Cece In The City

Category: blogs

  • Laughter to Close the Weekend: A Night with Kountry Wayne

    Hey hey readers 💕

    Listen… when I say it was a BUSY last weekend, I mean nonstop! But what better way to wrap it up than with laughter?

    Sunday night, I pulled up with my cousin to see Kountry Wayne at the Atlanta Comedy Theater — and let me tell you, it was the perfect ending.

    First off, my friend Jordan was hosting, and for YEARS I’ve been saying, “I’m coming to one of your events!” Well… this time, I actually showed up. And I’m so glad I did. He was hilarious — natural on the mic, great timing, and the crowd was rocking with him. There’s something special about seeing your people in their element. Proud friend moment for sure.

    Now Wayne? Whew. He had some NEW jokes in the rotation, and the room was weak. If you know his style, you know he pulls from real life — relationships, family, everyday situations — and somehow flips it into comedy gold. The place was packed, full house on a Sunday night! That tells you everything.

    I was low-key hoping to grab a signed copy of his book while I was there (you know I love supporting authors too!), but he didn’t have any copies on hand. Next time though — I’m manifesting it!

    And of course, Atlanta stays connecting the dots because I also ran into my friend D Rob. It had been a minute since I’d seen him, so that was a nice surprise. Love when a night out turns into mini reunions.

    Now let me be real — Atlanta Comedy Theater is a little tight in there. Seats close, cozy vibes, shoulder-to-shoulder energy. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. Comedy has deep roots in intimate spaces like that — small stages where big personalities are born. When the room is full and the laughter is loud, it feels electric.

    Fun times with my cousin. Good vibes. Big laughs. And a reminder that sometimes the best therapy is simply getting out and enjoying the moment.

    Busy weekend… but ended the right way. 💛

  • Cece in the City: Bites, Vibes & Atlanta Nights

    Hey hey readers 💕

    Cece been in the city for real last weekend — outside, exploring, tasting, and just soaking up Atlanta energy.

    One of my stops? Trying out Minero over at Ponce City Market.

    Now if you know anything about Ponce City Market, you know it’s more than just a food hall. The building itself dates back to 1926 when it was originally a Sears, Roebuck & Co. distribution center. Today, it’s one of Atlanta’s most vibrant gathering spots — a mix of history, culture, food, and community all under one roof. I love places that carry stories in their walls.

    At Minero, we grabbed some tacos — they were cool, solid, nothing too over-the-top but a nice vibe. We also tried the crab dip… and baby, it had a little kick to it! A bit spicy for me, but if you like heat, you would probably enjoy it. What I did love? The outdoor seating. Covered patio, heaters going, still able to enjoy the city air without freezing. That’s an Atlanta winter win.

    And because balance is key… we made another stop.

    You already know I had to slide by Sublime Doughnuts. If you know me, you KNOW red velvet has my heart. So yes, I grabbed a red velvet doughnut — soft, sweet, and exactly what I needed. Sometimes it’s the simple treats that make the moment.

    Last weekend wasn’t about anything major or glamorous. It was about being present. Trying new spots. Revisiting favorites. Sitting outside under heaters. Laughing. Tasting. Living.

    Cece in the City is really about experiencing Atlanta — the history, the flavors, the culture — one weekend at a time.

    Great moments. Great vibes. Great times. 💕

  • Proud Auntie Moments 💕 Cheer Competition Recap

    Hey hey readers 💕

    Whew — what a BUSY weekend… but the best kind of busy. The kind filled with family, legacy, hard work, and proud moments you’ll never forget.

    My DC family was in town because my niece is on not one, but TWO cheer teams — and they were competing right here in Atlanta at the iconic Georgia World Congress Center.

    Now let me tell you — that place is MASSIVE. Opened in 1976 and known as one of the largest convention centers in the country, it has hosted everything from championship games to international expos. Walking through there felt historic. I promise you I hit well over 10,000 steps — probably closer to 15k! My legs knew I was supporting an athlete this weekend. 😂

    But before the big competition, we kicked things off Saturday with good vibes and good food at Ponce City Market. If you know Atlanta, you know Ponce is a whole experience — built from the historic Sears building, it’s now one of the city’s cultural hot spots. Food, energy, family laughs — the perfect pre-game moment.

    While there, I also got to celebrate my friend DJ Silver on his 2-year anniversary of Vinyl Fiends ATL. So proud of you! Supporting entrepreneurs building culture through vinyl is always a vibe. And yes — I also ran into DJ Feelx. Atlanta stays connecting the dots!

    Then came Sunday — competition day.

    Y’all… watching these cheer squads take that floor was BIG. Bright lights. Judges locked in. Teams from everywhere. The discipline, the focus, the teamwork — it was powerful to witness.

    My niece performed with BOTH teams. That alone is impressive. On her second team, she twisted her ankle — and my heart dropped. But let me tell you about resilience. She pushed through and finished strong. That’s character. That’s heart.

    And here’s the proud auntie moment…

    Her first team took FIRST PLACE. 🏆

    Do you know how major that is? First place at a competition in a venue that size? That jacket she received wasn’t just fabric — it represented hours of practice, sore muscles, teamwork, early mornings, and dedication. She earned that.

    What made it even sweeter? Another cousin from DC was there competing on a different team, and I got to see her and her mom — family I haven’t seen in years. That right there was a blessing within the blessing.

    Seeing my niece in action, seeing family reconnect, seeing young athletes give it their all under the watchful eyes of judges — it was inspiring. Cheer is more than pom-poms and smiles. It’s strength. It’s trust. It’s timing. It’s legacy in motion.

    So proud of you, lady. Praying for a speedy ankle recovery. Keep shining. Keep working. Keep flying.

    Weekends like this remind me — family, hard work, and showing up for the people you love… that’s what it’s all about.

    Proud auntie forever 💕

  • Love, Flavor & Vibes at Rreal Tacos Decatur 💕🌮

    Hey Readers 💕

    Y’all know I’ve been outside and on the move! I’ve been playing catch-up trying to share all my adventures, and this one was too cute not to tell you about.

    This time, I stopped by Rreal Tacos – Decatur, but let me rewind for a second. I first visited Rreal Tacos – Lawrenceville last year, and ever since then I’ve had a soft spot for this vibrant taco spot. What I love about Rreal Tacos is that each location keeps the same energetic, colorful vibe that makes you feel like you stepped into a festive little corner of Mexico right here in Georgia.

    Founded with a passion for authentic street-style Mexican food, Rreal Tacos has built a name around bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an atmosphere that feels like a celebration every time you walk in. It’s not just about tacos — it’s about the experience.

    Now let’s talk about this Decatur visit… baby, it was giving Valentine’s vibes! 💕 The entire restaurant was decked out in hearts, pink accents, and festive décor. If you’re like me and love a restaurant with personality and Instagram-worthy décor, this is definitely your spot. Every Rreal Tacos location I’ve visited puts thought into their design, and I appreciate that attention to detail.

    And guess what? I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new. I ordered a bowl loaded with egg, ramen, beef, and corn — and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was big, flavorful, and super filling. One of those meals where you take a bite and just nod your head because it’s that good.

    The weather was beautiful, the vibes were right, and the food hit the spot. It was one of those simple, sweet days that remind you why exploring your city can be so much fun.

    So if you’re looking for a place with great décor, bold flavors, and a fun atmosphere, make sure you check out Rreal Tacos.

    Until the next adventure…
    Cece in the City 💫🌮

  • Hearts of Hope: Spreading Love at Ronald McDonald House

    Hey hey readers 💕

    If you’ve been following along, then you already know — this year is all about impact. Through Cece in the City Cares and Where It Begins, we’re committing to serving our community all year long. Because giving back isn’t seasonal… it’s a lifestyle.

    With Valentine’s Day being the month of love, it felt only right to share that love with families who truly need it. We had the honor of delivering hearts and teddy bears to the beautiful families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Atlanta.

    For a little history — Ronald McDonald Houses were created to give families a place to stay while their children receive medical care. Instead of worrying about where to sleep or how to afford lodging, parents can focus on what matters most: being present for their child. That mission alone is powerful. It’s love in action.

    So when we delivered our Valentine hearts and bears, we made sure each one carried more than just fluff and fabric. 💕 We added positive stickers and uplifting messages — little reminders that even on hard days, there is still hope, strength, and joy waiting to bloom.

    Just imagine waking up in an unfamiliar place, walking past a heart that says “You are stronger than you think” or “Today is filled with love.” Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest smiles.

    We were so grateful to be able to pour into those families — to plant seeds of encouragement and brighten their day, even in a small way. Because that’s what Cece in the City Cares is about. Intentional kindness. Purposeful love. Community connection.

    This is only the beginning. More campaigns. More giving. More heart.

    Where it begins… is with love 💗

  • Cece in the City Cares: Honoring Our Hometown Heroes (Firefighters)

    Hey hey readers 💕

    If you’ve been rocking with Cece in the City, then you already know — giving back isn’t just something we do… it’s who we are.

    This year, I’m excited to share that we’ll be running community campaigns all year long through Cece in the City Cares and Where It Begins. Because long before the blog, the features, and the events — there was always heart. And Atlanta has always shown me love, so it’s only right we pour that love right back into the community.

    Recently, we had the honor of delivering thank-you gifts to two local fire stations:
    🔥 Gwinnett County Fire Station 12
    🔥 DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 14

    Firefighters have long been pillars of our communities — showing up in moments of crisis, protecting families, and risking their lives so we can feel safe in our homes. From early bucket brigades in American towns to the highly trained emergency responders we see today, their courage and commitment have always represented service at its finest.

    So this moment? It was about gratitude.

    We were able to bless them with thank-you gifts as a small token of appreciation for the BIG work they do every single day.

    And let me tell you — it truly takes a village. 💛

    Special thank you to:

    ✨ Don the Chef for donating
    ✨ Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta — thank you, Shawntrease Richard, for donating thank-you cards and cookies
    ✨ Creekstone Academy Child Care Center — the children made heartfelt thank-you cards that absolutely lit up the room

    Seeing those kids create messages of appreciation reminded me that giving back starts young. Gratitude is taught. Service is modeled. And community is built intentionally.

    The firefighters felt special — and honestly, so did we. Because when you give from the heart, everybody wins.

    This is just the beginning. More campaigns. More impact. More love.

    Cece in the City Cares 💕
    Because where it begins… is always with the heart.

  • 📚 Cece’s Midweek Book Review: The Heir Apparent

    Happy Wednesday! It’s midweek, which means it’s time for Cece’s Book Review ✨

    This week we’re talking about The Heir Apparent — and I’m giving it a 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐.

    If you love royal gossip, layered family drama, and elegant storytelling, this one has your name written all over it. It’s been described as Taylor Jenkins Reid meets The Crown, and honestly… that comparison fits.

    The story follows a young princess torn between her royal responsibilities and the quiet life she longs for in Tasmania. What I really enjoyed was how the author weaved together the past and present so seamlessly. The storytelling felt rich and intentional, and the ending? Very satisfying.

    What stood out most to me is how real it all felt. At times, it was hard to believe this wasn’t inspired by actual royal events. Even as someone who has never been deeply invested in the lives of the Royals, I found myself drawn into the drama, the expectations, and the complicated family dynamics.

    Now, was it my absolute favorite? No — which is why it sits at a solid 3/5 for me. But if you enjoy stories about duty vs. desire, legacy, and identity wrapped in royal elegance, this could definitely be your next read.

    If you want to grab a copy, you can get it here:
    👉🏽 https://amzn.to/4r9mleN

    Have you read The Heir Apparent yet? Let me know your thoughts — and as always, I’ll see you next Wednesday for another midweek read 💕📖

  • Movie Monday: A Little Love, A Lost Ring & An Unexpected Valentine 💌🍿

    You already know what Mondays mean over here — movie review time! 🎬🍿 And since we are officially in the week of love with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I had to spotlight a sweet, feel-good romance that’s perfect for the season.

    This week’s pick: An Unexpected Valentine 💌

    Now let’s get into it…

    Hallmark’s An Unexpected Valentine made its way to Netflix in January 2026 and quickly became one of the platform’s top-viewed films — and honestly, I see why. There’s something about a chance encounter on Valentine’s Day that just feels magical.

    The story follows Hannah (played by Hallmark queen Lacey Chabert) and Finn (Robert Buckley), who meet by complete coincidence on the most romantic day of the year. What starts as a random moment turns into a city-wide mission when they team up to return a lost engagement ring somewhere in New York City. Yes — an engagement ring on Valentine’s Day. Talk about pressure! 💍✨

    As they race against time to save someone else’s love story, something sweet begins to unfold between them. Between the charming streets of NYC, heartfelt conversations, and those little “almost” moments, their unexpected connection slowly blossoms into something more.

    It’s classic Hallmark — warm, light, romantic — but with a fun adventure twist that keeps it moving. I loved the chemistry, the cozy vibes, and of course the reminder that sometimes love finds you when you’re busy helping someone else.

    You can stream it now on Netflix or catch it on Hallmark+ if you’re a true Hallmark movie marathoner.

    Cece On the Scenes rating?
    ✨ 4 out of 5 hearts.

    Super cute. Easy watch. Perfect for date night, girls’ night, or if you’re just in your soft love era this week.

    Have you seen it yet? And what’s your favorite Valentine’s movie? 💕🍿

  • Happy Sunday, y’all! 🏈✨

    It’s Super Bowl Sunday! Now listen… since my Cowboys are not in it (again 😩), I’m officially in chill mode. Snacks ready. Cozy vibes activated. I think Seattle might take it this year—but hey, that’s why we watch, right? For the surprises, the halftime show, and the commercials we pretend we don’t care about but secretly love.

    But before kickoff, you already know I’ve got some shoutouts to give. 💛

    First up — my girl April! 🎉
    Friday we celebrated her birthday at Fin & Feathers in Stone Mountain, and let me tell you… such a cute spot! Great atmosphere, beautiful inside, and perfect for a birthday vibe. But what made it special wasn’t just the location — it was HER. April is one of those women who always shows up for everybody else. The encourager. The supporter. The “I got you” friend. So it felt good to show up and celebrate her the way she deserves. Happy Birthday again, sis! 🥂

    Now if you know me, you know every week I send thank-you emails to two women who inspire or encourage me. It’s my little way of spreading gratitude and staying grounded.

    This week’s honorees:

    ✨ Reese Witherspoon — Talk about building an empire with purpose. From her book club (which has put so many amazing stories on the map) to her films and producing projects that center strong women — she inspires me. Her energy feels intentional, smart, and empowering. She reminds me that storytelling matters.

    ✨ Ciara — I had the chance to meet her at DBS Sounds, and let me tell you… her energy is REAL. Warm. Grounded. Glowing. Of course, we all know she can sing and dance down, but what I admire most is how she carries herself. She always seems prayed up, positive, and genuinely happy. That kind of light can’t be faked. I love that.

    And speaking of light… 🔥

    We just dropped another DOPE issue of Where It Begins Magazine and I am so proud of this one!

    Huge thank you to everyone featured who trusted the vision and shared their stories:

    @insideglyniskitchen
    @ateaspoonofwisdom
    @kampeonwater
    @bebalanced_with_cher
    @travislwilliams24
    @whoissnoop
    @ebony_j_karim

    And a very special thank you to Mrs. Glynis Albright for gracing our cover and sharing her incredible journey. What an honor! 👑✨

    This issue is full of inspiration, elevation, and real stories that remind us all that greatness truly begins somewhere.

    Tap in and check it out here:

    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/where_it_begins_magazine_january_2026

    Don’t just read it — share it, support it, and celebrate the amazing voices inside. 💛

    Alright y’all… I’m off to relax, watch the game, and enjoy this Sunday. However your team does today, remember — we’re all winning when we stay grateful, stay inspired, and keep showing up.

    – Cece 💫

  • Cece in the City at MJ The Musical: A Night at the Fox Theatre

    Nobody Can Play MJ… But Baby, They Did That! 🎤✨

    Last weekend, I had a whole Billie Jean moment — and it happened right in the heart of Atlanta at the legendary Fox Theatre.

    Now let me be honest.

    When my friend Michelle said, “Let’s go see the Michael Jackson Broadway show,” I was like…
    Ma’am.

    Nobody. And I mean nobody… can play MJ.

    Or so I thought.

    The King of Pop — The Legacy 👑

    Before we even get into the show, let’s talk history for a second.

    Michael Jackson isn’t just an artist — he’s a global icon. From The Jackson 5 days singing “I Want You Back” to breaking racial barriers on MTV with Thriller, MJ literally changed the music industry.

    • 13 Grammy Awards
    • Over 400 million records sold
    • The best-selling album of all time (Thriller)
    • Dance moves that still shut down weddings, family reunions, and TikTok

    The moonwalk alone? Cultural reset.

    So walking into this Broadway production, I had high expectations. You can’t play with MJ’s legacy.

    The Fox Theatre Vibes ✨

    Let’s talk about the venue for a second.

    If you’ve never been to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, baby — you are missing out. Built in 1929, this historic landmark is giving Arabian palace meets old Hollywood glam. The ceiling looks like a starry night sky. It’s dramatic. It’s magical. It’s a whole experience before the curtain even rises.

    And when those lights dimmed? Whew.

    Okay… The Cast Ate 👏🏾

    I’ll say it.

    They. Did. That.

    From the vocals to the choreography to the mannerisms — the cast captured MJ’s spirit without trying to be a cheap imitation. It felt respectful. It felt powerful. It felt nostalgic.

    The energy? Electric.
    The dancing? Sharp.
    The storytelling? Emotional.

    There were moments I caught myself smiling like, “Okayyyyy, I see you!”

    And the audience was into it. You could feel generations in the room — people who grew up on MJ, and people discovering him in a whole new way.

    The Movie Is Coming 👀🎬

    Now listen… after seeing this show, I am extra ready for the Michael Jackson movie dropping in April. If Broadway can bring this level of excellence, I already know the film is going to be a moment.

    We will definitely be discussing that when it drops. You already know.

    Shoutout to Michelle 💕

    Let me shout out my girl Michelle for making this happen.

    Great vibes. Great company. Great memories.

    That’s what I love most about experiences like this — it’s not just the show. It’s who you share it with.

    That’s what Cece in the City is about.
    Experiences. Energy. Enjoying the moment.

    Final Thoughts 🎤✨

    If MJ the Musical comes to your city — GO.

    If you’ve never been to the Fox Theatre — GO.

    If your friend invites you somewhere and you’re unsure — sometimes just say yes.

    Because clearly… I was wrong.

    Somebody can’t be Michael Jackson.

    But they can absolutely honor him in a way that makes you stand up and clap.

    And baby… we clapped.