, all hair is virgin hair. That the price of raw hair is too high. I steam my hair, I style my hair. That the overseas brands are based here in the states – possibly even ATL! No hair really tangles, unless it is very very dry. God made the best moisturizers and stylers and that is what I am using!

I have the hair needed for miracle braids, I have the hair needed for twists, wrapping hair for faux locs, all kinds of faux locs extensions, straight hair so I’m not applying too much heat to my natural hair (now over 22 inches long), and pretty soon the best curly hair extensions in the world, made by me and GOD. That was interesting but it is over. I’m turning into more of a stylist instead.

Tune in soon for updates on how the hair turns out. I’ll share pics soon.

Alibaba Vendors Review – Feather Crochet Hair feat Sexy Lady Hair & HoomyHair

Alibaba, ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Hair, NELLIEL Approved, Reviews, Uncategorized, Youtubers

A few years ago, feather crochet hair was alllllll the rage on my Instagram. As a visual person, I LOVE Instagram (and Pinterest), there is SO MUCH inspiration that can be found and studied on these two platforms. I have been trying new things with my hair and I found plenty of new ways of styling my curly hair via Instagram. As someone that does not go to the hairstylist anymore (they always want to cut someone’s hair off), I found that the crochet hair advertised was truly quite appealing. The price tag tho – 5 packs of crochet hair on QVR, or even Elfin, can run upwards of 300 dollars (check out Hotbraids, this hair is giving Curlsqueen quality in terms of fullness.) Plastic crochet hair can be purchased for less than 10! And the plastic crochet, when complete is pretty. I personally think that the straight hair crochet works much better than other styles of plastic hair. I’ve attached mostly straight plastic crochet below, however this YouTuber does have a lot of tutorials on curly crochet styles with plastic hair.

This one was done with human hair cut from their clip INS – I love that she upcycled. I do not like that plastic hair is polluting our land so badly, that is why using human hair is truly an advantage. And when it gets old, you can compost it.

India can some how keep her curly crochet braids nice for 6 weeks plus. Awesome.

The issue with the plastic hair is that it tangles sooo fast. I love curls and this type of plastic hair tangles the most. I had to stop purchasing plastic extension hair. Using it pushes strongly against my ethics. I prefer to recycle and reuse instead of tossing away. These two vendors, Sexy Lady Hair and HoomyHair have some of the most luscious curls available in human crochet.These vendors can make crochet out of any available hair type that they have for sale. All you have to do is ask – these two vendors are so friendly and responsive. I have more of an Indian curly texture naturally, so I bought these textures. DO NOT FORGET – the hair has been washed and set a certain way in the videos but when you style it at home, it will look different as they are set for sale.

Here is what the hair looks like. These pictures and videos convinced me to purchase – this tiktoker seems to sell similar hair.

@_chaneeezy

A lot of people have been asking me what shorter lengths look like in my Indian Curly so I decided to finally install 16, 18, 18 in the texture and so cute! #fyp @TheCurlySource

♬ original sound – Destinee’s Hair ?
@theharelifeofficial

Whewwww our Raw Indian curly doesn’t miss ??‍?? ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Ship out Spring Sale & get $80 OFF of our Raw Indian bundle deals at checkout *No Code Needed* Raw Indian Deep Curly shown 22,24,24,24 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Don’t forget you can get your Hare NOW?, & Pay LATER ? w/Shop Pay or Sezzle at checkout ? ?Shop Exclusively | www.theharelifeofficial.com (link in bio) #rawhair #rawindianbundles #rawindiancurly #indiancurly #rawcurlyhair #rawindianhairvendor #indiantemplehair #bundledeals #flipoverquickweave #flipoverwig #rawindian #rawindianhairextensions #rawwigs

♬ Strike (Holster) – Lil Yachty

Check em out if you like what you see. I LOVE these two vendors, I got the hair within two days of completion. NELLIEL APPROVED!

Travel Tips – Nelliel Style

ATL, Atlanta, Entertainment, NELLIEL Approved, Travel, Uncategorized

Traveling as a woman on a budget can be so hard. Not only does it have a somewhat dangerous aire to it, but it can be so expensive. I really need to keep my money in check. Here are a few tips that keep me feeling happy and together whilst on the road to distant locations.

Emergen – C: I take my vitamins diligently, however, having some emergen -c on hand has saved me on many ‘o flight. Not only am I able to fend off migraines better (which are very common for me and love to get at me while at the airport) but also, all the nasty germs that can be encountered while traveling no longer stand a chance.

Sol de Janiero travel kit: I’m am a true Sol de Janiero lover! These kits keep me up lifted and smelling good while traveling without having to lug around my expensive smell goods. You can find these in store or at Ulta/Sephora/Amazon.com. The parent website has them, too.

Dollar Tree for other upkeep essentials: toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wipes (the lady speed stick is soo good) and snacks. They always have great knick knacks that aid with traveling (poopurri).

Other notes:

A lot of people like to travel with their expensive shizz, but I don’t. Take your cheaper items that you won’t be as angry if they are left behind. For example, an older set of headphones, a water bottle that costs a dollar, the older model console instead of the latest drop. Not only is this less eye catching to thieves, but I’m not as concerned about my goods as the latest is safely at home.

I keep my wardrobe minimal. Rewearing items, traveling with a well paired capsule, travel sized satchets of detergent, and a gain refresh spray are really great. Wearing basics really makes it very easy to pack light – in fact, I’m known to be someone that just has a book bag most of the time.

As I’m growing my hair, crochet styles are the best way to still look great without much effort. Who wants to spend hours in the mirror doing their hair when they can be out in the sun. Ygwigs has great crochet hair of all styles. I highly recommend.

Best Uniqulo Buys – Georgia FALL/Winter Approved!

ATL, Atlanta, NELLIEL Approved, Reviews, Threads

Uniqlo is already out of most of these items (cringe) but I will say that they generally restock at least once during the season. I bought some of these items and have not regretted my purchase AT ALL. The heat tech gets me through the coldest of days on the MARTA system, in addition, I’m able to keep my fall and winter billing much lower by using them as pj’s (their leggings and a nice electric blanket make the sudden drops and cold snaps a real breeze to deal with.) A few winters ago, my heating bill had gotten close to $300.00 bucks. I’ve been able to keep it around $100.00 since investing in these pieces. Not only are these incredibly warm, they are stylish and timeless. The Japanese truly are innovative. I only have a few items listed because I invested in multiple colors.

HEATTECH Cashmere Blend T-Shirt | Extra Warm | Turtleneck

These shirts are soooo thin and easy to layer. I love the simplicity of them. They are so soooo warm despite how thin they are.

HEATTECH Ultra Warm Leggings

A nice pair of leggings to keep my thin legs super warm. These are a staple in my fall/winter wardrobe. I wear them under pants as well. They are so great at home while lounging, too. I have both black and gray. LOOOVEE. I also approve of the Heattech Tights, these have been so great around the office.

Planning to Buy:

HEATTECH Lined Gloves | Faux Suede

I have not purchased these, however, I do plan to get some. Cold hands ensure that the rest of me is cold and I would really like to get rid of that.

HEATTECH Pile Lined Sweatpants

I am more of a Nike fan when it comes to sweats, their design is just yum, however, they are NOT warm. These may have to replace my well loved Nikes, at least during the winter.

HEATTECH Souffle Yarn Neck Gaiter

These are so nice. I’m going to buy them in every color.

Honorable Mentions:

PUFFTECH Relaxed Long Coat

I have a North face coat that I got from Nordstrom rack several years ago, so I do do not need this. It is similar in style to my Northface coat and I think that it is also likely to be quite warm. The price tag for this kind of coat cannot be beaten. You can also hand wash these items and I think that is a great benefit to purchasing them instead of having to take them to the dry cleaners.

HEATTECH Scarf

I really hate when scarves are just pieces of fabric and they don’t really assist with blocking the cold. I have so many scarves that I have not gotten one of these, but I do think that I will purchase one eventually if they have the same benefits as the other heattech items.

No fall nor winter wardrobe is complete without timeless pieces from Uniqlo. Uniqlo is NELLIEL APPROVED.

Friday Listen!

ATL, Atlanta, Google, Lupe Fiasco, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams

I’m sharing Lupe Fiasco’s latest work – Samurai. He now has a deluxe version – hard to find the work as a whole together so I am just linking to the original released in 2024.

Take a look at his insta to see what he has been up to. Loved the images and video captured of him running the 5k through Japan with the ASAP crew. Check it out here.

Curlsqueen Nightmare

ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Enhancements, Entertainment, Reviews, Threads, Uncategorized

During the height of the Curlsqueen craze a year or two ago, I bought several curlsqueen products (just for your knowledge – 2c/3a curly half wigs, clipins and some straight halfwigs) When the products arrive, and you pull them out of the packaging, the hair is sooooo gorgeous! Stunning even. I thought to myself – trying to grow my hair back to waist length would be so easy!

Curlsqueen is my first true foray into hair extensions. If I can remodel my home, I can surely learn how to attach hair to my head, and make it seamless.

I was, however, very badly disappointed. After a few months of wear, the hair tangles, it no longer has body or flow, and just does not reflect the amount of money spent. Human hair lasts for forever. I know that there are not many people that feel this way online about Curlsqueen, but I do. What a waste of money. After attempting to coordinate returns or new products with the company, one gets fed up (they did attempt to rectify things a bit by sending me a free halfwig for the points status I possessed, but that one quickly tangled up as well). Is there a brand with curls just as beautiful that does not tangle? I have yet to find them. Most companies charge an arm and a leg for the length I need and the quality. I’m thinking that I’m going to have to go with a no name brand to get my new wigs made – and they will be to my specifications.

Curlsqueen is a big no for me.

Take a look at some of the others online experiencing similar issues with them. Why is this happening only to the looser textures? Very strange. As it is human hair, the hair should not tangle. Let’s be honest, if this is Cambodian/Indian hair, it would tangle on the heads of those selling the hair just as badly. Hair being attached to a weft does not mean that the hair should now tangle.

This user with a similar experience was found on TikTok

As Curlsqueen is China based, it is hard to get returns made without it costing as much as the product did! ah! I do think that the straight textures are nice – they do not tangle or shed. It is really important for products to be and perform at the level advertised and promised.

What did I do with the tangled weave? I’ve chosen to cut the hair off the weft and use the very expensive hair as bulk hair. It will be used in my twists and braids. It has been so costly.

Can you believe that those are the only negative reviews that I can find this AM?Wow. I do not think that the 2c is as popular as the coarser textures and that might be the reason that there are few updates on the loose textures online.