CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Tech Toronto, ON

Review: AfterShokz – Trekz Air, Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

A few weeks ago I was looking for wireless headphones, I wanted something to wear to the gym but I wasn’t sure if I wanted noise cancelling or something else. There was a whole debate about what’s better on my Facebook page and I ended up ordering a pair of noise cancelling but they made everything…too quiet! I’m rarely in a situation where I want to silence everything, I feel safer when I can hear. I like to know what’s going on around me when I’m walking around outside, working out, or in transit.

Then something great happened! I got asked to review AfterShokz headphones with bone conduction technology in a program with PTPA. Over the next 4 months, I’ll be testing out the headphones in my daily life and sharing my experience. I was really keen to try how bone-conducting headphones work and the technology behind them.

First Impression

I can tell you right now that my first day I was pretty blown away. The cool thing is, since AfterShokz headphones don’t go IN your ear, you can still hear your music, a podcast, an emergency siren, or someone calling your name in the office. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m really quite into them, plus you can hardly notice when they’re on. [Don’t mind my hair it’s so wild right now!]

  • aftershokz, casiestewart, ptpa, review, tech, blogger
  • Product review of AfterShokz wireless headphones with bone conduction.
  • Product review of AfterShokz wireless headphones with bone conduction.

Comfort

Comfort is a big factor for me and these are small and lightweight, you can hardly feel you’re wearing them. I’m not that into earbuds, I’ve found most of them uncomfortable in the past. I feel like a bit of a dork telling you this but there’s been a few times I’ve had them on, forgot I was wearing them, then wondered where the music was coming from. Ha! They come with a handy carrying case for easy transport when you’re not wearing them but to be honest, you can wear them all the time with ease.

I love being able to hear what’s going on around me but also have a soundtrack to my life. 

Me on Day 1 w/ AfterShokz

How Does Bone Conduction Work?

The sound is a little bit hard to explain but I like it, it feels futuristic. You can turn up the volume so you hardly hear anything around you, or keep it low and be fully tuned in to your surroundings. They also come with ear plugs if you want a noise cancelling effect but I don’t think I’ll be using those.

According to Aftershokz:

“Bone conduction is a natural part of the hearing process—sound travels through our eardrums and bones simultaneously. We’ve taken the concept to the next level through development of a suite of proprietary audio technologies and design patents. The result: headphones that deliver unrivaled situational awareness and comfort.

via aftershokz.ca

In my next post, I’ll be sharing how they are for working out now that my shoulder is better. They repel sweat and I’m gonna put that to the test. I love that you can wear them cycling or running and still feel safe and alert to sounds around you. I also have a giveaway with a pair for a lucky reader so stay tuned for that! Any questions about the sound or bone conduction technology, leave a comment or Tweet me!

Follow #ShokzSquadCAN to see what the rest of the review team is saying. ?

casiestewart, blog, blogger, toronto, canada, travel, tech

Over the next 4 months, I'm reviewing AfterShokz headphones in a paid partnership with PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved). All opinions experiences are my own and I get to keep them!

 

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LIFE MOCA, Toronto

Happiness & The Benefits of Light Therapy

It’s a bit more work stay my sunshiney self during the winter. Today we had freezing rain that looks and feels like kosher salt. The last few weeks have involved a lot of staying inside and I wrote about a few ways to boost your mood here.

Today I had my first Light Therapy session at MOCA Toronto. It was cool! 

I was here for an hour today! Light Therapy at MOCA Toronto

Light Therapy is included with your museum membership unless there is a private session booked. I had purchased a membership because I thought it was only open to members. I booked weekly sessions for the next few weeks and today I found out I have the room ALL TO MYSELF for each one!

There’s a cafe on the first floor and drinks are permitted inside the installation. There’s parking across the street and coat check on the first floor.

If you are interested in coming to check it out, please let me know. I have the room booked weekly and can bring a few people each time. We can chat or you can do your own thing!

  • View out to Drake Commissary
  • Booklets to study
  • Wifi and outlets if you want to work.

What is Light Therapy?

Light therapy involves exposure to intensive light under controlled conditions. The installation is designed to simulate a bright, sunny day with LEDs generating 5,600 K of low Ultraviolet, full spectrum daylight-balanced light. Everything in the room is white and you’re encouraged to wear a lab coat and white shoe covers to maintain the brightness. I am very into the lab coat. Light therapy can help with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). In winter we lack vitamin D from the sun, our skin is dry, and sometimes, depression sets in. This installation is an experiment as part of the Art in Use project and Light Therapy is by Apolonija Šušteršič.

History of Light Therapy

Light Therapy was originally produced for the Moderna Museet in Sweden in 1999, to explore how contemporary museums function as a public space, and as a social or healing device. The project was restaged at the Van Abbemuseum, The Netherlands in 2014, where Apolonija began to also consider new forms of artistic practice that are socially engaged — those which involve people and communities in debate, collaboration or social interaction. In its third iteration at MOCA, we add to this developing research, thinking about how museums might be places that support wellbeing, and more recently as spaces that support mental health.

More on the MOCA Website

Why Light Therapy is great?

  • thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood
  • easing SAD symptoms
  • help with anxiety
  • help you sleep better
  • relaxation
Casie Stewart in the light therapy room at MOCA Toronto.

I can’t wait till MOCA is open this summer and the park is built outside. It’s nice having this in our back yard. if you’re interested to learn more about Light Therapy, check out this resource.

Sending you warm thoughts and please let me know if you want to join me here sometime.

Casie Stewart, signature, iPad Pro.
Not sponsored I bought my own membership!

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LIFE HOME SWEET HOME

Easy Ways to UP YOUR MOOD in Winter

Easy Ways to UP YOUR MOOD in Winter

I don’t know if I’ve ever spent so much time at home, inside the house, as I have the past month and during the Polar Vortex. Thankfully, today our upstairs patio door is no longer frozen shut but winter is far from over. Long winters like these are often hard to get through and the constant dull weather can really bring down your mood. If you’re feeling stir crazy or craving some something to boost your mood, here are a few things I like to do to make me feel happier when the SAD kicks in.

Home Spa

Love yourself and self-care your mood to a higher frequency with a little time, DIY beauty hacks, and products. You don’t need heaps of money or fancy stuff to pamper yourself like the queen you are. I love doing masks and usually get them from Shoppers. Also recommend checking out the beauty section of Winners, they almost always have a good selection at a great price. I got this set of metallic masks to nourish, brighten, and hydrate plus an applicator brush there the other day for $7! ?

casie stewart, pinterest

I Pinned a few DIY recipes with ingredients you probably have on hand here or scan the pin code in the Pinterest App. Make a quick body scrub by mixing your used coffee grounds with coconut oil. Or make a simple lip sugar scrub with and a combination of white/brown sugar plus olive oil/coconut oil/honey, with peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, or activated charcoal to brighten. My mum makes a GREAT, thick, face cream with marigold, frankincense from New Direction Aeromatics. I love it!

Mum has been making us this great cream the last couple years. It’s so thick and moisturizing with all natural incredients and aromatherapy oils.

Light Therapy

This helps to boost your mood, deal with SAD, and can (not an expert!) help depression. I have the Phillips Hue light system in my room that includes Hue Light Bulbs and Hue Go Lamp. I use them every single day and can set them to create the illusion of a warm spring morning or a summer sunset. I also created a custom setting to replicate natural light that makes everything seem sunnier during grey days. There’s a soft pink that’s really nice on sunny days. ??

Next week I start Light Therapy at MOCA Toronto not too far from home. It’s only available for members so bought a $50 individual membership and signed up for 1 session/week for the next 5 weeks. Can’t wait to see how it makes me feel.

Exposure to light is used as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), milder winter blues and sleep disorders caused by jet lag and overwork, or lack of daylight. Because it has no proven side effects and everyone can use it, light therapy can improve our busy lives and make us feel happier.

MOCA Website

More Plants

I am turning into a plant lady and I love it. I’ve always been connected to nature and I love being surrounded by lush green leaves. It makes me feel warm and they inspire creativity. Plants always brighten my day and there’s always room for one more. I wrote about some planty places in this post. ?

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    Urban Gardener on Dupont
  • Urban Gardener on Dupont
  • urban gardener, plants, planty places, toronto, casie stewart
    Urban Gardener on Dupont
  • Some of my plants!

Get A Glow

I absolutely love a sun-kissed glow but it’s a little hard to get naturally when you live in temperatures like Toronto winter. Obviously, vacation is the ideal situation but that’s not always an option.??? I’m a big fan of St. Tropez products, you can get them at Shoppers. beautyBOUTIQUE. I’ve been using this brand for years and use the products year round. My favourite for a nice bronze boost is the Classic Tan. For a slight glow on light skin try the Bronzing Water Mist. If you want a deeper tan, the Extra Dark will have you ready for the beach.

  • Bronzing Water Mist, light glow
  • Classic Bronzing Mousse, my fav.
  • Extra Dark Tan, this is what I use for vacation.

Exercise

Get ff the couch. Go outside. Do some situps. Make a Pinterest board of exercises you might do. Take a walk. I’m trying to learn to love the gym and am getting back into yoga after my shoulder injury. I have to woek at not letting things get in the way but I like how working out it makes me look and feel.

Exercise is good we all know this, but most of us (deff me) need a reminder to get in gear. You got this.

Organize

No really. Over the last month (with the help of the Marie Kondo documentary) I organized almost everything in the house and I feel good. I hardly ever show photos of our house because, to be honest, it’s not always spotless and until recently, there was stuff everywhere. I started with the pantry, moved to the kitchen drawers, closets, clothes, under the bed ( was hiding a lot of clothes here), and Emily’s room. We’re not 100% done but the ball is rolling. I find clutter clouds my brain and stresses me out. I am a recovering hoarder, I used to keep everything! I’m having less stuff is bringing me joy because everything has a place now and I can get to it with ease.

It might seem daunting at first but start with something small and go from there.

  • My newly organized and much smaller closet.
  • New organizing magazine. I can’t be stopped!
  • Next space I’m looking to renovate is the entryway.

Hope you find this useful or inspiring. I’m sending you sunshine thorough the internet!

46 days till spring! ??

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PLANTS Toronto, ON

Planty Places in Toronto

casie stewart, plants, planty places, toronto, blogger

Last night I went deep into a hole of finding and following Instagram accounts that are beautiful plants and planty places. Scrolling through Instagram content has become so much easier now that you can put multiple links in Instagram bio. I’m sure a lot of you at home will be desperate to do this too! Some were very easy to find because they had large followings on platforms like Instagram. Although, I did wonder if they had used Buzzoid.com to achieve such fantastic figures. Over the last month, I’ve really pared down everything I personally own and cleaned TF out of my bedroom, closet, and set up a new home office space. It’s been a lot of work, to say the least. I want to reward myself and bring life to the space with MORE PLANTS. This post is not sponsored I was just looking for some planty places in Toronto and I put them here because I found some really good stuff!

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Warm, beautiful, green, great spot to lift your spirits, take some photos, and make you forget it’s arctic outside. This place has a long history you can read about on toronto.ca. The have 2 Tropical Houses, a Cool Temperate House, Palm House, Tropical Landscape House and the Arid House which has unusual cacti and succulents. It’ open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days/year, with free admission, and is wheelchair accessible. Super cute for dates or BFF hangs. Afternoon sun is best.

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Daycation in Toronto

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I’m sure I’ve been there since this photo was taken on a cold day in November, 2011 for FAJO Magazine. I loved those Jeffrey Campbell shoes from Nasty Gal so much.

Fav old shoes. Don’t have anymore!

Plant World

THERE IS A PLANT SALE FOR ALL OF THIS MONTH. Saw this on FB and you can find more info here. Daily in February from 10am-6pm. They have a cute IG and this place is known for haveing a big selcection. I’m going. Bye.

plant world, planty places, plants, toronto, casie stewart, blogger
  • Location: 4000 Eglinton Avenue West, Etobicoke, M9A 4M2
  • Instagram: @PlantworldGC

Ontario Science Centre

Not just plants, a full-on rainforest ecosystem. The Living Earth exhibit is warm and damp like a jungle complete with a bridge and running water. We like to go on the weekend as a family. Ticket info and special exhibition details at ontariosciencecentre.ca. For access, you need to get a pass for the whole museum wich is $22 for adults, $13 for kids, and under 2 are free.

Dynasty

This store on Queen is so beautiful. It’s a fancy plant shop where you’ll find all kinds of beautiful indoor plants, big cacti, succulents, vintage pots, and planters. Expect boutique prices. Go in the mid-late afternoon to catch the sun coming in the front window.


  • Address: 1086 1/2 Queen St. West or new location 136 Avenue Road
  • Instagram: @dynastytoronto

Ottos Bierhalle

Across the street from Dynasty, on the ground floor of The Great Hall, you’ll find Ottos. Same cool peeps behind SoSo Food Club and the Mansion parties we used to hit. Expect lots of plants, beer, and really good food. Good people watching by the window but I suggest sitting under the plants and getting into the atmosphere. Lunch is M-F 12-5pm.

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2019 resolution? More plants ???

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Urban Gardener

This one is near my house, so I like to walk over (when I have a plant emergency haha). They have heaps of little succulents, small plants, and large ones. They also offer workshops, landscaping, and interiors. The owners Dave and Joe have been friends and worked together for nearly 20 years. Good selection of pots, soil, and gifty things. Prices are medium. Good photo ops.

  • urban gardener, plants, planty places, toronto, casie stewart
  • urban gardener, plants, planty places, toronto, casie stewart

Valleyview Gardens

I haven’t been here but I discovered them today and I want to go. It’s up in Markham and family owned since the 70’s. The likelihood of me driving there is looking slim right now but I’ll browse their beauty IG until it happens. The website has the current temp as 22 degrees and it looks lush & tropical. Let’s go!

I hope you enjoyed this list. If I’m missing a gorgeous green indoor garden somewhere please let me know! One of my goals this month is to spend more time in my space, around more plants, and make at least one macrame hangar. Crazy cool plant lady vibes all around. ?

If you want some inspiration here are a few posts from Instagram plant accounts/hashtags I discovered.

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LIFE HOME SWEET HOME

HIBERNATION STATION

This cold weather is so damn freezing it hurts. I’m thankful to work from home. Took Em to school, got groceries, turned up the heat, had an old school house music dance party w Sean. ❄️

Good thing about this weather is staying inside and working on yourself. Going through your notebooks, updating your website, fixing buttons, organizing your beauty products, cleaning boots, reading, taking an online course, or doing Kon Mari on every room, closet and drawer in your house. That has been my January. ???

If you put in the work and make the most of this cold/stay inside time, you‘ll feel lighter and accomplished.

There is no time like right now to make a change and shift your direction. 

I’m ready for February, love yourself! ???

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Travel San Francisco, California

5 Great Views in San Francisco

I originally wrote this post for Canadian Geographic after my press trip to SF last spring. Some good stuff in here and places I had no idea about until I went on a great afternoon tiki tour with a local friend. Scroll down for some fun SF moments and check out this post on Canadian Geographic with 5 great things to do in San Francisco.

I love San Francisco. The city is bright with lots of neighbourhoods to explore, each with a distinct look and history. There’s plenty of great spots to take in the city including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39, or the Coit Tower. SF is known for frequent fog so all views come with a recommendation for a clear sunny day. ☀️

There was a perfect rainbow when I arrived! View from my balcony at Hilton, Union Square

Here’s a few great views that weren’t in my first SF travel post!

Twin Peaks 

Here you’ll find a great 180 view of San Francisco from the centre of the city at an elevation of 922 ft. The hike takes about 45 minutes but the drive is only 10 min. I love the way the road and city and look from the top of the hill. You’ll notice the Sutro Tower in the middle of the hill (not pictured). I learned that it’s become ironically iconic and was once seen an eyesore but is now kind of, cool? Ha! There’s shirts, souvenirs, and a selection of sellers on Etsy with Sutro Tower merch. It reminds me of something from Aliens or War of the Worlds.

Museum of Ice Cream 

If you can get a ticket, the views here are like something you’d find in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Museum of Ice Cream is located near Union Square inside a former bank. Aside from learning worldly facts about the famous food, you’ll find incredibly cute backdrops for photos. The museum is 100% family friendly and encourages you check in as a kid at the door. They’re closed each Tuesday to re-paint and fix any of the fixtures throughout the interactive exhibit.  Small groups are taken through the museum giving you enought time to take photos and tast the treats. Check out ticket dates and availability here.

Cityscape, Hilton, Union Square

At the very top of the Hilton Union Square, on the 46th floor, you’ll find Cityscape, a 360 view of San Francisco. On a clear day, you can see everything from the bridge to Coit Tower, and across the bay. They offer a selection of SF inspired cocktails and open daily at 4:30. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you can pop in anytime for photos or to use the wifi.

Alamo Square 

You might not recognize the name but trust me, you know the view. Anyone who was a fan of Full House recognizes these houses from the opening credits. It was a childhood dream to visit this park! ‘Postcard Row’ is located at 710 to 720 Steiner Street across from Alamo Square. The best shot is at magic hour just as the sun sets in the west. I could almost heat hear Uncle Joey saying “cut it out!“.

Sutro Baths

This is the best place to see the sunset. The Sutro Baths are located at Lands End and opened to the public as the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment in 1896. The former mayor of SF and wealthy entrepreneur,  Adolf Sutro created the baths which burned down in 1966, amongst years of complications. There’s a path from the Cliff House down to the remaining ruins but you’ll want to check the weather and tides before walking down. It’s really magical here.

As I was updating this post I went through my photos from this trip and I would love to get back to SF. It’s such a beautiful city full of colour, great food, and stuff to do. There is also HEAPS of street art! I’ll get those photos rounded up into a nice gallery and share with some food recos.

Happy Friday!

With love,

Half of this trip was covered by San Francisco Tourism & Hilton SF, the rest was all me. Would 100% do it all again! 

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