Things that I approve of/like/want to share/am really into. <3
Modibodi has a really amazing sale going on right now. I love this brand for period management – not only do these underwear assist with ensuring that bodies are kept healthy despite all of the chemical pollutants in female hygiene, but they are also great for the environment (so much less waste).
This brand has the best supers of all the other brands I’ve tried.
Nelliel Approved.
Trying to keep myself uplifted, so, I’m gonna dream.
Here are some items I’m dreaming of and a full bank account.
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.
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.
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.
($250 when initially released)
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.
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.
Recently, I’ve really enjoyed tagging some of my favorite artists on TikTok, hoping that I can participate in their creative process as well. I am not sure that any of my comments have gotten to them, however, I have been doing that for a while and I hope that they enjoy it and know that I think about them frequently. They have added so much joy and thought to my life. I aspire to be like them in some ways.
As I peruse the app for creative inspo, I have found some very entertaining things. I want to share them here, though I cannot say that they will still be active by the time you all find them. Especially this first Creator. I don’t think that many of my readers know this but I have attained fluency in Spanish though I am continuing to strengthen my skills. This Creator is sharing how to speak dirty in Spanish, and he sure is GOOD AT IT.
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.
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.
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!
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.
UPDATE – 5/12/26 The recipe has been removed but you can still read the blog post. If you’re interested, please place an order with me. ♥️
I’ve been on a “crunchy” beauty kick for most of my life. Face masks made from Avocados, lemons, and blueberries were an important part of my childhood. Honey and egg hair masks were always my thing.
As I’ve gotten older, I have purchased from many big name beauty brands but still have a heart for homemade products. The efficacy is questionable but I’m pretty sure that this combination works. Maybe not quite as well as I would like, but I think it is the start of something quite good. Nail health and skin health combine here: – instead of my nails being short and stubby, they now grow out to medium length without much breakage. Please note, eating healthy and being healthy is also very important when it comes to beauty maintenance. When I was younger, my nails were so thick and my playmates used to complain about me scratching them on the playground. How my nails transformed into such brittle little things, I don’t know. Give this recipe a try if you are having similar issues. This works well as a hair serum, too, with a few modifications.
Same thumb, after a week and a half/two weeks of growth – 11/25/25
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have been on a YouTube kick for many years. 10 or so years ago, I found out about vlogging. I wanted to try my hand at it, however, my life just isn’t conducive to it. I have, however, found many, many YouTubers that have brought joy and laughter into my life in ways unexpected. I really appreciate YouTube, not only for existing, but for introducing me to these good people and giving them a platform to create in such ways.
During this time, the vloggers I watch have changed, however, I have been enjoying the ones listed below for almost 5 years now. Though they may not be in my life forever in this capacity, I do really like their work and growth. I’m sharing as I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.
This vlogger has a lot of travel and fashion content. I really enjoy her personality and sense of style. I would say that she fits into a more LUXE niche, however, she puts a nice mix on the types of topics that she explores via her content. There is a lot of shopping, nail, and hair talk. She is very up on the trends and fashion. I loved that she was Atlanta based, however, she is now in New York and abroad most of the time. Her aesthetic is similar to my own. She is in her early thirties and seems to be thriving. She is so fun to watch.
Instagram – TikTok – Youtube – Pinterest
Kirah makes similar content to the aforementioned vlogger, however, these two vloggers could not be more different. I love that Kirah’s honesty. She is so fun and unique. Kirah also makes a lot of travel and beauty content. I have not watched her as frequently, however, it is so dope to see the city of Atlanta feature in her vlogs so much. She is a laugh riot, insightful, always has some cool restaurants featured, and most recently worked with Beyonce (whoa!) on a Cecred campaign.