Remember the Moments

This weekend was so nice and chill. We had a couple friends up at the cottage. Saturday was super sunny and beautiful while Sunday was the perfect lazy, rainy, couch day. Put the LayBag in the water and it is so awesome. I purchased it after seeing ads on FB and I’m super glad I did. It’s a bit harder to fill up than it looks in the commercial but I’ve almost got it down. This summer Sean and I have had heaps of time up at the cottage and it’s really helped me chill out. Ever since my digital detox in April I’ve really tried to take some relax time on the weekends. This weekend I’m going away with Ford Canada on a mystery getaway. If you check the #EscapeandDiscover hashtag on Twitter a bunch of us bloggers have been anxiously trying to try and figure out what we’re doing. Blog friends, #EscapeAndDiscover? — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) May 30, 2016 Oh Internet ILU.

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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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TSO & AGO, The Decades Project: A spellbinding journey through time

On Wednesday night I’ve got a hot date with one of my BFFs to go to the TSO. It’s one of those great attractions we have downtown but I feel like people always forget about it when they’re looking for a night out. It makes a great date for someone you love (BFF, BF) or a really nice night out by yourself. The TSO has partnered with the AGO for The Decades Project: an unparalleled concert-going experience that combines transformative orchestral performances with exciting surprises galore. [youtube id=”mcdYBjmKG9A”] Wanna go? The TSO gave me a pair of tickets to share. The show is at 8pm. If you can get there you are eligible to win! Contest closes Wednesday AM and I’ll notify the winner at noon.  a Rafflecopter giveaway About the Show: Ravel Daphnis et Chloé, WED, JUN 1 at 8:00pm Under the inspiring baton of Basque conductor Juanjo Mena, this riveting program of masterpieces from the second decade of the 20th century brings you Ravel’s voluptuous mythological ballet score, Daphnis et Chloé, in its full, original version. Charismatic Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto performs the robust Violin Concerto by Danish composer Carl Nielsen, three of whose symphonies the TSO performed to great acclaim last season.

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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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Feeling Vine

Tonight we are heading up to the cottage because the boat is coming tomorrow! I can’t wait to get back out on my paddle board this weekend too. The weather calls for rain but I hope it’s only a little here and there, if at all. I’m not driving here, in case you were worries, Snapchat flips videos snd I was safely in the passenger seat. [vine id=”iEMqW7ZtYHQ”] Loving this new dress sent over by Sara Duke, it’s called the Tanner Dress. She’s a Canadian designer, check out her collection at sarasaraduke.com. [vine id=”ixl7l1LvOBl”] This baby goat I posted from a shoot with 1188 last month is the single most popular piece of content I’ve ever published. EVER. It’s almost at 100K views! Baby animals for the win. [vine id=”iFwEwdlgv9A”] This afternoon I’m speaking on a panel for TO Webfest at MaRs on College. You can check out the panel here! Thids is the 3rd annual T.O. WEBFEST, a three day festival w/ panels,  workshops, networking, screenings, installations, awards, and events. Ok, I’ve been working away at home and should really be out the door by now!

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National Wine Day + Montes Wine Giveaway

A couple weeks ago I hosted a fun night with some of my bffs thanks to Montes Wine where paired Chilean cuisine a few of Montes finest . To celebrate National Wine Day (yes, thats a real thing!) I’ve partnered with them to do a wine giveaway. Montes Wine is from Chile and can be found at the LCBO. My fav from the tasting are Montes Twins Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Montes Alpha Malbec 2o12, and the Montes Alpha Cab Sav 2013. I don’t usually drink white wine much but their Sauv Blanc was delicious.

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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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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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Switch to eBills from Toronto Hydro, Get a Prize, and You Might Be Heading To The Rockies!

If you’ve not switched to paperless bills from Toronto Hydro, here’s a good reason, aside from saving the environment and giving yourself a little less clutter each month. I dunno about you but we seem to have piles of paper that accumulate around the house, one less bill would be nice. If you need more storage for your clutter, office monster has a full pedestal range in a selection of styles. Right now, if you switch to paperless bills with Toronto Hydro you’ll get an EnviroCare package delivered and be entered for a chance to WIN a National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures tour for two to the Rocky Mountains, valued at $9,300. This trip includes flight, accommodation, and activities for 11 days! Switch to eBills before June 30, 2016 to be entered! SIGN UP HERE ?? torontohydro.com/signup [ctt title=”Send me a tweet about making the switch! ” tweet=”Switched to @TorontoHydro ebills & entered to win an epic trip w/ @GAdventures. TY @casiestewart! http://ctt.ec/m0srU+ #HydroGTA” coverup=”m0srU”] [symple_divider style=”dashed” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″] The thing I like best about this is getting rid of clutter. It boggles my mind how many things I accumulate each month week. I feel like I’m forever chucking things in the bin and an attempt to get rid of clutter. For more info about switching or full prize details, visit torontohydro.com. Three cheers for less clutter & saving the environment!

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New Mattress Love – Endy, Made in Toronto

A couple of weeks ago I sent a jokey tweet to Endy (a Canadian mattress company) asking them to be my friendy, cute right? I was hoping it would be the start of a beautiful friendship where we got a new mattress and then had better sleeps forever. The end. Well, that’s exactly what happened! Sean and I have been looking through the best mattresses 2020 and contemplating whether or not we should get a new mattress. If you are in a similar position, The Dozy Owl has more info on buying a mattress for those interested. The process of finding the perfect mattress can be quite difficult if you don’t have time to head to the store to test them for yourself. Sites like Mattress Battle can remove some of the stress by supplying you with comparisons and reviews of the best mattresses so that you can make an informed decision. After checking out Endy, Sean said ‘why don’t you tweet them’ and that’s how it all started. A couple of days later I received an email from them and worked out a dealio. Working with brands via social can be really fun. When I’m looking to get the attention of someone, I often reach out via tweet or slide into their DMs. Building relationships with brands or influencers is a lot easier if you keep an eye on what they’re up so, and start out with a compliment or nice message instead of asking for something right away. Endy is manufactured in Toronto, compressed and rolled into an easy to move box, then delivered to your door (by bike if you’re downtown!). @EndySleep hi Endy, be my friendy? ???? #LoveSleep — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) March 22, 2016

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