Travel | A bad day at the cottage is better than a good day at work! ?

I was a bit slack on blogging last week. Was feeling overwhelmed, I’ve had so much going on lately I feel like I’m constantly running. This weekend we closed the cottage. It was so beautiful out, the weather was fabulous, saw lots of stars, sun was shining shining, the leaves had fallen.  It was lots of work but nice. Something like ‘A bad day at the cottage is better than a good day at work.‘  

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This Is My Life | Weekend Cruising in an Audi A7 TDI

I really loved driving this car. I picked it up Friday in Ajax, cruised back to the city then spent a couple days in cottage country. It was beautiful to drive on the highway and also be a passenger in. Two features I really loved were heated seats w/ several massage options and the fast accelerating. I fount it a bit long for city driving/parking but it was v. luxurious. I feel an Audi would be a good car for us, I think the Q5 or Q7 is next on my test drive list. The exact car I had was equipped with $20K in upgrades including a $5k Bang & Olufsen sound system that was pretty amazing. You can bet 100% I was cruising to Drake and them singing along and crying to the new Adele. I really love test driving new cars. I grew up in the garage and around my dad’s hot rod shop, so I’ve always been around lots of different ones. Connecting to the nav system with my phone is something I like to test out right away, no issues with the A7. It was great to take calls through the speakers or use Google Maps via my phone to navigate. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Oct 23, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Oct 26, 2015 at 2:58pm PDT Thanks Audi Canada for letting me take this beauty for the weekend. We had a great time together!

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This is My Life | Is it Friday Yet?

Oh man yesterday was one of those days…I was trying to get something done ALL afternoon and every. little. thing. was distracting me and before I knew it, the day was almost done. I’m ready for the weekend. You? We’re heading up to the cottage and I seriously can’t WAIT. It’s amazing how I’ve become so addicted to silence and the wilderness. I love staying home, sitting, reading, relaxing. I guess that’s what happens when you get older?!  Yesterday I had to turn down an offer to go on a press trip to Tulum, Mexico because timing conflicts with another job. A bunch of friends are going and I was pretty bummed. I’ll just have to plan another trip! This winter I’m determined to get away 1-2 times. Sean and I both worked so much last year we didn’t go on vacation. I’m not tooooo crazy about the stars but Mercury is in Retrograde  ? until the 9th and I’m ready for the switch back. Kiwi blogger Gala Darling who lives in NYC now has written a few posts about Surviving Mercury Retrograde. Read her 10 tips here ? A few of my favs from her list of Ways to Make the Most of Mercury Retrograde: Clean out your closet. (Me today) Forgive and Forget ? Rejuvenate your living space! (See Pinterest!) Work on your CV or personal mission statement. Read old journals. (Or Old blogs ➞ 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009)

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This is My Life | There’s Harmony in Autumn, and A Luster in it’s Sky

That’s a wrap on summer! Had a nice relaxing weekend at the cottage. Still a few weeks before we close the place up. The leaves have just started changing. It’s beautiful. Yesterday Sean and I heard this crazy loud noise when we were out for  drive. It was Ontario Watercross Racing – snowmobile racing on water.  I didn’t know this was a thing! They have to keep going at pretty fast speed to stay on top of the water. Saw  few go down and get pulled up from the bottom of the lake. The course includes going around a couple buoys then sliding back to the sand. It’s super fast. We watched a few runs and victory laps on the grass before heading home. They’re REALLLLLLY loud. (Sorry this is showing up so small!) Picked up a few of these little guys . I love this time of year! I know I say that about every season but they each have their charm, they really do. Been thinking a fair bit about halloween and what costumes I want to go with this year. Had a nice sunset cruise in the boat last night. Perfect way to close out summer at the cottage. Have a pretty crazy adventure planned for next weekend at the cottage. A brand is sending two private planes to take some friends and I  and flying around Muskoka and to Port Carling. I’m excited. Will share more about that later. There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! Percy Bysshe Shelley Here’s to a great week! ?✌️ CASIE

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This is My Life | Aaaaand We’re Back! That’s a Wrap on Summer

Yes, I know ‘summer’ isn’t officially over but if you’ve been away from school or work, it’s pretty much over. The feeling is gone. Back to the routine. New notebooks, new clothes.  ✏️  Maybe a new attitude?!   This time of year is exciting, I love when seasons change. If at any point you feel meh, remember that Halloween and Christmas aren’t far away. The season of Netflix & Chill is right around the corner and it’s a great time to clean up your house, diet, friends, thoughts.  I was thinking I was on my game this morning but am an hour EARLY for something, so I really screwed up. Got Emily ready for school but didn’t get to go w/ Sean to drop her off.  Mixed up timing on something this AM. COOL START TO THE DAY! pic.twitter.com/CEoHaUTKo5 — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) September 8, 2015 The drive back from cottage country was bittersweet yesterday. We took the long way to avoid being stuck in traffic. The sun was beating down and the air was warm. Picked up some fruits and veg from a stand along the way.  Saw this sweet ride.  Spent some quality time on the new deck reading the September issue (Vogue of course!) and soaking up the sun. ☀️ We’ll be back a few times before the seasons actually change, the leaves are so beautiful up there.    If you’ve got the blues today, save this on your desktop or phone and daydream of cottage life….    Sending you good vibes for a great week. I know today can be a challenging one after a long beautiful summer. I’ve got a few giveaways coming up including a MASSIVE TIFF package w/ NKPR.  Share a smile with someone today, they just might need it. ? CASIE     …

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This is My Life | You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

Helloooo! It’s Friday and the long weekend is almost here. I’m sitting in my fav office, the cottage side deck. Keri is here and we’re working away. The skies are blue, the air is warm, and it’s not tooo hot yet. Will jump in the lake when that time arrives!  Saw this quote today. I love Dr. Seuss quotes + poems. Another fav is Shel Silverstein and this week I picked up A Light In the Attic and and was pleasantly reminded of his work. Back when I was a teenager I wrote & published a book of poetry. I’ve written about it a few times over the years.  ? “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.” — Dr. Seuss   Yesterday I checked out a TIFF press screening and went on a massive bike ride. It was so hot but I loved it. My new Schwinn bike is incredibly conformable. It’s still avail at Canadian Tire if you’re in the market for a cruiser. I put a basket and flowers on the back and I smile every single time I look at it. Sending you sunshine from cottage country, CASIE ☀️☀️☀️

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This is My Life | Hello, September

It’s September. Season’s change. Great time of year to make a fresh start. Clean the house. Clean your closet. Finally drop of your dry cleaning. Get rid of clothes and paper. Organize your mind. Clear your thoughts.     Last night I did a massive clean around the house and everything in it. It felt great waking up to a less cluttered space, less clothes, more room. Did a massive closet purge and nothing will stop me from dropping it off to a second hand today. I went for a power bike this morning before it gets too hot, y’know crank it up to the hardest gear and ride like a StairMaster. I’m sitting at Cafe Neon neat my house near the window, starting the day with a blog and workout is my fav way to stay motivated. Early August I set out to accomplish a few goals, a new blog layout and generally laying low. I spent most of the month in Muskoka at the cottage and gave my blog a total face lift. It had been years since this baby had a makeover and we all need to reinvent ourselves now and then. Sending you good vibes for a great month. Use it as motivation to check something off your list. I like to play a lil’ rewards-based game with myself so that I get things done and feel accomplished with the smallest tasks. Workout before coffee? Great start!  CASIE☀️

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Travel | Working From the Cottage Today 

Hello, hello? What’s that sound? Waves crashing in the background! Stayed a little longer at the cottage this weekend and am working from this little spot after spending 2 hours on emails + editing in the hammock. It’s a rough life! Biebs just released the video for What Do You Mean and I’ve been playing this tune over and over. I’ve always been a fan of his! Back in my days at MuchMusic & MTV he performed at the MMVAs and I was SO close. Once I got to meet in him NYC. Here’s to a great week my friends. SUMMER IS NOT OVER. This week is gonna be mega hot, get your togs on an hit the beach! ☀️? CASIE

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This is My Life | Sirius XM, NKPR, Greta Constantine, ALO Restaurant, H&M Studio

This week was a busy one! I was looking through photos and decided it would be a good idea to take a look back. Monday I was back on Sirius XM co-hosting the Todd Shapiro Show. It was super fun. Listen to it here.   I’m working on a big project at 1188 and we had a meeting over foot massages. SMARTEST IDEA. There’s a little spot at Queen/Portland, $25 for 30min. Not prices like Thailand but the massage was just as good! Work work.  Tuesday was the NKPR pre-TIFF media event at Natasha’s house. Tahnee was there! It was great to see all the fashion/media peeps after a long relaxing summer. The crazy is about to begin! Can’t wait for TIFF. Recognize these bachelors? Tim (L) and I shot a TV show earlier this year with NKPR. Todd isn’t a bachelor anymore tho. Brad (R) is on TV in Canada and a former Bachelor for those of you not from here.   The NKPR IT Lounge has been going on for 10 years. It’s a VIP gifting suite and portrait studio. Caitlin Cronenberg is shooting it for W Magazine again this year. I’ll be popping by on Sept. 9th. Wednesday night Greta Constantine hosted La Piscine. A glamorous night held at 77 Admiral Road, a three story brick mansion with beautiful backyard and pool. See more photos of peeps at the party on shedoesthecity.com.   Recognize this babe? Abe Hotaki was there stomping grapes in his underwear. He was at our cottage this summer for the Archibald Men magazine shoot.  Next week I’m attending a top secret party hosted by Rickey, if you don’t know Rickey, you will soon. #ChezRickey is sure to be an amazing night.  The tips I ordered for my new Jeffrey Campbell boots arrived. I…

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Cottage Casie in Full Effect! 

Came in from a nice float out in the water just now. It’s so warm, the lake feels like a pool. This is my first blog post on the new computer. I’m so stoked to be up here and have 10 days to work on creative things. My new blog is on the works, I love the design and I hope you will too. It’s been years since I gave it an update. The current look and feel is very similar to when I first started casiestewart.com in 2005. The first site is still alive at casiestewart.blogspot.com. Working on this new machine feel like a Porsche or Ferrari compared to my little MacBook Air. Today Sean picked up a huge new monitor and comfy desk chair for the cottage, I’m ready to ROLL. I saw some amazing desk chairs on www.bestgamingchair.com/herman-miller-mirra-2-chair-review and I decided it was time for a new COMFY desk chair! The view from where I’m sitting is the photo above. I’m planning to put big 10 person tent on lawn and make a nice glamping hideaway. I attempted to do it on my own today (never having set up a tent) and gave up after a few minutes. I need help, I don’t know where everything is. This is me after a I made a Pina Colada and decided to go floating in the sun instead.

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The Perfect Cottage Weekend #SummerCovered

If you’re new here or you’ve been around the blog for a while, you’ll be well aware just how much I love to cottage. I like spending weekends in Muskoka, on the dock, on the boat, tanning, floating, or cooking up a big feast for our guests. I’ve partnered with Shoppers Drug Mart to share a few of my cottage weekend essentials. One of the neat things about this post, my next post about The Perfect Summer Road Trip and working with Shoppers Drug Mart is, I’m truly an expert in their products. I used to work at Shoppers in my hometown! I spent the better part of evenings and weekends behind the cosmetics counter during college. Ok, now onto a few items to make.. THE PERFECT COTTAGE WEEKEND: President’s Choice S’mores Bites: No cottage weekend is complete without S’mores. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45 – This is a great sunscreen. Dove Revive Dry Spray Antiperspirant: Quick spray after SPF/bug spray and you’re ready to roll. Off! Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellant – Cottage ESSENTIAL. Life Brand Allergy Caplets – Being in the woods can be a wonderful thing, unless you get allergies. St. Ives Naturally Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion:  Swim and sun can dry out our skin. A long day in the sun can be really draining, it’s hard work being cottage fabulous! It’s really important to make sure you stay hydrated, drink lots of water, and ALWAYS wear sunscreen. Even if it’s not sunny! I like this Neutrogena product because it’s dry and not greasy. I keep this Dove antiperspirant in the shared bathroom because aside from smelling nice, the spray means any of our guests can have a little spritz should they need it. Wink, wink. I recommend wearing this bug spray with deet in the daytime, not just at night.…

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OMG High On Life! More Hours In The Day, Please?

The last couple weeks have been kinda crazy and I’m feeling like there’s more where it all comes from. Last night’s rehearsal for Army of Sass was AWESOME. I’m stoked for our show. Are you coming? Get a ticket here.  I’m currently working on a slew of things including TWO shows. Ahhh! I feel like I’m constantly rushing around on high speed. I’m dreaming about opening the cottage and relaxing. I’ve got something cool to share with you tomorrow. Tonight I’ve got a dinner with Converse and I’m really looking forward to it. Meeting my sister shortly to shoot something for an upcoming project. It’s like I’ve spent 10 years working my ass off to try and build something and I feel it’s finally coming together. Come Friday after the show I’ll be SO ready for a cocktail to celebrate this week.  This art is by Mr. Brainwash. A good reminder that sometimes you may feel like you’re going the wrong way with your crazy ideas but you should follow them, you have a strong imagination. It will guide you! Here’s to the crazy ones! <3 CASIE

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Lifestyle | Weekend Session: ON

After a busy week I’m so glad it’s the weekend. Was at the cottage last weekend for Thanksgiving, then this week, New York City, Buffer Festival, SiriusXM, and had a movie come out on iTunes.  I’m on the couch, watching Netflix w/ my computer, and snacks. Basically heaven. I’ve got heaps of blog things on my list and there is nothing I’d rather be doing right now. Watched The Signal w/ Olivia Cooke & Laurence Fishburne last night. Great movie, sci-fi and futuristic w/ hackers. Found  The Joneses on Netflix today too. Just started American Psycho in spirit of Halloween. This week I found out Behind The Red Carpet documentary is now available on iTunes. Guys, I have an artist page on iTunes! 🙂 This is the film about behind the scenes of one of the worlds biggest and best film events, TIFF. The premiere was the day before Toronto International Film Festival opened, September 2014. BEHIND THE RED CARPET Teaser Trailer from Mountain Goat Film Company I play myself, ‘The Blogger’ along with Natasha from NKPR, George Pimentel, Huffington Post’s Chris Jancelewicz , and President of The Spoke Club President Pierre Jutras.   You can watch the trailer, rent, or download it forever right here. (It’s in the US store right now so, my peeps in Canada, please lmk if you see it in the Canadian store after checking the US one.) In other news, you can listen Thursday’s episode of The Todd Shapiro Show with guests Donovan Bailey, Rend Music, and Kevin D. Foster at toddshapiroshow.com or on iTunes here. Donovan Bailey in the studio. Rend Music performing. Gril crush Rent’s lead singer Carol-Lynne Quinn! The Todd Shapiro show is M-F on Sirius XM, canada Laughs, channel 168 from 4-6. You’ll hear me there on Thursdays! Happy weeeeeeeeeekend! <3 CASIE

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Long Weekend: #TasteLife + @Contiki Contests for You!

I can’t wait to be up at the cottage tomorrow. Last night I slept for about 10 hours and when I woke up it was like I had been in a coma and was still tired. This week has really tuckered me out! I’ve got a friends birthday after work then we are heading out tomorrow. My long weekend plans include sitting, sleeping, cruising the lake in the kayak, and more sitting. I’ve been working with Yellowtail Wines this summer to promote their Taste Life contest. This week’s prize is an iPhone5 and a picnic basket set and all you have to do it tag your Instagram posts w/ #TASTELIFE to enter. So, do something fun, soak up some sun, and tag your photos! For contest R&R or to see all the available prizes go here. My friends at Contiki are running a contest w/ Nuvango for the next 24 hours and you can win the goodies below. All you have to do is like and comment on the post below. So, visit their FB here to win! Post by Contiki Holidays. Here’s to a great long weekend! No matter where you are in the world or what you are doing, remember you will never be younger than you are today so make the most of it. Ok? With love, CASIE

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