Cece In The City

Tag: Cece

  • 🌸 Nature, New Bites & A Much-Needed Reset in Gainesville, GA 🌸

    Yesterday, I had one of those soul-soothing days that you don’t even realize you need until you’re deep in it. I packed up my thoughts, my neck fan (my summer BFF!), and hung out with a friend for a little escape to the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville.

    Now listen, don’t let the word “Gainesville” fool you. While it’s smaller than the bustling Atlanta location, it carries its own charm, character, and calm. Nestled in the heart of North Georgia, this garden is actually an extension of the original Atlanta Botanical Garden and opened in 2015. Fun fact: it was built on land once home to a grand estate, and today it’s a blooming retreat filled with curated trails, colorful floral displays, and all the serenity your spirit can handle.

    We got there early—before the sun had fully clocked in for the day. It was warm, high 80s, but not melt-into-the-ground hot, thank goodness. My trusty neck fan came through like always! As we wandered through rose-lined paths and beneath shady trees, I felt the stress I’d been carrying slowly fade into the breeze. There’s just something about being surrounded by nature, hearing the birds sing their morning songs, and exchanging good convo with a friend—it’s therapy without the co-pay.

    The people were so friendly too! Everyone seemed to be on the same wavelength—just out there soaking in the beauty, smiling, and vibing with the Earth. Pure peace.

    But you know me… the day wasn’t complete without a little foodie adventure. We ended up at a local gem called The Cream in Duluth —and babyyyy, let me tell you! I stepped way out of my comfort zone and tried octopus fritters. Yes, you read that right. OCTOPUS. And guess what? They were 🔥. Golden, crispy, and surprisingly delicious. The texture? Perfect. The flavor? On point. Sometimes, your taste buds just need a passport and a little courage!

    Moral of the story: Don’t let the name scare you—just taste it. You might surprise yourself.

    By the time I got home, I was worn out in the best way. Tired body, full heart. That little Gainesville getaway reminded me how healing nature, connection, and good food can be.

    If you’re ever in North Georgia, carve out a few hours for the Botanical Garden in Gainesville and end it with a bold food move. You won’t regret it. 💚

  • A Weekend of Memories, Music & Moments

    Hey y’all!

    This weekend was one for the books — a blend of emotions, culture, family time, and smooth jazz vibes. First, I want to pause and say Happy Heavenly Birthday to my beautiful mom. Although she’s no longer here with us on earth, I still keep our little tradition alive: I grab a bunch of balloons and release them into the sky with love. It’s my way of saying, “I’m thinking of you, always.” She’s the reason I keep going, and moments like these remind me just how much I miss her every single day.

    To celebrate life and keep our spirits lifted, my daughters and I headed out for one of our special weekend adventures. We take turns choosing what we do — and this time, it was one of my daughters’ picks. She chose a unique gem called Gio Am Nhac in Doraville, GA. This little shop was filled with a mix of treasures — music, trinkets, and vibes. Our rule: everyone had to pick one item. I ended up choosing a green bracelet. If you know me, you know I love the color green — it’s calming, vibrant, and reminds me of growth and peace.

    After that, our foodie hearts led us to Paris Mi Banh, where I tried their pâté pork roll croissant. Let me just say — different, but interesting. I’m all about stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing different cultures through food, and this spot definitely gave me a new experience!

    But wait — my weekend didn’t stop there.

    On Saturday night, I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Gerald Albright live at the Fayetteville Amphitheater. If you’re a jazz lover, you already know — he never disappoints. This was my second time seeing him, but my first time at this venue. The atmosphere was beautiful, and the music? Soul-soothing. Yes, it was hot out, but shoutout to my friend who brought neck fans — lifesavers! If you don’t have one yet, check Amazon ASAP and thank me later.

    Click link to get Fan

    https://amzn.to/43YSRaE

    So that was my weekend — filled with love, family, culture, and jazz. What about you? How did you spend your weekend? Tried any new places, caught any good shows, or had a special moment with someone you love?

    Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear from you.

    With love and city adventures,
    Cece

  • Big News: My Poetry Book is Here! ✨📚

    I can hardly believe I’m typing this… Poems of Passion & Purpose is officially published and out in the world! 🥹💃🏾

    This moment feels surreal—a dream I’ve held in my heart is now a reality. Another goal checked off the list, and I’m still taking it all in.

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    To every single one of you who encouraged me, believed in me, and kept asking, “When’s the book dropping?”—this is for YOU. Your love, support, and patience mean everything. 💖

    I poured my soul into these pages. I hope the words speak to your heart, stir your spirit, and remind you that passion and purpose can live in every line.

    👉🏾 Grab your copy on Amazon: Poems of Passion & Purpose
    Let it meet you where you are—and maybe even where you’re going.

    Thank you for riding this journey with me.
    Here’s to dreaming big, writing boldly, and living with purpose.

    With love & gratitude,
    Cece 🖋️🔥

  • Support Cece in the City

    ✨ Support Cece in the City! ✨

    Hey friends! If you love my travel adventures, book highlights, and community events, you can now support me on Buy Me a Coffee ☕💛

    Every contribution helps me create more amazing content, explore new places, and share incredible stories with you all. Your support means the world!

    Check it out here: buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity

    Thank you for rocking with me! Let’s keep exploring together. ✨

  • Celebrating National Days: Hats, Popcorn, and MLK Day

    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!

  • Join Cece’s Journey on Patreon! 🎉

    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.

    Now, I’m inviting YOU to be part of this journey! By joining my Patreon, you’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to interviews, travel blogs, and sneak peeks of upcoming magazine issues. Your support will help me:

    ✨ Travel to all 50 states and beyond to uncover unique stories.
    ✨ Create high-quality, inspiring magazine issues and blog posts.
    ✨ Host events, support authors, and give back to communities in meaningful ways.

    What’s in it for you?
    💌 Personal shoutouts and thank-yous.
    📚 Monthly book recommendations and discussions.
    🎥 Behind-the-scenes vlogs, interviews, and more.
    🎉 Exclusive access to giveaways, merch, and special events.

    Your support, no matter the level, fuels my passion for storytelling and creating. Join the community and be a part of something amazing!

    👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/Ceceinthecity

    Let’s make magic together! Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

    With love,
    Cece

  • Happy New Year! Hello, 2025!

    As we step into this brand-new year, I’m wishing you all a year filled with happiness, peace, love, and unforgettable adventures. Let’s make 2025 a chapter we’ll always treasure!

    This year, I’m determined to embrace life fully. I plan to travel more, savor the little moments, stay active, radiate positivity, and fall even deeper in love with this amazing journey called life. What about you? What goals and dreams are you chasing in 2025?

    I want to take a moment to thank every single one of you who has followed my journey so far. Your support means everything, and I’m so excited for all that’s to come. Stay tuned because this year, we’re turning dreams into reality, one step at a time.

    And hey, don’t forget to dust off those vision jars and boards! Let’s fill them with all the positivity, goals, and intentions we’re manifesting this year. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress toward your dreams.

    Here’s to 2025—let’s make it the best one yet! Stay inspired, stay grateful, and let’s enjoy the ride. Happy New Year, friends! Let’s do this!

  • Exploring Chattanooga: A Whirlwind Adventure

    Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River, it’s known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and attractions that appeal to adventurers and history buffs alike. My recent visit to Chattanooga was brief—just 24 hours. We had to leave early—due to a family emergency, but it was packed with memorable experiences that left me eager to return.

    Ruby Falls: A Hidden Wonder Beneath the Earth

    Our journey began with a visit to Ruby Falls, a breathtaking underground waterfall located deep within Lookout Mountain. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert, the falls are part of a series of caves that took millions of years to form. Walking through the cave was an adventure in itself—twisting paths, unique rock formations, and the hum of history around every corner. Contrary to what one might expect, the cave wasn’t cold, perhaps due to the physical activity that kept us warm. When we finally reached the waterfall, it was magical. Illuminated by lights, the cascading water created a spectacle that words can hardly describe.

    Lookout Mountain: A View Like No Other

    After exploring Ruby Falls, we headed outside to Lookout Mountain, a landmark with an incredible claim to fame: from its peak, you can see seven states—Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Standing there, gazing at the vast expanse of landscapes, was humbling and awe-inspiring.

    A Cozy Stay and a Culinary Delight

    We then checked into The Choo Choo Hotel, a historic site originally built as a railway terminal in 1909. While the coveted train car rooms were fully booked, we stayed in their standard accommodations, which were cozy and charming. The hotel’s atmosphere, infused with nostalgia, made up for missing out on the unique train rooms.

    Later, we ventured out to explore Chattanooga’s vibrant dining scene, stopping at Stir, a trendy spot known for its fresh oysters and creative menu. My meal of shrimp and grits was divine, a perfect blend of Southern comfort and modern flavors.

    Breakfast Bliss at Big Bad Breakfast

    The next morning, we indulged in a hearty meal at Big Bad Breakfast (BBB). Their French toast, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, was a decadent treat, and my daughter’s pancakes were equally delicious. It was the perfect fuel for the day ahead.

    Walnut Street Bridge: A Scenic Farewell

    Before leaving Chattanooga, we visited the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Built in 1890, the bridge has been lovingly preserved and offers stunning views of the Tennessee River. Visiting it was a peaceful way to reflect on our whirlwind trip.

    What’s Next?

    Although our time in Chattanooga was short, it was unforgettable. I didn’t get to experience Rock City or the famous Tennessee Aquarium, but that just means I have more reasons to return. This charming city has so much to offer, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into its history and attractions on my next visit.

    Chattanooga is a destination that captures your heart with its natural wonders, historical significance, and warm Southern hospitality. If you’re looking for a getaway that combines adventure, relaxation, and great food, put this gem on your list!

  • Kicking Off a New Tradition: Experiencing My First Atlanta United Game

    This past Saturday, I crossed something off my Atlanta bucket list: my first Atlanta United game! I’ve always enjoyed soccer — mostly from my time as a proud soccer mom cheering on my daughters from the sidelines — but watching it live? That’s a whole new thrill.

    Since I won free tickets to the game, I invited my cousin along for the adventure to go to the Atlanta United’s playoff game against Miami at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Walking into the stadium, surrounded by fans decked out in red, black, and gold, I felt that electric energy that only live sports can deliver. The whole place was buzzing with excitement and, from the very start, you could tell everyone was there for one thing: to see our team win.

    The match was intense from kickoff. It was neck-and-neck at 1-1 for what felt like ages. With each pass, every shot, and every near-miss, the crowd’s anticipation grew. Then, just when we thought it might stay tied, Atlanta scored the winning goal! The stadium roared, and it was amazing to be right there, in the heart of it all, watching fans jump out of their seats and high-five strangers. What a way to celebrate our first game — ATL United winning it in the final stretch!

    After that experience, I can safely say I’m hooked. I’m ready to dive deeper into soccer, learn more about the team, and catch more games this season. Here are some snapshots of the night; I’m so glad I could experience it and cross this off my Atlanta list. Go ATL!

  • Highlighting Lil Zane

    For the month of July, I’m highlighting some incredible celebrities I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and sharing the positive things I enjoy about them. We’re often bombarded with negative news and drama about celebrities, so let’s flip the script and focus on the good stuff!

    Day 23: Lil Zane

    I got a chance to meet the always-smiling Lil Zane here in Atlanta. His infectious happiness is truly something to admire. Lil Zane is constantly involved in events around the city and continues to make waves in the music industry.

    Recently, he’s been adding acting to his repertoire and grinding hard in the industry. He’s a staple at community events and charities, always showing up and supporting. If you haven’t already, go back and check out some of my favorite tracks like “Callin Me” and “Anywhere” with 112.

    Today, I want to give Lil Zane his flowers and celebrate his relentless spirit and positive energy. Keep shining, Lil Zane! 🌟🎤🎬