Cassie DeNisco

A Delicious Korean Turkey Recipe

October 1, 2021

This Korean turkey recipe is definitely something out of my comfort zone but it’s actually delicious! As many of you know, for the most part I am plant based. Once in awhile I will incorporate meet into my diet and Iove this recipe for that. The protein from the turkey makes this meal filling and somewhat healthy. Keep reading to learn how I make my Korean turkey recipe.

Ingredients:

3 lbs Ground Turkey

4 tbsp Soy Sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 yellow onion

2 tbsp of minced garlic

1/4 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground giner

Red chili flakes (add to your liking)

Sesame seeds

3 c cooked rice

Directions:

I like to first dice up my onions and set aside. Next, I will start to cook the ground turkey in a large frying pan until cooked thoroughly.
While the turkey is cooking, I add all the other things together to make my sauce except for the sesame seeds.
Once the sauce is mixed and the turkey is finished, I’ll add the onions and sauce to the frying pan and let both sit covered for about 10 minutes. This step really helps the onions to soften and the sauce and meet to mix.
When that is finished, I plate this with some white rice and top with sesame seeds!

I think you can see why this is one of my favorite recipes. I absolutely love how fast and easy this korean turkey recipe is. This makes for a really great meal prepped dinner or lunch if you want to prep this ahead of time. I prefer turkey over beef but you can obviously swap the turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even a plant based option!

Let me know in the comments below your favorite meal prep dinner! Check out my other recipes here!

At Home Gel Nail Polish Tips & Tricks

September 17, 2021

Last fall I shared my powder gel polish review but recently I’ve been more obsessed with the simple regular gel polish. I have finally found a good mix of tricks and products to give you the best at home gel nail polish mani or pedi so I’m going to share with you all my secrets.

Nail Prep

The first step is always to remove my old polish and then cut, file, and push back my nail beds. I use this kit from Amazon that has everything I need for this stage. I also make sure to buff out my nails very well. This is probably the most important step so that the polish will adhere and last longer.

Polish

I actually randomly found these brands on Amazon but they work really well. This base and top coat set is not only inexpensive but also lasts. I usually can go about a week and a half with the polish on. This gel brand, Aimeili, is great because they have colors and have a nice formula. I feel like the polish is the perfect mix and not to thick or runny.

UV Lamp

This lamp is honestly what has made such a difference for me. I had a light before this and it was not nearly as powerful as this one is. Not only does this light have different time settings, it’s also big enough for your whole hand to go in at one time. After I cure my base coat, I go in with two coats of my color and finish off with my top coat.

My at home gel nail polish is seriously that simple. I love having my nails done but one thing that this pandemic has taught me is I value my time more. I’ll still get a professional mani pedi for a big occasion but for the other times, I’ll do it at home so I’m comfy and not wasting 2 hours of my day.

I hope this post gave you a few good recommendations to start your at home nail journey. It took me awhile to get good at doing my own nails but once you get the hang of it, you might never go back!

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My Shower Routine

August 6, 2021

One thing I can’t live without is my long showers. Showering to me is so therapeutic and I have gotten my shower routine down to a since. I love nothing more than after a long day taking a shower to just get rid of all the stress of the day. This post is dedicated to all of you out there who love the shower as much as me!

The first step to any good shower routine is ambience. I like to turn the lights off so it’s dark. Sometimes I’ll even drop in a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to help me relax. I also have recently been incorporating music into my routine. I got this adorable little water proof speaker and I’ll play some Taylor Swift or spa music to unwind.

After I set the stage for a relaxing shower, I’ll hop in and get to the nitty gritty with my products!

Dr. Teal’s Lavender Body Wash

This is my go to body wash when I’m needing to unwind. Because it’s epsom salt, it relaxes the muscles and the lavender scent just takes it to the next level. I can’t get enough of this body wash and it also makes a good bubble bath soap too!

Shampoo and Conditioner

My shampoo products often switch up during the week. I’ll go in with Olaplex when I’m needing something to help refresh and hydrate my hair. I use the Not Your Mother’s Purple Shampoo and Conditioner when I really need to refresh my blonde. I try to only wash my hair every other day so I will make sure to switch off between these products so that my hair always gets what it needs.

Shower Tools

This is probably my favorite section of products for the shower. I love to use a loofa with my body wash. It helps to really soap up the product and get it into a thick lather. Similar to a loofa, I love this hair massager. It helps to get the buildup off your scalp while also giving you the best scalp massage. My final shower tool is my face brush. This is great to use in the shower because it cleans my face and then I don’t have to do it when I get out.

This was definitely a more up close and personal blog post with sharing my shower routine. I cannot explain just how much I love a good shower so I hope these products and tools help you get the most out of your shower. Let me know in the comments below if you’re a night shower person or a morning. I am definitely a night person!!

You an read about my other relaxing night routine essentials here.

My Tips to Unwind Before Bed

January 6, 2021

There’s nothing I love more than getting into bed early and with a good book. It’s so therapeutic for me to snuggle up with a comfy blanket and seriously just helps set the mood to fall asleep. I know for many falling asleep isn’t easy, so I’ve put together my tips to unwind before bed!

1. Find a Good Book

Reading before bed is seriously so calming. There is no better feeling to me then a fuzzy through blanket and a good book. I do make sure though that I am ready something that won’t stress me out or scare me so that it is not going to keep me up. I love reading easy reads before bed not only as good stories but reading the words on paper is so relaxing.

2. Aromatherapy

Essential Oils are something that I actually just started using but can already see the benefits off. I love using a little lavender on wrists and inhaling deeply. The smell of it is so soothing and really helps me to relax. I also notice an immediate shift to sleepiness when I smell it and highly recommend trying it if you’re looking for something to help you calm down and get relaxed.

3. Lighting

Lighting is something I feel like we often don’t consider but is crucial to relaxing. I love turning off my overhead lights as I’m getting ready for bed and putting on my cozy twinkle lights. This seriously helps me set the mood and immediately switches my brain from night to day. I think dimming your lights is an absolute must when setting the scene to relax and unwind for bed.

4. All Natural Sleep Aids

I will admit, these Olly sleep gummies might be slightly addicting only because of how great they work. Often, I am up all night with anxiety or nerves but taking these pills helps me to relax and just let go. I do wake up groggy and know that it is proven that too much melatonin can mess with you. I make sure to not take these every night but do utilize them on the nights I really can’t get to sleep naturally.

5. Turn off the Screen

This might be one of my hardest tips but most effective. It is so hard to turn the screen off at night but so important. I like to put my phone on charge and then immediately open up my book so that I’m not tempted to scroll. The blue light from our devices can cause us to not sleep well and keep us up all night. Turning off the screen an hour before bed will help you relax and unwind in no time.

I hope these tips on how to unwind before bed help you in getting the best sleep ever. When you sleep well, you feel well which is just so important. Now more than ever, sleep is also helping us keep our immunity up with COVID too.

Let me know in the comments below your tips to unwind before bed!

Check out my last blog post here! And be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco.

My Melissa Wood Health Review

August 17, 2020

For me, working out never was that fun. I never really found anything that really spoke to me or made me feel as great as everyone says you’ll feel. A real spark came when I discovered the Melissa Wood Health method and her app. Her workouts became game changing for me and inspired a whole new perspective on working out and getting in movement each day.

One thing that initially drove me to try her workouts was finding her on Instagram. She had a 10 minute video and after doing it, I was so freaking sore! I never felt that kind of soreness before from other workouts so I knew I was on the right track. She does a mix of pilates and yoga flows which always uses every muscle in your body. I leave each workout feeling like I used and toned my entire body, not just one area.

I also love the convience of her workouts. She often talks about how important movement is each day, even if its just a few minutes. When I started her workouts, I didn’t believe that but now I’m doing her flows at least once everyday, sometimes even twice. Melissa has the calmest voice and is so encouraging during the tough workouts.

On the app, all of her flows state the length directly on them so it makes it so easy for me to fit something in everyday. I have no excuses when she has something that’s only 8 minutes and is seriously killer. Her method really changed my entire perspective because I can get in something simple each day but take out something that will better me. I swear I have never looked at a workout routine like that before ever.

The Melissa Wood Health method talks about mind and body , which I have absolutely noticed a difference in myself. The app is only $100 for the entire year (what a deal) and she posts her weekly workout schedule on her website www.melissawoodhealth.com in case you want to follow along. I generally just choose whatever I’m feeling that day or base it on time.

Whether you’re looking for beginner workouts or challenging yoga and pilates flows, this app has it all. I highly recommend checking it out for the 7 day free trial because I am so sure that you will become as obsessed as I am.

Let me know your favorite workouts in the comments below and be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco. For more fitness posts, click here.

Best Sun Tan Products

June 22, 2020

how to get and preserve a tan!

It’s finally feeling like summer and I couldn’t be happier! I seriously have found some of the best sun tan products and I am so excited to share with you. One thing this quarantine has given me is a great tan and I would argue might be the best tan of my life. I read in the sun, answer emails and take phone calls so its not like I’m not being productive. One of the beauties of being home is that you can really work from any area of your home. With that being said, I’ve put together my top 5 best sun tan products to help you get a tan and then keep it all summer long!

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

This has been my all time favorite product for tanning since I can remember. I have tried plenty of tanning oils but this one is so nourishing for my skin that even if I burn, it helps to moisturize me. I usually buy the one with the least amount of SPF and start out with this on. Once I notice myself getting red, I switch over to the next product below.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen

This product seriously changed the game for me. I often would only wear just tanning oil until I realized how terrible it could be for your skin. I LOVE this sunscreen because I swear it has some tanning oil in it because it really helps me tan. Most sunscreens do what they’re supposed to by blocking the sun but I always use this and have the nicest tan after. I rarely even get red with this product. Even family members who have different skin types love this product because it seriously works.

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion

If I had to tell you the secret to a good tan or even a sunburn, I would tell you it’s this lotion. Moisturizing your skin is so important after spending time in the sun and I swear it helps to keep your tan beautiful and dark all summer long. I am obsessed with making sure I moisturize after I lay out and shower so this product is everything to me.

Drunk Elephant Sheer Defense

I’ve very conscious of making sure my face never burns. I want to stay as wrinkle free as possible and using something like this Drunk Elephant product really protects my skin. I must warn you that it is pretty much pure zinc so it is heavy on my skin but I know it’s protecting me and I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Chapstick is so important after a long day in the sun but I really like to make sure that I help to recharge and refresh my lips post tan. This mask is so hydrating and I absolutely love it. It seriously leaves my lips feeling great post tan. It is a a little pricy but totally worth it.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, or just your back yard this summer I hope the best sun tan products seriously help you tan. Don’t forget, the sun can be dangerous so do take precautions to protect your skin and always use SPF! You seriously will thank yourself later on down the road. Let me know in the comments below what the best sun tan products are for you!

Follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco!

Check out my last blog post here!

Summer Glow in Winter

January 12, 2020

It’s finally that time of year where most of our summer tans have disappeared. Have no fear because a good self- tanner will help to have you glowy and bronze in no time. I love making sure I have a summer glow in winter. One of my absolute favorite self- tanners is by Loving Tan. Not only do they have natural products, but they also have a built in anti-orange so that your tan will never look like an umpa loompa.

I love all their products but my top two are the Ultra Dark Tanning Mouse and their Gradual Tan Lotion in medium/dark. They seriously help to keep my tan looking natural all year round. I also highly recommend trying out their own tanning mitt because it absolutely will make a difference in the look and duration of your tan. Using these products literally gives me such a natural, healthy glow in the winter when the sun is definitely not as strong. Now that you know my products, here’s my routine!

My Routine:

About 1-2 days ahead of when you plan to tan, take a shower and shave your legs. I like to do this a day or two before I tan bc sometimes the tan gives me little hives with fresh legs.
Right before you tan, take a shower and exfoliate your skin. I use an exfoliate glove in order to really get the dead skin off. Exfoliating is key to an even and long lasting tan.
As soon as you get out of the shower, put whatever tan product you plan to use on a mitt and start working it into your skin in circular motions. Make sure you really blend the product in to make sure you don’t have streaks. I like to start at the bottom of my body with legs and work my way up.
As soon as you’re done tanning, put on loose fitting close and plan to do a rinse in about 6-8 hours. (Sometimes I skip this step and just rinse at my next shower)
For the week with your tan, don’t exfoliate in the shower and pat dry when you get out. This will help to preserve your tan.

With following this routine, I usually will be tan for a solid 5 days. On the 6th and 7th days my tan does start to fade so thats generally why I tan at least once a week and make sure that I follow all of these steps.

Now of course being tan all year round might not be everyone’s cup of tea. There is just something about being tan that makes me the happiest. Not only am I more confident in my own skin but I just have that summer vibe in the cold and dreary months of winter. Having the summer glow in winter really helps to keep me happy and motivated for summer. Recently, I just found a really great face oil that tans but I’ve only used it once. I’ll let you know if it works well in my January Favorites post!!

Follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco! And don’t forget to check out my latest blog post here!

My Quick Dinner Recipe

November 13, 2019

I’m back with a super yummy quick dinner recipe. This is probably one of my favorite meals for fall and winter because its a one pan meal. This means you literally chop it all up and then put it on a pan in the oven and you have a meal in no time. This quick dinner recipe can be made vegetarian. You also can easily swap out any of my ingredients for something that you love. I love meals like this that you can easily swap out ingredients for whatever is in season. It helps to make healthy eating that much easier. Let’s get into my favorite quick dinner recipe.

Ingredients for Quick Dinner Recipe:

Brown Rice

Sweet potatoes

Carrots

Broccoli

Brussel Sprouts

Chicken breast

Olive Oil

Directions: (it’s literally so easy!)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
Start by chopping everything up into cubes or just smaller pieces.
Place veggies on one side of pan and the chicken on the other. Sprinkle the olive oil over just the veggies.
Put it in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are to your liking. It’s usually about 25-30 minutes for me.
Plate with brown rice and top with salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you love.

Guys I wasn’t joking when I said I had a recipe by Chef Cass. I’m so so obsessed with making this because it makes great leftovers. This quick dinner recipe also can be meal prepped on a Sunday night and used throughout the week. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s so yummy and easy to make! Let me know if you have any other easy one pan recipes that you are obsessed with in the comments below!

Check out my Pinterest for more recipes @cassiedenisco !

Click here for my last post!

Winter Workouts I Love

November 10, 2019

Major disclaimer here: I am definitely no fitness coach but I do love to workout it unconventional ways. Most of my favorite workouts are outside but during the winter workouts are way too cold for that. I hate going to the gym so I like to make sure that whatever workout I do is one that I can either do at home or do somewhere else that’s not a traditional gym. Here is my list of winter workouts that I love.

Kayla Itsines Program

I actually have been through this program twice and I love the results. It’s for 12 weeks and it gives you set workouts to do. Most of them don’t require equipments but some just need like a medicine ball or dumb bells that you can grab at Target. I definitely think this program is perfect for winter workouts because you don’t have to leave your house but you’re also pretty much guaranteed a great bikini body in summer.

Pilates/ Yoga

Depending on where you live, you might not have a stand alone studio to do pilates or yoga in so you might have to go to your local gym. Luckily for me I have a studio near me and I love going to classes here and there. Pilates will always leave me with that really sore feeling that I love. I feel like I got an awesome workout in that really toned my body. Yoga on the other hand I love because it keeps me nice and flexible as well as somewhat toning me up. For a challenge, try a hot yoga class!

Home Gym

I know this one might not be feasible for everyone but investing in a spin bike or a tread mill at home might make all the difference. You have the comfort of your own home to workout however and whenever you want. I find that in winter I crave a better workout but I never want to actually leave because it’s so cold. I found my equipment for super cheap on Amazon and I am absolutely obsessed!

Winter workouts don’t need to feel like a chore. Just find something you love and stick with it. I hope these winter workouts will inspire you to stay healthy even in the hardest and coldest months to do so. Let me know in the comments below your winter workouts.

Check out my last blog post here and follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco !

College Meal Prep Guide

August 28, 2019

Back to school for a lot of people usually means back into a routine. I know for me it means attempting to get back into the groove of eating healthy. This often is way easier said then done because being a college student means you don’t have a lot of time. Between balancing classes, studying, jobs/internships, and a social left, it doesn’t leave much time in the day for cooking healthier meals. I know for me that having something already ready to eat makes eating healthier way easier. Meal prepping is definitely time consuming but setting a side some time one day out of the week to prep your food or snacks will make your life seriously easier in the long run.

The key to meal prepping is having the right tools. First, I would seriously consider investing in an air fryer. Having mine has seriously changed the game. I cut up all my veggies and then just stick them in the air fryer for like 15 minutes. When they’re done, they’re so tasty and they cooked so quickly. I also like using it for my proteins. I cut them up, season them and I swear it cuts the cooking time in half. Aside from the air fryer, I also like to make sure I have the right containers to help the food last during the week. If you search on Amazon “meal prep containers” so many come up but I have my favorite bins and bags below!

Now let’s get into my favorite meal ideas!

Breakfast

Everyone always talks about overnight oats but I’m not gonna lie to you, I think they taste awful and can get really unhealthy with all the stuff you add to them. One of my all time favorite breakfast recipes are these little muffin cups. They have sausage and cheese in them and seriously keep you full. They’re easy to make too so you can prep them on a Sunday and have a great school/work breakfast for the week!

Ingredients:

Pre cooked Breakfast sausage

3 Eggs

3/4 c Shredded Cheese

1 Biscuit packet

Directions:

Pre heat your oven to 350 and mix all of the ingredient above together in a bowl. Grease a muffin pan and then pour the mixture into each section of the pan. They only cook for 6-7 minutes so this recipe is quick and easy!

Lunch/Dinner

I decided to lump these two together because I usually make enough meals that I can mix and match with dinner and lunch. One of my all time favorite recipes is a chicken stir fry with white rice. Life hack: you can get white rice in microwavable packets in the grocery store that are already cooked, you just reheat them. These are my favorite veggies to use but feel free to make it your own!

Ingredients:

Chicken Breast cubed

Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots

Coconut Aminos

White rice

Directions:

Marinate your chicken in a 1/4 c of the coconut aminos, then place it in your air fryer and cook it up for about 20 minutes. Let your air fryer cool and then put in your chopped up veggies and cook for 10-12 minutes depending on how crispy you like them. Once done, put the rice in your meal prep containers and then add your chicken and veggies!

These meals are seriously my favorite because they’re yummy and easy. I love meal prepping because it helps me to stay on track with my goals for eating healthy. These recipes are great for high schoolers, college students, and even for people who work because meal prepping helps save so much time. Comment below some of your favorite meals to make ahead of time!

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