It’s amazing how much you forget how to take the subway when you haven’t in a while. This morning I went from Dundas West to Summerhill and somehow made three mistakes along the way, wrong stop, wrong way, wrong side. 

What a n00b! I’m nearly done my book on Kobo so I guess that’s the real reason. 

I use do take the subway to work at my first job in Toronto. About an hour each way from Broadview to Yorkdale. It was worth it because I wanted to work in fashion SO BAD and this was my foot in the door at a really big private retail company. 

It’s so weird when you catch eyes with someone on the subway. Quick, look away. 

Typing on my phone is a great way to stay entertained. Almost done my coffee but I’m here now. Took way longer than I expected. Should have taken an Uber. It’s not as close to the subway stop as I thought, I really screwed up these directions but it’s pretty nice out today. ☀️

Growing up I spent heaps of time at the library with mum. Each summer we joined the Summer Reading Club and went back and forth to the Preston Branch carrying books in the wagon, the stroller, or homemade bookbags. Mrs. Macdonald, the librarian, was a familiar part of our lives and helped us learn to love books and reading.

Since joining the internet, I’ve read less books, well, I’d say less books overall since college/uni. This year I set a goal to read more books, scroll less websites. So far I’ve not done too bad! Last week I started a 7-day reading challenge with Kobo to discover the joy of e-reading.

The new Kobo Glo HD is the latest eReader, it’s 6″ screen is super clear and reads just like paper. There’s 4GB of storage which is a LOT of books. Up to 3K!

This is my first time with an e-reader and I really like it. I find it much easier to read on this device than phone or iPad due to the screen (Carta E Ink). You can also customize the light, font, and margins to personalize your experience.

Next week I’ve got a GIVEAWAY for a Kobo Glo HD so we can be twins. If you’re keen to get reading before I then, DL the Kobo app on any device (with this link) and get a $5 credit towards your first purchase.

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Things I like most about my new Kobo:

• – It’s SUPER light, nothing like carrying around a few novels ?
• – Fits in a small purse or the pocket of my trench coat
• – Battery lasts ages
• – You can read in the sun, no glare! ☀️
• – The Kobo app has so many books and recommendations, all you need is wifi ?

This weekend I started YOU by Carolyn Kepnes, the same author of Hidden Bodies I read earlier this year. It’s a real page turner, I’m on chapter 28 now. ?

Grab a $5 @kobo credit at https://t.co/ZzII9tXPg5. Currently in the #kobo7 reading challenge! Been reading all day ? pic.twitter.com/kSQ4MePn9H

— CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) May 14, 2016

If you’ve not switched to paperless bills from Toronto Hydro, here’s a good reason, aside from saving the environment and giving yourself a little less clutter each month. I dunno about you but we seem to have piles of paper that accumulate around the house, one less bill would be nice. If you need more storage for your clutter, office monster has a full pedestal range in a selection of styles.

Right now, if you switch to paperless bills with Toronto Hydro you’ll get an EnviroCare package delivered and be entered for a chance to WIN a National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures tour for two to the Rocky Mountains, valued at $9,300. This trip includes flight, accommodation, and activities for 11 days!

Switch to eBills before June 30, 2016 to be entered!
SIGN UP HERE ?? torontohydro.com/signup

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The thing I like best about this is getting rid of clutter. It boggles my mind how many things I accumulate each month week. I feel like I’m forever chucking things in the bin and an attempt to get rid of clutter.

For more info about switching or full prize details, visit torontohydro.com.

Three cheers for less clutter & saving the environment!

A couple of weeks ago I sent a jokey tweet to Endy (a Canadian mattress company) asking them to be my friendy, cute right? I was hoping it would be the start of a beautiful friendship where we got a new mattress and then had better sleeps forever. The end. Well, that’s exactly what happened! Sean and I have been looking through the best mattresses 2020 and contemplating whether or not we should get a new mattress. If you are in a similar position, The Dozy Owl has more info on buying a mattress for those interested. The process of finding the perfect mattress can be quite difficult if you don’t have time to head to the store to test them for yourself. Sites like Mattress Battle can remove some of the stress by supplying you with comparisons and reviews of the best mattresses so that you can make an informed decision. After checking out Endy, Sean said ‘why don’t you tweet them’ and that’s how it all started. A couple of days later I received an email from them and worked out a dealio.

Working with brands via social can be really fun. When I’m looking to get the attention of someone, I often reach out via tweet or slide into their DMs. Building relationships with brands or influencers is a lot easier if you keep an eye on what they’re up so, and start out with a compliment or nice message instead of asking for something right away.

Endy is manufactured in Toronto, compressed and rolled into an easy to move box, then delivered to your door (by bike if you’re downtown!).

@EndySleep hi Endy, be my friendy? ???? #LoveSleep

— CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) March 22, 2016

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Last week my BFFs and I celebrated Jen’s birthday with a wine tasting thanks to Montes Wine.  Montes was founded  in 1987 and is the the pioneer producer of premium quality Chilean wines. Our night started with an informal tasting with a totally awesome sommelier, Lesley Prevost, followed by a delicious selection of Chilean catering.

Learning heaps from @purplelips! She’s awesome. TY @MontesWines! pic.twitter.com/NPODF26IkL

— CASIE STEWART (@casiestewart) April 26, 2016

We were treated to four of their premium wines you can now find at the LCBO:

• Montes Twins Sauvignon Blanc 2015
• Montes Twins Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
• Montes Alpha Malbec 2o12
• Montes Alpha Cab Sav 2013

We all really enjoyed the Sauv Blanc, it was light and fruity, with nodes of tropical fruits pineapple, grapefruit and orange blossom. I could deff see myself drinking this all summer. I think it would be really nice w/with some fruit/Perrier on ice.

I really enjoyed the Malbec/Cab Sav blend, it has 14% alcohol and low acid (good for me with acid reflux ? ). The other two reds pair really well with meat & cheese.

Look at those angelic faces, Montes Angels! 

Nice discussion over these two. ??#MontesAngel pic.twitter.com/nDfFgBhJki

— CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) April 27, 2016

If you’re looking to try something new at the LCBO (and love Chilean wine), give Montes Wines a try. They’ve also got a carmenère at the LCBO I’d like to pair with a nice BBQ at the cottage. Spring, get here alreadyyyyy! 

Later this month I’ve got a giveaway with Montes Wine that’s open to anyone in Ontario. Will let you know when it’s live! 

Last weekend I spent heaps of time outside doing stuff and today my allergies kicked in. HELLOOOOO MONDAY! I also think I have glass in my foot. I feel like I’m on extended digital detox since Costa Rica. Today I return the Ford Edge, it’s been so great having my own car. Just love getting up and hitting the road! My goal this week is to spend heaps of time writing my blog.

I quite like Monday, it’s an opportunity to hustle hard, do your best work and take it a bit easier each day till the weekend.

Here’s to a great week! 

Title quote is a short poem, by  Thomas Tusser