Send Money in Style with PayPal’s Holiday Cards Designed by Jonathan Adler

paypal, jonathan adler, casiestewart, money, giveaway, contest

When it comes to holiday shopping, I do it from my couch with PayPal. If you follow my tweets you’ll know my love for online shopping borders on obsession! 

Scroll down to read about PayPal’s holiday digital greeting cards AND leave a comment with something on your wish list this year. I’m gonna surprise two people with some holiday spending money in their PayPal account. ??

I have a few loved ones on my gift list who love shopping online as much as I do. This year, I’ve decided to surprise some of them with money in their PayPal account so they can go out and treat themselves to a shopping spree. Weeee!

I was jazzed to see PayPal launched designer digital gift cards with New York based designer Jonathan Adler when you send money as a gift. If you’re not familiar with Jonathan Adler, his company has designed luxury homes, hotels, and restaurants around the world. His website has basically everything I want my dream house to look like.

Jonathan Adler’s unique holiday card designs make sending money easy and fashionable — something you don’t normally find in gift cards/traditional holiday cards.

You can also add a message to make it even more personal. Here’s one of mine!

output_nycart


“Money makes the world go round, which kind of makes it the perfect present. Sending money digitally as a gift never felt truly personal or stylish — until now,” 

“With PayPal, we have created something that with just a few clicks, lets you send money easily and chicly. It’s a gift people are as excited to receive as they are to spend.” The digital holiday gift cards — six in total — include festive greetings for Christmas and Hanukkah with fun text like: “Joy to the World”, “Merry to the Max” and “Glamorous Greetings” and an appreciative card which says: “You Rock”!

– Jonanthan Adler in PayPal’s release 

Here’s how PayPal Holiday Cards Work:


I’ll send a PayPal surprise to a couple of people who leave a comment w/ something on your holiday list. You can never go wrong with the gift of cash!

casiestewart, happy holidays

 

 

 

Post sponsored by PayPal Canada.

* These cards are available in 17 countries, including the U.S., Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria.

#tbt Photos Make a Great Gift

#tbt Photos Make a Great Gift

This week my computer had a non-fatal heart attack. Luckily I’ve got a backup of all my files. During my 3.5hr stopover at the Apple Genius Bar yesterday we wiped my Macbook Pro clean and started fresh with the operating system. It was so full before that it could not even. It’s so much faster now, I’m never letting that happen again!

I’ve been looking through thousands of photos on my backup drive and came across these ones of my mum and sister. We hung out in the beaches one afternoon a while back and for christmas I edited and framed a few of them for my parents.

One year I had a bunch of stickers made with Social Print Studio and stuck them on everyones cards. Once you download the SPS app you connect Instagram, and easily print your photos in frames, on wood, cards, stickers, life size prints.

This year I’m working on 2 projects one for holiday cards and another photo thing for my fam. I’m a little behind but going through these photos is good motivation.

Can’t wait to spend some quality time with these ladies over the holidays!

sisters_beaches

loveyoumum_sign

Auchentoshan + Sam Roberts Band at Common Sort

Auchentoshan + Sam Roberts Band at Common Sort

I’ve been a fan of Sam Roberts Band since the debut album with ‘Don’t Walk Away Eileen’ and those long glorious locks he had . Each summer he closes out Labour Day weekend at the Kee to Bala in Muskoka and we usually take a crew from the cottage. They’re a really good live band, amazing acoustic, and even better up close!

This weekend, Sean and I were guests of Auchentoshan Whisky for a private meet & greet + acoustic show at Common Sort. It was honestly so fun and I finally got to MEET SAM ROBERTS. YAY! (I posted an excited selfie on Twitter.)

There was a huge line, thanks to Auchentoshan we had VIP!
Sean w/ Sam Roberts Band bros

The show was at 5pm and we arrived a bit early to sample cocktails from Auchentoshan. Sean’s dad loves this brand. I quite enjoy whisky in the winter, a nice sipper to warm you up on a cool night. Auchentoshan is single malt Scotch whisky, triple distilled near Glasgow, Scotland.

The band played a few tunes then took requests from the crowd. As you can see I was RIGHT up close. There were a couple kiddos jamming in front of me and a huge crown behind.

Hit play on these tweets to watch! 



After the show, Sam (first name basis now heh heh) grabbed his drink and walked right down to the kids for photos. I gave him a cheers and said ‘that was great’. I felt a bit like a dork but whatever! 

SO CUTE! Caron’s son Owen having his photo w/ Sam Roberts

A day before the show I posted a giveaway on Twitter for 2 VIP tix to join us. My winner was Stephanie, aka @stefiedrew from the internet who writes  ‘The Tallest Mermaid‘ blog. She is a babe and brought her BF Adam.

enlight8.jpg

We took an exit through the gift shop and Sean picked up the new  Sam Roberts Band record. His company, (weare1188.com) was up for a ‘Best Post Production’ MMVA for a Sam Roberts Band video in 2014. A friend of ours has worked almost on all of their vids! 

enlight1-1.jpg

You will be pleased to know the record is good and looks very cool. I’ve never seen one quite like this. There’s a second one in the package that’s pink!

img_0248.jpg

 

Thanks Auchentoshan for the invite, cocktails and experience. See more photos from the event at #DistilledDifferent and follow Auchentoshen on Twitter / Instagram. For info about the brand pop by auchentoshan.com.

img_3230.jpg

Post sponsored by Auchentoshan!

Feeling Better Finally

Feeling Better Finally

After 72 hours of couch + takeout + binge watching I feel a bit better. Back at the office today and have actually had quite a productive day. I did however answer the phone at nearly 2pm with ‘good morning!’. Being sick really sucks. This moring I felt like I had so much to do and the house is a mess and I’m still not 100%.

Thanks everyone who sent well wishes. Appreciate it! I’m still in love with my new light! Snapped this on my phone over the weekend. It’s so bright you can’t even tell I’m sick!

Early night, home by 7pm ??? + Pho + Netflix. Any lesser known series or movie recos? I feel like I’ve watched everything.

A photo posted by ? C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on

Tonight I’m picking up a tree for the office at Bacardi’s Holidega. Later this week I’m having my sister over for a photo shoot. Hopefully by then I’ll be back to my old self w/ lots of energy!

Here’s to a great week!  

Netflix Binge weekend + Lots of Soup

Netflix Binge weekend + Lots of Soup

I spent most of yesterday in bed or in the couch.

Today I’ve been watching Marcella on Netflix. A drama series about a female detective trying to solve a serial killer mystery based in the U.K.  I’m on ep3 but will probably finish the season today.  This little JBL speaker is usually in my travel bag and is perfect for watching Netflix in bed on my computer.


Earlier this week Ricola sent an advent calendar and it is saving me right now. Sean has been such a dear, made me soup & toast while I’ve been in bed nearly the entire day.

I finally set up my Saje Wellness humidifier thing and it smells like a spa in here.


The other show we’ve been watching is HBO’s Westworld. It’s a futuristic show about an alternate reality game. A tweet I posted last night was RT’d by the show and over 100ppl showed love for it.

I’m really keen to find a new book. If you have any recos please let me know! I like twisted dramas with murder mystery. Or chick lit!

How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Shopping Experience

How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Shopping Experience

On Friday night I went shopping with Emily for some snow pants downtown. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking because like,

  1. 1) it was Black Friday,
  2. 2) I couldn’t find a park,
  3. 3) it was annoying carrying stuff.

I should have gone to Yorkdale.

I tested out RBC’s Avion Holiday Boutique before it opened the other day and they’ve really put some thought into making your trip to Yorkdale a pleasant one. RBC Avioners get complimentary valet, coat check, parcel check, snacks, drinks, gift wrapping, and a nice spot to be chill at. You can also test out their new VR Experience.


Once you’ve left the car with Yorkdale Valet, waltz into the Avion Holiday Boutique, and check your coat. Grab a coffee, water, and sit down in a white leather chair, with a cold cucumber infused water, and delicious cookie. [Same cookies they have on Porter Airlines!] Scroll your list using free wifi and make a plan.

img_3494
Look for the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique across from Pottery Barn at Yorkdale

Sometimes when I’m out and about all I want is to sit down, collect my thoughts, and have a glass of water. Y’know?!

img_3495
This cheese spread was at the launch event, there will be other snacks there when you go!

Before leaving the boutique, go on a 2minute beach vacation via VR. It’s really quite amazing how the sights and sounds of the beach will calm you down. 

img_3484
Steve Dolson in VR

Take your experience next level by downloading the Avion Passport App (text “AVION” to 722722 or search in app store).

In the app you get exclusive offers, faster gift wrapping services at the RBC Avion Boutique,  and you can text valet to bring the car around,  ?


Thanks RBC for inviting me to be a partner and share this experience.

Great job on the RBC Avion Boutique! For info about getting yourself on the RBC Avion VIP train, visit this link. The card is packed with travel rewards and you can use now your RBC Rewards at Best Buy and the Apple Store. Read that blog post here! 

img_3506
Thanks Steve Dolson – LXRY Magazine for the snap!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

img_3230.jpg

 

Work Hard. Play Hard. Sleep Easy. Join The #DreamWaterHoliday Twitter Party Wednesday 8pm! $500+ IN prizes

dream water, casie stewart, twitter party

Nothing like a good sleep, eh? Last month was really hectic with lots of travel and tbh, it made me so tired. Different time zones, hotels, sleep patterns, it really tuckers you out.

Wednesday at 8pm I’m hosting Twitter party w/ Dream Water Canada and I’d love you to join. We’ve got $500 in prizes including a $250 spa package. We could all use a little pampering this time of year!  

Tickets are free and I’m asking you register your Twitter handle so we can contact winners with no stress. 

I usually travel with melatonin to regulate my sleep/help me feel refreshed and this summer I tried out another herbal supplement called Gaba Gaba.

A couple weeks ago I was sent a few samples of Dream Water which contains both supplements and 5-HTP that helps them all work better together. The first time I tried it, I noticed I started to feel sleepy in about 10-15 and was out like a light in I’m guessing 20 (idk I fell asleep lol).

Dream Water is a tiny into a 2.5oz shot with the ingredients below and sweeter. I first saw it in the USA but you can find it here now at Shoppers, Walmart, and select retailers.

Remember my old room that faced the lake?!

If you have any experience with Dream Water or questions LEAVE A COMMENT! It feels so nice to say that after not having comments for over a year. It’s like the phone lines are open again!  

Tonight I’m going to see Ross Petty’s ‘Sleeping Beauty‘ then going home to drink some Dream Water. ??

Visiting the Google Shop within a Shop + $250 Best Buy Giveaway

Visiting the Google Shop within a Shop + $250 Best Buy Giveaway

About a week ago I was out the door bright and early one morning for the media preview grand opening of the first Google shop in North America at Best Buy in Mississauga.

I love going to this type of event! Ever since I was a little kid, my dad used to take us to stroll around Future Shop, look at all the gadgets, test stereos and TVs. I think I have him to thank for my lifelong love of tech.

googleshop_bestbuy6
The new Google shop at Best Buy, Heartland Town Centre

Google Shop is a ‘shop within a shop’ that’s got all kinds of Google goodies and product demos. I visited one of my favourite beaches in new Zealand via the Portal, tried Fantastic Beasts in w/ Google Daydream VR, and was sent home with Google Chrome.

googleshop_bestbuy5
Amber Mac testing out Google Daydream VR
googleshop_bestbuy2
My new Chromecast! Set it up as CasieCast ?

googleshop_bestbuy4

?? I thought this was a neat thing to do over the holidays! Hangout with Santa in the Google shop. Select your city at g.co/instore to find your closest location.

Before touring the store I chatted Best Buy’s Angela Scardillo, VP Marketing & Communications. The main thing I learned from her was how they’re really trying to make tech approachable. Their new round of ‘experience stores’ have a more immersive experience where you can touch, feel, test things.

The new store design has raised access flooring that expands and contracts expand so they can actually move the store around and change the shopping experience.

The new flagship Google shops are now open at Best Buy locations in Mississauga, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Angela also showed off her Google Pixel phone and I really want to try one. It takes great photos and organizes them in your phone like Google Images. I’m still thinking about it days later…

googleshop_bestbuy1

To celebrate the new Googley space at Best Buy, we’ve giving away a $250 gift certificate.  To enter leave a comment, visit FB, follow us on Twitter, or send a tweet. You have to be in Canada to win and sorry no Quebec.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


img_3230.jpg

Partnered with Best Buy and Google Canada to bring you this post. I love them both! Yay. Remember when I blogged about Google as my BF? 

KitchenAid Canada + CBCF – Show Us Your Foods! ??

KitchenAid Canada + CBCF – Show Us Your Foods! ??

This weekend I joined the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation & KitchenAid Canada in their campaign to help raise awareness + donations. ?????????? Since 2002 Kitchenaid has raised OVER $3.9 MILLION for the CBCF

It’s easy to join in:  ?? 1) make foods ?? 2) ? 3) post ? 4) donate ? ? showusyourfoods.ca

I nominate you to bake/make a great set of foods and share them on the internet. Here’s a little behind the scenes of styling my photo. My new ring light is so amazing. It’s doesn’t come with a stand but Sean had one at the office. 

img_3230.jpg

Capital One Canada – What Type of Leader Are You?

A couple weeks ago at the Enactus World Cup with Capital One Canada I did a survey to see what type of leader I was. I love doing these types of tests. (I have a tattoo based on a personality test I did a few times in high school & university.)

enactus-76

What I love about the Enactus program is how it’s helping create young leaders around the world collaborate, implement, and celebrate, ideas. Their businesses are having an impact on global food, water, and sustainability. These leaders are socials conscious innovators, who take matters into their own hands, they look at the world and think ‘how can I make a difference?’

Aside from being super inspired by this experience, it was also awesome that Canada WON the competition on home soil in Toronto. Read about their innovative hydroponics system that’s bringing fresh produce to Canadian communities HERE.

My first result in the Capital One Survey survey was ‘Visionary Leader’ but I think there’s characteristics of all the different types I can identify with. What kind of leader are you? Take the survey below to find out!


My Test Result – Visionary Leader: Big goals + big picture = big payoff!

“The dreamer who likes to operate at 30,000 feet. You have a vision of what the world will be like in the future and you set about to make things happen. There’s no idea too big for you to tackle.”

screen-shot-2016-10-25-at-12-34-16-pm

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In primary school there was a rule implemented where you needed a gym bag to put your clothes in for class. So, I went home that night and made a bunch of drawstring bags on the sewing machine with mum. The next day I had three sizes and sold them to kids at school.

In grade 9 I wrote a book and stared a publishing company. In grade 12, someone from Conestoga College came to my school to do a presentation, that night I came home and said to mum ‘I’m not going to university anymore, I’m going to college for Marketing and I start in September“. I took marketing because I KNEW if I honed in on those skills, combined with my natural abilities, I could work anywhere in any industry.

I think this result resonated me because I believe in not following the grain, setting big goals, and innovating to make them a reality. If you look at the last 10 years I had a vision of my blog and what I would be doing one day. I had NO CLUE know how big social media become, but I knew a decade ago, there was a shift happening.


One of my fav leadership quotes in innovation is this one by Henry Ford about ‘faster horses’. I’ve stressed the importance of innovation for years. Remember this episode?

Capital One conducted a leadership study and these are key results to note:

  • * 1/3 of Canadians wouldn’t consider working for a company that didn’t have a social responsibility (charitable) program
  • * 3/4 Canadians believe socially conscious business leaders are the most effective
  • * 80% of Canadians feel it’s important the company they work for is involved in the community
  • * 84% of Canadians think it’s important for a company’s leaders to show that they are giving back to the community

Working with Capital One Canada and learning about Enactus made me really think about creating more and focussing on the big picture. If you’re keen to learn more about the Enactus program or get inspired through teams involved, visit enactus.org. Capital One Canada believes in education and supports several community investment partnerships, learn more here. Capital One Canada sponsored this post but the stories are mine, all mine! ?

Time to get crackin’ on that big idea!

screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-11-46-48-am