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Cassie DeNisco

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Plant Based Alternatives I Love

May 2, 2022

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 Updated Simple SkinCare Routine

May 7, 2021

One new year’s resolution I had was to step up my skincare routine. I have been watching and looking at different skincare content and decided it was time to start making changes. I wanted to not only minimize my routine but also start using quality products. All of these products I have been using since January so five months later, I do think there has been an amazing improvement in my skin.

As with any skincare routine, everyone’s skin is different so these products may or may not work for you. I love posts like these because it helps me become familiar with brands and introduces me to new products. As always, I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links but there is no pressure to purchase here!

Step 1 Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

If you’ve read any of my previous routines like this one, I used to swear by Cetaphil. I recently made the switch to CeraVe because for the same price, you’re just getting much better ingredients. This has hyaluronic acid and is formulated to not leave skin feeling too tight after washing. This is equally as gentle as Cetaphil but I just think is more worth it because of the ingredients.

skincare routine

I never wash my face without my Vanity Planet Facial Brush. This is a serious must in my routine because I swear that using it keeps my skin clear. Maybe it has something to do with not touching it with my hands but I will never not use it to wash my face!

Step 2 Daytime Treatment: First Aid Beauty White Clay Acne Treatment

Before you kill me on how wasteful these pads are, this First Aid Beauty White Clay Treatment has done wonders for my skin. I totally get how wasteful it is but this has transformed my skin even with wearing masks. I was struggling with acne under the mask line and using this everyday prior to wearing my mask has helped to keep my skin clear and glowing.

Step 2 Nightime Treatment: Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Serum

skincare routine

This T.L.C. serum is definitely pricy but I can’t live without it. I use this at night right after cleansing and I wake up with soft and even skin. This is the only product that has changed the texture of my skin and I’ve tried a lot. I know there are cheaper alternatives but I am just so happy with my results I can’t imagine adding in something else.

Step 3 Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

Out of all my products, this is the only one I’m iffy on. I have been using this Clinique Moisturizer for years and do love it, but I think I can find something a little cheaper. I am actually interested in trying the CeraVe lotion because I’ve heard great things about it. This moisturizer was one I tried when I was in high school and found this was the only one that wouldn’t break me out. I don’t think I’ll ever fully part ways with it but I wanted to be transparent and say I don’t love love it.

Step 4 Sunscreen: Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen

This Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen I am okay with. I say that because usually sunscreen breaks me out and this one doesn’t but it is so expensive and I don’t love the Goop brand. (If you know, you know) I do think I will rebuy this only because it goes on so lightly and doesn’t feel like anything on the skin. If you can’t add anything else into your routine, add a sunscreen. It is so important to keep your skin not only healthy but preventing premature aging. I wish I had started adding in sunscreen prior to this year but I know starting now can only help.

I hope this simple skincare routine introduced you to some new products! My favorite part of skin care is learning about the different ingredients and how they can affect your skin. It’s so important to start caring for your skin now so even small changes in your routine can help.

P.S. don’t forget your sunscreen!

My Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

June 8, 2020

vegan chocolate chip cookies

I love to bake and have sweets but I know that when traditionally made, they aren’t always the best for me. I love to make vegan recipes, like my vegan lemon loaf, because they often are at least a little healthier for you. I made the switch to these vegan chocolate chip cookies and I will never go back! Whether you are vegan or not, these cookies are so chewy and delicious they will please whoever you’re making them for!

Ingredients:

2 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c canola oil

1/4 c water

2 tsp vanilla

1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda and chocolate chips. Set this aside.
  2. In another bowl, break up the brown sugar and then add sugar, oil, water and vanilla. Combine the flour mixture with this mixture and mix until it’s crumbly.
  3. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and make little balls of dough. Freeze for 30 minutes in order to keep the mixture together.
  4. Heat oven to 375 and bake cookies for 12 minutes total but turning them halfway through so they get crisp on each side.

Not only are these vegan chocolate chip cookies so easy to make but they are also so yummy. Most of us have all of these ingredients already in our homes so it makes making these cookies even easier. You wouldn’t even guess they don’t have the normal ingredients because they are so crisp and chewy. I love this vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe because these cookies are to die for!

If you try out this recipe tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments below how you liked these cookies.

Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes @cassiedenisco!

My May Favorites

May 29, 2020

I cannot believe that the month of May is over! These May favorites have gotten me through quarantine and I know they’ll follow me into the summer. One thing I did enjoy about quarantine was that it allowed me to try out so many products without fear of reactions or what they looked like since I was just home all month.

Stars Above Sweatpants

may favorites

I cannot thank these sweatpants enough for all they’ve done for me during quarantine. Every time these pants were cleaned I immediately put them on due to just how soft and light weight they were. These are the perfect summer sweats because of how thin they are. What makes them even better is they are only $19.99!

Colsie Crop Tank Top

may favorites

In staying with the cozy theme, I love this $7 crop tank from Target. It cuts perfectly and goes really well with those sweatpants. I live in tops like this in the summer to sleep in and even do errands in because most of the time for me this shirts can double as a bra. I’m obsessed with the cut of this and know I need this in lots of colors!

Pantene Rescue Shots

may favorites

It’s no surprise with my color treated hair that it is pretty damaged. These rescue shots though do WONDERS for my hair and make me actually want to rock my natural waves. I use this product in the shower after I condition and it leaves my hair soft and not frizzy! For how inexpensive this product is, I am always so blown away by how well it works.

Microfiber Hair Towel

may favorites

If quarantine has taught me anything, it’s that I need to use less heat on my hair and this towel seriously helps! Not only does it cut down drying time but it also doesn’t make my hair frizzy. This with the Pantene shots is a dangerous combo for great hair. This towel was a little pricy at Target but I do believe it is the best one I’ve found like this.

Lululemon Yoga Mat

yoga mats

Don’t call me crazy once you find out how much this mat is until you’ve tried it! I absolutely thought this through and I have never looked back once I got it. At home workouts are my go to and this mat has made everything from yoga to pilates possible and easier. The thickness shows that this is definitely high quality so it should last you a lifetime.

Slip Sleep Mask

slip sleep mask

This has changed my sleeping game. I do have the matching pillow case but this makes me actually look forward to sleeping. It is so soft and so gentle on your eyes. I haven’t always slept with a sleep mask but after I received this as a gift, I use it every night and feel like it really helps me get the best sleep.

I hope my list of May favorites inspires you to try something new! These favorites seriously have helped me get through quarantine and I know these products will be come staples in my life. Let me know in the comments below if you had any May Favorites or if there are any products you are loving right now!

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco & check out my latest blog post here!

Best Books for Summer 2020

May 22, 2020

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

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

best books for summer

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

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

best books for summer

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

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

best books for summer

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

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

best books for summer

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

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

Follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco!

25 Things to do During Quarantine

May 8, 2020

things to do during quarantine

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

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

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

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

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco

Homemade Dog Treats

May 1, 2020

This quarantine has turned me into the homemade dog treats queen. If you read my last post about puppy products you need, then you would know I am a strong advocate for minimal ingredient treats. If you wouldn’t eat them for yourself, then why give it to your pup? I’ve started to make homemade dog treats and I’ve dedicated this blog post to my absolute favorite recipes!

4 Ingredient Dog Biscuits

homemade dog treats

Ingredients:

1 Banana

1 c Pumpkin

2 c Whole Wheat Flour

1 egg

Directions:

This is one of the best recipes for dog biscuits. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Mash up your banana and then mix it with the pumpkin and egg. Slowly start to add the flour and begin mixing with your hands. Once the dough forms, roll it out and add whatever shape. Bake for 25 minutes and let harden before you indulge with your pup! (These store for about a week)

Dog Peeps

homemade dog treats

Ingredients:

1 c Honey

1 c Water

1 tsp Vanilla

1/4 tsp Salt

3 tbls Unflavored Gelatin

Coconut Flour

Silicone ice cube trays

Directions:

First start by combining 1/2 c of water and gelatin in your mixing bowl. While that is sitting, start stirring the honey, 1/2c water, vanilla and salt in a sauce pan on a medium to high heat. The temperature of the mixture should reach around 240 degrees which will take about 6-10 minutes. After the mixture is the right temperature, add to the gelatin and mix in slowly. Put your mixer on high until you reach a fluffy consistency. Grease your silicone trays and then carefully pipe your fluff mixture into the trays. Let this set for at least 4 hours (I did overnight) and then remove from the mold. I dusted mine with coconut flour because they were still tacky and then let Sky enjoy!!

Puppy Pops

homemade dog treats

Ingredients:

1 Banana

1 c vanilla yogurt

1 tbls Peanut Butter

Directions:

These are my go to treats for Sky! She loves them. First add all your ingredients to your blender and then pour into silicone ice cube trays. Let set and then store in your freezer. Take one out whenever you want to give your pup a sweet treat! These are my all time favorite homemade dog treats!!

As you can see, these homemade dog treats are first so easy to make but second pretty healthy. Too much sugar for dogs isn’t good but making sure they are getting in fruits and veggies is so important. I love knowing exactly what is in Sky’s food so these homemade dog treats are perfect for us!

Follow me for more recipes on Pinterest @cassiedenisco!

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