How To Avoid a Video Chat Faux Pas

Since we’re all faced with this new reality of connecting from home through technology, my friend Jen Kirsch FaceTimed me to chat about how to avoid mishaps on your video chat. The article is in the Toronto Star today, click below to read. Read on the Toronto Star Over the past few weeks, I’ve been more social than normal. FaceTime, Houseparty, Zoom, Google Hangouts, it can be exhausting! During the first two weeks o(f isolation), I was video chatting with several people a day! Tips for Video Chat Success: If using a phone, get a tripod or stabilize the phone (simple iPhone tripod, or tripod with a ring light) Check your wifi settings, faceTime needs wifi, if you’re in a limited wifi area, data might be your best option Wear something presentable for your meeting ex. casual attire for work, a shirt when chatting on Houseparty, maybe something spicy for a date or friends hang. Pants optional and not required. Log in to the video chat early to check your lighting Brush your hair or wear a hat If in a big group, someone should be leading the chat ex. boss, host, or person having a birthday I personally like lip gloss and mascara for daytime If using Zoom, change your background with something fun or download one of these nice design ones to give your home a makeover (or hide the mess!) Find more tips in the Toronto Star article! Have a great day!

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Podcast: #WiththeJoneses – Episode 3 – The OG #Blondetourage

Last week, my bff  Lauren O’Nizzle and I were on the Jones Media Podcast – Keeping Up with the Joneses. It was super fun! If you know Lauren and I or have been on the internet for a long time, you’ll enjoy this. We talk a lot about influencers, brand partnerships, and how social media has changed over the 10 years we’ve been friends. This week on Keeping Up with the Joneses, we have Casie Stewart and Lauren Neil in conversation about starting as OG bloggers, tweet ups, their first paid gigs, how they transitioned into today’s influencer culture and tips for parents on how to engagement their kids in conversations about the internet.  Memory Lane – Stuff Mentioned in Podcast Thanks for tuning in! I’ve opened up comments on this post to feel free to leave one if while listening!

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Bring on the Holidays!

We’re barely one week into November and I am happy to say I’ve made holiday cookies, decorated a tree, wrapped a present, sang Christmas music, and made a DIY ornament. On November 1st, Home Hardware hosted a Holiday Market fit with all kinds of family-friendly Christmas activities and the photos are so cute.  The holiday market was at Twist Gallery Queen West. I picked Em up from school and told her I was taking her somewhere fun, I didn’t realise they would have so many activities. ? We sat right down at the cookie decorating table after eating delicious mac & cheese and grilled cheese catered by Gusto.  I could have sat there all night.  We put a few decorations on the trees  and wrapped presents, both will be donated to a variety of Toronto charities. I love wrapping presents and the holidays so much.  It was so nice to sit down and make things. Natalie Deane joined Em and I to make a frame decorations for the tree. I  forgot to take a photo of mine, it was a reindeer (upside down gingerbread man) and I made a new hole to hang it. So fun though.  One crazy fact about this day is that I wore my glasses and I FORGOT MASCARA. I was pretty distracted when I left the house and I guess I didn’t really look in the mirror much that day because I didn’t notice until I got home. I am noting this in the blog diary because THAT NEVER HAPPENS. Mascara is the one thing I *hardly* ever leave the house without. Sometimes I wear it around the house when I’m not even going anywhere. Ok well, this section was longer than I planned it to be. My fav kind for the record is Loreal Voluminous, I’ve been using it for years. I’m excited for…

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I tried those magnetic lashes!

The other day I went to a media preview and they were putting magnetic lashes on everyone! I wasn’t planning to blog about this but they were really cool and I thought you might want to know. I tried taking them off and putting them on again and they’re pretty easy. For the record, I’m used to putting on my own lashes. The ones we tried are Ardell and you can find them at Rexall, Walmart, or right here on Amazon for $26. You can use them about 15 times so that’s a pretty great deal. The ones I got were a bit long,  so I trimmed the inside a little. You can see the before in the photo above if you look close, but don’t look too close. haha! How To Magnetic Lash Put on a coat of mascara Layer the top lash on your own lashes Put the bottom lash along the bottom of your lashes Voila, they snap together with magnets! I reckon it would be helpful to use some type of plastic tweezer (like these) to place them on the lashes. You obvs can’t use metal tweezers bc of the magnets. I tried!  Thanks Overcat Communications for the lash hookup! I wore them for a shoot yesterday and they were great.  [amazon_link asins=’B0771PBBD5,B00Q1NEGJG,B0775WCTJ2′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’casiestewartc-20′ marketplace=’CA’ link_id=’d78b545f-2df5-11e8-aa11-0fd09345ad0d’]

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Been Using Miracle 10 for 3 Months – Here’s My Results!

I get heaps of beauty products and I try to use them all but, I only have one face. I often share them with mum, my sisters or friends. A couple months ago I was invited to The 10 Spot to try out Miracle 10 and get a mani. In searching email I found out that I was first contacted in 2013 about this product, created by a Canadian skin care company and developed by The Plastic Surgery Skincare Clinic Inc. I kinda suck at sticking to a beauty regime but I gave Miracle 10  try for 2 months and actually documented my face as it changed. This product was gifted to me and I didn’t have to blog about it BUT I noticed a difference and since I took all those selfies I owe it to myself to share! 

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Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival + Schick Hydro Hotel

I recently went to the Food and Wine Festival at Sugar Beach, it was my first time there! It was such a beautiful day! At the festival I stopped by the Schick Hydro Silk Hotel for a relaxing break. Sugar Beach has really cute pink umbrellas. Fish taco + lobster poutine. So good. From June to August, the Schick Hydro Silk Hotel will be travelling to different festivals in Canada, at the hotel you can  drop by to get yourself a sample of Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor and Hawaiian Tropic after sun moisturizer or get a chance to spend some time in the Schick Hydro Silk Hotel, where you can relax, have some water, charge your phone, or even have a massage. In order to receive a sample of the new Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor, Hawaiian Tropic After Sun moisturizer, and Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen, people are asked to snap a photo with the bushes from the commercial (get it? haha!). You may have seen it on tv. I picked the heart one of course. Hooked up w/ samples and a massage. I’m always down for a massage!   The Schick Hydro Silk Hotel will be at the following locations across Canada this summer.  For your chance to win a trip for 2 worth of $5,000 or 1 of 6 $500 prepaid credit cards visit hydrosilkhotel.ca. Thanks Schick Hydro for event tickets, samples, the charge-up, and massage! As an avid traveller, getting ready for vacation is one of the skills I’ve got done to a science.  Here’s a few items I keep in my summer travel bag or tucked away in my purse to help me look and feel fresh. Everything is small and compact, just what you need when you’re on the go from one destination to the another. A refresher kit of my own 🙂 Eye makeup remover…

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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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Treat Yo Self! Book A Holiday Hair & Makeup Appointment

I recently booked a professional makeup artist to come over and do my makeup before a holiday event. It was SUCH an awesome experience. Having your hair and makeup done by a professional makes a HUGE difference. It’s amazing how much you can learn from a couple hours with an expert. I had Rimmel Canada spokesperson Vanessa Jarman over to doll me up and show me some tricks. She lined my eyes with Rimmel waterproof eyeliner before anything else, and told me to squish my eyes together ‘like I mean it’. This lined the inside of my eyes with a waterproof liner protecting my makeup from fading over the course of the night. A friend recommended an eyeliner stamp from Lovoir.com for future use. She also taught me to use an angle brush or small eyeshadow brush to set my liner with something dry (ie. eyeshadow). I learned about colours to wear for my skin, blending and layering makeup, and using different sized brushes for different parts of the face. I’d been using a rather large blush brush and learned a smaller one is better for blending blush or bronzer around my cheekbones. Vanessa blended three shadows to create my look and added a few individual lashes to make my eyes pop. We threw some hot rollers in my hair to glam it all up and she did a side braid to add some style. After my makeup was done, Vanessa asked about my dress and décolletage. What would be showing? She pulled out Burt’s Bees Radiant and rubbed it along my arms. I was glistened with an ever so slight brilliance. I’m picking up a bottle for myself today! One of the other really rad things about having a pro do your makeup is that they really know faces…

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Goodies for you from essence …and the Biebs!

Last summer I went to NY and visited the essence cosmetics office. I also met Justin Bieber w/ a bunch of beauty editors, nbd. On that trip I was given one of the matte lip colours as seen below and let me tell you, I have purchased several since then. It’s become my signature product. As a lover of red lips, this stuff is my staple. The best part, it’s under $5 at Shoppers! I’ve found the essence mascara to be a real steal too. I’ve been wearing it for months now. HQ view at @essence_US. Lovely! pic.twitter.com/tmrc3OKZlE — CASIE STEWART (@casiestewart) August 2, 2013 ESSENCE GIVEAWAY DETAILS: I’ve got a couple gift packs of the most recent BIEBER Collection. This would make a great gift for a young lady Bieber fan or anyone really. Who doesn’t love gifts? How To Win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know how long YOU have been reading CASIESTEWART.com. I’d love to know, even if it’s your first time! There are two prizes and I’ll pick a winner tomorrow and notify you Wednesday. Thanks & have an awesome day! <3 CASIE celebrex without prescription celexa without prescription cipro without prescription cozaar without prescription

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WMCFW: Here’s How I Prepped for A Busy Week!

I had a lovely and relaxing weekend. Went to Screemers on Friday night for a good scare and spent Saturday afternoon at Hammam Spa. I’ve gone there a few times lately as a way to treat myself to some relaxation. this time I went a little early to relax in the steam room before my full body mud wrap. My skin felt like silk after! Thank you Hammam Spa for this little gift bag! I had tweeted them the day before about the 20% Stylicity discount (available now!) and they left me some goodies. Oh how I love the Internet! This little pink makeup bag is from Ted Baker London and I keep it in my purse to freshen up my look since I often head to events right after work. In it are always a few of my fav things: Essence Nailpolish – dries fast! Essence mascara – not expensive but great volume Rescue Remedy – if you have anxiety, this stuff is for you! Elizabeth Grant blue stick for redness – this stuff is great! Burts Bees – staple! Elizabeth Grant dark circle concealer Dermologica Age Smart primer & tinted moisturizer – both with SPF Moroccanoil Moisturizer stays at home but it’s great and smells wonderful I recieved a few things in the mail this week to get me ready for Fashion Week. A new toothbrush from Phillips and a whitening pen. I take really good care of my teeth so these were a treat! In other news, I was in an electric toothbrush commercial when I was 16. It aired in the USA, the kind you’ll see many a Dentist in Manchester and other dentists and surgeries within the US of A fully endorse and say they can be the best for your oral hygiene. These D.…

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Believe it: essence & the Justin Bieber World Tour

A week ago I was in Brooklyn, NY on a press junket with the 2013 Justin Bieber tour sponsor essence cosmetics. It was awesome. I got TO MEET JUSTIN BIEBER. (I’m sure you saw or knew when I was there because I could not simply help myself from documenting the entire thing!) He was very… mellow. The concert was really good though, he’s a great performer. I was swooning, actually. essence is  the #1 value cosmetics brand in the world and I started using their products about six months ago after receiving them at the Canadian launch. All the essence products can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada and range from $.99 to $4.99. There’s a new collection for fall that’s jam packed with great new items and colours. I’m in love with the new matt lip paint (the red I’ve been wearing recently) and the Extreme Lash mascara. There’s some rad new nail polish colours which are great because they dry really fast. Look at Shoppers, you will see a massive rainbow. [View the story “BROOKLYN + BELIEVE TOUR #essenceJB” on Storify]

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things i slept with last night

green scarf fron france that matches my eyes, the heater on, prince perry shirt, social media week sticker, mascara, orange hat from someone i love. tv remote, a gold angel (thry are everywhere), vintage orange bead necklace, motorola milestone & bakflip android phones, a black metal stapler, the wall street journal with me in it from earlier this week, casiestewart.com biz card, virgin provocateur biz card, a plastic bag, headphones, pink heart shaped glasses, my laptop robert, my ipad andy, a robot, glitter, watter bottle. a friends jogging pants, tahnee’s old wool sweater, happy thoughts, creativity, casie ring over a special tattoo, my retainer. a long red wig. a red crystal heart, a view of the airport, a burn on my finger, thoughts of you. i think this might be a new series,  there’s always clothes & gadgets around here. today i really need to clean my room.

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all the better to see you with my dear

Matchstick & Maybelline sent me this massive tank of makeup about a month ago. Graciously shared heaps of it with girl friends cause there was so much. Really love the XXL PRO Curl mascara, makes my lashes massive. It is one of thse double ended ones with the white stuff you put on before the black stuff. Vibrating mascara is still my fav but this is a close second.

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stop complaining about the raining

You will not hear me complaining about this weather, I love it. Pull out a raincoat, throw on some Moovboots or Wellies and walk right through mud puddles.    I’ve heard people whining about it on Twitter and I don’t get it. I could find a zillion things to do instead of that. Make a fort. Art project. Movie night.  The rain, it’s so refreshing. Wet hair is kinda hot and mascara running down the face is super hot. Hope your day’s been good. Gramma came out last night. HAHA.

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