This is My Life | Stop. Drop. Office. 

This is My Life | Stop. Drop. Office. 

It’s rare during the day that I leave the house without my computer (or at all during the cold months). This morning on my ride I stopped for a call that required some immediate internet support in the form of computer.  So, here I am sitting on Roncy, on a bench, computer on my lap, with bike and yoga mat.

Feeling quite grateful my life is weird and wonderful. Next stop home because I forgot my wallet then to a new office space, somewhere with coffee! 

If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.
Jim Rohn 

Here’s to a wonderful day! 

?☀️?✌CASIE

This is My Life | Brunch, Preloved 20th Anniversary, Drake

the drake skyyard, drake hotel, preloved 20th anniversary, casie stewart, toronto, blogger

Oh hello! Started the day with a preview of Toronto designer/store Preloved at the Drake Hotel with April. We hung out and had a long brunch in the cafe downstairs after.  It won’t be long till these warm days are gone so savouring every last moment possible. It’s quite warm today! 

the drake skyyard, drake hotel, preloved 20th anniversary, casie stewart, toronto, blogger

Have gotten a few compliments on this dress the last couple weeks, it’s from Forever 21! Crystal pendant (you can hardly see) was hand made by my friend Jodi (NeNeLu Handmade), I’ve been wearing it so much lately.

the drake skyyard, drake hotel, preloved 20th anniversary, casie stewart, toronto, blogger

Preloved used to have a shop across from Trinity Bellwoods park on Queen Street, this year they celebrate 20 years. Clothes are all upcycled with vintage material along with new fabric. They’ve also done collabs w/ Roots, Holt Renfrew, The Bay. There were lots of cozy items there today. I love wool sweaters, warm mits, super long socks. Shop the 20th Anniversary collection here.

the drake skyyard, drake hotel, preloved 20th anniversary, casie stewart, toronto, blogger

Have you heard this yet?

In other news, say hi to my mum and dad! I went to my hometown yesterday for a funeral, but on a positive note, got to hang out with these two awesome people and more. We were about to go our seperate ways when I had to stop-drop-selfie.

They’re getting pretty good at it after all these years. LOVE YOU MUM AND DAD.

the drake skyyard, drake hotel, preloved 20th anniversary, casie stewart, toronto, blogger

Hope you’ve having a great week. Get some of that sunshine on your face!

CASIE ☀️??✌️

Contest | Show Off That Brilliant Smile! Brush. Whiten. Go.™

Show Off That Brilliant Smile! Brush. Whiten. Go., Colgate Canada
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Colgate* Optic White™. All thoughts and ideas are my own. Thanks for supporting me and the brands I work with.
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If you know me, you know I smile a lot, heaps in fact. It’s a huge part of my life and I’m generally a pretty happy person. I’ve always been the one flashing her teeth around, spreading sunshine with a smile. ??? Having nice teeth started early with mum’s influence. In high school, I had braces and unlike other kids, loved going to the orthodontist for updates. Brilliant smile!

Skip ahead a few years after coffee, wine, age etc., keeping that smile bright is important.

Colgate contacted me a couple weeks ago about trying their new Colgate* Optic White™ Toothbrush + Whitening Pen and I was totally down to give it a go. (Tbh, I’d seen it on tv and wanted to try it already). Got one for Sean too.

I’ve been using the new Colgate* Optic White™ Toothbrush + Whitening Pen for about a week and it’s quick and easy. One thing to note is the whitening gel has a nice minty taste and won’t hurt your gums. Maybe you’ve considered getting your teeth whitened, but have yet to do so. If this is the case, you may find that visiting a Dentist in Healdsburg for example, could be the push you need to get you the smile you have always wanted. Anyway, I have sensitive teeth so I wanted to test this out before giving you my thoughts. This is a convenient and affordable way to get whiter teeth. Saying this though, if you have considered getting your teeth whitened professionally as you know that you won’t be able to be consistent while using this whitening pen, doing some research to find Dentist New York (if you live in New York) or somewhere closer to your location could finally get you on the right track to getting the smile you have always wanted.

If you’re a smoker and your teeth are yellowing, switching out the cigarettes for something like this Vape Starter Kit then whitening your teeth you’ll see much greater results.

Perfect for everyday use and easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Brush. Use your regular toothpaste. The toothbrush has specially designed polishing bristles and stain removers to help remove surface stains.
  2. Whiten. After brushing, apply whitening gel with whitening pen. It takes a few seconds to apply and adhere to teeth. No wait, no rinse.
  3. Go.™ Store pen inside brush.

Giveaway! Enter below for a chance to win for you and your BFF, no purchase necessary. Giveaway begins on Monday, Sept,. 21 and closes on Friday, Septemeber 25. Follow @CasieStewart on Twitter or Pinterest, follow @OpticWhite on Twitter. Enter the giveaway by tweeting about it, and tag @casiestewart and @opticwhite using the hashtag #giveaway. One entry per person, per email. Find official rules here.

I look forward to seeing your pearly whites!

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This is My Life | There’s Harmony in Autumn, and A Luster in it’s Sky

This is My Life | There’s Harmony in Autumn, and A Luster in it’s Sky

That’s a wrap on summer! Had a nice relaxing weekend at the cottage. Still a few weeks before we close the place up. The leaves have just started changing. It’s beautiful.

Yesterday Sean and I heard this crazy loud noise when we were out for  drive. It was Ontario Watercross Racing – snowmobile racing on water.  I didn’t know this was a thing!

They have to keep going at pretty fast speed to stay on top of the water. Saw  few go down and get pulled up from the bottom of the lake. The course includes going around a couple buoys then sliding back to the sand. It’s super fast. We watched a few runs and victory laps on the grass before heading home. They’re REALLLLLLY loud. (Sorry this is showing up so small!)

Picked up a few of these little guys . I love this time of year! I know I say that about every season but they each have their charm, they really do. Been thinking a fair bit about halloween and what costumes I want to go with this year.

Had a nice sunset cruise in the boat last night. Perfect way to close out summer at the cottage.

Have a pretty crazy adventure planned for next weekend at the cottage. A brand is sending two private planes to take some friends and I  and flying around Muskoka and to Port Carling. I’m excited. Will share more about that later.

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There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Here’s to a great week! ?✌️

CASIE

This is My Life | Hello Darling, Have a Wonderful Day! ??

casie stewart, blogger, toronto

Contest | Spread The Love: Reese Spreads French Toast Sandwich

Happy Friday! I don’t often blog about food but I made something reallllllly amazing for family breakfast at the cottage last weekend. Sharing with you today in case you’ve got someone you’d like to impress. My creation, Reese Peanut Butter Spread French Toast Sandwich! I used a pancake batter to lather a Reese sandwich made with white bread and then French toast it.

Reese contacted me and asked if I’d tried their latest new product.  As it turns out, I had JUST created this. It’s quick and easy (not so healthy) breakfast! YOLO!

Reese Spreads French Toast Sandwich

You’ll need:

  • Reese Spreads
  • Bread
  • Butter
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup Flour
  • 1 tbl spoon Sugar
  • q1 tbl spoon Cinnamon
  • 1 tbl spoon Baking powder
  • Maple Syrup – as much as you want!
  • Strawberries & whipped cream to top it off

  1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Put some butter on there.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder. Whisk it.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the milk, egg. Whisk again.
  4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined but still slightly lumpy.
  5. Put Reese spread on bread into a sandwich. Make 4-6.
  6. Dip each sandwich in batter and put on the grill.
  7. Flip after 3 min or until fully cooked. Should be a bit brown. Add more butter to pan if necessary.
  8. Set aside or on a warm plate until they’re all ready.
  9. Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit, as desired.
  10. Add bacon on the side!

To make all your Reese peanut butter and chocolate dreams come true, they’ve included a prize pack worth $100 for you. Simply enter below and I’ll pick a random winner next week. For more recipe ideas visit the Hershey website or find Reese on Facebook. If you end up making this PLEASE tweet me a photo. Or invite me over…. ?!

Have a wonderful weekend!

CASIE

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Contest | TIFF ’15 Win A Celebrity Gift Bag from the #NKPRIT15 Lounge

Last week I visited the NKPR IT Lounge at the TIFF bell Lightbox. This lounge, hosted by NKPR, celebrates it’s 10th year and brings together an array of great products and sponsors, to offer gifts to celebrities in town for the festival.

I was very Ellen Degeneres/Justin Bieber when I visited. haha. 

Celebrating 10 and 40 years respectively, NKPR’s highly sought-after IT Lounge and the Toronto International Film Festival will officially partner for the first time – a coming together of the decades – to create an exclusive anniversary Festival experience at TIFF. … In 2006, NKPR’s IT Lounge was the first gifting suite in North America to bring cause to the forefront. This tradition of giving back continues, and in 2015 a donation will be made to Artists for Peace and Justice for every celebrity who sits for a portrait.

Since Last Week An Array of Celebrities Rolled Through

 

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What’s in the NKPR It Lounge Swag Bag?

 

The winner will receive premium festival treats below, plus extras including an eOne DVD collection of popular films from previous TIFF years.

  • – Racinne Lady I Messaging Rejuvenation System $69.99
  • – Saje Natural Wellness Pocket Pharmacy $59.95
  • – OGX Beauty Organix Sea Mineral Moisture Surge Treatment $14.50
  • – Case of Flow water
  • – BottleGreen Sparkling Elderflower Water
  • – David’s Tea – Pumpkin Chai
  • – Barilla Pasta
  • – CROSS Pen
  • – Square One – $50 Gift Card
  • – Festival Hair Essentials Pack from Goody valued at $50
  • – Fuzz Wax Bar – 1 free service
  • – Tom Tailor Canvas Bag

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Enter to Win an The NKPR IT Lounge Celebrity Swag Bag

 

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For an EXTRA entry retweet this tweet and comment on this Facebook post. Each one will get you another entry and increase your chances of winning the mega prize. Open to anyone in Canada. Sorry Americano & overseas friends!  Contest closes in one week. Happy TIFF! [symple_button url=”https://twitter.com/casiestewart/status/644591564740796416″ color=”black” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”self” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]RT This Tweet[/symple_button] [symple_button url=”https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156011417920207&set=a.10150200105415207.437413.501625206&type=1&theater” color=”black” size=”default” border_radius=”3px” target=”self” rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=””]Comment on This Post[/symple_button]

????CASIE

Events | The Lowdown on the The Flat White At Second Cup

Events | The Lowdown on the The Flat White At Second Cup

Last week I was invited to hang out at Second Cup on King and learn about how to make the perfect Flat White. The flat white is a fav in Australia and New Zealand, something I’m very familiar with!  When I lived in Australia, each morning I’d ride my bike over to the Le Paris Go cafe in Bondi Beach and get a flat white to start my day. I’m so glad it’s made it’s way to Canada!

second cup flat white now available in canada

Nicole from She Does the City, me, Wendy from Hip Urban Girl, Nicole from Dainty Girl

The girls and I sat down at the coffee bar with Second Cup’s in-house coffee expert and curator Pat Russell, Senior Product Developer. Pat has been with Second Cup since 1996, so he REALLY knows his stuff.

The flat white is known for its smooth texture which highlights the true taste of the espresso, without any bitterness or excess of milk. It features a double shot of Second Cup’s rich Espresso Forte, velvety steamed milk, and a thin layer of micro-foam. I prefer a flat white over a latte because it has less milk.  (I had a lactose allergy growing up so I try to do have too much milk these days.) If you’re not a milk drinker, you can request your flat white be made with almond or soy milk for a bit of added sweetness and nutty flavour.  Another thing to note is the Flat White is only available in one size – an 8oz/250 ml cup – this is to preserve the proper ratio of espresso to milk.

How a Flat White is Different than Other Coffee Drinks
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I invite you to switch up your coffee routine and try a Second Cup Flat White yourself. In other news, from September 1-30, 2015, Second Cup Rewards members earn 5x points on all Flat Whites. If you buy 3 Flat Whites, you earn enough points to get one free! Sign up here.

Find Second Cup TwitterFacebook and Instagram or check out their website for exclusive offers and product information. Share your thoughts on the new Flat White w/ hashtag #SCFlatWhite, love to know your thoughts!

☕️? CASIE

* Post sponsored by Second Cup Coffee Co.
See other posts tagged Second Cup here!

TIFF | Premiere of ‘The Meddler’ & Festival Music House  

TIFF | Premiere of ‘The Meddler’ & Festival Music House  

Yesterday I went to the premiere of The Meddler starring Susan Sarandon, JK Simmons, and Rose Bryne. It was so good, laughed, cried. Great movie to take your mum to when it comes out in theatres in a few weeks. 

  

   
Later I the day I saw Brave Shores, Allie X, and Dear Rouge at Festival Music House. Allie X was amazing. I’m in love now. 

  
Finished the night off at a new spot called CANDYLAND for the world premiere party of GUILTY. I was really excited to check it out because 1) it’s not open to the public yet 2) they have circus style performers (apparently) and cirque-type acts. It was ok. Kinda disappointed tbh. Will give them another chance though! 

In other news, I’m pooped. After tonight’s event I’m ready to hibernate for winter. ?

? CASIE

This is My Life | Why Does Monday Suck Though?

This is My Life | Why Does Monday Suck Though?

‘Mondays are fine, you hate your job’

Years ago I worked as a tech recruiter in the financial district. We had a team meeting each morning at 8am. Thus meaning I would leave the house each day at 7:30am, dressed in a business type suit, with my briefcase style bag, Lenovo Thinkpad computer (it was 2008), and head down to Bay Street.  Around the 1-year mark on a Monday just before lunch, my boss pulled me into his office and said ‘Case, what’s wrong, you don’t seem your happy self?’

It was true. I wasn’t feeling it.  I didn’t want to do this job anymore.  I thought about quitting but I didn’t have much money and being lay off and getting two weeks would be much better. So, I toughed it out and kept going in for those early mornings. At this point, since my boss brought it up, I came out and said ‘I don’t wanna work here anymore’. He told me he knew and it was ok. we talked it out and I cleaned out my desk after lunch. They gave me 2 weeks pay and I never looked back.

If you have going into work on Monday morning, BE THE CHANGE. Do something about it. There are heaps of new jobs in new industries being created each and every single day. or, if you’re not ready to leave your job, spend the weekend working on your hobby so you’ve got something exciting to think about. Work to make THAT your job.

I work pretty much every single day, often less on weekends but sometimes more! Doing something I love means it doesn’t always feel like work. I mean sometimes I don’t feel like it but most the time I do. We only live once so don’t spent weeks, months, years doing things you don’t wanna do. There’s no sense starting each week with a ‘wahhh wahh’ attitude.

Change your attitude, change your life

Here’s to a great week and a few more warm days to finish off the summer. Put a smile on your face today and flash it around!

?☀️? CASIE