Author: Cece in the City

  • Women Stand Strong: Our First Meet-Up of the Year!

    This past Sunday marked the first meet-up of the year for my women’s group, and it was such a great time! We gathered at El Paso Taco and Tequila—my first time there—and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was nice, the food was delicious (no complaints from anyone), and to top it off, we enjoyed live entertainment from Mariachi en la Piel. They even stopped by our table to serenade us, making the evening even more special.

    Some of the ladies drove an hour to join, and I was so glad to hear it was worth the trip. Good food, great company, and fun entertainment—what more could we ask for? I absolutely love when I can bring amazing women together to connect and enjoy themselves.

    Our theme for the night was “Wear Some Boots,” and while I forgot to snap a group photo of our boots at the restaurant, a few ladies sent me their pics later, which was awesome.

    I’m already looking forward to next month’s outing! Sometimes, it’s just nice to take a break, get away, and enjoy a fun ladies’ night. If you’re interested in joining us for the next one, let me know—I’d love to have you!

  • Support Cece in the City

    ✨ Support Cece in the City! ✨

    Hey friends! If you love my travel adventures, book highlights, and community events, you can now support me on Buy Me a Coffee ☕💛

    Every contribution helps me create more amazing content, explore new places, and share incredible stories with you all. Your support means the world!

    Check it out here: buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity

    Thank you for rocking with me! Let’s keep exploring together. ✨

  • Happy National Puzzle Day!

    A couple of years ago, I worked on a 300-piece puzzle with my family, and it was such a fun and memorable experience. Last week, my bestie sent me a 1,000-piece puzzle, and my daughter and I took on the challenge. It was tough—filled with a bunch of bookmarks—but we stuck with it and finally completed it. Seeing the finished puzzle was so rewarding!

    Are you into puzzles? If you haven’t done one in a while, grab one and enjoy the challenge. It’s a great activity to do with family and friends, bringing everyone together for some quality time. Happy puzzling!

  • Indulge in Sweetness: Celebrating National Chocolate Cake Day

    Today is National Chocolate Cake Day, and of course, I couldn’t let the day go by without indulging in a slice! I decided to try something a little different—a vegan chocolate cake—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Rich, moist, and oh-so-decadent, it was a sweet reminder that even plant-based treats can hit the spot.

    So, as I savor this delicious moment, I encourage you to join in the celebration. Treat yourself to a slice of chocolate cake today—vegan or not—and let the chocolatey goodness brighten your day. After all, life’s too short not to indulge in a little sweetness, especially on a day like this!

  • A Day of Fun and Adventure at Vertigo Fun Park in Alpharetta, GA

    This past weekend, I had the chance to celebrate one of my family members birthday at Vertigo Fun Park in Alpharetta, GA. Let me just say, this spot is perfect for bringing out your inner child! From the moment we walked in, it was clear we were in for a day full of fun and adventure.

    Vertigo is essentially a massive inflatable playground—think bounce houses but on a whole new level. We spent hours laughing, jumping, and running around like kids again. It felt amazing to let loose and embrace the silliness, although I just knew I’d be sore the next day. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t!

    Aside from the jumpy activities, Vertigo also has a fantastic arcade section. The vibe was energetic, and it was fun watching everyone get into the spirit of the day.

    The highlight of our visit, though, was GellyBall. If you’ve never tried it, think of it as a cross between laser tag and paintball. We suited up in protective gear and dove into the action. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and a ton of fun. There’s something about running around in a high-energy game that just brings everyone together. By the time we finished, we were all laughing, sweating, and ready to eat!

    To wrap up our day, we headed over to 7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant. Let me tell you—the food was fantastic! The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made it the perfect place to wind down after such an active day. We shared stories, enjoyed the food, and soaked in the good vibes before calling it a night.

    Reflecting on the day, I can honestly say it was one for the books. Vertigo Fun Park is an incredible place to let loose, make memories, and just have fun, no matter your age. Pair that with a delicious meal at 7 Tequilas, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect outing. If you’re in the Alpharetta area and looking for a unique way to spend time with family or friends, I can’t recommend this combo enough.

    Here’s to more days filled with fun, laughter, and quality time with the people who matter most. 🎉

  • My First 5 Reads of 2025: What I Thought

    As we kick off a new year, I’ve already dived into some incredible reads! Here are the first five books I’ve enjoyed in 2025, along with my thoughts on each.

    • The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
      This book was truly inspiring and motivating. Andy Andrews weaves a story filled with life lessons and decisions that challenge you to think deeply about your purpose. A great way to start the year! 
    • The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
      If you love a good romance with a unique twist, this book is for you. It’s a beautiful love story that had me hooked from beginning to end.
    • The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst
      Another captivating love story! This one is filled with magical elements that made it a delightful read. It’s light, fun, and perfect for escaping into a whimsical world.
    • A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
      This book had me on the edge of my seat! Suspenseful, thrilling, and impossible to put down—I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good mystery.
    • The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
      Although I read this series out of order, this installment was a charming and cozy read. Now I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series!

    If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Also, don’t forget to join Cece Book Club on Facebook to dive deeper into our monthly picks, share your own recommendations, and connect with other book lovers. Happy reading!

  • First Time at El Jinete Mexican in Snellville, GA

    This past weekend, my family and I decided to try out El Jinete Mexican in Snellville, GA, for the first time—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the customer service was on point.

    We all ordered different dishes, and not a single complaint was made (which is rare for us)! The food was flavorful, fresh, and super satisfying. By the end of our meal, everyone was full and happy—exactly what you want when dining out.

    If you’re in the Snellville area and craving some good Mexican food, I highly recommend checking out El Jinete. It’s definitely worth a visit!

  • Happy National Pie Day

    My bestie and I have been celebrating fun national holidays and taking on challenges together, even though we’re miles apart. It’s a great way to stay connected and add a little joy to our days!

    Since it’s National Pie Day, I decided to grab a slice at work, where they sell vegan pies—cherry and apple. Of course, the last apple slice was gone (my favorite), so I went with cherry. Not my top choice, but I gave it a try, and hey, it’s all about celebrating and trying new things, right?

    Now I’m curious—what’s your favorite pie? Do you join in on quirky national holidays like this? And do you and your bestie do fun challenges to stay connected?

    If you’re a pie lover, don’t miss out—grab a slice and enjoy today!

  • Celebrating National Days: Hats, Popcorn, and MLK Day

    I didn’t get a chance to post about my favorite national days earlier, but I’m catching up now! January 15th was National Hat Day, and I had to join in by rocking a cozy hat I got from Fashion Nova. It’s warm, stylish, and I’m loving the new color I tried! My best friend and I decided to make this year fun by taking on a lot of challenges together. Even though we’re far apart, we can still participate in these national days and stay connected. If you’re celebrating, feel free to share your favorite hats!

    Next up was National Popcorn Day on January 19th. I celebrated with my two favorite types of popcorn. What’s your go-to popcorn snack? I’d love to hear your favorites!

    And, of course, January 20th was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor the legacy of Dr. King and everything he stood for. If you’ve never visited the MLK Museum and his home in Atlanta, it’s a must-see. The history and inspiration there are truly moving.

    I hope you enjoyed your national days as much as I did. Stay tuned for more celebrations and challenges—there’s so much more to come! Get your friends and family involved and make it a fun way to connect all year long. Let’s celebrate together!

  • Snowed In: My Unexpected Overnight Adventure

    Hey everyone,

    Let me tell you about yesterday—it was one for the books! Around 3 p.m., it started snowing here in Georgia, and by the time I got off work at 5, it was coming down hard. I live just 10 to 15 minutes away from work, but traffic was so bad that I ended up stuck in my car all night.

    Thankfully, I had filled up my gas tank that morning and had heat in the car. I also grabbed food from the restaurant where I work before leaving, which turned out to be a blessing. Still, being stuck for hours gave me so much to think about. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the truck drivers on the road and, especially, for those without shelter. I can’t imagine what they go through on nights like this.

    At one point, I thought about walking home—it’s not far—but it was dark, cold, and icy. Instead, I stayed in the car, turning it on and off to conserve gas while keeping warm. I had two phones with me, and while one died, the other stayed fully charged thanks to my car charger.

    All I could do was pray. I prayed for safety, for people not to wreck, and for the night to pass. I dozed off here and there, and when morning finally came, the sun brought a little relief. But I really needed to use the bathroom, so I decided to walk home. It took me about 35 to 40 minutes because I had to take it slow on the icy roads, but I made it. By the time I walked in, I was frozen to the bone.

    The heat in my house felt like the greatest gift ever. I took a two-hour nap to recover before a friend came to help me retrieve my car.

    Looking back, I’m just so grateful. Things could have been so much worse, and I’m thankful for the people who checked on me throughout the night. This experience reminded me not to take little things like gas, heat, and shelter for granted.

    For those reading this, if it snows, please get home as quickly and safely as possible. And let’s remember to keep others—especially those without shelter—in our thoughts and prayers.

    Stay safe and warm, and thanks for following my journey.

    – Cece