Cassie DeNisco

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My Summer Lunch Idea that you Need to try!

I can hardly believe summer is almost over here in New York! I have been loving the warmth but I’m starting to get excited for fall. I wanted to share with you my summer lunch idea that you need to try! I’ve seriously been living off this all summer long.

This is a dairy free recipe however feel free to do what makes you happy! I also will admit the vegan cheese I’m using is incredibly hard to find but if you do find it, it’s worth it!! I have been on a mission for like a year to find cheese similar to mozzarella and this is really it!

summer lunch idea

Ingredients

Sourdough bread slice

Pesto (basil, garlic, and olive oil minced together)

1 ripe tomato

Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella

Balsamic Glaze

Directions

  1. Toast your sourdough slice til golden brown
  2. Apply a thin layer of pesto on the bread then take vegan mozzarella and add slices on top
  3. Slice your tomato and add that on top
  4. Finish off with balsamic glaze and you’re all set!

As you can see this is quite possibly the easiest lunch but it is so good. I love lighter lunches like this because sometimes you don’t want a giant meal when it’s hot. This is also such an easy on the go lunch that you just need to assemble and enjoy.

This summer lunch idea has seriously been my obsession! Let me know in the comments below your favorite summer lunch! If you liked this post, check out my other lunch recipes here!

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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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My June Favorites 2021

I can hardly believe that this is the third Friday of July! I wanted to take some time today to talk about some of my June favorites of products that I just couldn’t live without. These are seriously my all time favorite posts to read and write because they expose you to some new products you might not have heard of before. There’s products in all different categories so sit back, relax, and enjoy the post!

Billie Razor

june favorites

This Billie razor has been life changing. With me shaving more often in the summer, the quality of this razor and the shave is literally everything. I was pleasantly surprised that this was also so affordable and they automatically ship you the razors you need for a refill. If you’re looking to step up your shaving game, check these out this summer!

DryBar 100 Proof Oil

This hair oil from Drybar has become my instant favorite this summer. I find that my hair gets so dry over the summer and this seriously smooths some flyaways and helps hydrate my hair. This is pricy but a little oil does go a long way and I’m still on my same bottle from May!

Not Your Mother’s Purple Hair Mask

I wish I found this Hair Mask sooner. This mask does wonders to refresh my hair and combat the brassiness my hair tends to get. You leave this in for 5-10 minutes and it helps to brighten and lighten your blonde. Even though I am not fully blonde anymore, I still love this product on my ends to keep them bright and not too orange.

The Intimacy Experiment

This was my most recent read so I had to include it here. I read Rosie Danan’s first book and loved it so I knew this one would be another great one. This is a light and fun read perfect for the summer time. I love this book and think it’s one to add your your reading list!

Highline Wellness CBD

I initially tried this CBD on a whim when my anxiety was really bad. I never could have imagined that it seriously works and helps to just relax me. This doesn’t have the THC so it’s not a drug, it’s just the healing properties of CBD. Highly suggest trying this if you struggle with anxiety like me!

As you can see, these favorites have a little bit for everyone. I have been really into taking good care of my skin and hair so I have been loving trying new products. I hope these June favorites inspire you to try something new or check out a new product!

You can read my last favorites post here!

My Summer Morning Routine 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

summer morning routine

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

summer morning routine

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

summer morning routine

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 BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

As we head further into summer, I am all about a light and easy dinner. This BBQ chicken salad recipe is delicious and so easy to recreate. This not only is a great dinner, but it’s also easy to prep for lunches for the week. By spending a little time prepping everything on a Sunday, you can have healthy salads all week long that you can mix and match ingredients. Keep on reading for how to make my favorite BBQ chicken salad recipe.

Ingredients:

bbq chicken salad recipe

1 Red Onion

2 Tomatoes on the Vine

1 Can Corn (I roast mine on top of the stove until blackened)

2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken

2 Hard Boiled Eggs

1 Cucumber

1/2 Cup Shredded carrots

Greens of your choice

Barbecue Sauce

Ranch Dressing (I love this Boathouse Greek Yogurt one!)

Assembly:

I love to grab a big bowl and put my greens down first. I always pick a mixed greens with baby spinach but that is totally up to you. Next, I just throw everything in the bowl and finish off with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and then some ranch dressing. My top trick is to cover your giant bowl and give everything a good shake so it all gets covered.

As you can see, this BBQ chicken salad recipe is so quick and delicious. It makes the perfect summer dinner or lunch recipe and is great for meal prep. Salads aren’t always my top choice but when you have so many yummy toppings, it helps you not even realize you have greens in it!

Let me know your favorite salad combo below!

Click here to check out my other salad recipes.

My Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

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!

summer pasta salad recipe

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

  1. First cook the couscous or farro according to the package. Allow plenty of time for it to cool.
  2. Chop the tomatoes, onion, and cucumber into bite size pieces and set aside.
  3. Mix together the dressing and then add to the cooled couscous. Add in the rest of the produce and mix well.
  4. 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.

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!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco!

My Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

vegan chocolate chip cookies

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:

  1. Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda and chocolate chips. Set this aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and make little balls of dough. Freeze for 30 minutes in order to keep the mixture together.
  4. 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!

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!

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