Cassie DeNisco

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Reputation Book Review!

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

reputation book review

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!

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!

italian pasta salad

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:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package. Let the pasta cool completely! This is essential.
  2. Finely dice your tomato, onion, cucumber and salami. This is up to you but I like mine about half an each chunks.
  3. Mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and all spices.
  4. 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!

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Summer Princess Polly Haul!

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

summer princess polly

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

summer princess polly

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!

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

beauty tools

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

beauty tools

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

beauty tools

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!

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

pet travel essential

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!

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

the northern spy

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!

The Eyebrow Waxing Products I love!

This post is dedicated to the at home eyebrow waxing products I can’t live without! After covid, I made the transition to doing a lot of things at home. I never thought I would wax my own eyebrows but when I had no other optioned, I turned to Amazon.

Amazon had so many products to choose from so I’ll share my favorites with affiliate links! No pressure to purchase but I do love everything I’m about to mention. I will put out the disclaimer that you should go slow & gentle the first time.

Don’t try to create a new eyebrow shape while you’re getting the hang of waxing. Focus on just cleaning up the eyebrow and you won’t make any mistakes!

Wax Kit- Shop Here

eyebrow waxing products

This is truly why Amazon is great. I purchased a kit just like this one and it came with everything I needed. From the wax warmer to the pre/post wax spray this has you covered. Kits like these are a great way to start out because everything comes in and you’re able to see how it works for a pretty inexpensive price.

Slanted Tweezers- Shop Here

eyebrow waxing products

If you’re trying to pluck your eyebrows with normal tweezers you’re doing it wrong. I love a slanted tweezer to really get those little hairs. This is a true eyebrow essential because you can even pluck mid week when you notice something.

Derma-planing Razor- Shop Here

eyebrow waxing products

This is a newer product to my eyebrow regime but I love that this can help to shape them without waxing. The wax makes me nervous sometimes because I can’t control it as well as this. I can use this to really shape the eyebrow with full control. As opposed to wax where you just kind of glob it on and hope for the best.

Scissors- Shop Here

I love a good slanted scissor. I have the longest eyebrow hairs at the top and use the scissors to trim them down. This is always the way I like to finish off my eyebrows because it’s essential for me to keep them all the same size.

Eyebrow Brush- Shop Here

I love to brush out my brows before I trim them and a brush like this is my go to. I like to brush up with the clear side and leave the hair in it. I just trim across that to help keep them even. Brushes like these are even great when you’re just trying to do your makeup.

As you can see, these have become my tried and true eyebrow waxing products. I like to do my eyebrows every 2-2/12 weeks because that’s how fast they grow. Having everything at home makes my life so much easier and in the long run I do end up saving money.

If you liked this post, I have more beauty posts here! Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you never miss a post!

A Yummy, Healthy Rice Bowl!

I’m super excited to be sharing this healthy rice bowl recipe with you! I was originally introduced to it through Green Chef, but I’ve made it so many times now I have my own take! Rice bowls are seriously such a good dinner idea because they have something for everyone.

I also love to have meatless nights but still get in enough protein. This bowl is so filling and if you wanted to add a meat protein, chicken, beef or turkey would pair well!! Here’s my recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup White Rice

1 cup veggie broth

Tomato

Scallion

Lime

1 can pinto beans

1 can corn

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp chili flakes

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp mayo

1 tbsp dijon mustard

Pecans

Directions:

  1. Bring veggie broth, rice, and salt to a boil then let simmer covered for about 10 minutes.
  2. Chop up tomato, scallion, lime, and rinse pinto beans
  3. Use half of the tomato, half of the scallion, and half the lime to create a salsa. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  4. Saute the other half of tomato, scallion, and corn in the pan then add pinto peans and spices. Cook until heated.
  5. Add the cooked rice to this veggie pan and sprinkle with the other half of the lime. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
  6. Divide the rice & veggies evenly into bowls. Add salsa on top then pecans and finish off with dijon mustard & mayo mixed together and drizzled on top.

As you can see this bowl is so easy to make but jam packed with flavor. I seriously love to try out green chef recipes because they open your eyes to different ways to put food together! It really gives me the inspiration to create a healthy rice bowl like this!

If you liked this post, check out more recipes here ! Be sure to subscribe here to my newsletter so you never miss a post!

Summer Outfit Ideas for Warm Weather

I am totally embracing this warmer weather! I wanted to share some updated summer outfit ideas based on the trends we are seeing. Styling for summer is so fun because the colors are so bright and the patterns are so fun.

For me, this summer is all about comfort but elevated style. More than anything, these outfits will be wearable but actually look really great. As always I have affiliate links below so I make a small commission if you purchase through them!

Look 1- Bright Retro

summer outfit ideas

This poppy floral pattern is all over this summer! It really gives me a retro vibe and screams summer to me. I paired it with a solid basic top that still has a little fun with the sleeves. To finish off this look, I added a statement bag because look how cute it is. This is a perfect day or night look!

Shop the Look:

Skirt

Top

Bag

Look 2- Classic Basics

Jeans and a white top is probably my summer go to. Whether its jeans like this or jean shorts, there’s just something about the denim with white that is classic summer. I love that I paired this with a fun colored sandal because it just gives a pop of fun to a pretty basic look.

Shop the Look:

Jeans

Top

Shoes

Look 3- Casual Comfort

summer outfit ideas

I love a good set for summer. It seriously makes life so easy because you really just have to worry about accessories. I added a claw clip and a basic sandal but this is such a cute look that is put together. Sometimes when it gets hot I don’t want to get dressed up but I love pieces like this because it makes life easier.

Shop the Look:

Set

Clip

Sandals

Look 4- Beach Bum

summer outfit ideas

I’m telling you that the floral will seriously be in this summer! Not to mention, using an oversized button down as a cover up is seriously the move. I actually have these pieces myself because I just love this look. The sunglasses are so fun and just add that pop of color that a summer outfit needs.

Shop the Look:

Swimsuit

Button Down

Sunglasses

I hope you enjoyed these summer outfit ideas! I had so much fun putting this together like my holiday outfit ideas so let me know if you like these posts! Fashion is so much fun and I love seeing different ways people style outfits.

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A Summer 2022 Playlist for the Beach!

I can hardly believe that I’m writing my latest Summer 2022 playlist post! I have done this every year since the blog started and it is wild that I am going on my 4th year with my blog!

This post always does so well because everyone is looking for some great music to listen to for road trips, beach days, or just hanging at home! Summer and music for me really go hand and hand. There’s so many great opportunities to listen to music and have it set the vibe for whatever you’re doing.

Sharing this playlist is always so fun and I love hearing your feedback on what you’re listening to! Here’s my go to summer playlist for this year!

summer 2022 playlist

As you can see, this summer 2022 playlist seriously has something for everyone! My music choices are always wide ranging. I listen to music so much for dance that when I’m at home, I know exactly what I’m in the mood for!

Let me know your top favorite songs for this summer! I like to keep this playlist super current so it’s fresh and fun! You can listen right through this post or add it to your apple music library!

If you liked this post, be sure to subscribe here to my blog! If you liked this playlist, check out my 2021 playlist here!