Cece In The City

Author: Cece in the City

  • 🌸 Nature, New Bites & A Much-Needed Reset in Gainesville, GA 🌸

    Yesterday, I had one of those soul-soothing days that you don’t even realize you need until you’re deep in it. I packed up my thoughts, my neck fan (my summer BFF!), and hung out with a friend for a little escape to the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville.

    Now listen, don’t let the word “Gainesville” fool you. While it’s smaller than the bustling Atlanta location, it carries its own charm, character, and calm. Nestled in the heart of North Georgia, this garden is actually an extension of the original Atlanta Botanical Garden and opened in 2015. Fun fact: it was built on land once home to a grand estate, and today it’s a blooming retreat filled with curated trails, colorful floral displays, and all the serenity your spirit can handle.

    We got there early—before the sun had fully clocked in for the day. It was warm, high 80s, but not melt-into-the-ground hot, thank goodness. My trusty neck fan came through like always! As we wandered through rose-lined paths and beneath shady trees, I felt the stress I’d been carrying slowly fade into the breeze. There’s just something about being surrounded by nature, hearing the birds sing their morning songs, and exchanging good convo with a friend—it’s therapy without the co-pay.

    The people were so friendly too! Everyone seemed to be on the same wavelength—just out there soaking in the beauty, smiling, and vibing with the Earth. Pure peace.

    But you know me… the day wasn’t complete without a little foodie adventure. We ended up at a local gem called The Cream in Duluth —and babyyyy, let me tell you! I stepped way out of my comfort zone and tried octopus fritters. Yes, you read that right. OCTOPUS. And guess what? They were 🔥. Golden, crispy, and surprisingly delicious. The texture? Perfect. The flavor? On point. Sometimes, your taste buds just need a passport and a little courage!

    Moral of the story: Don’t let the name scare you—just taste it. You might surprise yourself.

    By the time I got home, I was worn out in the best way. Tired body, full heart. That little Gainesville getaway reminded me how healing nature, connection, and good food can be.

    If you’re ever in North Georgia, carve out a few hours for the Botanical Garden in Gainesville and end it with a bold food move. You won’t regret it. 💚

  • The Last 5 Books I Read: Romance, Twists & Real Talk 📚💫

    Hey book besties! You know I’m always knee-deep in a good book—whether I’m chilling at home, in between events, or even on a quick getaway. Reading is my reset. It keeps me inspired, lets me escape, and takes me on a new journey with every page.

    Every year, I do a reading challenge with a goal of hitting 65 books by December. Right now, I’m at 44 books, and I’m feeling confident I’ll reach (and maybe even surpass!) my goal. 🙌🏽

    So let’s talk about the last 5 books I read—some hits, a miss, and a whole lot of feelings.

    1. The Crash by Freida McFadden
    Y’all already know Freida McFadden is that girl when it comes to thrillers with wild plot twists. The Crash had me guessing, flipping pages, and side-eyeing characters the whole way through. If you love suspense, secrets, and surprises, you need this one in your life. I’ve read several of her books, and she never lets me down.

    https://amzn.to/3GTX5Yc

    2. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
    Now, let’s keep it real. I was excited about this one because I loved her book The 5 Second Rule. That one truly changed the way I approach hesitation. But The Let Them Theory just didn’t do it for me. I couldn’t fully connect. Maybe it just wasn’t the right season for this read. Still love Mel, but this one wasn’t my favorite.

    https://amzn.to/4ocelc6

    3. Just Our Luck by Denise Williams
    This book was everything I needed. A beautiful love story that gave me butterflies, smiles, and warm fuzzies. Denise Williams knows how to write romance that feels real and heartfelt. If you’re into second chances, chemistry, and charming characters, this one is a must-read.

    https://amzn.to/4eYou83

    4. All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles
    First time reading Catherine Cowles—and I’m so glad I picked this up. It was suspenseful but still had depth, emotion, and a bit of that romantic pull I love. She kept me engaged, and now I’m looking into what to read next from her. Definitely a name to watch in the romantic suspense space.

    https://amzn.to/3TRj3Ot

    5. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
    Emily Henry does it again! I absolutely adore her books, and this one gave me all the feels. Her signature blend of romance, humor, and heart is exactly what I needed. I laughed, I swooned, and I didn’t want it to end. If you’re a fan of love stories with charm and personality, this one’s for you.

    https://amzn.to/4eWqWf4

    I’m tracking all of my reads on Goodreads, and I love connecting with other readers doing their own challenges. If you’re looking for book ideas, reviews, or just want to see what I’m diving into next, come follow me!

    📚 Click here to follow me on Goodreads
    📚 2025 Reading Goal: 65 books
    📚 Current Progress: 44 down, 21 to go!

    So tell me…
    ✨ What’s your reading goal this year?
    ✨ Have you read any of these books?
    ✨ Are you on Goodreads too?

    Drop your thoughts and recommendations—I’m always adding to my TBR (it’s never-ending, I know!). Let’s keep the book vibes going. 💛

    Until the next page turn,

    Join Cece Book club

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1033867936640433/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

    Here is my Goodreads

    https://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?invite_token=NDhkOTFmZGUtNWQ5Yi00ZDE1LWFiODQtN2M3YmQ5NmUyOTIx

    Thanks

  • Peaches, Petals & Perspiration: Our Hot Adventure at Southern Belle Farm

    This past weekend, my daughter checked an item off her bucket list… and added one to mine.

    Welcome to Southern Belle Farm — a 330-acre working farm in McDonough, GA, rich in Southern charm, sun-soaked fields, and the juiciest peaches you’ll ever taste. When my daughter said she wanted to visit, I was like, “Yes girl, I’m down!” But let me tell you — she picked one of the hottest days in Georgia history (okay, maybe not official history, but it felt like it). I’m talking “fried-egg-on-the-sidewalk” kind of hot. Thank God for my neck fan. If you don’t have one, stop reading and go grab you one. Seriously. Here is the link

    https://amzn.to/3I9t333

    Now, my vision of visiting Southern Belle Farm involved crisp air, cozy flannels, pumpkin spice everything, and hayrides — because I’m a fall girl through and through. But peaches were in season, and I have to say… it made for a pretty sweet detour.

    🍑 Peach Picking & Petal Snipping

    The farm was in full peach mode — trees heavy with fruit, sun beaming down, and that Southern aroma of summer in the air. My daughters beelined to the peach orchard, ready to fill their bucket with those golden gems straight off the tree. Meanwhile, I wandered off to the flower patch to live my soft life dream of handpicking a bouquet.

    It was giving “Little House on the Prairie” until I was swarmed by bees and butterflies (because duh — flowers). Let’s just say Mother Nature doesn’t play. I may have only clipped a few flowers, but I picked the prettiest ones I could find while dodging bees like I was in the Olympics.

    🐐 The Animal Encounter

    After that, we headed over to the animal area. Goats, cows, donkeys — the whole gang was out. Even in the heat, they were trotting up to say “What’s good?” (or really, “You got snacks?”). My daughter was brave enough to feed them — me, not so much. I just stood back and documented the moment like the proud mama/photographer-in-training I am. Yup, I brought my camera along to practice my shots. Still learning, but I’m loving the journey.

    📸 Family Time & Fresh Finds

    Southern Belle Farm is more than just a cute stop — it’s a slice of Georgia history. This place has been around for generations, bringing families together for fresh food, fun, and that authentic farm feel. From peaches in the summer to pumpkins in the fall, every season brings its own flavor — literally.

    Even though I was melting under the Georgia sun, I truly enjoyed myself. There’s something special about unplugging, picking your own produce, and just spending good ol’ fashioned quality time with family. Will I be back? Oh absolutely — but next time, catch me in boots, a cardigan, and fall leaves crunching under my feet.

    If you’ve never been to Southern Belle Farm, you’re missing out on a Georgia gem. Whether you’re team peach or pumpkin, it’s worth a visit.

    And remember: bring water, wear a hat, and don’t forget that neck fan!

  • Cece in the City Takes on the 2025 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game

    This weekend was one for the books! I had the chance to attend the 2025 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. I’ve been saying I wanted to get back outside more, dust off my camera, and dive deeper into the media space… and this was the perfect way to kick that off.

    From the moment I stepped into the stadium, the energy was electric. The lineup was stacked with celebs like Quavo, Prince Royce, Young Miko, Storm Reid, Druski, Jermaine Dupri, Kandi Burruss, Eladio, Funny Marco, Ronnie DeVoe, Wisin, Jerry Lorenzo, Myke Towers, Jordan Chiles, Maria Taylor, and more. It was like a star-studded family reunion on the field!

    I had some prime seats (shoutout to DJ Ms. Eclectic for getting me out there—she knows I’m serious about tapping more into sports and networking). The game was fun, the vibes were right, and the weather, although hot, was totally manageable.

    Highlight of the day? Snagging photos with Quavo, Ronnie DeVoe, Funny Marco, and Prince Royce—yes, you read that right! 📸

    The media setup was a little chaotic, but we pivoted through and still got great footage.

    This event reminded me why I love doing what I do. Long day? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. So don’t be surprised when you see Cece in the City popping up at more games and sporting events—this is just the beginning.

    Stay tuned, because the journey is getting real sporty over here! ⚾🎤📸

  • Back at the Lobster Trap: A Seafood Throwback with a Twist of New Leadership 🦞

    So, me and my homegirl decided to take a little seafood stroll down memory lane and hit up none other than Red Lobster. Yes, that Red Lobster — home of the iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits that still slap just like you remember (and yes, we had to get extra to-go 😅).

    It’s honestly been years since I last stepped foot in a Red Lobster, but this time, something felt different — in a good way. Did you know Red Lobster now has a new CEO? Shoutout to Famolade Adamolekun, who recently stepped in to lead the brand. That’s major! It’s refreshing to see fresh leadership taking over a nostalgic name in dining, especially one that’s been around since 1968 — yep, Red Lobster has been serving up seafood classics for over 50 years.

    We pulled up expecting a quiet dinner, but to my surprise, the vibe was alive — not packed to the brim, but just the right amount of busy. A comfortable buzz of families, date nights, and friends catching up filled the room. The staff? Super friendly and attentive — customer service was on point!

    I went all in and got the crab legs 🦀 — juicy, tender, and seasoned just right. My homegirl tried the seafood boil, and it looked like it came straight from the bayou. You ever tried it? If not, that might need to be your next order!

    And of course, no Red Lobster trip is complete without those warm, cheesy biscuits. Iconic. Legendary. Still undefeated. 💛

    All in all, it was a vibe. Sometimes it’s good to revisit places from your past and see how they’re holding up — and Red Lobster? Still got it.

    When’s the last time you been to Red Lobster? Have you tried the boil yet? Let me know your go-to order.

  • Goodbye June, Hello July  Happy 4th of July!

    Waving goodbye to rainy June and welcoming in sizzling July with open arms—and a neck fan on standby (yes, I ordered mine and I’m not ashamed!). Here is the link if you want to get one from amazon https://amzn.to/3I9t333 Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year?

    Today is Independence Day, a time to celebrate freedom, fun, and fireworks! The 4th of July marks the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, officially breaking away from British rule. While I do have to work today (duty calls!), I’ll be clocking out in time to catch some fireworks—hooray for balance!

    June Recap: Books, Movies & More

    Our Cece Book Club pick for June was Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, and whew—what a read! Twisty, suspenseful, and definitely discussion-worthy. We’ll be diving into it this Sunday, and if you’ve been thinking about joining our monthly chats, here’s your invite!https://bookclubz.com/clubs/8151/join/0cfb43/  or head over to our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1033867936640433/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

    For my Cece on the Scenes movie spotlight, June’s pick was K.O—a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my book. If you love action with a punch (literally), this one’s worth the watch.

    What’s New in July: Fire Up the Community Love

    This month, I’m proud to launch the Fuel for Their Fire campaign—my special thank-you initiative for our amazing firefighters. From handwritten letters to care packages, every bit of appreciation counts. If you’d like to get involved and support our heroes, please email me at cecewibnet@gmail.com by July 26.

    Still Running: Blog & Magazine Feature Specials

    If you’re a business owner, author, or entrepreneur looking for exposure—don’t miss these deals:

    • 🌟 Blog + Newsletter + Social Feature: $100
    • 🌟 Cover feature in Where It Begins Magazine: $500

    Let’s get your story out there in a bold and beautiful way!

    So here’s to July—a month of heat, fireworks, reflection, and community love. Take time to love on yourself, breathe in some peace, and light up your world in the best way.

    Happy 4th, and happy July!
    — Cece 💥💙

  • 🔥 Shine This Summer with Cece in the City! $100 Feature Special + Magazine Spotlight

    Hey friends!

    I’m Cece — the heart behind Where It Begins magazine and the Cece in the City blog — and I’ve got something special just for you this June!

    If you’re an author, filmmaker, business owner, or creator looking to get the word out about your work, this is your moment to glow up your brand in front of a fresh, curious, and loyal audience!

    💥 Here’s What You Get for Just $100:

    • ✍️ A Full Feature on the Cece in the City Blog – where storytelling meets style and inspiration.
    • 📰 Your Logo Placed in Where It Begins Magazine – reaching both digital and print readers who love discovering new gems!
    • 🌍 Visibility – We don’t just post; we celebrate you across our platforms, shining a light on your journey.

    This month, we’re proudly featuring:

    • 📚 Authors – We’ll blog your book, spotlight your journey, and let readers know why your words matter.
    • 🎬 Filmmakers – Got a short film, doc, or feature to promote? Let’s share it with the world!
    • 🛍️ Business Owners – Whether you’ve launched a boutique, a cafe, or a service-based brand, we’re here to tell your story.
    • 📦 Product Creators – From beauty lines to handmade goods, let’s showcase what you’ve created with passion.

    ✨ Why This Matters

    In a world filled with noise, authentic stories still stand out. That’s what my platforms are all about — celebrating the journey, the hustle, and the magic behind the people who are building something beautiful.

    So let’s get you featured. Let’s put your name and logo out there. Let’s tell your story.

    📩 DM me or shoot an email to cecewibnet@gmail.com to lock in your feature!

    Let’s make this summer a season of visibility, connection, and success. I’m rooting for you — and I’m excited to help you get seen and celebrated.

    Visit:
    🌐 www.ceceinthecity.com
    🌐 www.whereitbegin.com
    🔗 linktr.ee/whereitbegins

    Let’s go!

    — Cece 💛
    Storyteller. Blogger. Magazine Queen.

  • A Weekend of Memories, Music & Moments

    Hey y’all!

    This weekend was one for the books — a blend of emotions, culture, family time, and smooth jazz vibes. First, I want to pause and say Happy Heavenly Birthday to my beautiful mom. Although she’s no longer here with us on earth, I still keep our little tradition alive: I grab a bunch of balloons and release them into the sky with love. It’s my way of saying, “I’m thinking of you, always.” She’s the reason I keep going, and moments like these remind me just how much I miss her every single day.

    To celebrate life and keep our spirits lifted, my daughters and I headed out for one of our special weekend adventures. We take turns choosing what we do — and this time, it was one of my daughters’ picks. She chose a unique gem called Gio Am Nhac in Doraville, GA. This little shop was filled with a mix of treasures — music, trinkets, and vibes. Our rule: everyone had to pick one item. I ended up choosing a green bracelet. If you know me, you know I love the color green — it’s calming, vibrant, and reminds me of growth and peace.

    After that, our foodie hearts led us to Paris Mi Banh, where I tried their pâté pork roll croissant. Let me just say — different, but interesting. I’m all about stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing different cultures through food, and this spot definitely gave me a new experience!

    But wait — my weekend didn’t stop there.

    On Saturday night, I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Gerald Albright live at the Fayetteville Amphitheater. If you’re a jazz lover, you already know — he never disappoints. This was my second time seeing him, but my first time at this venue. The atmosphere was beautiful, and the music? Soul-soothing. Yes, it was hot out, but shoutout to my friend who brought neck fans — lifesavers! If you don’t have one yet, check Amazon ASAP and thank me later.

    Click link to get Fan

    https://amzn.to/43YSRaE

    So that was my weekend — filled with love, family, culture, and jazz. What about you? How did you spend your weekend? Tried any new places, caught any good shows, or had a special moment with someone you love?

    Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear from you.

    With love and city adventures,
    Cece

  • Celebrating Fathers, Freedom & Favorites – A June to Remember

    Hey everyone! I hope all the amazing fathers out there had a wonderful Father’s Day — you truly deserve to be celebrated. 💙Even though my dad lives 10–12 hours away, I still found a way to send him some love. I gifted him a neck fan (you know the kind that wraps around your neck and blows cool air) — perfect for someone who’s always walking or out in the yard during these hot summer days. He told me, “This is just what I needed,” and that warmed my heart. Sometimes it’s the simple, thoughtful gifts that make the biggest difference.

    Click here to purchase

    https://amzn.to/3HPU2jS

    Speaking of meaningful days… today is Juneteenth — a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and how far we’ve come. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. It’s a day to reflect, educate, and celebrate. So tell me — how are you honoring Juneteenth today?

    While you’re soaking in the summer vibes, I’ve been busy doing a little bit of everything:
    📚 Book Review: I just finished A Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (yes, I adore her books!). This story follows two writers battling for the same book deal — and while they’re supposed to be competitors, sparks begin to fly. Of course, there’s a twist! If you love romantic tension and creative journeys, you’ll want to grab this one.

    🎬 Movie Review: I watched The Last Bullet recently — and as an action lover, I gave it a solid 4 out of 5. It kept me on the edge of my seat!

    Purchase Here

    https://amzn.to/4ldNHwY

    🌮 Foodie Find: Finally tried Rreal Tacos in Lawrenceville, GA — it’s a new location and super cute inside. They also have a patio space if you like dining outdoors. The tacos were flavorful, though my daughter was a bit bummed they didn’t have lettuce. Minor gnat situation aside, the customer service was great and the 30-minute wait was expected with it being a new location. If you’ve eaten there, let me know your thoughts!

    Also, don’t forget — I offer product reviews, book reviews, movie reviews, and business shoutouts. I’m currently running special rates this month, so if you’re interested, email me at cecewibnet@gmail.com and let’s work together.

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    📖 And last but not least — if you haven’t already, grab a copy of my poetry book on Amazon. Your support means the world. 💕

    Purchase Here

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    Thanks for reading and remember — support businesses, read a good book, and celebrate your freedom, people, and your passions.

    Until next time,
    Cece in the City

  • 🔥 LIMITED TIME ONLY: Let’s Work Together & Get You SEEN 🔥

    Let’s work together this month and help your story, business, or brand SHINE.

    I’m opening up a limited number of promo spots across my platforms—Cece in the City & Where It Begins Magazine!

    Whether you’re an author, business owner, artist, creator, or brand, this is your chance to get REAL visibility through my loyal, growing audience!

     As seen across the city—my platforms tell powerful stories and highlight amazing people just like YOU.


     [FEATURE PACKAGES – CHOOSE YOUR SPOT]

     Starter Feature – $100
    IG/FB Story Promo
    Mention in Cece Book Club or Cece in the City Blog
    Newsletter Shoutout

     Boost Bundle – $250
    1 Reel or TikTok Promo
    Blog or Magazine mention
    Story + Feed post + “Cece’s   Monthly Picks” Tag

     Ultimate Spotlight – $500
    Full Blog Review on Cece in the City
    Featured Article in Where It Begins
    Newsletter Feature
    Reels + Stories + Facebook Group Tag

     COVER STAR PACKAGE – $500
    Be on the COVER of Where It Begins Magazine
    Full Interview & Magazine Spread
    Shared on IG, FB, Blog + Digital Shoutout
    Bonus Promo on “Cece in the City”

    Get the COVER and reach thousands of readers who love stories that inspire, educate, and empower.


     [DEADLINE]

    Only available through June 30!
    Limited spots available—first come, first booked!

    Email: cecewibnet@gmail.com


    Let’s put YOU in the spotlight and make this your moment!