Tech | Sharing My Love of eReading + Win a Kobo in Our Twitter Chat!

Back in April I worked with Kobo and got my first eReader. TBH I Hadn’t really ready any books in ages and thought, maybe this is my gateway to the love of reading I’ve kinda lost. Well, it was. This is the kind of brand partnership work I truly love, something that fits perfectly. I read heaps of books growing up and since getting my Kobo I’ve read more in 5 months than I have in 5 years. I can’t deny my love this little thing!  ❤️Its been on all my trips, spent summer at the cottage, and is often found in my purse. I read 10 books on it over the summer alone. This weekend I finished my 12th book since April. I will always love paper books, I’ve got stacks, but there’s this new joy for e-reading that I’ve really come to enjoy. So, onto the next bit of info on how YOU can get a Kobo eReader too. Daniel (dothedaniel.com) and I are hosting a 1 hour Twitter Party with Kobo to celebrate the Giller Prize nominees on Wednesday this week at 8pm. Pour yourself a cuppa and join in the fun. We’ve got 6 Kobo eReaders to give away! REGISTER for the Twitter Chat on Wednesday at 8pm ET Powered by Eventbrite Also, if you’re feeling creative and want an extra shot at a Kobo eReader and $500 – write a haiku inspired by any of the 6 books on the 2016 Giller Prize shortlist. I’m currently reading The Best Kind of People and this is my haiku poem entry. Revolver you will never know terror hiding behind walls of a broken heart by Casie Stewart

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Summer eReading in the Sun + Kobo Giveaway

Since getting my Kobo reader I’ve read more in the last 2 months than I have in the past couple years. ? I used to spend (a little too much) time scrolling my phone before bed, now I scroll a few pages of my book. Reading a book is much better relaxation before bed than reading random tweets or Facebook status updates, trust me on this one. I also really love how easy it is to read in the sun, together we’ve lazed on the dock, rode the sunny streetcar, and chilled in the park. Last month I accepted the Kobo 7-Day e-reading challenge (read that post here), to replace my print book with a Kobo Glo HD for 7 days. Don’t get me wrong, I love paper books but fitting a pile in your carry-on or daily purse is just NOT practical. Kobo was created to please us fans of print books and tech lovers alike. Aside from my loonnnng reading list I just learned they have MAGAZINES. ?? I’m currently reading HER, a novel by Harriet Lane and have recently finished YOU by Carolyn Kepness and Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave. During the summer I like reading light hearted chick lit or mystery novels. It’s a great way to take my brain on an adventure and step away from work. A few other great things about Kobo reading a preview of a book before you buy using the app on any of your devices built in wifi super light (not heavy) The kind folks at Kobo have given me a device for YOU.  The brand new Kobo Glo HD retails for $139.99, comes fully equipped with wifi, customizable fonts/text size/margins, and the battery lasts f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Ok, well not forever but waaaaay longer than your iPhone.   The contest is open to anyone in Canada and runs today till Friday, June 10th. Enter below! a…

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Kobo 7-Day Reading Challenge

Growing up I spent heaps of time at the library with mum. Each summer we joined the Summer Reading Club and went back and forth to the Preston Branch carrying books in the wagon, the stroller, or homemade bookbags. Mrs. Macdonald, the librarian, was a familiar part of our lives and helped us learn to love books and reading. Since joining the internet, I’ve read less books, well, I’d say less books overall since college/uni. This year I set a goal to read more books, scroll less websites. So far I’ve not done too bad! Last week I started a 7-day reading challenge with Kobo to discover the joy of e-reading. The new Kobo Glo HD is the latest eReader, it’s 6″ screen is super clear and reads just like paper. There’s 4GB of storage which is a LOT of books. Up to 3K! This is my first time with an e-reader and I really like it. I find it much easier to read on this device than phone or iPad due to the screen (Carta E Ink). You can also customize the light, font, and margins to personalize your experience. Next week I’ve got a GIVEAWAY for a Kobo Glo HD so we can be twins. If you’re keen to get reading before I then, DL the Kobo app on any device (with this link) and get a $5 credit towards your first purchase. [symple_spacing size=”10″] Things I like most about my new Kobo: – It’s SUPER light, nothing like carrying around a few novels ? – Fits in a small purse or the pocket of my trench coat – Battery lasts ages – You can read in the sun, no glare! ☀️ – The Kobo app has so many books and recommendations, all you need is wifi ? This weekend I started YOU by Carolyn Kepnes,…

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Friday Fri-Yay for Reals!

Oh man this week has been so busy. The house is a mess, and although it’s Friday, it ain’t ova’. Tomorrow we shoot this music video and it’s gonna be along day. Soon as we’re done shooting, off to the cottage we go! I love spending my birthday weekend at the cottage just chilling the ffff out. I left my Kobo there 2 weeks ago and have been missing it so much. I was right in the middle of an intense thriller book!  Yesterday I worked with acclaimed Canadian Director + Revolver Films founder, Don Allan, to submit a directors treatment for MuchFACT. The fund supports the Canadian music community through $$ and promotion of music videos and other content for all media platforms. Gah! It’s crazy to be doing something new and different. It’s a bit stressful  but I love it. Thankful for Sean and the ability to learn from him and everyone at 1188/Revolver. Who knows where I’ll be in 5 years!?!?   Found this pencil today when I started making a list. I love wring in pencil. Years ago I remember writing about ‘pencil on paper twill’ and how I liked the way it scratched across. Pencils with sayings are my fav.

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Twitter is Very Much Alive and Here is Some Motivation

I’ve had a really great time on Twitter the last 24hours. Sometimes people say ‘Twitter is dead’ but that goes right out the damn window when there’s a live event. I love twitter the most when we share moments like this. Nothing brings us closer than live event tweeting! #WorldSeries — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) November 3, 2016 The Twitter chat Daniel and I hosted with Kobo was a trending topic in Toronto and then Canada last night earning 3 million+ impressions. Then, after the chat I tuned in for the World Series Game 7 to see the Cubs win and HOLY COW what a game. I am happy the Cubs won bc my friend Tony Pierce aka @busblog is a die hard fan. ⚾️ ? This morning I watched Cam, Head of Comms at Twitter, chat about the election on CTV. I felt like last night was a preview of the tweet storm about to go down on Tuesday night when the US gets a new President. I’ve been invited by Twitter Canada to watch it at their office and I can’t wait. Casie Stewart Live from The Nest! I’ve shared my love for live event tweeting for over six years from my days tweeting Jersey Shore & The Hills at Much/MTV, to every award show since, the Olympics, Superbowl, The Bachelorette, and more. It’s gonna be really intense. Looking forward to watching the election at @twittercanada on Tues. @cam_gordon on @CTVNews talking what's trending! https://t.co/Q1XhePrdSj — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) November 3, 2016 I just watched this video andI’d like to thank my old friend (and apparently new neighbour!) Christine Estima for this performance. I’m spending the afternoon writing and organizing the book I’ve been working on because THIS YEAR I AM DAMN DETERMINED TO DO IT. I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and…

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The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.

Yesterday was one of those full on go-go-go day. The night before I was so tired, falling asleep at my computer. I closed it down and told myself everything could wait till the morning.  I make blog-life look pretty glam on the outside but behind the screen is a lot of hard work, late nights, meetings, and stress. I feel like I’m behind most the time, but some days I feel on top of the world. No day is ever the same.  I remember laying in bed thinking ‘just get me through this week, then I can relax‘. Had a great time speaking at a national Canadian corporation about my blog, social media, and influence marketing. A few talks booked on the topic of creators/influencers lately which I feel shows a that the market and budgets are shifting towards more digital. Filmed a short video with new blogger Nneka Elliott. You might recognize her from CP24 where she’s been a news anchor since 2008. Had a diner with Saje Wellness and about 50 other young women. Did a class with Army of Sass. Then went home and read a bit before fall ing asleep with my Kobo. Just reading back over this makes me feel exhausted!!! The whole day was documented on Snapchat.  Tonight we’re going to the cottage for a couple days before I fly out to Arizona on Sunday. That reminds me, I have to pack! Gah.  Title quote is by Audrey Hepburn ? FYI my contest for office space at The 48 inside 1 King West closes today – enter by visiting the post below! Get to Know The 48 Office Suites + OFFICE SPACE Giveaway!

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It’s Always Summer In My Heart

Last Week of Summer? Doesn’tFeel Like It! Today is SO HOT OMG. I’m wearing shorts and t-shirt and feeling so happy. We had a great weekend at the cottage. It was just Sean and I for a few days. Lots of relaxing, naps, great food, laughs. I love the VIEWS but something else I really love about the cottage is the drive up together and driving long, winding country roads. There’s something so magical about it, laughing together, singing old songs.  The leaves are just starting to change and I said ‘I LOVE IT THIS TIME OF YEAR’, his reply? YOU LOVE IT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR! It’s true, I really do. Each season and type of weather has it’s beauty. Today I’ve got an afternoon with TELUS to meet with 2016/2017 Team TELUS Advocates. I wrote about that here. They sent a welcome package last week with the INSTAX printer! I love this thing so much. I’ve been carrying it around in my purse ever since. THANK YOU GUYS! On our way to the cottage we stopped at Rocket Fireworks, Sean loves fireworks so much. I got up each morning and went out on my stand up paddle board. I love this outfit, denim bathing suit, flannel. Perfect fall cottage attire. Finished reading ‘in a dark, dark wood’ this weekend. Good book. crazy story about old friends and one of them getting married, a hen party gone wrong. Received it at the Essentials Lounge by EGPR during TIFF. I have to admit, it was kinda weird picking up a book-book spending the summer w/ my Kobo. [See my list of summer favs here!] While out for a Sunday drive we discovered Wahta Reserve, aka the BEST PLACE TO BUY FIREWORKS. Look how happy this guys is! Spent the last night out for…

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5 Books to Read This Summer & The New RECO App

When I was a kid my summers were spent playing outside or at the library. Each year mum had us join the Summer Reading Club where we would read a bunch of books, play with the other kids, talk about books, and at the end of the summer, a Teddy Bear Picnic. ??? I have such fond memories of reading but over the last few years I hadn’t read many book, this year I set a goal to read more. A couple months ago I got an ereader a couple months ago and since then I’ve read 10 books. More than I’ve read in five years! Here’s my top 5 summer reads that will leave you wanting more. Download the new RECO app from Chapters Indigo and read reviews of all the books I’ve recently read. Reco is about inspiring your friends to read great books more often, so on that note, here’s my fav five I’ve read recently. 5 Books to Read This Summer This list is a mix of light summer reading and suspense drama. I like to switch it up! I love books that take me on an adventure and leave me thinking about the characters when I’m going about my day. Safe to say I loved each one! She’s Not There by Joy Fielding – This is my most recent read.  Darling daughter Samantha (2) is kidnapped from their hotel room in Mexico while Caroline Shipley and her husband are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. This book is a suspenseful thriller and has a few twists as the story unfolds. I couldn’t wait to finish this one,  was left wondering what would happen next every single time I put it down.  You by Carolyn Kepnes – I was sent a copy of this from Simon & Shuster and it was SO GOOD.…

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Being Your Own Boss Has Its Perks – Cottage Workation!

This week we are working form the cottage.☀️?✌?  I find I’m really productive up here. It’s a nice mix of working hard, writing, and taking breaks, snacks, and naps. I usually spend the day writing and doing blog biz things then after 2pm, I go down to the dock, float in the lake, or read on my Kobo. I’m about to finish She’s Not There by Joy Fielding today. ?? ? This will be my 10th book since April, summer goals ✔️!!! A photo posted by ? C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Aug 8, 2016 at 8:22am PDT Today is Sean’s 40th birthday! I know, he looks so young, what a babe! I baked a layered red velvet cake yesterday for later and we opened presents this morning. We’ve got some friends joining us end of the week to celebrate together. If you’re following my Snapchat you’ll have seen these photos and the MASSIVE WATERMELON I got the other day. It’s seriously the biggest one I’ve EVER SEEN. I might cut into it this afternoon. ??? In other news, SEAN GOT ME A CLAWFOOT TUB. I’m in love with it. It’s SO BIG. It’s not set up yet but it will be eventually. I’ve dreamed of having one of these and I’m absolutely over the moon. I sat in it, inside the garage for about 20 minutes yesterday, with no water. It’s MASSIVE! Sending you sunshine from cottage country, here’s to a great week!

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Mindful Driving with the Ford Edge

For me, last month was all about taking a break. The first three months of 2016 were super busy and I was feeling tired. Like, over whelmed don’t-feel-likeinternetting tired. After 10 years of blogging and being part of the internet, I’ve learned that it’s important to recharge your batteries with a break, reading a book, or taking a vacation. Being in media/social media can take a lot out of you and I needed to chill. My trip to Costa Rica was the perfect way to slow down and take a digital detox. When I got back, Ford hooked me up with a brand new Ford Edge Sport similar to those that they sell at Wichita Ford Car Dealers Conklin Cars, for a week and taught me about mindful driving. I had a private yoga session with YuMee in the Ford Edge where she taught me some tricks for long drives (cottage) or in car stretching (back, wrists, hands, fingers). We did a few poses outside the car too. YOGA ANYWHERE. YumMee reminded me it’s important to do a posture check when you’re in the car, it’s easy to slouch which can leave you tired or strain your shoulders. Reminder to sit up straight right now! A couple things I really like about the Ford Edge that I found made it relaxing and chill to drive: – Ford SYNC3, you can use Siri while driving and voice commands to control the console – no cap on the gas thing aka EasyFuel – lumbar support on the front seats, great for lower back – Enhanced Active Park Assist, major stress saver for parallel and perpendicular parking – Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), the car actually beeps when there’s someone in your blindspot Next month I’m going on an overnight adventure with Ford…

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Fitzroy Boutique Does Rentals Now! ?

Last week I had an event and as usual was scrambling to find something to wear. A few days earlier the girls at Fitzroy Boutique sent a note about their new dress rental service. Decided to popped by there a couple hours before the event to see what they had. I needed a Cinderella moment! The store is always full of beautiful dresses, flowy things, and great accessories. The latest pop-up is at 98 Ossington, half-way between Queen & Dundas, west side. They’ve got two racks of dresses for rent, and for $50 you can borrow a beauty for 3 days AND IT INCLUDES DRY CLEANING. Check out all the dresses here. I wore this super cute Sea Shell dress by Blessed Are The Meek. The back is open making it fit really nice in the front, not too tight on the tatas. It’s super flowy and short making it the perfect dance number for a wee lil’ lady. This is the intro price so if you have a summer full of weddings and garden parties, book now! Thanks A&J for making me feel like a qween! Some fun stories coming up this week, 2 upcoming trips, a HUGE life change, some thoughts on mindfulness, being your best self, an upcoming workshop, AND a Kobo giveaway. I’ve been reading heaps since I got mine and love it, perfect for on the boat, in a hammock, or on a long drive (to the cottage!). Here’s to a great week and sunshine all around!

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Morning Commute for a Change

It’s amazing how much you forget how to take the subway when you haven’t in a while. This morning I went from Dundas West to Summerhill and somehow made three mistakes along the way, wrong stop, wrong way, wrong side.  What a n00b! I’m nearly done my book on Kobo so I guess that’s the real reason.  I use do take the subway to work at my first job in Toronto. About an hour each way from Broadview to Yorkdale. It was worth it because I wanted to work in fashion SO BAD and this was my foot in the door at a really big private retail company.  It’s so weird when you catch eyes with someone on the subway. Quick, look away.  Typing on my phone is a great way to stay entertained. Almost done my coffee but I’m here now. Took way longer than I expected. Should have taken an Uber. It’s not as close to the subway stop as I thought, I really screwed up these directions but it’s pretty nice out today. ☀️

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NXNE Interactive 2013 – Ticket Giveaway! #nxnei13

Wednesday this week kicks off NXNE! I absolutely love this festival. Think SXSW more Canadian.  I’ve been attending and doing giveaways for NXNEi since 2010 (photos below).  I spoke on two panels last year about the Psychology of Narcissism and on Social Giveaways. This year, the Interactive festival runs June 12-14, is curated by FITC and two lucky people, will win a pass to attend. You’ll get to experience the intersection of media, technology and culture with the world’s best visionaries and leaders. It’s not hard to win. Tweet this button and you’re in. I’ll pick a winner at two on Tuesday, as in tomorrow, June 11th.  Tweet  If you are in digital, social, or have any passion for anything internet, you will find something here to stimulate your senses. NXNEi 2010 NXNEi 2011 NXNE 2012 Explore Digital – Media / Culture / Marketing / Music / Film / Startups / Web / Comedy / Art 2013 will be huge. “@fitc excited to be curating @nxnei again. Intersecting media, tech + culture. Get ready for awesomeness #nxnei13” — NXNE Interactive (@nxnei) June 11, 2013 NXNE Interactive 2013 Explore Digital – Media / Culture / Marketing / Music / Film / Startups / Web June 12-14: Workshops+Conference nxne.com/interactive NXNEi Speakers Johnny Cupcakes • Saul Colt •  YouTube • HootSuite •  TeamBuy • The Score • john st. • Jay Goldman • Etsy <3 CASIE

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Big Brother where are thou? In Canada eh!

Last night I went to Slice TV/Shaw Media HQ for the premiere of Big Brother Canada. It’s the first time we’ve had our own season in Canada and people are going crazy over it. I watched one season religiously when I lived in Australia in 2004. I joined a bunch of media and seasoned BB Celebrity Dan Gheesling. No i did not eat this slop! Gross. A cup of berries did me just fine. There’s a great bar on the 16th floor lounge at Shaw media. I hope to go to more parties there. There was a Head of House (HOH) competition and it was hilarious how sad the competition was. Aaaaaand hat’s all I’m gonna say about that! I really hope this guy Peter wins. He’s already a YouTube star. I vote for the NERD! It’s pretty crazy/fascinating that you can watch the housemates 24/7 online. I remember reading 1984 in high school and being really interested. Doesn’t surprise me at all that I’m on the Internet writing about my life over a decade later. In other news, tonight is the Nella Bella Spring SS launch, then a party at ARD with Bud Light Platinum, and a Grey Goose Cherry Noir event at Bloke & 4th. Is it the weekend yet?! Have an awesome day! CASIE

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