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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River, it’s known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and attractions that appeal to adventurers and history buffs alike. My recent visit to Chattanooga was brief—just 24 hours. We had to leave early—due to a family emergency, but it was packed with memorable experiences that left me eager to return.
Ruby Falls: A Hidden Wonder Beneath the Earth
Our journey began with a visit to Ruby Falls, a breathtaking underground waterfall located deep within Lookout Mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert, the falls are part of a series of caves that took millions of years to form. Walking through the cave was an adventure in itself—twisting paths, unique rock formations, and the hum of history around every corner. Contrary to what one might expect, the cave wasn’t cold, perhaps due to the physical activity that kept us warm. When we finally reached the waterfall, it was magical. Illuminated by lights, the cascading water created a spectacle that words can hardly describe.
Lookout Mountain: A View Like No Other
After exploring Ruby Falls, we headed outside to Lookout Mountain, a landmark with an incredible claim to fame: from its peak, you can see seven states—Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Standing there, gazing at the vast expanse of landscapes, was humbling and awe-inspiring.
A Cozy Stay and a Culinary Delight
We then checked into The Choo Choo Hotel, a historic site originally built as a railway terminal in 1909. While the coveted train car rooms were fully booked, we stayed in their standard accommodations, which were cozy and charming. The hotel’s atmosphere, infused with nostalgia, made up for missing out on the unique train rooms.
Later, we ventured out to explore Chattanooga’s vibrant dining scene, stopping at Stir, a trendy spot known for its fresh oysters and creative menu. My meal of shrimp and grits was divine, a perfect blend of Southern comfort and modern flavors.
Breakfast Bliss at Big Bad Breakfast
The next morning, we indulged in a hearty meal at Big Bad Breakfast (BBB). Their French toast, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, was a decadent treat, and my daughter’s pancakes were equally delicious. It was the perfect fuel for the day ahead.
Walnut Street Bridge: A Scenic Farewell
Before leaving Chattanooga, we visited the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Built in 1890, the bridge has been lovingly preserved and offers stunning views of the Tennessee River. Visiting it was a peaceful way to reflect on our whirlwind trip.
What’s Next?
Although our time in Chattanooga was short, it was unforgettable. I didn’t get to experience Rock City or the famous Tennessee Aquarium, but that just means I have more reasons to return. This charming city has so much to offer, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into its history and attractions on my next visit.
Chattanooga is a destination that captures your heart with its natural wonders, historical significance, and warm Southern hospitality. If you’re looking for a getaway that combines adventure, relaxation, and great food, put this gem on your list!
Everyone kept raving about Buc-ee’s, and I couldn’t figure out what the hype was about. So, on my way back from Tennessee, I finally decided to see it for myself. Let me tell you, it was an experience! Imagine a gas station on steroids—like Walmart decided to combine with a convenience store and add a sprinkle of magic.
From snacks to souvenirs, and even brisket sandwiches that smelled like heaven, Buc-ee’s had it all. The energy inside was buzzing, and I couldn’t resist exploring every corner. This stop is a part of my new journey of discovering places, trying new things, and embracing fresh ideas. And Buc-ee’s? Definitely worth the stop.
If you haven’t experienced Buc-ee’s yet, what are you waiting for? Make it a priority on your next road trip—you won’t regret it!
