Well, it’s just starting to cool down and I’ve got something warm and exciting to share… on Sunday I’m going to the Florida Keys! I’m heading down with Florida Tourism and a couple other blog friends.
I’ll be documenting my experience on Facebook (w/ Live!), Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. I can’t WAIT to see what we’re doing. I got a heads up that we’ll be Night Boarding, which is stand up paddle (SUP) on board that are LIT. I love my SUP board so stoked for this
I’ve had the Beach Boys song Kokomo in my head all week. (There used to be a bar in the Keys called Kokomo!) I’ve also looked up famous movie scenes filmed there and this one is on my to-do list haha.
On Friday afternoon I went to an orchard north of the city with bloggers from across Canada thanks to Subway Canada. We picked apples and sampled some of their new menu items coming in October. We were greeted with a cute welcome sign and chilled Izze fruit drinks as arrived. Lucky for us the morning rain cleared by the time we arrived and it was a lovely day. I hadn’t been to an orchard since I was a kid.
Our first part of the adventure was a hayride and if you were following my posts in real time, I was really into it. I even made a song about it.
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After our tour of the orchard we sat down for lunch. It’s just started getting a wee bit cold and thankfully our hosts were prepared with blanks to keep warm.
The new fall menu at SUBWAY features a new Carved Turkey sandwich that will launch October 11th in Canada. Just after thanksgiving ?
Executive Chef, Chris Martone made us a delicious salad to start our seated meal with walnut encrusted goat cheese, it was so good. Both Will and I ordered a second plate!
The new sandwich.
My favourite part of the day was picking apples. I also went into a corn maze, got lost for a minute, and went on the swings.
Later that day I went to the cottage for the weekend with Sean and Emily. On Saturday I made 3 pies with the apples I picked. Two of the pies were a combo apple pie/apple crisp. I highly recommend this recipe I found on Pinterest. They were honestly SO GOOD. I’ll be bringing 2 to the office today so we don’t eat them all!
Made apple crumble pies w/ apples I picked yesterday. Cottage smells amazing! ☀️?????? pic.twitter.com/lxLv2TJvm1
After a long relaxing summer I’m thankful for the change in seasons, great time to start something new. ditch old habits, and bring back layered outfits.
Yesterday was full on. By 4pm I was back at the 1188 office and would have killed for a nap. I had 3 things earlier in the day, a call about a new project, then had to pick up Em form daycare, help her w/ homework, and make sure all was cool w/ sitter, and head back to work. I really love what I do but some days it’s super exhausting. Working for yourself has perks but being the face of the brand, writer, editor, admin, finance, marketing, agent, and accounts receivable can take a lot out out of you. I’m only one woman! Add on step-mama to an 8 year old and partner to an entrepreneur, tbh I get damn tired.
looked cute today tho
Although yesterday was tiring, it was really great.
Arrived at the 1188 office w/ Sean early to help out. Then went to the ReThink Breast Cancer breakfast. I’d done a bunch of things on my phone before then including Nike (NTC) workout on the roof and didn’t realize my phone was almost dead. URGH! So, off I went to the breakfast sans phone.
The new collection is so nice. I truly love the work they’re doing. Once I get photos I’m going to share here. ReThink is a breast cancer organization that aims to help raise awareness for young women dealing with breast cancer. One of the things I reallllly love is their BARBIE brand partnership. If you know me well, I FREAKING LOVE BARBIE. I still have all mine at mum’s house. Also a few collectors ones still in the box.
Next I went to 1 King West to check out ‘The 48’, on the 48th floor their new office suites and meet with their team. I’ve been thinking about getting a desk space and they’re interested in working with me, it was a good meeting. The space is beautiful. I couldn’t help but think of all the things I could do there, events, shoots, meetings.
Before heading to my next meeting I had a call about a cool project w/ young entrepreneurs & Capital One. I worked w/ them on a campaign last year and was a young entrepreneur myself so I’m jazzed about it.
Took the TTC to Fleishman Hillard to learn about the new FitBit. I like my Fitbit and the stats that come with it. The intersection of fashion X tech is something I really love and they had some cool stuff. These were my fav. The new leather band, bangle, fashion collabs w/ Public School (braided one), and the new Alta watch.
JUST before I went to this presentation, I was making a Snapchat ?????? at the TELUS store and WALKED INTO THE WALL. Fml. First time doing that and thank god I didn’t bang up my face/teeth. I bruised my hand and it’s kinda tender. I don’t think anyone saw. Lol derp.
Picked Emily up at 5:30 and took her for a Happy Meal. They have great toys rn. WONDER WOMAN! Something you might not know about me is I have TONS of McDonalds toys in mum’s basement. Heaps still in packages. We don’t know wtf to do with them!
I really like helping Em with her homework. My mum was at home with us until I was 16 so I really understand the importance of focussed attention to help her learn.
After making sure all was cool w/ her and sitter, I went back to work for a bit.
Safe to say I wrote most of this on mobile while pacing in the kitchen.
I document days like this so I can look back and remember. That’s really why I started blogging 11 years ago, to keep more memories. It worked. I love looking back in my archives to see how far I’ve come, much I’ve changed, and remind myself to keep at it.
In other news, next week I’m meeting with Twitter Canada, shooting w/ TELUS, and going to Florida for a week.
Last Week of Summer? Doesn’tFeel Like It! Today is SO HOT OMG. I’m wearing shorts and t-shirt and feeling so happy.
We had a great weekend at the cottage. It was just Sean and I for a few days. Lots of relaxing, naps, great food, laughs. I love the VIEWS but something else I really love about the cottage is the drive up together and driving long, winding country roads. There’s something so magical about it, laughing together, singing old songs.
The leaves are just starting to change and I said ‘I LOVE IT THIS TIME OF YEAR’, his reply? YOU LOVE IT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR! It’s true, I really do. Each season and type of weather has it’s beauty.
Today I’ve got an afternoon with TELUS to meet with 2016/2017 Team TELUS Advocates. I wrote about that here. They sent a welcome package last week with the INSTAX printer! I love this thing so much. I’ve been carrying it around in my purse ever since. THANK YOU GUYS!
On our way to the cottage we stopped at Rocket Fireworks, Sean loves fireworks so much.
I got up each morning and went out on my stand up paddle board. I love this outfit, denim bathing suit, flannel. Perfect fall cottage attire.
Finished reading ‘in a dark, dark wood’ this weekend. Good book. crazy story about old friends and one of them getting married, a hen party gone wrong. Received it at the Essentials Lounge by EGPR during TIFF. I have to admit, it was kinda weird picking up a book-book spending the summer w/ my Kobo. [See my list of summer favs here!]
While out for a Sunday drive we discovered Wahta Reserve, aka the BEST PLACE TO BUY FIREWORKS. Look how happy this guys is!
Spent the last night out for a long SUP session then lit a smoke grenade to close out summer! We’re back up this weekend and I am totally crossing my finger for more warm weather.
I first met with Telus PR in 2009, since we’ve done some amazing things together. Back then, ‘influencer marketing’ was something for celebrities (Paris, Britney, Beyonce) and I was still working at Much/MTV.
Since then, Telus and I have done some really fun things together like mobile updates from around the world, scaling a building, building a garden, and donating to charities. Last year, TELUS created #TeamTelus Advocates, an official group of influencers across Canada to help them spread Telus vibes across the country through community involvement, sharing experiences, and talking about tech.
I’m happy to share I’m on the 2016/17 team w/ a bunch of great Canadians!
I’ve got a few stories planned over the next couple months including getting my dad set up his first android, travel packages (I’m away most of October!!) AND MY NEW iPHONE 7+! OMG, I can’t wait to get my new phone and take that camera on adventures.
In case you missed the videos we did this year, check out the Mother’s Day one below and scroll a little bit more to see my excited face after scaling down Toronto City Hall at the Rope for Hope for Make-A-Wish Foundation the year before.
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Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope w/ Telus
Thanks for following my adventures, and since a lot of updates come from my phone or via mobile wifi, we really Telus to thank for keeping us connected.
I’m excited to share adventures and stories with you this year. Next trip announcement coming soooooooon, there will be ?????!
Tuesday this week was the premiere of Bachelorette Canada and I watched and tweeted along with the rest of the country (it was trending!). Yes, I know these ‘looking for love‘ shows are a bit silly but I GOD DAMNIT just love them for the commentary and chatting away on Twitter. I started show tweeting when I worked at MUCH & MTV 6 years ago, it really takes the TV watching experience to the next level.
In case you didn’t notice during the commercial breaks, Two Oceans Wine is one of the sponsors and they graciously sent me a couple bottles & goodies to enhance my viewing experience. I’ve partnered with them to share my thoughts on Twitter and the blog throughout the season. The things is, wine goes really well with show tweeting. It’s like hanging out at a party, making new friends, laughing, all the while sitting on your couch with a blanket and snacks. I would say I probably posted 20+ tweets during the 1.5 hour premiere!
#BacheloretteCA Premiere Fav Moments
This is Canada’s first season of The Bachelorette, where Janine Poplak (from Vancouver) met 20 dudes, and gave out 15 roses. Some of my fav moments from the premiere below.
Bachelor Kevin P. played a little tune on his ukulele and I quite enjoyed it. Side note, I have a uke and my goal is to learn to play by Christmas.
Her dress was gorgeous. Look at that long train! ????
Kevin W gave her a high five when he got out of the limo, haha.
This was a cute moment when Seth snapped a selfie when he arrived.
This was a bold buff move by JP. he was NOT wearing anything under this ‘Butler in the Buff’ uniform.
Sangria anyone?
If you’re looking to whip up a nice cocktail, try this Two Oceans recipe for sangria using their Cabernet Sauvignon.
Join me each Tuesday night for the next few weeks to tweet along w/#BacheloretteCA about the drama! If you’re planning to have a few of the gals (or guys?) over to watch, W Network has put together a cute party planning kit w/ decor ideas and games here. Bingo included!
Find a list of the bachelors on the show on wnetwork.com my favs are Benoit, Mikhel, and Kevin P. Although that could all change next episode! Tweet you Tuesday!
The last few days have been really exciting. After gifting lounges last week, daily hair & makeup, nails, tan, karaoke, dance parties, and film, I’m pretty wiped. Feels a bit like I am getting sick, tired/sore throat. ?? This happens almost every year tho! Taking it pretty chill today and hibernating in the house w/ my computer.
Wednesday I’m back on Sirius XM w/ Todd Shapiro before attending the premiere of All I See Is You, a thriller w/ Blake Lively.
Have some exciting things coming up after this week, going away for a couple weeks, a big trip next year, and speaking.
Here’s to a great week, hopefully this beautiful weather hold ups up! ☀️
Welcome to a week of daily updates via mobile! I’ll be sharing my TIFF experiences to document them as I go. ✔️??????
Today I’ve got back to back media stuff all day. Exhausting but so fun, I love every minute of it. I hope the weather isn’t ugly!
Yesterday I topped by The #StylistSuite16 hosted by The Stylist Box where celebrities go to get dressed for the red carpet. I had a ball trying things on and having my hair and makeup done. Daniel from Salon Daniel in Yorkville tossed my hair then gave it a few snips.
The night before I dyed this dress by Sara Duke in my kitchen. It used to be white!
After the suite, I stopped by the ecco pop-up in the Eaton Centre to check out the new collection. I was gifted a pair of shoes and went home to order these right away! Leather, snakeskin, block heel = perfection!
They had delicious fresh, chocolate dipped strawberries ?, and an engraving station. I got this… ?✌?️
Earlier in the day I purchased these gorgeous 60s style boots from Top Shop. I love them!
Make sure you’re following me on the socials (@casiestewart everywhere!) for all kinds of fun and behind the scenes of the Toronto International Film Festival! Weeeee!
A couple weeks ago I had Emily help me at the cottage with hosting hacks for summer (see that post here!). The other night I gave a few of the recipes by Chef Sahir for buterball.ca a whirl. I made a spinach salad, tacos, and burgers for our last night as a fam at the cottage before back to school.
The directions weren’t hard to follow and the shopping list feature made it easy to see what things we needed/already had. Scroll down to compare my photos with the professional ones, we didn’t do too bad. ? I really got in the turkey mood and even found an extra recipe for a delicious grilled turkey sandwich! I’ll have to make it for work one day. Thanks to Sean for being an all star helper on this one! ILY!
There’s plenty of time to bbq before ‘old man winter’ so fire it up and give one of these recipes a go!
Recipe 1: Beet, Spinach and Apple Salad, w/ Pomegranate Vinaigrette
I love beets and they’re so good in salad. Instead of peeling, cooking, and cooling them I picked up pre-cooked from the salad section at Loblaws. No shame! The almonds are a nice touch with pomegranate dressing. ??
For dressing, place all ingredients except oil in blender container; cover. Blend well. With blender running, gradually add oil through opening at top of blender, blending well after each addition. Pour dressing into storage container and refrigerate until ready to use.
For salad, combine all ingredients, except almonds. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Whisk dressing and toss with salad mixture just before serving. Sprinkle almonds on top.
Recipe 2: Turkey Tacos
These tacos were so good. I ended up making a breakfast taco and then having the rest of the leftovers after the cottage drive. I added to the filling with a great Chipotle & Cheddar salad from Dole that comes pre-mixed with kale, cabbage, and toppings. We grilled a few hot peppers to go with the tacos too. I love the spice!!!!!!
Heat oil in a skillet and sauté turkey and onion. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) to heat up taco shells.
Add garlic, turmeric, chili powder, salt, paprika, pepper, and water. Cook uncovered until water evaporates, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Heat taco shells for 3 minutes.
Using a spoon, fill shells with mixture and garnish with diced tomatoes, grated cheese, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to taste.
Recipe 3: Athens Turkey Burger
I got small grape tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes but they were still delicious. Obvs! I absolutely love cooking tomatoes in the oven like this. If you love garlic throw in a couple whole garlics cloves. I cooked some extra garlic and tomatoes to add to breakfast the next morning. I skipped the olive tapenade because I don’t like olives!
Combine Feta and whipping cream in a bowl. Whisk until mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Tip: Can be made day in advance.
Combine kalamata and almond tapenade ingredients in a food processor until mostly smooth, but not a puree.
Combine roma tomato ingredients in mixing bowl then coat evenly with olive oil. Slowly roast in 275°f oven for 3 hours, until softened and flavors intensified.
Cook Frozen burgers on grill as per package directions (approximately. 5-7 minutes on medium heat, being careful not to cook outside too fast.)
Cut buns and half. Grill on direct heat until nicely toasted.
Spread 1 tbsp. of tapenade on bottom buns, and then evenly distribute Feta mousse.
Top with Romaine, burgers then slow roasted Tomatoes. Top and Enjoy!
Each recipe can be found at butterball.ca and I’ve linked to them above. The original recipe photos are below. See?! We did pretty good!
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Working with Butterball Canada this summer has also introduced me to a few new recipes to switch things up with my cottage cooking.I’ve got my eye on recipes for Thanksgiving and winter soups. Whiskey marinade? Yes.
It may be the end of ‘summer holidays‘ but remember it’s still officially summer until the 21st of September. Try a ‘summer of turkey’ recipe already! Check my hosting hacks from the last post for your next dinner party, link below.
Last week I went to two wearables events sponsored by Best Buy Canada. Fashion and tech are two of my fav things so being part of, and covering events like this is so much fun. On Wednesday night was the We Are Wearables event at MaRS where I took the runway as a model. Ya, me! Took me back to my teenage years! The following night I attended the Best By Life & Tech event at Yonge Dundas Square.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my fav tech and moments from the show. ???
I seriously have the best service up there. Next week I’m joining the Toronto team for 
