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CASIE STEWART
THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Tech Vancouver, BC

Vancouver: The Telus Innovation Centre

Vancouver: The Telus Innovation Centre

Earlier this year I was in Vancouver for a city planning conference and stayed an extra day to pop by the Telus office and have lunch with a friend. I’ve been working with Telus since my days at Much/MTV Canada, about 8 years ago.  I’ve had the opportunity to do some really neat stuff like volunteering, videos, city adventures, and making friends.

A couple years ago I helped them with some ideas to create their influencer program and it’s really grown into something awesome. Next month, they’re taking the ENTIRE GROUP of Canadian influencers (including me!) to their HQ in Vancouver.

Telus Garden

I was really stoked to visit this building. I remember when it started in 2012 and was opened in 2016. The Telus Garden building takes up an entire city block downtown Vancouver, totalling 1M sq ft. It has amazing energy saving features, a fantastic garden, and has won a bunch of awards for the design and sustainability. Unfortunately, I was there in winter so I didn’t get to see the outside areas, it snowed!  

“TELUS Garden is Canada’s most beautiful and ambitious LEED Platinum building, and one of the most environmentally-friendly developments in North America,” Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO

Telus Innovation Centre

I met up with Ana from Telus (check out her IG @msanadouglas) and she took us up to the Innovation Centre where. I was amazed to see a beautiful bright space filled with technology.

One of the coolest features were the doors. Telus has created a set of doors that have screens instead of windows. Hello, why didn’t I think of that!? They’re the only 4 doors like this IN THE WORLD and they’re right here at Telus in Vancouver. A couple of them have cameras where you can host meetings and have the person you are talking with will show up on the screen. Other ones have touchscreen and heat sensors, so they can tell when there’s a person standing in front of them. This blew my mind. Imagine the possibilities? Our guide said they were originally developed for hospitals (Telus Health does heaps in healthcare, telushealth.co).

The space has a number of workstations, fully equipped with pop-up monitors for video conferencing. They pop up OUT of the tables! The card with wifi details doubles as seeds you can plant later at home. As a lifelong lover of tech, this was like being a kid in a candy store! 

They also have a 3D printer where they create and test out innovative ways to make our lives easier. For example, this small purple object made with PLA plastic could never be made by hand but it is 3D printed in a way that makes it unique and super strong, you can stand on it without it breaking. It can hold up to 300lbs!

I was really impressed to check out the mock apartment they have to test smart home technology. I’m not just talking a couple smart lights, they’ve got smart home everything. It’s not just the appliances and light bulbs, there’s a laser that reads prescriptions in your cupboard, smart pillows, smart bed. It was like living in the future and tbh, I’m totally into it. 

I can’t wait to be back on the West Coast with the #TeamTelus crew. There’s some really rad people on the team, a few I’ve known for years and some I’ve never met. I’ll be documenting as I go next week and fill you in on the details.

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Cannabis Toronto, ON

Follow the Pot of Gold 🌈⚱️🍃

Follow the Pot of Gold 🌈⚱️🍃

Good morning and happy Monday! Spent the weekend at the cottage wearing sweatpants and a hoodie, cooking, reading, and relaxing. The cool Autumn air is a nice change from hot summer. We made a fire at night but it was still warm enough in the day to take Sean out wakeboarding.

The thing I love about Monday is not knowing what the week will bring aside from the things already in my calendar. I’m looking forward to being back to the office after a whirlwind month with Toronto Fashion Week, TIFF, and a trip to Mexico.

Scroll down for details about a panel I’m moderating Wednesday on influencers + cannabis, an interview I did for Lift & Co. Magazine, and a great feature on Biome Grow, the company that acquired Weed VR.

High Profile w/ Lift & Co.

A couple weeks ago I sat down at a cafe near our place for a chat with Kate Robinson for Lift & Co. Magazine. We were discussing coming out the ‘cannabis closet’ and my story. Read my story on Lift & Co here or click on the image below!

HIgh Profile with Casie Stewart by Lift & Co. on cannabis & the emerging industry.
Read Here

Cannabis in An Influencer Age

This week I’m moderating a panel for influencers and agency people about working together in the new cannabis industry. The panel will feature a few experts and you’ll learn creative ways to partner with brands, produce content, and work within the regulations. Before you shop marijuana seeds online in the hope that you can start your own marijuana operation, it may be worth finding out more about the regulations involved with the ever-growing industry.

casie stewart, cannabis, influencer, marketing, jones media, wework

A panel discussion with Cannabis experts, covering influencer marketing and what to expect within a highly regulated cannabis landscape. We’re talking about how influencers can partner with Cannabis brands while being cautious of Bill-45 and the impact it may have. With the legalization of Cannabis in Canada, how will marketers and brands be able to work with Influencers?

Tickets Here

Semi-permanent tattoos provided by Inkbox.
Beer provided by Lost Craft. Munchies will be provided.

Who is Biome Grow and What a Good Business Plan Means to Cannabis Investors

Earlier this year a Canadian Licenced Producer acquired Weed VR, a company started by the team at Occupied VR (Sean’s company). This article has some great info about the current CEO and what Biome Grow Inc. is bringing to the growing cannabis retail industry. There are some high profile board members behind the team at Biome including Steven Poirier, former president of Moosehead Beer, and George Smitherman, former Health Minister for Ontario. The article mentions Biome plans to go ‘public on the Canadian Securities Exchange soon through a reverse merger with a company called Orca Touchscreen Technologies Ltd. (CSE:OAA).’

Exciting times ahead, stay tuned for what’s next!

“Biome already has a license to grow with more to come, the production capacity, the technology and most of all, a solid business plan. Does this mean Biome will be the next major player in Canada’s marijuana industry? I don’t know, but from an analyst’s perspective there are not many missing variables.”

National Marijuana News, September 23, 2018
Read More Here

Sean took these of me when we were walking over to the MOCA Grand Opening on Friday. The mural is right by our house. Love having this great new gallery in the neighbourhood, the area is changing in so many beautiful ways. Go visit MOCA then stop by the Drake Commissary or Henderson Brewing. So fun!

  • casie stewart, blue, yellow, blogger, influencer, toronto, travel, cannabis
  • casie stewart, blue, yellow, blogger, influencer, toronto, travel, cannabis
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LIFE QUEEN WEST, TORONTO

Takin’ It Back to Where It Started in ’71

Takin’ It Back to Where It Started in ’71

If you’ve been near Queen West and the Ossington area lately you’ll probably have noticed a big blue building at 9 Ossington. Until September 30th it’s the home of the San Rafael Experience popup, a time warp that takes you back to 1971 where ‘4:20’ started in San Rafael, California. I went for the opening and honestly, it was really cool! Cannabis companies are being super creative with their marketing and this is a great example brought to you by the same company that did the Altavie event in the spring.

casie stewart, scratch bastid, kelly beker, san rafael 71, cannabis, hendrixroe
Scratch Bastid DJ + Kelly from MedReleaf and I in our matching Hendrixroe X San Rafael ’71 Jackets

Once you step through that blue doorway, you enter a 70’s themed record shop with a bar, dj, living room, screen printing, vintage shopping, and plenty of photo opps. There’s live music every night in the basement and can use your San Rafael token to can peruse and pay for real records the shop. Scroll down for some pix and the list of artists performing this week.

  • Melani in Hendrixoe
  • Courtney 
  • Carly 
  • San Raf token 
  • Record shopping
  • Old magazines
  • Old books 
  • San Rafael ’71 Strain info on a record
  • San Rafael ’71 Strain info on a record
  • My fav Coup de Tête hat
  • Local shops pop-up
  • Screen printing
  • DJ Scratch Bastid
  • 70’s living room
  • San Rafael ’71 Strain info
  • San Rafael ’71 Strain info
  • San Rafael ’71 Strain info
  • San Rafael ’71 Strain info
  • San Rafael ’71 basement, stage on other side

Thanks to the San Raf team for the invite and I’ll be back this week for live music & retro hangs! FYI there was no cannabis at the popup but if you have questions about anything before legalization, they’ve got answers. 🍃😊

San Rafael ’71 Popup Hours + Live Music

Mondays – Wednesdays 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Thursdays – Saturdays 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Sundays 2:00pm – 10:00pm

Live Music @ San Rafael ’71:
Sept 19 / 30 – Tessa Gooden
Sept 23 – Adam Jessin
Sept 24 – Jordo
Sept 25 – Dave Borins
Sept 27 – Jory Nash
Sept 28 – Crown Lands
Sept 29 – Tokyo Police Club

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Cannabis Toronto, ON

High Tea: You Can Roll With Us

High Tea: You Can Roll With Us

You walk past a group of beautiful, stylish ladies outside a cute and classy coffee shop in a quiet neighbourhood. Everything looks normal until you get a little closer and see a cloud of smoke big enough for a rap video and realise what’s up!  🍃

The other week I had a really cool experience of attending an event called ‘See You Next Tuesday‘ hosted by the fine ladies of the High Tea podcast (listen here). It was a rolling salon and flower side chat where we had an in-depth lesson on rolling the perfect joint and talked about cannabis. We each took home a few goodies and fresh cut flowers. It was fun!

Michelle Bilodeau , Carly Stojsic, High Tea Host Jen Newtz, 

The High Tea podcast was started to create ‘high-vibe entertainment, for women who also love weed‘. Each episode is a ‘blunt and thoughtful exploration of pot and its magic‘. I love the play on words you’ll find in everything they share including the name of the event series. Thanks for hosting a fun night! 

Over the past few months, I’ve spent more time having great conversations with amazing women over cannabis vs. late nights with too much wine. It’s so much of a healthier lifestyle, I’ve cut down my drinking significantly and even lost weight. The side effects of cannabis are much more positive including increased creativity and less pain/anxiety, instead of a hangover.

Looking forward to their next event and more interesting cannabis events. A couple weeks ago I went to a cannabis brand launch at a strip club, Monday there’s another in a warehouse, and there’s a popup right now on Ossington hosted by San Rafael ’71 (details here!).

It’s an exciting time to be alive with legalization just around the corner!

Listen to theHigh Tea Podcast

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Travel Isla Mujeres, MEXICO

Mexico: A Few Days Down South Will Do You Good

Mexico: A Few Days Down South Will Do You Good

It’s amazing what a few days away will do! This week I was on a client project in Cancun, Mexico and it was so great. In between the things we needed to get done I made time for some self-care. I read my book at the pool, drank piña coladas in the sun, and went to the spa. I walked along the beach, ate great food, made new friends, and danced at the disco. 

I landed today in the crazy wind storm and it’s nice to be home. I’m excited to share more about this project over the next few weeks but for now, I’m looking forward to some family time. I’m feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for the weekend!

We stayed at  Riu Dunamar (via Sunwing) in Costa Mujeres near Cancun and it was so great!

Sending you love and sunshine through the internet!

casiestewart, blog, blogger, toronto, canada, travel, tech
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Inspiration PAST/FUTURE

“Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”

“Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”

A lot of my experience comes from making mistakes, wrong decisions, with the wrong people. I’ve learned a lot of street smarts this way. A lot of my business smarts comes from school. 

I was really into business as a youngster when I made gym bags and sold them to students in grade school. I went to college and university and have no doubt that those experiences gave me the skills I need to do great work. I’m not saying everyone has to go to post-secondary but there you learn a foundation to build on when you’re out in the field.

When I  was a teenager, I started a publishing company with a friend, published a book, and was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the city. I’ve done a lot of things since then but what I learned from my business teachers in high school, college, and university is with me every day. When I won that award my high school got a donation to go towards computer equipment which was pretty cool given the internet was just getting started. 

Yesterday I got an exciting email. I’ve been chosen as the Preston High School Hall of Fame inductee for 2018. Me! An old friend from dance, who’s a teacher there now, sent me the nicest email about my career and life since PHS. I’m kinda in shock!

The PHS Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates Preston graduates who have made a successful impact in our world and exemplify the spirit and ideals of the school. Well, lady, you have certainly grown yourself, your business, your brand, and your spirit into something really worth celebrating! 

I’ve been asked to say a few words at the commencement ceremony next month. I’m excited to be recognized and am looking forward to sharing some words of wisdom with the graduating class. If I only knew then some of the life lessons I know now, who knows where I’d be? 

I want to tell them to follow their dreams but not just in their minds, to do something each day that guides them in that direction. Not to worry too much about what they want to ‘be when they grow up‘ they might end up working in an industry or job that isn’t even invented yet. You have to believe in yourself and not let other people stand in your way. Sometimes you might be able to see something that they can’t so they’ll try to discourage you. Don’t let them. There have been countless times in my career where I’ve chosen to do things my own way or different than ‘the others’ and that’s what made all the difference. 

I was looking up some of the most famous commencement speeches of all time and Steve Jobs did one at Stanford in 2005 where he’s quoted saying the title of this post. Some good ones here if you’re looking for inspiration. 

“Stay hungry, stay foolish”

Steve Jobs, 2005 
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BLOG MUSKOKA, ON

Never-Ending Summer

I love this weather and the sunshine. It’s so nice to be out on the lake. Next week I’m going away for a few days and it feels like never-ending summer. ☀️💖✌🏼

casie stewart, toronto, blogger, celine, bathing belle, travel blogger, travel tuesday
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Inspiration Muskoka, ON

KINDNESS

I think about Princes Diana a lot. I know that might seem a bit weird but she’s always been someone I admire mum was inspired by her so much she named me after her, Casie Diana Stewart. 

I follow a couple accounts dedicated to her on Instagram and am always in awe of her poise, beauty, and kindness in helping others. She’s someone we can all look up to. It’s been 20 years since she passed away and I think about that night/morning when I found out. My sister called me at LB’s house (we had a sleepover for her birthday) and all the girls were in the basement. Jenie was only about Emily’s age, 10 or so and she called to say Pavorotti killed Diana. She didn’t know what a paparazzi was so you can imagine my confusion thinking Diana had an altercation with an opera singer. Diana, you live on in our hearts. 💖

When I was a kid we spent a lot of time at the library, the park, on adventures, and had a few elderly adopted family members we helped with groceries, errands etc. Mum was home with us until I was in high school when she went back to work. It was so great to learn from her and with her.  We were always reminded to be kind, give, share, we didn’t grow up religious but those were our virtues. I didn’t know this Diana quote until today but I imagine mum might have said the same thing.

Years ago I was a student of Kabbalah and one of the things I learned there (again) was the importance of giving and kindness. A  positive attitude is something you feel and it shows in your actions. It shines right out from your head when you smile and with lasers in your eyes. It’s electric.  Giving is great and the more you give, the more you have to give. Sometimes people can get so focussed on ‘what about me’ and that’s like a negative layer of paint on everything you do and everywhere you go.

Good news, you can change your attitude anytime you want. 

As I’ve been writing this a giant blue heron has flown back and forth across the lake close to the water near the boat. Some things the heron represents are intelligence, strength, independence, tranquillity, flow, self-determination, and self-reflection. What timing! 

According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance. They represent an ability to progress and evolve. … Blue Herons reflect a need for those with this totem to follow their own unique wisdom and path of self-determination.

The Message of the Blue Heron
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LIFE Toronto, ON

You Are My Sunshine, My Summertime, My Love

You Are My Sunshine, My Summertime, My Love

Hard to believe it’s already September! Where did the summer go? Remember back to March when we had the winter that felt like three years? It was so cold. We all rejoiced for those warm spring days and bright sunshine. 

This summer was great and lucky for us it’s still feeling hot af outside so it’s not over just yet. There’s still a few weeks of warm days and cool nights. I love this weather. Enjoy these moments while we have them! 

Muskoka forever. 💖

This week is TIFF and Toronto Fashion Week. I’ve got an appointment at Sassoon, I think it’s back to bleach blonde for me. After TIFF we’ll spend some time at the cottage. Hopefully Thanksgiving too. I’m booked for Cancun before October. Will be heading up to Blue Mountain, then Stratford, and Montreal in October.  Booked my ticket for New Orleans in November. It’s going to be the holidays before we know it! We were at Costco on Friday and they already have Christmas cards & decorations out. 

  • Wearing this shirt today.
  • Got it at LX Factory, Lisbon!

I  took last week off from the blog to give myself some space and time. I’ve still been writing, I’ve got some fun stuff to share. The next few weeks are full of exciting events and great opportunities. I love documenting it all and sharing what I learn and experience with you. I’ve learned I need to give myself breaks to recharge my batteries.

We are like a vessel and if we’re constantly putting energy out into the world and to other people, we need to do things that fill us back up so we don’t get depleted.

For me, that’s taking cooking, reading, naps, snacks, and a good Netflix binge. This weekend I watched most of Sisters, an Aussie TV show on Netflix and there is a girl from New Zealand named Kasey. Ha!

by Martina Martian

Sending you love from across the internet. I hope you have a great week. Be the sunshine in someone’s day. Smile. Call someone and tell them you love them. 

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LIFE Home Sweet Home

The Internet of Things – Protecting Your Smart TV

The Internet of Things – Protecting Your Smart TV

We just got a new Smart TV and I’m super stoked. Sean and I worked from home the day it arrived and we also ordered tacos which turned into a great game of tv or tacos?! It’s my first time having a *brand new* TV.

Our previous model was bought 2nd hand years ago, we’re retiring it to the cottage now.  The Sony 4K Android Smart TV is so clear and it was really easy to set up. It comes with Google Play, Netflix, and internet connectivity making it easy to watch your fav shows, download movies, or watch videos on YouTube.

Over the last year, I’ve been making our home smarter with the addition of Hue Lights, a Dyson fan, Alexa, and now an Android Smart TV.  As we start to make our home smarter, we’ve got so many entry points putting us at risk for privacy and hacks.

90 percent of Android TVs are reportedly vulnerable to hacking

The solution is to make sure we can browse the internet and watch all our fav shows without having personal data compromised. ESET is a leader in security solutions for home computer & mobile.  They’ve created the world’s first ever security solution for Android Smart TVs, using tech to guard against cybercriminals with their eyes on connected TVs.

I quite like their i-Robot style dude below. 

There’s a free version available for download as well as a paid version that gives you premium features for a year at $14.99. I went for Premium. If you have a Sony Android TV, the app is already downloaded you just have to pop into the HOME section from the remote and click Accept.

Android TVs are run on the Android OS used for phones and tablets meaning the software can extend to more of your devices. ESET can be used on up to 5 devices under one Google Account.

You wanna watch more Wild Wild Country tonight, honey?

There’s Anti-Virus and Anti-Phishing and the ability to set up regular scans anytime. It also keeps an eye on any browser you might be using on your tv. One thing that really peaked my interest was the ability to watch for spying using TV sensors like the microphone and camera. Audio spies really creep me out, we’ve all seen ads on Facebook after having a conversation about something. 

In a time where we’re getting smarter with our gadgets, it’s time to get smarter with our home security. 

 

 

 

 

 

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This post is in partnership with ESET. Smart home security is important. Take the time to secure your networks and always use a smart password!

For more information about making sure your Android Smart TV is secure, check out ESET for a free download.

 
LIFE ON A PLANE

New Zealand: Aeroplan + Moments Worth Millions

New Zealand: Aeroplan + Moments Worth Millions

What would you do with a Million Miles? Where would you go? I visited New Zealand and Portugal #withAeroplan this year and if I had a million miles I’d be off to India, South Africa, and Japan. I’m so inspired by adventure! Travelling is the best way to enrich your soul, feed your curiosity, and expand your mind. Portugal #withAeroplan 

  • Porto!
  • Portugal is so beautiful.
  • Seafood!

Aeroplan is back this summer with their incredibly cool contest, Moments Worth Millions. They’re giving away 5 Million Miles over the course of 5 weeks where 5 winners will each win 1 million miles. Think of the possibilities?

5 weeks. 5 winners. 5 million miles.



Do you know how many trips you can take with a million miles? You can take 20 friends to Hawaii in economy or a handful of besties in business. You can take 40 trips from Toronto to LA or take someone you love on a first class trip around the world. 

To enter the contest, follow @Aeroplan and share your favourite travel memory and tag #withAeroplan.

For more information see this link. 

Last summer I wrote about the Million Miles contest and how I was planning to use my miles to visit family in New Zealand. Little did I know I’d be heading there so soon with mum over the holidays.

That trip created so many memories and was really special for mum and I.  Road trip sing-alongs in the car while driving the other side of the road, exploring the North Island, Eketahuna, Taupo, Dessert Road, visiting family, friends, and spending our last moments with Nana. It was an experience that enriched my life in so many ways my heart swells with love thinking about it. 

  • Beach walk
  • Sheep Farm
  • Driving was fun!
Leaving NZ with so many goodies to bring home!

If you win the contest and need a great travel buddy. I’m always here haha. Love you! 

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This post is in partnership #withAeroplan!
Beauty Muskoka, ON

How I Keep My Summer Tan!☀️

I love summer, vacation, being outside, boating, the cottage, and heaps of sunshine.  I do not however like the idea of getting old leathery skin from sitting outside under UV and you could not pay me to use a tanning bed. (I did that heaps when I was a teenager, wtf was I thinking?) I wear sunblock on my face all year, my favs are Clinique and Laura Mercier but also love having a nice tan. 

st. tropez, tanning, casie stewart, toronto, influencer, blogger,
Sophie, the legend! 

A couple years ago I went to Hammam Spa and got a body scrub + spray tan and I loved it but was pretty expensive and not something I can do all the time. A bit after that I went to a TIFF event where they had St. Tropez and I got a personalized tan sprayed on by their expert and totally kick-ass babe, Sophie Evans. She is super rad & has tanned heaps of celebs including Lady Gaga, Britney, and Kim K. At the start of summer 2018, I had the opportunity to be tanned my Sophie again! 

I love the way St. Tropez looks, not orangey, streaky, or sticky, and you can do it at home by yourself. I’ve been using it religiously the last couple years before trips, after trips, winter, spring, all damn year. It’s THE BEST self-tan I’ve ever used. 

  • BEFORE: Dark Tan
  • 15 Min After: Dark Tan

St. Tropez Tan – My Picks

The original foam is my favourite but the new Ultra Dark is great if you already have tanned skin. The Bronzing Water face spray is nice to use daily to maintain and give yourself a light glow.

The Everyday Tinted Moisturizer + Primer is great for events if you want to give your face/legs/arms/body/decolletage a nice glow.

  • casie stewart, st tropez, tanning, sunless tan, influencer, blogger, toronto
  • casie stewart, st tropez, tanning, sunless tan, influencer, blogger, toronto

Some great tips in this video from Sophie & St. Tropez about applying on yourself at home. 

I love a healthy glow and have been using St. Tropez tan for the past few years.
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This post isn't sponsored by St. Tropez but they did hook me up with some new products. Thank you! Long time fan! 😊

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