Author: Cece in the City

  • 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

  • Join Cece’s Journey on Patreon! 🎉

    Hey, friends! I’m Cece, the creative mind behind Where It Begins magazine, Cece in the City, Cece Book Club, and so much more. My mission is simple: to share powerful stories, highlight incredible talents, and bring vibrant experiences to life through my blog, magazine, and travels.

    Now, I’m inviting YOU to be part of this journey! By joining my Patreon, you’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to interviews, travel blogs, and sneak peeks of upcoming magazine issues. Your support will help me:

    ✨ Travel to all 50 states and beyond to uncover unique stories.
    ✨ Create high-quality, inspiring magazine issues and blog posts.
    ✨ Host events, support authors, and give back to communities in meaningful ways.

    What’s in it for you?
    💌 Personal shoutouts and thank-yous.
    📚 Monthly book recommendations and discussions.
    🎥 Behind-the-scenes vlogs, interviews, and more.
    🎉 Exclusive access to giveaways, merch, and special events.

    Your support, no matter the level, fuels my passion for storytelling and creating. Join the community and be a part of something amazing!

    👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/Ceceinthecity

    Let’s make magic together! Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

    With love,
    Cece

  • Snow in Atlanta: A Surprise Winter Wonderland

    Wow, snow in Atlanta? I can hardly believe it! I left the North behind to escape the cold, yet here it is, following me all the way to Georgia. But hey, life’s all about making the most of the unexpected, right?

    Today’s snow day is the perfect excuse to hit the pause button. I’m trading my usual hustle for a cozy day of movies, books, and pure relaxation. The snow might not stick around for long—most of it will likely melt by tomorrow—but for now, I’m soaking in the simple beauty of a wintery view.

    Even though I’m not a fan of the cold, I can’t help but be thankful for the warmth of my home, the comfort of my bed, and a day to slow down. To everyone else experiencing this rare Atlanta snowfall, enjoy it while you can! Curl up, stay warm, and let’s all savor this fleeting little slice of winter.

  • Discovering the Golden Apple Buffet in Snellville

    I recently had the chance to check out a new spot in Snellville called The Golden Apple Buffet, and let me tell you, it was an experience! It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in an all-you-can-eat buffet, so I was excited to dive in. Although I missed the lunch buffet, the dinner spread did not disappoint. They had an impressive variety—sushi, crab, seafood, pizza, and so much more.

    The interior was surprisingly upscale and inviting, making it the perfect setting to treat the kids before they headed back to school after Christmas break. We decided to make it a mini food adventure and tried a little bit of everything. For the first time ever, the kids ventured into the world of sushi and even sampled squid and octopus! Now, while those weren’t exactly their favorites (their expressions said it all!), I was proud of them for being open to trying something new.

    If you’re in the area and looking for a place to enjoy a wide variety of food in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, I highly recommend stopping by The Golden Apple Buffet. Who knows—you might just discover your new favorite dish!

  • Happy New Year! Hello, 2025!

    As we step into this brand-new year, I’m wishing you all a year filled with happiness, peace, love, and unforgettable adventures. Let’s make 2025 a chapter we’ll always treasure!

    This year, I’m determined to embrace life fully. I plan to travel more, savor the little moments, stay active, radiate positivity, and fall even deeper in love with this amazing journey called life. What about you? What goals and dreams are you chasing in 2025?

    I want to take a moment to thank every single one of you who has followed my journey so far. Your support means everything, and I’m so excited for all that’s to come. Stay tuned because this year, we’re turning dreams into reality, one step at a time.

    And hey, don’t forget to dust off those vision jars and boards! Let’s fill them with all the positivity, goals, and intentions we’re manifesting this year. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress toward your dreams.

    Here’s to 2025—let’s make it the best one yet! Stay inspired, stay grateful, and let’s enjoy the ride. Happy New Year, friends! Let’s do this!