CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Events

Christmas in July is Fun

Christmas in July is Fun

I love the holidays and yes I know they are months away BUT that doesn’t mean we can’t think about decorating or throw fake snow in a 360 camera rig. ???? I went to holiday events for Hudson Bay, Sears, and Canadian Tire recently and they were all quite lovely.

The Sears preview at Story’s Building smelled like Christmas when you walked in and had live music from Kat’s band Lady be Good. They had a holiday house setup with different rooms filled with all the housewares from Debby Travis, new clothes in the Jessica line, and a kids room filled with toys and clothes. I took at seat at the art station for kids and left a pretty pink holiday drawing. There was a lot of nice stuff especially the housewares, its been a loooong time since I checked out a Sears and this was a nice nostalgia

The HBC preview was at Arcadian Court and little less interactive but there was heaps of stuff I’ve added to my wishlist. HBC has some great stuff coming for the holidays and late September they’ll have toys in store. There’s a whole collection of new items added to the traditions HBC stripes including puffer jackets and jammies. I was really feeling the Wrap Me paper you can have customized at HBC on Queen Street with your own images.

As soon as I walked into Canadian Tire’s Christmas in July I could smell all the trees and it was lit. As in there were heaps of lights, y’know. We always get a real tree so it was kinda cool to compare real and fake trees. Some of the artificial ones smell real, crazy. They had a 360 camera rig (The Big Freeze) setup and since it was not my first time in this thing I knew exactly what to do. Grabbed some snow and threw it into the air as the circle of cameras snapped and VOILA!

christmas 360

CT 360 christmas

The setup here was pretty neat, also different room setups, the living room was bright and casual and the tablescape for dinner was filled with rose gold. So into this trend for the holidays! My one true love here was the tree dress, it wold be heavy but amazing AF to wear! ??

All this really has me thinking I’d love to have a Christmas in July part at the cottage next year.  

In other news, Michaels AND Dollerama have Halloween stuff.

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LIFE

Long Weekend! Make It Count ☀️?????

Long Weekend! Make It Count ☀️?????

In Muskoka for the weekend. ☀️???? The weather is so nice. We came up today instead of last night because it was a long week! Finished Stranger Things on Netflix, great show. ?  I hate that empty feeling when you’ve binged something good and then it’s over. ?

We’re at PIE right now waiting for pizza. ?????  There’s a couple locations in Barrie, this is the first in Muskoka. The pizza is SO GOOD. We order a coulple then take some home each time. Cold pizza is my fav breakfast. ?

Saw this sweet Corvette outside. Sean has one from 1982 sitting in our garage. ? This weekend I’m driving a new Cruze from Chevrolet Canada, it’s sweet!

I borrowed a tent from Mountain Equipment Co-op and Emily and I put it together with no sweat. ?☀️??  The last time I put up a tent I think I was her age. Things have gotten easier since then! 


Tonight we’re having fireworks and a fire.  ?? 

PIZZA IS HERE, OK BYE. ❤️?

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Beauty

Skincare Stuff You’ll Find in My Summer Bag

Skincare Stuff You’ll Find in My Summer Bag

Summer, yay! ?? Hard to believe it’s almost the of July! ?? Have no fear, there’s still plenty of time to soak up the sunshine, read books in the hammock, and have delicious snacks on the dock.

As you know I spend most weekends at the cottage over the summer, this list of skincare stuff isn’t super fancy but it’s a combo of things I was sent to try out (then replaced with my own money) or products I stock up on so there’s one at home and the cottage. I love all things skincare and there are so many other products I want to try. If you’re as passionate about skincare as me, you could become a social marketer. If you don’t know what this is or you’d like to learn more, click here.

This post is sponsored by Boxed Water, is a socially conscious packaged-water company re-thinking the way water is sold, shipped and consumed. For every photo posted of Boxed Water with#ReTree on social, they’ll plant two trees. ?? I love the little box, so cute.

Ok, here we go!

Summer Skincare Stuff I Love

1. WATER – Drink heaps of it. Your skin will thank you. ? Drinking water has some fantastic benefits, it can make your skin look really bright. The Neostrata Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser is a creamy foaming cleanser that also brightens the skin if your skin often looks a little dull. Boxed Water is triple filtered for purity using reverse osmosis, carbon filtration and UV systems and filled in both Michigan & Utah. The entire carton is recyclable and 100% BPA free with 1% of all sales going to reforestation. ? ? ? You can find it at Loblaws or Sobeys in Canada. ?? Keep your skin and immune system healthy by drinking filtered water on the go. Did you know that you can now find and buy water bottles that have their very own filter system already in it? Sites such as Water Filter Way have reviewed some of the best bottles on the market, so be sure to check them out here – (https://waterfilterway.com/best-filtered-water-bottle-reviews/). At least this way you are able to have constant access to clean water so this should give you no excuses.

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2. WIPES – Do not leave home without them. Found these ones Yes To. Coconut ones at Shoppers and they’ve got coconut water and kukui nut (from Hawaii) to hydrate your skin. Perfect for removing makeup, wiping hands on long car rides, or god forbid you have to take a wee on your nature hike.

3. SELF-TANNER – I love the sun and having a tan but I don’t wanna have old wrinkly bacon-like skin. I was sent Vita Liberata earlier this year and I absolutely love this stuff. It goes on easy with a mitt, is not streaky, and best of all is not smelly! I order online from Sephora.

4. NIGHT CREAM – No matter how tired you are PUT IT ON EACH NIGHT. I started using this Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Night Care a couple months ago and it’s super hydrating. I’ll take all the no-wrinkle things I can get at this point. It was sent to test out but I picked up a refill from Shoppers.

5. SUNNIES – The skin around your eyes is super sensitive, you don’t wanna be squinting or having those UVA + UVB rays attacking your eyes. Keep your face looking young and get huge glasses that cover your face.

6. Dermalogica Age Smart Primer Spf 30 – This primer is tinted and perfect for summer when you need coverage but don’t wanna wear a lot of makeup. I’ve been doing stuff with Dermalogica for a few years now and this is a product I always like to get my hands on. [More Dermalogica posts]

7. SUN BLOCK – This Clearly Sheer from Coppertone is new this year and it’s quite nice. There’s a smaller one in a spray bottle that’s perfect for your purse. ALWAYS wear sun block, OK? ?

8. AFTER SUN CARE – I’ve been using this Hawaiian Tropic Silk aloe lotion for years. It’s a saviour if you’ve had a long day in the sun or someone gets a sun burn. lather it on, like slip-slap-slop it all over your tender skin. once it dries, re-apply. You’ll avoid getting read and burnty. ?

This has motivated me to think about other lists I can make… LMK if there’s anything you’d like to know my thoughts on!

Here’s to a wonderful long weekend and LOTS OF SUNSHINE! ?? ? ??

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Beauty

You, You’re a Babe.

You, You’re a Babe.

To be honest, I’m really excited to get my hair done today. I’m going full blonde and cutting it short-short. One of the great things about having short hair is changing it ALL THE TIME.

Before my surgery last month I really wanted to change my look, but when I went to the salon the person doing my hair wasn’t the regular person and they didn’t do the best job or what I wanted. So, it’s not looking too cute right now.

You can’t really tell how not cute because I carefully wear a veil of internet and you can’t see past the screen you are reading this on. ??

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I’m going to update this post later with some photos. I hope you’re having a great week. I’m looking forward to being back up at the cottage and floating on the lake.

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Events

Had Dinner w/ Montes Wine and Now I Wanna Go to Chile

Had Dinner w/ Montes Wine and Now I Wanna Go to Chile

Wine Wednesday? Perfect time for this story! A couple weeks ago I attended a media dinner with one of the winemakers from Montes Wine. After hosting a tasting and doing a giveaway of the wine earlier this year, it was really neat to hear personal stories about the family business. (I’d tasted a *few* glasses and read so much before the dinner!)

I joined a few bloggers for dinner in a private room at Red’s in the Financial District. We sipped wines from their vast selection while the winemaker told stories about his father and the partners getting started in 1987. A few things stood out about the history of Montes and how they came to be the pioneer producer of premium quality Chilean wine.

One thing I loved is that he was really into skydiving and his father was a pilot. They would fly around the area looking for good soil, the son would jump out of the plane, check the soil, and they’d go from there. Some of their wines are now produced in soil they found together.

He also said they used to have men and women sort the grapes but the men would always get distracted by sports, start talking, and stop working. The women who sort the grapes (by hand) are able to chat and work at the same time with no disruptions. Ha!

montes wine, casie stewart, blogger, canada, chile
Montes Founding Partners

The four founders grew Montes from nothing to now being sold in more than 100 countries. They helped put Chile wine on the map. I would loooooove to visit Chile. The winery looks beautiful and I want to see all the things they’ve done to be sustainable. They use grazing animals (llama and sheep), have responsible waste management, a biodiversity program, and heaps more. ??? I’m secretly hoping they invite me to visit! 

Montes Images by Peter
Montes Images by Peter 

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Theres a few different types of Montes Wine avail at the LCBO. BTW did you see they deliver now? WHAT A TIME TO BE ONLINE. 

If you’re reading this in another country there’s a good chance you can find some near you too.

My favs were/are the Montes Alpha Malbec 2012, Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Cherub Rosé.

casiestewart, casie, montes wine, chile, travel, blogger

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LIFE

Putting Your Best Face Forward w/ Dr. Lisa Kellett

Putting Your Best Face Forward w/ Dr. Lisa Kellett

This year I turned 34, I know, hard to believe! I’ve always had a young youthful spirit and boundless energy, think back to the other weekend when I drew all over my bag for the Ford adventure. Mum had a chuckle when I showed her this photo, sometimes I’m still 8 years old.

casie stewart, DIY, backpack, design, travel, camp, camper, camping, tattoos, stay home club, #escapeanddiscover, Ford, NO FUN PRESS

I have been noticing a few flaws in my skin as I’ve aged and while it’s normal, I wanted to take measures to prevent it from getting worse. A few of my friends suggested an austin cosmetic surgeon but a few months ago I was given the opportunity to learn about Emervel, a soft dermal filler for dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. It’s used most for enhancing lips and minimizing the signs of ageing. For a professional procedure, Nurse Bec, at Injectable Effects, can perform dermal filler treatments on clients looking to regain youthful looking skin. It was good timing because I’ve had more chats about ‘enhancing’ beauty at events over the last year than ever. Earlier this year I shared the Emervel Kissability report with info on plumping up your pout.

YouTube Canada gave me some stats about beauty & fashion trends on the rise, three of the top beauty trends are eyelash extensions, eyebrow filler, and lipstick. Canada also ranks 3rd worldwide for ‘lip filler’ which had a big spike last year and continues to grow.

According to dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett, “Emervel Lips helps achieve a balanced and harmonious look, and, combined with other products in the Emervel line, can give the face a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Patients are very satisfied with the natural-looking and long-lasting results.”

I made an appt with Dr. Lisa Kellett for a consultation without knowing too much but I was interested in seeing about minimizing smile lines around my mouth (nasolabial folds) and the lines between brows (neuromodulator). I considered the appointment like an interview, I wanted the low down on what people were doing and results.

Dr. Kellett analyzed my face and talked about options. I was relieved to hear she’s a minimalist and likes to go for the ‘refreshed’ look. Basically, nobody would be able to notice exactly what was different but I’d look ‘refreshed’. She said ‘refreshed’ again and as I left that stayed in my mind. After a week I booked an appointment.

Before

no makeup date of appointment, frowning, visible smile lines. I used black & white because I look haggard!

casie stewart, dr. lisa kellett, toronto, filler, emervel
* I’ve been using Miracle10 for about 8 weeks and it’s really helped the redness in my skin go down and clear up my complexion. See before and after of those here.

After

The morning of my appt at DLK in Yorkville I was kinda nervous. Arrived about 30 min early so I could get a coffee and snack. I got to the office at 8:20 for my 8:30 appointment. Dr. Kellet came in and we chatted about looking ‘refreshed’ and I let her do her thing.

The whole appt took about 30 minutes and it didn’t hurt. The needles they use are very small, less of a prick than an immunization. She did a treatment for my smile lines, and cheeks to enhance natural contour.

One week after: lines from nose to mouth minimized, looking fresh

casie stewart, dr. lisa kellett, toronto, filler, emervel

The treatment for the smile lines will last about 6-12 months. I can 100% understand why 9/10 patients want to have this procedure again. I love it. It’s just enough to make a slight difference and I feel refreshed. If I hadn’t written this post I don’t think anyone would even notice!

When I got home from the appointment Sean popped by the house and looked at me for a second, then said ‘you look pretty‘. It made me feel great. ?

If you’re looking into this type of treatment it’s important to go to a reputable dermatologist/clinic. If someone is offering a discount, think twice before putting that stuff in your face. Dr. Kellett is one of the top in her field in Canada and you can find her at DLK on Avenue Road.

It’s been a couple weeks since my first visit and I’m due for a follow up. I’ll give you an update how that goes. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me via email or send me a DM.

Here’s to putting your best self forward and feeling great about it! 1-casie_yellowheart, love

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Fashion

My Love for Great Glasses

If I was to point out a similarity with my photos over the years it’s that you can usually find a pair of glasses on my face. I love them. There’s about 5,970 results in Google of ‘casiestewart + glasses”.  I’ve amassed a huge collection over the years and part of that is thanks to polette eyewear from France. I’ve been on their global blogger team for almost 2 years now!

casiestewart_ogtwitterA long time ago I used to wear these dark black rimmed glasses, this black & white photo was my Twitter profile from 2008 to about 2011. These glasses reminded me of Andy Warhol and they were my favourite.

It was years before I found another pair I liked just as much (this one from polette) and then I lost them. Well, I ordered them again and I’m happy to have them back. Casual and easy to wear, perfect for everyday. Find the polette Combinasion here. * they are currently sold out! 

My second fav pair of glasses is the e-divergent from polette. I always get compliments on them. Best part? They’re specially tinted to protect your eyes from screen damage. The slight tint will decrease chances of getting a ‘screen headache’ and tired eyes. The frame is also entirely hand polished.

Sean makes fun of them almost every single time I wear them, saying they’re my ‘Drake Glasses’. I don’t care, they’re awesome! And so is Drake, heard this yet?

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My latest sunglasses are quite different from each other but both awesome!

The Magnesia have sun lenses that pop off to make them into glasses. These are badass. They remind me of Dwayne Wayne flip up glasses.

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The Elektra are a more high fashion style that totally reminds me of Lady Gaga.The butterfly shaped frame offers optimum UV400. Fashion & function, honey!

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The polette concept is simple, they wanted to offer customers a great product at a good price, so, they cut out the middleman. Polette was founded in France by a young entrepreneur and most of the glasses are $20-$30.

Find them on Twitter and Instagram at @poletteeyewear!

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LIFE

New Me, New Adventures, New Love for Life

New Me, New Adventures, New Love for Life

Yesterday I went out on my bike for the first time in weeks. Since my surgery I’ve been trying to get out for a walk in the morning and then before sunset. I find leaving the house in the morning gets me in a good groove for the day. I have a coffee, soak up some sunshine, catch a  few Pokemon, take some photos, update Snapchat, all before 9am. ?✌?

I caught a JYNX today and then saw a man drawing a Poké Ball in his notebook at the coffee shop.

It’s amazing how much you learn about yourself going though a surgery or big life event. It was pretty hard at first not being able to reach for things or lift things but I managed. Sean has been really helpful in this whole process and tbh I’ve kinda liked not having to load the car for the cottage or carry groceries! (Thanks babe love you! He prob won’t read this ?)  I’m back in the kitchen making great snacks and have perfected a trick of using tongs to grab things high up.

I found this darling little Tuck Shop around the corner from home yesterday. I was there just as it closed but they make all kinds of delicious (sounding) food I can’t wait to try. So, I popped into Wallace Espresso on Dupont instead and picked up some real fruit pops and a cup of the most incredibly delicious chocolate ice cream. The Junction Triangle is seriously evolving, there’s a bunch of great spots in the area now. There’s also a Rancho Relaxo on this same corner to fulfill the need for tacos. HUzzahhhh!

This is a happy person on bike with wind in her hair. Watch the story on Snapchat here. 

Wrote most of this while sitting on a great little bench I discovered today. Shoutout to Canadian Designer Sara Duke for sending this super cute ‘fatiqué’ crop top. It was the perfect thing to wear as I sleep-walked to get coffee. I could never wear this stuff before! Yay!

☀️ Sending you sunshine from across the internet! ????

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LIFE

Cerulean Sea, Blue Skies, Boston Besties

Cerulean Sea, Blue Skies, Boston Besties

This weekend in Boston was really fun. ?? ✈️  The friends I was visiting totally surprised me and flew in a couple we both know from San Francisco, (who used to live in Boston). I totally screamed when they walked in the backyard! ? I love surprises and they totally hid this from me for the last week. THANK YOU BOB AND ELLEN ILU! ?   They pulled together all my Boston BFFs and we had heaps of fun eating great food and lounging by the pool.

On Friday night we had dinner with Kristen (in photo) and from then till Sunday morning when I left I was smiling and laughing. I took a break from Snapchat and Pokemon to spend some real FACE TIME with my friends. It was great! It’s been 2 years since I saw any of the crew and some even longer! They always say I bring the sunshine and I totally did, it was an absolute perfect day on Saturday. ☀️?

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I got home last night after another great flight with Porter Airlines. I absolutely love flying Porter. I’m not 100% on my next vacation destination  *yet* but early August we are up at the cottage for 9 days and I can’t WAIT. It’s Sean’s birthday that week and last year we rented a Seadoo.

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Have a post-op appt with my surgeon today and hopefully everything is a-ok. Still recovering and in some pain. I’m really happy with the results tho, it’s the first time in my life I’ve been able to comfortable wearing a bathing suit top!

☀️ Here’s to a great week! ☀️

 

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LIFE

BRB Moving Pokemon from Games to Lifestyle Folder

BRB Moving Pokemon from Games to Lifestyle Folder

Not gonna lie, I spent a significant amount of time yesterday searching and catching Pokemon. I never thought I’d be saying this! When I got home from the cottage it was so nice out I decided to go for a run (to see if there were any Pokestops or Pokemon Gyms near my house, there were!). I ran around going to all the closest stops collecting Pokeballs, whist stopping do a few exercises in between each one. I managed to get up to level 5 so I could finally join a team and battle someone at a gym. Pokemon is always fun, Pokemon Go is even more fun. Of course, finding a site like www.kigurumi.co, is downright amazing.

I had a friend who used to play Pokemon all the time when I was younger. He loved Pokemon Fire Red and would spend hours trying to catch all the different Pokemon to complete his Pokedex! We recently discovered that you can actually play the classic Pokemon games like Fire Red online using a site called Royal Roms, just click the link to find out more.

This all may seem foreign to you if you haven’t tried the game but let me tell you, it’s a phenomenon taking over with more daily users than Snapchat, Tinder, Instagram, OR Twitter. Pokemon Go is the fastest growing thing we’ve seen in a long time.

Here’s a few great resources I found on how you can use Pokemon for business and how it’s helping peoples mental and physical health, really.

Pokemon Go Is Driving Insane Amounts of Sales at Small Local Businesses

What not drop a lure and get the Pokemons to come to you! This article has some great ideas of how small businesses can jump on the Pokemon craze to help grow business. Near a Pokemon gym? People will be hanging around so why not offer a Pokemon team or player discount? READ FULL ARTICLE HERE.

GREAT idea for animal shelters!

Pokemon & Mental Health

Pokemon Go is really helping people who don’t usually like to interact with strangers or even go out of the house to make friends and get exercise. Great short read here by Brock McLaughlin on Medium. There are a heaps of updates on tumblr I found last night about people saying it’s made a huge impact on their lives.

Stop Hating On People For Playing Pokemon GO Because You Don’t Understand Its Power

? Pokemon & Fitness

I asked early in the day yesterday if there was a Pokemon workout yet and by later in the day, I found this. It’s a great way to get out and walk around, why not throw a few exercises in to up your heart rate and work those muscles. I’ll give this a go today.

?? Canadian Launch?

Hopefully coming soon! The game launched in Europe today but only in Germany. Why does Canada always get things last? We’re a world class country and ‘apparently’ a leader in tech and business. Urghhhhhh!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE SAFE WHEN HUNTING FOR POKEMON,
USE YOUR HEAD LIKE DON’T GO INTO A VAN OR DARK ALLEY

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In other news, apparently there is a Pokemon Go movie in the works. I’m working from home this morning then heading to visit my sister (find Pokemon) in the beaches. Friday we go to Boston so I’ll be searching there all weekend! Ha.

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