May Long Weekend in Muskoka

We drove up to the cottage on Thursday night to spend the May long weekend in Muskoka. I haven’t been up North much this year but was really looking forward to a few days out of the city. It was meant to rain all weekend but Friday was a magical sunny day. I took FULL ADVANTAGE. Went for a nice 7K walk/run in the middle of the day and it was beautiful. At Funday, we get a bonus vacation day during our birthday month so I booked mine to make an extra-long weekend. We took the boat out and Sean wakeboarded even though the water is still pretty cold. I don’t mind being captain lol. Fun times! With love from the woods!

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#Takeoutday: My First Writeup on Muskoka411!

#TakeOutDay is a nationwide effort to help our favourite local restaurants by ordering takeout. The national campaign was started by Canada Takeout in an effort to help Canada’s hard-hit food industry and is now being co-signed by celebrities, chefs, and notable Canadians nationwide. I chatted with a few notable Canadians to find out their fav spots to eat in the Muskoka region. See tweet below or read it here. Last week we ordered takeout from Muskoka Beer Spa, they’re offering pizza from pie Muskoka, beer & food from Clear Lake Brewing, and several other local items. We even got meat pies! ? For more information on how you can help, visit CanadaTakeout.com.

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Sharing the Love w/ Ford Canada – Weekend Getaway at JW Muskoka

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. it’s amazing what a weekend away can do for your happiness, health, relationship, and spirit. Over the winter we don’t get away too often so when Ford Canada offered up the new Ford Expedition and hotel stay, I was so down. We stayed at the JW Marriott Muskoka, one of Canada’s top 10 luxury resorts as voted by Conde Nast. I’ve wanted to stay here for ages and tweeting back in forth about Muskoka and cottage life for years. The staff were nice, the food was good, it was quiet. We didn’t do much other than eat and sleep but it was just the relaxing 24 hours we needed. The lobby is quite modern and the whole place has a country house vibe. There was warm apple cider in the lobby, complimentary snowshoeing, snow bikes, and valet. We were upgraded from a standard room to an apartment style suite which was verrrrrry roomy. A family of 4 could have stayed here no problem. It had a full kitchen, fireplace, two tvs, a private bedroom, washroom with 2 sinks, and a separate toilet/bath/glass shower, so you could use each independently. I could have honestly stayed there for a week working on the great Americancan novel, or my blog. Inside the JW Mariott Muskoka The hallways feel a bit like you’re in a movie. We’re definitely going back in the summer to take in the outdoor spaces and activities. The weather wasn’t great and neither were the roads. I was happy we were in a vehicle with 4 wheel-drive. The 2019 Ford Expedition Platinum is huge, especially when you are only 5’2 driving an SUV that seats 8! It’s also rollin’ on 22’s so you’re seated above most cars on the road. Great for…

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So Long Muskoka, Until Next Year!

We closed the cottage yesterday. As soon as we got north of the city there was snow. I’ve seen snow every winter of my life but I still feel a burst of energy and excitement for the first snowfall of the year. As we got progressively north the snow continued and we drove through our first snow squall (almost blizzard!). Since the cottage isn’t winterized, closing up involves putting huge wood panels on the windows, draining the lines,  dryer sheets everywhere (to keep critters away), emptying the fridges (we have condiment overload now), cleaning, and final lock up. There is a lot of lifting, garbage, flashlights, and tools. I always take a minute to be grateful for the work, the views, and doing it together. Sean and I have been opening and closing it for about 5 years now. Winter wonderland! ❄️❄️❄️ #muskoka #cottagelife pic.twitter.com/pG7kl1W45v — CASIE STEWART ☀️ (@casiestewart) November 19, 2017 I got to thinking about how our lives will change before we make it back up in the Spring. It’ll likely be late March or April, and a lot can happen in 4 months. I’ll be away for about 4 weeks over the holidays and I really hope we can take a family vacation in February. Emily will be 10 my blog will be 13. Maybe we’ll start a renovation or have a new couch and TV? I’m hoping for more speaking at the start of the year and am working on that with my agency. I like thinking about the time passing because it’s easier to set goals when you have a timeframe to work with. I’m upping my fitness routine and hopefully, by then I’ll feel better in a bikini. I’ve never really been on to set New Years Resolutions, why wait will the new year when you can make a change now? Come…

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Muskoka For The Win, Amazing Cottage Weekend ✔️

It’s like a mini vacation with every visit, like hitting the reset button. ?????? Today Sean and I had the best day, ice cream and a car show, then Grand Electric Muskoka for tacos and ceviche. ??? TBH I like the Grand Electric Muskoka vibe WAY better than the Queen West location, not as loud and the staff are higher on the chill scale.?

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Events | Muskoka Bound Dinner @ Lisa Marie, Feb. 25th!

On Thursday night next week I’m hosting a dinner at Lisa Marie on Queen Street with Chef Matt Basile. Our Muskoka Bound theme is about #cottagelife and For $60 you get food, drinks, and a fun night, tip is also included. U-Feast events typically sell out, so get a ticket now! The menu is incredible. I stopped into Lisa Marie last week to taste a few items and I’ve been thinking about them since. Read Matt’s Interview in NOW Magazine  “On February 25, you can witness another side of the in-demand chef at U-Feast’s Muskoka Bound at the restaurant. Hosted by blogger and woman-about-town Casie Stewart, the night aims to channel the pleasures of cottage life through a culinary feast, complete with deck chairs and camp gear. Revel in cottage country-inspired indulgences such as crispy fried chicken, steak and guac tacos, chimichurri corn, sweet and sticky ribs and a s’mores dip for dessert – not to mention a welcome cocktail and beers.” Read the full interview.   ⬇︎ Muskoka Bound Dinner Menu at Lisa Marie

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Muskoka Living: Lake, Boat, Babes, Dock, Drinks #cottagelife

Spent the weekend at the cottage and went to WayHome Music Festival. There was NO WAY I was camping the festival grounds.  We had absolutely BEAUTIFUL weather.  I know it’s only Monday but I really can’t wait to get back up there. We had a nice brunch on Saturday at the Muskoka Inn. Sean in my glasses 🙂 Totally my MCM! Next weekend we’re seeing The Trews at The Kee to Bala. Stopped by the Balacade to play some games. “If you think romance is dead and gone Find an old jukebox full of 45’s Pop a nickel in it and it all comes back to me” This grandma totally creeps me out.  We went to get groceries and saw a cowboy who decided to ride his HORSE to the store. I love the country!    We had a girls party at the lake in the afternoon.   On Sunday we went to WayHome but it was SO HOT OUT. After walking around for a bit and seeing Weaves, The Sheepdogs, and checking out the Etsy shop, we went back to the cottage and jumped in the lake. Feeling today like I might have a bit of heat stroke. Next week we’re up at the cottage for a while. I can’t wait! Counting down the days. This week will be a good one, it’s going to be hot and SUNNY till Sunday. Tomorrow night I’m heading to the Island Yacht Club for a little party. Who knows what else the week will bring! <3 CASIE

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Muskoka Photoshoot w/ Archibald Men’s Magazine

Working from the cottage today. It’s turning out to be an absolutely beautiful day so hoping to wrap up early and make the most of the sunshine. Garret is up with some models and crew shooting an editorial for Archibald Men’s magazine. I’ve been taking breaks from my work to ‘supervise’. Can’t say I mind having these babes around one bit! Hope you’re having a great Monday! Back to the city tomorrow so making the most of every moment here. ☀️ 😎✌ CASIE

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#Muskoka: Life For Me Is A Riverboat Fantasy

Had a great weekend lounging at the cottage up in Muskoka. The weather was a bit cloudy on Saturday when we arrived but it was warm and I have no complaints! Boat is in the water so we got to do some cruisin’ around the lake. I’ve had David Wilcox ‘Riverboat Fantasy’ stuck in my head since yesterday. It always comes on 104.1 The Dock when we’re driving in cottage country. If you’re looking for some good oldies and classic rock, you can listen online here. My activities on Sunday included floating, reading, snacking, and sun tanning. Magazine reading has me thinking about layering. I know Autumn is a while away but fall fashion is just so dreamy. Brock & Jenn came up for the weekend and we are all obsessed w/ Doritos Roulette. They’re so freaking good! I’ve ordered two of these donut floaties and they should arrive before the long weekend. Squeeee! Watchin’the sun go down… Hope your weekend was great too. Next weekend Sean and I are heading to Boston and the weekend after that is a long one. Yeahooooooo! I can’t get enough summer, I love it so much. This week is supposed to be nice and HOT! <3 CASIE

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I’ll Be in Balconia or Muskoka Till September, Ok?

Had a great weekend, hope you did too. Skipped home to visit Mum Friday and did some Saturday shopping.  Was back home in the city before dinner that night. Sean and I had a great day on Sunday. Since we’ve been making an effort to eat healthier we’ve not been going out/drinking as much. It’s great! I did groceries on Sunday morning and were out of the house just after noon. Had a walk through Kensington market and ate at a delicious Mexican place on the south side of Roach-o-rama (sorry I don’t remember the name). Burrito was BURFECTION! I got a treat from the ice cream truck on the way out. This rainbow filter is called ‘Through Marino Wool Sweater’. Thanks Mum for that gift! I spent some time reading on the roof top patio ‘Balconia’ before zipping out to the new Target at the Stockyards to refurnish the place. I managed to give it a new look and feel with some pillows and accessories while Sean was napping. Target and I are becoming good friends. Sean is building a storage box to go under the table. Was my first time grilling cauliflower on the BBQ and WHOA it’s totally delicious. Used this recipe for grilled cauliflower skewers from Chatelaine and added some Diana sauce and garlic to the mix. Sean made burgers. I am so happy it’s SPRING FINALLY! I picked up these solar lanterns from Target and I’m  kinda shocked at how surprised I was that they worked. Why did I think they wouldn’t work? I got three sizes and the biggest one was $22. They charge during the day and they you turn them on at night. Looking forward to getting home and catching some rays while I read some more of this great book Simon…

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