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

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

What to Get at Starbucks

My name is Cassie DeNisco and I’m addicted to Starbucks.

Yes, you did read that correctly, I am absolutely addicted to Starbucks and will get a drink there at least once a day. There’s just something about going to a Starbucks that’s so calming knowing that you’re about to have that caffeine that you are seriously in need of. My friends always ask me, “You don’t even drink coffee, so why do you go there?” and I tell them, Starbucks isn’t just coffee, it has a whole bunch of other drinks that are just as yummy. Here are a few of my favorites:

  1. Iced Green Tea Lemonade Sweetened

This is literally my all time favorite drink and my go to Starbucks order. It’s so yummy and gives me just enough caffeine to get me through the day. Not to mention, green tea is really good for you so this is a really good option if you’re trying to stay healthy.

2. Strawberry Açaí Refresher with Lemonade

I like to call this my “dessert” drink. This drink is so great but super sweet. I call this my dessert drink because it’s just like a sweet that you would have for dessert. I also like to make sure I order it without the dried strawberries in it so that they don’t get in my straw.

3. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte

I still am not a coffee drinker but I do like a latte here and there. I am seriously obsessed with blonde lattes though. They are so smooth and really don’t have a bitter coffee taste. I think that might be why I drink this because it is coffee but doesn’t really taste like it.

4. Hot Chai Tea Latte

I am a chai tea enthusiast. I love chai and it is hands down the best tea to have. I used to drink the iced chai’s from Starbucks but I don’t really like the concentrate that they use cold so I only get chai’s from here hot. I love the frothed milk and absolutely love this drink on a cold day.

5. Mint Majesty Tea

I don’t think anyone cried the day Teavana closed down their stores like I did. Mint Majesty is my absolute favorite tea but seriously the only place I can get it now is at a Starbucks, and sometimes they don’t even have it. This tea is so soothing because of the mint and is a really great option if you want something from Starbucks but don’t really want the added sugar.

As you can tell, I’m basically a Starbucks expert and I’m passionate about the drinks I love. Not to mention, Starbucks is starting to really care for the environment by switching to straw free lids. I literally will support this brand forever, as long as they don’t get rid of my favorite drinks.

(RIP Mango Black Tea Lemonade)

Summer Street Style Ideas

If you’re like me, then you’ve reached the point in the summer that jean shorts and a crop top just aren’t it anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I love the comfort of them but I feel like they get old so quick in the summer. One trend that I am usually pretty hesitant to try is street style. If you know me, you know I’m a pastel, floral loving girl so the dark colors and structured apparel of street style is not something I usually try. I do however realize that it’s always good to try something new and being in a wardrobe rut this summer, I decided to style some pieces that would be perfect for a walk down 5th Ave this summer.

Cargo Pants

I was super hesitant to even try these pants on in the store. I just wasn’t sure how they would fit on my pretty curvy body but I ended up loving the structure to them. They’re cut like a jogger but they give such a cool vibe to them with the mesh cut outs in the knees. I decided to pair them with a bright neon green tube top and a white sneaker. This look screams street style and I seriously love this color combo. I think it’s perfect for summer.

Bike Shorts

The second I put these biker shorts on, I felt like Kim K. I mean, they are seriously comfortable but just not something that I usually gravitate towards. I found them to be so comfortable and really no different then leggings. I would even argue that these pants are even more comfortable then leggings for the summer because they’ll help to keep you cool. The night that I wore these was a little chilly so I put on this neon pink sweatshirt. I seriously love this combo of the tight shorts with a bigger hoody. Again, I paired it with my go to white sneakers and I thought this look was perfect. I also tried this look with just the same neon tube top from the cargo pants, and it looked great with that as well.

Black Skinny Jeans

I feel like so many people stay as far away from the color black in the summer as possible but I love it. I love my black skinny jeans and think they add such a cool vibe to any look. I paired these Top Shop Moto jeans with this super cute band tee from American Eagle. I love this outfit because it’s so comfy but looks so cool. This look is perfect for a night out for dinner or even just a day of shopping.

Iridescent

I tend to think iridescent clothes are definitely not for me but this tube top from Target is so fun. I paired it with my black Top Shop skirt and absolutely love this look. I think iridescent looks are perfect for summer because they’ll really play with the light from the sun. I do caution that not everything iridescent is cute and should be worn. While I was in search of something that was this cute, I came across a lot of festival pieces that wouldn’t really make sense in everyday life. This top is just enough fun that it’ll light up your night but not make you stand out like a sore thumb.

I really hope you enjoyed these looks! This post really forced me to get out of my style comfort zone and try something new. I actually have since purchased a few more pairs of biker shorts because I just love them so much. Let me know down below what your favorite look was and check out my IGTV for the outfit video!

Summer Vibes Playlist

One thing I absolutely love about summer is the music. Music helps to connect people and really can set the mood for whatever you’re up to. At the beginning of each summer, I love putting together a playlist with all my favorite artists that I’ll use on a long car ride or even at a pool party with friends. This summer, there are soo many new great songs and artists that this playlist is sure to be a favorite for whenever you’re listening to it!

playlistDownload

Don’t forget to follow me on Apple Music for this playlist and use this link to get Apple Music FREE!

My Travel Essentials

Whether you’re traveling internationally or just taking a road trip to a local destination, what you’re packing is pretty much the same. My summers are always packed with vacations so I like to think of myself as a travel guru. I posted an Over Packers Guide to Packing before my Pennsylvania trip in May so definitely check that out if you’re like me and feel like you need your whole closet for a weekend trip. Here’s my list of travel essentials that I can’t live without while on vacay.

  1. Headphones

Traveling with headphones just makes travel so much better. Whether you’re trying to block out noise on a flight or listening to your favorite podcast on the beach, headphones make everything better.

2. Your Own Skin/Hair Care Products

You would be surprised at how many people I meet who say that they use hotel soap, shampoo, & conditioner. Of course there’s nothing wrong with them but being consistent with your products from home is key to getting the best results and looking your best while on vacation. So many brands have come out with travel size of their products or you can buy containers like these that you can put your products into.

3. A Jacket

Regardless of if you’re going on a tropical vacation or not, you should definitely bring a jacket with you. I know it might sound silly but often times places will get super cold at night or a restaurants AC will be unbearable. A simple jacket is a must have for comfort and will usually make any outfit super cute.

4. Rain Gear

I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve been on that I’ve left my rain jacket at home and it just rains for days. Being wet from the rain is the worst feeling and even if your rain jacket or umbrella takes up some space in your suitcase, you’d rather be safe and dry then wet and sorry on your vacation.

5. Laundry Bag

I might sound crazy but it is so annoying to have your dirty clothes with your nice clean clothes in your suitcase. Not to mention, it already makes the dreaded laundry day post vacation so much more difficult because you have to stand their and sort through what’s clean or not. I like to use a either half of my suitcase for dirty clothes or some sort of bag that can fit in my suitcase with the dirty clothes.

6. Chargers

Make a sticky note or put a reminder on your phone but don’t forget to bring the chargers for your electronics!! I hate when I’ve left a phone charger at home and then have to go out a purchase a brand new one knowing I have a perfectly good one at home.

7. Bring Sneakers

Even if you don’t plan on taking a hike on your vacation, I always like to bring at least one pair of good, comfortable sneakers to wear. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten blisters on my feet from the only cute sandals I packed with me on vacation. At least if you bring a pair of sneakers, you’ll be able to give your feet some relief.

These are just a few of my travel essentials. I love making sure that bring the comfort of home with me while I’m on vacation. I know how hard it is to want to make sure you don’t forget anything while worrying about being over packed. Let me know in the comments below if you have any travel essentials you can’t live without!

What I’m Reading this Summer

I always have been such a huge reader but there is just something about summer time and reading that sparks a huge desire to read even more. To me, there is nothing better then laying out in the hot sun on a beach with a great book . This post is dedicated to some of the books I’m planning to read this summer or have read but may reread because they’re just that good.

My first book should be no surprise if you saw my GOT review. I am absolutely going to be started the Game of Thrones books series with the first book, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. I am really looking forward to taking the time to site and read this book and find all the hidden foreshadowing of the finale’s events that I missed in only watching the TV series. Most of the time, I do read the books before I watch the TV or movie versions but for some reason GOT just didn’t seem that appealing to me until I saw the series. I have only heard great things about the books so they are definitely my top must read for the summer.

One genre that I have really found myself loving as I have gotten older is self-help. I think a lot of people probably shy away from it because the name seems like a turnoff but I think these types of books really provide great guidance and motivation as I grow older. One book series that I LOVE is the You Are a Badass collection by Jen Sincero. I have read the yellow one about how to stop doubting yourself but this summer I have my sight set on the green one called You Are a Badass at Making Money. I just loved her first book so I am sure that this one will be just as insightful and provide the guidance I am looking for.

Staying in the realm of self-care, I really recommend reading Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart. I know I mentioned it in my Skin Secrets post but I think if you are like me it’s totally worth the read. The summer is the best time to pursue your goals and if cooking more and living a healthier lifestyle are on your list this book is right up your alley. Not only is this book broken down into seasons of the year to tell you what fruits and veggies to eat for what you’re looking for but it also gives you recipes on how to incorporate them into your diet. I am just so obsessed with this book and I reread it at least once or twice a year because its basically a food bible.

A few other books that are on my must read list are When Life Gives You LuluLemons, Make Your Bed, and of course The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Every time I walk by these books in Barnes and Nobles I am so tempted to pick them up but I just know I already have such a long list of books to read. If you have an book recommendations leave them in the comments below.

Happy Reading! – C

Summer Motivation

I feel like it can become so easy in the summer to lose all sense of reality. After a really long semester, it’s always the best feeling to reward yourself with a little rest and relaxation. The issue arises when its June and your already a month into break and you haven’t done anything but binge watch all your favorite Netflix shows. Of course summer is a time to cut back on the busy schedules but it also can be the best time to work on something your passionate about. For me, this summer I am dedicating it to this blog which is something that I have put off doing for so long. For my other friends, I know a lot of them are going to be working this summer both at jobs and internships.

When I think back to my summer last year, I lacked motivation entirely. I did not want anything to do with school or working. I had a pretty rough semester so I thought I deserved the summer off but in reality, I lost precious time that I could’ve put towards my career or even my personal hustle. Don’t fear if you were like me last summer, I am here to help you get that spark to try something new this summer.

I think my biggest tip and most important one is to use a planner. Planners help you not only plan things but also be accountable for things. I love the Day Designer planner but Lily Pulitzer and Erin Corden also make some great ones. I love planning out my day and making a to- do list so that I can cross things off as I go. This also helps me mentally stay on track and accomplish the goals I set for myself. Electronic planners or things like iCal on the iPhone work too but for me, there’s just something about being able to take a pen and physically cross things off.

Another tip I have is to set goals even if they’re small ones. At the end of the day, all goals are goals and whether they’re huge like launching a blog or small like attending a workout class once a week, they still help you to stay on track and accountable. I think for the summer, thinking about one large goal that you’d like to achieve and pair it with maybe some weekly goals will really help you stay motivated throughout the summer because you know that you have something to work towards.

The summer is the best time to get a tan and take a nap but it’s also the best time to pursue passions. As much as I love my Netflix shows, I realize that I really have to take advantage of my free schedule for things that will benefit me in the long run. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too this summer, whether it is be a new hair color or a fresh coat of nail polish, stay motivated starts when you feel your best.

C