Cassie DeNisco

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My Must Have Accessories- Bonus Post!

I have truly curated this must have accessories post with all of my favorites! I find myself sometimes looking to splurge on accessories and other times, Amazon does the job. They can help add to any outfit and really elevate your look.

My favorite outfits are those casual ones with cute accessories. It always makes you look so polished and put together when you really didn’t try that hard. All of these items will have links and as usual I make a small commission if you purchase through them but there’s no pressure!!

Amazon Sunglasses- Shop Here

must have accessories

Why would you ever pay for expensive sunglasses when Amazon seriously has the greatest selection? I can’t get over that they not only have designer dupes but they have so many unique styles. They’re all so affordable and I can really switch it up which I love.

I am obsessed with these sharp glasses. They’re great running errands and walking the dog but they also can help to dress up an outfit when you’re going out. They are so affordable and a true must have.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag- Shop Here

If you read my pet favorites post, you know I love this bag. It has seriously just become my everyday bag because it perfectly fits my keys, phone and wallet. If you’re a dog mom, there’s also an outer pouch that I put in some dog treats so we’re set when we go out.

Definitely on the pricier side, but when I tell you I use this all the time I seriously do. Many of you know I’m also a dance teacher and this is the perfect bag for those long competition days. Not too big and easy enough to carry the essentials.

Hoop Earrings- Shop Here

This is a newer accessory favorite of mine but hoop earrings elevate any look. Whether you’re rocking athleisure or a nice going out outfit, hoop earrings get the job done. I am obsessed with these from Amazon.

Disclaimer: sometimes jewelry on Amazon is hit or miss. I have really sensitive ears so I find that sometimes the quality isn’t there but I found these to work well for me. I like a chunky but small hoop because it just gives the outfit a good feel.

Aritzia Socks- Shop Here

You’re probably asking why specifically Aritzia socks but they are next level. I feel like everyone has their go to sock brand and my favorite is Aritzia. They are not only super cute but come in so many lengths so it helps to add to your outfit.

Tall socks have really been making a comeback so I love adding these to a sneaker outfit. Whenever I’m ordering I always order socks because I just love them that much.

Louis Vuitton Key Pouch- Shop Here

must have accessories

This is pricy but oh so worth it. I am obsessed with this key pouch and have been for years. It attaches to my keys and perfectly holds my cards and some cash. This is hands down my all time favorite accessory.

I hope you enjoyed this bonus post! These must have accessories are favorites I can’t live without! If you liked this post, be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post!

My Green Smoothie Recipe to Boost Beauty

I am so excited that the weather in NY is finally warming up. I’m sharing with you today my go to green smooth recipe that is great to boost your beauty. Smoothies are my favorite summer morning drink to get in your greens and keep you cool.

I also feel like the summer months are my favorite for fresh produce which helps to elevate these smoothies. I’ve shared my green juice recipe before but never my smoothie. This is perfectly sweet and refreshing for the warmer months!

green smoothie recipe

Ingredients for Green Smoothie Recipe:

1 Frozen Banana

1/2 c frozen mango

1 c spinach

1 tsp Spirulina powder

Coconut Water

Directions:

  1. In a powerful blender, combine frozen banana, frozen mango, and spirulina powder.
  2. Fill to the top with spinach and then pour in about 1/2 cup of coconut water.
  3. Blend and see consistency. If you like it thicker your might just need to add a teeny bit more coconut water where as if you want it thinner add a lot more coconut water!
  4. Pour in a mason jar & enjoy!

As you can see this smoothie recipe is so easy to make but is oh so good. This green smoothie recipe has all the tropical vibes you’re looking for on a summer morning. Smoothies are seriously such a go to for greens in the am to start off your day.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post! Let me know of your favorite smoothie combinations in the comments below!

The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba- Book Review!

This month I’m sharing with you my book review of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton! I have fallen in love with Chanel’s books based around historical fiction. As a child, this was my favorite genre and to be honest, finding her books has opened my eyes to it again.

If you read my book review for 2021, I shared my thoughts on Next Year in Havana and When We left Cuba both by Cleeton. These books are connected and are such great reads. I decided to pick this book up at my local book store because I seriously just love her writing.

I was definitely not disappointed by this book and am excited to share my thoughts with you! Historical fiction has seriously become some of my favorite books to read so this was perfect for me.

The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba- Shop Here

the most beautiful girl in cuba

The themes of this book are that of girl power, bravery, and love. This book takes place during the Spanish invasion of Cuba in the late 1800s. This backdrop of war really shows how tough it was for women.

We follow the stories of 3 women: a writer in the US, a rich woman turned war prisoner, and a woman who has to live in an encampment. I love that each chapter discusses how different each’s life is. This book is actually based around a true story about a woman who American media deemed “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba”.

As the story progresses we learn more about the conflict and see how American media is trying to influence the war after the American government does nothing. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the bravery of these women.

The writer is trying to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry. One woman is acting as a spy and smuggling notes into the war prisons. The beautiful woman in prison eventually gets aid from the writer and the spy to break out of being wrongfully imprisoned.

I loved this story because it kept me on my feet and really made me think. Chanel Cleeton does a great job of weaving a great story into actual historical events. If you are interested in history, this book is seriously for you!

Wrap Up

Let me know in the comments below if you like these posts! If I’m being honest, they’re some of my favorites to write. Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post from me! Stay tuned for next month’s book, it’s a good one!

Revlon Hair Dryer Brush vs Dyson Air Wrap!

In my last post about the Dyson, I mentioned that I also had a Revlon Hair Dryer too. I originally purchased this before I was gifted the Dyson so the Revlon and I have some history. I thought it would be super beneficial for you to get an in depth comparison of both.

I feel like when I hear about the Revlon and Dyson dryers, people only talk about the price. I feel like that is only a little part of the comparison between the two. Keep reading if you’re in the market for a new blow dry brush or want to see if the Dyson is actually worth it.

Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer- Shop Here

revlon hair dryer

This blow dry brush averages around $60 and is basically a brush that blows out warm air. I love the design of this one because it is so thick and easy to hold. I also like the shape of the brush part because its flat with rounded edges.

This helps to create a really bouncy and curved blow out look that I feel like is really in. However, the blowout look is really the only thing that this gives you. There are no other attachments so you really only can get a blowout every time.

I do like how the blowout comes out and that I can dry and style my damp hair right out of the shower. Similar to the Dyson, you do need your hair mostly dry to avoid damage. My biggest con with this is I can just feel how hot it gets and know it’s not good for my hair. I try not to use this often but it’s so great on nights I take a shower and want my hair styled for the next day.

Dyson Air Wrap- Shop Here

revlon hair dryer vs dyson

This set averages $549.99 and comes with a base and multiple attachments. The Dyson is great because you can blow out, straighten, and curl your hair all with this one device. One slight issue I have with this product is that it’s hard to travel with. I love all the attachments so it just makes everything bulky to bring with it.

Styling wise, the possibilities are seriously endless. I love the brush heads to give me a sleeker blown out look. I actually don’t use the curl barrels that much because no matter what I do the curl just doesn’t stay. I can say that I don’t feel like my hair is being damaged like I do with the Revlon. That doesn’t mean it’s not damaging but I think the Dyson is a bit better on the hair.

Honestly my two big cons are that I wish it had an attachment like the Revlon’s brush. I really like the bouncy and flipped in ends look. I haven’t quite gotten that with the Dyson because the brush it has isn’t that big. I also think the price is super steep for something that you probably don’t need.

Revlon vs Dyson

If you want my honest opinion, you really don’t need the Dyson. It’s a cool tool with crazy technology that helps to minimize heat damage. However, it’s super expensive and honestly, the Revlon does just as a good a job. I feel like the people who are in the market for a drying brush just want a blown out look which the Revlon gives you. The choice is entirely yours, but had I not gotten the Dyson as a gift, I’m not sure I would have purchased it myself.

I hope this revlon hair dryer brush vs Dyson review was helpful! I wish I had something like this to help with my decision. It’s crazy that the Dyson is so expensive that you really have to weigh all the pros and cons of it.

If you want more Dyson reviews and tutorials, you can read my Dyson Review here and my Dyson Tutorial Here! Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list you never miss a post!

Plant Based Alternatives I Love

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

plant based alternatives

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

plant based alternatives

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

plant based alternatives

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

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!

My Cooking Favorites to Make Life Easy!

For this month’s bonus post, I wanted to share my cooking favorites that make life easy. I kid you not, these products have completely changed the game for me cooking. They help make the process go smooth and not be stressful.

I think for a lot of us 20 somethings cooking seems like such a daunting task. Between prep, cooking, and cleaning, it takes a lot of time. Having products like these to cut down cleaning and prepping time, you’re cooking time can actually become fun!

Our Place Always Pan- Shop Here

cooking favorites

My Always pan has seriously made cooking and cleaning so easy. This is a non toxic non stick pan that seriously does it all. You can boil water, sauté or even steam in it with the steamer it comes with. I absolutely love this pan and honestly it does so much that it has replaced a lot of my other pans!

Rice Cooker/Steamer- Shop Here

I’m not going to lie to you, at first I was like I totally don’t need a rice steamer. Once I got one, I can’t live without it. It seriously makes the best rice ever for whatever you’re eating. It reminds me of the perfect sticky fluffy rice. I also like this one because it comes with a steamer tray so you can cook your rice and veggies at the same time.

Silicone Strainer- Shop Here

I love this strainer for not only cleaning my rice but pasta too. It’s so nice to not have a million pans to clean after you cook so this little gadget is great. You just fasten it on the side of your pot and then pour out the water. It seriously makes life so much easier.

Mini Chopper- Shop Here

Not exactly sure how I lived my entire life with out this but a mini chopper seriously is so helpful. You just have to throw in whatever you want to chop and press the power button. It seriously does it for you and makes cooking faster. I also love this to chop up my onions so I don’t have to tear up while doing it!

Glass Containers- Shop Here

cooking favorites

This was something that I recently invested in but glass containers for storage are amazing. I really love them because you can put them back in the oven to reheat food which I prefer. I also like them because I feel like they keep the food better then the flimsy plastic ones.

Utensils- Shop Here

cooking favorites

My final favorite is new utensils. I think we all look over our utensils because they still function but new ones just hit differently. I have tried expensive ones in the past but find that the cheap ones do the job they need to. We all end up throwing them out anyway so why bother investing in super expensive ones.

With these cooking favorites in your kitchen, cooking will become your new favorite hobby. As with anything, having the right tools makes such a difference. I love cooking on nights when I have the time to make a meal because of these things!

If you loved this post, check out some recipe posts here! Be sure to subscribe here so you never miss a post!

Finding a French Bulldog Breeder

The top asked question in my dms when I post Sky is who was her breeder. The next question is how did you find a french bulldog breeder you trusted. I won’t sugar coat, it took me over 6 months of research on not only breeders but the breed itself to find someone I trusted.

French Bulldogs are a unique breed and can have a lot of health issues if they are bred incorrectly. You are spending so much money already on your puppy. It’s crucial to make sure you can avoid major genetic issues as well as some physical ones as well.

I’m going to share with you my thought process in picking a breeder but not the breeder itself. Unfortunately they are no longer breeding but I also think you need to find a breeder on your own. Recommendations are great but honestly there’s a lot at stake when choosing your French Bulldog breeder.

Facial Features

This is probably my top tip and something I didn’t realize until after I got her. Frenchie’s can have major breathing problems due to their smooshed faces but so far we haven’t seen that with Sky. Her nose is actually much further out on her face and I think that’s why.

I’ve noticed the dogs how have the super smooshed faces seem to be the snorters and the ones that breath super heavy. Sky has minimal breathing like that but seriously not that bad. When going to pick out your Frenchie, I would look for breeders who have dogs with longer snouts because that just means more air and room for air for your pet.

Health Info

This one is pretty obvious but you need to have a breeder who’s willing to give you info on the health of all of their dogs. Not just the parents of your puppy but also the other dogs in their care. I was able to actually meet her parents and look at them as well as get their health info written out.

They didn’t have anything that would’ve been a warning sign or indicator of hereditary health issues that they could give to Sky. I wanted to also meet some of their other dogs because it gives you an idea of how well they take care of their pets and if they have any health issues.

Vibe of the Breeder

I can’t tell you how many breeders I talked to that were way too pushy. If I’m reaching out about a dog, clearly I want one but not just the first dog you have. I also was turned off by breeders who had insanely strict contracts for vaccines and spaying/neutering.

When I take home my puppy, I want to be able to make decisions for it that I have researched and feel is best, not anyone else. I get why breeders have contracts to preserve their line of dogs but I wanted a breeder who would guide me, not decide for me. Sky’s breeders were super laid back and answered any questions I had in the early months of having her.

Social Media Tags

This is one that I think a lot of people don’t think to do. My breeder had an instagram account and I found it super helpful to go to their tagged pictures and see how their dogs were doing now. This gives you an better idea of their health problems that maybe a breeder wouldn’t want to tell you.

Through social media, I was also connected with some of Sky’s siblings to talk about the dogs and how they’re doing. This was just so helpful to see happy and healthy older dogs because it gives you an idea of what you’re getting.

What does your puppy come with

After talking to a bunch of breeders, it’s common to have dogs come with other health tests done. I think the more health testing your breeder can offer the better because then you know what you’re getting.

Some dogs also need vaccines so it’s important to make sure your pup comes up to date with those. Some breeders send home other things like collars or toys. I don’t find that as important as getting those health tests that you would want.

Obviously price and color come into play but these 5 things were at the top of my mind. You are trusting this person to give you a healthy dog that’s very expensive. Research is essential and taking the time to choose is necessary.

My top tip is just start emailing your local french bulldog breeder or breeders at a distance you’re comfortable in going to. Honestly, building a relationship with the breeder and getting to know their dogs is my top tip.

Check out more Frenchie posts here and be sure to subscribe to my mailing list here so you don’t miss a post!

Reminders of Him By Colleen Hoover -Book Review

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

reminders of him

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!

An Honest Review of Skims!

This post has been a long time coming. I have wanted to get my hands on Skims by Kim Kardashian for the longest time but just never got around to it. I love her style and recently the Skims advertising has been doing the most and really sold me.

Whenever you think about the Kardashian/Jenner clan, sometimes we don’t always think of affordable products. I was pleasantly surprised that the items I purchased on Skims were actually fairly priced. I was definitely a Victoria’s Secret/Aerie girl for intimates but as you’ll see after this honest review of Skims, I might be a changed gal.

Soft Lounge Boxer- Size S in Onyx ($36)

Click here to shop!

honest skims review

I actually haven’t warn these boxers as often as I thought I would only because it’s been cold. I purchased these to wear to bed in the summer and I still think these are going to be game changing. Overall the material is so soft and breathable. Like I said, I think this will truly be amazing on hot summer nights!

Cotton Rib Tank- Size S in Soot ($34)

Click here to shop!

What I love about Skims is truly how versatile the basics are. This tank is amazing for lounging or you can go out in it. The material reminds me of the boxers where it’s super soft and breathable. I do need a bra with this if I’m going out out but for lounge it holds everything in how I’d want it.

Fits Everybody Super Cropped T-Shirt- Size S in Onyx ($42)

Click here to shop!

This cropped top was truly the reason I even purchased from Skims. I have heard nothing but great things about this basic crop top. I heard people use it to lounge in, go out for errands in or actually dress is up so I knew I need to have it.

This truly has become my go to top. I love it with sweatpants and sneakers for a comfy street style look. I know the price is a bit steep for a crop top, but I love this and will absolutely be investing in more.

3 for $36 Underwear

I ordered the Cotton Jersey Dipped Thong Size S in Soot, Cotton Jersey T Shirt String Thong Size S in Soot, and Fits Everybody T String Thong Size S in Onyx. When ordering, I wasn’t planning on purchasing underwear but I felt like I should for this review.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and fit of everything. They are truly so comfortable and I especially love the cotton jersey dipped thong. It fits so well and the cotton material is seriously buttery. I found that their quality was definitely better than VS so the 3 for $36 was definitely worth it for me.

I hope you enjoyed this honest review of Skims! Let me know if you have any items and what you think of them. I’m planning on purchasing some shape wear and more lounge pieces so let me know if you want a part two to this post!

Be sure to subscribe here to the blog and check out other reviews like this here!