Cassie DeNisco

Plant Based Alternatives I Love

May 2, 2022

I have been dairy free for almost a year now and seriously have never felt better. People always ask me how I do it, so I thought I’d share my top plant based alternatives that keep me going. I developed severe lactose intolerance over the past few years so I’ve become a pro at yummy dairy free things.

A lot of times people ask if I’m vegan but to be honest I don’t like to label myself. I am 100% dairy free due to medical reasons but I’ll eat meat here or there. This is my favorite list of milks, cheeses, and other plant based products & brands!

Follow Your Heart

This is my go to brand for any kind of vegan cheese. I love their Parmasean, Feta, and even recently discovered their sliced cheese. This brand makes me not even miss real cheese. I highly recommend checking out Follow Your Heart if you can. I usually find mine in Target and I’m telling you, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Simply

The simply brand is my go to for milks. I love that the ingredients are super minimal and the taste is pretty good. The only issue I have with it is that it is so hard to find. Honestly, I think it’s because it is so good! I usually will buy an extra almond or oat milk if I see it because often dairy alternative milks have so many unnecessary ingredients. This brand is so minimal and has a great taste.

Planet Oat

When I can’t get simple, Planet Oat is my next best thing. Ingredients are a little iffy however, the taste and consistency is spot on to dairy milk. I also am obsessed with the Planet Oat ice creams. I found when I went dairy free it was so hard to have ice cream but after discovering this brand, I can have whatever Ice cream I want by them because it’s so good.

Violife

If you’re looking for a good chunk cheese to maybe have a cheese board or shred yourself, check out Violife. I love their white cheddar chunk and love it in mac n cheese or scalloped potatoes. I don’t really like anything else by this brand but the chunk cheeses make me continue to come back for more.

Made Good

My final holly grail is the Made Good granola bars. Let me tell you, typical granola bar brands sneak so much stuff in them. I love these because not only are they dairy free, but their nut and allergy free too so if I’m on the go I won’t upset someones allergy. Again this are so hard to find but I stock up when I find them!

These are my tried and true products and brands that are plant based alternatives. It took me a while to get to the point where I could even recommend anything because you really have to try it for awhile. One thing to note is that I am huge on the ingredients in products but some of these don’t have the best. In situations like this, I choose flavor over ingredients because sometimes you just want as close to the real thing as possible!

If you love this plant based alternatives list, check out some recipes here! Subscribe here to my blog!

My Sunday Reset for a Good Week

April 25, 2022

If you know me, you know I love a good Sunday Reset. Sundays are the only day that I actually don’t have to go anywhere so I take full advantage of that. I like to spend my Sundays setting myself up for a good week.

Life can get super crazy during the week so I generally leave a lot of things for Sundays to do. I’ve been loving reading posts like these to see what Sundays look like for everyone else so I figured I’d share my typical Sunday routine!

7:30 am

Sky is always up around this time no matter the day so we’re usually up and feeding her at this time. After she’s all set for the morning, I grab my ice roller and we head back to bed!

10:00am

By 10 we’re usually ready to be up for the day and will either grab bagels or make a yummy breakfast at home. I rarely have breakfast in the morning but on Sunday it’s so nice to spend the time making something like pancakes that I wouldn’t normally eat!

11:00-1:00pm

Depending on how productive I was on Saturday, I may or may not have to grocery shop on Sunday. We usually will need fresh salmon so we will make a quick trip out for coffees and whatever we need. I love actually taking the time to go for a morning ride on a Sunday because it’s leisurely and something Sky enjoys.

I always will take a few minutes to refresh the house though. I love changing my sheets, dusting, using the Roomba and mopping. This little refresh helps to keep cleaning simple and not overwhelming. During the week, I cannot be bother to do this so carving out time on a Sunday to do this is essential to keeping me sane during the week.

1:00-4:00pm

After that, I always make sure I spend time doing whatever I want. Whether it’s a nap, reading, or doing some yoga/pilates, I like having time for it. Sundays are only relaxing if I can be productive but also make time for myself to rest and recharge. We generally do laundry throughout the week so this time on a Sunday can really be relaxing.

5:00-7:00pm

I am all about an early dinner on a Sunday. I love eating early, cleaning the kitchen, and then taking a good shower. Sundays are my favorite days for a yummy meal but that has easy clean up. You can check out my favorite soup recipe here that’s always a go to on a Sunday for me.

My Sunday showers are also a ritual. I love washing my hair on Sunday to set myself up for a good week. I’ll lotion and also lymphatic drain as well since I actually have the time to spend doing that. I finish off my day with comfy pjs and a glazed donut skin on my face.

7:00pm

Once I’m all set, I’ll hop into bed and we’ll usually watch a show or movie that we’ve been putting off. I love being in bed early on a Sunday because it seriously sets you up for a good week. I’ll read and then finish off the night with essential oils and a quick mediation before bed around 9pm.

Everything I just listed is my ideal Sunday reset. Obviously not every Sunday will be this dreamy but I do try to make a few of these things a priority no matter what I’m up to that day. Also, your Sunday reset might be totally different and that’s okay too.

I’m all about setting yourself up for a successful week and you might have to do different things to do that. Let me know your favorite things to do on a Sunday in the comments below and subscribe here to the blog!

Reminders of Him By Colleen Hoover -Book Review

April 13, 2022

I am so happy to be sharing our 4th book of the month with you- Reminders of Him! This month I went with a newer release by one of my favorite authors, Colleen Hoover. Colleen Hoover books are the best because she’s able to write a really wide variety of pieces.

I initially was introduced to her through Verity, which is an absolute must read if you haven’t already. It Ends With Us, also by CoHo is a completely different vibe but another must read. Colleen Hoover books are always so good so I was happy to get my hands on this one when it came out!

Reminders of Him–Shop Here

The cover of this book immediately draws you in, so I knew just from the outside this was going to be good. This book follows Kenna and Ledger, both dealing with the grief of losing someone they both love. We learn Kenna is a single mother, who was actually in the accident with her boyfriend Scott died.

Kenna went to prison for the accident and was never able to see her child. Scott’s parents blamed her for the accident and the after math. When she got out, Kenna goes back to the small town. She wants to see if she can meet her daughter for the first time.

Kenna meets Ledger, the bartender at the local pub and they hit it off. It gets a little steamy between them until Kenna realizes Ledger is Scott’s best friend who she never got to meet. With this beginning alone, it really draws you into the book.

The details surrounding the accident are not what they seem but everyone in the small town wants Kenna to go, except Ledger. As he learns more about her and the day of the accident, he realizes how terrible Kenna was treated due to everyone’s grief. By the end of the book, Ledger helps to make it possible for Kenna to see her daughter and they end up falling in love.

Final Thoughts

I really liked how Kenna got a happy ending. You could feel how much pain she was in throughout the book from the accident. It was great to see that Ledger ended up helping to create a relationship between her and Scott’s parents.

Ledger lost his best friend but was able to see what Scott saw in Kenna. Ledger took care of Scott’s daughter like his own so this book was just so heart warming and a great read. It wasn’t as heavy as some of her other books.

I hope you enjoyed this book review of Reminders of Him! I have been loving this book club we created so be sure to subscribe to my list here so you don’t miss one! You can read last month’s, Death By Dissertation here!

My Baked Oats Recipe!

March 14, 2022

If Tik Tok has taught me anything, it’s how to make a baked oats recipe to die for! Baked oats essentially is oatmeal that instead of cooking on the stove you blend the ingredients then bake. It turns into this delicious cake like breakfast that is so satisfying and delicious.

Baked oats is great because you can really customize it to your preferences. I’ve made it a few different ways but always go back to this simple recipe. This might seem super intimidating to make but with a few ingredients and a good blender you’ll have a great breakfast in no time!

Ingredients:

1/2 c Oats
1 Ripe Banana
1/2 c Almond Milk
1 tsp Baking Powder
Dash of Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tbsp Peanut Butter
Handful of vegan chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degreees
Add oats, almond milk, banana, baking powder, vanilla, peanut butter and cinnamon to a blender and blend thoroughly.
Spray a mini baking safe pan and pour in mixture.
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and bake for 30-40 minutes depending on how you like it. (Sometimes I like a gooey center and others I want it completely baked)

Do you see how easy and healthy it is to have cake for breakfast? I’ve even seen some people take out their baked oats and drizzle a little almond milk on top to make it even more gooey.

This baked oats recipe is my go to on mornings I’m craving something sweet and have time to make it. I wish I could make this every morning but because it does take a bit it’s a once in awhile thing for me.

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Death by Dissertation- Book Review!

March 9, 2022

I’m back with my March book of the month! I can hardly believe that it’s March and I’m already sharing my 3rd book of the year! I wanted to switch it up this month and I chose a light hearted mystery. I’ve found that I don’t love heavy books and this one is really fun and an easy read. This month we’re talking all about Death by Dissertation by Kelly Brakenhoff.

Death by Dissertation– Shop Here

I initially was drawn to this book because the main character and I share the same name, Cassandra. Cassandra Sato is an admin at a college where a death happens to one of her students. She finds herself thrown into the investigation and ends up uncovering more clues than the police.

I really enjoyed this book because the mystery was simple and easy to follow. On top of that, Cassandra is a really likeable character that calls her parents and has some love interest in the men she works around. Overall, this book has a little bit of everything: Mystery, friendship, and a hint of romance.

After reading It Happened One Summer and The Light we Lost, I was in the mood to switch of the genre. I actually found this one through the Kindle app and was excited to see it’s a series. I realize that I’m more inclined to choose a book if it at least has one other book in the series. Sometimes one book just isn’t enough for the characters so I gravitate towards series.

The best way I can describe this is like an adult Nancy Drew. Cassandra is balancing a full time job with a crazy boss, love life, friends, and making time to call her parents all while solving a mysterious death on campus. You’re really able to relate to her which I really appreciate.

I can’t stress enough that because I read before bed I don’t want any crazy scary books. I like easy reads that have a good story line. Death by Dissertation was perfect for me and gave me that mystery feel I was looking for. I’m excited to read the other books in this series!

I hope you have been enjoying these books of the month! It’s so fun to share my favorite book that I read that month. I actually have a goal of 75 books this year so we’ll see if I make it. I am always looking for more recommendations so let me know in the comments what you’re reading!

That Girl Night Routine!

March 7, 2022

If you know me, you know I am passionate about good sleep and unwinding at night. I’ve even written posts about it like this one for tips for better sleep! I wanted to share my version of the that girl night routine because I think this concept is really interesting.

This trend has a negative connotation because people feel like they need to act or do things a certain way. I think it’s really just bettering yourself and making sure you are the best version of you. The that girl night routine vibe is just helpful to inspire you to want to take better care of your mental and physical health.

With that being said, here are 5 things to do before bed for better sleep!

Lighting Matters

This is my top tip that I always suggest. Turn off or dim your lights a few hours before you plan to go to bed. As soon as I get home from work I like to start to turn off lights after I use them so that my brain starts to process that the darkness means sleep.

I feel like too bright of lights will keep your body awake. It helps to get you in the mood to lay down when the lights are dim and cozy anyway. This will help making falling asleep easier.

No Phone

This one was seriously a tough one to get used to. It seriously has made such a difference though. I use the sleep feature on my iPhone and actually have it set to go on for 8pm. Essentially this turns on do not disturb so you’re not seeing any notifications.

When the light on your phone keeps popping up from notifications your more tempted to check it. I like to just put my phone on charge and maybe turn on a show or my next step to help me unwind.

Reading Helps

If you are someone that likes reading, try it right before bed. Unless I’m reading a really high action thriller, my eyes almost always get heavy after reading for like 30-45 minutes. Most nights I turn to reading instead of a show in order to reduce that light and screen time.

I try to just make sure that whatever I read isn’t going to be too exciting or interesting so that it doesn’t have the opposite affect on me. I’m currently sharing one book a month for my book club so be sure to check out the posts here!

Essential Oils

Essential oils are my very final step. I love falling asleep to the smell of lavender and I almost feel like I have conditioned myself to fall asleep as soon as I smell it. Sometimes I’ll even put a drop in my humidifier so that the entire room smells good.

Essential oils are really underrated and I think more people would like them if they gave them a try. I even have body wash and bath soaps that have the essentials oils infused in them so if I shower at night, I’m setting myself up for success.

Don’t Stress

One thing I hear all the time when I hear people talk about sleep is how they get stressed about it. You have to go in with an open mind and not worry if it takes a bit to fall asleep. There’s no worse feeling then watching the clock tick by because you’re stressed that you’re not asleep yet.

If you can’t sleep one night, that’s totally fine but get up and get water, or take a lap in your house. Don’t let yourself spiral into anxiety and stress which will only prevent you from sleeping.

Like I said, I am all about good sleep. I think quality sleep seriously sets you up for a great day and keeps you going. These things have seriously helped me to unwind and honestly get in the mood for sleep. I hope they help you too.

The that girl night routine is all about being your best you and honestly that’s why I love it so much. Night routine posts are always my favorite to write. Let me know if you liked this post and be sure to comment more posts you want to see from me!

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24 Things I Manifested Before Turning 24

February 28, 2022

Because this post is going live on February 28th, the night before my 24th birthday, I wanted to reflect on my life so far! I came up with this idea of 24 things I manifested before turning 24 as a way to look back on everything I’ve accomplished so far.

Manifesting isn’t this crazy concept. It’s based along the principle of speaking things you want in life into existence. You have to focus on specific ideas and the universe will help guide you towards them. I think making room to dream about your future is so important in helping you actually want to work towards it. You’ll see some of these things are huge goals, and others are just small daily things that make my life so much better.

24 Things I Manifested

1.My Puppy

2. The Blog

3. Paying off half of my college loans in cash right out of college

4. Purchasing a new car on my own

5. Able to dance & teach dance everyday

6. Working from home

7. My relationship 🙂

8. Ability to Travel

9. Financially Indepedent

10. Healthy Lifestyle

11. Time to read everyday

12. Being close with my family

13. Able to do something creative everyday

14. Managing stress and anxiety

15. Parents who support whatever I do

16. Time for hobbies and to explore other things that interest me

17. Brand partnerships from my blog

18. Creating a side digital marketing business

19. Toxic people leaving my life

20. Intentional with every action I take

21. Finding what makes me happiest

22. Letting go of things that don’t serve me

23. Ability to manifest & just let the universe move through you

24. Being grateful for everything no matter what

Wrap Up

As you can see, this list has all sorts of things on it. Whether you manifest, pray, or just set intentions they all do the same thing. Just focus so hard on what you want in your life and just let things take their course.

I am so grateful that I realized how powerful manifesting was and was able to have this list. Manifesting isn’t magic and you won’t over night be able to meet some goals. Living each day focusing on only what you want and letting go of things that don’t serve you will help you reach whatever you want.

I am so grateful to have built this community and am able to continue to share all my favorite things with you. Let me know in the comments if manifesting has worked for you!

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My Healthy Dessert Recipe!

February 21, 2022

This healthy dessert recipe is delicious!! I used to not like dates but making them this way has changed my dessert game forever. I find myself always craving something sweet to finish off the night but I just wanted a healthier alternative.

This recipe uses dates to make a healthy version of a candy similar to a snickers bar. I know you might be thinking dates are kind of weird but they actually give off a caramel vibe paired with this chocolate and peanut butter treat!

Anyone can make this recipe because it is just that simple! Here’s the recipe for my favorite healthy dessert!

Ingredients

Pitted medjool dates

Peanut butter

Chocolate chips

Directions

Open up the date and put some peanut butter in the middle.
Melt some chocolate and completely cover the date in it.
Let the dates set in fridge for about 30 minutes and enjoy!

As you can see this recipe is so simple and only had 3 ingredients! I’ve seen some people take some flaky salt and add it to the top for a sweet/salty vibe. I personally am just all for the sweets so I leave it just like that.

I love this healthy dessert recipe because it really is a great alternative dessert. I never am one to deny cravings but I also know that I should sometimes try to swap it out for something healthier. Let me know in the comments below your favorite healthy dessert recipe!

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My Wellness Favorites!

February 16, 2022

This year instead of resolutions I decided to choose a word to live by. I picked “wellness” which just means I’ll be more conscious of my well being than I was last year. Whether it’s working out, eating right, or honestly just slowing down and taking time for me I want to promote and elevate my wellness.

With that being said, January was a bit of a transition month for me with this and I found some products that I seriously love. These wellness favorites range from all different categories and seriously have helped raise my game for wellness!

The Five Minute Journal- Shop Here

This guided prompt journal was game changing for me. Before the new year I had tried to journal and write out my thoughts but honestly it became a chore. I often was struggling with what to write and stopped enjoying it.

I loved this journal when I found it because there’s 3 questions for the morning and 2 for the evening. They’re short and sweet but get me thinking about what I’m grateful for and set up my mindset for the day. I also like that there’s room to reflect at night how the day went. Highly recommend if you’re looking to start journaling but need a prompt to get you started.

Microwave Heating Pad- Shop Here

I became obsessed with this. There was not a morning or night that I did not heat this up and use it on my neck, feet, or back. I live in NY where it is so cold in the winter so this just helped to relax me and elevated my mood and my vibrations.

I love that you can just microwave this because it is so easy to use. I don’t like the plug in kinds because you have to sit near and outlet. Although this will lose it’s heat, by the time it started to cool down I was ready to either go to sleep or get going with my day.

Melatonin & CBD Gummies- Shop Here

I am usually a great sleeper but once or twice a month my anxiety runs wild. These CBD + melatonin gummies are everything for the nights I need to relax and shut off my mind. I usually take some time to read before bed so I’ll take 1 of these and in like 30 minutes I’m ready for bed.

I’ve tried other gummies before this but they honestly leave you groggy in the morning. I think because these have CBD they help you to fall asleep, stay asleep, but wake up refreshed and ready to go. Highly recommend these but of course take at your own discretion!

Pajama Set- Shop Here

I just had to include this pj set because I swear it instantly makes me cozy and relaxed. I got this set off of Amazon after I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to invest in the more expensive version. This dupe did not disappoint me and I wear the robe like all the time.

I have a Barefoot Dreams robe but since this one is significantly cheaper, I find myself wearing it more. I don’t feel nervous cooking in it because it wasn’t as expensive. These Pj’s are so soft and seriously make me feel ready for bed the second I put them on.

Bamboo Pillow- Shop Here

I was definitely a skeptic when it comes to pillows. I liked pretty soft and squishy pillows because they’re honestly the comfiest. Over winter break I got a COVID booster and I was down for a few days. The only thing that helped me sleep was my boyfriends super thick pillow.

Ever since then, I have slept religiously ever night and I think everyone needs one. The stiffness is great especially if I want to read. It keeps be propped up enough but still comfy and cozy in bed!

As you can see, these wellness favorites are all for better sleep and just overall relaxation. I think for me, wellness seriously just means reducing stress and using that to live my life. We live in such a face paced world that is like perfect for anxiety to grow and it takes a toll on you.

Using these wellness favorites have helped me to take a step back and be able to shut off the world when I’m home. It’s so important to me to use my house as a safe space that isn’t chaotic and each of these products just elevates that feeling for me!

Let me know in the comments below your resolutions or word for 2022! You can check out my last favorites post here! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter here!

My Top Date Ideas in NYC

February 14, 2022

In honor of this being posted on Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share some of my top date ideas in NYC! Whether you live in the city or are planning a trip, these places and restaurants are must stops in the city.

For me, the city is only about a 45 minute train ride or drive away so I find myself in the city quite a bit. I’ve curated this list over the past few years. I wanted to make sure I hit the major categories like food, entertainment, and of course shopping!

Dinner & Drinks

Italian in Little Italy

Not sure about you but there’s nothing more romantic to me in the city than Little Italy. It has this adorable charm to it and some really great restaurants to just pop into for dinner. One of my favorites is Capri but I honestly just like to walk around a pop into whatever looks good. It’s always fun to discover something new and it kind of makes that place special for the both of you!

LadyBird Vegan Tapas

I have yet to actually go to LadyBird yet but I have heard nothing but great things. It’s a vegan apps and drinks kind of restaurant and the inside is decorated beautifully. If you’re looking for a quicker bite to eat and are in the area I think this is a great option!

What to Do

A Trip to the Met

This is one of my favorite things to do in the city. The Met is seriously a beautiful museum and honestly, it could take a you a few times to check everything out. I love finishing up at the Met and then walking through Central Park. This combo is literally perfect and honestly a great activity that’s not too expensive but gives you plenty to talk about.

A Walk Around South Street Seaport

If you’re looking for a less city atmosphere but great views, South Street by the boats is for you. I love this area because of the water and the peacefulness it has. Crazy that you can find this pocket of peace in the craziness of the city. This area also has some shops and restaurants so there’s more to do than just look at the water.

Where to Shop

The Shops at Hudson Yards

Not only is the building across the street sick but you get the mall vibe in the city. If you want to go shopping but not have to pop around streets this is great. I like this for a date idea because this area has a lot to do so you can stay in one place, eat and shop at once.

Soho

This is more of a general are to shop in. Of course you can head up and down Fifth Ave but I feel like for a date you’re looking more for a vibe and experience. Fifth tends to be a bit busy and I like the Soho quaintness.

I hope this top date ideas in NYC post gives you some tips on planning your next trip. I had a lot of fun putting this post together so let me know if you want more like this! I’m hoping to travel this spring and summer so I’d love to put more of these together if you liked it.

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