Cassie DeNisco

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My June Favorites 2021

I can hardly believe that this is the third Friday of July! I wanted to take some time today to talk about some of my June favorites of products that I just couldn’t live without. These are seriously my all time favorite posts to read and write because they expose you to some new products you might not have heard of before. There’s products in all different categories so sit back, relax, and enjoy the post!

Billie Razor

june favorites

This Billie razor has been life changing. With me shaving more often in the summer, the quality of this razor and the shave is literally everything. I was pleasantly surprised that this was also so affordable and they automatically ship you the razors you need for a refill. If you’re looking to step up your shaving game, check these out this summer!

DryBar 100 Proof Oil

This hair oil from Drybar has become my instant favorite this summer. I find that my hair gets so dry over the summer and this seriously smooths some flyaways and helps hydrate my hair. This is pricy but a little oil does go a long way and I’m still on my same bottle from May!

Not Your Mother’s Purple Hair Mask

I wish I found this Hair Mask sooner. This mask does wonders to refresh my hair and combat the brassiness my hair tends to get. You leave this in for 5-10 minutes and it helps to brighten and lighten your blonde. Even though I am not fully blonde anymore, I still love this product on my ends to keep them bright and not too orange.

The Intimacy Experiment

This was my most recent read so I had to include it here. I read Rosie Danan’s first book and loved it so I knew this one would be another great one. This is a light and fun read perfect for the summer time. I love this book and think it’s one to add your your reading list!

Highline Wellness CBD

I initially tried this CBD on a whim when my anxiety was really bad. I never could have imagined that it seriously works and helps to just relax me. This doesn’t have the THC so it’s not a drug, it’s just the healing properties of CBD. Highly suggest trying this if you struggle with anxiety like me!

As you can see, these favorites have a little bit for everyone. I have been really into taking good care of my skin and hair so I have been loving trying new products. I hope these June favorites inspire you to try something new or check out a new product!

You can read my last favorites post here!

My BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

As we head further into summer, I am all about a light and easy dinner. This BBQ chicken salad recipe is delicious and so easy to recreate. This not only is a great dinner, but it’s also easy to prep for lunches for the week. By spending a little time prepping everything on a Sunday, you can have healthy salads all week long that you can mix and match ingredients. Keep on reading for how to make my favorite BBQ chicken salad recipe.

Ingredients:

bbq chicken salad recipe

1 Red Onion

2 Tomatoes on the Vine

1 Can Corn (I roast mine on top of the stove until blackened)

2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken

2 Hard Boiled Eggs

1 Cucumber

1/2 Cup Shredded carrots

Greens of your choice

Barbecue Sauce

Ranch Dressing (I love this Boathouse Greek Yogurt one!)

Assembly:

I love to grab a big bowl and put my greens down first. I always pick a mixed greens with baby spinach but that is totally up to you. Next, I just throw everything in the bowl and finish off with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and then some ranch dressing. My top trick is to cover your giant bowl and give everything a good shake so it all gets covered.

As you can see, this BBQ chicken salad recipe is so quick and delicious. It makes the perfect summer dinner or lunch recipe and is great for meal prep. Salads aren’t always my top choice but when you have so many yummy toppings, it helps you not even realize you have greens in it!

Let me know your favorite salad combo below!

Click here to check out my other salad recipes.

My Favorite SkinCare Masks

If you’ve read my updated skincare routine, you know I love using a mask at least once a week. Face masks are great to use to target a certain problem with your skin but also just elevate your skincare experience. I think masks are just so fun and great to use especially after your steam your face. Keep reading on to see the skincare masks I love and why I love them!

I make a small commission off of the links here, no pressure to purchase through these links but I do thank you for the support!

Glamglow Supermud

skincare masks

This face mask was my holy grail for so many years. It’s a great clay mask that helps to really clear out your pores and target acne. This mask did wonders for my skin but it’s actually quite pricy. The standard size is $60 so I started to not love it as much when I kept having to repurchase it.

Sephora Purifying Mud Mask

skincare masks

Finding this face mask was revolutionary for me. I wouldn’t say that this is a dupe for the glamglow but it does a lot of the same things and it’s only $16. I love clay masks that purify and cleanse the skin. At the end of the week, I feel like my face just needs a good pore clean out and this does the trick. I absolutely love this mask and it really has made me not need to by the Glamglow one since I found it.

Drunk Elephant Baby Facial

skincare masks

I love to use this mask about once a month. This little one is powerful and perfect for resurfacing your skin. The mask leaves my skin feeling like I was just getting a professional facial but I got it in my home. I notice a difference in the texture of my skin the next morning when I wake up. I will warn, this one does tingle a bit so if you don’t like that feeling, I wouldn’t get it!

Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Whipped Mask

This mask is a newer favorite of mine and is one that I think is best suited for drier skin. The first few times I tried this out I definitely broke out. It is so nice to put on and is so fluffy. Definitely hydrating and it’s pink so I mean, come on!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Obsessed is an under statement with the Neutrogena sheet mask. This is one of my favorite skincare masks after a long day. I pop it in the fridge for a few minutes and when I put it on my face, it is so cool and relaxing. This is basically a shot of hyaluronic acid for your face so your skin is left glowy and hydrated.

Diamond Eye Mask

I definitely saved the best for last with these eye masks. These are best in the fridge but I use them a lot throughout the week. They are perfect in the morning to help wake up my eyes or even at night when jade rolling my skin. I think you might be only able to get these at target but I seriously love these and are by far the best that I have tried yet.

I hope this blog post leaves you with a few new skincare masks recomendations! Skincare is so much fun and find it so interesting to see what works for other people. Skin is so funny because what might work for you, might be terrible for me but it’s always great to try!

Let me know your favorite skincare masks that I should try out!

skincare masks

My 2- Ingredient Banana Pancakes

One of my favorite things about summer is that I have so much time in the mornings. I love waking up a little later, getting a workout in, and actually making breakfast. One of my recent favorites has been banana pancakes that are literally only two ingredients. These banana pancakes not only are healthy but they also are so yummy and will keep you fueled for your summer adventures.

Ingredients:

1 Banana

2 Eggs

Directions:

  1. Turn your griddle or stove on medium heat and be sure to grease it.
  2. Peel your banana and mash it really well in a bowl with a fork.
  3. Crack two eggs and whisk with the banana until completely combined.
  4. Pour about 3 tablespoons of your mixture into the pan and wait until the edges start to thicken. Once they’re thick and the underside is golden brown, flip.
  5. Top with peanut butter, syrup, or berries and enjoy!

Guys I am not kidding when I tell you how easy and yummy these banana pancakes are. The key is to make sure your pan or griddle are hot before you put the mix on it so that they form evenly and don’t stick. Even my cousins like these, and they’re super picky eaters! You can even bulk these pancakes up with plain oats or protein powder.

If you’re looking for more breakfast recipes, check this post out!

Let me know if you have any minimal ingredient recipes below or what your favorite summer breakfast is!

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Best Sun Tan Products

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

best sun tan products

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

best sun tan products

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

best sun tan products

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

cassiedenisco.com

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

best sun tan products

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!

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Check out my last blog post here!

French Bulldog Must Haves for Heat

Frenchie tips + products for summer

My puppy Sky just turned one so I thought it was fitting that I put together a list of French Bulldog must haves. Frenchies are a super unique breed with some potential for health problems but to be honest, that comes with any dog. I have had the best experience so far with my French Bulldog and she is a serious goof ball. Here’s my list of French Bulldog must haves for heat!

One thing that you don’t realize about Frenchies until you have them is how hard it can be for them in the summer. Because of the structure of their nose and their fur, staying cool becomes a real challenge. Aside from having air conditioning on and not walking her in the heat of the day, she still loves to go out and play but I realized she would get hot and tired so quickly. I purchased these French Bulldog must haves for heat below and I am so glad I did!

Cooling Vest

french bulldog must haves

I got mine from Canada Pooch and Sky and I are obsessed with it. A cooling vest works to help dogs sweat since that is something they can’t do on their own. I put Sky’s in cold water, ring it out, and then put it on her for a few hours. Be sure to check that it hasn’t gotten to warm periodically so that you’re not making her more hot. I have noticed a serious change with her with this on because she’s able to take a nap and get comfy in it when its hot. It also it prevents her from getting to hot on walks. This an ABSOLUTE French Bulldog must have for heat and will seriously help your Frenchie this summer. (For reference Sky is 23 pounds and I got a size 14)

Cooling Collar

Similar to the cooling vets, a cooling collar works the same way. It’s just focused on keeping their neck and head cool. Sky isn’t the biggest fan of having something wet on her neck but I love using this when we’re just hanging outside for a little while. I initially purchased the two pack on Amazon but haven’t used the ice one yet. The blue one gets the job done and keeps her cool. I purchased the Canada Pooch one when I got the vest and I love this one too. This one is definitely more high quality and keeps cool longer BUT the Amazon one is the one she is definitely more comfortable in.

Cooling Mat

french bulldog must haves

Sky isn’t so sure about this one but I feel like on really hot days she’ll thank me. This cooling mat from Amazon is really cool because it has an ice insert that keeps it cool for hours. Right now, she doesn’t lay on it to sleep but she does eat her bones on it . This mat is great to keep her cool and comfy when she’s hanging out on the deck outside. The ice in it lasts awhile and I high recommend trying this out.

My Sky loves to be outside which is something that is just not feasible for her all summer long. She does pretty well in the heat, at least she has so far, so with all of these products it does allow her to be outside much longer. Some tips for keeping your dog cool are to always have fresh water. I also have see the rule to not let them play too long in over 75-80 degree weather. My final tip is to give your pup cool treats frequently. Whether it’s an ice cube or a puppy pop (recipe here), cool treats help them to cool down just like us!

If you’re a Frenchie parent or any dog parent with tips and tricks on how to keep your dog comfy and cool this summer, leave a comment below! Let me know what you thought of these French Bulldog must haves.

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco & @skythefrenchgirl !

Best Books for Summer 2020

Although it might not feel like it, summer is right around the corner. Whether we’re still stuck at home or on vacations, there is always time to curl up with a great book. This summer, I’ve put together the best books for Summer 2020 just like I did last year. Here’s that post. I hope this list of best books for summer inspires you to put down your devices and check out a good read.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

best books for summer

If you’re looking for a great book to motivate you to get things done, then this is for you. Year of Yes not only encourages you to step out of your comfort zone to try new things but it also gives a look into the life of Shonda Rhimes. She’s the creator of some of my favorite shows like Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, and How to Get Away with Murder. She shares with her readers a guide to saying yes and not letting fear get in your way.

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

best books for summer

I am obsessed with this author and equally as obsessed with this book! Last summer I read When Life Gives You Lululemons and it is just as great as this book. I love how Lauren Weisberger creates characters that are so relatable. As I read her work, I think about how similar it is to Gossip Girl, one of my favorites, but an adult version. Chasing Harry Winston chronicles 3 girls dating journeys at different stages. It’s a great read for the beach because you won’t want to put it down.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

best books for summer

Read this book if you’re looking for something you won’t be able to put down!! Based in Connecticut, this book is about a woman trying to insert herself into another woman’s life. I loved this book because it was so fascinating. Every page had me captivated and the author is amazing at writing. The author is actually a sister duo writing together which I found even cooler. Love this book and definitely will read more by the author!

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

best books for summer

This is on my list to read this summer! I have heard great things about this author and book so I am excited to get started. This book was also recommended by Reese Witherspoon which is all the more reason to read it! Based on the back of the book, it seems like a murder mystery coming of age story and I am hooked. This one really seems like it might be the best books for summer!

I hope this list of best books for summer inspires you to find a good book and get to reading. One of my all time favorite things to do is lay out in the sun and read a good book. Let me know what’s on your list of best books for summer and share it below!

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25 Things to do During Quarantine

things to do during quarantine

I bet you’ve read a thousand blogs on things to do in quarantine but I think my list might top all of them. In NY where I live, we are currently on week 6 almost 7 of quarantine and I’m pretty sure I’ve done it all. From movies to watch to things to do, I have you covered if you find yourself struggling to figure out what to do!

  1. Watch Baker and the Beauty on ABC
  2. Reorganize/clean your room
  3. Bake something!
  4. Read a new book
  5. Call or Facetime a friend
  6. Host a virtual game night
  7. Try something new!
  8. Take a virtual dance or yoga class
  9. Play a board game
  10. Online shop
  11. Make some tie dye (use my diy here)
  12. Foster a puppy
  13. Go on a walk around your neighbor hood
  14. Take a nap
  15. Start a side hustle
  16. Read ahead for school classes or take an online class
  17. Workout or just move your body
  18. Watch Little Women
  19. Don’t focus on the news
  20. Learn a new language
  21. Lay in the sun
  22. Enjoy spending time with whoever you’re with
  23. Take a nap
  24. Spend some time on yourself
  25. Don’t over do it!

One thing I’ve learned throughout all of this is that you have to take it easy. Yes, this might be the most free time you’ve had in years but no one is judging you on how productive you are or not. We have to be kind to ourselves during this quarantine and I hope this list of things to do during quarantine is helpful.

I know this is a really uncertain and troubling time but we all will get through it. It does suck that we have to social distance and can’t just get up and go wherever we want to but patience is key. If you try out any of these things to do during quarantine let me know or let me know of the things you are doing during quarantine!

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco

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