Category: Atlanta

Things I’m doing around Atlanta

Dearest Ryan,

Anime, Artist Spotlight, ATL, Atlanta, Entertainment, NELLIEL Approved, Wishlist

Coogler, btw. And Zinzi. I rode by the High Museum today as I was out purchasing for my business.

[Uh. I need a job, btw. 😉 ]

As I rode by the High, I thought of Black Panther, mostly, because I heard the news. Good? Bad? I dunno.

I see that you have chosen to recast Michael B. Jordan, one of my loves. That is what has prompted his open letter to be penned to you, kind Hollywood director, and super producer, wife. Please do as I have asked – though quite outlandish. 🙂

I have been a big fan of his and, yours, since CREED I. Wow, am thankful that movie exists. Michael is SO CUTE. In fact, I would go back even further, back to that movie with Zac Efron – yes, I do not remember the name of said film, but I knew then, that he was very, very cute. Update – after a quick search, the movie is called, That Awkward Moment.

Michael likes ice cream, too. I recommend, this.

But CREED cinched it for me. Yes. Creed aside, which is so, so good, I mean, really – for you to have been so novice, it came out so well. I know how hard it was to get the movie made (I have watched all of the ROCKY films and I think you made a good choice with the development of the CREED character). Really, I was very enthusiastic about your start in Hollywood. As you have received so many accolades for Fruitvale, I will not go into further details on that, however, that film is quite, quite good, too.

Michael is really talented at playing crazies.

Have you seen this?

Both of you, and Michael, are on the list.

I have reviewed the work that is forthcoming and, though I am excited (OMG – Michael, Thomas Crown Affair is top of my list next year. Just so you know, I’m going to watch both of the older films just so that I can have a healthy respect for what you have taken on. I’m sure that there is some interesting twist to the film as you are a very creative man.)

Anyway, back to Ryan. I know that are very busy. All those award wins and business meetings. Writing scripts, kids, lovely wife.

I have one ask. If you keep making Black Panther movies and shows – can you make a Kilmonger movie? This character needs more justice than just a few lines in a film, and Michael was in his mid to late 20s when he starred initially – as a visual person, and though Michael is very healthy and looks great (as you know, cause you keep casting him, he is VERY handsome), he definitely looks older. How does one travel back in time while physically racing against the clock (read below to see why this is important)? Not only that, the character isn’t alive in the arcs – or as I believe, should not be. How do they, Hollywood elite, find a way out this one? The character died from a terrible stab wound. Though they do have the ability to heal just about anything in Wakanda, I’m sure that there is some secret overlap with the Xmen – Wolverine? Sabertooth? Or so we assumed, how would he have lived? And yet, somehow, the role was reprised. I have so many issues with this, not only with Hollywood, but with entertainment in general.

Make it make sense and I’m sure it will.

My proposal is that you make a film titled, “ERIK” and that it covers his upbringing and all of the obstacles he had to overcome to get to that point in BLACK PANTHER 1.

I will be your fan regardless, however, I think that would truly bring some real depth to this character beyond what could be captured in the first move. Honestly, when I recollect on the experience of watching the first film, I was kind of lost as the Kilmonger story setting happened at a very breakneck pace. Btw, I do not think that he, Michael was that scary in the first one. To me, he is like Vegeta. He is a man seeking revenge for all that wronged him life, which is inherently unpleasant, but not necessarily scary. When thinking of this within the context of the Marvel Universe, no one really knew that ERIK was doing that, but himself ( based on what I know about what was presented with the character.) I am sure that you, Mr. Coogler, talented screenwriter and notable director, with the help of MARVEL, would truly create something great for ERIK. By the way, years ago, I quickly researched him in the MARVEL Universe and he is not good looking. Much like Vegeta, in fact. I personally, prefer, Goku.

The ARMS. Enough said. As an aside, I do have some issues with Goku as a character, though. He is kind of sucky. Really. Within the context of DBZ, he is not a great man, just a great hero who is really, a man – alien – monkey? His tail was removed – okay. He is like a lesser Superman, of sorts. Superman, though, definitely dreamed of love.

I have a few theories, however, as it pertains to ERIK’s reprisal:

Perhaps the king was not so good himself. RIP Chadwick x T’Challa.

Perhaps, Erik is a mutant.

Maybe, it just needs to be fleshed out.

I could always go back and read the comics.

Ryan and, Zinzi, hopefully we can chat one day. I also hope you read my SINNERS theory. It is somewhat embedded on my threads – SMOKE. Smoke is a day walker. That man is still alive.

Nike… Mules?

ATL, Atlanta, Beauty, Capsule Wardrobe, Lupe Fiasco, Michael B Jordan, NELLIEL Approved, Pharrell Williams, Reviews, TikTok, Uncategorized, Wishlist

I know that I’m very late to this trend, however, over the last year I have seen them all over Atlanta. They are so cute – but they did take some time to grow on me, kind of like… Birkenstocks or Crocs took some time to grow onto mainstream society. They, now, solidly have a place in my heart, and wardrobe. For four years in a row, I bought the Birkenstock look-a-likes every summer from Target (as they wear down quickly, I had a hole in the bottom of the shoe ala Obama by the end of the summer, too. )

What do I like about them? They are budget friendly (Nike shoes for 65? Heck yeah). I can easily walk around the city in them as they are so comfortable, the soles are THICK, no worries if I run into areas with broken glass, and the color ways are so nice. Cutting the grass, a breeze. I do have one MAJOR complaint, however, I wear a size 5 – why is black the only color available for people with tiny feet?

I really like the peanut butter cup color way pictured above. Bone is nice. Just an FYI, those are not the correct names for the colorways, but I like them and would like to wear them, however, they are very hard to find in my size, if they even exist.

In short, if you are looking for some cool, comfortable, casual but not tennis shoes to wear on errands or even around the house, I’d definitely pick these up if you had an apprehension.

One more tip, size up if you think the shoe will be tight. I removed the heel band as they seemed to run small, however, the shoes have since loosened so they are no longer a tight fit.

Nellielytu is changing.

ATL, Atlanta, Google

I started this blog as a way to channel my creativity, to network, and to document parts of my journey. 

I’m in the midst of starting something new. I hope that you will continue to follow along – I have to migrate this site and my host is not making this easy. 

I’ve developed my passion for hair extensions into a new venture. I’ll share it here. Soon.

In the meantime:

I’m available for Virtual Assisting positions to include: Virtual Secretary, Virtual HR, Virtual Webmastering/Writing. 

Design related jobs would also be very nice. 

Please let me know via my personal email or via Instagram: @nellielytu if you have any business inquiries. 

Thank you for your patience. It will be worth it. 

Take care, 

xx Nelliel aka Chanell 

@: [email protected]

|#: 404.951.6188

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

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.

Humanrace Skincare by Pharrell Williams

Artist Spotlight, Atlanta, Beauty, Cosmetics, Enhancements, Ice Cream, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell Williams, Skincare, Youtubers

I think of this brand as a lower budget alternative to La Mer. Not only do the products contain similar ingredients but they are much, much more cost effective. I tried this skincare a little over two years ago, and I’ve watched them as they have updated the line little by little. And let’s be honest, Pharrell has truly great skin. Who would not want skin like his? I do think that I have pretty nice skin, but his is amazing! I hope to see it in person one day.

As I am aging, I thought about getting La Mer, however, the prices for the products are so high that I shopped around for alternatives. I do, truly like the products, however, I truly think that the real secret of La Mer’s efficacy lies in moisture and fermentation.

I think that Pharrell’s products in the Humanrace skincare line are good alternatives to La Mer. (I have tried La Mer, I think that the products are wonderful – just a note, if you decided to spring for La Mer, try the mattifying cream, that is my personal favorite. I do really love the HumanRace moisturizer, it does not make me overly greasy. I was a terrible oil slick during puberty, Niacinamide has changed my life.)

I tried this part of the line when it first launched and I was really pleasantly surprised and quite happy with the results. In fact, I am pretty sure that the moisturizer is meant to be a dupe of the La Mer moisturizer. The cleanser is not drying and I feel as though the products pair very nicely with other products in my skincare regime. I like to use the Retrograde gel cleanser as a full body cleanser as well. Have any of you tried Pharrell’s products line or do you think that he’s just trying to profit from his lovely skin and crazy slow aging?

Here is a video he made during covid speaking about the product launch:

Another of him and Tyler speaking about the products and how they take care of their skin:

Love him – both he and the products are Nelliel Approved!

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.