Cassie DeNisco

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Summer Skincare Essentials!

I went back and forth for this bonus post about what to write but I finally decided that this was necessary. My summer skincare essentials will help you get through sunburn and just keep your skin looking healthy! I have had my fair share of burns so I know the ins and outs to get you through.

Taking care of your skin is so essential year round but I find it even more important over the summer. From SPF to moisturizers, these are my go to products for summer!

Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen- Shop Here

summer skincare essentials

This is my go to face SPF year round but especially in the summer. Most other sunscreens are too oily and break me out but I really think this is my forever product. It’s light on my skin but I feel like it does such a good job protecting my skin.

Neutrogena Skin Rescue Moisturizer- Shop Here

This is a newer product but I immediately fell in love with it. I got a bad sunburn but this instantly helped to cool and moisturize it. The moisturizer is infused with green tea, aloe, and mint so it has all the ingredients you’d want. I would almost recommend it over the Hawaiian Tropic green lotion.

Method Green Tea Body Wash- Shop Here

This is my favorite summer body wash!! I love the green tea and the cooling gel seriously helps with sunburn. I love using this in the shower to get off the suntan lotions and I feel like it really cleans but doesn’t strip which is exactly what you want.

Clinique Dramatically Different Gel- Shop Here

I find myself needing a lighter moisturizer in the summer because my thicker one leaves me too greasy. This is truly my tried and true summer moisturizer because somehow it moisturizes so well even though its light. I prefer the gel but it does come in a usually moisturizer texture as well.

I hope you enjoyed these summer skincare essentials! These products will keep you going all summer long and protect your skin. It’s so important to not over do it in the summer so using these products will keep you going.

To cure your sunburn, read this post! Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you never miss a post!

A Crispy Salmon Recipe!

My last salmon recipe, which you can find here, instantly became a fan favorite for my blog! It is so delicious and easy to make. I wanted to share this updated version of my crispy salmon recipe that I have been loving because it’s seriously that good.

The ingredients are pretty much the same but the actual way I make it is different. This leaves the salmon so crispy on top but juicy inside. I crave this recipe at least once a week and it seriously has become a staple in our house!

Ingredients

1 tbsp minced garlic

4 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

3 tbsp sriracha (use less if you don’t like spice)

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp sesame oil

1.5 lbs fresh salmon

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425
  2. Start by creating the sauce over a medium heat. Add a little olive oil to an oven safe pan and then add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant then add soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, and honey.
  3. Once sauce starts to thicken remove from heat, add sesame oil, and set aside.
  4. Add a teeny bit of oil back into the pan then add your salmon skin side up. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until you can easily flip the salmon over with a spatula.
  5. Once the salmon is flipped, pour a little sauce over it and put in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. This depends on how you like your salmon, I always do 5.
  6. Take out & enjoy!
crispy salmon recipe

I love to make rice with this crispy salmon recipe and roast some broccoli. The combo is just so good and I always save a little sauce to pour over everything. Making this salmon is super easy and it’s one pan so it helps to make your clean up easy!

Let me know in the comments below your favorite way to cook salmon! I am really trying to step up my game in the kitchen so be sure to subscribe here so you won’t miss a recipe!

Pet Friendly Lake George Spots!

As the weather gets warmer, I figured we could step into the world of travel together! As many of you know I’m from New York and aside from the beach, these pet friendly Lake George spots are my favorite to visit when it gets warm!

I’m going to share some of my favorite and go to Lake George spots that you can’t miss when traveling there. From restaurants and breakfast spots to shopping and entertainment, I have a little something that your whole family will enjoy!

Bears Cup- Bolton Landing, NY

All I can say is if you don’t grab a coffee, pastry or delicious bagel sandwich at Bear’s Cup, what are you doing? This is the place to go for breakfast near Lake George! We instantly became obsessed with their Oatmilk Iced Chai and their Bear Claw pastry. The lines are definitely long so bring some whatever for the pup on the weekend! The owners are also opening a new restaurant right next door so we are incredibly excited to report back after our visit!

Bolton was a nice walk but there really wasn’t too much to see. We were able to find a teeny little park for Sky so it ended up being a great morning.

Walk Near Lake George Steamboat Company- Lake George Village

pet friendly lake george spots
pet friendly lake george

If you’re looking for a great morning walk, we took one down near the big steamboats in the village. As you can see, the view is beautiful and was a great walk for Sky. They even had a little stand where they were offering treats and water for dogs. It was so calming and a really great way to get a walk in with a gorgeous view.

We originally went to try to switch up our breakfast place but we ended up having the worst breakfast of our entire trip and immediately went right back to Bear’s Cup. Pro tip: Lake George Village is tolerable during the day and first thing in the morning any other time, avoid it at all costs!

Northway Brewing Company- Queensbury, New York

pet friendly lake george spots

I am not a drinker but this was great for the whole family! They had great food, drinks, and pets were allowed in their outdoor area. We also had a baby with us and she was entertained the whole time too! We were looking to do something other than a walk and this was exactly what we were looking for.

Sky enjoyed meeting the other pups that were there and it as just a really lovely visit. Apparently the beer was good too because we took home some cans for later!

Go for A Swim- Lake George Dog Beach

We were fortunate enough to stay in a place that pet’s are allowed and can swim. Lake George actually has a dog beach for your pup to swim and play! We also had a boat and took Sky on it and she wasn’t so sure about it but the memories were just everything!

Sky is a French Bulldog so because she’s top heavy, she needs a life jacket! You can click here to shop the one she’s wearing!

I hope this post gave you some fun ideas of things to do with your pup! These pet friendly Lake George spots were so much fun to visit and are definitely places we’ll be back to! Let me know if you like this post and maybe we can make it a series of more pet friendly travel destinations!

Check out my other travel posts here!

A Morning Routine for Success!

A solid morning routine for success to me is essential for a good day. I’ve found that to minimize stress and anxiety throughout the day, you have to start off literally on the right foot. I could go on and on about the power of mornings but I thought I would walk you through my routine.

It is so nice that I do work from home in the mornings so I can slow down. I feel like everyone always jumps out of bed and hits the ground running without another thought. Slowly waking up and getting to your day can seriously help in the long run.

6:30am Wake Up

So many people will tell you to not scroll on your phone when you first wake up, I truly think it’s dumb. When someone tells me not to do something, I want to do it. I like getting up and going through email, looking at my calendar, and taking a scroll so I know what’s going on.

I used to just jump right out of bed but giving myself 30 minutes to either go back to bed or just mindlessly scroll means I won’t be tempted when I’m trying to work. Maybe it’s not the best thing to see first thing in the morning but it works for me so I do it.

morning routine for success

7:00am Journal & Meditate

This is definitely something I never thought I would add to a morning routine but it has helped me so much. I find it’s so important to ground before I go this step helps with that. It gives me a chance to write out whatever I’m stressed over for the day and then I realize it wasn’t a big deal.

Meditating also just helps me to take a deep breath and remember to slow down. I used to be such a go go go person but now I get overwhelmed almost too easily. I need a moment to breath to set myself up for success during the day.

7:30am Feed & Walk Sky

This is self explanatory but some of my favorite things about my mornings are Sky. I love how snuggly she is because the girl loves her sleep. Our walks help to get my body going and gives me some will power to be able to sit at my desk for a bit. I also love to play with her and get her energy out at this time so that I can actually get some work done.

morning routine for sucess

8:00am Skincare

This is my favorite time of the morning. I love washing my face and using my lotions because it is just so relaxing to me. It’s great that I get to do a little bit of self care in the mornings. This step probably is my biggest non negotiable because even on busier mornings I make sure that I set myself up for success by taking this time for me.

8:25am Breakfast/Drink

I’m not a huge breakfast person but I do love some caffeine. Lately I am into a chai or a matcha and this is like the end goal of my morning routine. It really helps me to get up and out of bed knowing I have something good waiting for me.

morning routine for success

Sometimes I do make a little breakfast, you can check out my go to recipes here! It just depends on my mood and what I’m feeling.

8:30am Get to Work

By 8:30 I am on the computer and typing away. I like to be a little before 9 because a lot of the businesses I work with like to launch things at 9am so it gives me a buffer to make sure everything is correct and good to go!

I hope you enjoyed this morning routine for success! I’m so passionate about telling people how essential it is to slow down in the am. It seriously helps you to have a good day and not feel so overwhelmed. Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you don’t miss a post!

My First Aid Beauty Haul!

As we approach warmer months, I’m constantly finding myself reaching for lighter products that still work. I have been on and off with First Aid Beauty for about year now but recently have fallen in love. By April, my dry skin wasn’t getting any better so I knew it was my products and not the weather.

I turned to FAB for their cleanser and moisturizer to help combat that problem but also found so many other great products. I also like that they are decently affordable and are sensitive skin approved. I’m going to share the few products I’ve tried with affiliate links if you’re interested in purchasing!

Face Cleanser-Shop Here

I’m loving this face wash! I needed a gentle face wash for everyday and this is perfect. I like to go in with an acne one once and awhile during a breakout but this is perfect for everyday. It has this milky consistency that leaves you feeling clean by hydrated.

Many face washes leave my skin feeling super tight. This one doesn’t do that at all. I love that it says gentle on sensitive skin because that is exactly what I needed!

Ultra Repair Cream- Shop Here

This repair cream was a god send! So many other thick moisturizers are way to heavy on my skin but this one is perfect. It hydrates me well but doesn’t feel too thick and like it’s clogging my pores. I also like this consistency because it’s thick but still silky.

CeraVe was my go to but it was breaking me out. I was apprehensive at first because I thought this would have a similar issue but so far so good. I also like that this can be used full body because I definitely will use it after being in the sun.

White Clay Acne Pads- Shop Here

first aid beauty

I use these about every other night before bed and I do feel like they help my little breakouts and keep my skin smooth and glowing. They are wasteful in the sense that you just wipe your face and throw it out but they are just so good at their job.

These were to use after dancing in a mask and they really helped to keep my skin clear!

Ingrown Hair Pads-Shop Here

first aid beauty

These are a more recent purchase but I am so excited to use these this summer! I feel like as swimsuits get more high cut, I have more bumps down there. These are so great to help with that and keep my skin looking good no matter what bottom I’m wearing.

These are all products that I’ve tried and love by First Aid Beauty. I’m really interested in trying out their niacinamide brightening eye cream but I still have the one I’m using. Once that’s empty, I am definitely going to be checking it out!

Have you tried First Aid Beauty? Let me know in the comments below! Read my latest skincare post here and be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post!

My Green Smoothie Recipe to Boost Beauty

I am so excited that the weather in NY is finally warming up. I’m sharing with you today my go to green smooth recipe that is great to boost your beauty. Smoothies are my favorite summer morning drink to get in your greens and keep you cool.

I also feel like the summer months are my favorite for fresh produce which helps to elevate these smoothies. I’ve shared my green juice recipe before but never my smoothie. This is perfectly sweet and refreshing for the warmer months!

green smoothie recipe

Ingredients for Green Smoothie Recipe:

1 Frozen Banana

1/2 c frozen mango

1 c spinach

1 tsp Spirulina powder

Coconut Water

Directions:

  1. In a powerful blender, combine frozen banana, frozen mango, and spirulina powder.
  2. Fill to the top with spinach and then pour in about 1/2 cup of coconut water.
  3. Blend and see consistency. If you like it thicker your might just need to add a teeny bit more coconut water where as if you want it thinner add a lot more coconut water!
  4. Pour in a mason jar & enjoy!

As you can see this smoothie recipe is so easy to make but is oh so good. This green smoothie recipe has all the tropical vibes you’re looking for on a summer morning. Smoothies are seriously such a go to for greens in the am to start off your day.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post! Let me know of your favorite smoothie combinations in the comments below!

The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba- Book Review!

This month I’m sharing with you my book review of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton! I have fallen in love with Chanel’s books based around historical fiction. As a child, this was my favorite genre and to be honest, finding her books has opened my eyes to it again.

If you read my book review for 2021, I shared my thoughts on Next Year in Havana and When We left Cuba both by Cleeton. These books are connected and are such great reads. I decided to pick this book up at my local book store because I seriously just love her writing.

I was definitely not disappointed by this book and am excited to share my thoughts with you! Historical fiction has seriously become some of my favorite books to read so this was perfect for me.

The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba- Shop Here

the most beautiful girl in cuba

The themes of this book are that of girl power, bravery, and love. This book takes place during the Spanish invasion of Cuba in the late 1800s. This backdrop of war really shows how tough it was for women.

We follow the stories of 3 women: a writer in the US, a rich woman turned war prisoner, and a woman who has to live in an encampment. I love that each chapter discusses how different each’s life is. This book is actually based around a true story about a woman who American media deemed “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba”.

As the story progresses we learn more about the conflict and see how American media is trying to influence the war after the American government does nothing. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the bravery of these women.

The writer is trying to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry. One woman is acting as a spy and smuggling notes into the war prisons. The beautiful woman in prison eventually gets aid from the writer and the spy to break out of being wrongfully imprisoned.

I loved this story because it kept me on my feet and really made me think. Chanel Cleeton does a great job of weaving a great story into actual historical events. If you are interested in history, this book is seriously for you!

Wrap Up

Let me know in the comments below if you like these posts! If I’m being honest, they’re some of my favorites to write. Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post from me! Stay tuned for next month’s book, it’s a good one!

Revlon Hair Dryer Brush vs Dyson Air Wrap!

In my last post about the Dyson, I mentioned that I also had a Revlon Hair Dryer too. I originally purchased this before I was gifted the Dyson so the Revlon and I have some history. I thought it would be super beneficial for you to get an in depth comparison of both.

I feel like when I hear about the Revlon and Dyson dryers, people only talk about the price. I feel like that is only a little part of the comparison between the two. Keep reading if you’re in the market for a new blow dry brush or want to see if the Dyson is actually worth it.

Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer- Shop Here

revlon hair dryer

This blow dry brush averages around $60 and is basically a brush that blows out warm air. I love the design of this one because it is so thick and easy to hold. I also like the shape of the brush part because its flat with rounded edges.

This helps to create a really bouncy and curved blow out look that I feel like is really in. However, the blowout look is really the only thing that this gives you. There are no other attachments so you really only can get a blowout every time.

I do like how the blowout comes out and that I can dry and style my damp hair right out of the shower. Similar to the Dyson, you do need your hair mostly dry to avoid damage. My biggest con with this is I can just feel how hot it gets and know it’s not good for my hair. I try not to use this often but it’s so great on nights I take a shower and want my hair styled for the next day.

Dyson Air Wrap- Shop Here

revlon hair dryer vs dyson

This set averages $549.99 and comes with a base and multiple attachments. The Dyson is great because you can blow out, straighten, and curl your hair all with this one device. One slight issue I have with this product is that it’s hard to travel with. I love all the attachments so it just makes everything bulky to bring with it.

Styling wise, the possibilities are seriously endless. I love the brush heads to give me a sleeker blown out look. I actually don’t use the curl barrels that much because no matter what I do the curl just doesn’t stay. I can say that I don’t feel like my hair is being damaged like I do with the Revlon. That doesn’t mean it’s not damaging but I think the Dyson is a bit better on the hair.

Honestly my two big cons are that I wish it had an attachment like the Revlon’s brush. I really like the bouncy and flipped in ends look. I haven’t quite gotten that with the Dyson because the brush it has isn’t that big. I also think the price is super steep for something that you probably don’t need.

Revlon vs Dyson

If you want my honest opinion, you really don’t need the Dyson. It’s a cool tool with crazy technology that helps to minimize heat damage. However, it’s super expensive and honestly, the Revlon does just as a good a job. I feel like the people who are in the market for a drying brush just want a blown out look which the Revlon gives you. The choice is entirely yours, but had I not gotten the Dyson as a gift, I’m not sure I would have purchased it myself.

I hope this revlon hair dryer brush vs Dyson review was helpful! I wish I had something like this to help with my decision. It’s crazy that the Dyson is so expensive that you really have to weigh all the pros and cons of it.

If you want more Dyson reviews and tutorials, you can read my Dyson Review here and my Dyson Tutorial Here! Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list you never miss a post!

Plant Based Alternatives I Love

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 Sunday Reset for a Good Week

If you know me, you know I love a good Sunday Reset. Sundays are the only day that I actually don’t have to go anywhere so I take full advantage of that. I like to spend my Sundays setting myself up for a good week.

Life can get super crazy during the week so I generally leave a lot of things for Sundays to do. I’ve been loving reading posts like these to see what Sundays look like for everyone else so I figured I’d share my typical Sunday routine!

7:30 am

Sky is always up around this time no matter the day so we’re usually up and feeding her at this time. After she’s all set for the morning, I grab my ice roller and we head back to bed!

10:00am

By 10 we’re usually ready to be up for the day and will either grab bagels or make a yummy breakfast at home. I rarely have breakfast in the morning but on Sunday it’s so nice to spend the time making something like pancakes that I wouldn’t normally eat!

11:00-1:00pm

Depending on how productive I was on Saturday, I may or may not have to grocery shop on Sunday. We usually will need fresh salmon so we will make a quick trip out for coffees and whatever we need. I love actually taking the time to go for a morning ride on a Sunday because it’s leisurely and something Sky enjoys.

I always will take a few minutes to refresh the house though. I love changing my sheets, dusting, using the Roomba and mopping. This little refresh helps to keep cleaning simple and not overwhelming. During the week, I cannot be bother to do this so carving out time on a Sunday to do this is essential to keeping me sane during the week.

1:00-4:00pm

After that, I always make sure I spend time doing whatever I want. Whether it’s a nap, reading, or doing some yoga/pilates, I like having time for it. Sundays are only relaxing if I can be productive but also make time for myself to rest and recharge. We generally do laundry throughout the week so this time on a Sunday can really be relaxing.

5:00-7:00pm

I am all about an early dinner on a Sunday. I love eating early, cleaning the kitchen, and then taking a good shower. Sundays are my favorite days for a yummy meal but that has easy clean up. You can check out my favorite soup recipe here that’s always a go to on a Sunday for me.

My Sunday showers are also a ritual. I love washing my hair on Sunday to set myself up for a good week. I’ll lotion and also lymphatic drain as well since I actually have the time to spend doing that. I finish off my day with comfy pjs and a glazed donut skin on my face.

7:00pm

Once I’m all set, I’ll hop into bed and we’ll usually watch a show or movie that we’ve been putting off. I love being in bed early on a Sunday because it seriously sets you up for a good week. I’ll read and then finish off the night with essential oils and a quick mediation before bed around 9pm.

Everything I just listed is my ideal Sunday reset. Obviously not every Sunday will be this dreamy but I do try to make a few of these things a priority no matter what I’m up to that day. Also, your Sunday reset might be totally different and that’s okay too.

I’m all about setting yourself up for a successful week and you might have to do different things to do that. Let me know your favorite things to do on a Sunday in the comments below and subscribe here to the blog!