Cassie DeNisco

My Favorite Skims Pieces

February 5, 2024

It’s been almost 2 years since my first review of Skims and I’m honestly surprised to say, I’ve become obsessed! Whenever I’m home, I’m wearing Skims so I wanted to share some of my favorite skims pieces with you!

You can check out my Skims review here to see how some of those pieces ranked! This post contains affiliate links so I do make a small commission if you choose to purchase through them!

Soft Lounge Sleep Set

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This material is next level soft! I love to wear the pants separately too which means I get more wear out of this set. I really love how loose this is and the material is super breathable so it’s great all year round.

Soft Lounge Set

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shop top here

This is the same material as the pajama set but I love the long sleeve on this set! You do purchase the pieces separately but I just love the color ranges on Skims and that every color has so many different options.

Cotton Rib Tank

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I talk about this tank every change I get! I seriously love it so much! It’s been a staple since my first Skims order in 2022 and I order 1 every time I place a new order. It’s just perfect to wear at home or out and about!

Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette

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This is probably the best bralette I have ever owned! It’s made from the softest material and is just perfectly comfy. It’s great to lounge in at home when you need a little extra support!

I love Skims because it really elevates my loungewear ! Everything is seriously so comfortable and I feel like I’m constantly on the website checking out their new pieces! Let me know in the comments below your favorite Skims pieces!

Amazon Must Haves for Janauary!

January 15, 2024

One of my favorite posts I do each year is an Amazon Must Haves! I recap some of my favorite items I purchased the previous year so you have a list of great recommendations. These items are a great list of essentials!

This post contains affiliate links so I make a small commission if you purchase through this! I love these items and they seriously made my 2023 so great!

Chamberlain Coffee Chai Mix

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I love a morning drink but I can’t have too much caffeine. This is the perfect little morning drink for me! It’s creamy and delicious! I so appreciate that it is blended with oatmilk too because I am dairy free and most other chai blends are made with real milk.

Criss Cross Office Chair

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This is probably the best office chair you’ll ever use! It’s so comfy and huge that you can really lounge on it while you work. I love how stylish it looks in the room and that it can spin. It was really affordable too much was a serious plus!

Travel Bag

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This travel bag has been my go to wherever I travel too! I use this for my bedside table stuff like my chapstick, charges, crystals etc. that I will always reach for at night. This makes traveling a breeze because I always leave this right where I sleep so I have all my essentials.

Workout Tank Tops

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I’ve definitely mentioned these tank tops before but I can’t live without them! They are the perfect over the sports bra top for working out or running errands. These are so flattering and at such a great price point I couldn’t resist. You can read more about them in my 2022 Amazon must haves!

This list of Amazon must haves includes all my go to pieces! I love these items and couldn’t live without them in 2023. I hope these items get you excited for the new year and just home make it the comfiest year yet.

Beauty lover Gift Guide 2023!

December 4, 2023

Here is my beauty lover gift guide for 2023! Whether you have a makeup lover or a skincare lover this post is perfect for you! I love gift guides because they really help get your ideas going for the perfect gift!

This post contains affiliate links and I make a small commission if you decide to purchase from me! Everything is directly linked below!

Gift Sets from Sephora- Laniege Duo

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Like I mentioned in my Sephora sale post, I got the fragrance sampler set. I feel like any Sephora sets are the perfect gift especially if you know someone has never tried the product. I think this Lanegie duo is honestly perfect for everyone because who doesn’t love luxury chapstick.

Microcurrent Facial Device

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I’ve had my eye on something like this for awhile! I feel like it’s truly a great gift because this is not something I would readily go purchase for myself. I think devices like this are just so fun to rotate into your beauty routine and this one from Amazon is pretty inexpensive.

Nail Tool Set

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This is something so random but I feel like a lot of people don’t actually have a good set of nail tools! I feel like this would make the perfect gift with a set of nail polish. I personally love Essie polish and would love this as a gift. If you want to bump it up even more maybe throw in a gift card to their favorite local nail salon.

The Ordinary Facial Set

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This little set is everything for the beauty lover. You have all the serums you would want for an at home facial and I feel like gifting this with maybe a tool from Vanity Planet is perfect for the beauty lover. This is a great gift set from Amazon and I love that it has a little of everything they would want!

I hope you get some inspo from this beauty lover gift guide in your life! If you are still in need of shopping, my pet and foodie gift guides are already out! I have one more gift guide coming out after this for him so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

My Favorite Health Supplements

October 23, 2023

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to take more supplements to support my overall health. I love seeing what other people take and thought this would be a beneficial post to put together of my favorite health supplements! I’m obviously not a doctor so this is just what has worked for me!

Always consult with your doctor before you start any new supplements!! Some of these are affiliate links so I do make a small commission if you decide to purchase them from me.

Seed Probiotic

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The Seed probiotic has truly been life changing for me. I’ve been a girl with stomach issues my entire life and I truly started to find relief around the time I started taking this. This seriously does wonders for my digestion as I don’t deal with bloating much anymore. I also cut out dairy around this time so that could factor into it but I love this. It’ll be 2 years in December of taking this and I am still seeing the benefits.

Olly Women’s Multi Vitamin

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I don’t know what it is with these but I seriously have never had hair and nail growth quite like this. These are great to take nightly right before bed and I swear they really work. I used to have almost no hair or nail growth but because these have biotin and folic acid they really work great. Not to mention, they really taste great so I can’t complain about these gummies.

These are actually the only two supplements that I take consistently. I have noticed such a difference in even my skin after taking these so I definitely recommend giving them a try if you are in need of new supplements.

I hope my favorite health supplements inspire you to start making small changes for your health to get in in check!

The Great Alone Book Review!

October 2, 2023

I can hardly believe this is my first October post for the month! I have finally surpassed 50 books this year goal and I am so excited to share one of my favorite reads of the summer with you! The Great Alone book review by Kristin Hannah was such a great read and one that I often find myself thinking about, even today!

This is a historical fiction read, which we all know is one of my favorite reads. I devour books like this, even with a page count of 549 because of how interesting the read is. This post has an affiliate link to shop for the book but as always, there’s no pressure to purchase!

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

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This book follows the Allbright family as they navigate very big life changes. Leni, their daughter is forced to move with the family to an extremely remote part of Alaska. Mom Cora will do anything for her husband Ernt, even though he’s working through PTSD and is extremely abusive towards her.

Once they move to Alaska things only get harder as they realize life up there is rough. It’s essentially a full time job just prepping for Winter in order to stay alive. The community around them welcomes them with open arms but Ernt still struggles with his mental health.

I found myself captivated by what life would be like up in a remote part of Alaska. They had no running water in the house so they’d have to collect and boil water for cooking. It’s such a different way of living that I’m not sure I would survive.

We read as Leni starts to grow up and move into her teen years. Navigating being a girl is hard enough but with a toxic home life and just the harshness of Alaska, you find yourself routing for her to make it through.

With really tough topics, like domestic abuse, this book does need a trigger warning. If you are able to get passed that, the themes of community and resilience are popping off the pages. We read as Leni falls in love for the first time and has to battle her father who is very much against it.

I loved this book because you route for Leni and her mom on every page. Kristin Hannah really gives you insight into toxic relationships but finishes off the story with an ending that makes you feel warm and fuzzy and so incredibly proud and happy for Leni.

Final Thoughts

I’ve reviewed another book by Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale which I absolutely loved! It’s safe to say for me Kristin Hannah has really become one of my top author’s! She writes so beautifully that you really become transported back to the time period the book is in.

I also recently read Four Winds and if you’d like a book review on that let me know! I’d give The Great Alone Book Review a 4.25/5 and would consider it a must read! Be sure to check out my other book reviews here!

My Gardening Tips & Tricks!

July 3, 2023

After a little 2 week break, I’m back with more blog posts! The summer comes on fast and if you’re not ready for it, you often get swept away with it. One thing that has been consistent though is my gardening tips and tricks!

I started prepping it back in May and I’m starting to slowly see all of my plants come to life! Having a garden has been really therapeutic for me and given me the opportunity to get some sun every day! I thought I would walk through all of my adventures so far.

List of Plants

This was probably one of the hardest parts of gardening. When you get to the store, you just want to get everything but you have to go in with a plan and know what you can actually grow in your area. There’s lots of ways to figure it out but I just Googled “What Grows in Westchester NY” and I found a full list on a website.

It’s essential that you grow what you know will flourish so that it’s not a waste. What I did that I loved was once I made my list, I put it in a Google Doc that I not only shopped from but now I have it forever and can refer to it next season too!

Planters

After you decide what you’re growing, you have to decide what you’re putting it in! I went with these two versions of planters on Amazon. Both are great because so far my plants are really doing well in them and they’re holding up well.

I will say I feel like the metal ones are a little bit better price wise but the wood ones are great if you don’t want to be bending down to water the plants! These are affiliate links so I make a small commission if you choose to purchase from them!

Metal Planters: Shop Here

Wood Planters: Shop Here

Watering & Pruning

One part of the gardening process I really love is watering. It’s like a treat to be outside and getting to look at all of the garden progress each day. So far I’ve only been watering once a day, but now that it’s getting warmer, I’m going to increase to twice a day!

Pruning is also kind of fun because you get to get rid of all of the yucky leaves that aren’t helping your plants grow. I didn’t love this part but once I got a great pair of gloves, I’m able to really get in there and clean out the plants!

Gloves: Shop Here

I hope this post inspired you to at least get out there and give it a try. I know gardening seems so daunting but I’ve really grown to love it. If you liked this post of gardening tips and tricks, let me know! I’d love to continue sharing more!

Check out my latest blog post here!

My Homemade Salad Pizza Recipe!

June 7, 2023

I’ve been on a serious pizza kick after learning to make really great dough! Being dairy free has left me somewhat limited my pizza choices these days. I’ve been making this homemade salad pizza recipe on repeat because it’s so good!

This recipe is great for a leftover night when you have salad and veggies you’re just trying to finish up. I’m excited to make this over the summer once my veggies are ready to harvest from my garden. It’s going to be so fresh and delicious!

Ingredients for Dough:

1 packet active yeast

2 cups water

5 cups flour

2 tbsp salt

olive oil

Ingredients for Pizza:

Pizza sauce

Mixed Greens

1 diced red onion

1 diced tomato

1 large shredded carrot

1 diced cucumber

Directions:

The dough is going to take the longest so make sure you leave ample amount of time for it. Start with your 2 cups of lukewarm water and slowly mix in active yeast packet. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
Add in your flour, salt and knead. Let this sit for about 2 hours and then kneed again and place in a clean bowl with a little bit of olive oil. I let it sit for another 3 hours just to make sure it’s set. Next I roll it out with just a sprinkle of flour!
Preheat the oven to 425 and leave your pizza pan in the oven while it preheats. This is a pro tip to get the bottom crisp.
After you roll out the pizza and form the crust, place your sauce on top and bake for about 10 minutes until everything is golden brown.
While it’s baking, prep your veggies! Layer down the mixed greens first and then any toppings you love! I listed my favorites above!

As you can see, this is the easiest homemade salad pizza recipe ever. You get a delicious and healthier pizza in like no time. I’ve found that making my own dough is so rewarding and honestly just tastes so good. You’ll be just as obsessed as me if you make this!

Be sure to follow my blog and check out my pinterest so you don’t miss anything from me!! You can check out more summer recipes here!

My Chicken Roaster Recipe!

March 1, 2023

This is definitely a newer recipe for me! I love this chicken roaster recipe because it’s not only good the day of but I love the leftovers. Chicken is just about the only meat I’ll eat and making a roaster like this ensures I’ll have leftovers to use in so many ways!

I like to think of this recipe as my own at home rotisserie chicken. It’s essentially the same thing but I can season it how I want and it gets so fresh and delicious! You can serve with potatoes and gravy or really however you want to! It’s so easy it’s become a staple in my meal rotation!

Ingredients

Whole Chicken Roaster

1 tsp thyme

4 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp rosemary

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425 and decide what pan you’re going to use. Sometimes I use my dutch oven and others I’ll use a throw away aluminum foil.
Prep your chicken by patting it dry from the extra liquids.
Melt butter and then mix in minced garlic, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Pour mixture over chicken in pan and make sure it coats completely. (sometimes I add more, sometimes I need less)
Cooking time will depend on weight of your roaster.. typically it’s 2-3 hours for a young chicken and sometimes you can even get the one with the pop up timer!
While it’s cooking, baste with the drippings occasionally to keep it moist!
Carve & enjoy!

This is the easiest chicken roaster recipe to make for dinners! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more recipes like this here! You can follow me on Pinterest @cassiedenisco for even more content!

My Set Active Review & Haul!

February 22, 2023

If you know anything about me I am a tried and true Lululemon fan. Being a dancer and teaching dance has made me truly try all the workout brands out there. There’s nothing I love more than Lululemon however I was in the market for more basics and.. seamless leggings from this Set Active review!

Some of my favorite pieces from Lululemon is their leggings. As you can tell from this post here, I wear them all the time but Set Active recently caught my eye. I have been seeing Tik Toks everywhere and wanted to give them a go. I got mainly basic pieces that I can rotate in and let me tell you, I was not disappointed with this Set Active Review!

Sculptflex Leggings- Onyx size S

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These leggings were the reason I decided to place an order. I love that they are seamless but super supportive. There’s nothing I hate more than baggy leggings when I’m teaching. These hug you in and give you a lot of support.

I also think they’re super flattering. The thick waistband really hugs you in and gives you a little more shape than regular leggings would. I did get these in a size Small and they do fit but are a little snug. I didn’t want to exchange them because I know over time leggings lose their elasticity and then don’t fit the right way.

I will keep you posted on these as I continue to wear them!

Mid Tee- Onyx Size M

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The website calls this their ultimate everyday tee and I agree! I sized up in this because I wanted to make sure it wasn’t too cropped and it hits me perfectly.

I love the thickness of this material as well. It’s really high quality and I feel like could be worn in studio or even out to dinner. I already have two more of these in my cart and know they’re going to be a staple in my teaching wadrobe.

Form Tank- Onyx Size S

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This tank is sooooo form fitting! I love how it looks on! You can scrunch it up and wear it cropped or pull it down and wear it at regular length. I also am planning on getting another tank or too because these are going to be great for summer classes!

The material is so breathable and thin but not see through. I really can’t tell you how many tanks I’ve tried that are either too thick and hot or too thin and cheap feeling. This is exactly what I was looking for!

Sport Body Scoop Bra- Onyx Size S

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This is the only product I didn’t love. I purchased this more to wear at home but it’s not amazing. It’s cute and fits well but for the priced you can definitely get something cheaper at another store.

I was able to get mine in a limited addition hot pink color so it’s really cute but honestly not something I would recommend you get right now.

I hope you enjoyed this set active review! I love clothing hauls like these and trying new brands. Activewear is my jam because of dance so I feel like I can really tell you what’s worth it and what’s not. If you loved this be sure to subscribe to the blog!

The Luckiest Girl Alive Review!

February 1, 2023

I definitely am late to the party on this book since it’s already a movie, but The Luckiest Girl Alive review has been on list for so long! I’ve committed to 50 books again this year and this was book 3 for me.

I actually didn’t previously watch the movie not because I wanted to spoil the book but I honestly was super interested in it. It didn’t look really great to me but I am definitely going to be checking it out now.

The Luckiest Girl Alive

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Trigger Warning: SA, School Shooting

I won’t lie, this one started out slow for me. For some reason I couldn’t quite get into it and was almost just like confused at where it was going. Once the flashbacks started it slowly started to piece together and make sense. I really liked looking at Ani’s life in the present and how she got there.

This book has the NYC girl boss feels with twists and turns towards the end that you’ll never have guessed. When Ani is asked to do a documentary about an incident that happened in her Pennsylvania private school, the reader doesn’t find out about the incident until the end.

You almost think you know what it is about and then there’s another turn that twists even more. I loved that you got to see a sneak peak into her glamorous current NYC life juxtaposed to her less rich and exciting high school life.

There are definitely heavy topics that this book dives into which is why I listed the trigger warnings above. I really liked this book because you just didn’t expect the ending so it kept me on my toes. Sometimes thrillers miss the mark and are too easy to guess but this really was it for me.

I hope you enjoyed this Luckiest Girl Alive Review! I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars so I definitely recommend to read it! You can check out my January book of the month post here!