Storia App: Keep, Share, Collaborate on Stories

* updated post 04/2015 For the last few weeks I’ve been on a team of Beta Testers for the new Seflish Storia app. With Storia you can build stories, collaborate with others, or keep them private. Something that makes this different from other social apps is you can make your stories public or private and still share them with people you choose. It’s a more provate and curated feed than something like Facebook. Last week I had a chat with Anastasia Ashman from Storia about some cool ways people are using the app including house hunting, sharing family photos, and couples things you want to keep between the two of you. On the weekend I was part of a collaborative, real time story about Superbowl Sunday between Selfish users. It was cool to see what everyone was up to.  See the full story here. Below are a few of my public stories. I’ve been documenting my ukulele progress and different nail designs. I’m on a LOT of social networks but the content is kinda all over the place. With Selfish I’m updating stories based on topics and documenting as time goes on. My ‘Lights, Camera, ACTION!’ board is documenting behind the scenes of a few shoots I’ve had recently.   I would love to know your thoughts on Selfish Storia and collaborate on stories with you. You can download it from the app store and it will soon be on the Google Play store for Android. You can also sign up and use the web version at storia.me. It was originally developed as a web app so there’s a bunch of features and editing options to check out! <3 CASIE

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Here’s a Friday GIFt for YOU! #TGIF!

When you wake up and realize it’s Friday! Get outta bed and do that FRIDAY DANCE! Did you know that back when Men In Black came out I was kinda obsessed with the move after my high school dance crew did a routine to the theme song. We even performed at a Cineplex on opening night. I know this move oh too well. Yu show up to work like “oh hey, it’s just me, chillin’ working till the weekend’ At lunch you DGAF, just relax, take a few extra mins to shoot the sht with your homies. Say wha? Someone called a meeting at 4pm. On a FRIDAY? Who DOES that! Ok, 5pm rolls around and no matter how cold it is outside you feel like, yeahhhhh. You dance again.   You have a cocktail. Or maybe you have a pizza? Who doesn’t LOVE PIZZA?! It’s heaven on the inside. Even if you’re like me and you’re only at home watching Netflix, it feels so good to be THE COUCH. It’s so cold and totally ok to stay home and hibernate. Tonight Sean and I are going to a Murder Mystery dinner tho. I wonder if I should wear a costume? Yeah, Netflix is awesome. HHhhuhhh, huuuhh. Been streaming The Fall Season 3 this week and it’s SO GOOD. Have to stop myself from binging the whole season. OH YEAH, it’s February today  almost February and HOUSE OF CARDS is back Feb. 27th. Mark your calendar. I’ll be staying inside that whole weekend to watch it. I’ve missed Frank & Claire. On that note, I send you my love across the whole wide Internet and wish you a wonderful day. Strut like a Spice Girl, hold your head high, and smile like you mean it! <3 CASIE

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A Good Watch, A Wood Watch, A Good Wood Watch

It’s been ages since I wore/had a watch but just before the holidays I was contacted by JORD and got to pick out my fav wood watch from their classics collection. I was looking for a ‘boyfriend’ style, androgynous watch and went for the Fieldcrest black in a classic midsize. I like the monochromatic wood face that shows the intricacy of the grain. Here’s a better photo from their Instagram. If you need help choosing a watch, take a look at reviews on www.hotrate.com. A photo posted by JORD Wood Watches (@woodwatches_com) on Jun 6, 2014 at 9:13am PDT Since I picked such a unisex style, it’s been worn mostly by my BF! He absolutely loves it. Ladies beware, if you get one and have a BF, you might not have it for long. The collection is reasonable with prices ranging from $120+. There’s some really beautiful woman’s watches in Turquoise, Rose Gold, and Silver. Love, love , love! I think the Rose Gold wood would suit me quite nicely! Thanks again JORD for the gift! If you’re interested in getting some wood for your wrist or someone you love, check out woodwatches.com. FYI all US orders placed by Feb. 10th will be delivered by Valentines Day. 🙂

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Blog Life: Sometimes I don’t feel like it. #11

I know today is Bell Let’s Talk day and I’m not sure how to talk about the depression and anxiety that I face or if I even want to. Being on the Internet in itself gives me anxiety. Some days I just don’t feel like it at all, written about it a few times.  Sometimes I want to hide and pretend I don’t even have a blog. (Or Twitter, tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, Selfish, Rdio, Google+, Vine, or phone.) I like keeping to myself on on those days, not sharing stories.  Being alone. My dad battled depression growing up and it was really hard for our family. He moved back to New Zealand to be with his family when my parents split up and it was tough for us. It sill is sometimes. * Thanks Andrew Mitchell for drawing this photo of me. I love it.   I want you to know that I too have days when I’m down and I’ve been through some very dark times and almost not made it through. It’s not always sunny where I am but I do try to bring my own sunshine to the internet each and every single time I make an appearance. My blog is a place you can count on to have bright colours and a fun photo. It’s helpful for me to look back and remember the good times too. This is a place to make you feel happy when a cloud tries to rain on your parade. I’ve worked through a bunch of sad days wondering what to do with my life and I made it through. Don’t ever give up. I wanted to quit blogging a few times over the last 10 years and I am damn well glad I didn’t. I want you to know, I am actually happy most of the time and I…

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Counting Down to a Pinterest Worthy Workspace

OK, don’t mind all the crap behind me because I’m going to clean it up right now after seeing how much of a mess it is! I’ve been talking about ‘getting the home office in order’ or months and really have been so focussed on doing work I’ve neglected the space. I would just die if someone came in with a TV camera from Hoarders right now. Don’t even go there. It gives me anxiety to think about cleaning and all the crap I’ve collected, then I drown myself in the Internet and pretend it’s not there. (Update: I’ve spent another 45 minutes writing this post and not cleaning. Cue anxiety even more.) So, I was all like AHHH I have a client Skype call. They’ve never met me before! I better get dressed! I should shower! These jogging pants, time to do laundry. AHHH! So, I put on a nice shirt, makeup, lipstick, brushed my hair, fur vest, smile. AND GUESS WHAT… it was audio only. So, selfies. (BTW did you read my 10 Tips for Better Selfies? I’m a pro!) Note my sewing machine, new, just sitting there. I’ve promised myself for two years that I’ll use it. This year, I will. I’m actually pretty good at sewing. I’ve just not made time to sit down and make anything. (*Note to self, GET OFF THE INTERNET!) Ok, time for me to clean this mess behind me! I’ve got two hours an hour and a half of good daylight for cleaning. In due time I shall have a beautiful, Pinterest worthy workspace.  <3 With love, CASIE

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Behind the Scenes: Le Chateau’s Latest Lookbook #SpreadLeLove

Yesterday was SOOOOOO fun. Lozzie and I posed for the camera in studio dressed in outfits we picked out from Le Chateau. They brought together a whole bunch of bloggers from Toronto to Spread Le Love in a Valentines Day shoot. Here’s a little sneak peek! I’ll for sure be sharing the shots once they’re out in the world!  Thanks Caroline Levin for the GREAT makeup. When I met up with Sean later he said I looked like a doll. Once we got home he said ‘are you gonna take that stuff off now?’. It’s cute that he prefers my natural face. Gah, I’m so cheezy and in love!  Just wait till you see the shots from the shoot I had with him last week. They’re A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 27, 2015 at 4:50pm PST Finished the night with a huge bowl of Pho and came home to watch The Fall. If you haven’t watched it on Netflix yet, I highlt recommend it. It’s a sexy murder mystery with 2 seasons starring that hot babe from the 50 Shades movie coming out next month. MEOW! I’ve got a conference call shortly that is VIDEO and I’m not even dressed or showered. Working from home is great when nobody can see you! Gahhhh. Ok, always rushing. Back in studio for Army of Sass tonight. Woo hoo! Hope you’re having a great day! <3 CASIE

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I’m Gonna Master Ukulele One of These Days!

Had another ukulele class last night and I feel like I’m starting to get it. I knew learning a new instrument was going to be a challenge but it’s really like learning a new language. Fortunately, I can read music and the chords already. Also, a simple strum on the ukulele sounds quite nice. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 26, 2015 at 6:17pm PST I’m finally getting the G7 chord and my fingers are moving in time to make strumming sound like an actual song. I’ve really got to make a point to practice more though. Even if I pick up my uke for a few minutes a day I’ll have it by summer. If I sent 10% of the time I spend on computer playing I’d be a pro! I’ve been documenting my progress on Selfish app with a story called Learning Ukulele. The photo below will take you to the app so you can check it out. I’m digging this app so far. Have a few stories about travels, my nails, blog stuff, etc. Thanks to The Gladstone Hotel and Toronto Institute for the Enjoyment of Music (TIFEM) for great classes. I’m hoping they have a few more at Gladstone to help me along my ukulele learning journey. TIFEM has a whole bunch of classes including a free class on Sunday afternoons.   Had my nails done yesterday and I’m convinced they help my play better! Have any ukulele apps I should know about? Songs for beginners? I’ll take all the help I can get! Can’t wait till I can play a little ditty for you! Have an awesome day. <3 CASIE

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You Should Probably Clean Up Your Computer

It’s 2015, you cleaned up your diet, you cleaned your house, you cleaned up your whole act, but seriously, when was the last time you cleaned your computer? January is Clean Up Your Computer Month and I know the month is ALMOST over but I’m sharing this as a reminder to you and to ME that our computers are neglected. This calendar was sent to me from SingleHop, a technology company focused on cloud computing. This 3-week “Clean Computer Calendar” is designed to help you prioritize, organize and safely store files. During the third week you are encouraged to check out different options to safely store your files, such as private clouds and external hard drives. I’ve really gotta give my little Macbook Air baby a digital bath. Thanks SingleHop for sharing!  If you guys have any cleaning tips or apps, LMK. <3 CASIE

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Blogging + Brunch = Bon Weekend!

Started the day w/ a nice latte and brekky at Cafe Neon near my place. I was working on an exciting new project you’ll learn about over the next few weeks. Loving the new leather gloves from Danier I got on my mega shopping spree yesterday. I had to pop by Le Chateau to pick an outfit for an upcoming photoshoot so I rounded up gift cards from mall stores and went to town! FYI all the winter accessories are 50% off at Danier right now. Picked up a nice pair of gloves and some goodies for the BF too. It was pretty nice out today. Birds cherpin’! Check out this gorgeous bag I picked up at Ted Baker’s new Eaton Centre Store. I’m in love. It perfectly matches my fav lipstick and current nails. There’s 50% off a ton of items at Ted Baker too! Pop over and check out my Nail Game on a new app I’ve been using called Selfish. I’ve got other stories documenting my ukulele learning and travel adventures too. In other news, I’ve entered a  contest to win a trip to Montreal for Nuit Blanche at the end of Feb. I know I said ‘no more contests’ but WHATEVER. Wanna come? Join my train right here! THERE’S ROOM FOR YOU and it’s a FREE TRIP. Invite yo friends! It would be super fun to have some of you guys (yes you reading this) on the train with me and my BFFs. All aboard! Hope you’re having a great weekend. I’ve got a birthday at the Soho House tonight and a bloggers brunch tomorrow.  Looking forward to tweeting the Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday night. Tweet along with me at @casiestewart! <3 CASIE  

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Air Optix Colors: Green Eyes, Yeah The Spotlight, Shines Upon You

In today’s adventures, I’m trying out my latest pair of Air Optix Color contacts, Gemstone Green. I absolutely loved my last pair of Brilliant Blue contacts (see the post here) and how they dramatically changed my look. I have hazel/green eyes so adding these Air Optix Colors to my natural eyes is more of an enhancement. Here’s a breakdown on what makes these contacts unique: They use 3-in-1 color technology to define, transform, and brighten. Comfort; as a n00b to wearing contacts, I’ve learned they’re really comfortable. I forget I’m wearing them until I look in the mirror and then I’m like WHOA. Breathability – Even if work for cosmetic reasons (like me!) they’re great for daily wear. Beauty – I love wearing glasses and now contacts are a cool way to enhance my look. They’re used by celebs and a fav of Nina Dobrev. There’s an array of colors available and I’m hoping to try them all. You can get a rainbow pack which has 3 colours of your choice (2 lenses of each colour). Otherwise, AIR OPTIX COLORS are available in 2 packs or 6 packs of any given colour. Ask your eye doctor about them next time you get your eyes checked! If you’d like more info about Air Optix Color Contacts visit airoptixcolors.ca. If you wanna ask me about my experience or share yours, Tweet me @casiestewart! Smile with your eyes and have a great day! 🙂 <3 CASIE A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 22, 2015 at 10:15am PST   * Disclosure: Although I sometimes receive compensation from companies to test and blog about stuff, I always give my honest opinion and the views and opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I’m really into these new contacts…

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