Cassie DeNisco

My Summer Morning Routine 2021

July 9, 2021

I am so happy to be sharing with you my summer morning routine. There is no better feeling than waking up on a summer morning with the whole day ahead of you. My morning routines are usually all the same but in the summer I like to really take my time with my routine and enjoy it.

7:00am

I’m up early in the summer because of my Frenchie. If you’ve been following me for awhile you know French Bulldogs overheat easily so I like to take our morning walk before it gets too hot. This is usually when she eats, plays a bit, and goes for her walk. Usually after this, Sky is done for the morning and ready to go back to bed or lay in the sun.

7:30am

This is my prep time as I like to call it. I fill my water bottle and make a coffee or chai. This is when I like to wash my face and brush my hair so I’m just set and ready to go for the day. I always put on sunscreen during this step, even if I’m just going to be at my desk because the sun is so strong.

8:00-12:00pm

I’m not a big breakfast eater but in the summer I usually will take a bowl fruit to my desk. I love getting up early in the summer and getting things done so that I have the whole afternoon to do whatever I want. Since I work for myself, I like to time block my day. I briefly mentioned in my Productive Morning Routine that I usually work in blocks of time. This is fun over the summer because I get as much done as I can and then just move on with my day. As you can see, Sky just hangs in her bed right next to me!

12:00-2:00pm

This might not be morning but I definitely carve out time in my day to get in the sun. I love laying out especially since I live on a lake so I always make time to do it. Sky is usually inside in the AC or in her pool like this picture so she doesn’t really hang but I’ll be out side in the afternoons getting my vitamin D.

My summer morning routine is definitely short and sweet but I love summer. Whether you’re working from home or out and about, just the vibe of summer puts everyone in a great mood. I love the occasional random nap or the spontaneous trip for ice cream.

Let me know what your summer morning routine is like!

To keep up with me and Sky this summer, follow us on Instagram @skythefrenchgirl and @cassiedenisco!

My Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

April 30, 2021

Pasta salads are a summer staple in my house but I don’t always want to eat pasta with it. This recipe is a twist on a pasta salad that uses a different kind of grain but is still delicious. I love this combo of flavors and I think you will too. Make sure you’re following me on Pinterest so you don’t miss any of my recipes. My summer pasta salad recipe is refreshing and perfect for a summer day!

Ingredients

Salad:

1 1/2 c Pearl Couscous or Farro

2 tomatoes

1 red onion

1/2 of a cucumber

feta cheese

Dressing:

1/2 c Olive oil

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp dried basil

salt

pepper

Directions

First cook the couscous or farro according to the package. Allow plenty of time for it to cool.
Chop the tomatoes, onion, and cucumber into bite size pieces and set aside.
Mix together the dressing and then add to the cooled couscous. Add in the rest of the produce and mix well.
Finish off with adding the feta on top. I like a lot so I would use a whole block or container but add as much or as little as you would like.

This recipe is seriously the best because its a twist on a traditional summer pasta salad recipe. I feel like by the end of summer I am so over real pasta salads that I love switching it up with different grains. I also find this version to be a bit healthier because couscous and farro are so good for you.

Let me know in the comments below your summer pasta salad recipe! You can check out more recipes like this one here.

My 2- Ingredient Banana Pancakes

June 29, 2020

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:

Turn your griddle or stove on medium heat and be sure to grease it.
Peel your banana and mash it really well in a bowl with a fork.
Crack two eggs and whisk with the banana until completely combined.
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.
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!

Follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco!

My Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

June 8, 2020

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

Ingredients:

2 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c canola oil

1/4 c water

2 tsp vanilla

1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

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

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

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

Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes @cassiedenisco!