Nelliel Approved – “Best of”, Awards
A lot of life occurred in 2025, so much that I cannot blog about it all. I’ve considered vlogging some things, but I think that writing on my blog is truly the best medium for me right now.
I personally support each and every one of these recommendations. I have first hand experience with them. All things mentioned in this post have helped to make this year really great in some way and I want to share the experience with you. I hope that you take some time to either visit, purchase, or listen. Let me know if you feel similarly, have different opinions, or suggestions of your own. I’ve made this post specific to Atlanta as I am Atlanta based, however, most products or media can be found online, if there is something that must be done in person, please consider giving ATL a visit. 🙂
We’re full, but not so full these days.
Without further Ado.
Best of the year Nellielytu – ATLANTA 2025
Hair/Beauty/Skin
Most of my content has centered around this the entire time the website has been up, but I do have a products that I want to spotlight.
Lady Speed Stick Brazilian Mist Leave in Spray – I found this product at DOLLAR TREE of all places. I love the ingredient list, it works very well for my hair, it is super cheap (I go through a lot of this product as I use it as a daily refresh spray, so the price point is amazing. Pro tip: add aloe vera juice for additional moisture.) And the scent! It smells so much like Sol De Janiero (pistachio!) that it is hard to beat. The best, truly. A runner up would be Lola from Rio Rapunzel leave in. Also good but about 15x the price at my local Beauty Master.
Entertainment
Sinners. I know that everyone has been into SINNERS over the last year and I am no different. This movie was truly a treat – not too scary, fun, creative, well shot and acted. I love the use of imagination to create this work. I plan on seeing it again as they have brought it to IMAX for an additional showing. Woah!
Monster Rancher. What a blast from the past. I saw a post about this show mentioned on Threads (my newest social media obsession) and I knew that I had to watch it again. I have not been let down. UPN69 ahead of all the other stations with anime. Definitely worth a new watch.
Lupe Fiasco’s free concert in Boston. Lupe Fiasco and MIT hosted a concert in May with the Orchestra program and it was definitely worth flying in for. Anytime he posts about these types of events, try to check them out.
Interviews
I really love this man.
When I’m working, If I’m not listening to music, I’m listening to interviews/podcasts. I listened to this interview several times throughout the year and it is a good listen every time.
Food
Slim and Huskys. Best pizza on the planet this year! My love of the pizza that they serve is so great. The Rony, Roni, Rone is my go to. As I’m not a tomato eater, their pesto and Alfredo sauce is top tier. Add in that jalapeno cilantro dipping sauce and it is truly a treat.
Music
One Republic. Anything from them or from The Fray is on this list. Their music catalog got me through the workday on days where I’m doing a lot of data work.
Clothes
Rainbow Dresses. I love the simplicity of the standard rainbow dresses and you cannot beat the 10.00 price tag. The look good on everyone with a body con fit – just layer them with some thin heat tech and you are good to go for the winter. I’ve been trying this out during the late fall in ATL and it has served me well without having to pull out the chunky coats. I am just as sad as everyone else that the temps have been hovering around 35-45 degrees, but this combo has kept me well in the early mornings as I walk to work.
House Maintenance
Brookstone heating blanket – I have two of these and they are so helpful in the winter so I’m not running my heating bill through the roof. I have one for my bed and one for my couch.
Places to visit
ATL Botanical Garden – This is truly one of the best places to visit in Atlanta. I have been so many times over the last quarter – they have some of the best exhibits bar none (Alice in Wonderland) and the best winter light show in A.