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. 🍁🕯️📚
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.
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:
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!
Hey fam! Wheweeee… can we talk about how long August was? 😅 So much going on, and I don’t know about y’all, but I am definitely hoping September brings in brighter vibes — especially since it’s my birthday month! 🥳💖 You already know I love celebrating September big.
Now, I know I haven’t been posting much about books lately (life has been lifing), but y’all know I’m a true bookworm. 📚 I just wrapped up Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn, and listen — this one gets a solid 4/5 stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ It had everything: hilarious moments, romance, and even a touch of therapy vibes. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for your next good read. 👉 Grab the book here.
Speaking of therapy vibes, have you been tuning into Candlelight Conversations with Cece? ✨ If not, what are you waiting for? We’re spreading love, light, and uplifting energy — and we could all use a little more of that right now. 💕
And y’all know, no Candlelight Conversation is complete without the perfect candle glow. 🕯️ So, let me put you on to a few gems I’ve been loving lately:
✨ MELONY Massage Candle Oil – Smells like heaven (Bamboo Orchid 😍) and doubles as a moisturizing body oil when it melts. Perfect for self-care nights or couples’ massages. Get yours here.
💕 Debossed Pink Bow Pillar Candle – This one is giving all the coquette vibes! So cute for home décor, journaling nights, or setting the mood without heavy scents. Check it out here.
♎️ Libra Gift Candle with Crystals – My September/October babies, this one’s for you! Beautiful, relaxing, and makes the perfect birthday gift (or treat for yourself). Grab it here.
Let’s set the vibes, y’all — candles, good reads, and a whole lot of positive energy. 🌙✨
Oh, and before I forget — if you’re looking to get your business promoted on the blog or even want to be featured on the cover of Where It Begins magazine, I’m still running specials: 📝 Blogs: $100 📸 Covers: $500
Stay tuned, because September is about to be full of blessings, books, and birthday vibes. 💃🏽
Hey everyone! Is it just me, or has the weather been giving us fall vibes in the middle of August? The breezy mornings, cozy evenings… I’m not mad at it. The real question is — are you ready for sweater season to show up early?
Speaking of ready — I have something you might want to jump on right now… 📢 My 48-Hour Brand Spotlight Deal is LIVE! If you’re a business owner, author, or creative and want your brand featured on my blog, socials, and in my next issue of Where It Begins magazine, this is your moment. Limited spots, so let’s make it happen before the clock runs out.
📚 For My Poetry Lovers & Bookworms
I recently released my own poetry book — something straight from my heart to yours. If you enjoy words that move you, inspire you, or make you pause, make sure to check it out.
And because I’m always reading, here’s a little book talk for you:
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad This one… whew. Inspiring, eye-opening, and beautifully written. It made me reflect on life, the importance of travel, and memories of my mom. My prayers go out to anyone going through cancer right now — this book is a gentle reminder of hope and resilience. [Link to Book]
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan I’ve loved every book I’ve read from Kennedy Ryan, and this one is no different. She’s actually based in Atlanta, so I’m definitely going to try to connect with her for an interview! This book reminded me to be bold, speak my mind, follow my heart, and let love in. Life is short — treasure your loved ones while you can. [Link to Book]
🎙 New Podcast Alert: Candlelight Conversations with Cece
If you’re into journal writing, personal growth, and uplifting conversations, check out my new podcast — available on YouTube and Spotify. I light a candle, share a favorite scent, and dive into heartfelt topics to inspire your week. I’m also looking to partner with candle companies for future episodes — stay tuned! [YouTube Link]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Waving goodbye to rainy June and welcoming in sizzling July with open arms—and a neck fan on standby (yes, I ordered mine and I’m not ashamed!). Here is the link if you want to get one from amazon https://amzn.to/3I9t333 Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year?
Today is Independence Day, a time to celebrate freedom, fun, and fireworks! The 4th of July marks the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, officially breaking away from British rule. While I do have to work today (duty calls!), I’ll be clocking out in time to catch some fireworks—hooray for balance!
June Recap: Books, Movies & More
Our Cece Book Club pick for June was Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, and whew—what a read! Twisty, suspenseful, and definitely discussion-worthy. We’ll be diving into it this Sunday, and if you’ve been thinking about joining our monthly chats, here’s your invite!https://bookclubz.com/clubs/8151/join/0cfb43/ or head over to our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1033867936640433/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
For my Cece on the Scenes movie spotlight, June’s pick was K.O—a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my book. If you love action with a punch (literally), this one’s worth the watch.
What’s New in July: Fire Up the Community Love
This month, I’m proud to launch the Fuel for Their Fire campaign—my special thank-you initiative for our amazing firefighters. From handwritten letters to care packages, every bit of appreciation counts. If you’d like to get involved and support our heroes, please email me at cecewibnet@gmail.com by July 26.
Still Running: Blog & Magazine Feature Specials
If you’re a business owner, author, or entrepreneur looking for exposure—don’t miss these deals:
🌟 Blog + Newsletter + Social Feature: $100
🌟 Cover feature in Where It Begins Magazine: $500
Let’s get your story out there in a bold and beautiful way!
So here’s to July—a month of heat, fireworks, reflection, and community love. Take time to love on yourself, breathe in some peace, and light up your world in the best way.
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.
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!
🌮 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.
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!
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.
