My Blog is 12 years old in a month. Here are some thoughts I have about blogging.

My Blog is 12 years old in a month. Here are some thoughts I have about blogging.

Someone asked me the other day ‘If I knew what blogging would turn into now would I do it over?’ These questions are kinda dumb because they could never happen and are totally hypothetical in an alternate reality that doesn’t exist.  

HOWEVER…I don’t think I’d start now if I hadn’t started over a decade ago. Not for the thousands of hours at events and meeting people, or what feels like a million nights alone at my computer. Sometimes my hands actually hurt from scrolling. BUT maybe I would for the trips and the stuff, if I tally it up it really does seem kinda glamorous. I feel like that though, is why a lot of people start these days which is totally backwards. It also shows when you try that hard, it looks desperate. Clinging to any ol’ brand that’ll throw you (budget) bone or some free face cream. 

A blog isn’t just a money maker, a way to get ‘free stuff’, it takes a lot of work. I only started making money in the last couple years, and for most of the years I made less than zero many months and other jobs kept me afloat. (BTW, I still have other jobs, I’m producer/director at the 1188 studio and have a speaker agent)

It was always a hustle and I thought about quitting so many times that I never even told you about. 

I started a blog to keep a diary about my life because I have a sh*t memory and to be honest, I was drinking a lot at the time and I would always forget things. These days, I scroll past posts on IG or FB and literally shake my head saying ‘what the f*ck?’  Someone promoting healthy one day and then fast food the next, or every alcohol, and every brand of shoes. How the hell do you build brand loyalty or a voice with that type of behavior? I haven’t stopped thinking bout this great post by Jay Strut a couple weeks ago where he mentioned ‘cement influencer’ and I spit out my tea.

Then there was this one…☕️?


If guess if I was going to start now I’d start because I had something to say or wanted to see a change, be the change. 

Maybe I’m getting old or just getting over it. I miss when people used to write about things they loved or how they felt. Maybe the best thing I can do is be what I want to see in the world. Be even more honest in my posts, by that I mean writing about my life more like I used to. The days I don’t wanna can’t leave my house or are overwhelmed. When something really exciting happens. 

My blog is 12 years old in April and I think it’s about time I started writing more. 

Thank you for listening to me and helping me build my voice over the years. I love hearing from you so don’t feel you have to hide behind the screen, I’m here. I’m always here, on the other side of the internet. 

 

FYI Toronto Vintage Clothing Show!

FYI Toronto Vintage Clothing Show!

This is quick personal note to tell you the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show on this weekend. I love vintage clothes and have been collecting them my whole life. I swear one day I will have a closet big enough to house them all!

The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show has heaps of clothes and accessories ranging in price and brands from streetwear to top designers. Keep an eye out for Chanel!


Details at torontovintageclothingshow.ca:

  • Exhibition Place
  • Saturday March 4, 201710am-5pm & Sunday March 5, 2017 10am-4pm
  • Admission $10 (cash only) 12 and under are free
  • There are ATM machines on site (line gets kinda long tho fyi!)


Bueno Has an Awesome Trip Giveaway Right Now. ✈️ You Should Enter!

Bueno Has an Awesome Trip Giveaway Right Now. ✈️ You Should Enter!

I spent a while going through all my travel posts to write this one. I love adventure and travel, going places and discovering new things. It makes me feel alive. I’m in a constant state of ‘where and I going next?!’.

Heard about the Bueno Getaway contest and had to tell you about it. Aside from winning an amazing trip, you will probably get some chocolate! I’ve loved Bueno since I was a kid, the soft, creamy, hazelnut goodness just melts in your mouth.

You should enter, the prize is a trip to one of 15
incredible places in the world valued at $8,500.

I’d so love to visit all the great places on the Bueno Getaway:   Paris, Cape Town, TokyoBuenos Aires, Nairobi, Goa, Xi’an (Terracotta Army), Lisbon, Moscow,  Lima, Santiago. I’ve been to the North American destinations Austin, TX, NYC, and Tulum.

There’s 3 easy steps to enter the contest: 

  1.  Pick your continent

  2. Choose your destination

  3. Enter your PIN

 Take the Bueno Quiz to Find Out Your Dream Destination

It’s my dream to one day visit Marrakesh, Morocco. The winning trip there is described so beautifully, totally sounds like my kind of adventure.

Marrakesh, Morocco:Living on the edge, everything for the moment, a walking “yolo”: these are just a few ways to describe your philosophy on life. (Right?!!!) Funny enough, they are also a few ways to describe the culture of Marrakesh. Your adventure could start in the ancient Medina Market, overwhelmed by craftsmen and artists. It could continue in Ville Nouvelle, where you’d explore dinner featuring flavours you never dreamed existed. There is only one constant in Marrakesh: beautiful unpredictability.

A Few of My Fav Trips

Travelling gives you a feeling you can’t get anywhere else, it takes you places physically but also mentally, it opens your mind to new experiences, people, and food. These are a few of my favourite recent trips, missing from this group are Costa Rica and New Zealand.



My next trip is somewhere warm for a real vacation and then a couple days in NEW YORK CITY for work.

Remember you are never younger than you are right now so make the most of each day. I would say buy the ticket and take the trip but in this case…

P.S. If you win and need someone to go with, I’m here!

 

The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. 

The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. 

Been loving yoga the last month. I feel good! It’s hard to stay focussed on eating well considering how much I love food, chips, and eating the go. I’ve been cooking in the Instant Pot a lot and trying to have homemade food on hand.

Was at Sassoon last week for a trim. Love having a partnership for my hair bc it is pretty high maintenance. Always need a trim or colour to stay looking fresh. 

Last weekend I made another terrarium. TD Hooked me up with all the goodies so it was pretty easy. 

The weekend before I made a terrarium w/ Hawley & some friends at the Google Shop.


We had one really nice day out last week and now it’s cold again. I am really loving staying home more and yoga. I feel like I needed to take some time to focus on me, like my actual self. I’ve focussed on doing that more since my LA trip last month. Feels good.

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!


Title quote: The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. – Richard Bach

2017 Canadian International AutoShow w/ @VWCanada

2017 Canadian International AutoShow w/ @VWCanada

Recently I went to the AutoShow with VW to check out what’s new for 2018. It was a PA day so people were invited to bring kids and pets along for the special event. I documented it all with my Snapchat Spectacles and they were a hit. You know how much I love tech and these things are rad, watch the video here. I’ve always loved cars, we spent heaps of time in the garage and hot rod workshop w/ dad growing up . It’s incredible how far car tech has come!

Volkswagen is known for great performance, reliability, and safety, ‘a good German car’ as I’ve heard so many times. We were looking at the 2018 Tiguan Redesign, 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, and 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf. There was also another little one I just loved, scroll down to see!

The event was hosted by Amber Mac, George Pimentel, Afiya Francisco, and Heather Davis. Amber of course talked tech aspects of the new cars, George took photos, Afiya talked about style and how your car fits your lifestyle and aesthetic. Heather is a family road trip expert and she shared how the 2018 Atlas was a great family car for travel, seats 7!

2017 VW AutoShow Event Hosts

The 2018 Tiguan Redesign is a great car for people who like adventure.  I like the aesthetic of this car, it’s sleek but tough, you can tow a set of seadoos or boat (up to 5500 pounds) and pack all kinds of stuff in the boot. Perfect for #cottagelife

New Kate Spade Boots, Ted Baker scarf, jacket from Venice Beach, and Spectacles of course!

My fav was the VW Beetle Dune. A few people said this was a perfect car for me. I love a cute little convertible! It’s actually quite spacious with 4 seats and enough room for a couple suitcases in the trunk.

Ready for a road trip? I AM!

One of the cool new things they launched at the AutoShow was the 2017 Volkswagen eGolf. This a 100% electric car, perfect for someone who loves technology and sustainability.

It’s got a fully-digital cockpit and all the fun of the OG Golf without the gas. There’s also an option for 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel. This baby can go up to 150KM/hr (but don’t) and almost 200km on a single charge.

The future is HERE. 

All-New 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

Virtual Casie, in Virtual Reality!

The VR experience was very cool. It was my first time wearing a sub pack and the gloves for wireless movement and touch in VR. I touched long grass, threw snowballs, and stacked rocks to make an inukshuk all in virtual reality. Well done on this guys!

The AutoShow is on right now until Feb 26th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

There’s heaps of rad cars at the show but I definitely recommend popping by the VW booth in the North Building to see what’s new for yourself. The VR experience is totally worth trying. It’s a glimpse into the future!

For past adventures at the Toronto International AutoShow or the Detroit International AutoShow go here.

Doing it for yourself. 

Been doing heaps of things around the house. This was my winter plan and I’m totally putting it into action. Got a new desk this weekend and my boudoir/office room really coming along! It’s a lot of work changing rooms around. We’ve got lots more to do on the house but it’s coming together.

Last weekend we got a beautiful new kitchen faucet. Being grown up is pretty great. Getting excited about a new faucet may seem lame to some but to the elite it is perfect! I always worry about new things being put in just in case it’s not done correctly, but I do know that I can call people like the Portland plumbers Sarkinen Plumbing to come and sort stuff out… just in case (always prepared!)

I wanted to buy them all, so cute gahhh!

 

Purchased a 3mo pass for YogaYoga near my house and I am SO LOVING IT. I really want to get in shape and after a week I really feel stronger. It’s nice to feel my body move like that again.

I can’t wait for spring an dI’m staying home until it gets warm!

You’ll never be younger than you are today so go out and make the most of it.

Valentines Day Skating + Love ❤️ The #CityPlaceRink is OPEN!

Valentines Day Skating + Love ❤️ The #CityPlaceRink is OPEN!

We started our Valentines Day a little early this year! On Friday night Sean and I went to the CityPlace rink for winter festivities at Canoe Landing Park. Snow falling in the winter can be so magical and romantic. I love the crisp winter air!

cityplace rink, casiestewart, cityplace, toronto, skating, ice skates
TRUE LOVE

CityPlace is a little nostalgic and romantic for us since it’s where Sean and I met.  ❤️ We lived in different condo towers on Brunel Court and Fort York Blvd. when we first started seeing each other 6 years ago.  Crazy how time flies!
The area has changed so much since we lived there. We were in the first buildings built close to Spadina and there are so many more buildings now with almost 20,000 residents.
cityplace rink, casiestewart, cityplace, toronto, skating, ice skates
The snow made the night even more magical! Luckily its walking distance to everyone in the ‘hood!


This CityPlace Social was a chance for the developer (Concord Adex) to bring the community  together. Everyone who came to the social was hooked up with free hot chocolate, roses, and photo ops while skating under the moonlight.  There was a great performance by Canadian National Team figure skater Michelle Long too.

A rose for you my love!

The CityPlace Residents Association website details news and events in the area. They’ve got a ‘Learn to Skate’ event on Saturday February 20th, more info on that here. They’ve also got summer events like movies in the park and a farmers market.

The CityPlace Fort York BIA launched recently to help grow the community as more businesses make it their home, see what they’ve got going on via Facebook.

After the rink (and lots of photos) we had a lovely diner at Hunters Landing. Great place, good food, and we had a great server named Matt. They’ve got a special Skate & Date menu for Valentines but we just got a couple apps & pizza.

It was such a nice way to spend some quality time together doing something different in our old neighbourhood. Perfect Valentines Day!


Valentines Giveaway

I’m hosting a contest giveaway for a CityPlace prize pack which includes a $100 Gift Certificate for Hunters Landing. You can enter once per day. Contest open to GTA residents only. Winner will be picked on Friday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Giveaway & post sponsored by CityPlace!

Some Stuff I Directed for Bacardi Canada Instagram

Some Stuff I Directed for Bacardi Canada Instagram

Had a fun time directing this shoot for Bacardi Canada’s agency with 1188. We spent two days on set in a studio. one shooting the people and another shooting product. We had a cast of about 5 people, most found via casting with the addition of my sister, Brock Mclaughlin, and Garrett.

I love doing these fun shoots! Safe to say we had heaps of Bacardi left over!


Slow Motion

The shot. All turnt up. #Fuego #FuegoFace #RedRum #SpicedRum #Tabasco #BACARDI #TruePassion #party #weekends

A post shared by Bacardi Canada (@bacardicanada) on

The shot. All turnt up. #Fuego #FuegoFace #RedRum #SpicedRum #Tabasco #BACARDI #TruePassion #party #weekends

A post shared by Bacardi Canada (@bacardicanada) on


Continuous Pour


Stills

First time #Fuego. #FuegoFace #SpicedRum #RedRum #Tabasco #Party #FridayNights #TruePassion #BACARDI #Selfie

A post shared by Bacardi Canada (@bacardicanada) on

The hair might not get him into the party but the BACARDI Fuego will. #BacardiHouseParty

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I made a custom lipstick, meet ‘n00d’. Thank you @BiteBeauty! #BiteLipLabTO

I made a custom lipstick, meet ‘n00d’. Thank you @BiteBeauty! #BiteLipLabTO

The other day we drove past the BITE Lip Lab on Queen, it was snowing, and there was this gorgeous man standing in the window. I stared at him and then I was like ‘omg I know him, that’s Christopher!’. Hadn’t seen him in forever, sent him a FB, then he invited me in to make a custom lipstick.

I’d like you to meet my first BITE/CASIE colour:

n00d lipstick by casie stewart bite beauty

The Lip Lab is on Queen just West of Bathurst.

Heaps of colours and I love how they’re displayed on the wall.

You can add up to two flavours to your lipstick. I did mint (only).  I’m happy, it’s refreshing. I bet there’s some pretty great combos with these tho.

It didn’t take that long! I loved the first colours we mixed up and then Christopher got the ingredients, mixed it, chilled it on a cold plate, and put it in a tube. Then they engrave it for you at no extra charge.

Before I knew it, I had my very own unique lipstick, with my initials, and I waltzed off into the sunshine! ☀️

Now I want to make a bright red and peachy one for spring. ?

If you’re interested in stopping by, here’s your options. ▼ They said it’s super popular for mother daughter, bffs, sisters. I was there 3pm on a Friday and it wasn’t busy when I got there but there were more people by the time I was leaving.  They also serve wine! ?


bite beauty lip lab cost, bite beauty, casie stewart, blogger, toronto, bespoke lipstick


 

This was't sponsored they just hooked a girl up with a lipstick. I love it so much, science + beauty ftw!

Breaking Down Investments w/ @TangerineBank

Breaking Down Investments w/ @TangerineBank

Last month I spoke on panel about investments with Tangerine Bank. Not ONLY was it super fun (watch the Facebook Live below) but I learned quite a bit about investing, RSPs, fees, and funds.

Over the past few years I’ve shared my millennial money woes and it’s not been easy, sometimes embarrassing (remember the show Maxed Out?), but facing the problem head on helped me find a solution. Once I set a goal to payback school debt by 30, I stuck to it and accomplished my goal. Now I’m getting into investing my money so I have some later. I dream about retirement life all the TIME.

Investing can be fun! Press play on the video to see for yourself!

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

We’re LIVE at BrainStation breaking down investments with Tangerine Investments Director David McGann, Personal Finance Expert & Blogger Barry Choi, Millennial Money Expert Jessica Moorhouse, Award-winning Content Creator Casie Stewart and Chef Matt Basile of Fidel Gastro’s.


Here’s a few key takeaways I think are really important, like how much money you need, when to start, and watching out for fees.

How much $ do you need to start investing?

NOT A LOT. The most important thing is getting into the habit of putting money away. Once you start to see it grow, you want it to grow more. I love putting money in my TFSA, good security to see that nest egg.

When is the best time to start?

NOW. In the panel I said ‘a year from now you’ll wish you started today‘, this also works for the gym and eating healthy. Not matter what age you are, start putting some $$$ away. Mum set up my first mutual fund in high school after getting my first job, but I took the money out for university. I can only imagine what it would be now if I kept it all this time! ?

What do I invest in?

The right path for someone else is probably not the ideal one for you. I started with my TFSA, putting some money away from each cheque, now I’m looking at what to invest in next. There’s lots of resources online like Barry’s blog [moneywehave.com], Jessica’s website [jessicamoorhouse.com/resources], or on Tangerine’s Forward Thinking blog.

What about fees?
I am not an expert on this but this year CRM2 comes into play from the Canadian Securities Commission meaning your bank or advisor has to be clear about what they are making in a dollar amount (from your investments) not just 2% or 4%. You can get lower fees taking a bit more of a do-it-yourself route (ex. with Tangerine index-based Investment Funds


If you want to learn more I reco chatting to a friend, someone you know who has money, or making friends with Tangerine. They are all about ‘Forward Banking’ and I loved working with their team on this. I’ve set up a new account and will be putting some money into new funds that I pick via the internet. I’m pretty stoked tbn. Here’s to a great 2017!

Disclaimer: This post and my participation in the panel was sponsored by Tangerine, all opinions expressed are strictly mine, ALL MINE! ?