Anamaya Resort – Welcome to the Jungle, Pura Vida!

Good morning from Anamaya Retreats in Costa Rica! Yesterday was our first full day here and it was magnificent. I’m really making an effort to take a digital detox on this trip but documenting is something I love. I’m running on wifi and often not able to connect with the online world. I’ve been taking photos, making notes, voice recordings, I wanna remember all my thoughts and feeling on this journey. It’s absolutely beautiful, photos don’t do it justice! Feels good to be back on the yoga mat too, I’ve been a bit slack this winter and this trip is like hitting the reset button. Our menu this week is all gluten free and local, Anamaya has a farm that we’re visiting Wednesday to see where a lot of our food comes from. We are staying in a treehouse that is 50ft up with a yoga/hammock deck, and a loft bedroom. It’s the most beautiful treehouse I’ve ever been into, it’s fully equipped a king size bed, drinkable running water, and AC. It’s giving us some good inspiration to build one at the cottage.

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Return on Enjoyment: Finding That Work-Life Balance

I find taking vacation or ‘staycations’ essential to my sanity. If you’re following my Twitter or Snapchat you’ll know that I’m always on the go doing something, events, speaking, dinner, travel. I love it, but tbh it’s pretty exhausting. Putting heaps of energy out (friends, work, or social) can take a lot out of you. In a recent TD survey, they found that us millennials have a hard time finding balance between financial and work commitments, and taking time to relax is a challenge. I can totally relate to this. TD found that 46% of millennials don’t take their allotted vacation days, mostly due to heavy workload (31%) and lack of travel funds (29%). Back when I was working in an agency, I hardly ever took vacation, felt pressure to work late, and when I did take vacation, found myself constantly checking my phone and responding to emails. I know I’m not alone here! The survey found, 90% of Canadian millennials agree that vacation time, even mini-vacations or “staycations”, are essential to keeping them happy. Taking time to recharge doesn’t have to be expensive, I find a good binge weekend with some cooking, takeout, and a nap (or two!) boosts me up. Having a financial plan and a budget will help you get that ROE – Return on Enjoyment. ? This weekend we opened the cottage, going there, even for a 24 hour getaway gives me leaps and bounds of energy. Don’t have a cottage? Make friends with someone who does (heh heh) or check out options like Airbnb or Glamping Hub for affordable getaways. Millennials like us can save for activities by creating a financial plan to account for funding life’s pleasures (or unexpected moments). We could all use a little more vitamin SEA, amiright? ? Other activities with…

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This is My Life | Special Day of The Year ☀️

I’m pretty excited because today is one of my most fav days of the year, the day we open the cottage! ????✌?️?????✋? We’re en route to Muskoka to see how it handled the winter and do some cleanup. It’s a fair bit of work but I take joy every moment. Being up there is so relaxing, the fresh air, lake, trees, country roads. It’s so calming. Make sure you’re following me on the Snapchat ? for a little bit of cottage life.

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Travel | CO/NNECTED: Tech Travel Must Haves

I wrote about a few of my fav things, read it on The Co. here. I’ve got a few items I don’t leave the house without, this stuff is in my bag for work and long trips.  Gadgets & tech for a worldly adventure or a weekend getaway. The Co’s travel and tech expert Casie Stewart shares the ultimate globe trotter’s guide to staying connected while abroad. [Read more] PureGear braided Apple  Belkin BOOST↑UP™ adapter This is Ground Cord Taco, Fitzy Cord Keeper Happy Plugs, Telus Rudsak Clutch Other things I never leave home without? Burt’s Bees original, a Sharpie, and a great pair of sunnies. Happy to share any other fag gadgets or travel apps. If you’ve got a question or something to share, leave a comment or tweet me @casiestewart. Wishing you safe & happy travels!  

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Travel | Win a Trip for 2 to Cabo w/ Sunwing & Los Cabos Tourism

I bet the beach sounds preeeeeeety good right now. This weekend Toronto is looking at some really cold temperatures, -15 to be exact. So, perfect time to daydream about being on a beach like I was a couple weeks ago. Los Cabos Tourism and Sunwing Vacations sent a bunch of influencers to Cabo, there we documented our adventures, in food, fun, and nightlife. Watch the video below and visit cabonow.ca to win a trip for two to Cabo! I wish you all good luck, you’ll love it! [iframe id=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/BochC2jstCA”]

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Travel | Treehouse Glamping in Ontario w/ Glamping Hub

My first trip of the year wasn’t to a sunny destination, it was up north to a tiny little solar-powered treehouse north of Toronto. Glamping Hub invited me to stay at a destination of my choice, so naturally I picked a cool one. Glamping Hub is home to some of the coolest non-traditional camping spots around the world. They’ve got luxury camping available in tree houses, yurts, tipis, camper vans, safari and fancy tents. I’m hoping to explore a few more of their destinations in South/Central Ontario. Here’s my first Glamping Hub experience!  [symple_divider style=”solid” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″]

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Travel | Hi From Mexico

Cabo was amazing! More about our trip later. Some photos till then!  

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Travel | Byeeeeeeeee Winter, Next Stop Cabo!

Well guys, I’ve been home for a few days and it’s time to get back on a plane and get outta here! Hopefully I spend WAY less in the airport than I did last week. Sean and I are going to CABO with Sunwing Vacations. Here’s a little sneak peek of what I’m doing there.  I’ll be sharing all kinds of updates on Twitter @casiestewart, Snapchat ?  (casiestewart), and even on Periscope. I’ll be sure to take you on a hotel tour, to the beach, and maybe out to sea in a glass bottom boat.

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Travel | Made it to Detroit for NAIAS 2016 w/ Ford

Good morning! Well, yesterday was QUITE A DAY. Broke my record for longest airport stay (18HRS) also had my first ever airport shower (in the Air Canada Lounge). I’m now in Detroit, MI for the North American International Auto show. Staying at the Westin and had a great sleep, their beds are AHHHmazing! Today is a jam packed day of media things at Cobo Hall in the convention centre. This is my third trip to the show and I’m looking forward to seeing new car technology, concept cars, and what Ford is launching for the year.   Follow along on Snapchat (casiestewart) & Twitter  (@casiestewart) for all kinds of up to the minute shenanigans and me making the most of every moment.  

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Travel | I’m Delayed at the Airport So I Wrote You Some Notes

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Travel | Where Did My Scion Take Me?

One thing I love about my job is getting to try new products and experiences I (probably) wouldn’t  get to do otherwise. Growing up my dad had a hot rod shop and my love for cars started early. I used to spend heaps of time in the garage playing, sanding, hammering, and listening to golden oldies. So, when I get to drive a brand new car ‘for work’ it’s pretty freaking awesome. Here’s my experience with the brand new Scion iM. [symple_divider style=”solid” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″] I picked up the Scion at Toronto HQ in Scarborough on a nice sunny day in November. I had a great week of planned for us including a trip to London, Ontario to speak at TEDx Western University. The car had five doors which were great for packing in all my things for a weekend away. I could have taken a couple passengers with ease.  Mileage was great, filled up once during the week for about $45 and again before I returned it (as you do). I took the car on a couple road trip including a visit to mum’s house in Cambridge, ON with my sister. This is us singing LOUDLY to ‘Hello’ by Adele. The sound system was pretty good and I was able to connect my iPhone to the NAV system in a couple seconds. One of the first things I test in a new car. The body kit gives this little racer a sporty feel and 17″ wheels (standard) look pretty pimp. Since it’s a hatchback, the Scion iM makes a great city car; easy parking and zipping around downtown. On my way home from visiting the parents after my TEDx talk I drove through a beautiful (double rainbow (you can’t see the second part in this photo but I saw it. Overall, good little vehicle,…

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Quick Update from the Treehouse in the Woods

Helloooooo! This week has been absolutely amazing. My batteries are recharged and I’m fuelled with a fire that will last forever. ☀️?????? We have had so much fun out here. It’s truly amazing to connect with nature and disconnect (a bit). We’ve survived the last few days with no running water, a portable burner for cooking, and logs on the wood stove. Thankful for snow to melt! A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 5, 2016 at 2:05pm PST Woke up early to a pink sky so I trekked to the top of a hill behind us to appreciate it. Video on Snapchat ? casiestewart. TECHNICOLOR DREAMBOAT ✌?️???❄️☀️ Loved being in the woods the last few days. Getting into the swing of 2016 & will share my thoughts on treehouse living on the blog. This suit was my mum’s ski suit in the 80s ?✌?️ #discoveron #cottagelife #glampinghub #vintage #travel A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 6, 2016 at 1:21pm PST Heading back to the city today!  

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Travel | Detroit in January w/ Ford Canada

Early January (after the tree house adventure) I’m flying to Detroit, Michigan for the North American International Auto Show. This is my third time at the show with Ford Canada as part of their global blogger/media outreach. A couple years ago I attended the show and Ford snapped this great photo of me right before the auditorium filled up for a major media announcement. The NAIAS is very exciting and a super cool experience. I even made it into the Detroit Free Press, see here! Last year 5,000 journalists attended from 60 countries. Happy to be heading back! On Earth Day 2015 I was in Dearborn, Michigan to learn about Ford’s commitment to sustainability. Can’t wait to find out what secrets and launches will be revealed in January. TELL ME ALL THE THINGS. The press preview (Jan 10-12th) features 750 vehicles, interactive displays,  as NAIAS is North America’s largest and most prestigious auto showcase. I’ll be documenting my experience with Ford and sharing all kinds of BTS about launches, announcements, and other fun stuff we get up to. Make sure you’ve got me on the SNAPCHAT: casiestewart. This year we’re staying at the Westin instead of in Dearborn, MI. It’s been ages since I visited the D and have a little bit of time to explore when I arrive and the start of our media adventures. Canadian Bloggers Attending #FordNAIAS 2016: Andréane Viau Ann Bacciaglia Chad Cranston Daniel Bader Daniel Desforges Davindra Ramnarine Eric Novak Jennifer Van Huss Jessica Terry Justin Connors Kathryn Lavalee Knowlton Thomas Matthew Tully Mike Grenek Nancy Polanco-Chansavang Shannon Leverette Shannon Mischuk Vernon Chang I’m ready for a year of adventure and excitement!

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I’m Going to a Treehouse!

2016 is almost here and I’m feeling excited, finally. The last couple of months my energy has been low and I’ve been spending more time at home recharging. Well, it worked!  I’ve got three trips planned for January and this year will be full of adventure. [symple_divider style=”solid” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″] The first on my travels is a short stay at a treehouse North of Toronto via glampinghhub.com. I’ve been working with them to plan a stay at one of their many glamping (glamourous camping) locations in Ontario. I’ve never been one for camping but glamping or a quaint cabin in the woods is right up my alley. This is a new take on the winter cottage, cottage life! We’ve chatted about building a tree house at the cottage in Muskoka and something like would be a DREAM. I can’t wait to take you on my adventures! The Glamping Hub location I’m staying at with April next week is a solar-powered treehouse hidden between trees, located on 6,000 acres of forest and trails. It’s the peaceful escape I’m looking for without being TOO far from the city. I hope that it’s snowy and we spend our days reading by the fire and cooking up hearty, healthy meals. If winter has left by then (you never know these days!), we’ll take advantage of the trails. If you’re keen to book a weekend in a fancy tent, cabin, treehouse, cozy cottage, or some other unique space, check out Canadian Weekend Getaway or other glamping spots around the world at glampinghub.com.

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