CASIE STEWART
THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Art

Up Your Selfie Game Part 1: 10 Tips for Better Selfies

Up Your Selfie Game Part 1: 10 Tips for Better Selfies

It’s 2015 and the selfie isn’t going away.  So, in the interest that you’re remembered in the most awesome and beautiful way, it’s time to up your selfie game! I’m not writing history with this post but I thought it’s about time I pull something like this together.  I’m practically a ‘Selfie Expert’ after 10 years of self-photography. Have a tip or trick I haven’t added to the list? Share w/ me on Twitter @casiestewart. Next week I’ll share Up Your Selfie Game Part 2: Apps & Accessories. Here’s a collection of tips to take better photos of yourself: Find your best angle. Know your good side. For most people the best angle is just above eyeline. Check your lighting. A good light source is your friend. Natural light is great. In a dark space, look for light to shine on your face so the photo isn’t dull. If you have a front facing flash I advise against using it as it will give you a forehead glare and redeye. Watch for shadows. If the sun is shining your way make sure you don’t get the shape of your phone on your face. Also watch for the shadow of your camera in your hand blocking the light. Rectangle on your face isn’t a good look. Be yourself. If duckface isn’t you, don’t try to be like KimK or someone from MySpace in 2004 (that was me). Show your smile, focus on those great lips or beautiful eyes. Do a background check. Make sure things aren’t in the way. Ex. bathroom selfie w/ toilet paper or toilet is not cute. Freshen up. Touch up your lipstick, make sure your eye makeup isn’t messy. Look into the camera or away, not at yourself. Remember where the camera is, that little black circle! Strike a pose or a…

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Events

Interview for Ways We Work: Can You Guess My Fav Non-tech Thing?

Interview for Ways We Work: Can You Guess My Fav Non-tech Thing?

Thanks to Ways We Work for this interview.  I also list my fav apps and mention my struggle with email. Click the image below or HERE to reach the full interview. I talk about my typical work day and my fav place to work. Do you know where this is? If you feel like sharing it make sure to tag @WaysWeWork and @CasieStewart in your tweet! Have an awesome day! <3 CASIE

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Art

Check Out The Collection! ANDY WARHOL X Converse Spring 2015

Check Out The Collection! ANDY WARHOL X Converse Spring 2015

Two Three of my all TIME favs, Converse, Andy Warhol, Tomato Soup. Did you know I have tomato soup ALL the time. It’s always been a fav, especially with some buttered toast. I JUST got these images today and have my fingers crossed I can snag a pair. Scroll down to see the whole collection and read the press release. What ones are your fav? These Tomato Soup hi-tops have my name all over them! The Converse All Star Andy Warhol Collection will hit retail shelves on Feb 7th and is available at Get Outside, Gravity Pope, Groovy, Little Burgundy, Zelen Shoes, Baggins and Galaxie Bleu. They’ll retail for $75-110 CAD.     PRESS RELEASE Marrying Warhol’s distinct vision with the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, the partnership between two pop culture icons celebrates creative self-expression and pays homage to the visionary artist. The new collection features bold Warhol imagery across an array of expressive Converse footwear for men and women. Hailed as the preeminent artist of the 20th century, Warhol was an iconic visionary whose legacy continues to inspire rebels and artists everywhere. He creatively merged pop culture, film, music, screen printing and performance, opening the door for millions of artists and performers. Since 1987, Warhol’s vision and creativity lives on through The Andy Warhol Foundation, who fosters innovative artistic expression by supporting work that is challenging and experimental in nature. To help further the non-profit’s mission for the advancement of the visual arts, a portion of the proceeds from the Converse All Star Andy Warhol collection will support The Andy Warhol Foundation. “With this collection, we aim to celebrate and foster the innovative artistic expression that’s intrinsic to both Converse and Andy Warhol,” said Damion Silver, Converse All Star Design Director. “Andy Warhol famously created art inspired by American…

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LIFE

Artventure: #CUTMR2015 at Gladstone Hotel till Jan. 25th

Artventure: #CUTMR2015 at Gladstone Hotel till Jan. 25th

You’ve got a couple dayS left to check out Come Up to My Room at The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto’s trendy Queen West (my fav hood tbh0. I popped by on Friday to check out the exhibit before it opened to the public. I’m not going to go into toooooo much detail but here’s a few of my fav things. Come Up to my Room runs until January 25th and is open Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm (open late for programs), Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. 3rd and 4th floor installations are open for viewing from January 10th to March 29th, 2015, daily from 12pm to 5pm. Visit the Gradstone’s website HERE for more info.  Love to know your favs so tweet me @CASIESTEWART! Hope you enjoy the artventure too! <3 CASIE    

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Contests

My New Friend from France, Polette Eyewear

My New Friend from France, Polette Eyewear

Eyewear have always been a staple in my wardrobe. I’ve always had a large variety of costume glasses of different shapes and sizes. I’d much rather have a bunch of affordable styles instead of one or two fancy ones.  I like variety but I’ve also been known to lose and break them (unfortunately!). Late last year I was contacted by Polette eyewear in France and offered a spot on their blogger team. In exchange for sharing my fav glasses from the site, I get to pick a couple pairs EACH MONTH.  Perks of the job guys, squeeee! I can’t wait to stock up and share new shades every couple weeks. My First Polette Eyewear Order:  Devil – rose coloured lenses Léosummer – yellow/green fashion lenses Gracie Mile B – blue/black lenses Polette has a pretty neat story. Founded by Pierre Wizman, a young entrepreneur at 16, he launched the website in 2011 with his biz partner and just like that, they were in business. Their goal was to be the only intermediary between the consumer and manufacturer to cut down on price without skimping on quality.  When you visit polette.com you’ll see there’s a wide selection of styles starting at $6.99. One of the cool things about placing your order is first you pick the frame, then lenses (anti-scratch, reflective), then lens tint (ex. red/black), and finally tint level (red ones above are 85%). I didn’t really understand this at first but I know for next time now! I’ll be posting my new glasses monthly as they arrive. Would you like a pair too? It’s been ages since I did a contest so enter below and we’ll send you your choice of glasses including prescription if you need them (mine are not prescription). Contest doesn’t include Vintage or L’Atelier collections. BONNE CHANCE! <3 CASIE a Rafflecopter giveaway

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LIFE

Indecent Disclosure: ROACH BAIT

Indecent Disclosure: ROACH BAIT

When I started blogging 10 years ago I had no idea it would turn into a thing. I knew about 3 bloggers in the WORLD and I merely started ‘THIS IS MY LIFE’ as a way to keep memories. In 2009 I was given my first products for review. I was contacted by Matchstick Marketing and tested out a Zune (that old MP3 thinger) and also a vibrating mascara from Maybelline. I popped into the washroom at my office to record this video of me testing the mascara. I told the world I was sent a product for review and they gave me some to share with friends.(See original 2009 post here.) I was digging through an old hard drive when I found a note I’d made about ‘roach bait’, no not an insect killer, the marketing ‘bait & switch’ used in undisclosed celebrity endorsements.  I’ve not heard about it since but it distinctly reminds me of what’s happened with blogging. Roach Bait n. A marketing message delivered by an actor posing as a regular person with the intention of having that message passed along to many other people. 2001 (earliest) Then, there’s the ‘roach bait’ technique. Under this scenario, the paid huckster doesn’t necessarily buy a drink for others. He’s often found sitting in a prime spot at a bar or club, very visibly drinking Brand X. He talks up the brand big-time in the hope the good word will spread. —Theresa Howard, “Freebies take on brash new form,” USA Today, May 15, 2001 Sound familiar? Bloggers and people with some achieved sphere of influence are constantly called upon by brands and agencies to eat, drink,  wear, and visit places with hopes the’ll share that experience online. The thing is, as a reader, observer, we never really know if the person is…

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Events

Relaxation Station: Saje Wellness & Essential Oils

Relaxation Station: Saje Wellness & Essential Oils

This week I went to a nice little event at the new Saje Wellness store on Queen Street.  During TIFF I went to the NKPR IT Lounge and was introduced to the brand. When I told my friend I was using oils she called me a hippie but this is NOT that old school hippie stuff! There are heaps of benefits to using essential oils, read about 9 benefits here from Balance Me Beautiful. Saje Wellness uses all natural oils and has heaps of different wellness products and accessories. My first experience was this little pocket pharmacy. It’s awesome to keep in your purse or carry-on when travelling. My fav product is the Peppermint Halo that’s amazing for headaches. It’s cooling and calming and now one of my ‘essential’ items. I was pretty impressed to see how big the store was and how many products they have. They hooked up us bloggers & media peeps with our choice of nebulizer. It helps reduce dust and other common allergens while creating a pleasing atmosphere of aromatherapy. I picked the Aromagem in black because I thought it was sexiest! One thing I learned last night was that the recommended 10-15 drops was too much for me. It really fills the air and I found 5 drops to be enough. Saje has 22 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Winnipeg and Ontario and you can check out their products at saje.ca. I’m SO ready for the weekend. It’s my sisters birthday on Sunday and we’re staying at the Royal York Hotel. I can’t wait, it’s going to be super relaxing! Might just bring my nebulizer to fill the air with aromatherapy. Happy FRIDAY!  

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LIFE

Target Canada: For good times and bad times, I’ll be on your side forever mooooore!

Target Canada: For good times and bad times, I’ll be on your side forever mooooore!

Before I get to todays regulary scheduled news blog post I would like to take a minute to remember some of the great times I’ve had with Target Canada over the years. I have a few posts posts mentioning the brand and had the opportunity to work with them on a few things since they arrived in Canada. I’ve visited a store nearly once a week since one opened close to my house about a year ago. Did nearly all my holiday shopping there too! A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Sep 9, 2012 at 12:28pm PDT Who remembers that AMAZING Target Lounge at World Mastercard Fashion Week a few years back??? Toronto has NEVER seen such luxury. And we probably won’t again tbh. It was marvellous. Food, open bar, two floors, charging stations, tables to work at, open every night before, after, and during the shows. I’ve never had such a great time at WMCFW. Oh behalf of media & bloggers, everywhere, thank you Target for showing us how to really go ALL OUT. Let’s not forget the recent Toms for Target collab. They sent out Together Sweaters to bloggers and media around North America to promote the collection. So cute. Keeping mine forever. This blanket from the Toms for Target collection makes a great poncho. Can’t wait to open the cottage again. Got my Instax Camera from Target this summer. Decorated our roof patio with Target things this past summer including items from the Oh Joy for Target collab. Target partnered with popular bloggers/Pinners to create a whole collection. Thanks for recognizing us internet people! A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jul 13, 2014 at 2:22pm PDT And finally, I’m…

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LIFE

Like Whoa, Whoa Wednesday!

Like Whoa, Whoa Wednesday!

Whoa, whoa, whoaaa! It’s already Wednesday and I feel like I’ve lived a week since Monday. There’s lots going on and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed today but I can handle it. It’s that nervous excited feeling that keeps me going.   Sean got a new needle for his turntable so threw this record on last night and sang out loud while cleaning the house. I’m working to get our spare room turned into a nice little office now that I’m working from home. I hope the neighbours didn’t mind that I put it on repeat, a few times. Bennie and the Jets is one of my ALL TIME fav songs. I had a really great lunch meeting yesterday and am finally putting some production wheels in motion for two projects I can’t talk about. I’m pretty stoked that our film Behind the Red Carpet is now on CBC’s website too. (See here!). Went to Local in Liberty Village and had 1 fish, 1 chicken taco. THEY WERE DELICIOUS. Sunday is my sisters birthday and I booked us a room at the Royal York Hotel. I have never stayed there and it’s one of those places I’ve always thought of as very ‘Toronto’. Tomorrow is my slowest day of the week and I’m looking forward to working on some blog stuff, playing ukulele, and treating myself to a new mani. It’s a weird and wonderful world I live it in but I wouldn’t change it for anything! Hope there’s sunshine where you are and if not, ALWAYS BRING YOUR OWN SUNSHINE! <3 CASIE

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LIFE

Travel Tuesday: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Travel Tuesday: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

You ready for vacation? This week we’re looking at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Yes, I like Pina Coladas. Currently browsing packages and flights to Punta Cana because I need to ditch this cold and soak up some sunshine! It feels like -30 in Toronto today! My sister went to Dominican a couple years ago and since I’ve been to a bunch of the surrounding islands (Cuba, Puerto Rico), so it’s on my destination list. One of the things I love about the Caribbean is the beautiful blue water. I adore being near the ocean and salt water on my skin. It’s also a great opportunity to practice my Spanish. Since I’ll be travelling alone, I don’t really have to speak to anyone if I don’t want to!  One of the best things about going on a solo trip is plenty of time to do whatever you want and/or keep to yourself in silence.  You might be thinking ‘but you are so outgoing!’, truth is, I really cherish my alone time and everyone needs to recharge their batteries. I’m one of those ‘outgoing introverts’ if you can believe it.  Travelling alone is an excellent way to explore a new city or country. If you’ve never done it I HIGHLY recommend it. Does this not look wonderful? I’m looking to stay at a quiet resort without kids. I’d rather be amongst seniors than people on family vacation! Aside from vitamin D and relaxation, this trip is to put finishing touches on my book before it comes out in March. A photo posted by GoDomRep (@godomrep) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:31pm PST My ideal spot is an all-inclusive resort on the coast with white sand beaches where you can catch a few waves. Last time I went surfing was 2013 in Costa Rica so I’m dying to…

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