Cece In The City

Category: blogs

  • Happy Friday, Friends!

    Whew—what a week it’s been! But here we are, standing strong at the end of it, and I’m grateful we made it. I’ve got a few things on my heart and mind today, so let’s dive in.

    Where It Begins Magazine – 7 Years of Stories

    Seven years ago, Where It Begins was just a dream—an idea sparked by my belief that everyone has a testimony worth sharing. I never imagined it would grow into seven years of media coverage, interviews, and highlighting voices from all walks of life. My motto has always been: “We all have a story to tell. It all begins with you.”

    To this day, the magazine continues to be a platform for business owners, artists, authors, and dreamers. If you’d like to promote your business, we have ad space available. If you’ve ever dreamed of being on the cover, now’s your chance—we’re running specials!And yes, we’re also offering discounted blog features. Your story matters, and I’d be honored to share it.

    Email: cecewibnet@gmail.com

    Book Spotlight – “Matriarch” by Tina Knowles

    I recently finished Matriarch by Tina Knowles, a book I’ve seen floating around in a few of my book clubs. I’ll admit—it started off a little slow for me, maybe because it goes all the way back to her childhood. But once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down.

    Through her words, I got a deeper look into her life: her marriages, her business ventures like owning salons, her health battles, and her role as a mother—not just to her famous daughters but to others she’s taken in and raised. Her resilience is inspiring. She’s faced so much yet continues to move forward with grace and strength. If you enjoy memoirs and women’s empowerment stories, definitely give this one a read.

    Link to buy

    https://amzn.to/45kGUv7

    Movie Review – “My Oxford Year” & A Personal Reflection

    Y’all know I love my Cece on the Scenes movie reviews, and this week I watched My Oxford Year. It’s a love story, but it’s not just hearts and flowers—it’s emotional and will hit you in the feels.

    The movie stirred something in me because lately, I’ve been seeing more and more people battling cancer. Some survive. Some don’t. My own mother fought cancer but sadly passed away in 2017. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her—I even keep pictures in my room so she’s the first face I see in the morning, watching over me.

    This movie reminded me of the families, friends, and loved ones who are left behind. The way cancer changes everything. It’s been on my heart to do more for cancer patients and kids, in honor of my mom. If you’ve seen the movie, let me know your thoughts—and in the meantime, please check in on your loved ones.

    Life, the Economy, and Survival Mode

    Can we talk about the economy for a second? Because it feels like everything is going up—gas, groceries, bills—you name it. I’ve been talking to so many people lately who say, “Life is lifing!” And I feel that.

    Between bills, car issues, and family needs, I haven’t even been able to properly pamper myself in a while. These days, one income just doesn’t cut it—we have to create multiple streams. But if you’re reading this and you’re going through something, know you are not alone. My prayers are with you, and I truly believe better days are ahead.

    Candlelight Conversations with Cece

    On August 1, I launched Candlelight Conversations with Cece—a short, uplifting audio series that a friend described as “mini therapy sessions.” Each episode is designed to offer encouragement, reflection, and a little light in your day.

    You can listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube (links below). If you know someone who needs encouragement or loves journaling prompts, please share it with them.

    Spotify:

    https://open.spotify.com/show/5xRvifqSumeBJUbPwbqdro

    Youtube:

    https://youtube.com/@candlelightconversation?si=3EzVGNk8W1yyAg7V

    My 50 States Journey (and a Birthday Coming Up!)

    I’m starting fresh with my 50 states journey. So far, I’ve done Georgia and Tennessee. Next month is my birthday, and while I usually celebrate out of the country, this year I’m staying stateside—but I’ll be knocking out State 3 (and maybe State 4!)

    I also came across a fun “alphabet challenge” that I’m putting my own twist on, so stay tuned for that.

    If no one has told you today: You are special. You are loved.
    Enjoy your Friday, breathe in the weekend, and stay tuned for more.

  • Goodbye July, Hello August 🌻✨

    Whew, July was a mix of highs and lows, but I’m still standing — and for that, I’m grateful. Even in the ups and downs, I made space to get back to doing things I love. I got out more, took some beautiful nature walks, captured moments with my camera, and slowly started easing back into the media world. It felt good to reconnect with that side of me again.

    Now here we are in August — a fresh month filled with possibility. I always like to kick off each new month with a challenge, and this one is close to my heart:
    Candlelight Conversations with Cece has officially launched! 🕯️💬

    This new series is all about honest talks, healing, growth, and reflection. It’s a vibe. So light a candle, get cozy, and press play.

    🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
    https://youtube.com/@candlelightconversation?si=n99E-MNEGk3TzFGL

    🎧 Follow on Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bOf067loU4lmHrCgAu8BJ

    For Cece Book Club last month, we dived into Sisters with a Side of Greens, so grab your copy and join the discussion Sunday — I’m excited for this one!

    Buy here https://amzn.to/4mhB0ls

    I’m also still running a special on my blog: just $100 to highlight your book, product, or brand — this includes promotion on social media, an email blast, and a feature in the Cece in the City newsletter. Great opportunity for authors, creatives, and small business owners to shine! 🌟

    And speaking of shining — just a gentle reminder: You are enough. Don’t let anyone make you forget that.

    Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my journey of visiting all 50 states. I’ve already covered Georgia and Tennessee, and next up is South Carolina! I shared highlights from both major cities and the charming little towns in between. If you want to follow along or join in on the journey, come along for the ride!

    There are more adventures on the way and other projects I’m working on — so definitely stay tuned and stay connected.

  • 🌟 Introducing Candlelight Conversations with Cece 🕯️✨

    A New Journey Begins August 1st

    There’s something truly beautiful about creating space to reflect, breathe, and be still—and I’m so excited to invite you into something close to my heart: Candlelight Conversations with Cece.

    Starting August 1st, this soulful series is all about slowing down, connecting inward, and embracing positivity through meditation, journaling, and gentle encouragement. If you’ve joined me before for my journaling challenges, then you already know—we’re about to go even deeper.

    Each episode is like a cozy evening chat by candlelight—raw, real, and filled with light. 🌙 Whether you’re tuning in after a long day or setting the tone for a fresh start, I hope you’ll find peace, purpose, and power in every word.

    ✨ Listen to Episode 1 here:
    🎧 Spotify

    ✨ Subscribe and join the journey on YouTube:
    📺 Candlelight Conversations YouTube

    Let this be a gentle nudge for you—or someone you care about—to welcome more love, calm, and clarity into their world. Share the light. 💛

    With love and candlelight,

    Join in August 1st

  • 🚨 Cece’s 3-Day Promo: Get Seen, Get Featured, Get Results!

    🔥 3-Day Power Promo 🔥 I’m helping 20 amazing people shine before the month ends. Need visibility? Let’s get you featured on my blog, social media, or magazine! Bundles start at just $25 and go up to $500 (with a cover feature). I’m only taking a few for each package. Let me help you get SEEN. 💥 Comment PROMO to lock yours in.”

    💰 Sample Packages:

    • $25 shoutout on FB/IG
    • $50 shoutout + blog
    • $100 blog + IG + 2 posts
    • $250 blog + IG + mini interview
    • $500 full magazine feature + blog + posts + reel

  • Suwanee Adventures: From City Hall to the Town Center Vibes

    This weekend, I finally got the chance to explore Suwanee, Georgia—and wow, it’s giving small-town charm with big energy! My friend and I started our day near Suwanee City Hall, where we discovered a mix of cute local shops, restaurants, and art tucked around every corner. The area had a cool, laid-back vibe that instantly made me want to stay longer and explore deeper.

    From there, we made our way to the Suwanee Town Center, which honestly felt like the heart of it all. One of the highlights? The brand-new pedestrian bridge! We got to walk across it and take in the views—peaceful park space, families enjoying the day, and that community feel that’s hard to come by these days. It was my first time experiencing Suwanee, and it absolutely left an impression.

    Fun history moment: Suwanee started as a Native American village and later became a railroad town in the 1800s. Fast forward to today—it’s one of the most vibrant and award-winning small cities in Georgia, known for its green spaces, public art, and community events.

    Now I’m already planning a return visit—this time when they have live music, local bands, and outdoor festivals lighting up the Town Center. I’m also excited to check out more surrounding cities to see what other gems I’ve been missing.

    Suwanee, I’ll definitely be back!

  • 🌸 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.