CASIE STEWART
THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Travel Bondi Beach, Australia

Found on Film: Memories from Bondi Beach, Australia

Found on Film: Memories from Bondi Beach, Australia

Last week I took a couple mystery disposable cameras to be developed and one was from Australia in 2004 while I was at university. It’s crazy to think how many apartments and places this camera has been. My life has changes to much but this year was such an important time of my life. Let’s go back in time, this is pre-blog and social media, I was 21. I decided to go to Australia because it was the furthest place away from Canada. I’d always felt a down under connection my family is from NZ and I am New Zealand citizen. My BFF Cheryl and I both had no idea wtf we wanted to do after college so this was a really great option. We could drag out school for another year, spent it in Australia (hello beaches & babes!), and turn our marketing diploma into a degree. Australia is just full of amazing beaches and the best way to experience them is to hire a campervan from somewhere like campervan hire Brisbane, so that you can park up metres away from the sand and sea. That way, you’ve always got everything you need and you save so much money on accommodation, as well as having some amazing views. I think this exact day was the first time we went to Bondi Beach. These were taken at the top of the hill before you go around the bend and see the water. It’s so beautiful, if you haven’t been, I highly recommend it. One of the most beautiful and magical places. Cheryl and I ended up making friends with some people who lived in the white building overlooking Bondi Icebergs. There were so many internationals living there, it was like nothing I’d ever seen. So many people in their 20’s,…

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LIFE

Bondi Beach. Untitled Poem

Bondi Beach. Untitled Poem

I used to live at Bondi Beach in Australia. It is a truly beautiful beach just outside Sydney. It is surrounded by other beaches and beautiful shops, sights, and people. One sunny morning I was walking along the beach at 7am. I always find the beach and the water so inspiring. I wrote the following poem: As the waves crashed on the shore,the wind washed them away.And as I walked along the sand,I felt I could not stray.For I was walking towards the sun,and it was a brand new day.Casie Stewart 2004

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LIFE

Friday! Beaches, Bondi, and It’s Not Cassie! 

Friday! Beaches, Bondi, and It’s Not Cassie! 

Went to Starbucks with my sister this morning and as usual I said my name for the order. I don’t know if I’ve EVER had my name spelled right by a barista there. Today is clearly a special one! Stayed at Jenie’s house and went for a stroll on the boardwalk in the morning.  It’s SO beautiful down there. I alsolutely love it. Vow to spend more time there this summer. As a West end girl it always feels so far away but one trip on the streetcar and it’s like you’re in a different city.  Today reminded me of living at Bondi Beach in Australia. I loved it there so much. Left and piece of my heart and will definitely be back someday. Hope to take Sean to NZ and Australia for a tour!  Came across this old throwback to 2004 when I lived there. Long brown hair! I was so tanned and thin back then. Ahhh, the beach life!     Heading home to see my parents and go to a friends baby shower this weekend. She’s having twins!  Really looking forward to seeing all my old friends from back home. It’s been AGES!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful outside today! 

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Writing

i rememeber that iceberg on the beach baby, i do

i rememeber that iceberg on the beach baby, i do

I used to live at Bondi Beach. I loved it there. I wanna go back one day. Lead a simple life,  a beach babe, not be so busy all the time. One day. I wrote this poem walking along this very beach one day at 7am. I had to take it by memory, it was one of the few times I didn’t have a pencil/paper. It was  also before the smartphone revolution. To me at least!  It’s my favorite one I ever wrote: As the waves crashed on the shore, The wind washed them away. And as I walked along the sand, I felt I could not stray. For I was walking towards the sun, And it was a brand new day. – Untitled, Casie 2004

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LIFE

gonna storm that beach like it’s mine

gonna storm that beach like it’s mine

Went to the gym today at 8am. I don’t like that place unless I’m the only one there. I put on the tv and sung out loud to my ipod. It was nice. It gives me anxiety but I fought it today. Proud of myself for that. I don’t want a trainer but I don’t really know what to do. I could look it up online but I don’t feel like it. I got in good shape this summer from biking and now I just gotta trim the edges a wee bit. I’m so excited. I was super skinny last time I went  vacation at a beach so I wanna be like that again.  Self motivation is key and frankly, I’ve got lots! Beach body FTW here I come!

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Speaking CAMBRIDGE, ON

Preston High School: Welcome to the Future

Preston High School: Welcome to the Future

Today I spoke to Preston High School’s grade 10 and 11 students. I was invited to talk about my career, taking a unique path, and the changing world of work. I graduated from PHS in the year 2000 and most of the kids in the group were born 2000-2002. Crazy! Where did the time go?! Back in 2000, wifi was getting popular, I’m pretty sure I had a Nokia phone, and a job at Blackberry seemed like a great career move. The world has changed so much since then and speaking at PHS today made me really proud to be part of the growing social media world. Going Back in Time I first learned about marketing at PHS and it lead me to a three-year Business Marketing diploma program at Conestoga before heading to Australia for university. I always a passion for marketing and entrepreneurship, I loved marketing because it allowed me to be creative in business. While at uni, I started an online diary to keep my friends & family informed of what I was up to using MSN Spaces. This was even before I discovered MySpace. I was my first step into having my own place on the internet. When I came back from school, I wanted to work in fashion. I met someone on my flight from LA to Toronto who connected me with one of his clients. I was home from school for two weeks before moving to Toronto to sublet a room in a house with 5 students. I took over the room from someone I met at school in Australia.  The skills in learned in marketing have carried me through my career and helped me to be a leader in a new industry as it developed. Creativity in business has helped me navigate situations where…

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LIFE THE FUTURE

Hello 2019!

Hello 2019!

Here’s a little update with what I’ve been up to so far this year, my latest Sunwing commercial, and some Netflix recos for the winter storm that’s coming this weekend. I’m prepping to stay inside for more hibernation! First up, I’m doing quite a bit better with the collarbone and took some much needed time off over the holidays. I got new x-rays today and my bone is healing slowly with no complications. Thankful it’s winter and totally a-ok to stay home for days on end in lazy clothes. Sean and I went to the cottage for almost a week during New Years and it was the perfect break from everything. We kept warm by the fire, watched movies on DVD, and went for walks on the frozen lake. Woke up New Years Day feeling fresh and ready for a new year. 2018 started pretty rough. I was in New Zealand with mum and on New Year’s Eve, I accidentally put diesel in the gas car the on New Year’s Eve. I was stressed out and upset when I got gas. I’d never done that before and hopefully won’t do it again! However, the car was toast! ? We had to have a flatbed truck come to our cabin in the park to bring a new car and take the old one. I was hungover, embarrassed, and frustrated. It also set us back a few hours on our trip to see Nana. The first 2 weeks of the year were pretty stressful as we spent time with family and Nana before she passed away. It was a hard time to go through but it also brought us closer. After all 2018’s ups and downs, I was ready to start 2019 with nothing but positive vibes. I’ve watched heaps of great…

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TD Savvy Saver Quiz – Are Your Finances on Track?

TD Savvy Saver Quiz – Are Your Finances on Track?

Whether you’re a recent grad or mid-career, each stage of your life calls for some money management. Something I know I can always use help with! It’s Financial Planning Week here in Canada (November 16-20) and  TD has launched an Savvy Saver Quiz, to help you understand your personal finances. By answering a few quick questions, TD will help you determine your financial stage and what considerations you should be making at this point in your life. After going to college (Marketing @ Conestoga) and university in Australia (10 years, where did the time go!) I had a sizeable debt to tackle and I wasn’t really sure how I was going to manage it. I consulted a financial planner and put a plan in place. My hard work paid off and my debt was replayed by the time I was 30. Words can’t explain the joy I felt opening a letter stating it was done. Going to school overseas was a pricy but I wouldn’t change that experience. Living at Bondi Beach was a DREAM! Not sure where to start? Take the TD Savvy Saver quiz to help figure out your current situation and where you need to be. By answering a few multiple choice questions, you can determine what stage you’re at financially, considerations you should be making, and find tips and advice to help you along the way. I’m in the stage where I’m getting all my financials sorted but buying a new house and family are on my radar. ☺️ If you’re keen to learn more about making your financial future positive, check out tdcanadatrust.com or my previous posts with TD on Planning for Life’s Unexpected Moments and Money Tips for Millennials. XO * post sponsored by TD, opinions and story my own obvs. Thanks for supporting me and following along ?

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Events | The Lowdown on the The Flat White At Second Cup

Events | The Lowdown on the The Flat White At Second Cup

Last week I was invited to hang out at Second Cup on King and learn about how to make the perfect Flat White. The flat white is a fav in Australia and New Zealand, something I’m very familiar with!  When I lived in Australia, each morning I’d ride my bike over to the Le Paris Go cafe in Bondi Beach and get a flat white to start my day. I’m so glad it’s made it’s way to Canada! Nicole from She Does the City, me, Wendy from Hip Urban Girl, Nicole from Dainty Girl The girls and I sat down at the coffee bar with Second Cup’s in-house coffee expert and curator Pat Russell, Senior Product Developer. Pat has been with Second Cup since 1996, so he REALLY knows his stuff. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Sep 8, 2015 at 6:55am PDT The flat white is known for its smooth texture which highlights the true taste of the espresso, without any bitterness or excess of milk. It features a double shot of Second Cup’s rich Espresso Forte, velvety steamed milk, and a thin layer of micro-foam. I prefer a flat white over a latte because it has less milk.  (I had a lactose allergy growing up so I try to do have too much milk these days.) If you’re not a milk drinker, you can request your flat white be made with almond or soy milk for a bit of added sweetness and nutty flavour.  Another thing to note is the Flat White is only available in one size – an 8oz/250 ml cup – this is to preserve the proper ratio of espresso to milk. How a Flat White is Different than Other Coffee Drinks I invite you to switch up your coffee routine and try a Second Cup Flat White…

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LIFE

Vintage Ink Wine + Contest + Tattoo Tales

Vintage Ink Wine + Contest + Tattoo Tales

Ever wondered about someone’s tattoos but never asked? To be honest, I don’t really like explaining them to people I don’t know. It’s personal, I’m usually asked in a crowded place, and it takes a while because I have heaps. Some have number significance, dates, travel, family, and there’s a couple I got for fun. Pizza anyone? I’ve partnered with Vintage Ink Wines to share my tattoo stories and introduce a contest for a new wine label design based on tattoos submitted by people like us. The tatted! Tattoo Tales: Stories Behind My Tattoos I got my first tattoo in Australia, the southern cross constellation between my shoulderblades. It was about 4pm and we were driving from from Bronte to Bondi beach with no plans so, my friend Cameron and I decided randomly to get tattooed. We both didn’t have any until that day! My next tattoo was 2 lines on my right hand ring finger, one blue one orange. The idea is derived from a personality test called True Colours. It used to be used in workplaces to break people into groups and pair them together based on personality for group cohesiveness. It was prevalent in my studies and I learned that in order to be my most successful self, a 50/50 mix between my true colours was ideal.  Orange – outgoing, vibrant, strong vs. Blue, analytical, organized, list maker. I still find this tattoo a helpful reminder.  Note, tattoos on the hands fade faster than any others. I’ve had it redone about 3 times in 10 years. I got this owl about 2 years ago. It’s on my right arm, like most of mine because I drew them all on with marker first. I’m left handed. I found this design in a Google search and customized it to change the watch face…

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Art

Converse | Every Pair of Chucks is Unique

Converse | Every Pair of Chucks is Unique

Yesterday  Converse announced the global launch of “Made by you”,  a campaign celebrating fans of the brand (like ME!) who have been expressing themselves and their creativity in Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers for nearly 100 years. I’ll have more to share about this cool campaign and how I’m part of it. See my oldest pair vs. my newest pair of Chucks after the video. Six Word Story: “We’ve been around the world together.” These are my oldest pair, got them at Uni in Australia and have worn them in heaps of countries since. My friend worked at the shoe store in Bondi Beach and we wore Chucks everyday. I drew all over them, I drew all over everything back then. They say ‘Cas&Shazz’ on one side (my first fashion brand), creativity, courage, vav hey vav (Kabbalah reference here), and my friend wrote SLAYER. So many memories. I have about 20 pairs now.  A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Mar 2, 2015 at 3:18pm PST Converse Chuck Taylor: Did you know… The Chuck Taylor All Star is the most legendary and iconic sneaker of all time.  Over 1 Billion Pairs sold Worn by creative minds throughout the decades, the Chuck Taylor All Star was adopted by the music, fashion and art world as a badge of self-expression The Iconic sneaker has been used as a blank canvas by some of the most innovative fashion designers such as Maison Martin Margiela, Commes Des Garcon, Missoni and John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star is more than a sneaker, it’s an idea.  A powerful message that is a blank canvas waiting to be filled. These are my LATEST Chucks, the limited edition Andy Warhol. I was hoping for the red Tomato Soup ones but there weren’t…

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Travel

2013 Chevy Camaro Convertable in California

2013 Chevy Camaro Convertable in California

We had so much fun cruising around in the 2013 Chevy Camaro Convertable in California. We randomly decided to get a rental once we got to the hotel and I’m so GLAD they had this. It was $25 more per day than a compact car  from Hertz and so totally worth it! You deff need a car in LA. I can’t imagine being on vacation or living there without a car. I loved hitting the open road and driving to the beach, top down of course. I loved Venice Beach the most. It reminded me so much of where I lived in Bondi Beach in Australia. Did you know that the real Abbot Kinney was a tobacco millionaire who founded it in 1905? Oh the things you learn on Wikipedia.  

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Fashion

NOISEY + VICE present: Before Monday Comes – Berlin

NOISEY + VICE present: Before Monday Comes – Berlin

Exciting news! Meet my first post in a partnership with one of my fav companies in the world, VICE! I’ve been reading the mag for about 10 years after finding it outside a cool little boutique in Bondi Beach, Australia. I’ve blogged heaps about VICE since then and attended a ton of VICE parties in back alleys, abandoned spaces, and hipster hangouts. VICE’s music channel Noisey, is launching a new series called Before Monday Comes. The 8 episode series is the ultimate weekend adventure of eating, drinking, dancing, music, and partying across five cities in five countries.  It looks like a whole lotta fun, and partying, and fun. Check out this episode from Berlin and get  a glimpse into some of the worlds most exciting underground music scenes via Dismantle and Boxfresh.  The series is them travelling around and checking out party scenes in New York, Beijing, Berlin, Stockholm and London as part of a partnership with Boxfresh. I love it. BEFORE MONDAY COMES – BERLIN Tweet Share with friends who like to PARTY!

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Travel

Save The Mermaids

Save The Mermaids

Found a bunch of pix from my year at Uni in Australia. Living at Bondi Beach was a total dream. I had a BMX, an Aussie surfer BF and spent countless days riding waves & catching rays. It was magical. Had super dark hair for a while too. Life is such a dream, <3 My cousin Matthew from NZ.

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