Cassie DeNisco

American Royals Series Review!

September 15, 2022

I’m back again this month with another book review! This month I actually am reviewing a series that I feel in love with! American Royals by Katherine McGee has truly become some of my favorite books and I just love her writing style.

Her third book, American Royals III: Rivals, came out in May of this year and I immediately put it to the top of my list. I figured I couldn’t just review the third book without letting you know about the first two so this is an in depth look at the American Royals Series Review!

American Royals- Shop here

This was a book I actually read on a whim on my Kindle. I read it and instantly loved the take on an American version of royals instead of a President. The characters Katharine created were so interesting and made you want to just continue to read about them. This first book totally got me hooked and I was so excited to continue the series after the cliff hanger it was left on.

American Royals II: Majesty- Shop Here

The second book in the serious was honestly just as good as the first. I loved how we got to see the family deal with the death of their beloved king/father and how the older sister had to ascend to the throne. I love a good girl power moment and this really gave us that. The first two books complemented each other so well and McGee even said she wasn’t planning on another book so I was surprised to see a third.

American Royals III: Rivals- Shop Here

I’ll say it, I didn’t love this third book. It felt like they were just pulling for a story line so they were grabbing what they could. I honestly had trouble even getting through it because it just wasn’t as authentic to me as the first two, which I finished in one sitting. This wasn’t the worst book I’ve read but I just didn’t love how it fit in with the other two.

Overall, I do love this series. It’s a fun fictional take on what could’ve been American history. It was just a really light, quick read for me that will always be one of my favorite series!

If you loved this American Royals Series Review, check out my other book reviews here! Follow me on Pinterest here!

My Dance Teacher Outfit Ideas Ft. Lululemon!!

September 12, 2022

As many of you know, in addition to this blog I’m also a dance teacher! This seriously makes me an expert on dance teacher outfit ideas and Lululemon essentials. For some, Lululemon might be pricy but if you’re wearing these pieces everyday, you want them to last.

I personally finding Lululemon to be the best workout brand. I know people have their preferences but I just love their basics which I’ll share with you today. It’s essential that I’m comfy while teaching and not worrying about really anything else!

Blissful Feel Sneaker- Shop Here

I’ve had my eye on these sneakers since they came out. I am not a runner but I’m looking for a good supportive but comfy shoe for the studio. These are honestly just that. They come in so many different color combos so you can really wear what you love.

I will admit I did purchase these with a gift card so I’m not sure if the price tag is worth it on them yet, but so far I do really like them and have been dancing in them for about 2 months now.

Fast and Free High Rise Leggings- Shop Here

These leggings are like my top essential. I love them and can’t say enough good things about them. One struggle I usually have with leggings is keeping them up but these seriously do the job and you don’t have to worry about them at all. The cut of these is also super flattering and I always get compliments on how good these just suck you in.

Energy Bra- Shop Here

I truly don’t think I’ll ever wear another type of sports bra. This is it for me, like I don’t need to ever get another kind of bra. It is perfectly supportive for my c cup chest. I can dance and move freely and don’t have any issues at all. This is like a must get.

Define Jacket- Shop Here

As we head into the colder months, I wanted to make sure I mentioned my go to jacket. We do receive team jackets at work with the logo but I love this for more of an everyday wear. You need something to keep you warm but also be able to move in. This material is so stretchy and seriously the go to on a cold morning.

Love Crew T- Shirt- Shop Here

A good t-shirt is like the ultimate find. This is one of my favorite workout tops of all time. I really love the cut of it and the material. So often today workout tops are cropped and I just don’t love that when I’m working with my really little kids. This is a good, normal length tee for everyday.

And there you have it, an entire outfit for dance teacher outfit ideas! I love Lululemon and seriously believe everything I just shared is so worth it. It’s essential to look good but also just be able to move in all sorts of ways when teaching and these do just that.

Let me know if you need any help with sizing because I most of the time do size down except for jackets & sweatshirts, I size up. If you liked this post, check out this other haul from a few months ago! Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest since I’m really ramping up the posts there!

My Summer Lunch Idea that you Need to try!

August 15, 2022

I can hardly believe summer is almost over here in New York! I have been loving the warmth but I’m starting to get excited for fall. I wanted to share with you my summer lunch idea that you need to try! I’ve seriously been living off this all summer long.

This is a dairy free recipe however feel free to do what makes you happy! I also will admit the vegan cheese I’m using is incredibly hard to find but if you do find it, it’s worth it!! I have been on a mission for like a year to find cheese similar to mozzarella and this is really it!

Ingredients

Sourdough bread slice

Pesto (basil, garlic, and olive oil minced together)

1 ripe tomato

Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella

Balsamic Glaze

Directions

Toast your sourdough slice til golden brown
Apply a thin layer of pesto on the bread then take vegan mozzarella and add slices on top
Slice your tomato and add that on top
Finish off with balsamic glaze and you’re all set!

As you can see this is quite possibly the easiest lunch but it is so good. I love lighter lunches like this because sometimes you don’t want a giant meal when it’s hot. This is also such an easy on the go lunch that you just need to assemble and enjoy.

This summer lunch idea has seriously been my obsession! Let me know in the comments below your favorite summer lunch! If you liked this post, check out my other lunch recipes here!

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Summer Hair Essentials for Great Hair!

August 8, 2022

This post is dedicated to the summer hair essentials you need for great hair! I feel like the summer is the hardest month to style your hair because of the heat and humidity. I really love these essentials to style my hair and keep it’s style.

90% of the time I don’t even bother with my hair because it truly get’s so frizzy but I’ve found these help my hair look good. As always these are affiliate links so I make a small commission but there’s no pressure to purchase!

Claw Clips- Click here

It’s funny because when I was younger I couldn’t live without a claw clip. They really went out of style and now they’re back. This is a lifesaver for me because when it’s super hot and humid, my hair still looks cute. I love the wrapped look and it just helps give me a style that combats the humidity.

Kristen Ess Hair Spray- Click Here

This is seriously my new favorite hair spray! It’s a finishing spray but it really helps me to combat frizz and that humidity. This is also just a great year round product. I seriously love it after I straighten my hair or curl it to really lock in the style.

Slip Silk Hair Ties- Click Here

These hair ties are always a must for my hair essentials. These help to not damage your hair but also really preserve your style. I love both the thick ones like these and the really thin ones because both really do the job.

Drybar 100 Proof- Click Here

This is a serious summer must have for me. After I wash my hair, I can’t not put this stuff in it. It helps to lock in the frizz and keep my hair soft and fresh. This is a really pricy product but I constantly find myself coming back to it because it’s that good.

1 1/2 inch Curling Wand- Click Here

This is a lifesaver on days my hair actually does get frizzy. I love going back in and just re-curling a few pieces of my hair with this bigger barrel to preserve my natural hair. This is a serious life hack because my hair is wavy so just touching up a few pieces saves me time and makes my hair look great.

As you can see these summer hair essentials are far reaching. I seriously cannot live without them because they just help to take the edge off of that humidity. These seriously help my hair stay set all day long!

Be sure to read my other hair care posts here and subscribe here to my blog so you don’t miss a post!

Reputation Book Review!

August 3, 2022

I am so excited to be sharing another book review with you! This one is seriously was on my want to read list for months before it even came out! We all love Bridgerton and this book gave me all those vibes! I seem to be obsessed with historical fiction since my last reviews have been just that!

This book was a quick read for me but really kept me entertained. I loved the vibe of it and it seriously was reminding me of Bridgerton meets mean girls! Here’s my Reputation book Review!

Reputation by Lex Croucher- Click Here

This book follows Georgina Ellers who is essentially abandoned by her parents. She’s sent to live with her aunt in this regency era and gets thrown into this world of high society. She meets Frances, the ultra high society queen bee and soon falls in with her friends.

The story follows them breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries that are set up for them during this time period. From underage drinking to sneaking out to party with boys, this book shows just how restricted teenage girls had it.

It also touches on the love lives of these girls and how they all essentially want to be married by the summer. They think that will magically solve all their problems and they can move up in society that way.

Final Thoughts

This was definitely a different book for me. I thought going in I would absolutely devour it but it wasn’t my top favorite and thought it was just a little all over the place. It definitely was a good read but the story line just wasn’t it for me.

It definitely was fun and Bridgerton/Mean Girls inspired but I guess I just had higher hopes for it than what it was. I think you definitely still should check it out yourself!

I hope you enjoyed this Reputation Book Review! Reading has been so much fun for me and I hope you’ve been inspired to read too! Be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss another post!

Check out my other book reviews here!

My Italian Pasta Salad Recipe!

August 1, 2022

It wouldn’t be summer without a pasta salad recipe on the blog! Last year I shared a super easy recipe for a light, refreshing pasta salad here. This year I have a revamped, Italian pasta salad. This recipe is fresh but also has that anti pasta feel.

Pasta salads are great at a barbecue but also a great lunch for the week. It’s super easy to meal prep and stores so well in the fridge. This recipe is easily my go to when I have guests or just need a quick lunch idea for the week!

Ingredients:

1 box cavatapi pasta

Container of grape tomatoes

1 medium red onion

Log of salami

Half an english cucumber

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp basil

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

Directions:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package. Let the pasta cool completely! This is essential.
Finely dice your tomato, onion, cucumber and salami. This is up to you but I like mine about half an each chunks.
Mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and all spices.
Once pasta is completely cooled, mix in veggies, salami and dressing! Enjoy 🙂

Pasta salads are seriously my favorite meal of summer! They’re easy to bring to an event or just great to store in the fridge! Let me know some of your favorite recipes below!

This Italian pasta salad seriously is my go to. It’s so fresh and refreshing but filling! This is great as a meal or just on the side! I love the protein from the salami and the freshness of the veggies. It’s truly a great recipe that everyone will love!

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

Summer Princess Polly Haul!

July 25, 2022

As we are now halfway through the summer, I’m still looking for pieces to really elevate my summer style. I also want these pieces to transition well into fall for me so I have a summer Princess Polly haul!

I’ve done a few Princess Polly Hauls like this one here but that was almost a year ago! I really like their clothes because the pieces are inexpensive and really easy to mix and match. I think the key to your closet is good transition pieces that will work in any season!

Mason Top Black- Size 10- Click Here

We all know I love a good black top! I was drawn to this one because I liked that it wasn’t tight and it had a little flow to it. This top just really stood out to me because it had a different shape to it than I feel like the other shirts I have do. I ordered a 10 but I definitely could’ve sized down to an 8.

Mahalia Shirt White- Size 12- Click Here

I have been searching for a shirt like this for months! This is my go to beach cover up because it’s just so flowy and comfy. I’ve also seen people dress this up with their athleisure looks and sneakers and it looks so cute. The top is a linen material so it’s different than the typical white button down which I really love.

Hailey Bikini Green Floral- Top & Bottom Size 10- Click Here

Obsessed is not even the word for this swimsuit set! It is seriously the cutest color pallet and it fits just so well. Retro patterns are in and this seriously reminded me of that. I love how this bikini looks with that Mahalia top on a trip!

Huxley Set Black- Size 8- Click Here

I’ve seriously had my eye on this set for months and I finally decided to pull the trigger. I am so glad I did because this is everything I’ve wanted. I love dressing this down with my black and white low dunks by Nike. It seriously is the perfect set to just throw on no matter what you’re doing.

Celsey Top Black- Size 10- Click Here

The shape of this top is what drew me in. I’ve been looking for a tank top with this cut for so long. This top does have a ribbed material and it’s not smooth but I still think it’s okay. Tanks like this pair well with literally anything so I know this will be a staple for me all year long.

I hope this summer Princess Polly haul gave you some inspo for your closet! Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you don’t miss a post!

Beauty Tools that You Need Right Now!

July 20, 2022

This month’s bonus post is short and sweet. I’m sharing my top 3 favorite beauty tools that you seriously need in your regime. I think tools are almost better than products in some cases because they just enhance that spa vibe.

I’m all about relaxing when I do self care and these tools give you all the luxurious feels. As always these are affiliate links so if you purchase from them I make a small commission but there’s no pressure to purchase!!

Face Steamer- Click Here

I have had this steamer for years and I cannot live without it! I love to steam my face to open my pores and really get the products in there. I can’t say enough good things about this Vanity Planet one in particular. I had purchased a cheap one from Amazon but it just got gross so fast. This one is such great quality and I’ve had for like 2 years now!

Ice Roller- Click Here

I feel like people are super passionate about the ice rollers that they like. I personally love this one from Amazon because I find it actually stays cool for long. This is essential to de-puff your face in the morning and honestly it’s even good in the summer to help you stay cool!

Sculpting Bar- Click Here

This is probably my favorite device. It’s similar to a roller but has batteries so it can vibrate. I swear this actually does help to sculpt out your face if you actually use it consistently. Hailey Bieber mentioned it in one of her videos so I knew it was a must purchase and I was not disappointed.

I told you this bonus favorites post was short and sweet! These are seriously my go to beauty tools on a weekly basis that I cannot life without in my beauty regime.

You can read more beauty posts here and be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss a post!

My Pet Travel Essential Must Haves!

July 18, 2022

Traveling with your pet can be so much fun! As long as you have a clear game plan and items to help make your life easier, it can truly be a breeze. I wanted to share my pet travel essential items with you so can bring your pup wherever you go!

My biggest tip for traveling with your pet is plan it out right. We like to leave either first thing in the morning after she has breakfast and pottys or at night after dinner. It just helps to eliminate potty trips and we know she’ll be ready to sleep.

Pet Carrier- Click Here

I think this one depends on where you’re going but I love this carrier from wild one. It is perfect to pop sky in and just go. Wild One also has an airplane carrier too at I would be interested in testing out because it’s TSA approved. Carriers are just great when you don’t necessarily want your pet on a leash and need to comfortably carry them.

Stroller Fan- Click Here

This is absolutely a stroller fan for babies but is so perfect for your pet. I like it in the back seat with Sky when traveling just to ensure the air is reaching her and keeping her cool. I like that this is portable so it can come on walks, in the car, or just use it in the house on really hot summer days.

Car Seat- Click Here

I have shared my Pup Saver car seat so many times but we’ve found on a longer drive, this kind of carseat is way comfier for her. It is similar to her bed so she can just curl up and sleep. Car seats are essential in keeping your bet save and I love this one to keep her comfy.

Calming Treats- Click Here

We’re not big on calming supplements for Sky but these treats are great. Not only do they smell great but they have some ingredients that help promote relaxation. She usually is fine in the car but I like to have something like this on hand just to be sure we’re covered if she gets a little anxious.

Travel Water Bottle- Click Here

This water bottle is definitely the most important travel essential. I love that the water goes back in the bottle so that it can save the rest. This is great just to have on a daily basis and it’s super inexpensive.

As you can see, these pet travel essential products are wide ranging. Sometimes it can be really overwhelming if you are unprepared. I hope these travel products help you and your pet have the best trip ever!

You can read more pet posts here and be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you don’t miss a post!

The Northern Spy- Book Review!

July 13, 2022

I’ve been on a serious historical fiction kick this year! I’ve always been a big history enthusiast but I feel like I’ve just been more interested because all of the great books I’ve been reading. This month’s book is a mystery with history infused in it!

These are my favorite types of books because I love a good mystery and elements of real events only add to the story! The Northern Spy by Flynn Berry was definitely an interesting read and kept me on the edge of my seat while reading!

The Northern Spy– Shop Here

This book follows a woman working for a news company in Ireland. This time period is when the Catholics and Protestants were fighting so this backdrop of conspiracy and espionage adds to this story. While working one day she realizes her sister is on the news she’s currently airing robbing a business.

This begins to call into question how well she knows her sister and what her sisters true intentions are. When she’s finally able to talk to her sister, she finds out she’s basically helping to spy on this radical group. Once both sisters get tied up in this crazy world, they realize everything is not as it seems.

I found this book really interesting. Historically, I didn’t know much about this time period. It was interesting to see it from this point of view. I loved how it tested your beliefs on what you would do if your family member looked like they were working for the other side.

It also had you question the lengths you would go to protect your family. I did struggle a bit to get through certain parts because they were slow but overall this was a really good read. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re like me and in your historical fiction era.

Wrap Up

I hope you enjoyed this review! This book club has been seriously so much fun this year. Let me know if you have any book request! Also, just let me know what you’re reading! I’m always looking for a good recomendation!

Be sure to check out my other book reviews here! Subscribe here to my mailing list so you don’t miss a post!

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