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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!
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. 🎉
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!
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.
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Hello November! 🍂
As we step into the heart of the season for gratitude, let’s take a moment to reflect on the beauty of giving, thanking, and experiencing everything around us. Here in Atlanta, my latest adventure led me to Raising Cane’s, a new spot that’s got everyone buzzing! With its crispy tenders and signature sauce, it reminded me a lot of Zaxby’s – but hey, I’m always up for a taste test comparison!
Next on the list for my 50-state journey is Tennessee! I can’t wait to explore the Volunteer State and uncover all its hidden gems. From the vibrant music of Nashville to the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has so much to offer. If you’ve been, I’d love your top picks! Is there a must-see spot or a can’t-miss eatery you’d recommend?
Here’s to an exciting month of discovery, giving thanks, and checking off new adventures.
My second cruise adventure was all about sun, sea, and vibrant destinations! After trying Royal Caribbean for my first cruise, this time I decided to switch it up and go with Carnival, and let me tell you—Carnival lives up to its reputation as the “fun ship.” While Royal Caribbean is a bit more laid-back and family-friendly, Carnival is all about the party vibe.
This trip took us to some stunning locations: Grand Turk, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic (Amber Cove), and the dreamy shores of Half Moon Cay. The water was crystal clear, the sun was blazing, and we even had camels strolling by as part of our tour—an unexpected yet unforgettable sight! Despite not fully vibing with everyone I traveled with, I decided to lean into the beauty around me and soak up every relaxing moment.
As always, I travel somewhere new for my birthday, and cruises are a great way to see multiple places in one trip. But I have to admit, I’m also a big fan of resort stays! There’s just something about being on land that feels a bit more freeing after a few days at sea. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to do on a cruise! Between the game shows, casino nights, and friendly games with other travelers, the days flew by. And of course, I picked up some souvenirs because everything was so affordable thanks to the currency exchange.
Each island had something special to offer—some even seemed like they were made just for tourists, with beach volleyball, snorkeling, and canoeing. The beaches were mesmerizing, and every day felt like another chapter of adventure.
If you haven’t cruised before, you have to try it at least once! With new ships adding even more exciting features, there’s so much to look forward to. Can’t wait to see what the next wave of cruise ships will look like!
Have you been on a cruise? Which line did you choose, and how was your experience?
Follow me on Instagram for more travel stories at @cece.atl and @cece.atlbucketlist!
In 2014, I decided to shake things up for my birthday and try something different—my very first cruise! Royal Caribbean to the Bahamas, with two of my friends by my side. It was an unforgettable trip, full of sun, sea, and so much fun!
The Bahamas were absolutely stunning—the water was crystal clear, and even though the heat was intense, the relaxation was on another level. We explored museums, shopped around, and of course, picked up souvenirs for the family. The currency was different, so that added a little extra adventure to our shopping spree!
One of the best parts? Reuniting with a friend I hadn’t seen since 9th grade. It was amazing catching up, vibing together, and sharing the experience. The cruise ship itself was like a floating party! There was always something happening—great food, dancing, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. We hit a few different stops along the way, but the simple joy of being out on the ocean, soaking up the sun, was unforgettable.
And let’s talk about Jet Skiing! My first time, and wow—what a thrill! It was equal parts fun and terrifying, especially when hitting those waves. I held on for dear life, and by the end of it, I was sore but laughing. Totally worth it!
We ported from Miami, so we had some time to explore the city and relax on the beach. Miami has a vibe all its own, and I can’t wait to go back and spend more time there. This trip made me promise myself that from then on, every birthday would be spent traveling somewhere new. Whether it’s a different state or a whole new country, the world is too big to stay in one place!
What about you? Tell me about your first cruise! Which cruise line did you sail with, and where did you go?
Follow me for more travel adventures at @Cece.atlbucketlist and @cece.atl!
In 2015, I took my first trip to Jamaica, and let me tell you—it was everything! I was traveling with two of my aunts and my brother, and we headed to the adults-only paradise known as Secrets Wild Orchid. We were there for seven days of sun, relaxation, and of course, Sumfest!
For those who don’t know, Sumfest is the reggae festival, featuring legendary artists and performers. We were lucky enough to meet Beenie Man, Jesse Royal, and even Common and his band. Between the music and the warm, welcoming energy, Jamaica felt like a dream come true.
Our resort? Absolute heaven! With over seven restaurants, a nightclub, and easy access to neighboring resorts, there was always something to do. But honestly, lounging by the pool or the beach with a Piña Colada in hand was my happy place. I love the water, so you know I was soaking up every moment.
We did get out and explore too! We danced at Margaritaville, watched cliff divers at Rick’s Café, and even checked out Bob Marley Park. My aunt’s friends gave us a local tour, showing us the many sides of Jamaica—from the high life to the everyday neighborhoods. It was eye-opening and beautiful.
The whole trip was a perfect balance of family time and solo relaxation, with the bonus of great food, endless drinks, and no kids in sight (sorry, not sorry!). If you’ve never been to Jamaica, go! The exchange rate makes everything so affordable, and trust me, it’s worth every penny. Resorts like this give you everything in one package—meals, drinks, entertainment—it’s the ultimate getaway.
Now I’m hooked on travel and can’t wait for my next adventure! Have you been to Jamaica? What did you do? I’d love to hear your stories!
Follow me for more fun travels at @Cece.atlbucketlist and @cece.atl!
This month, I’m thrilled to share one of my community adventures that added a splash of excitement to my life! I had the fantastic opportunity to volunteer at the Mud Run in Conyers, a thrilling event that combines muddy challenges with a sense of camaraderie and fun.
Being part of the Mud Run was an exhilarating experience—seeing participants tackle the obstacle courses with grit and enthusiasm was truly inspiring. The energy, the teamwork, and the sheer determination of everyone involved were amazing to witness. The event was a perfect blend of physical challenge and community spirit, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
As much as I loved volunteering, I’m already looking forward to next year with even bigger plans. I’m excited about the idea of gathering a group of friends and creating our own team for the Mud Run. The thought of plunging into the mud, conquering obstacles together, and making unforgettable memories with a group of people who share the same adventurous spirit is something I can’t wait to experience.
If you’ve ever thought about participating in a Mud Run, or if you’re looking for a fun and challenging way to bond with friends, I highly recommend it. It’s an event that pushes you out of your comfort zone and into a world of muddy fun, all while supporting a great cause.
Stay tuned for more updates as I prepare for next year’s Mud Run. I’ll be sharing details on how to join our team and how we plan to tackle this exciting challenge together. Here’s to more community adventures and the joy of stepping outside our everyday routines!
