Here we are, stepping into the final chapter of 2025.
December always feels like a fresh breath of magic — twinkling lights, cozy nights, and that little nudge reminding us to set new goals and draft new dreams. It’s the perfect time to start your next chapter, whatever that looks like for you.
So grab a warm drink and let’s jump into Cece On the Scenes! 🎬✨
I watched Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas starring Aisha Dee, Kimiko Glenn, and a few other familiar faces. Let me tell you… it’s a quirky mix of friendship, love, and the afterlife. Cute in its own way, but for me, it lands at a 3 out of 5. Still, if you’re building your holiday movie list, add it in. It definitely gives you something to think about during these festive nights.
Now, into the Cece Book Club Corner 📚🎄 This month we read Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult. Whew! I’m giving it a 3 out of 5. It had twists that completely blindsided me — in a good way — but that ending… chile, I was hoping for more. Still, I can’t WAIT to talk it out with the book club this Sunday. If you’ve read it, you already know there’s so much to unpack!
Let’s talk Atlanta gems ✨ Have you ever been to the High Museum of Art? If you love creativity, culture, or just a fun day out, you’ll enjoy it. And the Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights? A MUST-SEE. Every year they transform the garden into a glowing wonderland — it’s basically the North Pole but make it Atlanta chic.
And speaking of treats… I’m in my comfort-food era. I had a craving for a baked potato, and if you’ve never been to Jason’s Deli, baby listen… their baked potatoes are a whole meal. Not a snack. A MEAL.
So tell me — are you ready for the holidays? Any traditions that you look forward to every year? Before you finish reading this, do one thing for me: check on a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. December is the season of giving, and sometimes the biggest gift is a simple “Hey, you good?”
Stay tuned — more adventures are coming to Cece in the City. 🎄✨ Let’s finish 2025 with joy, gratitude, and a little sparkle.
Hey everyone! Finally, we’re getting some really nice weather this week, and it feels like the city is waking up from a long nap. There’s something so refreshing about stepping outside when the sun hits just right, the air has that crisp sparkle, and everything feels alive again. And you have to hear the best news—the Night Lights at the Botanical Garden are back!
If you’ve never been, let me paint you a picture: the garden transforms into a luminous wonderland, with sparkling lights reflecting off every leaf, pathway, and fountain. The displays are absolutely breathtaking—like walking through a dream where the trees themselves are dressed in glittering gowns. Did you know that botanical gardens have been around for centuries, originally created to study and showcase exotic plants from around the world? It’s amazing to think that while we stroll under these modern lights, gardens like these carry a long history of curiosity, learning, and beauty. Every turn has a new surprise, and I found myself stopping multiple times just to take it all in. My advice? Go when it’s just the right temperature— Not too cold, and the magic gets a little nipped by the wind, but just right, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. 🌟
Speaking of stepping into new worlds, I just finished an incredible read: The Interruption of Everything by Terry McMillan. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. McMillan is a powerhouse in American literature, known for writing stories that celebrate women’s lives while highlighting the challenges we face. This novel tells the story of a woman juggling family, career, and personal growth—the kind of story that feels like it’s speaking directly to us as women. So often, we’re the ones holding everything together, sacrificing our dreams, and making sure everyone else is taken care of. And yet, sometimes it feels like our work goes unnoticed, our sacrifices unappreciated. McMillan’s story is a reminder that while we nurture and care for others, it’s just as important to nurture ourselves.
This book made me pause, reflect, and appreciate not only the work we do but the lives we lead. If you want a read that’s honest, relatable, and deeply moving, you can grab your copy 📖
Now, let’s shift gears to some Cece on the Scenes updates! I recently watched Frankenstein, and let me tell you—it was fantastic. I’d rate it a 4 out of 5. Did you know that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein when she was just 18 years old? The story was inspired by a famous 1816 “ghost story challenge” she did while staying in Switzerland with Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron. The novel has endured for over 200 years because it taps into timeless questions about ambition, humanity, and what it means to create life. Watching this adaptation reminded me of why classic stories endure—the suspense, the drama, and the exploration of what it means to be human.
I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something engaging and thought-provoking to watch this week. 🎬
And of course, don’t forget about my own creative work! My poetry book is out now, and it’s perfect for cozy evenings, reflective moments, or even as a holiday gift for someone you love. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, you can grab it here✨
Have you been keeping up with Candlelight Conversations with Cece? If not, you’re missing out! These sessions are all about slowing down, reflecting, and connecting with your inner thoughts. You can catch them on YouTube and Spotify, and I’ve also curated August & September playlists to match the themes of each conversation. They’re perfect for journaling, relaxing, or just creating a little calm in your day. Speaking of journaling, I’ve been posting daily journal writing prompts for all my journal lovers—don’t miss out on this little dose of inspiration every day! 🕯️
And now, as we slowly drift toward the holidays, I want to take a moment to reflect. This season is more than just decorations and presents—it’s about gratitude, giving, and truly appreciating the people around us. Fun fact: the tradition of giving thanks and celebrating during this season can be traced back to harvest festivals in Europe, long before modern Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions were formalized. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the abundance in our lives. What are your holiday plans this year? Are you planning cozy nights at home, festive gatherings, or maybe a quiet walk under twinkling lights like the ones at the Botanical Garden? Whatever you do, remember to give thanks, give love, and give back. This is the season to celebrate the little things, the people who matter, and the moments that make life feel magical.
So whether you’re catching the glow of the night lights, diving into a great book, watching a classic film, writing in your journal, or listening to Candlelight Conversations with Cece, make sure to pause, breathe, and savor these moments. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we do—it’s about what we feel, what we share, and how we connect.
Stay magical, stay inspired, and as always—see you on the scenes. 💖
Hey everyone! So, it’s one of those cozy days in Georgia — rainy, cold, and yes… we’ve already had a few flurries! 🥶 Looks like we’re in for a real winter this year. I’m hoping it treats us better than last time — because let’s just say, getting stuck overnight in my car during a snowstorm is an experience I’ll never forget. Lesson learned: always pack snacks, a blanket, and patience. 😂
Now, let’s jump into this week’s Cece on the Scene!
🎬 Movie Moment: Wild with Reese Witherspoon
I finally watched Wild — yes, the one starring Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon! I’ve been meaning to watch it for ages, so I went ahead and rented it on YouTube. Overall, it was a good watch — real, raw, and kind of made me think about life, peace, and what it means to find yourself.
But let me tell you… walking across the world like that? Alone? With no real supplies? 😳 You have to be built different. Sleeping outside, finding food, no shower for days — whew, not for me! I love nature, but I’ll take my hikes in short doses and sleep in a cozy Airbnb, thank you very much. 😂
Still, I admire the strength and spirit of anyone who can do that kind of journey. I’d give the movie a solid 3 out of 5, and of course, I love me some Reese Witherspoon.
🎶 Big Congrats to Outkast!
Huge shoutout to @Outkast for being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! 🔥 You already know I had to swing by their mural and snap a pic — such a dope tribute to two Atlanta legends. Their music, their style, their legacy? Timeless. Congrats, @BigBoi and @Andre3000 — ATL forever! 🙌🏾
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans
It’s Veterans Day, and I just want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the men and women who have served. Your courage and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. 💙
✈️ Next Stop on My 50-State Journey
I’ve been dreaming about my next stop for the 50 States Journey, and South Carolina is calling my name! I’ve already been to Myrtle Beach, but for this chapter, I’m torn between Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville. Each city has its own charm — so what do y’all recommend? Drop your suggestions below!
🕯️ Candlelight Conversations + Poetry Love
The world feels heavy lately, so I’m sending love and prayers to everyone reading this. 💫 Remember to take care of your spirit — and if you need a moment of peace, check out Candlelight Conversations with Cece. It’s cozy, uplifting, and comes with journal prompts to help you reflect and breathe a little easier.
And oh — can we take a moment? I still can’t believe I published my poetry book! 🥹 If you haven’t checked it out yet, I’d love your support. It means the world.
The holidays are almost here, so get ready to cozy up with friends, family, and good food. Stay warm, stay grateful, and I’ll see you next time on Cece in the City — where every day is a new scene to explore. 💕
Y’all already know—I couldn’t let World Book Day slide by without saying something! Books are my peace, my escape, my everyday adventure. I usually dive into at least two books a week, and each one takes me somewhere new—whether it’s a love novel or the heart of an inspiring memoir.
So, what are you reading right now? Are you on Goodreads? I love connecting with fellow readers and finding new gems to add to my list.
Authors—this one’s for you! If you’ve written a book and want me to review it or feature it on my blog, I got you! I support authors heavy, and I love sharing stories with my community. Book your spot now by filling out the form, and let’s put your work in the spotlight!
Also, if you’re a book lover like me, come join the Cece Book Club on Facebook! We read, we vibe, we discuss, and we support each other’s literary journeys. It’s nothing but good reads and good energy.
Alright, fam—I’m off to squeeze in my 30 minutes to an hour of reading before bed. I hope you found time to relax today… and maybe even crack open a good book. Happy reading!
If you know me, you know I love a good book—and last night I finished one that truly left an imprint on me: Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo.
I’ve been following Wallo on IG for a while now. His videos? Pure gold. They’re raw, real, inspiring, and sometimes hilarious—but always packed with wisdom. What I love most is how genuine he is. After spending half his life behind bars, Wallo could’ve let his past define him—but instead, he turned it all around.
This book dives even deeper into his story. The pain, the lessons, the setbacks, and ultimately, the redemption. He’s seen a lot, been through a lot, but he chose to come home and elevate. He didn’t just change his life—he made it his mission to motivate others to do the same.
People doubted him, tried to silence his voice, but Wallo kept going. He kept showing up, posting his videos, dropping gems, and being unapologetically him. And you know what? That consistency and passion is contagious.
As someone who shares my voice through blogs, Wallo inspired me to start using my voice on video too. So if you’re reading this, Wallo—thank you. Keep being a blessing. Keep pushing forward. You’re touching more lives than you know.
Y’all, do yourself a favor and grab his book. Whether you’re a fan already or just love a good comeback story, Armed with Good Intentions is worth the read.
Hey everyone! As you know, I’ve started fresh with my blogging and vlogging journey, traveling to all 50 states. My first stop was Georgia, and I hope you all enjoyed that adventure. Now, let’s dive into State #2: Tennessee!
Although my trip was cut short due to a family emergency, I know I’ll be back—especially since I still need to explore Nashville! But for this visit, we made our way to Chattanooga, a city rich in history and scenic beauty.
Ruby Falls: A Hidden Wonder Beneath the Earth
Our first stop was Ruby Falls, home to the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S. The journey through the cave was a bit of a workout, but seeing that breathtaking waterfall made it all worth it. The water cascades down, changing colors as lights illuminate it, creating a magical scene.
Lookout Mountain: A View Like No Other
Next, we visited Lookout Mountain, a place steeped in both natural beauty and history. Though it was getting chilly, we managed to take in the stunning view. From the top, you can see seven states—Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. It’s incredible to think about standing in one spot and gazing across so many states at once!
A Stay at the Historic Hotel Chalet
We checked into the Hotel Chalet, a charming spot with a unique twist—train car hotel rooms! Unfortunately, they were all booked, but I did get a chance to see them up close. Just imagine staying inside a vintage train car turned into a cozy hotel room. Next time, I’m definitely staying in one!
Dining in a Piece of History: Stir at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex
For dinner, we headed to Stir, a restaurant located inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. The food was amazing—I had shrimp and grits along with some oysters. If you’re ever in Chattanooga, I highly recommend it!
Walking Across History: Walnut Street Bridge
Even though it was a bit too cold to take a full stroll, I got to check out the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. I can’t wait to go back when the weather is warmer and take in the views at a leisurely pace.
Bonus: A Book, a Breakfast, and a Story
For breakfast, we stopped at Big Bad Breakfast (BBB)—and let me tell you, it was delicious! I had French toast and scrambled cheese eggs, and I even got a taste of my daughter’s pancakes. The service was top-notch. But here’s the cool part—the founder, Chef John Currence, has a deep passion for breakfast, and he even wrote a book called Big Bad Breakfast. Of course, I had to get it! The book is filled with stories and recipes, blending food and storytelling—right up my alley!
The Soundtrack of Tennessee: ‘Tennessee’ by Arrested Development
Every state needs a song, right? For Tennessee, I had to go with “Tennessee” by Arrested Development—such a classic! Fun fact: I actually had the chance to interview Speech, one of the members, for my Where It Begins magazine. I’ll drop the link below so you can check it out!
2 states down, 48 to go! Where do you think I’m heading next? Stay tuned for my next adventure, and if you’d like to support my journey, visit buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity. See you in the next state!
This month, I’m excited to highlight and support some incredible people I’ve met and the fascinating books they’ve written. As a true bookworm with a passion for reading, I can’t resist sharing their journeys and stories with you.
One book that really caught my attention is The Nichols Brothers: Suburbia to Destruction by Mark Nichols. You might recall the chilling story from 2005 when Brian Nichols brought Atlanta to a standstill after escaping custody and killing a judge. This book dives deep into that event, offering a gripping look at what led up to that fateful day.
I had the opportunity to speak with the author, Mark Nichols, who is Brian Nichols’ brother. Hearing his perspective and learning more about the story made this book even more impactful. And yes, I’ve got my autographed copy—definitely a treasure in my collection.
If you’re curious to know more about this intense and compelling story, I highly recommend checking out the book. It’s a powerful read that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page
This month, I want to spotlight one of the special ways I’ve connected with my community: through my Cece Book Club, which I started a few years ago. As someone who reads at least one book a week, books are more than just stories to me—they’re adventures that take me on new journeys. This passion for reading is what inspired me to create a space where fellow book lovers could come together, share opinions, and dive into discussions about the stories we’re all so passionate about.
In the Cece Book Club, we meet once a month on Zoom to discuss our latest read. This year, we’ve added a fun twist: we’re working our way through the alphabet, selecting books that start with each letter. It’s been a fantastic way to discover new titles and genres we might not have explored otherwise.
Running this book club has been a joy, and I’m excited about its growth. We used to have authors join us for discussions, and I’m looking forward to bringing that element back soon. The thought of opening my own bookstore one day is a dream I hold close—imagine a cozy spot filled with all our favorite reads, a place where bookworms like us can gather and get lost in stories together.
If you’re as passionate about reading as I am, I’d love for you to join us. Let’s continue to build this wonderful community of readers, sharing not just books, but the experiences and emotions they evoke in us. Here’s to more adventures, more discussions, and hopefully, more exciting plans for Cece Book Club!
This month, I’m thrilled to spotlight and support some of the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, along with the books they’ve poured their hearts into. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, there’s nothing quite like delving into a great story, especially when you know the journey behind it. That’s why I’m excited to share one book in particular that resonated deeply with me: What I Wish I Knew by Josh Powell.
When I first heard about Josh’s book, I knew I had to get my hands on it. It’s not just because I’m a fan of his work on the court—although his time with the Lakers is certainly impressive—but because of the authentic and heartfelt way he shares his story. This book is more than just a recounting of his basketball career; it’s a window into the life experiences that shaped him into the person he is today.
In What I Wish I Knew, Josh takes us on a journey through his upbringing, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the decisions that led him to pursue basketball at the highest level. He doesn’t hold back in discussing the obstacles and personal trials he encountered along the way, offering readers a raw and unfiltered look at the man behind the athlete. It’s a story of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of greatness, all while staying true to oneself.
I’m particularly proud of Josh for not only writing this book but for having the courage to share his truth with the world. It’s one thing to be known for your talents on the court, but it’s another to open up about the struggles and lessons that come with that journey. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying grounded, no matter where life takes you.
In addition to reading his book, I had the privilege of featuring Josh in Where It Begins magazine. It was an incredible experience to hear more about his journey firsthand and to share his story with our readers. If you’re looking for a book that offers inspiration, life lessons, and an inside look at the realities of professional sports, What I Wish I Knew is a must-read.
I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support Josh in his journey. So, whether you’re a basketball fan, someone who loves a good memoir, or just looking for a story that will uplift and inspire you, be sure to check out What I Wish I Knew by Josh Powell. And don’t forget to read his feature in Where It Begins magazine—it’s a story that truly embodies our mission of sharing personal testimonies and life journeys.
This month, I’m excited to highlight and support some of the amazing people I’ve met along the way and the captivating books they’ve written that have truly resonated with me. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I find immense joy in discovering new stories and delving into the journeys of the authors behind them.
One author whose work I’veparticularly enjoyed is Nicole Sade. Her books, No Room for Trust and No Room for Trust 2, are the perfect reads if you’re into a bit of hood drama mixed with juicy twists and turns. These books are packed with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Nicole has a way of drawing you into her world, making you feel every emotion her characters go through, and leaving you eager for more with every chapter.
What I love most about Nicole’s writing is how she’s able to weave complex relationships and raw, authentic dialogue into her stories, giving you a true sense of the realities her characters face. Her ability to blend gritty, real-life situations with moments of vulnerability and tenderness makes her books stand out in the urban fiction genre.
In addition to the compelling storylines, No Room for Trust and its sequel also explore deeper themes of loyalty, betrayal, love, and survival in a world where trust is a luxury few can afford. It’s this richness of themes that makes Nicole’s work not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking.
I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Nicole and learn more about her journey as a writer. Her passion for storytelling is evident in every word she writes, and her dedication to her craft is truly inspiring. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading her books, I highly recommend you do. Nicole Sade is a name you’ll want to remember, as she’s undoubtedly a rising star in the literary world.
So, if you’re looking for your next gripping read, or just want to support a talented author on her journey, make sure to check out Nicole Sade’s No Room for Trust series. You won’t be disappointed!
