Cece In The City

Tag: book lover

  • Falling Into October: Journals, Candles & Cozy Vibes with Cece

    Hey everyone! 🍂✨ Welcome to October—the season of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and colorful leaves drifting down. You can feel the shift in the air, and I’m here for all the fall vibes.

    This month, I’m kicking off something special: The Cece Journal Challenge. 📓🍁 It’s a reflection journey inspired by fall, where we’ll dive into self-care, gratitude, and growth. Want to join in? Drop a comment below and let’s journal together!

    Of course, fall wouldn’t be complete without candles. 🕯️ Here are three of my favorites to set the mood:

    • Benevolence LA Eucalyptus Orange Wood Wick Candle – soy, fresh, cozy, and perfect for home (45-hour burn) 👉 Grab it here
    • Yankee Candle French Vanilla – sweet, classic, and long-lasting (up to 150 hours burn) 👉 Get it here
    • Yankee Candle Autumn Wreath – the ultimate fall scent in a large jar 👉 Shop here

    And guess what? Cece on the Scenes is back! 🎬✨ I had the pleasure of watching Ruth & Boaz, starring powerhouses like Serayah McNeill, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad, and more. Let me just say—it’s a solid 5/5 in my book. 🌟

    This film is more than a love story—it’s a reminder that love is real, joy is worth waiting for, and dreams are worth chasing. 💕 Don’t settle, don’t give up, keep believing. Have you seen it yet? 🍿👀

    Over in Cece Book Club, I wanted to highlight one of Kennedy Ryan’s gems. She never fails to pull me in with her storytelling. This one gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me. 📚✨ Check it out 👉 Read here

    Finally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💖—so let’s honor survivors, uplift warriors, and remember loved ones. Sending love and light to all.

    Oh, and I’ve got some travel plans brewing ✈️🌍 … stay tuned because I can’t wait to share where I’m headed next!

    Cheers to a beautiful October filled with cozy vibes, meaningful reflections, and new adventures. 🍁🕯️📚

  • ✨ Happy Sunday, everyone! ✨

    I hope y’all are doing amazing. We’re still rolling through my birthday month 🎉 (you know I celebrate the whole month!), and even though I haven’t done much, I’ve been preparing for a brand-new chapter and journey in my life. Let’s catch up on this week!

    🍔 First stop: Smashd Burgers and Bourbon
    Stone Mountain just got a new gem — Smashd Burgers and Bourbon! I had to check it out, and let me tell you… the French Toast Patty Melt was everything! Sweet, savory, and so good. The onion rings? Huge and crispy, just the way I like them. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area. Check them out 👉 www.smashdbb.com

    👩‍👧 Challenge Time with My Daughter
    Me and one of my daughters started our own little challenge — reading a manifesting book together 📖✨. That inspired us to take it further with a camo-style day (yes, we rocked camouflage fits!) and even made digital vision boards. Reminder: it’s never too late to create a vision for your life. I love challenges that bring positivity and creativity into the mix.

    🎬 Movie Night: Cece on the Scenes
    This week’s watch was Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing. The story tackled trafficking — such an important topic that definitely needs more conversation. I’ll be real, the quality gave more Tubi vibes than Netflix, but the message was powerful. I’d rate it 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐. Oh — and I spotted someone I actually know in the film (shoutout and congrats to him 👏).

    🕯️ Candlelight Conversations with Cece
    You know I set the vibe right during my journaling sessions. This week, I’ve been loving:

    • Candle-lite Creamy Vanilla Swirl (18 oz, up to 110 hrs burn time) – cozy, sweet, perfect for fall nights. 👉 Grab it here
    • M&SENSE Coffee Cappucina Candle (11.3 oz soy wax, 70 hrs burn time) – smells like a coffee shop and fuels my creativity. 👉 Get it here

    📚 Book Club Pick
    For September, Cece Book Club is diving into An Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen. Still time to join us if you want in! Grab your copy 👉 Amazon Link

    💻 Quick Plug
    Don’t forget — blog features are $100 and Where It Begins magazine covers are $500. Let’s make magic together ✨.

    That’s the rundown for now — but stay tuned. More fun, fashion, books, candles, and adventures coming this week and next.

  • Happy Sunday, Friends ✨

    It’s September — my favorite month (yes, my birthday month 🥳) — and I’m still riding the wave of excitement that comes with fresh beginnings and new vibes.

    Today, our Cece Book Club gathered to dive into These Tangled Vines. Let me just say, this book was so good — the kind that makes you pause and think about the lengths people go for love. 💕 A heartwarming yet tangled story of love, loss, and betrayal, it reminded me that love can be both healing and complicated. If you’re looking for a new read, check it out here: These Tangled Vines.

    A Throwback with a Twist 🎶🍹

    Guess what? Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre just dropped a new Gin & Juice! Talk about history coming back full circle. For those of us who remember vibing to Gin and Juice back in the day, this drink is nostalgia in a bottle. Now, it’s reimagined for a whole new generation. If you’re a drinker, you definitely want to check it out.

    And since it’s my birthday month, I’d love your support too — grab my poetry book on Amazon and celebrate with me: Get your copy here.

    Candlelight Conversations 🕯️💫

    We’re growing beautifully with Candlelight Conversations with Cece — a space for soul talk, reflection, and inspiration. You can tune in on:

    And because ambiance matters, here are some perfect candles to pair with your listening sessions:

    Cece on the Scene 🎬

    This weekend, I had a little movie marathon:

    • Escape Room (an oldie, but always makes you think twice about what you’d do in real life situations 👀).
    • Miracles from Heaven — such a heartfelt, true story that reminds us that miracles happen every day and God is always listening. 🙏

    Behind the Scenes with Where It Begins Magazine 🗞

    • Covers are now open for Sept–Dec — $500 secures your spot to tell your story in a BIG way. DM me to lock in your feature!
    • I’m also opening 50 spots for blog features (product/book reviews, highlights) for just $100. You’ll get featured on my blog and across socials. 🚀

    ✨ It’s September, it’s my birthday month, and it’s all about growth, storytelling, and celebrating love, creativity, and connection. Let’s make big moves together!

  • Celebrating Fathers, Freedom & Favorites – A June to Remember

    Hey everyone! I hope all the amazing fathers out there had a wonderful Father’s Day — you truly deserve to be celebrated. 💙Even though my dad lives 10–12 hours away, I still found a way to send him some love. I gifted him a neck fan (you know the kind that wraps around your neck and blows cool air) — perfect for someone who’s always walking or out in the yard during these hot summer days. He told me, “This is just what I needed,” and that warmed my heart. Sometimes it’s the simple, thoughtful gifts that make the biggest difference.

    Click here to purchase

    https://amzn.to/3HPU2jS

    Speaking of meaningful days… today is Juneteenth — a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and how far we’ve come. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. It’s a day to reflect, educate, and celebrate. So tell me — how are you honoring Juneteenth today?

    While you’re soaking in the summer vibes, I’ve been busy doing a little bit of everything:
    📚 Book Review: I just finished A Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (yes, I adore her books!). This story follows two writers battling for the same book deal — and while they’re supposed to be competitors, sparks begin to fly. Of course, there’s a twist! If you love romantic tension and creative journeys, you’ll want to grab this one.

    🎬 Movie Review: I watched The Last Bullet recently — and as an action lover, I gave it a solid 4 out of 5. It kept me on the edge of my seat!

    Purchase Here

    https://amzn.to/4ldNHwY

    🌮 Foodie Find: Finally tried Rreal Tacos in Lawrenceville, GA — it’s a new location and super cute inside. They also have a patio space if you like dining outdoors. The tacos were flavorful, though my daughter was a bit bummed they didn’t have lettuce. Minor gnat situation aside, the customer service was great and the 30-minute wait was expected with it being a new location. If you’ve eaten there, let me know your thoughts!

    Also, don’t forget — I offer product reviews, book reviews, movie reviews, and business shoutouts. I’m currently running special rates this month, so if you’re interested, email me at cecewibnet@gmail.com and let’s work together.

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    📖 And last but not least — if you haven’t already, grab a copy of my poetry book on Amazon. Your support means the world. 💕

    Purchase Here

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    Thanks for reading and remember — support businesses, read a good book, and celebrate your freedom, people, and your passions.

    Until next time,
    Cece in the City

  • Celebrating National Independent Bookstore Day: A Shoutout to Birdsong Books

    If you know me, you know I absolutely love books. There’s something magical about getting lost in a good story, flipping through fresh pages, and discovering new favorites.

    Today, in honor of National Independent Bookstore Day, I wanted to highlight a special place: Birdsong Books. I’ve had the chance to visit this charming bookstore before, and let me tell you—it’s a true gem. I didn’t get to meet the owner in person, but I did chat with the friendly cashier who was just as welcoming. Even without meeting her, I can honestly say I’m so proud of what the owner has created. The setup, the cozy vibe, the curated selections—everything about Birdsong Books feels like a book lover’s dream.

    And since you already know I do book reviews (yes, definitely hit me up if you have a book you want to spotlight!), I can’t help but get excited about spaces like this that keep the love of reading alive.

    Now I’m curious: what’s your favorite independent bookstore?
    Drop it in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to add some new places to my must-visit list!

    Wishing everyone a Happy National Independent Bookstore Day! Let’s continue to support these beautiful spaces that bring stories—and people—together.

  • Happy World Book Day!

    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!

  • Book Rec: Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo – A Must-Read with a Message

    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.

    Grab your copy here: Armed with Good Intentions on Amazon

  • First Book of the Year with Cece Book Club: Maame by Jessica George

    The first Cece Book Club pick for January is Maame by Jessica George! Now, while this isn’t my first read of the year (I’m already six or seven books in), it is the first one I’m diving into with the book club—and what a great choice to start with!

    Maame tells the story of a young woman in her 20s who has spent most of her life taking care of her father, never truly having the chance to live for herself. When her mother returns home for a year, she finally moves out to explore life on her own. However, just as she starts to embrace her independence, she experiences a deep loss that pushes her into depression.

    I won’t spoil the entire book, but Maame beautifully highlights the struggles many young people face when dealing with family responsibilities, self-discovery, and mental health. It was heartbreaking yet powerful to see her journey—her strength in always showing up for her family, but also the moment when she finally decided enough was enough and began to express her own needs.

    This book was emotional, relatable, and an important reminder that many people battle depression at a young age and need support. I can’t wait to discuss it with the book club this Sunday!

    Have you read Maame? What did you think of it? Let’s talk!

    Get book here:

    https://amzn.to/42Ka2wb

    If you enjoy my book club picks and want to support, you can buy me a coffee here:

    buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity

  • My First 5 Reads of 2025: What I Thought

    As we kick off a new year, I’ve already dived into some incredible reads! Here are the first five books I’ve enjoyed in 2025, along with my thoughts on each.

    • The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
      This book was truly inspiring and motivating. Andy Andrews weaves a story filled with life lessons and decisions that challenge you to think deeply about your purpose. A great way to start the year! 
    • The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
      If you love a good romance with a unique twist, this book is for you. It’s a beautiful love story that had me hooked from beginning to end.
    • The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst
      Another captivating love story! This one is filled with magical elements that made it a delightful read. It’s light, fun, and perfect for escaping into a whimsical world.
    • A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
      This book had me on the edge of my seat! Suspenseful, thrilling, and impossible to put down—I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good mystery.
    • The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
      Although I read this series out of order, this installment was a charming and cozy read. Now I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series!

    If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Also, don’t forget to join Cece Book Club on Facebook to dive deeper into our monthly picks, share your own recommendations, and connect with other book lovers. Happy reading!

  • Let Love Have the Last Word book by Common

    This month, I’m thrilled to spotlight and support some incredible authors I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, along with their inspiring books. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I find immense joy in diving into their stories and sharing their journeys with you.

    One unforgettable experience was attending Common’s book tour. The rapper, actor, and activist introduced his deeply personal memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word. In this book, Common opens up about his journey to find love, self-love, and his relationships with his daughter and mother. It’s a powerful narrative about growth, connection, and understanding.

    Common’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love, and his insights are both moving and enlightening. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Let Love Have the Last Word and embark on this heartfelt journey with Common.