Meet Recommender:

Nellie

Nellie Mendoza is a proud Northern Arapaho woman from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Grounded in her culture and the land she comes from, she lives by an eco-conscious philosophy—environmentally friendly, sustainable, recyclable, reusable, and always striving to “Go Green, Go Clean!” She embraces it wholeheartedly… with a little humor along the way.
A devoted fan of all things 80’s—music, movies, and fashion—Nellie insists it was the greatest era ever (and she’s not wrong!).
She’s been married to Independence local and lifelong best friend, Jason Mendoza, for 26 years, with 28 years of laughter, partnership, and shared adventures. Together, they raised four amazing adult cubs—Devin, Diona, Dara, and Dominique—and Nellie proudly carries the title of “Mimi” to four beloved grand‑cubs.
In her downtime, Nellie loves to kick back with a stack of classic 80’s movies, plenty of snacks, popcorn, and a glass of Scout & Cellar’s Dove Hunt Dog Pinot Noir. She has recently returned to beading, reconnecting with the teachings of her grandmother and working toward creating an outfit to bring herself back into the pow‑wow arenas. She’s also gotten back into reading—trying to catch up with the world, as she likes to joke. After all, she was once told, ‘If you aren’t reading, you aren’t learning.’
Nellie stays active through running, weight training, and her newfound passion—Pilates—which she describes as her “soul workout for life.” She also travels whenever she can, especially back home to the rez to be with her brothers, spend time in the mountains hunting, eat the foods she grew up on, and soak in the laughter and love of her Arapaho family. Last but not least, she entertains herself with photography—a hobby passed down from her mother. She’s not aiming for fame by any means, but she loves capturing moments and giving people memories they can treasure. If someone appreciates a good picture, Nellie’s all in.
"Rooted, vibrant, funny, and full of heart—Nellie is a woman who honors where she comes from, stays true to her religious beliefs, embraces who she is, and tries to bring joy wherever she goes...but honestly she's pretty sure it's more like bringing organized chaos with a smile."

Nellie’s Recommendations

  • Pout Hero | Liquid Balm Lip Treatment; Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Pout Hero | Liquid Balm Lip Treatment; Pumpkin Spice Latte:

    Back in my high school days I was all about the lipstick and I’m getting back to my love of wearing it again. I love how this lip tint gives enough color while hydrating my chapped pout.

  • LOVE ur CURLS

    LOVE ur CURLS

    Believe me when I say I have tried ALL the products! I’ve finally found one that does what I want and keeps my curls hydrated and full of bounce without all the unnecessary chemicals.

  • Norwex | Body and Face Pack

    Norwex | Body and Face Pack

    Any familiar with Norwex? I’m a fan, no I don’t sell it but I should lol.

    These Body and Face packs are ideal for camping and traveling, even at home. If you are familiar with Norwex, you already know…these clean with water only. No harmful chemicals needed. Yep, that’s right no soap needed. I can’t explain but if you ever get the opportunity to attend a Norwex social/party, DO IT! I also use these for easy make-up removal and keep one in my purse to clean my glasses. I use a lot of other products such as laundry detergent, dishwasher soap but these are my favorite.

  • Mind Body Green | Creatine

    Mind Body Green | Creatine

    I don’t know how I came across this brand but it does the job and free from unnecessary chemicals and I like it! I mix this w/coffee occasionally but mostly in my electrolyte drinks.

  • Pomifera Activating BB Cream

    Pomifera Activating BB Cream

    A moisturizer with some tint and all the nutrients your skin needs. This is my absolute favorite and part of a trio I use in my daily makeup & skincare routine. I never leave home without this. I can wear this alone or under my foundation and it still feels light and not heavy.

  • Butter: Ultra Tallow Moisturizer

    Butter: Ultra Tallow Moisturizer

    Fun fact: Tallow closely mirrors the structure of our skin’s own biology.

    So why not use it for…bedtime facial moisturizer, psoriasis cream, pedicure moisturizer, add to your lotion during these cold winter months to help with dry, cracked skin. I love Pomifera’s Butter Tallow for the simple fact it doesn’t smell like it just came off the animal. Instead I smell like I just stepped out of the spa!

  • Magnolia Scents | Soap Bar

    Magnolia Scents | Soap Bar

    Great for shaving legs, lathers up nicely, no unnecessary chemicals and easy on the pocketbook.

  • Tuft & Paw Kitty Litter

    Tuft & Paw Kitty Litter

    Because it doesn’t smell, it’s dissolvable and easy to clean. And it’s delivered to my doorstep!

  • Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

    Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

    They had me at vacuum and mop at the same time while sterilizing the floor. Add to cart and bought, no regrets and love it!

  • Grace & Stella Under Eye Mask

    Grace & Stella Under Eye Mask

    Let’s face it I’m not getting any younger and I’m blessed to still keep a youthful look but it’s WORK ya’ll! I understand the phrase, “Beauty is pain” and I don’t want to look like a troll now lol. Now don’t get me wrong, I have not had any cosmetic work but I do look for all the things to help keep me glowing!

    These under eye masks are a fav and must for me to keep the fragile area under my eyes prime and hydrated (there’s that word again lol).

  • Bloom Sparkling Energy Drink

    Bloom Sparkling Energy Drink

    I loathe energy drinks but at the same time there are days I need a lil pick me up. I reach for Bloom when I don’t have access to my green tea w/honey.

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

  • ALAYA Multi Collagen Powder

    ALAYA Multi Collagen Powder

    Again, we aren’t getting any younger and we need all the supplements to replace what our bodies lose. I use this in my coffee every morning, I find it does not mess with the taste of my creamer w/coff…coffee w/creamer lol.

  • Recess Mood, Sparkling Water

    Recess Mood, Sparkling Water

    When I don’t want wine or a cocktail, I have found another way to relax and decompress after a strenuous work week. I really enjoyed the taste and will keep these stocked for my go-to.

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

  • Airspun Loose Powder

    Airspun Loose Powder

    A great powder to set the glowing look after my make-up routine. My daughter turned me on to this and it’s a favorite of hers as well.

  • GUM Folding Travel Toothbrush, Compact Head + Tongue Cleanser

    GUM Folding Travel Toothbrush, Compact Head + Tongue Cleanser

    I purchased these for a trip because it comes with it’s own case and it’s compact to carry in your make-up bag or even in your purse. After the trip was over, I bought more and stashed in travel bags, overnight bags and in my “extras” bins for overnight guests.

  • MAQIHAN Hair Ties, Telephone cord elastic ponytail holders for thick hair

    MAQIHAN Hair Ties, Telephone cord elastic ponytail holders for thick hair

    Theee best hair ties for my thick and curly hair. I have these stashed as well…purse, make-up bag, work desk,

  • Attitude: by Adam Ashton

    Attitude: by Adam Ashton

    Books: You keep learning if you keep reading and well I have always loved reading! Here are a few of my recent books read and a few from my wait list.

    Description: Life is unpredictable and full of things we can’t control.

    The only thing we can truly have power over is our attitude.

  • Dare to Lead: Brenae Brown

    Dare to Lead: Brenae Brown

    Books: You keep learning if you keep reading and well I have always loved reading! Here are a few of my recent books read and a few from my wait list.

    Description: Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.

  • Daring Greatly: Brenae Brown

    Daring Greatly: Brenae Brown

    Books: You keep learning if you keep reading and well I have always loved reading! Here are a few of my recent books read and a few from my wait list.

    Description: From thought leader Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability.

  • The Housemaid’s Secret: Freida McFadden

    The Housemaid’s Secret: Freida McFadden

    Books: You keep learning if you keep reading and well I have always loved reading! Here are a few of my recent books read and a few from my wait list.

    Description: “Don’t go in the guest bedroom.” A shadow falls on Douglas Garrick’s face as he touches the door with his fingertips. “My wife… she’s very ill.” As he continues showing me their incredible penthouse apartment, I have a terrible feeling about the woman behind closed doors. But I can’t risk losing this job—not if I want to keep my darkest secret safe…

  • Resisting Happiness: Matthew Kelly

    Resisting Happiness: Matthew Kelly

    Books: You keep learning if you keep reading and well I have always loved reading! Here are a few of my recent books read and a few from my wait list.

    Description: A true story about why we sabotage ourselves, feel overwhelmed, set aside our dreams, and lack the courage to simply be ourselves... and how to start choosing happiness again!

  • A Court of Thorns and Roses: Sarah J. Maas

    A Court of Thorns and Roses: Sarah J. Maas

    Books: You keep learning if you keep reading and well I have always loved reading! Here are a few of my recent books read and a few from my wait list.

    Description: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

    At least, he's not a beast all the time…

  • Rain Barrel Spigot Kit

    Rain Barrel Spigot Kit

    I made my own rain barrels to catch the water to reduce my water bill in the summer when watering the garden or lawn. This kit has everything, all you need is the power drill.

    Go Green! Reduce Reuse | Recycle

  • Air Purifiers for Home Large Room

    Air Purifiers for Home Large Room

    Because I have pets, a cat and a small yorkie. I love this for the simple fact you can add your own aroma therapy oil to add fragrance.

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

  • Magnetic Blocks

    Magnetic Blocks

    A favorite at Mimi's house, the grand cubs play with these for HOURS! I highly recommend if you have little people to entertain.

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

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