Hey everyone!
Hope you had an amazing week and weekend. Winter is definitely wintering right now ❄️—some places even got snow, while we just got that bone-chilling cold. But enough about the weather… let’s jump into Cece in the City!
📚 Book Talk: People We Meet on Vacation
So I officially finished People We Meet on Vacation, and fun fact—I watched the movie before finishing the book. Now listen… I’m usually that lady who says “the book is always better.” Like historically speaking, books have had the upper hand since, well… forever 📖😌.
But THIS time? Plot twist of the century—the movie actually did it better for me. Shocking, I know! The pacing, the chemistry, the vibes… it worked. That doesn’t mean skip the book though—check out both and decide for yourself.
👉 Grab the book here: https://amzn.to/4pKGEOk
🎬 Cece on the Scene: THE RIP
Now let’s talk movies. I watched THE RIP, starring a powerhouse cast:
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler.
The story follows a team of Miami cops who discover millions of dollars hidden in a rundown stash house—and whew 😮💨, trust starts fraying real quick. When money enters the chat, loyalty starts exiting.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 ⭐
The twists? Solid. The plot? Kept me locked in.
Only note—I would’ve loved to see more of the women in action, but it was still a strong watch. Definitely add it to your list.
👑 Women’s Group Outing: January Edition
We also had our FIRST women’s group outing of the year, and let me tell you—it was everything ✨
Theme: Animal Print / Leopard
Because historically, leopard print has symbolized power, confidence, and royalty—and that’s exactly the energy we’re carrying into the new year.
🐆 Bold
🐆 Fearless
🐆 Queen-like
Every woman received a crown—because let’s be clear, you don’t find crowns… you ARE one 👑.
We also did Letting Go Plates, a powerful little ritual where we wrote down everything we’re leaving behind and NOT bringing into 2026. (Yes, we’re clearing space early!)
🍽️ Dinner Stop: Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar
We headed to Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, and for many of us, it was our first time. The reviews from the table?
✔️ Food was good
✔️ Vibes were strong
✔️ DJ was VERY raw 😅
At times I was like “oh wow,” and other times I was definitely grooving 💃🏾. The place was packed, full of life, and our waiter stayed on point checking on us—which always earns bonus points.
We did have a 2-hour limit, but we made it work, handled business, laughed, talked, and soaked it all in. It was a much-needed outing.
💕 Passing the Torch
One of my favorite parts? My daughters were inspired to start their own women’s group with their friends—same theme, their own section, their own energy. And yes… they had a GREAT time 🥹💖. Love to see it.
✨ Missed the Outing? No Worries
You can still do your own Letting Go Plate at home:
- Use a real plate and break it after
- Or use a plastic plate—write on it, cut it up, or even keep it
Totally your choice.
📸 Be sure to take a picture and share it—I’ve included a photo for inspiration.
Remember the theme:
Bold. Fearless. Queen-like.
Leopard energy is wild, focused, fierce, and confident… that’s the vibe 🐆👑
💐 Weekly Thank You: Women Who Inspire
One thing I love doing each week is giving flowers while they can still be smelled 🌸. This week, I want to send a big thank you to two women who continue to inspire, empower, and pour into me through their storytelling.
✨ Elizabeth Gilbert
Her book—and later the movie—Eat, Pray, Love truly left a mark on me. Historically, it became a cultural moment for women learning to choose themselves, explore the world, and heal out loud. The themes of self-discovery, courage, and starting over deeply resonated with me and still do. It reminded me that it’s okay to pause, wander, and find joy in unexpected places.
✨ ReShonda Tate
As an author, ReShonda Tate keeps me entertained, engaged, and turning pages. Her storytelling feels real, relatable, and powerful. Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I’m in for a good read—she has a gift for pulling you in and keeping you there. Authors like her continue to remind me how important our stories are.
To both of these women—thank you for inspiring me, empowering me, and reminding me of the power of words. Your work matters, and it continues to pour into so many of us 💫
✊🏾 Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This week, it’s also important to pause and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—not just the name we hear every January, but the man, the mission, and the movement.
I’m especially grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Museum here in Atlanta. Walking through the space, reading the exhibits, and learning more about his life gave me a deeper understanding of his courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice. It’s one thing to learn about him in books, but standing in a place filled with history makes it hit differently.
Dr. King reminded us that change starts with courage, community, and love—even in the face of resistance. His legacy continues to inspire generations to speak up, stand firm, and lead with purpose.
I’m thankful for the chance to learn, reflect, and carry those lessons forward ✨
Stay tuned for the next Cece in the City—more books, more scenes, more vibes coming soon 💫
