Cece In The City

Author: Cece in the City

  • Supporting St. Jude

    This month, I’m excited to share a heartfelt initiative I’ve been involved with in the community that has truly touched my heart. Recently, I had the privilege of volunteering for a reading challenge organized by St. Jude. This incredible experience allowed me to contribute in a way that combined my love for books with a cause that supports children battling illness.

    As part of the reading challenge, I sent personalized cards and heartfelt notes to the young patients at St. Jude. Each note was crafted with care, hoping to bring a smile to their faces and a bit of joy to their day. Writing these notes made me reflect on the power of words and how something as simple as a kind message can offer comfort and encouragement during tough times.

    The experience has been so rewarding that I’m eager to expand my involvement. I’m looking forward to finding more ways to connect with the patients at St. Jude and explore additional opportunities to support them. Whether it’s through organizing more reading-related activities, participating in special events, or simply finding creative ways to uplift these brave young souls, I’m committed to making a positive impact.

    Volunteering with St. Jude has reminded me of the strength and resilience of these children and their families. It’s been an honor to contribute in any way I can, and I’m inspired to continue my efforts. I believe that every little gesture, every word of encouragement, can make a difference.

    As I move forward, I’m excited about the possibilities and look forward to sharing more updates on how we can collectively support such a worthy cause. If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider getting involved with organizations like St. Jude. Together, we can bring hope, joy, and support to those who need it most.

  • Breast Cancer Awareness is coming!

    This month, I want to take a moment to reflect on and share some of the impactful work I’ve been involved in within the community. One cause that holds a special place in my heart is breast cancer awareness. Every year, as October approaches, I make it a priority to contribute in any way I can to this important cause.

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just a time to wear pink; it’s a time to stand in solidarity with those who are fighting, to remember those we’ve lost, and to support ongoing research and care. For the past several years, I’ve made it a tradition to purchase items specifically for this cause and donate them to a local breast care facility. The act of giving, no matter how small, is my way of contributing to the support system that so many people depend on during their battle with this disease.

    In addition to donating items, I’ve also volunteered at breast cancer walks, which have been some of the most uplifting and inspiring events I’ve ever participated in. The sense of community at these walks is palpable—hundreds of people coming together, all with the same goal of raising awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. There’s a shared strength and resilience in these gatherings, and it’s an honor to walk alongside survivors, fighters, and supporters.

    This year, as we move into October, I’m once again gearing up to give back. I plan to help out at local events, make donations, and do whatever I can to support those affected by breast cancer. It’s more than just a yearly commitment; it’s a personal mission to make a difference, no matter how big or small.

    Looking ahead, I hope to continue finding new ways to contribute, whether it’s through increased donations, more volunteer hours, or even organizing my own awareness events. Breast cancer has touched the lives of so many, and it’s crucial that we all do our part to support the ongoing fight. As October unfolds, I’m eager to see the positive impact we can make together as a community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this important cause.

    Let’s make this Breast Cancer Awareness Month one to remember by standing together, supporting one another, and continuing to spread awareness in every way we can. Whether you’re participating in a walk, making a donation, or simply wearing pink, every effort counts. Here’s to making a difference—one step, one donation, one act of kindness at a time.

  • Titanic: An Immersive Voyage exhibition in Atlanta. 

    This month, I had a blast stepping back in time and diving into the glitz and glam of the Titanic with a trip to the Titanic: An Immersive Voyage exhibition in Atlanta. Let me tell you, if you’ve ever dreamed of sailing on the Titanic—or just love a good historical adventure—this experience is your ticket to a voyage like no other!

    Imagine this: you’re not just visiting an exhibit; you’re actually embarking on a journey that makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto the legendary ship itself. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re enveloped in the elegance and opulence of Titanic’s bygone era. The lavish décor, the detailed recreations of the grand staircase, and the stunning first-class cabins make you feel like you’re right there, rubbing elbows with high society from the early 20th century.

    But wait, it gets even better! The real star of the show is the VR experience. Slip on the headset, and voila—you’re instantly transported to the Titanic in all its glory. It’s like you’re sailing through history, exploring the ship as if you were a passenger. The VR experience brings the Titanic to life in such a vibrant, thrilling way, you might just forget you’re in Atlanta and not actually on the high seas!

    What really struck me was how the exhibition doesn’t just dazzle with its grandeur but also touches your heart with personal stories of those on board. It’s a journey through both the splendor and the human side of Titanic’s story, making it a deeply immersive and touching experience.

    So, if you’re a Titanic aficionado or just someone looking for a fun and unique outing, this exhibition is a must-see. It’s a captivating dive into history that’s as entertaining as it is educational. Grab your ticket, set sail on this amazing voyage, and get ready to be blown away by the Titanic experience!

  • The Pirate Who Loved Flip Flops by Dana Macc. 

    This month, I want to shine a light on some incredible people I’ve met and the books they’ve poured their hearts into. As a proud bookworm, there’s nothing I enjoy more than diving into their stories and sharing their journeys with all of you.

    One book that truly stood out to me is The Pirate Who Loved Flip Flops by Dana Macc. It’s a delightful and inspiring read that resonates with both kids and adults. I was thrilled to get my hands on an autographed copy and even more excited to interview Dana about her journey and the inspiration behind this charming tale.

    If you’re looking for a book that will uplift and inspire, this is one you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check it out, and stay tuned for more highlights on the amazing authors I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

  • The Nichols Brothers: Suburbia to Destruction by Mark Nichols. 

    This month, I’m excited to highlight and support some incredible people I’ve met and the fascinating books they’ve written. As a true bookworm with a passion for reading, I can’t resist sharing their journeys and stories with you.

    One book that really caught my attention is The Nichols Brothers: Suburbia to Destruction by Mark Nichols. You might recall the chilling story from 2005 when Brian Nichols brought Atlanta to a standstill after escaping custody and killing a judge. This book dives deep into that event, offering a gripping look at what led up to that fateful day.

    I had the opportunity to speak with the author, Mark Nichols, who is Brian Nichols’ brother. Hearing his perspective and learning more about the story made this book even more impactful. And yes, I’ve got my autographed copy—definitely a treasure in my collection.

    If you’re curious to know more about this intense and compelling story, I highly recommend checking out the book. It’s a powerful read that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page

  • Holiday Spirit

    This month, I want to share some of the meaningful work I’ve been doing in the community. One of the most rewarding experiences has been teaming up with R.A.L.E.Y., a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a difference during the holiday season. Each year, we have the privilege of providing Christmas gifts to families in need, and we typically reach 60 or more families. It’s truly a blessing to be part of something that brings so much joy and hope to others.

    There’s something magical about seeing the smiles on the faces of those we help—knowing that, even in a small way, we’ve made their holiday season a little brighter. The opportunity to give back, especially during such a special time of year, fills me with gratitude and purpose.

    I’m excited for another year of partnering with R.A.L.E.Y., and I’m looking forward to spreading even more blessings this holiday season. It’s not just about the gifts; it’s about the connection, the love, and the spirit of giving that makes this time so special. Here’s to another season of making a difference, one family at a time.

  • Cece Book Club

    This month, I want to spotlight one of the special ways I’ve connected with my community: through my Cece Book Club, which I started a few years ago. As someone who reads at least one book a week, books are more than just stories to me—they’re adventures that take me on new journeys. This passion for reading is what inspired me to create a space where fellow book lovers could come together, share opinions, and dive into discussions about the stories we’re all so passionate about.

    In the Cece Book Club, we meet once a month on Zoom to discuss our latest read. This year, we’ve added a fun twist: we’re working our way through the alphabet, selecting books that start with each letter. It’s been a fantastic way to discover new titles and genres we might not have explored otherwise.

    Running this book club has been a joy, and I’m excited about its growth. We used to have authors join us for discussions, and I’m looking forward to bringing that element back soon. The thought of opening my own bookstore one day is a dream I hold close—imagine a cozy spot filled with all our favorite reads, a place where bookworms like us can gather and get lost in stories together.

    If you’re as passionate about reading as I am, I’d love for you to join us. Let’s continue to build this wonderful community of readers, sharing not just books, but the experiences and emotions they evoke in us. Here’s to more adventures, more discussions, and hopefully, more exciting plans for Cece Book Club!

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  • Women Stand Strong (WSS)

    This month, I want to shine a light on some of the amazing things I’ve been doing in the community. A few years ago, I started a women’s group called Women Stand Strong (WSS). Life can be a lot sometimes, and I wanted to create a space where us ladies could step away from the chaos, reconnect, and just enjoy ourselves.

    Once a month, we get together to catch up and engage in activities like dining out, creating vision boards, and taking nature walks. Sometimes, I slack off and miss a month, but every time we do meet, it’s filled with good vibes, fun times, and laughter. I’ve met some incredible women through this group who have become not just friends but sisters to me.

    Moving forward, I plan to add more structure to our gatherings, maybe even introduce themed events, and hopefully expand our activities. There’s so much I want to do with this group, and I’m excited about the possibilities. If you’re in the Atlanta area and interested in joining us, comment below—we’d love to have you!

    I’m also proud of myself for keeping this group going. It’s been a joy to support these amazing women, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s joined and participated. Here’s to many more great moments with WSS!

  • Oaks at Snellville

    This month, I’m excited to share some of the meaningful work I’ve been doing in the community. My daughter and I recently volunteered at Oaks at Snellville, an assisted living facility in Snellville, GA. Last year, we brought some holiday cheer by dropping off gifts for Christmas. This year, we decided to take it a step further by volunteering our time to host a bingo event. It was a joy to see the residents light up as they played and won various prizes. Their smiles were priceless, and it was such a special experience to share with my daughter.

    Helping elderly people has always held a special place in my heart, especially since my mom and grandmother have passed away. Being able to connect with the residents at Oaks at Snellville felt like a way to honor their memories. I truly miss them dearly, and spending time with the elderly gives me a sense of closeness to them.

    I’m planning to do even more in the community, and I’m already thinking about creating Christmas cards for the residents this year. It’s these small gestures that bring so much warmth and connection, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Sharing these moments with my daughter makes it all the more meaningful, and I look forward to continuing this journey of giving back.

  • Hello September

    Hello everyone, and welcome to September! As we edge closer to fall, I’m feeling all the excitement this month brings—especially since it’s my birthday month! For me, the year starts and ends in September, so it’s always a time of reflection, planning, and setting new goals. This year, I’m aiming to travel more and share even more of my experiences through my blog.

    Over the past few months, I’ve loved sharing with you all the books I’ve been reading, hidden gems I’ve discovered, and places worth visiting. Blogging has become such a joy, and I’m thrilled to have you all along for the ride.

    As we step into this new month, I want to wish everyone a happy Labor Day weekend! If you’re one of the lucky ones with the day off, I hope you enjoy every moment of it. Thank you for following me on this journey—I appreciate each one of you.

    Let’s make September amazing, and don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Self-love is the best kind of love!