Cassey Ho's Blog, page 12

Finally designed the perfect layering piece for running

I know you guys have been asking for a non-romantic-sleeved, non-dropped-shoulder jackety type piece that really hugs your body for a while now… something that really skims your silhouette and gives a waist-cinching effect!

I’ve been wanting a substantial long sleeve layering piece for outdoor running for a while, and I felt like this was the best opportunity to test out this new body ody ody silhouette!

The Chasing Pavements Mockneck Pullover

 

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As you can see, the reason why it snatches is because of the way the fabric is cut to contour your body. These are the things that matter…the things that take a garment from just being on your body to enhancing your body! The teeny tiny details matter, BIG TIME.

I’m wearing this new POPFLEX pullover in size small! It’s very true to size. Just get your regular size.

It’s stretchy and cozy, perfect for a chilly morning run or a cold AC gym situation! And yessss the watch opening is on BOTH sides! Enjoy!

SHOP CHASING PAVEMENTS PULLOVER

Dairy-Free Items at Trader Joe’s That Are Actually Worth Buying

Recently, a friend needed to go dairy-free and reached out to see if I could help. It’s a frustrating transition, even though there are a lot more dairy alternatives out there now than even a few years ago! After a few weeks, she was just stuck, eating the same foods on repeat, and needed a little variety.

Off to Trader Joe’s I went! I already had a few dairy-free products in mind that even I, a dairy consumer, love and buy regularly. So I started there and made it my mission to find all of the DF items that actually taste good.

1. Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

Image: Trader Joe’s

This dairy-free creamer is my favorite coffee creamer, period. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. It’s actually creamy and not sad and watery. This is a Trader Joe’s staple for me!

If you’re not into flavored creamers, TJ’s oat milk is a good option, too!

2. Cashew Yogurt Alternative

Image: Trader Joe’s

Yogurt was one of the biggest struggles for my newly dairy-free friend. Everyone (read: people on Reddit and Tiktok) raved about Trader Joe’s Cashew Yogurt, so I grabbed every flavor they had: Plain, Strawberry, and Vanilla. It was creamy, and a pretty good option for a non-dairy yogurt.

In the fall, TJ’s usually has a seasonal pumpkin flavor too.

3. Vegan Cream Cheese

Image: Trader Joe’s

We’ve raved about this vegan cream cheese before, and I think it’s a must-try for cream cheese lovers, dairy-free or not. Get it and then use it to make our recipe for PB&J Mini Cheesecakes.

4. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

Image: Trader Joe’s

Another Trader Joe’s favorite for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Eat this with veggies, tossed with your favorite pasta, or spread religiously on a sandwich.

 

5. Vegan Buttery Spread

Image: Trader Joe’s

People often forget that butter is a dairy product. And “real” butter is a tough thing to replace. Trader Joe’s dairy-free buttery spread has good flavor and actually spreads pretty well! This one is definitely worth trying.

6. Cinnamon Rolls

Image: Trader Joe’s

Thought about gatekeeping this one because these are the best canned cinnamon rolls I have ever tasted. I learned to make cinnamon rolls from scratch because canned just wasn’t doing it for me when I needed a soft, fluffy, gooey roll. But these make me wonder if I really ever need to spend 4 hours making my own again.

They’re that good, and you’d never know they’re dairy-free.

7. Vegan Cookies & Creme Bon Bons

Image: Trader Joe’s

My only complaint here is the fact that only 6 come in a box. No other notes.

8. Penne Arrabbiata

This is a quick and tasty lunch or dinner option. The pasta is tender, the sauce is tasty, and you can “dress” it up in so many ways! Toss in some spinach, add a little vegan cheese, lentils, OR… (see below)

9. Turkey Meatballs

One of the most unexpected, hard-to-find dairy-free products – Meatballs! These are fully cooked, making them a super convenient source of protein. I like to make mine crispy on the outside using an air fryer! 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes works well for me.

10. Sunflower Seed Butter Cups

Image: Trader Joe’s

 

Another yummy dairy-free sweet treat.

 

11. Vegan Buffalo Dip

Image: Trader Joe’s

If there’s one food I’m always in the mood for, it’s buffalo chicken dip. I was skeptical of the vegan alternative (full disclosure: I was sure I would hate it), but WOW. This was surprisingly good.

The ingredient list consists of cauliflower (this is what makes the creamy base), red peppers, carrots, pumpkin seeds, cayenne pepper, lime juice, and garlic. It’s flavorful, spicy, and tangy.

12. Dairy-Free Boursin

This is another product that the dairy-free community raved about when I made my list of products to try. Boursin isn’t an exclusive TJ’s brand, but it seems like this garlic and herbs flavor is hard to find in other stores (at least in my area!). If you’re a snacker, grab this to have with crackers or veggies. I have a feeling it would be v tasty melted into some pasta or on a sandwich too.

13. Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

 

Last but not least, one of my favorite Trader Joe’s snacks, which just so happens to be dairy-free! This popcorn is bursting with savory, herby flavor that makes it feel gourmet compared to traditional butter popcorn.

 

What are your dairy-free Trader Joe’s picks?

What did I miss?!

A going out jacket, but make it comfy

But seriously though.

Most of my going out jackets (leather jackets) are so restrictive, so I wanted to create the ultimate, super stretchy, super chic, motorcycle jacket-inspired jacket…with the mobility of an activewear piece but the timeless lines of a leather jacket (without the leather ).

The Heart Racer Moto Jacket

 

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 SHOP HEART RACER MOTO JACKET

 

Over 1.5 years later, here we are! This is the Heart Racer Moto Jacket and she’s available now on POPFLEX in 9 sizes xxs to 3x, in 3 colors! Def size down if you want a more fitted look like I have on. I’m wearing XS and am 5’5”.

 

It’s cute open or closed, AND you can even zip it all the way up for those cold nose moments! Hope you love!! Let me know if you have any questions!

The Blogilates March 2024 Workout Calendar!!

Hey guys!

FINALLY it feels like winter is moving behind us (or will be soon?!) and we can look ahead to sunshine and spending more time outside! Don’t get me wrong I’m still in full cozy season, living in my Cloud Hoodies and sweatpants because I’m pretty much always cold. But I’m also excited to show you warm weather things I’ve been working on like my new Runsie!

More fun summery things to come! In the meantime…

Here's your March Workout Calendar!!!

Download PDF

How to follow the March 2024 Workout Calendar

Check the Blogilates YouTube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!

OR you can get everything you need (and more motivational tools!) on the BODY By Blogilates app! If you don’t have the app yet, it will make following along with this month’s workouts easier! You can access not only the calendar but all of the videos in one place. Find challenges and free programs like the Glow Up Sessions and the 200 Ab Challenge there too!

Now that you know where to find your workouts, here’s what you can expect each day of the March Workout Calendar. You ready?!!!

SUNDAY: Recovery
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Abs
WEDNESDAY: Booty
THURSDAY: Total Body
FRIDAY: Arms
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Most days will be 45 min max of exercise.

If you get the BODY By Blogilates app, your workout calendar and workouts will all be in one place! And it’s so fun and motivating to get that “Workout Complete” checkmark

Speaking of the app!

The Blogilates community is the BEST. So, I wanted to create a space where we could all feel a little more connected to each other! The social feature (in the most updated version of the app) is a place where you can share photos and/or text thoughts and comment on each other’s post. Think the good ol’ days of Instagram!

ANNNND

Last year, we launched PPCYCLE, a place where you can list and shop for gently used POPFLEX and Blogilates items! You can read more about it here!

If you're just getting started...

Or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.

Want MORE?! Take on a challenge

Take on the No Abs Left Behind Challenge or work on a lil self-care with the Love Yourself Challenge.

You can find more challenges here!

Time to check in!

February flew by (unlike January omg)!! What are you looking forward to in March?! Lemme know in the comments .

 

High Protein Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Cookie dough is often a treat that’s easy to overdo. It’s so delicious and brings back the nostalgia of baking things with my mom and sister when I was little. Anyone else like to swipe a bite or two when no one is looking?

That simple joy inspired me to make my own, safe-to-eat version with a serving size for one! There’s no egg and no raw flour. Oh, and it’s a high-protein treat!

“Healthier” Cookie Dough

Typically, cookie dough isn’t ideal for everyday snacking. It’s more of an indulgence!

In my version, I kept it gluten-free by using highly absorbent coconut flour, which also adds to the volume because it gets nice and thick.

I used my Sculpt & Debloat Sweet Cream Protein Powder for added vanilla flavor, a boost of protein, and gut-healthy ingredients like fiber and probiotics. Because it’s a vegan protein powder, it also adds to the dense texture, which makes this recipe really satisfying.

The butter flavoring comes from butter extract and butter-flavored coconut oil, but feel free to use ghee or butter, or even cashew butter (but then definitely add the extract).

Let’s make some dough!

Finally, “raw” cookie dough you can eat safely! I don’t like chocolate so I leave the chips out. Do whatever sounds good to you!

PrintProtein Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }Course DessertCuisine AmericanKeyword cookiePrep Time 5 minutes minutesCalories 231kcalIngredients1 scoop Blogilates Sculpt + Debloat Sweet Cream Protein Powder 2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk2 tbps coconut flour2 tbsp granular Monk Fruit sweetener1 tbsp melted butter flavored coconut oil (or butter or cashew butter)1 tsp vanilla extract1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chipsPinch saltInstructionsStir everything except the chocolate chips together to form a dough, adding the milk in a little at a time to reach the desired, soft consistency. Stir in the chocolate chips, and serve.NutritionServing: 11/2 cup | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 8gMore yummy treats!

My Sandwich Cookie

Vegan Cake Pops

PB Mug Cake

Let me know in the comments if you try making any of these!

PS – If you want some more easy, high-protein recipes, check out my protein cookbook!

Revamping my first ever romper to create the Supershort™ Runsie

Hey guys!

Over two years ago I designed my first romper! It was cute but…people weren’t really into it. SO I went back to the drawing board and fixed some key issues to design an improved romper that I hope you love!

The Supershort Runsie

 

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SHOP SUPERSHORT RUNSIE

The straps

Romper 1.0 had non-adjustable straps, which I see now as a REAL problem. So the straps are now adjustable! Easy fix.

The inner panty

I completely swapped out the built-in panty for built-in shorts, which is wayyy more comfortable. Oh, and the inner pockets are anti-cameltoe (duh).

Pockets

Those inner shorts I added? They have POCKETS!

The overall shape

The 1.0 shorts were poofing and overall, the whole romper just wasn’t snatching the way I wanted it to. I borrowed the pattern from my viral Supershort, so the bottoms are super stretchy and the hem is angled inward to give you more booty shaping.

To create the snatch effect, I added 2 mesh side panels to draw the eye more toward the center.

Ready to see?!

SHOP SUPERSHORT RUNSIE

Before you ask…

The most common question when I post about a one-piece outfit. Here’s how you pee.

You take the shoulders off, slide em down, you go, you wipe, and you flush. Don’t forget to wash your hands. With soap preferably.

I’m 5’5” wearing the POPFLEX Supershort Runsie in sz XS! It comes in XXS to 3X and fits very true to size! Hope you like this one better than romper 1.0!

What I’ve been reading lately!

Hey guys!

I’ve been on a bit of a reading streak lately! Well, if you consider audiobooks as reading like I do.

I thought I’d share a few books I finished this month and some thoughts I have on each one, in case you’re looking for something to add to your TBR!

 

1. One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy

ONE IN A MILLENNIAL - KATE KENNEDY

Kate is the host of the podcast, Be There in Five! Her book was so nostalgic and made me smile. I found it super relatable because we grew up in the exact same era, are both hyper-aware of high school social hierarchies, both love Homegoods, and both love Taylor Swift – it was such a fun read.

 

2. The Messy Truth by Alli Webb

THE MESSY TRUTH - ALLI WEBB

This is the true story behind the Drybar empire. I loved how real Alli was about her weaknesses! It made me feel a little better about not knowing what to do sometimes…because it seems like everyone is just trying to figure out life (and business) as well. This was a quick read – I wanted even more detail!

 

3. Glossy by Melisa Meltzer

GLOSSY - MELISA MELTZER

This is the inside story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier and it was JUICY. It had a gossipy journalistic style tone to it, which I loved! But I have mixed feelings on this because it’s missing Emily’s perspective (as this was a book written about her) so I was left feeling like I wanted to hear more from the entrepreneur perspective.

What should I read next?

Leave me some book recs in the comments!

Can’t stop dancing in the Juliet Wrap Skort 🩰

Hey guys!

A skort for all the girlies who didn’t grow up to become ballerinas but still wanna feel like one. (Ahem, me).

My obsession with ballerinas begins with their ability to look so graceful and effortless while executing some of the most difficult (nearly gravity-defying) movements the human body can perform. The STRENGTH that comes with this craft is not often talked about, but seriously, the muscle control one has to have to be a ballerina is otherworldly.

MAJOR RESPECT.

I wanted to design something that embodied the essence of a ballerina…cuz whether or not you’re on stage, don’t you wanna feel like the nexus of strength and grace in your everyday life? I do!!

This is the Juliet Wrap Skort

 

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SHOP JULIET WRAP SKORT

 

What we love about her

Layers of stretchy, flowy fabric
Built-in anti-cameltoe shorts
Pockets
A huge bow that is also adjustable

I am 5’5” wearing small! It comes in XXS to 3X and is very true to size! I love her so much and I hope you do too!

It’s up on now the POPFLEX site in 5 colors. Which color is your fave?

SHOP JULIET WRAP SKORT

Living our ballerina dreams in the Juliet Wrap Skort

Hey guys!

The vision behind the Juliet Wrap Skort was a ballet skort for the girlies who didn’t grow up to be ballerinas… but still want to feel that one. I know I’m not the only one!

I kind of have an obsession with ballet. It’s just so incredible to watch how STRONG ballerinas are, while also moving with such grace. I wanted this skort to move effortlessly so you can feel like a ballerina when you wear it. I designed the Juliet with layers of stretchy fabric, built-in anti-cameltoe shorts with pockets, and a big bow that is also adjustable!

The way this skort wraps, ties, and flows is perfection. LET ME SHOW YOU.

Let’s try on the Juliet Wrap Skort!

Our Try-On Crew, a group of women sizes XXS to 3X, is putting this beauty to the test! As usual, everyone looks STUNNING!

See for yourself!

 

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The reviews are in!

Every single Try-On Crew member looks exactly how I dreamed when I designed this skort, but how do they FEEL about it? Here are their honest reviews. Watching this crew try on new designs and reading their feedback has become one of my favorite things about the design process.

Kate, Try-On Crew

Measurements:

Size: S
Height: 5′ 10″
Bust: 34.5″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 38.5″

Kate’s review! “Definitely bringing the coquette and ballet vibes. Also love the fact that you can tie it in different ways.”

Yesss we love a bow and adjustability! Also, you are SERVING in this.

Ariel, Try-On Crew

Measurements: 

Size: L
Height: 5′ 8″
Waist: 33.5″
Hips: 42.5″
Bust: 41″

From Ariel! “I love this skort! It’s so pretty and whimsical. It brings out my inner ballerina that I used to be when I was younger. I feel graceful when I move, and it makes me want to stand tall and erect. The material is light and makes for the perfect twirl factor. And of course there are pockets!!”

Yesss this was exactly the dream! To bring out our inner ballerina . Love this on you!

 

Alexis, Try-On Crew

Measurements: 

Size: XL
Height: 5′ 3″
Bust: 41″
Waist: 38.5″
Hips: 45″

Alexis says, “This ballet skort has so much movement and makes me feel like a fairy! You can tie it in any way you want, whether that’s in a simple knot or a cute bow. I will definitely wear this when taking my dance classes as it’s perfect for that!” 

Ahh I can’t wait for you to wear this to dance classes!! YESSS fairy vibes!

 

SHOP JULIET WRAP SKORT

Wanna see more try-ons??

Your feedback means so much to me! Let me know what questions you have in the comments!

Time to give running shorts a makeover

Hey guys!

Running short…but make it a fairytale .

Running shorts are generally SO BORING and do nothing for my body. They often give my hips an unappealing rectangular bag shape and just eew. They need a major makeover.

Because I am forever a romantic girlie who loves ruffles and bows, anytime I can add them to my activewear designs, I will – and well, running shorts, IT IS TIME.

Meet the POPFLEX On the Run Ruffle Shorts

 

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SHOP ON THE RUN RUFFLE SHORT

 

Besides ruffles, I added a few essential features:

Built-in anti-cameltoe shorts
Pockets
A secret zippered booty pocket

And I honestly feel like a princess running through an enchanted forest when I wear them! I love the way the fabric drapes on my hips and thighs. I’m 5’5” wearing size small.

Let me know if you have any questions!! I hope you love!

 

SHOP SHORTS