Long Live Summer Chill Vibes

Sat out on my patio w/ some wine thinking about the last few months. It’s been nice to spend the last two weekends in the city but most my summer weekends were at the cottage. I’ve mentioned a whole bunch this year how I’ve been working hard to maintain balance. With social media and the life I’ve created surrounding it, it’s hard to keep balance. I’ve actually had to learn and discover what balance means for me. Part of that has been yoga, reading more books, and getting to bed earlier. At the start of August Sean, and I spent a glorious 11 days at the cottage. We had a few nice days and it rained for 5 days in a row. It didn’t even bother me because I watched 2 entire seasons (Ozark + OITNB5) and read three whole books (How to Murder Your Life, The Killing Circle,  The Currency of Love). Each was a different story that took me to another place or made me think about my own life in a new way. I’m looking forward to September, the change of seasons always brings a new energy, change of pace. Autumn is great for layering outfits. I ordered a few great items online that should *hopefully* all arrive in time for TIFF. Next week is going to be really busy with the film festival and Toronto Fashion Week. I’ve got tickets to a couple films and fashion shows along with a few gifting lounges. I will be documenting EVERYTHING. I live for/love this time of year. It’s a chance to see heaps of colleagues, friends, and media related people I don’t see in my day-to-day stuff the rest of the year. SUMMER FOREVER / LONG LIVE SUMMER Shoutout to Jacob’s Creek winery from Australia. They sent over a few of…

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Candle in the Wind 

I remember exactly where I was when I found out about Princess Diana’s death. Before we get to that, you’ll need to know a special connection I’ve always felt to her. The day I was born my mum held me in her arms and said ‘you are going to be someone special‘ her and my dad named me Casie Diana Stewart, after the Princess. Growing up I followed in mum’s footsteps admiring her, we had a bunch of China from Diana’s Royal wedding and commemorative plates around the house. I was so in awe of the way she lived her life, her beautiful smile, great sense of fashion, and desire to help everyone around her. August 31, 1997 I was at Lisa Baker’s house for a sleepover, the last big hang out before we all started back to for the first day of high school, grade 9. A bunch of us girls were sleeping on the floor and all over Lisa’s room in the basement of her parent’s house. I remember we had been up late in the backyard and I tried smoking pot by the river for the first time in my life. We were woken up early by a phone call from my sister, who was 10 at the time. She was talking really fast. I could hear mum upset and the tv in the background. I really don’t think my sister understood what happened and who paparazzi were. She was trying to tell me the paparazzi killed Diana but she got the words wrong and said ‘Pavarotti’. So, here I was in trying to relay the message to my friends, some still sleeping that an Itallian opera singer killed Princess Diana and it’s all over the news. Mum came on the phone shortly after the mix-up and delivered…

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Interview w/ Sassoon Toronto’s Kimberly Wallace + #SassoonStyle Giveaway!

I’m sitting at Sassoon interviewing Kimberly Wallace while she does my hair. I’ve been coming to Sassoon since the start of 2017 and she’s my favourite colourist here. I’ve been following her on Instagram so we instantly start talking about the event I was at last night, her changing hair colours, and all the time I’ve spent at the cottage this summer. Safe to say there are lots of laughs and good chats every single time we’re together. I asked Kimberly a few questions about trends and tips to keep your hair healthy and happy. Interview w/ Sassoon Colorist: Kimberly Wallace What type of shampoo/conditioner do you recommend for my type of hair and why? Colour safe shampoo ex Kerastase Chroma Riche, because it’s for colour treated or highlighted hair. Great for blondes! What are trends you see for hair and beauty this summer? I’m finding that lived-in colour, balayage, ombre, are very popular.  Looks that are low maintenance. That way, you can feel like your hair is sunkissed but you don’t have to come into the salon every 4-6 weeks. What is one hair tip that I can share with the world? Be realistic with your hair goals. For example, if you have thick dark hair like Kim Kardashian and you want to go blonde in an afternoon, it’s not going to happen in one session. Or asking for pink hair but have brown colour, that’s not going to happen in one session either. Another thing to note is pastel colours are great but they only last two weeks. Instagram filters and editing can be deceiving, what you see isn’t always what’s real! (We chatted about how the Instagram is sometimes a web of lies, don’t believe everything you see on IG!) Being blonde is a full time job! A post shared…

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Best Buy Appliances Dinner at Baro w/ Celebrity Chef David Rocco

This week I had a totally amazing dinner on Wednesday night with about 100 other media people from around the city. We were ushered up to the 3rd floor of Baro, King West, and greeted by an amazing tablescape and cocktail bar. I was happy to see Ryan Emberley, friend and amazing photographer who I credit for the great photos! The dinner was hosted by Chef David Rocco and Baro Executive Chef Steve Gonzalez presented by Best Buy Canada to showcase their new appliances. We are hoping to renovate our kitchen, so checking out new appliances is something I do now. Yay, adulting!  The chefs used the most pimped out badass appliances I can only dream of having! LG’s 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Ice & Water, Samsung Smooth Top Induction stove, Bosch Built-In Dishwasher, and a few other smaller kitchen appliances for making the meal. They all cater to the new trends of being energy efficient, compact, stylish, and connected. I wrote about Best Buy Smart Home earlier this year here. It was great to see a bunch of friends. I’ve been really hibernating this summer so it was nice to be out of the house and share laughs over a great dinner. I sat with Gunnarolla and Gracie. We were all invited into the kitchen to help David Rocco and it was amazing. He is so nice and fun. He was prepping some cheese to put into the risotto when he cut a piece and handed it to me on the end of a sharp knife. I was totally swooning at that moment! Dolce Vita! David Rocco Interview Time! What is one ingredient you always have in the kitchen? Always have two olive oils on hand. One for drizzling and one for cooking. One litre of olive oil is made up of 1,375…

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ALL I THINK ABOUT IS KARMA.

First, been listening to the new Taylor on repeat and I like it. I feel like she’s grown up the last for years and is probably sick of everyone’s bullshit. I can totally relate to that because I am 35 now and in my ‘I don’t give a f*ck’ stage where I will do what I want and not let anyone else’s expectations dictate how I feel. Second, this summer I’ve really taken time to relax and chill out. I’ve still blogged and updated the internet but it’s been less than years prior and it kinda feels good. I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon but I’ve learned it’s really important to give back to yourself. I’ve had a few meltdowns over the years after being totally exhausted and overwhelmed by trying to do too much. On that note, I’m realllllllly looking forward to TIFF this year. This week I was at the annual NKPR ‘Festival Countdown’ and it was so great to see everyone. I’ll put together a post about that exclusively. I’ve got my list of gifting lounges to check out in the first week and there will without a doubt be a bunch of parties. Yesterday I signed Sean and I up at the new LA Fitness near our house. I paid for it with my own money and I have been going for about a week now. I have never joined a gym before and I really like it! After doing yoga religiously this year, I feel ready to take it up a level. I refuse to spend this winter sitting on the couch again! Years ago Sean said I would be really fit if I only worked out as much as I watch Young & The Restless so that’s now what I try to do. Kinda silly…

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Sure Kid, Play w/ Your Fooooood!

If you scroll Instagram for one minute you’ll definitely come across a fully grown adult foodie who’s played with their food a little to make the perfect snapshot. Last month I got an email about ‘making playing with your food fun again‘ from Whippet asking Em and I to have a little fun with their new Whippet Sticks. So, we totally did! I picked her up from school and let her open the delivery of Whippet Sticks in coconut and brownie. They’re made with real coconut and chocolate, and no artificial colours with 0 G of trans fat per serving. So, a sweet snack, but not a bad snack! I’m pretty sure she thought I was legit crazy when I told her what we were doing. YES, PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD. I maintain a childlike fancy in my life and get along pretty great with a 9yo. We sat up on the patio deciding what we were going to do with our treats and ended up doing the ‘Sumo Squish‘ with a few, played tic-tac-toe, and made a few little critters. Emily lives with us 50% of the time and I really try to do fun things with her that don’t involve a screen. I so fondly remember doing activities with my mum like going for walks, the library, crafts, and making things in the kitchen. You can find Whippet Sticks at your local grocery. Pop by their Facebook page to see what other fun things people have been doing. Thanks Whippet for the fun after-school (summer daycare) activity.  Don’t forget to tag your posts #HowDoYouWhippet! I srsly recommend the coconut ones, they’re not too sweet and the dark chocolate is divine. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!  

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Just a Reminder #DWYFL

Honestly, I take about 50 before I get one I actually post! You? I used to wear bright lipstick all the time but haven’t been feeling it for a while, I wasn’t feeling myself really tbh. Last week my friend gave me this pink hot pink beauty and I tried it today. ? It’s the exact pink of my blog and a million little things in my life. Feeling good! ? Thank you @mistyfox, love you! A post shared by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Aug 22, 2017 at 9:21am PDT

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I Loved The Eclipse

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I loved every minute of that magical experience.  Powerful day for connection and setting goals. I went to the gym this morning and caught the sunrise. Checked a bunch of things off my list at the office and watched the eclipse with the 1188 team. We got to Best Buy Yonge Dundas last night *just* in time to get a couple pairs before they ran out. There was a pretty big lineup and they were selling them at the counter 1 per person for $1.50. I set intentions for things I want to bring into my life and habits I’m working to change. Very powerful day. Sharing a couple updates from Amy (@lesbest) below. MAKE THE MOST OF EACH DAY!

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Heard of Frank & Oak? Skip the Dishes? Well, Meet Futurpreneur!

Heard of Frank & Oak? Skip the Dishes? They’re both companies who’ve achieved success through Futurpreneur Canada (formerly CYBF).  A week ago today I spent the day with Futurpreneur team and other media exploring how they operate and some local companies they’ve helped build. Futurpreneur is a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing the economy through entrepreneurs. We started the day at Whole Life Balance, King West, for an aerial yoga class. I’ve done silks a few times so was totally into it. AERIAL SILKS YOGA SPIN! Upside down! Aerial silks class w/ @Futurpreneur. So fun. Want one of these at home. #MediaMatters #yoga pic.twitter.com/VkEhGLztc2 — CASiE STEWART ☀️ (@casiestewart) August 15, 2017   Our next stop was lunch at Freshii in Liberty Village where we chatted with the location owner who is now on her 2nd Futurpreneur business. It was really rad to hear about her experience and working with a mentor. I saw beside her mentor who was so cool! After lunch, we spent some time at House of VR on Queen, another Fururpreneur success story. I HIGHLY recommend stopping by here if you haven’t yet. You can plan a bunch of VR games and try out some experiences. I’ve tried so many cool ones working w/ Sean and Occupied VR. It’s totally a whole new world!  Futurpreneur’s target demo is pretty wide so if you’re 18-39 (Gen X, Y, or Z!) with a great idea you might want to check out their free resources used by over 90k people. They also offer bootcamps and webinars and have a success rate of 50-60% within five years for new businesses. Pop by futurpreneur.ca and take a look around. There’s no time like NOW to make your business dreams a reality! I’ve been working on my own project lately and can’t wait to share it with you soon. This post…

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You Are Alive, You Are Burning

I feel so alive today. I just got home from a great class at yoga. It was only me and one other person! We made coffee before and opened the doors to have class on the terrace. It was so nice. That’s for sure where all the energy comes from. I started a new notebook last night. You know that feeling? If you don’t. Get one today, open that first page, I always start on the 2nd blank page) Write something down! If feels so good. Feeling, what you ate, exercises, ideas, doodles, anything. Just write something.  Being back in the city is so nice. I took simple pleasures yesterday in walking 2 minutes to the corner store to buy lactose-free milk. Also drinking tap water. These are the little things I swear that make a truly happy person. Taking joy in everyday things will light your heart on fire and fill your soul with love. Wow, am I yoga drunk right now? I think so. Did two classes yesterday, aerial (at Whole Life Balance) and sweat (at YOGA YOGA). Silks yoga is so cool, check me out upside down. You do stretches and inversions and it is a good workout but you could for sure do it.   Upside down! Aerial silks class w/ @Futurpreneur. So fun. Want one of these at home. #MediaMatters #yoga pic.twitter.com/VkEhGLztc2 — CASiE STEWART ☀️ (@casiestewart) August 15, 2017 Anyone recognize the title song lyric? I listened to Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories, Tails album this morning. So many memories with it. I must have listened to the tape 8,000,000 times during junior high in my bedroom. Last night I lit this really nice candle and instead of a wax wick, it has a wood wick (say that 20 times!).  I wondered if it was Sandalwood…

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Yes, I am Still At The Cottage

But I’m starting to get cabin fever. I’m ready to come home. It’s been about two weeks up here and mostly just Sean and I here together. I’m so looking forward to friends, events, a conference, and my good blue shampoo. (If you are blonde, you’ll understand! My hair is yellow!) I also really need a manicure. Today I screamed at a chipmunk that startled me, like a total crazy woman. I want a Starbucks. I got a couple new bug bites taking out the garbage this morning (it comes on Mondays) and I just about lost my shit. Enough damn bugs! The views are beautiful but everyone has a breaking point. Sean and I cooked a great surf & turf BBQ last night w/ aglio olio (Italian pasta). Then we had a dip in the hot tub and watched a beautiful sunset. But I’m still ready to come home. Tomorrow Lauren and I are attending an entrepreneurship conference that includes an aerial yoga class. So fun! I’ve got a media preview at the Spoke Club after then a Sweat yoga class. I miss yoga. I’m not as good as I would like to be at self-starting a practice on my own up here. I do at home! I don’t know what it is about the cottage that makes me so lazy and eat all the snacks, I guess that’s what they call ‘relaxing’. I sent an RSVP for a TIFF event this morning and I am really getting excited about it. I’ve been doing TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) for about 10 years now and it’s fun. The city is so alive! The first couple days are the best and I love media day before the official opening. I’m going away to adult summer camp (Two Islands) on the…

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Rain Delay 

The last few days have been so blerghhhh. I don’t even know where the last couple days went. Oh, actually, I have finished two books and both Ozark and S5 of OITNBon Netflix. It’s been really nice relaxing but I’m looking forward to being back in the city and off the couch. Heading back to yoga classes and eating less snacks. I’m due for a manicure and an appointment at Sassoon! Scrolling the internet today has been crazy. It’s hard to believe what’s going on in Charlottesville and with the US overall. Even though we have pretty good wifi at the cottage I’ve taken a bit of a break from following everything as close as I usually do.  It’s hard to process and I really hope it gets better and not worse.         

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VACATION MODE ✔️

This week has been super chill so far. Tuesday was Sean’s birthday and we’ve been taking it pretty easy. The weather called for rain but it’s been absolutely beautiful every day! I finished a great book by Jill Dodd, the founder of ROXY called The Courage of Love. I don’t read many memoirs but the story was so good, I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend! My friend and her BF were up over the weekend. We had so much fun. They were getting ready to leave and I was like ‘omg we haven’t even taken one selfie!’. The sign of a good ol‘ analogue good time! Ordered this Bardot top and shorts from SheIn recently and we had a mini portrait shoot on the dock. Love it. Tonight we had our first sunset cocktail in the hot tub together. It was so nice. This week has been really relaxing, long days of reading books, scrolling, boast rides, simple meals, alone time, silence, and naps. Finally started Ozark on Netflix too, good show.  

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Summer Nights, Shining Lights, Pure Delight

New robe. Obsessed. I feel so fancy sauntering around the cottage in it. Find it here.  I was sent an item as a gift from SheIn a couple week ago and have since ordered so many things. I spend most days up here in a bathing suit or yoga pants. A robe is about as fancy as my cottage wear gets haha.  Will be spending a few hours this afternoon reading on the dock in the sunshine. I’m starting ‘The Currency of Love’ a memoir by Jill Dodd, founder and original designer of ROXY. I was intrigued after reading this in the press release: While working as a struggling model, she fell in love with Adnan Khashoggi, a Saudi businessman and one of the wealthiest people in the world. Caught up in a world of private jets, diamonds, and cocaine, she became one of Khashoggi’s “pleasure wives,” only to later learn that she’d been part of a carefully plotted scheme for a negotiated price. In other news, we just got a new hot tub up here and will be taking the first dip tonight! I love summer and vacation so much. I feel like we really needed this getaway. Hope you are having a great weekend. Take some time for yourself. Remember to put your phone down be in the moment. I’m taking my own advice, signing off, and grabbing my Kindle to sit outside!

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