Cassey Ho's Blog, page 7

Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Crowd Faves

The holidays are officially upon us! If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, it’s time to nail down the perfect spread. If you’re a guest, it’s time to decide what you’re contributing! Here are my favorite things from Trader Joe’s that make holiday cooking a little easier.

Keep in mind these are my picks for convenience and yumminess. If you prefer to cook everything from scratch, go for it! But if you need to stress a little less and enjoy time with friends and family a little more, this list is for you.

Credit for all images: Trader Joe’s

Main dishes

Maybe you’re hosting a small group. Maybe you’re hosting a large, diverse group of eaters. These main dishes will impress everyone, with minimal work required.

1. Brined Bone-In Half Turkey Breast

The juiciest, most flavorful pre-cooked turkey breast I’ve ever had. These go fast, for a good reason!

2. Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast

Even if you’re not vegan, definitely grab one of these. It’s so flavorful and cozy.

 

3. Balsamic Rosemary Beef Steak Tips

If you’re not a fan of turkey or just want to go for something unconventional, these steak tips are delicious and ready to cook.

Apps

In my opinion, appetizers are the true star of the show at any gathering. Isn’t grazing while you mingle until it’s time to sit down at the table the best part?

 

1. Savory Squash Pastry Bites

Bite-sized appetizers are always a good choice. These little cuties are filled with a lovely combo of pumpkin, butternut squash, and four different cheeses. All you have to do is bake and enjoy! And share, I guess.

 

2. Mini Brioche Bites

These fluffy bites are filled with apricot and brie cheese. Yes, they will absolutely melt in your mouth.

3. Double Cream Brie Cheese

Charcuterie may be “out” according to some Gen-Zers, but it’s still the perfect Thanksgiving app IMO (yes, I am a millennial). Trader Joe’s is my go-to for all grazing board necessities, but this Double Cream Brie is my favorite. If you’re not into the effort of an entire board, wrap this little wheel of goodness in puff pastry and bake it. Serve with your favorite crackers.

4. Chicken Uncured Bacon Ranch Dip

Chicken, cheese, uncured bacon, and ranch. My advice? Bring at least two of these babies. Serve with chips and veggies.

5. Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Popcorn

This appetizer is a little unconventional, but delicious nonetheless. As a bonus, it’s sure to break the ice and spark conversation.

Sides

Tired of the same boring Thanksgiving sides? Can’t cook? No worries.

1. Harvest Apple Salad Kit

What goes better with turkey and heavy, starchy sides? A crisp, zippy salad. This Harvest Apple Salad Kit is ready to go, with a spring mix, Unexpected Cheddar (IYKYK), crunchy apple chips and pecans, and a tasty apple vinaigrette. If you want to level this up, serve with fresh apple slices.

 

2. Herbs de Provence Potato Wedges

These look and taste like you put in a lot of work. They’re crispy, herby, and delicious. You truly can’t go wrong with this Thanksgiving side.

 

3. Garlic Shiitake Green Beans

Are you team fresh green beans or team green bean casserole? I’m team ALL green beans tbh, but I’m obsessed with these Garlic Shiitake Green Beans. Not only is the flavor amazing, but they look and taste like you made them from scratch.

 

4. Mashed Potatoes

Nobody really talks about the PRESSURE that comes with making mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. They aren’t as easy to master as you’d think! These potatoes are pre-cooked and mashed, and frozen into cubes so you can heat as much as you need and dress them up as you like. No chance of globby or dry potatoes.

 

5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Plain, pre-cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, ready for you to add your own personal flavor. Will you keep them pretty basic with butter, or go all out with brown sugar and mallows?

6. Scallopini Potatoes

The third and final potato in this series is the most extra. Cheesy, creamy Scallopini Potatoes. You could definitely make this from scratch if you have the time and motivation, but these are a yummy alternative.

 

7. Fresh Cranberry Sauce

 

If you’re in charge of cranberry sauce, this is the one. It’s made with simple ingredients (cranberries, sugar, and water) and doesn’t taste overly sweet.

Desserts

Perhaps the most important course of all?

1. Apple Crumble Pie

 

The oat crumble topping on this is so delicious my mouth is watering just thinking about it. If you pass it off as homemade, I won’t tell.

 

2. Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie

A buttery crust topped with juicy, sweet, tart cranberry filling. The perfect compliment to traditional desserts like pumpkin pie.

 

3. Petit Fours Mousse Cakes

 

Light, sweet, and bite-sized.

 

4. Sweet Cannoli Dip

Serve this in a cute little bowl topped with mini chocolate chips or berries, and a side of graham crackers. If you want to get fancy, use it to layer in a trifle.

 

5. Macarons

 

The easiest choice if you’re in a pinch or just looking to add a little variety to your dessert table. Macarons instantly elevate the vibe. The pistachio flavor is my fave.

 

Beverages

If the food is covered, a yummy beverage is always a good choice. Trader Joe’s has an amazing selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. And… this new ready-to-drink espresso martini, which I will FOR SURE be grabbing!

Before you check out, don’t forget to grab some flowers!

 

What can fit in this pocket?!

Sooo we need to talk about the POPFLEX Half Zip Warm Up Hoodie. I did make it for YOU, after all.

 

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A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

 

SHOP HALF ZIP HOODIE

The Half Zip Warm Up Hoodie

A classic that I designed and launched a couple years ago, and to this day, remains one of my favorites. You can wear it long or cinch the adjustable bungees on the sides for a cropped look! The structured neck is so regal and gives a higher end, elegant look to an otherwise very casual, sporty piece!

But the key to how good it looks is… THE SHAPE. It’s an inverted triangle that tapers you in at the waist. NO FRUMP HERE. Some other things that make the half zip hoodie one of my faves:

Cloud fabric
Drop shoulder
Blousy sleeves
A HUGE double-lined hood
A zippered pocket (no dropped phones!)

 

And yeah… I did fit my entire lunch in the kangaroo pocket. Anyway, what else do you guys want to see? From full zip to no zip to half zip…which is your zip of choice!?

SHOP HALF ZIP HOODIE

What CAN’T fit in this pocket?!

Sooo we need to talk about the POPFLEX Half Zip Warm Up Hoodie. I did make it for YOU, after all.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

 

SHOP HALF ZIP HOODIE

The Half Zip Warm Up Hoodie

A classic that I designed and launched a couple years ago, and to this day, remains one of my favorites. You can wear it long or cinch the adjustable bungees on the sides for a cropped look! The structured neck is so regal and gives a higher end, elegant look to an otherwise very casual, sporty piece!

But the key to how good it looks is… THE SHAPE. It’s an inverted triangle that tapers you in at the waist. NO FRUMP HERE. Some other things that make the half zip hoodie one of my faves:

Cloud fabric
Drop shoulder
Blousy sleeves
A HUGE double-lined hood
A zippered pocket (no dropped phones!)

 

And yeah… I did fit my entire lunch in the kangaroo pocket. Anyway, what else do you guys want to see? From full zip to no zip to half zip…which is your zip of choice!?

SHOP HALF ZIP HOODIE

I tried to make the perfect legging…

I can’t believe this legging has been going for nearly 4 years, and every year, as trends change, the bottom hem changes. We’ve added colors and inseams and as of now, you have 1,075 different options to choose from. FOR REAL. But as we add and evolve this legging, you know what stays?

That iconic waistband
That anti-cameltoe crotch
That booty seam
That squat proofability
Those pockets
And the fact that I’ll always cover my shorties to my supermodels.

 

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SHOP LEGGINGS

What’s silhouette is your fave?

I am 5’5” wearing the POPFLEX Crisscross Hourglass® Legging in size small, 27” inseam. This legging comes in xxs-3x in 5 inseams! For leggings measure from crotch to ankle bone. For flares measure from crotch to floor.

The perfect plane outfit!

Quiz: why do you need a collar in your the plane outfit?

I wore the POPFLEX Ooey Gooey Half Zip and Ooey Gooey Sweatpants on my 14+ hour flight to Italy and it was perfect for making me look put together while also being soft and comfortable enough for sleeping!

 

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SHOP OOEY GOOEY

Not so fun fact

The one time I wasn’t wearing this half zip on the way back to the U.S., I put my printed boarding pass in a non-zippered pocket and 100% lost them at TSA. I was running around FREAKING OUT. Luckily someone returned them to an officer and I got them back but OMG. Unfortunately that’s not even a bad airport situation for me. I’ve def showed up to the wrong airport before, or right airport but 1 day late, or waited at the wrong gate not realizing my flight had already taken off.

Thank goodness for Sam. Me traveling solo = bad news.

Turning your insults into costumes

Please enjoy my current coping mechanism for insults.

 

 

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At least they started off each insult with love.

I am wearing the Supertee, the That’s A Wrap Skort, and the On the Run Ruffle Short from POPFLEX, ya know, just in case you wanna look like a trash bag, waitress or baby.

The Cloud Hoodie Obsession Continues ☁️

Am I crazy or is this  Cloud Hoodie obsession justified?

 

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SHOP CLOUD HOODIES

Haven’t talked about my fave hoodie for a while now so going to show her with some love since it’s getting a lil cold outside. I can’t believe I debuted this hoodie in 2020 and it’s still going strong. I haven’t changed the pattern once since then bc it’s THAT GOOD – I’ve only added more sizes!

Extended size range!!!

With the Pistachio drop, I decided to extend the cloud hoodie size range to include:

XXS/XS
S/M M/L (new)
L/XL
1X/2X (new)
3X/4X (new)

If these sizes work out well, I’ll implement the new sizing across all the colors!

BTW you do not need to size up as each size is already designed to be oversized! If you want to see how this hoodie looks on more bodies check out the try-on POPFLEX just posted with 9 different girls!

 

SHOP HOODIES

Your Blogilates November 2024 Workout Calendar!!

Hey guys!

And just like that…it’s November! What?! Last month flew by with record speed, or at least it did for me! We kicked off the month with the annual Blogifam retreat and then Sam and I went on our very first trip to Italy! After that, I honestly needed a vacay from my vacay…but it was time to get back to work! And somewhere in there, I launched my first POPFLEX sleepwear collection!

And now, here I am sending you…

Your November workout calendar!!

DOWNLOAD

How to follow the November 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 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 November 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

New app features!

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

You’ll also find 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 get moving with the 100,000 Step Challenge!

You can find more challenges here!

Time to check in!

Before you know it, we’ll be wrapping up the holidays AND 2024! What do you want to accomplish before then?

Addressing your sleep romper concerns…

Hey guys! Noticed some concerns about the sleep romper. Allow me to address.

 

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SHOP SLEEP ROMPER

Listen. Not all rompers are created equal! This one was MADE for sleep. It’s ultra light, soft and stretchy. Even the waistband is so stretchy that I don’t feel it on my skin AT ALL. Seriously, I don’t sacrifice comfort for cuteness when it comes to sleep. It must be both. And yes, pockets are necessary on all things sooo I added one to both sides.

Was the pee tutorial sufficient, or were instructions still unclear? I can’t believe I did that… but anything to help, right?

If you aren’t a romper girl…

THAT’S OKAY. The In Your Dreams Tank + Ready for Bed Shorts are the two-piece version of the sleep romper.

I’m wearing the brand new In Your Dreams Romper from my first-ever POPFLEX sleepwear collection! I’m 5’5” wearing sz small! The 2 pc set features the In Your Dreams Tank and the Ready for Bed Shorts in sz small.

SHOP POPFLEX SLEEP

RIP my feet after 3 Italian cities in 7 days

Doing 3 cities in 7 days was far too ambitious for our first Italian whirlwind of a trip but hey we did it and my feet are SORE!

Biggest accomplishments:

Finally walking the ancient streets of Pompeii and seeing the famous cast of the man who tried to get up in his last moments (so tragic).
Riding a gondola in the actual Venice canals (not the one in LA or the one in Vegas haha).
30,000 steps a day (honestly v proud).
Seeing our friends tie the knot on the Amalfi coast (so romantic).

Biggest Travel Learnings:

Flats can still be extremely painful (women need better options for cute, comfy, dressy shoes).
Don’t travel without cash (oops).
Don’t travel without a debit card esp when you forgot the cash (let’s just say stressing out about not being able to pay for things in euros was 100% the backbone of this trip).
Always pack your personal bag with emergency undies, contacts, toothbrushes, skincare etc bc when we missed our connecting flight back to the U.S. due to a delay, we were stranded for the night in a foreign city with NOTHING.

Amalfi, Venice and Rome were so impressive – rich with history and bursting with stunning architecture, but it was A LOT to take in in such a short amount of time.

I need a vacation after this vacation