Liberty Village: A Village Within The City

In filmed this short video for Renters Guide with Wall2Wall Media a few months ago (you can tell by the hair). They’re part of the Yellow Pages group and provide real estate media solutions so agents/landlords/developers can reach people like us.  They’ve been in the biz for 25 years and next week I’m hosting an event where they debut this new app. I used to spend heaps of time in Liberty Village when I worked Toronto Carpet Factory building from 2010-2012. Places to grab lunch or afterwork drinks were few and far between back then Now, Liberty Village is hub of businesses, agencies, places to eat, and more. In this vid, I share some of my fav things about Liberty Village. Below are some notable Canadians featured this video series too. Content in Context – Neighbourhood and Lifestyle Videos Chef Massimo Capra introduces us to the best meat shop in Port Credit, Mississauga Urban Suburban TV hosts/real estate experts Sarah Daniels and Philip DuMoulin, unveil English Bay’s breathtaking views from Kitsilano, Vancouver Olympic Curler Cheryl Bernard strolls through the beautiful parks in Bridgeland, Calgary Country music star and radio host Clayton Bellamy feasts on the best burger in Windemere, Edmonton If you’re interested you can DL the app from iTunes and find them on Twitter and FB at @RentersGuide_CA and TheRentersGuide. See the full press release here.

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#TBT Liberty Village | Inspired by Andy Warhol

A Throwback Thursday Story I was browsing tumblr last night and I came across this photo of Andy Warhol and was instantly reminded of this old photo of me by Kelly Kruschel from years ago. It was taken in Liberty Village before all the condos were built, before all the shops, and people took over the neighbourhood. I worked in Liberty Village from 2008-2009  inside the Carpet Factory lofts. I spent lots of time then building my blog, doing events around the city, and making friends. So much time that I used to get in trouble from my boss for blogging at work, and I even took date stamps off my posts so he didn’t know ‘exactly’ when I was posting. I was determined to get into a media job and applied for a gig via Workopolis w/ MUCH + MTV  and knew I was right for the job. I ended up beating HEAPS of people for the role of Social Media Coordinator and started at 299 Queen street in September 2009. It’s crazy to think about all the things I’ve done since then. Places I’ve travelled, brands I’ve worked with. At the time these photos were taken all those things  seemed only possible in my dreams. Just goes to show you really can do anything you put your mind to. <3 CASIE

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i’m at liberty to go

Tonight is #genyto and the Liberty Village Annual Afterwork party.  Our employers are asked to grant us “liberty” to leave work early and join the Party. They shut down Fraser Avenue  and give us lots of room to have cold bevvys, good food and rad music.  Fun.

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Day 99: Covid But Make It Fashion

Today I spent the morning working at home. We had a test run of the speaker software for the FreshBooks conference on Wednesday. I had a package at the postie so put on something cute and biked over in the afternoon. My mask is brought to you by Evan Biddell, I ordered a 4-pack of animal print masks from him last month. On my way home, I stopped by Nadia’s place to go for a little walk with her and her pup. It’s nice to be home and see friends at a distance. I ended up biking through Liberty Village, Parkdale, and then home. I wasn’t planning to join Vinyl Night w/ the gang from the Communist Daughter bar on Zoom but I popped in for a bit and had a great time. I miss hanging out at bars with friends and talking loudly.

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Day 3: #stayhomechallenge

We had fun yesterday. I mean, it seems hard to have fun in this situation but, if you think about it. You can still have fun if you want to. Sean and I had a good time driving to the cottage, listening to oldies on 104.1 The Dock. We had fun driving over the mini snowbank driveway at the cottage right when Black Betty came on, I cranked it and we plowed through the driveway in the snow. As much as unpacking the car is work, it was still kinda fun. Navigating the snow, carrying bags & boxes, trying to balance, while inside started to warm up. We worked from about 4:30pm to 8pm getting the cottage ready. I remembered Alex was going Live on IG at 8pm, so I joined. We talked about life in isolation and doing a fireworks show on Friday night. It was really fun! We haven’t hung out IRL in ages but it was just as good. I chatted for about 15min and jumped out before she ended the chat at 8:30pm. I left to help Sean get wood and get batteries. At 9:30 I called my friend who recently came back from two months in Asia and traveled through China to get home. She’s been in quarantine for two weeks already. We chatted about everything from COVID-19 to workouts and she helped me with some ideas of what I can do up here. I want to share positivity. I want to be your sunshine at this hard time. I don’t know what else to do. I’m not sure exactly how and what I’m going to do but each day, I’ll try to share some good. If nothing else, I’ll share how I’m feeling. Maybe a smile or a beautiful sunset. I’m happy to be…

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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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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! 

Did you have a nice time over the holidays? I did! I took a break from blogging and IG to recharge my batteries and I feel so alive! It might help that yesterday I went for a b12 shot and IV of vitamins at REVIV. In 2017 I am excited to focus on doing great work, telling stories about tech, and helping others. As I was driving yesterday the sun was going down and it was so bright and beautiful I stopped to catch it lighting up my face. Over the holidays I did a couple volunteer shifts for different charities including cooking & serving lunch at Evangel Hall on New Years Eve w/ the #GivingBackVibes crew. [We did this last month too, see here.] I fulfilled my dream of wrapping presents at the mall before christmas w/ Nneka Elliot at TD centre in support of StepStones For Youth. The day before I volunteered to help sort clothes with the NuScreen Digital team at Brands for Canada. I feel so good that I was able to give some of my time to help others. You’re going to see more of this in 2017. Volunteering w/ @nuscreeninc at @BrandsForCanada! ?✌?? pic.twitter.com/b3C10jtwHK — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) December 21, 2016 I went home between Christmas and New Years to spend some quality time with my parents. Set both mum and dad up with new tech gadgets and had lots of laughs over great food. They’re only an hour away so this year I want to spend more time hanging out. Today was a really fun day. ❤ pic.twitter.com/P10zek09Nv — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) December 30, 2016 On New Years Eve, Sean and I went to Ikea to get some organizing stuff and things for Em’s room.  We watched the Minimalism doc on Netflix a couple…

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SiriusXM’s Canada Laughs & The Todd Show Shapiro Show

Hola! Man,  it is HOT today. I was out and about, stopped by a cafe in Liberty Village to a break from the heat. I love this weather but when you need to get around the city and you’re carrying things and sweating  and dripping, you just wanna go home/jump in a lake/pool/cold shower. Yesterday I was back at SiriusXM on the Todd Shapiro Show. You can download the podcast in iTunes or listen here (yesterday’s ep will be up tomorrow). Heading back to the SiriusXM studio now for today’s show. I’m not sure who guests are but it will without a doubt, be funny, Brian @redban is live on #SiriusXM 168 with @iamToddyTickles @RoddyColmer @Boomer_Phillips & @casiestewart. @canadalaughs — Todd Shapiro Show (@ToddShapiroShow) August 18, 2015 Baby love me cause I’m playing on the radio…   Met with Telus today to go over events and things for the next few months. Lots coming up! Excited to share. Check out my beautiful Ted Baker iPhone case. I love it. I had a different Ted Baker case before today and they’re my fav ones I’ve ever had. Thanks Telus! You can find this one and the others at any Telus store. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Aug 19, 2015 at 12:08pm PDT CASIE

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Dance, New Jewels, Women’s Mecca, SUN LOVE!

Went for a nice walk at sunset yesterday before dance and am so happy the weather is finally nice. I always feel a warm spot in my heart walking down Palmerston, my family is from Palmerston North, New Zealand. Can’t help but think of them and the beautiful NZ countryside. I don’t usually read my horrorscope (:P!) but this week it seems the Toronto Metro has me in mind. It’s coming up to my birthday month and I’m feeling great about the next year.   Last night at dance was so much fun! I absolutely love being in Army of Sass. We get in a good workout, learn a new combo, and practice our routine for the show in June. My stomach muscles were hurting from laughing so hard, it’s really great to be surrounded by so many wonderful ladies.     A video posted by Carla Catherwood (@carla_catherwood) on Apr 16, 2015 at 6:47am PDT Spent yesterday afternoon working out of the Women’s Mecca office in Liberty Village. It’s absolutely beautiful and the skylight fills the office with sunshine. Was happy to stumble on one of my fav books kicking around the office. I read over this one every couple months for motivation and creative stimulation.      Visiting my sister in the Beaches and recording an audition video for something fun. Put out good vibes for meeeee! We used to live at Broadview/Danforth and take the subway over this bridge all the time. Brings back fond memories!   Shoutout to my friends at Thomas Sabo Canada for sending this beautiful gift, I haven’t worn and anklet since I was a kid and love it. So nice to have NO SOCKS weather again. Are you following me on Snapchat BTW? Add me: casiestewart! In other news, get outside and soak up some…

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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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Dance w/ Me: #TedBakerAW14 + Holiday Preview

Last night I checked out the AW14 + holiday collections from Ted Baker London at Danceology in Liberty Village. I got to preview a few items a couple weeks ago an upcoming feature shot by  George Pimentel, wore the pink dress! There are some incredibly beautiful items. Ted is a brand with impeccable details, the buttons, collars, inner linings, everything has a touch of personality. The holiday stuff is dreamy with heaps of sparkles. There’s a couple great leather items including a moto jacket with sleeves and a fur collar that zip off. I love this one. All leather. So soft. I love this little riding hat. Andrew Dobson just posted a story w/ a riding hat like this in Metro. But it has a long pony! BTW if you want a marble phone case you can get one here. In other news, there’s a Ted Baker London store opening at the Eaton Centre in October. It’s going to be located on the third floor right across from the Apple Store. Pretty stoked! As an ambassador I’ve hosted a few events at the Yorkdale shop but it’s so far! Stay tuned for the next shopping party! There’s a @ted_baker store opening at @toeatoncentre in October! #tedbakerAW14pic.twitter.com/s8OSdVoNLq — CASIE STEWART (@casiestewart) August 18, 2014 See the full AW14 collection at tedbaker.com or pop by your closest shop in September. Hope your week is off to a great start. Much love! <3 CASIE  

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Get Luckee + Get Leather

This week was a busy one. Stayed in last night. There were no cabs due to the rain so I picked Em up from school in a black Lincoln town car from Uber. I had a couple credits so it wasn’t that bad! She was totes excited and I then ordered takeout for dinner. Wednesday was the opening of Susur Lee’s new spot Luckee at the Soho Met hotel. [Susur Lee selfie] Fun opening, and the food I got around to trying was great. I need to go back for a sit down dinner. I’ve done a few things with Met hotels over the years (here + here) plus Community Agency did the Luckee branding so it was great to see lots of familiar faces since we’ve all been hibernating for months. Lauren and I met SANDY COHEN. If you follow me on any other social network you’ve probably seen this already. I loved the OC so much. We were there and Laguna last summer, so much fun. My ‘Celebrity Selfie’ collection is really growing. The Rudsak sample sale is on till Sunday. I’ve worn my new jacket and used my new bag on the daily day since I picked them out Wednesday. Here’s the three items I got. Worth stopping by if you’re in the market for a new bag or leather jacket. I had a gift card to put towards my purchase so it was an even sweeter deal. Heading out to Yorkdale to use a gift card for Ted Baker I’ve been holding onto forever. Hellooo Spring! Have an awesome day 🙂 <3 CASIE Bag Jacket Shoes Rudsak Sample Sale Hours Location:60 Atlantic Avenue Liberty Village, Toronto Saturday, April 26th 10am – 5pm Sunday, April 27th 10am – 5pm  

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Rudsak Sample Sale – On Now Till Sunday!

I’ve been going to Rudsak shows at fashion week for a while but I am yet to own something. I remember one year they had these amazing fur/leather hats and I was like I NEED THAT NOW.  I’m heading to check out the sample sale tonight before it opens tomorrow morning, 9am. I really hope I find the perfect black leather jacket. RIP this Muuba jacket (above). It was very thin sheepskin and both pockets just about ripped right off and fell on the floor.  I just retired it about  a month ago.  I scored in the Crystal Light X Holt Renfrew shopping spree/fashion show a couple years ago. That was a fun day with these ladies. 🙂 When the email rolled in about the Rudsak sample sale, I knew I was in luck and so are you. The prices are up to 70% off so you could really score something amazing like one of these gems. They have a great selection of trench coats that I am now drooling over. Is it 5 o’clock yet? Location: 60 Atlantic Avenue Liberty Village, Toronto Rudsak Sample Sale Hours: Thursday, April 24th 10am – 9pm Friday, April 25th 10am – 9pm Saturday, April 26th 10am – 5pm Sunday, April 27th 10am – 5pm

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Casie at Her Desk

I’ve been taking desky photos for years and today’s post is dedicated to two fun tumblr blogs by my internetty friends Kevin (@kevinjn) and Russ (@russless). Check out russathisdesk.tumblr.com and kevinathisdesk.tumblr.com for some animated fun of them, well, working. The video below is from four years ago when I worked in Liberty Village at a software company. That was fun. I used to take heaps of desky shots. It’s a fun time capsule, THE INTERNET! Hope the day is treating you well. Remember, you’ll never be younger than you are today so make the most of it! <3 CASIE

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