Cece In The City

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  • Playa Bowls, Buc-ee’s & Big Dreams – Welcome to Cece in the City!

    Today was one of those feel-good days where everything just lines up. I was out, the vibes were high, and Cece in the City was on the move!

    🎉 Grand Opening Playa Bowls in Snellville!
    Snellville, Georgia, is growing fast—and today, it got a little more tropical with the grand opening of Playa Bowls! Of course, I had to pull up and show some love. It was my first time trying one, and let me tell you, the Mango Berry bowl did not disappoint. Strawberries, mango, blueberries, a sweet drizzle of honey, and that crunchy granola that pulls it all together. Whew! 😋 It was like a bowl of sunshine. Big congrats to Playa Bowls—y’all pulled up just in time for summer, and I’m here for it!

    👕 Flashback to Buc-ee’s
    Now let’s rewind to December—when I made my very first trip to the legendary Buc-ee’s! Yes, Buc-ee’s: part gas station, part Walmart, part wonderland. I finally wore the shirt I grabbed from there today—bright peach with “Sweet Georgia Peach” across the front. My aunt had never heard of Buc-ee’s, and honestly, if you haven’t been, it’s one of those places you must explore. From snacks to souvenirs to clean restrooms (yes, that matters on a road trip), Buc-ee’s is a Texas-born gem with a Southern twist.

    📚 Shouting Out My Poetry Book!
    While I’ve got your attention, let me drop a little reminder—my poetry book is still out there on Amazon, waiting for you to read it, feel it, and maybe even pass it on to someone who needs a word of encouragement. If you haven’t checked it out yet… what are you waiting for? Search it up and support your girl 💕. Click link

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    💗 A Note on Self-Love
    Now let’s get real. We’re always running around doing for others—family, friends, work—but what are you doing for you? Self-love isn’t just bubble baths and candles (though I love those too). It’s giving yourself permission to rest, to dream, to explore, to take a weekend getaway just because you deserve it. I’m learning to prioritize myself more, and it feels good.

    🌍 My 50-State Journey Begins
    And speaking of getaways—if you’ve been following me, you know I’m on a mission to visit all 50 states! So far I’ve done Georgia, Tennessee, and now I’m locking in my third one. I’m restarting this journey with a fresh mindset, documenting the whole thing and taking y’all with me. Can you guess what state is next? Drop a comment or a DM—let’s make this interactive.

    Whether I’m trying açai bowls, road-tripping with my Buc-ee’s tee, or just reminding you (and me) to love ourselves harder, I hope you’re inspired to live life on purpose. Here is a little dance for you. I tried the Wall to Wall Challenge lol

    Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep riding with Cece in the City 💛

  • Cece On the Scenes: “Untold: The Liver King” – A Raw Dose of Reality

    Hey hey, everyone! You know I love diving into stories – whether they’re powerful, controversial, or just downright wild. So for this week’s Cece On the Scenes, I ended up watching something unexpected: “Untold: The Liver King.” And whew… let me just say, I still don’t know why I pressed play – maybe it’s the journalist in me, always curious about people’s journeys. But y’all… this one took me for a ride.

    Let’s rewind a little. If you’re not familiar, the Liver King – real name Brian Johnson – blew up online for his primal lifestyle, eating raw liver, testicles (yes, you read that right), and living like a modern-day caveman. I mean, imagine someone mixing fitness influencer vibes with prehistoric grit – that’s him. It was giving Neanderthal meets Instagram fitness guru.

    At first, I was just cringing through scenes of him chomping down raw organs. But as a storyteller, I pushed past the shock factor. I wanted to understand why he lived like this and what message he was trying to send. He preached ancestral living: strength, discipline, and getting back to nature. Okay, cool. But here’s the twist – he also claimed his shredded body was 100% natural. No steroids. No enhancements.

    Then came the bombshell. He was on steroids. Expensive ones. And fans who believed in his “all-natural” lifestyle felt betrayed. Honestly, so did I. Not because I wanted to eat like him (you will never catch me in the woods gnawing on liver), but because I hoped his truth was real.

    Still, it made me think. What do people trade for fame? For influence? Was it all a performance or did he start with good intentions and get lost along the way?

    And what’s even more layered – it’s not just him. His whole family was in on this rugged, primal brand. It makes you question where authenticity ends and marketing begins.

    Would I live like that? Absolutely not. I need a bed, a shower, and some lemon pepper wings, okay? But it was thought-provoking. It’s one of those documentaries that makes you sit back and reflect on identity, pressure, and the stories people build for the world.

    So now I’m asking you – have you watched it? What did you think? Was it eye-opening or just too bizarre to take seriously?

    Until next time, stay curious.
    – Cece On the Scenes

  • Cece On the Scenes: Paddington in Peru – A Heartfelt Homecoming

    One thing I absolutely love about Cece on the Scenes is that I get to dive into all kinds of movies—new, old, classics, underrated gems—you name it. What’s “new” to one might be a childhood memory to another, and that’s the beauty of storytelling through film. Recently, I sat down and watched Paddington in Peru, and let me just say… this beloved little bear still has all the charm and magic to warm your heart.

    If you’ve been following Paddington’s journey, you know he’s not just any bear. Paddington was first introduced to the world in 1958 by author Michael Bond. Inspired by a lone teddy bear left on a shelf in a London store, Paddington was imagined as a polite, marmalade-loving bear from “darkest Peru” who finds himself in London with a tag that reads: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” That one line started a legacy that would span generations, and now, we get to see him return to his roots.

    In Paddington in Peru, our favorite bear sets off on a new adventure back to his homeland. What unfolds is a heartwarming blend of comedy, culture, and a subtle reminder of what home truly means. The cinematography captures the lush beauty of Peru while the story gently tugs at your emotions—reminding us that adventure often means revisiting where we started while appreciating how far we’ve come.

    For me, this movie is a 5 out of 5, no question. It hit all the right notes. I’ve always had a soft spot for feel-good films, and this one didn’t disappoint. Paddington’s journey reminds us that it’s okay to go back to your roots, but it’s also important to embrace the life you’ve built and the people who’ve become your family.

    Have you seen Paddington in Peru yet? If so, what did you think? If not—grab a cozy blanket, maybe a snack with a little marmalade on the side, and enjoy this sweet adventure.

  • Goodbye May, Hello June: Halfway Through the Year Already?!

    Time is truly flying—can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? As we wave goodbye to May and welcome June with open arms, I’m feeling reflective, inspired, and ready to keep the momentum going.

    We wrapped up our May Cece Book Club discussion today, diving into Questions I Want to Ask You by Michelle Falkoff. It was a short read, but packed with emotion and thought-provoking moments. I gave it a solid 4 out of 5 stars—a great pick to close out the month!

    https://amzn.to/3FB36Z6

    Kicking off June, I watched The Wild Robot, an Oscar-nominated animated gem featuring the voice of Lupita Nyong’o as Roz, a robot who finds herself becoming a surrogate mother to a little gosling. It’s a beautiful story about connection, growth, and love in the most unexpected forms. If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely add it to your watchlist!

    Love poetry? I’ve got something for you. Show some love and grab a copy of “Poems of Passion & Purpose“—a moving collection that deserves a spot on your shelf. Available now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    In exciting news, I’ve partnered with the amazing DJ Ms. Eclectic, and we’re now doing exclusive interviews together! Artists, authors, entrepreneurs—if you have a story to share, we want to help you tell it.

    Want to spotlight your business, product, or book? We’re currently running special rates for blog shoutouts and ad space in Where It Begins magazine. Let’s get you the exposure you deserve!

    Thank you so much for supporting, reading, sharing, and following this journey. Stay tuned—there’s so much more on the way. From blog posts to interviews, books to travel adventures… this is only the beginning.

    Let’s make June unforgettable.

  • 🎬 Cece on the Scene: Gran Turismo – From Gaming to Glory

    Hey everyone! Can you believe it’s the last day of May already? You know I had to slide in one last movie review for the month—Cece on the Scene style!

    So let’s talk about a movie that might not be brand new, but still deserves a spotlight: Gran Turismo on Netflix. Yes, I know it’s been out for a minute, but for some of y’all, it might be a first-time watch—and if you’re a gamer or racing fan, this one is definitely for you.

    Based on a true story (which I love), Gran Turismo follows a young gamer who goes from dominating the racing simulator world to burning rubber on real-life tracks. I mean… from couch to car? That’s legendary energy right there.

    🎮➡️🏎️
    The film stars Archie Madekwe, David Harbour (yes, Mr. Stranger Things himself!), and Orlando Bloom. Let me tell you, this movie had me clutching my throw pillow like it was a steering wheel! Between the wild turns, emotional hurdles, and big dreams, this story is all about passion, grit, and not giving up—even when the odds are stacked like a pit crew on Red Bull.

    Watching him go from pixel-perfect races to actual high-speed laps had my heart racing. I seriously got chills seeing how he turned his gaming skills into a real racing career. It’s one of those feel-good, adrenaline-pumping movies that reminds you anything is possible when you go full throttle on your dreams.

    💭 P.S. Being in Atlanta, I’ve officially added “attend a NASCAR race” to my Cece Bucketlist. If you see me out there with a visor and some popcorn, just know it’s because this movie lit a fire under me. 🔥

    📽️ Have you seen Gran Turismo? Let me know what you thought in the comments or DM me—I love hearing y’all’s takes!

  • Final Destination Is Back—and Still Killing It (Literally)

    Ever since the very first Final Destination hit theaters in 2000, I’ve been hooked. There’s just something about the franchise’s eerie premonitions, butterfly-effect chaos, and those jaw-dropping death scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat—and nervously side-eyeing everyday objects. So when I heard they were bringing the series back with a brand-new film, I had to see it. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint!

    This latest installment takes everything we loved from the originals and cranks it up a notch. I still don’t know how the writers come up with these insane, unexpected ways for fate to strike, but they had me gasping, laughing, and clenching my seat the whole time. The creativity behind each scene is next-level—almost like Death itself has a twisted sense of humor.

    What really blew my mind? I found out after watching it that there was a 4D version available. 4D! Can you imagine experiencing those suspenseful moments with moving seats, bursts of air, and maybe even a splash or two? If I had known, I would’ve definitely signed up for the full immersive ride. But even in 2D, the film was a wild, thrilling journey.

    For me, it’s an easy 5 out of 5. The Final Destination franchise never fails—it knows exactly how to play with your fears and entertain you in the process. If you’re a longtime fan like I am, you’ll love this new chapter. And if you’re new to the series, buckle up—because fate doesn’t like to be cheated.

  • Honoring the Legacy: A Memorial Day Reflection + A Visit to Charis Books

    Happy Memorial Day! As we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, I hope everyone found a moment of peace and gratitude this weekend. Whether you spent time with loved ones, reflected in solitude, or simply enjoyed the sunshine, may the meaning behind the day remain close to heart.

    Last Monday, I had the chance to visit a place that holds its own kind of powerful history — Charis Books & More in Decatur, Georgia. If you’re not familiar, Charis is one of the oldest independent feminist bookstores in the South, and it’s been creating space for progressive voices since 1974.

    Stepping inside felt like walking into a sanctuary of stories, strength, and empowerment. I finally picked up a new book (you know how much I love my reads!) and even got to chat with one of the co-owners, Angela. She was so warm and welcoming, and her passion for the space was evident.

    If you’re ever in the Decatur area and love books that challenge, uplift, and inspire — or if you simply want to support a bookstore with deep roots and a beautiful mission — make sure to stop by Charis. It’s more than just a bookstore; it’s a piece of history.

    Until next time — keep reading, keep remembering, and keep supporting spaces that matter.

  • A Weekend to Remember: Graduation, Good Eats, and Family Fun

    Whew—what a weekend! Before I dive into the adventures, let me start with a heartfelt shoutout to the Class of 2025—especially my amazing daughter, who walked across that stage and made her mama proud! Watching her grow from a little girl into a determined young woman ready to take on the world was nothing short of magical. She worked so hard, and seeing her cross that finish line was A+ awesome.

    In today’s world, it’s not always easy—so when our kids win, we celebrate big. Whether it’s your child, niece, nephew, or cousin—congratulations to all the grads out there. Keep pushing them. Keep showing up. These moments matter, and Friday gave us memories I’ll never forget. I’m beyond excited to see what’s next for my graduate!

    To celebrate, we dined at a cool spot tucked away in Duluth, GA—Volcano Steak & Sushi. Now let me tell you, this place is more than just lunch—it’s an experience. You’ve got two options: order from the menu and have your food delivered by a robot (yes, seriously—welcome to the future!), or go the hibachi route where the chef cooks right at your table. We went full hibachi, and our chef? Hilarious and talented. From the moment we walked in to the sizzling, flaming finale, it was a vibe. Definitely another hidden gem worth checking out.

    And the weekend fun didn’t stop there! We wrapped things up at Stars and Strikes in Stone Mountain, where we let loose with arcade games, laser tag, and bowling. And guess who walked away with the W? Yep—your girl right here. (Winning feels even better after hibachi.)

    All in all, it was the perfect mix of celebration, family time, and laughter. Life’s short—so celebrate the wins, cherish your people, and never pass up a good hibachi show.

    Until next time,
    Cece in the City

  • A Weekend of Nature, Food & New Discoveries

    This past weekend was one for the books. From breathtaking trails to mouthwatering tacos, I had the chance to tap into the beauty of Atlanta and all it has to offer. If you’re anything like me — someone who loves discovering hidden gems and creating memories one step at a time — you’ll want to add these spots to your must-visit list.

    🌳 Lullwater Park: A Hidden Oasis in the City

    I finally made my way to Lullwater Park in Atlanta — and let me just say, wow. This place is a dream if you love nature, peaceful vibes, and a little bit of adventure. The park sits on the Emory University campus and is filled with history, beauty, and even a few surprises.

    We crossed a suspension bridge (yes, it shakes a little — kinda scary, kinda thrilling 😅), explored winding trails, and came across a small waterfall that was picture-perfect. But the real kicker? A historic stone tower covered in graffiti that gave the whole area an urban-rustic charm. Fun fact: they were filming something out there while we were walking around, so you know it’s a cinematic spot!

    All around us were people relaxing in trees, chatting in the grass, having picnics, fishing, and even playing a game of dodgeball. I’d never been before, but I’ll definitely be back.

    Honestly, I think I’m turning into a full-on nature girl — and I’m not mad about it. These peaceful moments outside have been everything lately. I’m even thinking about adding Lullwater to our Women Stand Strong group’s next meetup. It’s the perfect place for laughter, reflection, and a walk with good friends.

    🌮 Taco Love at Frontera | Stone Mountain

    The other highlight of my weekend? Finally trying out the newly remodeled Frontera Mex-Mex Grill in Stone Mountain! I’d seen them working on it for a while, and I was excited to see what they did with the place.

    Let me just say, the inside is beautiful — clean, stylish, and welcoming. From the moment I walked in, the customer service was on point. And the food? 🔥 I ordered the steak taco with rice, and it did not disappoint. Flavorful, fresh, and just what I needed.

    It was my first time there, but definitely not my last. I love discovering new restaurants and getting out to support local spots. There’s so much to explore in this city — and I’m here for all of it.

    🌆 What a Weekend

    From scenic bridges and waterfalls to steak tacos and sunset drives — this weekend was a vibe. I’m grateful for these little adventures that make life feel full and rich. And you know me… I’m always on the move, so stay tuned to see what’s next!

    Until then — keep exploring, keep smiling, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

    💫
    — Cece in the City

  • Netflix Review: Forever — A Raw, Real, and Emotional Journey Through Young Love

    I recently had the chance to watch Forever on Netflix, and let me tell you—this series took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It follows two teens, Justin and Keisha, who fall deeply for each other and go through all the highs, lows, and in-betweens of young love. Despite the chaos that life throws their way, they keep finding their way back to one another. That alone gave the show a beautiful “meant-to-be” energy I couldn’t look away from.

    What stood out to me most was their honesty. Even when it hurt, they said what was on their hearts. That type of emotional vulnerability between friends-turned-lovers isn’t something you see often, especially portrayed this raw and real.

    Justin, struggling to figure out life, reminded me of so many teens (and honestly, adults too) who just need a little push—and a solid village—to guide them. He had a loving two-parent household, yet he still carried the weight of not wanting to let his parents down. Sometimes parents don’t realize the pressure they unknowingly put on their kids to be perfect, and Forever really nailed that dynamic.

    Keisha’s story hit me hard, too. Her mom worked two jobs just to keep her in school and give her a chance at a better future. Her dad showed love in his own, flawed way—but at the end of the day, their love for her was there. Her strength and determination to push through life’s rough patches made me root for her every step of the way.

    There were emotional moments, tough conversations, and yes—a little suspense. But beneath it all, Forever was about love. The love between partners, the love of family, and the love of a community trying its best to support its own.

    The series also reminded me that teens go through just as much as adults. They’re navigating emotions, expectations, and the struggle to define themselves in a complicated world. That’s why having a village—family, friends, people who truly care—is so important.

    I loved this Netflix gem and honestly can’t wait for Season 2. If you’ve watched it, drop your thoughts below. And if you haven’t—go hit play, then come back and let’s chat. 💬🍿

Cece In The City

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