Cassie DeNisco

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My Summer Favorites

I can hardly believe that summer is half over but we still have plenty of time to check things off of our bucket lists. Today I am bringing you my top 7 products/favorite things that I haven’t been able to live without this summer!

  1. EOS Lip Balm

This is by far my favorite lip balm of all time but I love it even more in the summer. It’s super moisturizing and it really lasts all day. Highly recommend buying the stick version because its more convenient to throw in your bag then a ball is! Hawaiian Tropics Dark Tanning Oil

2. Neon Bikinis

Neon swimwear is a huge trend this summer. If you go on any website like Zaful or Revolve, you can see that neon is the major trend. For me, I’m not super into neon so I wanted to be trendy but not spend too much. I found these super cute bathing suits on amazon and I love them so much!

3. When Life Gives You Lululemons

Not only is this book title super cute, I am loving the storyline. This book is a part of the Devil Wears Prada series, which is a great movie/book series. What I love most is that this is such an easy read that it’s perfect to take to the beach and just get lost in the story.

4. Apple Watch

I love going on walks early in the morning in the summer and I seriously have been loving my Apple Watch. I originally purchased it for when I was teaching class so I didn’t have to lug my phone around but I’ve found that now that I have it, I am way more accountable of my workouts and I track what I burn so easily. The watches are definitely pricy but the series 3, other than the fact that it’s not water proof, is the same as the new series 4.

5. Coach Mini Backpack

If you ask any of my friends, I was literally all set to buy the Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini Backpack. I loved the size of it and the style but wasn’t too sure if I was going to love it enough for $2,000 and let’s be real, I’m just a college student on a budget. When I found this Coach backpack, I literally fell in love because it’s the exact same size/still of the Palm Springs Mini but without the hefty price tag. I’ve also found that carrying around this bag is so convenient and actually really comfy.

6. It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner

This leave in conditioner is something that I use on and off throughout the year. Sometimes I’ll use it and sometimes it makes my hair too greasy. I have religiously been using it this summer because I find that it really gives your hair back the moisture it loses in the sun. Now I realize this product is pricy, but it’s literally SO worth it. It leaves my hair exactly how it says it will on the package which is why I keep coming back to it.

7. Method Body Wash

Getting sunburn is awful but I love coming in and taking a good shower afterwards. I’ve found that Method body wash is literally great and really cools and moisturizes your skin. I especially love the green tea one because I find it counteracts my redness and just soothes my sunburn. Not to mention, it smells AMAZING.

I couldn’t imagine my summer without these products. I seriously love them and they make live so much easier. Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these or if you have any summer favorites that I might have missed!

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco

Summer Hairstyle Ideas

Summer is not over yet. I repeat summer is definitely not over yet!!!

Just because it’s August doesn’t mean we have to be totally in back to school mode. I am definitely still thinking of the beach and the nice warm weather that we are still having. One thing I usually seriously struggle with is hairstyles in the summer because the humidity does a number on my hair. I’ve put together some of my favorite hairstyles that look cute, are so easy, and help fight frizzy hair in the summer heat.

My “Elsa” Braid

This braid might look super hard to do but its actually SO easy. First, just make a deep side part. Then, start dutch braiding your hair. To Dutch braid, just start your braid crossing under instead of on top like you would a French braid. (Dutch braids are basically box braids) Once you start braiding all the way down the front side of your head continue the braid and use a hair tie to secure it. I suggest bobby pinning the side of your head thats not braided so that it doesn’t fall apart when you’re pulling the braid out. To pull the braid, just start gently tugging on each side of it until you like how it looks and it starts to mimic a pancake. This braid is so easy and I think its so cute for summer!

My Beach Waves

A lot of people don’t like to use heat on their hair in the summer and that’s okay but I find that curling my hair actually locks in the style and the hairspray seriously helps frizz. I also start with straightened hair and then I just loosely curl my hair with a curling iron. Instead of using the curling iron traditionally, I’ll actually wrap my hair around the barrel like a wand and then use the clamp. I’m not sure how or why but it helps preserve the curl and leave it looking so naturally and wavy. This is seriously one of my fav hairstyles just because it makes you look like you just got out of the ocean.

Crown Braid

This type of braid is definitely more involved and a little trickier but I still love it nonetheless. First I do another deep side part and start braiding half of my hair with a dutch braid. Then, instead of braiding the other half at the top of my head, I start at the nape of my neck and braid all the way up from the bottom. I pull the braid so that it flattens out and then put bobby pins in so that it stays in place. I love love love the look of this braid and think its so perfect for the beach or even for a night out. I like to pull the side pieces out and some from the top so that it gives it an airy, fairy type of feel.

Space Buns

This hairstyle is out of this world! I start by parting my hair down the middle and making it into high pigtails. When you’re making these buns, make sure to pull them out and make them big and messy. I love the look of oversized buns because thin and small ones tend to look super weird on the top of your head. I also like to make sure I pull some pieces of hair down and out at the front to frame my face so that it doesn’t looks super structured.

I absolutely love all of these hairstyles for not only summer but they also could be great for back to school. They’re super easy to do and I think they all look so great. Let me know in the comments below which hairstyle you love most and check out my IGTV video on how I make my Elsa braid! Follow me on Instagram here: @cassiedenisco

6 Ways to Save the Planet as a College Student

@jordanmavradesigns

It’s so important now more than ever that we start to realize that similar to our bodies, we only get one earth. We only have one chance to treat it right and to enjoy the beauty and resources we get from it. For years I never cared at all about reducing my consumption or making switches to more eco friendly products but now it’s seriously all I think about. Here are my favorite ways that college kids like us can save the planet.

  1. Bring your own bags to the store

I absolutely love stores like Urban Outfitters or Lululemon that give away free reusable bags with every purchase. It really helps to not use plastic but most grocery stores aren’t so helpful. I went on Amazon and found a pack of super cute reusable pink bags that were so cheap but I also know they sell them literally everywhere. What do you actually use that plastic bag for after you bring your groceries home? Probably nothing, so you might as well bring your cute one from home. Pro tip: as soon as you bring your groceries inside, just put the bags back in your car so you’ll always have them.

2. Plastic straws aren’t cute

That iced latte you just got from Starbucks might taste good but it might kill your favorite little sea animal in a year. Seriosuly, if you’re bored do some research on what actually happens to plastic straws, it’s not pretty. I made the switch to glass or silicon straws at home. There’s also some cute travel straws that you can bring out with you wherever you go. Pro tip: ask for a nitro lid when you’re at Starbucks. You can still enjoy your iced drink but won’t need a straw for it.

3. Read what’s in your makeup

Guys this one was so shocking to me. Just because a makeup product is certified safe for your face, it doesn’t mean its safe for the planet. Certain preservatives in things like moisturizers have been linked to mutations in aquatic life. (Those poor animals!) Also, things like microbeads in exfoliators have been showing up in lakes and completely messing up the ecosystem of them. I know it might be so hard to give up your favorite products but with so many clean makeup brands popping up, I am so sure you can find something you and the planet will love.

4. Invest in reusable containers

This one a lot of us already do but single use plastic containers definitely are awful for the environment but they’re also so expensive. Think about how many containers and Ziploc bags you’ve purchased and then just thrown out after. Brands now make reusable bags that are basically Ziplocs but you never have to throw them out. You also can find really good quality plastic and glass containers that will last you for the rest of your life. Also, try your hardest to not drink bottled water. I know how convenient it is to buy that case of water but just get a gallon for your fridge and a cute reusable water bottle.

5. Educate your friends + family

I think this is my biggest tip. So many people don’t live their lives thinking about the environment most of the time because they think it’s too hard to make changes to their life or more expensive. Little changes here and there seriously will make a huge difference. The best way to change something is to educate people about it.

6. Donate!!

Even if you can’t give a lot, there are so many organizations out their that will benefit from your small donation. I love Project Aware, which is a global force of divers that work with communities to form policies for Marine conservation. Another organization that I love is the World Wildlife Fund. First, I think its so cute that you can symbolically adopt an animal with your donation but aside from that, this organization works to preserve endangered species and help keep animals safe. Make sure you do your research and donate to organizations that will do go for not only animals but also for the planet.

The planet and our environment is something I am seriously passionate about. The way we treat it right this second will seriously affect how we will live the rest of our lives’ and our kids. Making super small changes now will help in the long run and its cooler to be for the environment then against it. Hope this post inspired you and you start making more environmentally friendly choices in the school year!

Here’s a few of the products I suggested:

Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

College Dorm Room Essentials 2019

It’s that dreaded time of year where when you walk into any store and the school supplies is already out. We all know how awful that feeling of despair is knowing that the summer is quickly coming to an end and we have to actually head back to school. Lucky for you, I’ve done my research and found some of the cutest college dorm decor and necessities that you NEED to have for back to school 2019 all from Amazon.

Here’s a money saving tip: if you’re a student, you can get Prime for way cheaper. Click here for 30 days free!

Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

But on to the fun stuff, here’s some of my top dorm essentials from Amazon.

Decor:

Bedding:

Organization:

Tech:

As you can see Amazon is literally your one stop shop for all things college dorm. We use Amazon all year long so we might as well make our lives easier by using it for back to school. I’m heading over to Amazon right now to go buy that comforter set because it’s literally SO cute.

Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss out on any posts. Also check out my ultimate dorm essentials list below. ↓↓↓

Click here to download my FREE dorm essentials checklist!Download

Babe, Stop Apologizing

Here’s a little PSA: it’s 2019 and if you’re still apologizing to other people for their bullsh*t, then you need to cut it out.

From dealing with immature people to fake friends, I’ve seen and lived through it all. I’ve had my fair share of drama and fake apologies and I’ll gladly be the first person to tell you that apologizing to appease someone is a huge mistake. My biggest take away is that everyone just automatically expects an apology, regardless of the situation. Band-Aids just don’t fix bullet holes.

 Now, if you’re definitely in the wrong, just apologize and own up to your mistakes but don’t EVER feel like you’re backed into a corner to do it. What the heck is the point of apologizing if someone forced you to do it? And if you’re forcing people to apologize in the form of an ultimatum, reevaluate yourself. People who expect you to right their wrongs generally feel insecure, inferior, intimidated and threatened by you. I mean at the end of the day, that’s all that basically what bullies are. They feed off your poor self-image to fill up their own.

And you know what, while we’re on this topic of that let’s be real with each other. In the world we live in today, apologizes from women are handed out like candy on Halloween. We apologize for everything from girl drama to what we wear to how we act. Let’s stop saying “I’m Sorry” and let’s start cutting to the chase of what’s actually going on. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion but they don’t have the right to act on it if it’s negative or toxic. It’s seriously time that you stop apologizing for every little thing and start handling situations head on.

This to me really is the key to growing up and starting to live your life unapologetically. Being unapologetic means that you’re making the best decisions for yourself that will positively impact your life both now and in the future. I am in no way advocating for making crazy life changes but I am saying you NEED to start standing up for yourself if you ever want people to stop taking advantage of your kindness and your complacency.

I guess all I’m really trying to say here is just be unapologetic about who you are and own the decisions you make. Not everyone in this world is going to love you, you only need to love yourself.

20 Questions to Get to Know Me

You asked, so I answered! I recently asked on my Instagram story for you guys to ask me questions to get to know me better. Here are my answers to some of the juiciest questions you asked.

  1. How old are you?

I’m 21 years old and my birthday is on March 1st. I share the same birthday as Justin Bieber so I guess that makes me pretty cool.

2. What’s your college major?

I’m currently majoring in Political Science with a minor in Digital Analysis (Social Media). I was on a pre-law track but I just did not see myself being happy in law school or with the life that being a lawyer entails.

3. Where do you go to college?

So I actually take all of my classes online. I originally was at a University local to me and I commuted but the campus and the vibe just wasn’t for me. When I realized that I wanted to transfer, I looked into online school and fell in love with Arizona State’s programs so that is where I take classes. I LOVE online school.

4. What do you plan to do with your life?

Ideally, I would love to do social media management or consulting for other people or companies. I really am fascinated by how much social media can help people grow their companies and I would love to help others with what I’ve learned.

5. Do you have a job?

Currently, blogging is actually a part time job for me. I am working hard at it and being compensated for some of my posts/ Instagram posts so I do consider this a job. I also am a dance teacher at the dance school that I used to attend. I absolutely love teaching dance. It makes me so happy.

6. Why did you start your blog?

I reached a point in my life where I was planning on doing an internship but thought that it would be more beneficial to learn first hand what it would take to build a brand and an online presence. I literally have wanted to blog since high school but I always was so afraid of what others would have thought. I finally got the courage to start and I have loved it ever since.

7. Do you have an siblings?

Nope, I am an only child and I absolutely love it.

8. Do you have any pets?

No, I have only ever had fish. Stay tuned though because this is about to change. (:

9. What kind of music do you listen to?

Taylor Swift is my favorite artist but the music I listen to really depends on my mood. Some days I’m into rap and house music but other days I like country.

10. Fav TV shows?

I absolutely love Gossip Girl and the fact that it’s getting a reboot is amazing. I also love The Office, That 70s Show, and any Kardashian or Real House Wives series.

11. How do you edit/ take Instagram pictures?

So I was using a legit camera and lenses for awhile but I love a good iPhone picture. All of my Insta pics are taken now on an iPhone and I use Lightroom and Afterlight to edit. I used to use the same preset so that they all looked the same but sometimes I get super lazy and don’t care.

12. Tell us something no one knows about you.

I am a certified Scuba Diver. I got certified in like 7th grade.

13. What kind of workouts do you do?

Because I teach dance almost everyday, that’s my cardio which I do a lot of during the week. I also love going to yoga classes and pilates but thats my main workout source.

14. Any advice on starting a blog?

My biggest piece of advice is just to do it. I spent like 3 years contemplating it and now that I’ve started it, I absolutely love it and would never turn back.

15. What is a quote that you live by?

“She remembered who she was and the game changed.”

16. Where do you shop for clothes?

I love Target for basics. I do most of my other shopping at Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, and Nasty Gal.

17. How do you always have it together?

When I read this, I LOL’d for real. I think this is such a problem with social media these days because sometimes you’re only seeing the version of a person they want you to see. I have a lot of times when I don’t have it together at all. Everyone is human and everyone has bad days and good days.

18. Extrovert or Introvert?

I am the biggest introvert I know. I thrive being on my own and alone for long periods of time. I do like to go out with friends but mostly I am all about staying in and recharging myself.

19. What’s your sign?

My sign is a Pisces. I definitely fit this sign so well, like seriously it’s me to a T.

20. How do you have so much confidence?

I think this is similar to my answer to #17. I have not always been confident, it’s definitely something that I have had to work on. I deal with anxiety and the idea that I’ll never be that great everyday. It took me so long to finally come to the realization that there’s no one else like me and comparing yourself to someone else doesn’t help. Once you learn to love yourself for your most purest self, the world just loves you back.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading some of the questions that you guys asked me! I always struggle with opening up but I think its so important for us to get to know each other better.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram so that you won’t miss out on asking me any questions! @cassiedenisco

Summer Date Night Looks

Imagine this: it’s a gorgeous July night and you think you have nothing to wear to go out on a date. You’re rummaging through your closet thinking that nothing works and no outfits are cute enough. Does that sound like you? Because it’s literally me every time I go out on a date or out to dinner with friends. Like I always say, the summer is the perfect time to try out new outfit trends and these are some of my favorite outfits for a date night look.

This maxi skirt is from WildFable by Target and so is the crop top I paired it with. These types of skirts are so in right now and really give off a romantic vibe. I paired this look with a platform sneaker so that it’s still pretty casual but it looks like you tried.

I love a good denim skirt for a date night. Denim helps to make outfits a little more casual but the skirt adds just the right amount of girly that you might be looking for on a date. I will admit, tube tops are so obnoxious but I think that they go so well with skirts and are great because you don’t have to wear a bra. To accessorize this look, I added my Gucci belt but you can add any cute belt to pull this look together.

Whoever told you not to wear denim shorts on a date was lying. I absolutely love the cut of these shorts from TopShop. They really help to make my legs look leaner and give off a little more edgy vibe with how they are distressed. I literally love bodysuits for dates because they ALWAYS help to show off your great figure regardless of your shape. This body suit is from J Crew last year but really has a feminine vibe with the off the shoulder ruffles.

These date night looks are sure to win over the heart of your cute date. I am obsessed with these summer trends and I hope that you are too. Summer date nights might seem super intimidating but by just taking a deeper look into your closet, you’ll find exactly what you need to create the perfect look.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco for more outfit inspo.

My Healthy, Fresh Salsa Recipe

Fun fact about me: I won first place for this salsa recipe I’m about to share with you. I was only 10 and it was a 4H Fair but it still counts and this recipe is seriously so yummy and healthy. To be clear, chunky salsa is seriously the only was to eat salsa so enjoy this colorful and easy recipe!

Ingredients:

4 medium size tomatoes

1/2 medium size red onion

1 small hot cherry pepper

Handful of cilantro

Handful of basil

Handful of parsley

Directions:

Seriously, this recipe is SO easy! Just finely chop up your herbs and cut up your tomatoes, onions, and peppers to be about the same size. Add them all together and mix. I like to let this salsa sit over night in the fridge before eating it so that all of the flavors have time to set and mix together.

I know how much effort it is to make your own salsa but it seriously is so worth it because of how much healthier it is. Store bought salsas have so much added salt and preservatives so that they can last longer. I know the convenience of them but knowing exactly what’s in your food I swear makes it taste so much better. And, when you’re at a party, you have the added pride of telling people you handmade that yummy salsa!

P.S. this salsa would also be so yummy in a burrito bowl or on top of chicken

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest @cassiedenisco for more recipes!

3 Minute Breakfast Recipes

With back to school and work quickly approaching, I am always looking for ways to save time in the morning. It is so hard to find time to eat healthy when your schedule gets super crazy but I promise you these two breakfast recipes take only 3 minutes and are a great start to your day. Not to mention, they’re the same ingredients so grocery shopping is super easy.

Ingredients:

Plain Quick Oats

Ground Cinnamon

Nut Butter

Bananas

English Muffins

Recipe 1: English Muffins

I like to use the 100 calorie English Muffins and toast them in the toaster so that the nut butter will melt. Then I put peanut butter, bananas, and cinnamon on top. This breakfast is super quick but has enough to it to keep you full for the day. This recipe is only about 300 calories depending on how much peanut butter you use.

Recipe 2: Oatmeal

I am going to give you a life changing hack: put your oats in a cup with a little water and put them in the microwave for 1 minute. Seriously, try it! It works and helps cut down time in the morning. I then add some collagen powder just to get some added nutrients. Before I top the oatmeal with banana slices and peanut butter, I like to put my cinnamon in first and mix it all up. Again, this recipe is so yummy and literally took only 3 minutes. This recipe with the collagen comes in at about 395 calories but I think the collagen really helps the oatmeal keep you fuller for longer.

What I love most about these recipes is that they both use the same ingredients. It helps to make grocery shopping for your week so simple because you’re not buying a million different things. Also, with having two different variations of these ingredients it helps to not make you get tired of what you’re eating because you can easily switch it up. I hope you enjoyed this recipe and be sure to subscribe for more low cal, quick breakfast recipes!

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Sneakers you NEED to Have in Your Closet

I think a major fashion trend this summer that you need to get on this summer if you aren’t already on it is a sneaker. I love this trend because sneakers used to be seen as only something you could wear with athletic clothes. Now, everyone is just throwing sneakers on with any outfit and turning it into the cutest look. Today I’m going to be sharing with you my top 5 sneakers that you should have in your closet.

  1. Nike Air Force 1s

If you follow me on instagram, @cassiedenisco, then you know my love of these shoes. I have the special edition ones with the stars but the plain ones are just as cute. I absolutely love throwing these sneakers on with any outfit because they add such a cool vibe. I would absolutely invest in a pair of these sneakers because they can also transition really well into a fall shoe.

2. Adidas Super Stars

These are the perfect tennis shoes for wherever your summer will take you. I love these sneakers with shorts or even a t-shirt dress. I also love the little pop of color that they come with in the Adidas stripes on the side. I think you need both these and an Air Force 1 because they’re really two different vibes. The Air Force 1s are chunky and slim your leg but these are so comfortable and seriously go with everything.

3. Adidas XPLR

I would say that you could get really any type of running shoe, but I kid you not these are the most comfortable sneakers ever. I love to wear them to workout or even just running errands. I love the pink but I know that these sneakers come in more neutral colors as well. I wouldn’t wear these sneakers with any outfit but I do suggest these because they are so so comfortable.

4. Converse or Vans

I’m putting these two sneakers together because to me, they are pretty similar. I think that there is just something about Converse and Vans that makes it feel like summer. These sneakers are the perfect summer shoe because they are not too thick or heavy but will give you some support for whatever you’re doing.

5. Slip on Sneakers

Steve Madden is my go to for these types of sneakers. I have them in like every color and they are so comfortable. These sneakers are the best on days you want to look put together but are feeling super lazy. I absolutely love my all white ones for spring and summer because they make me look tanner and also slim my legs.

Whether you’re a big sneaker person or not, there’s no denying that the sneaker trend is here to stay. I absolutely love that sneakers are becoming such a big part in outfits because who doesn’t love high fashion but being comfortable at the same time?

Make sure to follow me on Instagram to follow how I style these shoes!