Getting this Off My Chest ?

Getting this Off My Chest ?

I’m not really sure how to share this with the world but since I’ve been documenting here for a decade, it’s probably the best spot! 

About a month ago I got a phone call that changed my life. Today is the first step before a HUGE life change. I’m getting a breast reduction.

I’ve been talking about doing this since I grew them 20 years ago. ??  Last year I went to a doctor and got a referral to a great surgeon. At my appointment he took some measurements and sent the info to OHIP. I didn’t hear anything for about 6 months and then I got the call.

Today my sister is coming to my pre-op appointment. I’m not feeling too nervous because I’ve actually waited a lifetime for this. I’ve had back pain and dents in my shoulders for too long!

I was considering not writing about it but reading other people’s stories on the RealSelf forum has really helped with anxiety and motivation.  Hopefully at least one person reading this finds it helpful or inspiring.

Hopefully the appointment today goes well. Nervous excited is my favourite feeling. ?

UPDATE: My appointment was amazing! My sister and I loved meeting the staff, we had a bunch of laughs and felt like the nurse was one of my friends. I’m pleased to know I won’t be on bed rest and will be totally ok to walk around post surgery, it’s even encouraged. The stitches dissolve which is good bc I’ve seen some gross photos. They take out 50% of the weight and I can’t wait (haha) to know what THAT feels like. I’m soooooo looking forward to being able to run without having them bounce around and exercising in normal exercise not wearing a pile of bras/clothes to hide/secure them.

Feeling very thankful to live in Canada where Ontario Health Insurance Plan covers this. Legit #blessed! In 2 weeks I’m gonna be a new woman. I might even start doing outfit posts!

? CASIE

Digital Detox #tbt 

Digital Detox #tbt 

Looking back at my Amazing trip to Costa Rica where I stayed at Anamaya Resort. Read about my digital detox here. I’m ready for another one TBH! Check out this cool Summer Solstice RESET happening on June 20th in Trinity Bellwoods.

Have a beautiful day! 

XO CASIE

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Summer eReading in the Sun + Kobo Giveaway

Summer eReading in the Sun + Kobo Giveaway

Since getting my Kobo reader I’ve read more in the last 2 months than I have in the past couple years. ? I used to spend (a little too much) time scrolling my phone before bed, now I scroll a few pages of my book. Reading a book is much better relaxation before bed than reading random tweets or Facebook status updates, trust me on this one. I also really love how easy it is to read in the sun, together we’ve lazed on the dock, rode the sunny streetcar, and chilled in the park.

Last month I accepted the Kobo 7-Day e-reading challenge (read that post here), to replace my print book with a Kobo Glo HD for 7 days. Don’t get me wrong, I love paper books but fitting a pile in your carry-on or daily purse is just NOT practical. Kobo was created to please us fans of print books and tech lovers alike.

Aside from my loonnnng reading list I just learned they have MAGAZINES. ??

I’m currently reading HER, a novel by Harriet Lane and have recently finished YOU by Carolyn Kepness and Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave. During the summer I like reading light hearted chick lit or mystery novels. It’s a great way to take my brain on an adventure and step away from work. A few other great things about Kobo

  1. reading a preview of a book before you buy
  2. using the app on any of your devices
  3. built in wifi
  4. super light (not heavy)

The kind folks at Kobo have given me a device for YOU.  The brand new Kobo Glo HD retails for $139.99, comes fully equipped with wifi, customizable fonts/text size/margins, and the battery lasts f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Ok, well not forever but waaaaay longer than your iPhone.  

The contest is open to anyone in Canada and runs today till Friday, June 10th. Enter below!

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Beer, Chips, Ferris Wheel, and The Adventure Contnues

My packages all get delivered to the 1188 office so sometimes I arrive art the office and it’s like Christmas! Yesterday I got a rad present from Blue Moon Brewery & VICE Canada, a party invite in the form of a colouring book with a nice set of pencils. So neat! The drawings are all by The Crazy Plate Lady (check her out here, so cool).

DYK THERES A KETCHUP DAY? Now you do! Lay’s sent a BOX of ketchup chips. I’ve shared most w/ the office because even though I could eat them all, I really shouldn’t. ?

Another clue in the weekend adventure w/ Ford Canada, they delivered this bag complete with a custom luggage tag. 

The Twitter conversation continued after this delivery but I still don’t know where we are going or what to pack. I’m thinking I’ll take everything Columbia Sportswear has given me and stay super casual. 

On Monday night I went to the Rogers Upfronts. If you’re not familiar w/ TV, it’s where they gather media and advertisers to share stats and introduce new programming. After, they have a huge banger. I laid on the field at 3rd base with a few of my bros and watched the show. After, ate all the snacks and rode the ferris wheel that was INSIDE the Blue Jays Stadium. So cool. 

Each of the channels (Vice, sports, etc) had a booth set up to share cool things about new shows. There was also beach volleyball, candy bars, and a couple food trucks. 

Saw this on my travels yesterday and loved it. You really don’t have to be a genius to make your life a masterpiece, you just have to go out and make it something. When I was a kid I used to write UNEEK on my notebooks. Everything comes full circle! 

This morning I’m speaking on a panel at Social Media Week about brands and influencers, it’s gonna be good. Very hot topic rn so quite fitting. 

Here’s to a GREAT DAY! 

Remember the Moments

Remember the Moments

This weekend was so nice and chill. We had a couple friends up at the cottage. Saturday was super sunny and beautiful while Sunday was the perfect lazy, rainy, couch day.

Put the LayBag in the water and it is so awesome. I purchased it after seeing ads on FB and I’m super glad I did. It’s a bit harder to fill up than it looks in the commercial but I’ve almost got it down.

This summer Sean and I have had heaps of time up at the cottage and it’s really helped me chill out. Ever since my digital detox in April I’ve really tried to take some relax time on the weekends.

This weekend I’m going away with Ford Canada on a mystery getaway. If you check the #EscapeandDiscover hashtag on Twitter a bunch of us bloggers have been anxiously trying to try and figure out what we’re doing.

Oh Internet ILU.

Mindful Driving with the Ford Edge

ford edge, mindful driving, ford canadaa

For me, last month was all about taking a break. The first three months of 2016 were super busy and I was feeling tired. Like, over whelmed don’t-feel-likeinternetting tired. After 10 years of blogging and being part of the internet, I’ve learned that it’s important to recharge your batteries with a break, reading a book, or taking a vacation. Being in media/social media can take a lot out of you and I needed to chill. My trip to Costa Rica was the perfect way to slow down and take a digital detox.

When I got back, Ford hooked me up with a brand new Ford Edge Sport similar to those that they sell at Wichita Ford Car Dealers Conklin Cars, for a week and taught me about mindful driving. I had a private yoga session with YuMee in the Ford Edge where she taught me some tricks for long drives (cottage) or in car stretching (back, wrists, hands, fingers). We did a few poses outside the car too. YOGA ANYWHERE.

YumMee reminded me it’s important to do a posture check when you’re in the car, it’s easy to slouch which can leave you tired or strain your shoulders. Reminder to sit up straight right now!

A couple things I really like about the Ford Edge that I found made it relaxing and chill to drive:

  • – Ford SYNC3, you can use Siri while driving and voice commands to control the console
  • – no cap on the gas thing aka EasyFuel
  • – lumbar support on the front seats, great for lower back
  • – Enhanced Active Park Assist, major stress saver for parallel and perpendicular parking
  • – Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), the car actually beeps when there’s someone in your blindspot

Next month I’m going on an overnight adventure with Ford Canada and I’m not sure where yet! It’s a mystery for now, looking forward to that surprise. We’re planning to Escape and Discover so I think we’ll be driving the ford Escape.

If you’re looking to learn more about mindful driving and or features on the Ford Edge, visit ford.com.

Follow me on Snapchat and Twitter for more adventures!

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TSO & AGO, The Decades Project: A spellbinding journey through time

On Wednesday night I’ve got a hot date with one of my BFFs to go to the TSO. It’s one of those great attractions we have downtown but I feel like people always forget about it when they’re looking for a night out. It makes a great date for someone you love (BFF, BF) or a really nice night out by yourself.

The TSO has partnered with the AGO for The Decades Project: an unparalleled concert-going experience that combines transformative orchestral performances with exciting surprises galore.

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Wanna go?

The TSO gave me a pair of tickets to share. The show is at 8pm. If you can get there you are eligible to win! Contest closes Wednesday AM and I’ll notify the winner at noon. 

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About the Show: Ravel Daphnis et ChloéWED, JUN 1 at 8:00pm

Under the inspiring baton of Basque conductor Juanjo Mena, this riveting program of masterpieces from the second decade of the 20th century brings you Ravel’s voluptuous mythological ballet score, Daphnis et Chloé, in its full, original version. Charismatic Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto performs the robust Violin Concerto by Danish composer Carl Nielsen, three of whose symphonies the TSO performed to great acclaim last season.

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Fitzroy Boutique Does Rentals Now! ?

Fitzroy Boutique Does Rentals Now! ?

Last week I had an event and as usual was scrambling to find something to wear. A few days earlier the girls at Fitzroy Boutique sent a note about their new dress rental service. Decided to popped by there a couple hours before the event to see what they had. I needed a Cinderella moment!

The store is always full of beautiful dresses, flowy things, and great accessories.

The latest pop-up is at 98 Ossington, half-way between Queen & Dundas, west side. They’ve got two racks of dresses for rent, and for $50 you can borrow a beauty for 3 days AND IT INCLUDES DRY CLEANING. Check out all the dresses here.

I wore this super cute Sea Shell dress by Blessed Are The Meek. The back is open making it fit really nice in the front, not too tight on the tatas. It’s super flowy and short making it the perfect dance number for a wee lil’ lady.

This is the intro price so if you have a summer full of weddings and garden parties, book now! Thanks A&J for making me feel like a qween!


Some fun stories coming up this week, 2 upcoming trips, a HUGE life change, some thoughts on mindfulness, being your best self, an upcoming workshop, AND a Kobo giveaway. I’ve been reading heaps since I got mine and love it, perfect for on the boat, in a hammock, or on a long drive (to the cottage!).

Here’s to a great week and sunshine all around!


Feeling Vine

Tonight we are heading up to the cottage because the boat is coming tomorrow! I can’t wait to get back out on my paddle board this weekend too. The weather calls for rain but I hope it’s only a little here and there, if at all.

I’m not driving here, in case you were worries, Snapchat flips videos snd I was safely in the passenger seat.

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Loving this new dress sent over by Sara Duke, it’s called the Tanner Dress. She’s a Canadian designer, check out her collection at sarasaraduke.com.

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This baby goat I posted from a shoot with 1188 last month is the single most popular piece of content I’ve ever published. EVER. It’s almost at 100K views! Baby animals for the win.

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This afternoon I’m speaking on a panel for TO Webfest at MaRs on College. You can check out the panel here! Thids is the 3rd annual T.O. WEBFEST, a three day festival w/ panels,  workshops, networkingscreenings, installations, awards, and events.

Ok, I’ve been working away at home and should really be out the door by now!

1-casie_yellowheart, love

National Wine Day + Montes Wine Giveaway

A couple weeks ago I hosted a fun night with some of my bffs thanks to Montes Wine where paired Chilean cuisine a few of Montes finest . To celebrate National Wine Day (yes, thats a real thing!) I’ve partnered with them to do a wine giveaway.

Montes Wine is from Chile and can be found at the LCBO. My fav from the tasting are Montes Twins Sauvignon Blanc 2015Montes Alpha Malbec 2o12, and the Montes Alpha Cab Sav 2013. I don’t usually drink white wine much but their Sauv Blanc was delicious.

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