Cassie DeNisco

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My Favorite Summer Salad Recipe

There is no better feeling than eating a salad made entirely from your own garden. I’ve been really obsessed with knowing exactly where my ingredients are coming from lately so this salad recipe is a culmination of that. There’s a secret ingredient to this summer salad ingredient and it’s a chopper. Getting salads into bite size pieces not only makes it easier to eat but I swear it makes it taste that much better.

The salad chopper I have is from Amazon and you can find it here. I absolutely love it because you literally throw everything into a bowl and then just take the chopper and go to town. Chopped salads are so good and a great way to get all of your nutrients in without feeling like you’re eating too much. Here’s the recipe!\

summer salad recipe
Ingredients:

Greens of your Choice (I love spring mixes with spinach)

Hard boiled egg

Tomatoes

Avocado

Red Onion

Cucumber

Protein (sometimes I add chicken, or bacon, or chickpeas)

Pepita Seeds

*fun add in is cheese (I like a cheddar)

Dressing of your choice

Directions:

I started off chopping salads by just trying to chop everything whole however it is good to cut everything up a little. This really helps to even out everything and make it all the same size. I also was a huge over-chopper. I would just keep going until it was small pieces but everything lost its integrity. Make sure to use a big bowl so there’s room and just put everything in and chop. Add in your dressing last, mix and enjoy!

I love making chopped salads like this one. It’s a great salad recipe if you have produce that’s starting to look iffy so you’re not wasteful. Another awesome thing about salad in general is you can really customize it so that everyone in your house can make their own! The more toppings the better for a salad in my opinion so happy chopping!

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Find more summer recipes from me here!

Things I’m Loving: July 2020

I cannot believe that we are halfway through the summer!! Time is flying by and before we know it, fall unfortunately will be here. I decided to compile the things I’m loving from July into this post since they are definitely still relevant as we head into August. These things I’m loving are from all different categories like lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and I definitely couldn’t live without them this summer.

NutriBullet
july favorites

I have been juicing pretty much everyday since summer started and my NutriBullet seriously is amazing. I decided to not get a juicer because I already have this and to be honest, I feel like this is all you need if you’re just making a few juices instead of a big batch. This is also great for my acai bowls this makes awesome smoothies too.

Califa Farms Creamer
things i'm loving

This stuff is seriously AMAZING. It is only 15 calories and 2 grams of sugar per serving which is game changing. I love coffee for the caffeine but I do not like it black so I always have to add some sort of sweetener to it. This stuff is not only really yummy but its thick and creamy so it’s almost like I got a fancy coffee at home. It’s made from almond milk and coconut milk so it is dairy free and delicious.

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
things I'm loving

I mentioned that I got this in my Sephora Skincare Haul and I am now obsessed. This is a really great moisturizer but it also does tighten and firm your skin. I’ve been using it on the back of my thighs and my booty and seriously have noticed a major change. I only got this as a free birthday gift and I am absolutely going to be purchasing the full size.

Day Designer Planner

I talked about my love of planners in a post last summer which you can find here, but this planner is the one I truly love. For me, I don’t need one page per day but I do like the idea of scheduling times throughout the day and this mini Day Designer does just that. I got this at Target for $14.99 and it seriously helps me stay so organized.

Dynasty on Netflix
things I'm loving

I just had to add a show because this is just too good. I thought Gossip Girl was amazing until I watched Dynasty. GG will still be my favorite but this is a definitely close second. I binged this in like 2 days and can’t wait for new episodes hopefully when Covid leaves!

Nintendo Switch

This was a splurge purchase but something I had my eye on for awhile. I was more motivated to purchase this because of Covid but I don’t regret it because it is so great. Nintendo games like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing are my fav so this was a great purchase and also a great way to escape from the world for a little each day. I love that you can play it hand held or on your TV because I can put something on in the background and still get a game in. Seriously one of my favorite things I’m loving.

Treadmill
things i'm loving

Moving right into fitness, I actually purchase this treadmill from Amazon really early on in out stay at home. I had my eyes on a treadmill for so long and I finally purchased it. It is a great way to get your cardio in each day and still get to work, listen to something, or watch a show. I use this a few days a week on top of my workouts to really get that heart going and get a great sweat in.

Melissa Wood Health App
things I'm loving

This was a game changer once I discovered Melissa Wood’s app and workouts. I actually heard about her from a few YouTubers but I am seriously so obsessed with her and her flows. She does a mix of pilates and yoga which is exactly what I love to do. Her app has seriously made me want to workout and get some movement in each day, which prior to this I had been struggling with staying consistent in my workouts.

All of these things I’m loving are seriously so awesome and have helped me kick my summer off to a great start. They are great for summer but also for all year long because they are just seriously awesome. Let me know your July favorites in the comments below!

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Green Juice Recipe You Need to Try

I have been on my fresh green juice game these past few weeks so I am so excited to share my recipe with you. This green juice recipe is so good and just leaves you feeling great. There are so many health benefits to getting your greens in everyday and the perfect way to do that is through this green juice recipe. To create these juices, I use my NutriBullet. I don’t have a juicer and just found that even though it takes a little longer because of straining, this works just as well as a juicer would’ve.

Ingredients:

1 Celery Stalk

Handful of Greens

1/2 a lemon

1 inch chunk of ginger

1/2 a cucumber

Handful of Carrots

Directions:

This is seriously so simple! Just add everything into your NutriBullet and blend. Depending on the day, sometimes I add a little water just to thin it out if it’s too thick. Next comes the straining. I just take very fine holed strainer and start to pour the juice through it into another container. I do this again, but this time straining it into whatever I plan to drink it out of. I love these reusable cups from Amazon!

I’ve been really working hard to get my greens in everyday during quarantine and making a juice has seriously helped. When I started making juices, I literally almost couldn’t drink them because I thought they were so gross. I would add apple or watermelon to them to sweeten them up and make them interesting to eat. Now, I am literally obsessed! I have this juice every. single. day!

Let me know in the comments below if you try this and be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco!

Sephora Skincare Haul

After a long 3 months of no Sephora, I went all out the second I could get back into a store on a Sephora skincare haul. Some of these products I just needed to repurchase and others were brand new for me to try. Quarantine opened my eyes to the importance of taking care of your skin so that was what drew me to this major Sephora Skincare Haul for summer.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion $27
sephora skincare haul

This product was a repurchase for me. I love using this as a toner because I feel like it helps to really leave my skin clean and exfoliated. I used to use the Clinique three step line but I found that this product is the real winner for me and my skin.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Serum $90
Sephora skincare haul

I went through all of quarantine without this Drunk Elephant product and I realized how much I miss it. This T.L.C serum seriously changed my skin. I put this on at night before bed and I wake up with the smoothest skin. The price tag is pretty high but for the fact that this helps me reset my skin in one night, I will continue to rebuy.

Sephora Brightening Eye Cream $17

I have tried the Sephora skin line before and you can see my review of it here but I didn’t get around to trying this product. I noticed that I don’t really need help with fine lines so I wanted to make sure I was using a brightening product. The reviews seem really great and I love how affordable this product is.

Sephora Collection Nourishing Moisturizer $17
sephora skincare haul

Similar to the product above, I haven’t tried the moisturize by Sephora yet. I used to use their All Day Hydrator but I was looking for something less sticky. This product is so affordable and the reviews online were awesome. I’m hoping it’s not heavy or too tacky, which was something I didn’t like about the hydrator.

Ouai Treatment Masque $32
sephora hair care

This isn’t a skincare product but I used the Olaplex hair mask but found it was too expensive for no real results. I heard really great things about this masque and was hoping to replace the Olaplex one with this in my hair care routine.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen $34
sephora skincare haul

Wear your sunscreen kids!! Whether it’s summer or not, sunscreen is so important and something I wasn’t taking seriously. I found all sunscreens to be way too heavy or leaving a weird feeling on my skin. The reviews for this product were amazing and seemed to state this does the opposite of everything I hate about normal sunscreens so I’m excited to give this a try.

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Mini $20

Shout out to Sephora for honoring Quarantine birthdays! I did not purchase this, it was my birthday reward but I am so pumped to try it. I honestly have heard nothing but great things about this product. It helps to firm your skin so I was happy to choose it as my birthday gift.

I hope my Sephora skincare haul for summer inspires you to try a new product. I have spoken in the past on my blog about how important skin care is when you’re young so it’s never too late to start. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products or if you have any Sephora recommendations!

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Staple Summer Pieces

Whether you’re hanging at home or venturing out this summer, I have the perfect staple summer pieces in this post! I won’t lie, summer is such a hard season for me to want to put outfits together. It’s usually just really hot and I can’t be bothered to get too involved in a look. I do love having great basics that are staple summer pieces so that no matter what you’re doing, you always look put together!

Crop- Top Tanks
staple summer pieces

If you know me, you know I live in these all year long for lounge wear. In the summer though, I especially love to just throw these on with literally any bottom and I’m good to go. For me, tanks like these double as a bra so I can wear this with anything and I’m ready for the night or day. These tanks are from Wilfred by Artizia and are $30. They do usually go on sale but you can find similar ones on Amazon! For reference, I ordered a size small.

Over Sized T- Shirts
staple summer pieces

I realize I’m late on this trend but I love this for summer. Over sized tees are literally the comfiest thing to sleep in so why not wear them out too? I pair mine with biker shorts and chunky sneakers. It makes me look like I actually put effort into my outfit when in reality I’m so comfortable. I got this t-shirt on Nasty Gal. Unfortunately, this one is sold out so I link a similar one that is only $20! Mine is a size large.

Biker Shorts

These are absolutely a staple piece for summer and I am going to give you a hack for them. I didn’t like biker shorts on me for the longest time. I’m short and I have thick legs so they never looked flattering, until I realized I needed to buy shorter ones. Now, I wear these all the time instead of denim shorts. I absolutely can’t stand shorts in the summer so these are a great alternative! These are on Amazon for $19.99 and are one size!

Silk Pajamas
staple pieces for summer

There is no better feeling than a shower after a hot day and going to sleep in AC. To elevate this feeling, I add in silk pajamas and it is everything! In the summer I tend to not wear matching pajamas as often as the fall and winter but I couldn’t resist when I saw these. I love that they’re both shorts and short sleeved but are the cutest color. This set is from Nasty Gal and is only $20!! They’re sold out in this color but I linked two other really cute colors. I got these in a size large because Nasty Gal tends to run small, but I could’ve done a medium too!

Over Sized Hoodie
staple summer pieces

This might seem weird and you’re probably wondering why I have a sweatshirt in my staple pieces for summer post. I kid you not, I have been living in hoodies because my house gets so cold in the AC on! I also love running errands with this and biker shorts because the stores are freezing this time of year. Also, pro tip, hoodies are usually on sale this time of year because no one needs them so you can seriously stock up for winter! This is the nicest hoodie I have and it is from Nasty Gal! It’s currently $20 and I got a size large.

As you can see, I like to keep it comfy and casual in the summer. With everything going on in the world today, I’m also not doing as much traveling as I usually do so I’m keeping it super simple. Let me know your staple pieces for summer or any other blog posts you’d like to see!

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My Updated Skincare Routine

Last summer at the start of my blog, I shared my 2019 skincare routine, which you can find here. This summer I’m back with some of the same products and new ones that I am absolutely obsessed with for an updated skincare routine. Keeping your skin healthy from an early age is so important and having a good skincare routine early on will set you up for success.

Face Wash

skincare routine

Finding a good face wash for your skin type is hard, so I stopped trying. I went back to my tried and true product, Cetaphil and it really just does the job. It cleanses my skin, doesn’t break me out, and is super gentle. I highly recommend this is you have sensitive skin like me because I kept finding that other face washes would leave my skin either way too dry or break me out. 

Toner

skincare routine

I am still using my Clinique toner. This just really does the job and helps to exfoliate my skin. I did attempt to make the change to witch hazel but after some research,  I realized it wasn’t going to help my skin in the long run. I use the cotton rounds and apply this after I wash my face and my skin is left soft and clean.

Moisturizer

I switch up my moisturizer depending on the time of day. In the morning, I love to use the Clinique Dramatically Different Gel moisturizer. I love this one because its light and for the summer, does the job but isn’t too thick. At night, or after being in the sun for too long, I use the Drunk Elephant whipped cream. This is thick so I use it at night to reset my skin for the next day.

Eye Cream

skincare routine

I actually got this eye cream for free to try and I fell in love with it. The name might sound weird but this algae eye cream by Biossance is literally so good. It’s thick and feels amazing on the skin. I am absolutely obsessed with it. I love a thicker eye cream because it just feels like its working better than one thats thinner. 

Other Face Products

Other products that I love but aren’t a part of my daily skincare routine are my jade roller, face brush, and face steamer. I love using these products once or a few times a week to help reset my skin. Facial steam once a week helps to open my pores and get out impurities. I like to jade roll in the mornings to help with puffiness and I try to use electric face brush a few times a week to exfoliate. One other products that I have been loving is an eyelash serum. I got this one from Amazon, and it absolutely has helped my lashes grow!

Skincare is so important and is something that you should start early. Creating good habits while you’re young will help to alleviate some problems as you age. What is something that’s a part of your skincare routine that you can’t live without?

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How I Curl My Hair

I have recently been receiving so many requests to film a tutorial on how to curl my hair so here is finally is! In this video I talk about my favorite hair products, hair routine and how I curl my hair. I thought incorporating a video into my blog posts would be a helpful new way to share content.

I also am so excited to announce the launch of my YouTube channel. I am hoping to post 1 blog post a week as well as 1 YouTube video a week. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a video and to my blog so you won’t miss a post. Please let me know what else you would like to see from me in addition to this how to curl my hair video!

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YouTube: Cassie DeNisco

Instagram: @cassiedenisco

My 2- Ingredient Banana Pancakes

One of my favorite things about summer is that I have so much time in the mornings. I love waking up a little later, getting a workout in, and actually making breakfast. One of my recent favorites has been banana pancakes that are literally only two ingredients. These banana pancakes not only are healthy but they also are so yummy and will keep you fueled for your summer adventures.

Ingredients:

1 Banana

2 Eggs

Directions:

  1. Turn your griddle or stove on medium heat and be sure to grease it.
  2. Peel your banana and mash it really well in a bowl with a fork.
  3. Crack two eggs and whisk with the banana until completely combined.
  4. Pour about 3 tablespoons of your mixture into the pan and wait until the edges start to thicken. Once they’re thick and the underside is golden brown, flip.
  5. Top with peanut butter, syrup, or berries and enjoy!

Guys I am not kidding when I tell you how easy and yummy these banana pancakes are. The key is to make sure your pan or griddle are hot before you put the mix on it so that they form evenly and don’t stick. Even my cousins like these, and they’re super picky eaters! You can even bulk these pancakes up with plain oats or protein powder.

If you’re looking for more breakfast recipes, check this post out!

Let me know if you have any minimal ingredient recipes below or what your favorite summer breakfast is!

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Best Sun Tan Products

how to get and preserve a tan!

It’s finally feeling like summer and I couldn’t be happier! I seriously have found some of the best sun tan products and I am so excited to share with you. One thing this quarantine has given me is a great tan and I would argue might be the best tan of my life. I read in the sun, answer emails and take phone calls so its not like I’m not being productive. One of the beauties of being home is that you can really work from any area of your home. With that being said, I’ve put together my top 5 best sun tan products to help you get a tan and then keep it all summer long!

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

best sun tan products

This has been my all time favorite product for tanning since I can remember. I have tried plenty of tanning oils but this one is so nourishing for my skin that even if I burn, it helps to moisturize me. I usually buy the one with the least amount of SPF and start out with this on. Once I notice myself getting red, I switch over to the next product below.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen

best sun tan products

This product seriously changed the game for me. I often would only wear just tanning oil until I realized how terrible it could be for your skin. I LOVE this sunscreen because I swear it has some tanning oil in it because it really helps me tan. Most sunscreens do what they’re supposed to by blocking the sun but I always use this and have the nicest tan after. I rarely even get red with this product. Even family members who have different skin types love this product because it seriously works.

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion

best sun tan products

If I had to tell you the secret to a good tan or even a sunburn, I would tell you it’s this lotion. Moisturizing your skin is so important after spending time in the sun and I swear it helps to keep your tan beautiful and dark all summer long. I am obsessed with making sure I moisturize after I lay out and shower so this product is everything to me.

Drunk Elephant Sheer Defense

cassiedenisco.com

I’ve very conscious of making sure my face never burns. I want to stay as wrinkle free as possible and using something like this Drunk Elephant product really protects my skin. I must warn you that it is pretty much pure zinc so it is heavy on my skin but I know it’s protecting me and I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

best sun tan products

Chapstick is so important after a long day in the sun but I really like to make sure that I help to recharge and refresh my lips post tan. This mask is so hydrating and I absolutely love it. It seriously leaves my lips feeling great post tan. It is a a little pricy but totally worth it.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, or just your back yard this summer I hope the best sun tan products seriously help you tan. Don’t forget, the sun can be dangerous so do take precautions to protect your skin and always use SPF! You seriously will thank yourself later on down the road. Let me know in the comments below what the best sun tan products are for you!

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Check out my last blog post here!

French Bulldog Must Haves for Heat

Frenchie tips + products for summer

My puppy Sky just turned one so I thought it was fitting that I put together a list of French Bulldog must haves. Frenchies are a super unique breed with some potential for health problems but to be honest, that comes with any dog. I have had the best experience so far with my French Bulldog and she is a serious goof ball. Here’s my list of French Bulldog must haves for heat!

One thing that you don’t realize about Frenchies until you have them is how hard it can be for them in the summer. Because of the structure of their nose and their fur, staying cool becomes a real challenge. Aside from having air conditioning on and not walking her in the heat of the day, she still loves to go out and play but I realized she would get hot and tired so quickly. I purchased these French Bulldog must haves for heat below and I am so glad I did!

Cooling Vest

french bulldog must haves

I got mine from Canada Pooch and Sky and I are obsessed with it. A cooling vest works to help dogs sweat since that is something they can’t do on their own. I put Sky’s in cold water, ring it out, and then put it on her for a few hours. Be sure to check that it hasn’t gotten to warm periodically so that you’re not making her more hot. I have noticed a serious change with her with this on because she’s able to take a nap and get comfy in it when its hot. It also it prevents her from getting to hot on walks. This an ABSOLUTE French Bulldog must have for heat and will seriously help your Frenchie this summer. (For reference Sky is 23 pounds and I got a size 14)

Cooling Collar

Similar to the cooling vets, a cooling collar works the same way. It’s just focused on keeping their neck and head cool. Sky isn’t the biggest fan of having something wet on her neck but I love using this when we’re just hanging outside for a little while. I initially purchased the two pack on Amazon but haven’t used the ice one yet. The blue one gets the job done and keeps her cool. I purchased the Canada Pooch one when I got the vest and I love this one too. This one is definitely more high quality and keeps cool longer BUT the Amazon one is the one she is definitely more comfortable in.

Cooling Mat

french bulldog must haves

Sky isn’t so sure about this one but I feel like on really hot days she’ll thank me. This cooling mat from Amazon is really cool because it has an ice insert that keeps it cool for hours. Right now, she doesn’t lay on it to sleep but she does eat her bones on it . This mat is great to keep her cool and comfy when she’s hanging out on the deck outside. The ice in it lasts awhile and I high recommend trying this out.

My Sky loves to be outside which is something that is just not feasible for her all summer long. She does pretty well in the heat, at least she has so far, so with all of these products it does allow her to be outside much longer. Some tips for keeping your dog cool are to always have fresh water. I also have see the rule to not let them play too long in over 75-80 degree weather. My final tip is to give your pup cool treats frequently. Whether it’s an ice cube or a puppy pop (recipe here), cool treats help them to cool down just like us!

If you’re a Frenchie parent or any dog parent with tips and tricks on how to keep your dog comfy and cool this summer, leave a comment below! Let me know what you thought of these French Bulldog must haves.

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