Cece In The City

Category: blogs

  • Remembering Bob Marley: A Legacy of Music, Unity, and Black Excellence

    Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary Bob Marley, born on February 6, 1945. His music transcended borders, his words sparked revolutions of the mind, and his message of love, unity, and resistance continues to inspire generations.

    As we honor Bob Marley on his birthday, we also recognize his impact during Black History Month. Marley was more than a musician—he was a voice for the oppressed, a symbol of resilience, and a global ambassador for reggae. His songs like Redemption Song, One Love, and Get Up, Stand Up spoke of freedom, justice, and the power of the people.

    Even today, Bob Marley’s influence remains undeniable. His children and grandchildren continue his musical legacy, reggae thrives as a genre that unites cultures, and his words remain relevant in movements for equality and change. His story reminds us of the power of art in shaping history and empowering communities.

    So today, let’s play his music, reflect on his message, and carry forward his vision of love and unity. Happy Birthday, Bob Marley! Your legacy lives on.

  • Honoring Rosa Parks on Her Birthday & Black History Month

    As we celebrate Black History Month, today holds special significance—it marks the birthday of Rosa Parks, a woman whose quiet strength ignited a movement that changed history. Born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Rosa Parks became a symbol of courage and resilience when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus in 1955.

    Her simple yet powerful act of defiance led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks’ bravery, along with the collective efforts of the Black community, challenged segregation laws and pushed America toward justice and equality.

    Rosa Parks’ legacy reminds us that one person’s courage can spark lasting change. As we honor her today, let’s reflect on the power of standing up—or sitting down—for what is right. Happy Birthday, Rosa Parks! Your strength continues to inspire generations.

  • Goodbye January, Hello February: A Month of Love, Growth & New Adventures

    As January comes to an end, I can’t help but feel like time moved at its own pace—slow, steady, and full of lessons. It reminded me to appreciate the little things, embrace growth, and step forward with intention.

    Now, we welcome February—a month rich in history, love, and fresh possibilities. It’s Black History Month, a time to honor the past and celebrate the present. It’s also the season of love, not just romantic, but self-love, friendship, and new connections. Most of all, February feels like a call to adventure—a push to step outside of comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

    For me, that means continuing my journey of learning Spanish, crossing things off my bucket list, and sharing each moment along the way.

    What’s on your February list? Let’s make it a month of bold moves, beautiful memories, and boundless opportunities!

  • First Book of the Year with Cece Book Club: Maame by Jessica George

    The first Cece Book Club pick for January is Maame by Jessica George! Now, while this isn’t my first read of the year (I’m already six or seven books in), it is the first one I’m diving into with the book club—and what a great choice to start with!

    Maame tells the story of a young woman in her 20s who has spent most of her life taking care of her father, never truly having the chance to live for herself. When her mother returns home for a year, she finally moves out to explore life on her own. However, just as she starts to embrace her independence, she experiences a deep loss that pushes her into depression.

    I won’t spoil the entire book, but Maame beautifully highlights the struggles many young people face when dealing with family responsibilities, self-discovery, and mental health. It was heartbreaking yet powerful to see her journey—her strength in always showing up for her family, but also the moment when she finally decided enough was enough and began to express her own needs.

    This book was emotional, relatable, and an important reminder that many people battle depression at a young age and need support. I can’t wait to discuss it with the book club this Sunday!

    Have you read Maame? What did you think of it? Let’s talk!

    Get book here:

    https://amzn.to/42Ka2wb

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    buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity

  • 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!