CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
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The Perfect Summer Road Trip #SummerCovered

The Perfect Summer Road Trip #SummerCovered

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road with your BFFs and ditch the concrete jungle. You may already be in the process of looking at a Christchurch motorhome hire company to plan your trip to New Zealand, or maybe a road trip to California is something that you’d all agreed on. Either way, planning your trip is essential. I love packing up the car and heading up north, to Montreal, or across the border. Next time, I might plan on investing in an RV instead of driving. It’s just so I can have a different experience and I’d be with my best friends, so it’d be hard not to have fun! If you are like me and are considering going on a road trip in this fashion, seeing as I was recommended to check out sites such as good sam ESP here, I’m now offering my knowledge to you guys too!

I’ve had some pretty epic road trips over the years! However, I’ve never been on a road trip in an RV, which is something that has been reccommended to me on many occasions. I know that Texas has outstanding rv routes, so this would probably be my desired road trip of choice.

Once a couple friends and I drove to Austin, Texas for SXSW and another time we drove and sang our way to Chicago. Another one of my favs was a road trip to Montreal, so great in the summer!

There’s always a few things I make sure to stock up on before hitting the road and you can find them all at Shoppers Drug Mart. This is my second post in partnership with Shoppers, your one-stop spot before you hit the open road for a summer road trip. Did someone say snacks?

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SUMMER ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS:

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Snacks are KEY to long (or short) road trips! I like having a mixture of salty and sweet. Let me tell you I could down a bag of Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn before leaving the driveway, it’s delicious! This PC dark chocolate will last you from start to finish, and if you don’t eat the whole thing on the car ride you can use this bitter-sweet bar in baking.

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I prefer cruising with the windows down, feeling the wind in my hair vs. AC and windows up. However, this means you’re gonna get sweaty, electrolytes in Gatorade will keep you hydrated for the long ride. On that note, pack Lady Speed Stick in your purse, it won’t leave a residue and gives you 48-hour protection.

I also recommend packing some wipes that can be used for cleaning up messy hands, spills, or wiping off makeup. All that’s left to to do now is top up on gas, map your route, put on a playlist, and GO.

Take note, when you visit Shoppers between June 20th – July 17th and spend $10 or more using your Optimum card, you’ll receive a PIN card. Simply enter the PIN code at shoppersdrugmart.ca/summercontest for a chance to win 1 of 5 Prizes of $5,000. Now that’ll make a super sweet road trip! Car upgrade anyone?

Once you’ve stocked up on all the goods you’ll ready to hit the open road. Heading to the cottage? Check out my post on cottage essentials here. For more products and to find your closest SDM, visit shoppersdrugmart.ca/funinthesun. Safe travels!

<3 CASIE

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LIFE

Beach Volleyball @ Pan Am Games 2015

Beach Volleyball @ Pan Am Games 2015

This morning Hann and I went to a beach volleyball match at Pan Am Park. I’ve never been to a Pan Am (or Olympic) event so it was pretty neat to take the stands and get in on the action.

The park is massive and takes up the whole Exibition Place parking lot. I imagine it gets pretty happening later in the day. The activations inside were just getting set up when we walked in.   
 
Argentina took on Cuba and the girls were awesome. The last time I played volleyball was probably in grade 6 and I’ve not played since. Was really impressive to see them pound the ball and dive right into the sand.  They’re super fit! 
  

    
Thanks Chevrolet Canada and Klout for the tickets. I was given them last week along with tickets to the opening ceremony. 


Worth checking out the park while the games are on. You can sit on Muskoka chairs and watch the games on a massive screen. I recommend taking TTC or an Uber, parking was $30! 😂
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

CASIE

 

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Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck – Find it, Win Things, Have an Ice Cream!

Vaughan Mills Fashion Truck – Find it, Win Things, Have an Ice Cream!

Last week I popped out to Vaughan Mills to do some shopping and mentioned an upcoming project. Well, the cat’s outta the bag, I’ve been chosen as a Toronto style-maker and picked an outfit go on tour around Toronto this week from July 13th-19th.

Inside you’ll find a selection of outfits pulled together by Toronto influencers. You also have the opportunity to win 1 of 5 prizes picked by us valued at $250 or a Vaughan Mills gift card. Share your fav pick from inside the truck and make sure to share #treattheheat + tag @Vaughan_Mills (AND ME!) in your post.


My outfit:

  • Hat – hr2 Holt Renfrew
  • Dress – AX Armani Exchange
  • Necklace, glasses – H&M
  • Shoes – Le Chateau

The Vaughan Mills ‘Jam Van’ can be found at the following locations:

  • July 15th – Yonge and Dundas, Liberty St. and Dufferin St
  • July 16th – Queen St. W and Soho St.,  City Place
  • July 17th – Queen St. W and Soho St., Church St. and Carlton St
  • July 18th – Woodbine Park, Queen St. W and Soho
  • July 19th – John St. and Front St. W, Trinity Bellwoods Park

This week is REALLT hot so if you see the truck, walk up and grab yourself an ice cream.

See you in the park!

<3 CASIE

 

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The Perfect Cottage Weekend #SummerCovered

The Perfect Cottage Weekend #SummerCovered

If you’re new here or you’ve been around the blog for a while, you’ll be well aware just how much I love to cottage. I like spending weekends in Muskoka, on the dock, on the boat, tanning, floating, or cooking up a big feast for our guests. I’ve partnered with Shoppers Drug Mart to share a few of my cottage weekend essentials.

One of the neat things about this post, my next post about The Perfect Summer Road Trip and working with Shoppers Drug Mart is, I’m truly an expert in their products. I used to work at Shoppers in my hometown! I spent the better part of evenings and weekends behind the cosmetics counter during college.

Ok, now onto a few items to make..

THE PERFECT COTTAGE WEEKEND:

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A long day in the sun can be really draining, it’s hard work being cottage fabulous! It’s really important to make sure you stay hydrated, drink lots of water, and ALWAYS wear sunscreen. Even if it’s not sunny! I like this Neutrogena product because it’s dry and not greasy. I keep this Dove antiperspirant in the shared bathroom because aside from smelling nice, the spray means any of our guests can have a little spritz should they need it. Wink, wink.

I recommend wearing this bug spray with deet in the daytime, not just at night. Those little mosquitos (aka mozzies!) have no limits. They’ll nip your ankles and arms no matter WHAT time of day. For some reason they love me and I always start the summer with heaps of bites (like right now, so itchy!). If you’re an allergy sufferer, take a caplet before you get to the cottage so your defences are up, you don’t want anything ruining your relaxing weekend.

After a day in the sun boating, swimming, tanning, take care of your skin by applying this super soothing lotion. Oatmeal and shea butter will leave your skin felling soft and smelling lovely.

I really love sitting on the dock and watching the stars long after sunset. Roasting marshmallows is a cottage tradition along with making s’mores. The PC S’mores Bites are a delicious before you break out the President’s Choice s’mores kit.

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Other items I recommend packing include a nice big sun-hat, a good book, towel, and bathing suit. Also, don’t forget sunnies, I usually pack  few different pairs for selfies. You now me, ha! 🙂

If you’re heading to the cottage, Shoppers Drug Mart is a one-stop shop to get almost everything you need for a great weekend. You can also pick up a bunch of things for your host if you’re staying at someone else’s cottage.

When you visit Shoppers between June 20th – July 17th and spend $10 or more using your Optimum card, you’ll receive a PIN card. Enter the PIN code  at shoppersdrugmart.ca/summercontest for a chance to win 1 of 5 Prizes of $5,000. Trust me, $5,000 will reallllllly make it a perfect cottage weekend!

Thanks Shoppers for stocking me up and to find more great products and summer inspiration visit shoppersdrugmart.ca/funinthesun. Here’s to happy cottaging!

<3 CASIE

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Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival + Schick Hydro Hotel

Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival + Schick Hydro Hotel

I recently went to the Food and Wine Festival at Sugar Beach, it was my first time there! It was such a beautiful day! At the festival I stopped by the Schick Hydro Silk Hotel for a relaxing break.

Sugar Beach has really cute pink umbrellas.

Fish taco + lobster poutine. So good.

From June to August, the Schick Hydro Silk Hotel will be travelling to different festivals in Canada, at the hotel you can  drop by to get yourself a sample of Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor and Hawaiian Tropic after sun moisturizer or get a chance to spend some time in the Schick Hydro Silk Hotel, where you can relax, have some water, charge your phone, or even have a massage.

In order to receive a sample of the new Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor, Hawaiian Tropic After Sun moisturizer, and Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen, people are asked to snap a photo with the bushes from the commercial (get it? haha!). You may have seen it on tv. I picked the heart one of course.

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Hooked up w/ samples and a massage. I’m always down for a massage!

 

The Schick Hydro Silk Hotel will be at the following locations across Canada this summer.  For your chance to win a trip for 2 worth of $5,000 or 1 of 6 $500 prepaid credit cards visit hydrosilkhotel.ca.

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Thanks Schick Hydro for event tickets, samples, the charge-up, and massage!

As an avid traveller, getting ready for vacation is one of the skills I’ve got done to a science.  Here’s a few items I keep in my summer travel bag or tucked away in my purse to help me look and feel fresh. Everything is small and compact, just what you need when you’re on the go from one destination to the another. A refresher kit of my own 🙂

  • Eye makeup remover wipes
  • Hair elastics
  • Bobby pins
  • Nude eyeshadow
  • Benefit They’re Real Mascara
  • Tinted BB Cream
  • Bronzer
  • Water mist
  • + newly added to the list, a Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle!

<3 CASIE

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Disclosure: I worked in collaboration with Hydro Silk and received products and/or compensation as part of my participation; however, all opinions expressed are entirely mine, of course.

 

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Fashion

Today in #Toronto: Tattoos, Water, Wine, Bikes, Blue Skies

Today in #Toronto: Tattoos, Water, Wine, Bikes, Blue Skies

Out on my bike this morning to put on a basket before hitting the road. I’ve got 2 things on today:

Other than that, the day is mine! Gonna bike around and see what I can find.  Took a look at the new-ish street art under the bridge on Bloor at Dundas. It was all done a couple weeks ago and worth checking out. A bunch of Toronto artists’ work to see.


Went on lock up and found my Schwinn Twinn! In case you missed it this week, I’ve been welcomed to the Schwinn Team as an official ambassador. They hooked me up with a sweet bike! Picked this one out, it suits me, good for cruising the city and just needs that basket.

Bike selfie is dangerous but I’ve got it locked down.


The city workers were taking down all the street art near the new Union Pearson Express station at Bloor-Dundas. I asked what was happening to it all and GO was giving some away but decided to keep it all.

I would have dragged this one home and taken it to the cottage.


I’ve been writing this while circling the Dollar Store for zip ties and now I’m gonna go riding.

The PanAm Opening Ceremony last night was really neat. Loved watching all the athletes walk in. I posed a bunch of photos etc on twitter.com/casiestewart.

Have an awesome day!

CASIE ??

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#OfftotheRaces: The Queen’s Plate 2015 at Woodbine Racetrack

Last weekend I took Carla to Woodbine Racetrack for her very first Queen's Plate.

Last weekend I took Carla to Woodbine Racetrack for her very first Queen’s Plate. In case you missed my post about it last week, the Queen’s Plate is the oldest continuously run race in North America and Canada‘s oldest thoroughbred horse race, having been founded in 1860. (Wiki).

We attended the Hats & Horseshoes party and dressed according to the ReThink at the Races theme in black and white. My dress is an oldie from JacFlash that has a cape and I absolutely love it. It’s that LBD I can always count on when I need to throw on a dress and feel fabulous.  (LBD = Little  Black Dress)

 

Picked up my hat at Winners while in Ottawa with Mum last week. Bag is Betsy Johnson, shoes Nasty Gal – Shoe Cult, necklace is vintage silver from Tiffany’s (Sean got me me a couple years ago). Glasses are from Polette Eyewear in France.

These mirror men were awesome.

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It was the perfect day to be outside in the sunshine.  Felt like I was wearing a disguise hiding under my huge hat and glasses. It was great!

Thought this was a funny moment. Once we arrived and did a tour we took a break to tweet about it. We did ACTUALLY talk to each other.

 

 

Caught up with Vanessa and the KP Squad.

I decided to take my chances and bet on a whole bunch or horses for the Queen’s Plate. Unfortunately, I didn’t pick the RIGHT ONE. I’m learning to bet as I go here. The winner was Shaman Ghost by one and one-quarter lengths.

I’ll be at all the big races for the rest of the season through a partnership with Woodbine Racetrack. Hope I pick a big winner at least ONCE. I did win $10 which is better than nothing. 🙂


 

Carla and I were sitting beside this lovely lady and made friends. This was her first selfie ever.

Did you snap a selfie? Woodbine is hosting a selfie contest where you can win a $1,000 gift card. It’s easy to enter, take a selfie with the racetrack in the background, post to Twitter or Instagram with #OfftotheRaces and you’re entered. Winner will be announed end of season.

If you took a photo on the red carpet you can find it on the Woodbine Racetrack Facebook page here.

Thanks Woodbine for the fun and Carla for being such a great date.

The next big race is the Ricoh Woodbine Mile on Sunday September 13th at 1pm. Find more information about all the races and what’s happening at Woodbine at woodbineentertainment.com.

Bon weekend!

CASIE

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After 5 Years, We’re Taking Our Relationship Next Level…

After 5 Years, We’re Taking Our Relationship Next Level…

It’s with great pride I announce my official Ambassadorship with Telus! 

Over the past five years I’ve worked with Telus on a number of things (see here) and they’ve helped me out with service, covered roaming, and been there every single time I’ve lost/destroyed my phone.  This week they announced #TeamTelus, 15 hand selected bloggers from across the country.

“The Team TELUS line up stars 15 awesome, interesting, smart, creative, down-to-earth, caring and stylish personalities from across the country. To recognize Team TELUS for their support, we are providing them with mobile (and in B.C. and Alberta, Optik TV) service, devices, VIP access to events and reader giveaways.”

Read more about TeamTelus here and get to know the rest of the group!

Tonight we’re all celebrating our awesomeness at TELUS HQ in Toronto. Earlier today a couple of my Telus peeps showed up with a HUGE box of goodies to welcome me to the team.

My welcome box was picked specially for me and includes a few things they knew I’d love including a new Ted Baker iPhone case (my brands are colliding!), Kate Spade portable charger (fashion + tech together), selfie stick (obvious one there!), a gold Shine fitness/sleep tracker (wearables!), a Bluetooth speaker, chocolates, and a Shoppers gift card. 

I’m really happy to make it official after working together since 2010. My first EVER mobile phone was with Telus back in the 90’s when they were Clearnet. I’m excited to see what fun adventures and things I’ll be covering with the team this year. Check out the rest of TEAM TELUS here.

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

CASIE

 

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What a Day! Scavenger Hunt, Set Life, Zoo, and Shoes!

What a Day! Scavenger Hunt, Set Life, Zoo, and Shoes!

Started the yesterday meeting up with the #EskaQuest team in St. Lawrence Market. It was the first of my 2 giveaways with Eska Water. Read more about those here and follow @eska_water for clues. Saturday’s giveaway is for a $300 gift card for Stillwater Spa. Hellooooo!

There were a few people waiting to meet me in order to win. ME! We had fun. Look at how cheezy I am in this photo, LOVE IT.

Spent the afternoon working on an 1188 production. This is a RED Camera, fancy.

Lauren, Steve, and I were extras on set.

Years ago I spent an entire summer on set for a movie with my sister. We has heaps of fun and made tons of friends. I wrote about it not too long ago here: #TBT Diary of a Background Performer.

I arrived back at the office to a super nice delivery from Nike Canada, NEW SHOES! The Nike Free Cross Bionic 2 is new in Canada and I’m looking forward to hitting the pavement with these guys tomorrow. This shoe is ultra-flexible, with breathable mesh upper and Flywire cables for dynamic support.  Yes, I run, but I don’t tell the whole free world every single time.

I picked EmBot up from school for a girl date last night. We ate McDonald’s, ice cream, and went to the zoo. WILD TIMES. One of the zoo volunteers let us feed vegetables to the animals.

 

We were both especially fond of the peacock.


Hope you’re having a great week. I’M READY FOR THE WEEEEEEEEKEND!

<33333333 CASIE

 

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TD Canada + MusiCounts + Serena Ryder in Ottawa

TD Canada + MusiCounts + Serena Ryder in Ottawa

Last weekend mum and I went on a trip to Ottawa. I was invited by TD Canada & TD Music to bring a guest to see Serena Ryder and attend a special ceremony where TD Cafe & MusicCounts made a music announcement. It has been a loooooong time since mum and I went on a plane together (NZ in the 90’s) so we made the most of every moment and it was so much fun.

We flew Porter Airlines which involves taking the worlds shortest commercial ferry to the island. It’s a wonderful flying experience!

MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) to help keep music alive in schools across Canada.

TD Canada has been working with MusicCounts since 2012. They support Community based organizations, schools, and picka  MuciCounts teacher of the year. This year’s winner was Steve Sainas from BC and he received the award at the JUNOS.

TD Canada has worked with some great Canadian artists through MusiCounts including Arkells, Kevin Drew, and Tegan & Sarah. They’re excited to add Serena Ryder to the mix.  WThey also work w/ the JUNOS team to partner with artists.

TD Canada is committed to music as an organization with a genuine interest in music and communities. They’re not just a cheque signing bank, they actually follow through and make communities better.

Serena made a $25K donation to Musicounts.ca! These kids were SO EXCITED to hear the donation news, receive violins, and to find out they were performing on stage WITH Serena Ryder herself. It was a magical moment. 

The concert was at TD Place in the new Lansdowne Centre and was opened by The Strumbellas. They were amazing. The 6 piece band rocked the house.

Saw this sweet rat rod outside. My dad is a hot rod builder so I had to snap it and send him a pic.

The Serena Ryder concert was so much fun. Mum and I sang along and loved every minute of it.

After the show we went to the hotel bar at the Weston where we were staying and not 5 minutes after we sat down Serena walked in. She was with bunch of friends and I didn’t want to be a fan girl so no selfie this time but it was neat to be at the same place.

TD Canada + MusiCounts + Serena Ryder in Ottawa

For more info on TD’s involvement with music and music festivals in Canada visit tdmusic.com. Learn more about MusiCounts program at musicounts.ca.  They’re got some exciting things coming up including involvement in 70 festivals across Canada and next year at the Junos they plan to ‘paint Calgary green’. I heard they’re got a big announcement coming up later this month too.

Check out some of my involvement with TD Canada over the last year:

Huge thanks to TD Canada and NKPR for inviting me on a memorable experience. it was really special to share that with my mum. It’s always great to visit our nations capital too.

TD Canada + MusiCounts + Serena Ryder in Ottawa

<3 CASIE

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