Cassie DeNisco

New Posts Weekly

The Light We Lost- Book Review!

It’s a new month which means a new book! I loved the response from our first book of the month, It Happened One Summer! Not only is it so much fun sharing my book recommendations with you, but it really helps me keep accountable and reading all year long!

When I initially picked this book up in the book store, I thought it was something entirely different. I don’t like to read heavy books so when I realized that’s what this was I was a little worried. However, this book was so captivating that I had to keep going.

The Light We Lost– Shop Here

the light we lost

The Light We Lost really draws you in with the first chapter discussing the characters account of 9/11. Both Lucy and Gabe are in college in NYC in the beginning and they experience this very scary time together. From there, this story evolves into their friendship and love continuing throughout their lives.

As they grow up and get new jobs, the book has them bump into each other here and there. It begins to make you think of fate and maybe they are meant to be together. Even Lucy and Gabe consider it, but never take the jump to explore what that could mean after Gabe takes a job that requires he travel.

I started to think about missed opportunities during this book. Lucy and Gabe clearly have so much love for each other but their lives are like parallel lines running next to each other but never crossing, until the end of the book.

I was not prepared for the ending and if I’m being honest, it’s why I don’t usually pick books like this. Something happens and you realize you can’t keep living life with the idea of something, if you want it you have to work for it. The main theme of this book for me was realizing life is too short and sometimes when you finally get what you want, it’s too late.

Final Thoughts

Timing is truly everything and it seemed like Lucy and Gabe just never got the right timing. Jill Santopolo was a great author and the way she wrote this book from Lucy’s perspective was so unique. At the end you realize what the narration means and I was just speechless. I recommend this when you’re looking for a book with a bit more to it.

These book posts are so fun to write. I hope you’re enjoying them just as much as me! Don’t forget to follow @bookchatswithcass if you want to follow along with the books I’m reading in real time!

Also, feel free to leave your book recommendations in the comments below. I am always looking for books to add to my list and would love to hear what you have read or recommend!

Self Tanning Tips for Winter

I always find myself reaching for my self tanner right about now in the winter. My summer glow has faded and I’m seriously reaching for anything that will get me glowing. I’ve made previous posts about self tanning tips like this one here but I’ve actually switched up my products.

I noticed with the previous brand I was using, the ingredients weren’t very clean and one of my resolutions was to make sure my beauty products are. Another thing I noticed was that they changed their formula. This brand I had been using for years and the last time I purchased, then tan had a weird tint and didn’t go on smooth.

No need to fear, I found this brand at Ulta and I seriously fell in love. The Tanologist brand is pretty affordable and it seriously works wonder. I decided to try out the tan water instead of the mouse and honestly, I don’t think I have a preference. The water is harder to use because it goes on clear to not rub off on anything but that makes it hard to know where you put it.

In addition to the water, I also purchased the drops which I soon realized I didn’t actually need. I never used to use self tanner mouse on my face because it would break me out but the water actually doesn’t. The drops are useful though because all you have to do is mix them with your favorite moisturizer. I might try them in the spring when I’m starting to lay out again but want to be tan. Here are some of my self tanning tips for Winter!

Exfoliate

I feel like people will tell you to exfoliate and literally never elaborate on what it actually means. You need to prep your skin to be able to soak in the tan, just like getting your nails done or hair. I like to shave about a day before I tan and then I like to exfoliate in the show right before I tan. This way my skin won’t be super irritated but I’ll get a smooth application.

To exfoliate, I like to use a mild and gentle body wash with a loofa or some sort of exfoliating brush and just gently work it over my skin. Do not go crazy because you don’t want to over exfoliate and throw your skin off.

To take off the tan, you can try this same process about a week later. I always like to tan on Sundays so then I’ll do it again on the next Sunday.

Moisturize

This is one I used to always over look but not anymore. Moisturizing before you tan is so essential to making sure you don’t have any pooling of the tan in places your skin is try. I used to always mess up my knees and elbows because they’d be super dry. Now that I moisturize, the tan glides on and is even.

It’s also super important to continue to moisturize your skin even as the week goes on. The moisturizer will help preserve your tan and keep your skin glowing. I like to use a lighter moisturizer that won’t be too heavy on my skin but still gets the job done. My personal favorite is actually just the mositurizer from CeraVe.

Find What Works

Not gonna lie, this one took awhile. You can try out the products I mentioned and they might not work for your skin type. It takes a bit of testing out to find a product that is affordable for you and that works well. I really like the Tan water because it’s not super sticky and so far hasn’t transferred to any of my clothing.

I do recommend trying out a mouse if you are just starting out because I can see how you might get an uneven tan the first few times you use it. My biggest tip is to find something that you are comfortable and confident using.

I hope these self tanning tips were helpful. I love being a bit tanner in the winter because it seriously just lifts my mood. The weather in New York is often cold and gloomy mid winter so I’ll do anything to make it feel like summer.

Be sure to subscribe here to my newsletter so you don’t miss a blog post!

Products Mentioned:

Tanologist Express Tan Water $16.99- Shop Here

Tanologist Face + Body Drops $19.99- Shop Here

Ulta Sunless Mitt $5.99- Shop Here

Ulta Tan Mitt for Face $5.99- Shop Here

Daily Body Moisturizer $12.99- Shop Here

Healthy Greek Bowl for Dinner!

As soon as I tried this for the first time, I knew I had to share this healthy greek bowl with you. This recipe is delicious and so easy to make. I also love it because it is so fresh and healthy, making it perfect for dinner when you’re trying to get back on your healthy routine.

I love bowls because of how customizable they are. You can add or take out whatever you don’t want, which makes this great to feed your family! This meal is plant based but you can easy make a meat protein for it like grilled chicken if you’re someone who needs that!! Here’s the healthy greek bowl recipe!

healthy greek bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 red onion
  • 1/2 a cucumber
  • 1 c Bulgur (you can substitute with couscous too!)
  • Hummus
  • Feta Cheese (I use vegan)
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • Peper
  • Garlic Powder

Directions

  1. Dice your tomatoes, onion, and cucumber. Add them to a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix and set aside.
  2. Cook your bulgur according to the packaging. You want it to have no water left by the time your are done cooking it.
  3. Once the bulgar is finished, assemble your bowl with the veggies, hummus, bulgar, and feta cheese on top.

I literally told you this was the easiest meal ever. I love this because you can also prep it in the morning or even the day before and it sits really well in the fridge. This is such a fresh recipe and something I crave after the holidays when we’ve had a lot of heavy and dense meals.

You also get in all of your veggies and nutrients here too which is a plus! Like I said before, you can make this a little more filling by maybe adding a piece of grilled chicken on top. For me, the hummus really keeps me full and good to go!

If you loved this recipe and want more like it, click here for another easy bowl recipe! Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you don’t miss any recipes!

Winter Closet Essentials for Cold Weather

I have been waiting so patiently to share this list of winter closet essentials with you! I have been curating this list since the weather got cooler and I feel like I might have the best combo of clothes. A lot of people use winter as just a time to stay warm but I think winter fashion is so fun.

The layering aspect of cold weather just makes it fun because you really can’t go wrong. As long as you layer with a color palette in mind, you are seriously good to go. These pieces I have been wearing all winter long so far and think they are winter closet essentials you need.

Aritizia Super Puff- Shop Here

winter closet essentials

When you see the price tag for this jacket you might wonder why I even bothered. I had been looking for a black somewhat cropped puffer for years and when I finally came across this I knew I needed to have it. This keeps me so warm when I’m out walking Sky and even has little built in black hand covers.

I have a jacket obsession but this one really does it for me. The hood can come off and this really can be dressed up or down, there’s no way you can’t wear it. I also just think a jacket is an investment you can’t go wrong with. I was seeing online that this jacket you can get in the next length and make it cropped but I just liked the cropped length best.

Faux Leather Leggings- Shop Here

winter closet essentials

Back again with another Amazon recommendation. These faux leather leggings are everything. I throw them on with a hoodie or a sweater and I just look put together without even trying. Leather pants themselves had been coming back and I just think these are a happy medium.

They’re comfy and easy to literally throw on. The price tag is also hard to beat with these too. I will warn, I did have to purchase a few of these to find the ones that were good quality and actually fit well. I love these and seriously think everyone needs a pair in their closet.

Steve Madden Betty Combat Boots- Shop Here

I really had been going back and forth about getting similar name brand boots to these. They apparently take awhile to break in and weren’t that comfy so I made sure to do my research and found these. I instantly became obsessed and wear these those every where these days.

They are super comfy and the platform is everything I’ve ever needed a more. These are just a great staple shoe for winter when you’re not looking for something too crazy. Winter shoes to me are hard because I just want to be comfy but look good and these do just that.

Ugg Mini- Shop Here

They’re back! I have been plugging these boots on literally every gift guide I’ve done here on the blog and I can finally tell you they’re back on trend. I’ve had my minis for years now because they just hit at the perfect length. They give you the warmth and comfort you want.

These boots are being styled with nicer outfits as well as sweats so I don’t think you can really go wrong with them. I have them in the chestnut and the sand color but am hoping to get maybe black so that I have all the neutrals!

Beanies- Shop Here

I personally was never a beanie gal but something about your head being warm in the winter changed me lol. I personally love the Carhartt beanies because they’re really great quality but any beanie will work. You can really do so much with them. I personally love putting them with a lounge outfit, uggs, and a puffer.

These pieces are all winter closet essentials. I think they’ll probably continue to be trendy because of just how basic they are. Building a wardrobe with basics like these gives you the foundation to create really great looks without having to keep going out to get new items.

I’m all about investing in nicer and a bit more expensive pieces that I know will last. This makes transitioning to different seasons a bit easier because you have a foundation of your closet that you don’t need to go out and buy new things. Not only does it save you money in the long run but you’ll just have quality pieces that will last.

If you liked this posts, you can read a basics post here from November!

My Favorite Products from December!

I feel like I am constantly sharing products and reviewing them so I decided along with my monthly book review, I would have another bonus post! This post is dedicated to all the favorite products I had from the month before!

December was a busy month and I had some products that I really could not live without. They seriously got me through the busiest month between content, work, dance and just life. All of these links are affiliate links so if you purchase I do make a small commission from them. As always, there is no pressure, just like to mention it!

Simply Modern Tumbler- Shop Here

favorite products

I’m probably late to this party but I cannot life without this cup. It keeps my cold drinks cold and the sleek design is a serious plus. I had the pink and blue ombré and asked for the black for Christmas. Between the both of them I am set for this next year.

I think one thing I have with reusable water bottles is they aren’t always chic and cute. They’re often just bulky and too gaudy but I love everything from this brand. They also make a similar size to the hydroflask that I have but I prefer this one since it fits in a cup holder.

Day Designer Deluxe Weekly Planner- Shop Here

favorite products

Okay this was a literal fail on my end. I’ve actually had this planner since June but didn’t realize how great it actually was until now. I use a weekly planner as opposed to a daily planner because I don’t need to have my entire day fully planned.

However, on a Monday when I am off from teaching, I do like to maximize my time and plan out the day. I realized that in addition to being an amazing weekly planner, in the back there’s sheets of their amazing day planner that you can use. I fill it out on Mondays and it keeps me so organized for the whole week.

Kate Spade Oversized Throw- Shop Here

I’ve had this blanket since the end of the summer but didn’t realize just how great it was until the weather got cooler. This is my go to throw because of how plush it is. I had another very expensive and luxury brand blanket but it doesn’t compare to this after washing.

I’ve washed this blanket a few times since it’s white and I have a dog and I realized it really holds up. It is just as soft as it was when I first got it. It also is easy to clean and get stains out of which is super important since it’s white.

Lululemon Scuba Hoodie- Shop Here

I’m sorry in advance for this one because it’s probably still sold out. I had to mention it though because this sweatshirt has become my life. I’m a dance teacher so I’m always in athleisure. These sweatshirts are so flattering but also easy to move in.

Sometimes I just want to be comfy and cozy but not in a huge sweatshirt. These are cut so well that they give you that vibe but are easy to dance in. I have both the 1/4 zip and the full zip and I literally love both equally. They both seriously get the job done.

Slip Silk Scrunchies- Shop Here

I feel like because I’m a dancer, I know scrunchies and hair ties best. These thin scrunchies from Slip are literally insane. They seriously hold your hair but don’t damage it. I am literally never going back to the rubber band ones.

I found that my hair was breaking so much and once I started using these, my hair was able to relax a bit but still be up and pulled back securely. That of course is key when you’re dancing for multiple hours a day.

I would swear by these favorite products because they are all just that great. These are things that I reached for multiple times this month and they’ve really held up. I think my top two would be the planner, it kept all the dates for me, and the scrunchies because I could teach in them.

Most of these products I actually have had for a while but I rediscovered them in December. If you have any of these favorite products or try them out, let me know in the comments below! I hope you enjoyed this bonus post and let me know the content that you’re interested in reading. I’m always looking for new posts and ways to share!

You can read more posts like this here!

How to Build a Brand Online

Whether you’re a blogger or just starting some sort of business, how to build a brand online is important for audience acquisition and growth. This is truly something I wish I knew prior to creating my blog because I just jumped in and didn’t focus on the bigger picture of what exactly this blog would be.

Your brand is how people will see you for the first time and decide whether or not they are interested in clicking on your link or following your account. It’s important to find a clear voice for whatever you’re starting so that you have the best chance of turning people into loyal audience members.

As we enter into this new year, if you’re taking the leap of creating your own brand I wanted to create this post to tell you what I wish I would’ve known. I’m sharing my top 3 tips and some other important info in between on how to build a brand online!

Color Palette Matters

how to build a brand online

In the beginning days of my blog, I was honestly just posting whatever I wanted. It didn’t matter to me how it looked or getting some sort of template together. If you are creating a brand, I would take some time during the creation stage to get your theme content together. There’s nothing worse then posts with different colors or different flows of content.

You want your website or your socials to be seamless and attractive to potential audience people. If you’re using crazy colors that are different in every single post, you’re not giving the audience a clear image of what to expect. The same goes for templates or posts in general.

I personally always recommend neutrals or soft colors that aesthetically look good together but if you want a rainbow themed brand, make sure you use the exact same colors. You can easily find the color codes online which makes keeping and using the same colors so easy.

People love to be comfortable and know what to expect so using the same colors and templates just keeps the audience happy and coming back for more. One bonus tip I have is if you are creating a website, either hire someone to design it or purchase a template because if you’re website isn’t easy to navigate, you’re going to lose readers/clients/customers.

Name is Everything

how to build a brand online

If I could go back in time, I don’t think I would’ve used my name for my blog. Catchy names are what really sticks and stands out. You’re also stuck with your name so if it’s something you’re not sure about in the beginning, wait it out and see if you’re still interested.

Name recognition is literally the most important part of your brand these days. Because everything is so saturated, having a brand name that is easy to associate with your brand and people will immediately recognize is everything.

My brand has become my name and that has worked for me but I do wish I was a little more creative in the beginning. I was a college student blogging about life and fashion so between that I probably could’ve found a unique and creative name. I am not going to change my name though because I have built an audience around it so just knowing you’re stuck with it, means it has to be good.

Another topic along names is making sure whatever you decide is actually available. Whether you’re making an LLC or just need social media accounts, if your name isn’t available how you want it I would consider thinking about something else. It is so important to have instant name recognition with your brand and if you can’t have a website domain with it, then there’s a chance you lose people when trying to find you.

Consistency is Key

I like to write out all my posts for the year.

I can’t stress this tip enough, you have to be consistent. Whether it’s posting, uploading, inventory, answering calls, whatever it is you need to be consistent. People found you and the only way they’ll stay is if you are giving them what they want. They initially related to you and your brand for a reason so it’s crucial you continue to give them that.

Whether it’s a consistent product drop schedule or maybe weekly blog posts, you have to keep that up because people like the expected. I’ve found that I keep more loyal audience members the months that I commit to my posting schedule and make sure I don’t miss it.

My brand will never grow if I ghost the audience members that I fought so hard to get to begin with. It’s a lot and exhausting but you have to keep giving the latest and greatest versions of you/your product to keep the momentum growing. You don’t want the momentum to be stagnant, you want growth and sucess.

Your brand needs you to continue to work and improve on it. It’s so hard to figure out how to get in the groove of it but once you do, you’ll see the rewards. It took me a solid 2.5 years to get my blog seeing consistent views everyday. It was definitely discouraging in the beginning but I kept posting and kept going and now I have an audience that is a community and looks forward to my content.

Wrap Up

This post was a long one! I hope though you took something away from it to help build a brand online. I really love getting to work with my social media clients to identify their voice and build something that they are proud of online.

The tips I just shared with you are the exact 3 things that I think would’ve helped me in the beginning of creating my blog. I now share them with my social media clients in hopes they will help them build a brand online for themselves!

If you’re interested in more social media tips you can check out some posts here! P.S. I am a Social Media Manager with a BS in Digital Audiences from ASU!

Follow me on instagram @cassiedenisco!

It Happened One Summer- Book Review!

I am so excited to be launching this new series on the blog for a book of the month! Reading is one of my favorite things. I know a lot of you have found me because of my book recommendations. I thought I would share one book I read from the previous month as a way for us to form our own book club!

To chronicle this book journey, I made a separate Instagram @bookchatswithcass to not only share these books in real time but keep myself accountable as I read! I hope you’ll give it a follow as we start this new series together!

For the first month of the year, I decided that I was going to share one of my favorite books from December, It Happened One Summer. This is a funny rom com style book that was such a light and easy read that I got through it in one night. You can shop for it here through my affiliate link.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

it happened one summer

I have read I think one or two other books by Tessa Bailey but this one seriously was so great. It had me laughing out loud and almost made me feel like I was watching a TV show. The characters she wrote were people that you could really feel what they were feeling.

The review on the back said it is like Schitt’s Creek which is so funny. This was not disappointing because it really was just that.

The main character is a rich girl who gets sent away after partying too hard. She finds herself in small fishing town that is connected to her late father. Through fixing up her family’s old bar and falling in love with an average fishing captain, she realizes the life she was living wasn’t at all what she needed.

I so appreciated the humor and little bit of spice🌶 from this book. This one is great when you’re in the mood to finish a book in one night. Once you pick this up, you can’t put it down until it’s done. Another great part of this book is it is actually the first in the series so you get to meet characters from later books.

This series is so exciting to have on my blog and once a month you’ll get a bonus post, like this one, where I’ll recomend a book! You can read it and leave your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re just here for the review, I hope you’ll give this funny rom com a try!

For more book reviews, click here!

My 2022 Amazon Must Haves

I originally had a completely different idea for this post but I thought you would all enjoy my amazon must haves! I’ve curated this list based everything I purchased in 2021 and used throughout the year. To make it easier on you, I broke down the products based on their categories!

Sometimes I find that Amazon is overwhelming so I love posts like these that break down products people have tried and love. I am constantly ordering from Amazon so I feel like this post can be super helpful if you’re trying to find new things to try. Buckle up and grab a snack because this is a long one!

Beauty Amazon Must Haves

Acne Patches- Shop Here

These are such a great and inexpensive dupe for the more pricy products. These patches are great to put out at night at help to protect and deal with the small acne breakouts you might get. I really like these for how discreet they are as opposed to normal drying lotions.

Lymphatic Drainage Paddle- Shop Here

After seeing this all over Tik Tok and Instagram, I knew I had to get one for myself. Lymphatic drainage is really good for your circulation but honestly this gives you a nice massage too. I like to use this with a little lotion and really helps to relax me after a day of work, working out, and being on my feet.

Dry Brushes- Shop Here

Apparently I’m all about circulation because these brushes were so great. They’re a two pack for $9.99 and the quality is great. I love this when I want to exfoliate off a tan or just need to exfoliate in general.

Fashion Amazon Must Haves

Matching Workout Sets- Shop Here

This set is a true gem. I was very apprehensive to purchase it because based on the picture it doesn’t look like it will be good but it was a true game changer. Not only do I love the color but the material is super thick and really keeps you sucked in. I love this for a MWH workout or just running errands.

Crop Tanks- Shop Here

Many of you know I’m a dancer and teach so I want workout clothes that are good quality and not super baggy. These tops were a reorder for me 3 times this year because they are everything I’ve ever wanted. They are perfectly cropped and the fit is amazing. The price for 3 is also unbeatable.

Sports Bras- Shop Here

Guys!! This is a dupe for a Lululemon Bra!! I am a true Lululemon gal but because I dance everyday, I need enough bras to get me through the week. When I found these and tried them out, I will never go back to the Lulu bras because this is pretty much the exact same quality for half the price.

Household Amazon Must Haves

Mason Jars- Shop Here

If you’re like me, your morning drink is what you look forward to. Mine is a chai and there’s nothing I love more than having it in a cute cup. I found this pack on Amazon and have been using a cup a day this year since I got it. They’re super inexpensive and seriously are great because they come in a pack with lids and straws.

Chia Seeds- Shop Here

I definitely didn’t think I’d ever buy food from Amazon but these health food items are actually pretty inexpensive. I wanted to get more fiber into my diet and heard chia seeds are great for it so I ordered these and they were organic and a great price.

Cameras- Shop Here

This one is technically for pets but I wanted to mention it here since it’s not just for them. I love my Furbo for Sky but I wanted another camera in the house when I leave so I can check in. Unfortunately they don’t make another small one so I got this one from Amazon and it’s perfect. We use the Blink camera system already so adding this mini indoor one was perfect and it’s so inexpensive!

Pets

Dog Harness- Shop Here

Not the cutest harness ever but it is perfect. Sky is a bulldog and she is so strong that she’s actually broken through some harnesses. This one is sturdy and I know she’s locked in safe. She also has this thing where she hates things going over her head so this one is great because you can strap around it.

Dog Pool- Shop Here

For less than $20 bucks this foldable pool is perfect for the summer! We took this on vacation when we went away and Sky loved it. Because we were at the beach I didn’t want her to get sandy everyday so this ended up being perfect because she got to cool off but wasn’t getting itchy and gross from the sand.

Pet Mat- Shop Here

This became an instant favorite resting spot for Sky. She really loved that this was near the door to lay on when she wasn’t laying in her bed. I also liked it because if she was wet it helped to absorb it all up. I originally saw this on Tik Tok and knew it would be perfect for her.

These are literally products that got me through 2021. Sometimes products can be hit or miss on Amazon so I personally find posts like these so helpful. Not only does it give your product recommendations but it let’s you know what products are worth it.

My biggest tip for Amazon shopping is to read through the reviews before you purchase. I have been disappointed so many times because I purchased without seeing if it was legit. I hope these products give you some inspiration for the new year! You can check out another Amazon favorites here!

Be sure to subscribe to my mailing list so you never miss a post! You can subscribe here!

New Year, New Goals: My 2022 Resolutions

I cannot believe I am writing the final blog post of 2021. As each year passes, I realize it’s less about the resolutions you make and more about the new goals you set. For many of us, it’s easy to write down things that we want to do each year. I find that it’s more important to have actual steps to get your there. That’s why for me, I don’t make resolutions. Instead, I set goals with tangible steps that I can follow.

Last year, one of my goals was to create and upload a blog post every week for the year. I ended up with 49 posts instead of 53 but I don’t feel defeated. The consistency of writing and posting every week was more valuable to me than a number. This goal showed me that my blog can be a stream of income for me if I’m consistent. I wouldn’t have realized that unless I prioritized posting regularly.

Although I’m hoping for another year of getting things done, this year I’m actually less focused on things and more focused on myself and experiences. By the end of 2021, I was journaling every morning and reading every night, causing my anxiety to drop significantly. The theme of consistency came to my head as I was writing this list of goals for 2022 because when you continue to show up for yourself, you’re able to do so much more.

My 2022 Goals

My first and most important goal for 2022 is to be consistent with everything I do. Whether it’s getting in a little bit of movement everyday or continuing my morning/nigh routines, forming good habits is top priority. I saw first hand what consistency can do from last year by accident so I can only imagine when I’m mindful of it, how much I can benefit from it.

Be consistent with everything I do and form good habits.

I really think it’s important to look to the past year to create new goals for the next. Other than consistency, I found myself needing to create boundaries. Whether it was on a vacation or just spending time at home with Sky, I always online.

I found myself so burnt out this year. This was because I was always online doing something, even at night when I should have put it down. This year I want to create boundaries to limit time on my phone. Also, for after a certain time during the day or on the weekend so I’m not always working. I want to prevent burnout from before it even happens.

Create boundaries to prevent burnout before it happens.

My last goal for 2022 is to be present. Similar to my last goal, I want to not focus on getting a picture out of something I’m doing. I also want to just enjoy events and experiences for what they are and not focus on how I can post about them. Often, I find myself not able to shut off my content creating brain but I really want to focus on living in the moment.

I often find myself as a planner and thinking, if I do this I can post that. This leads me to not really enjoy where I’m at or what I’m doing. It’s so important to me to live in the moment and enjoy the time I’m spending.

Be more present

My biggest tip to you when setting new goals for the new year is to look back and take inventory of what made you happy or upset during the previous year. People love to say all of these huge and crazy resolutions but because they have no real substance, you most likely won’t achieve them. By making small changes based on your previous year, you’ll be more likely to form habits.

Habits are the most important part of goals because you have to form good habits to have your goals stick after you achieve them. I love the new year as a way to reset and be inspired. I also want the momentum to last throughout the whole year, not just until I reach my new goals.

Here’s to a great new year! Check out my past resolutions post here. Be sure to follow me on Instagram since I am really going to try to share more of my everyday life on my stories this year! @cassiedenisco

My Book Review for 2021

I was so excited to write this book review recap as a wrap up for all the books I read this year. During the pandemic, I fell back in love with reading so I really made it my mission to carve out time to read everyday this year. I have read over 50 books so far and we still have a few more days left in the year.

Any content that has to do with a book review is seriously my favorite so I hope this helps you find some new great books. If I broke down every book I read this year, we would be here all day so I’m going to break down my favorite, least favorite, and a few other honorable mentions.

If you like my book review, I highly suggest you check me out on Good Reads and follow me there because that will update you with every book I read! You can also check me out on instagram @bookchatswithcass for my new book instagram!

Least Favorite 2021 Book: Love & Gelato

book review

This was absolutely my own fault with this book. I gravitate towards YA books and I know this is a series so I thought I could get away with it. The book was so rough to get through not only because it was so young but the story itself was like a Mamma Mia wannabe. Honestly I don’t even have much else to write about it other than I would not recommend this to anyone.

Non- Fiction Must Read: The Forever Dog

book review

If you have a dog or even any pet, I would say run to your nearest book store . This was so hard to get my hands on so I actually have a hard copy and a kindle copy. I love the information in this book. It’s written by vets, backed by science, and easy to understand. I want Sky to have the happiest, healthiest life and this book has helped to make some great changes in her life so far.

Opened the Door to a new Genre: Next Year in Havana

As a kid I was very much into Historical Fiction but as an adult I couldn’t really get myself into it. I found Next Year in Havana on a whim in the bookstore and I am so glad it did. Chanel Cleeton did a fantastic job of weaving in important historical events with a story that was written beautifully. After reading this book, I read the second book in the series, When We Left Cuba, and then started to incorporate more Historical Fiction books into my reads.

Top Recommendation: The Giver of Stars

I honestly believe everyone should read this historical fiction book. This was based on a true story about the women would worked under Eleanor Roosevelt’s library program. This program brought books to everyone, even in the most remote locations. In addition, this book shows the lives that women led during this time period and the friendships they formed. This is probably the book I will tell everyone to read. It shows how powerful books and reading really are.

Favorite 2021 Book: Beach Read

I actually struggled with this category because I thought about putting The Giver of Stars but I thought that book wasn’t necessarily my favorite that I read. It is more of a book that I will always refer to when people ask me what to read. Beach Read is actually the second book I read by this author and I love it. Essentially, two others are both dealing with grief and end up being next door neighbors who essentially fall in love. I just loved the twists and turns that it took to get them to the end of the book. I really love this about Emily Henry’s writing.

There’s nothing I love more than a cozy bed and a good book! I hope this book review gave you some inspo for your next read. Be sure to check out some other posts I’ve done one books recommendations too!