Travel Tuesday: Vacations Aren’t Just for Soaking Up Sun!

Travel Tuesday: Vacations Aren’t Just for Soaking Up Sun!

Dreaming of an experiential vacation – wine tasting in Italy, yoga in India, surfing in Costa Rica, visiting Lower Shotover New Zealand to go Bungee Jumping?

People often think of vacations as a jaunt away to soak up the sun but one way to REALLY enrich your life is a vacation where you learn something or take on a new experience. An RV vacation is a very popular choice for many people who want to go and see new sights and cultures from the comfort of their own vehicle. Those that do embark on such a vacation will want to make sure they have quality equipment, like Lifeline rv batteries, on board before doing so.

A couple years ago I went on a solo surf + yoga vacation to Costa Rica, it was so much fun. Visiting this country was on my bucket list and I had always wanted to tick it off. With this being said, if it wasn’t for a friend of mine recommending I checked out a site like https://små-lån.com (as she knew I was struggling financially), I don’t think this trip would have been possible, but I am glad that I was able to make this happen. While I was there, I learnt how to do aerial silks and perfected my wave riding skills in the ocean. This was the little cabin I stayed at in the jungle at Anamaya Resort.

In 2013, I ventured to Thailand and took a cooking class in one of my fav cuisines. I came home with new skills and a bright outlook on a different culture.

I recently chatted with TD Canada Trust about how to make an experiential vacation a reality. These types of vacations are often seen as more costly and harder to plan. BUT, if you knuckle down and plan it out, you can have the experiential vacation of your dreams. Today I’m sharing some tips on how to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

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According to their recent survey, 62% of Canadians are likely to consider going on an experiential vacation if they could find ways to save on costs. This is understandable, but it is not impossible to find good holiday deals. We don’t have to break the bank to visit another country. It may also be worth checking out these handy holiday saving tips to hopefully find a way to save for the trip of your dreams!

Fortunately, TD Canada Trust has tips on how to help make your experiential vacation affordable with travel loyalty rewards and/or creating a vacation savings account. It starts with knowing the full cost of the trip.

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Here’s something to think about from VP of TD Credit Cards, Christine Hunter:

“A lot of people think experiential vacations cost more than ordinary vacations, but that doesn’t have to be the case…. It all depends on where you want to go and what you want to do, but you can always find ways to help you save that could make your trip more affordable.”

On that note, my goal this year is to visit Paris, France for the first time and take a lesson in French cooking. Thanks TD Canada Trust for the tips because I think it’s about time I open a bank account for vacation saving.

To help take the financial stress out of vacation planning visit tdcanadatrust.com. Also, check out my last partnership with TD Canada Trust where I talk about Money Tips for Millennials. I’m here to help!

<3 CASIE

* This post is in partnership with TD Canada Trust. All words and opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep my blog going. 🙂

Windy Weather Forecast

Recorded this 6 years ago at the AGO in the Frank Gehry stairwell. I was standing in front of a fan. It was raining out. The wind whipping at my windows reminded me of this today.

Not sure what my fascination with the wind is but here’s another windy forecast. This was a pretty exciting day, #PIBTO, we had over 400 people buy the person in line behind them a coffee. Great memories. Anyone remember?

I have 75+ videos on my Vimeo channel. I think it’s about time to get making videos again. It’s been YEARS since.

<3 CASIE

 

Life as Art in the Beaches: #WarmingStations

My sister and I checked out the art installations in the beaches yesterday. So neat! They’re open till the 25th so you should pop down and check them out ASAP.

Also went to the Parkdale Flea Market and had this amazing cookie. There’s an Oreo in the middle!

Video Feature: Portraits by IB w/ @IbraheemYoussef

Portraits by @IbraheemYoussef

On Friday I met up with artist/designer/photographer Ibraheem Youssef for a portrait session in his Portraits by IB collection. I took him through my internet and creativity fuelled, hyper connected reality.  We did a quick Meerkat livestream at Jimmy’s coffee then popped into graffiti alley, Queen West to capture a video in the sunshine.

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Portraits by IB on Instagram

Meet Casie Stewart @casiestewart. A fashion, travel & technology blogger. She self describes her style as “Bright, vintagy & always changing”. I personally like her passion and willingness to experiment and push boundaries of style! Spotted at Portland and Queen in Toronto, Canada. //// Shades by@Burgerandfriends – Rings & Necklace by @shopforjayu – Blazer vintage – Scarf from #Thailand– Leather jacket from @rudsak – Shoes by@lechateauStyle – Tights by @joefresh 

Saw these two little Doge at Jimmy’s. Much cuteness!

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It’s so nice outside today, get off the computer and soak up the sunshine!

<3 CASIE

Sunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful 

Sunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful 

The sun is shining, and I’m gonna head outside, make the most of the day. Spent the morning finishing up House of Cards Season 3 and reading magazines. I won’t share any spoilers but man I really love that show. Clair Underwood (played by Robin Wright) is amazing.

I remember doing a magazine review a few years ago (2011) and putting a little cut out of my face on the magazine, funny.

Sunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanada

Finished S1 of Transparent on Shomi today. Good show. The music is really great.

Sunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanada

I’ve added NextIssue added to my weekend relaxation routine since starting the trial last month. I love reading magazines but buying a whole stack is 1) heavy and 2) expensive. This morning I  read Wired, W Magazine, and HouseBeautiful. I’ve been given a code from NextIssue that allows you to get free 60-day trial of the app too.

Download NextIssue – Easy as 1,2,3!

  1. Click here -> bit.ly/1EaIH3L
  2. Enter code 60Free
  3. Enjoy!

Sunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanadaSunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanadaSunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanadaSunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanada

I love scar Jo’s hair right now and am still on that mission to grow mine out. Now that I made it through House of Cards without being influenced by Claire’s hair, I feel I’ll make it to a bob no problem.

Sunday Magazine Selection: Wired, W, HouseBeautiful  via @NextIssueCanada

This *slight* winter warmup has be thinking about the cottage and what we can do this spring to make some changes around there. We’re building a new deck and I’d love to get some new patio furniture and curtains. There’s so many great design ideas out there. I’d love to get my sewing machine in action and actually MAKE new curtains for the cottage.

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These lamps are lovely. I’m sure there’s a Pinterest on how to do this in detail.

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It’s been ages since I made anything but I really want to this spring. (I feel like I say this every single year but this time I mean it!) Maxi dresses, skirts, slip dresses. I really need to work on spring cleaning the house and spend less time on the Internet! I was so excited that Lilly for Target was coming to Canada but now that there’s no Target, I’m determined to create some things myself!

Bring on Spring!

<3 CASIE

Garden Party! Ted Baker London SS15 Preview at Casa Loma

Garden Party! Ted Baker London SS15 Preview at Casa Loma

Last night I went to Toronto’s castle to check out the Spring/Summer 2015 collection from Ted Baker London. I love Casa Loma, it’s especially beautiful at magic hour or in the summer (great garden out back!).

These are one of my latest pairs of shades from Polette Eyewear in France. Polette is an online optician, a leader on the French market, glasses are made-man, and come in a various material (wood, hand-polished acetate, plastic, metal). These are the Monroe. The Monroe Apple has purple mirrored lenses and light green frames! Looooove.

The Conservatory inside Casa Loma was decked out like a beautiful garden party complete with a string quartette playing pop songs.  You’ll have to believe me because I accidentally deleted the Vine I made.

More gorgeous prints are coming to a Ted Baker London store near you. In the GTA there’s stores at both Yorkdale Mall and the Eaton Centre.

I would like to make a flower wall like this too.

Love these colours and this peach bag. I have the FW2014 version in Candy Apple Red.

One of the things I love about the Ted Baker London brand is the attention to details. Ted is alllllll about the details. The clothes were beautiful and the food was great too. We had deep fried asparagus, candy sushi, ahi tuna, and my fav was a tiny little beef cupcake.

BANANA PHONE! Ok, that’s all for now, off to DX3 conference and then Stage TEN TV to talk about making shows. Stopping by  the Lacoste SS15 preview to wrap up the workday.

Sending sunshine your way! 🙂

<3 CASIE

Fraud Protection Month + Keeping Your Money Safe

March is Fraud Protection Month in Canada and last week over dinner w/ a few other bloggers  I learned all the ways Interac is keeping your money safe.

Back in 2009, fraud from card skimming resulted in $142-million in losses and as  of 2014, $16.2 million. That’s over $125 million not lost on debit card fraud! Chip technology is making it hard for criminals so they’re moving away from Interac fraud. Yahooo!

The Facts on Interac

Here’s a breakdown on some of the things I learned and find most interesting.

When you use Interac online to make a purchase, none of your financial details, card numbers, or login info are shared with the retailer/third party. If something goes wrong, you aren’t liable for losses resulting from circumstances beyond your control related to the payment. So, go ahead and spend your hard earned money without worrying you’ll be compromised.

I was kinda worried about Interac Flash (tap to pay) not being secure but it’s SO CONVENIENT I was happy to learn it’s secure. A single transaction can’t exceed $100 and you’ll be asked for PIN if it’s over.  There’s also a cumulative limit for Interac Flash transactions. When your limit is reached n(ex. $200), you’ll be asked to insert your card and PIN. This resets your limit

 

At interac.ca/en/securityInterac gives you security facts and myths. The more we all know about this stuff the better, keeping your money safe and in your bank (or in your closet!) is important.

Canadians 35 and younger (millenials yo!) are less concerned about payments-related fraud. The main thing to remember is that Interac fraud is on the decline! Check out the #FPM2015 hashtag to learn more about Fraud Protection Month visit interac.ca for more info.

<3 CASIE

 

I Can Do Anything. I Can.

I wrote this years ago and just found it and that’s why I love having a blog.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop blogging. It’s been 10 years. I’ve written so many things. I can hardly believe so much has happened in that time. I think bloggers have to love their blogs. You spend so much time there, blogging. It’s a collection of stories and photos. Happiness, reminders, lessons, friendships. Trips around the world and my old hometown.

I’m going to blog forever.  It’s the best thing I thing I’ve ever done.

<3 CASIE

Spring Style Stories + Looks from #PFW

@livingselfish @casiestewart

Now that spring is around the corner you can count on me mention it almost once a day. I can’t wait. A little warm up in the weather and there’s smiles all around. Love this Michael Kors skirt for Spring 2015.

 

I’ve been creating a story on the Selfish app  Storia App with a few of my fav things from fashion weeks, magazines, and around the web. Check it out hereCim Cim has joined and added a few beauties, I’d love you to join too.

I’ve been building a few other stories including Lights, Camera, ACTION!,  #NailGame, Netflix Addict, and Travel Adventures. I’m about ready to start up a Cottage Life story! Only a couple weeks till spring is fully here! 🙂

Did you hear that Zoolander 2 is on it’s way? Here’s a look at what went down during the Valentino show at Paris fashion week today.

Here’s a few of my fav shows from the past week in Paris. Chanel always has a great show, brings something different to the traditional runway show.

These gold pants tho. Love.

<3 CASIE

Daylight, Saving Grace, Feel That Sun Upon Your Face

Flowers for you from @casiestewart

Started the day bright with a nice little brekky in our home office. I do social media coaching and consulting aside from my blog so the morning is when I check those appts off my list.  My love for granola is still going strong. I need to get some good running shoes. I’m ready to hit the pavement again too. I love daylight savings spring forward.

That sun, feels so nice. Warm air, free hair. This photo has a couple ‘Sia’ comments on IG. Busted out the leather this weekend and threw on a fur vest. Anything to ditch the old winter jacket! Glasses are from Polette Eyewear in France, jacket Rudsak.

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Had lunch w/ April in Kensington. So bright and colourful round there.

Went to buy her some flowers and realized I forgot my wallet. Thank heavens for Uber being connected to my card so I could pay by phone. Have I mentioned my excitement about mobile payments coming soon? Learned about it a bit in a dinner with Interac last week for Fraud Protection Month. Read the post here.

I think I’ll do a bit more work and head out for a walk since we’ve got more daylight today. It’s amazing the motivation that comes from a little sunshine. Take it where every you go 🙂

CASIE