CASIE STEWART

Casie January 26, 2015 LIFE

You Should Probably Clean Up Your Computer

It’s 2015, you cleaned up your diet, you cleaned your house, you cleaned up your whole act, but seriously, when was the last time you cleaned your computer? January is Clean Up Your Computer Month and I know the month is ALMOST over but I’m sharing this as a reminder to you and to ME that our computers are neglected.

This calendar was sent to me from SingleHop, a technology company focused on cloud computing. This 3-week “Clean Computer Calendar” is designed to help you prioritize, organize and safely store files. During the third week you are encouraged to check out different options to safely store your files, such as private clouds and external hard drives.

I’ve really gotta give my little Macbook Air baby a digital bath. Thanks SingleHop for sharing! If you guys have any cleaning tips or apps, LMK.

<3 CASIE

Blogging + Brunch = Bon Weekend!

Started the day w/ a nice latte and brekky at Cafe Neon near my place. I was working on an exciting new project you’ll learn about over the next few weeks.

Loving the new leather gloves from Danier I got on my mega shopping spree yesterday. I had to pop by Le Chateau to pick an outfit for an upcoming photoshoot so I rounded up gift cards from mall stores and went to town! FYI all the winter accessories are 50% off at Danier right now. Picked up a nice pair of gloves and some goodies for the BF too.

It was pretty nice out today. Birds cherpin’!

Check out this gorgeous bag I picked up at Ted Baker’s new Eaton Centre Store. I’m in love. It perfectly matches my fav lipstick and current nails. There’s 50% off a ton of items at Ted Baker too!

Pop over and check out my Nail Game on a new app I’ve been using called Selfish. I’ve got other stories documenting my ukulele learning and travel adventures too.

In other news, I’ve entered a contest to win a trip to Montreal for Nuit Blanche at the end of Feb. I know I said ‘no more contests’ but WHATEVER. Wanna come? Join my train right here!

THERE’S ROOM FOR YOU and it’s a FREE TRIP. Invite yo friends! It would be super fun to have some of you guys (yes you reading this) on the train with me and my BFFs. All aboard!

Hope you’re having a great weekend. I’ve got a birthday at the Soho House tonight and a bloggers brunch tomorrow. Looking forward to tweeting the Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday night. Tweet along with me at @casiestewart!

<3 CASIE

Air Optix Colors: Green Eyes, Yeah The Spotlight, Shines Upon You

In today’s adventures, I’m trying out my latest pair of Air Optix Color contacts, Gemstone Green.

I absolutely loved my last pair of Brilliant Blue contacts (see the post here) and how they dramatically changed my look. I have hazel/green eyes so adding these Air Optix Colors to my natural eyes is more of an enhancement.

Here’s a breakdown on what makes these contacts unique:

They use 3-in-1 color technology to define, transform, and brighten.
Comfort; as a n00b to wearing contacts, I’ve learned they’re really comfortable. I forget I’m wearing them until I look in the mirror and then I’m like WHOA.
Breathability – Even if work for cosmetic reasons (like me!) they’re great for daily wear.
Beauty – I love wearing glasses and now contacts are a cool way to enhance my look. They’re used by celebs and a fav of Nina Dobrev.

There’s an array of colors available and I’m hoping to try them all. You can get a rainbow pack which has 3 colours of your choice (2 lenses of each colour). Otherwise, AIR OPTIX COLORS are available in 2 packs or 6 packs of any given colour. Ask your eye doctor about them next time you get your eyes checked!

If you’d like more info about Air Optix Color Contacts visit airoptixcolors.ca. If you wanna ask me about my experience or share yours, Tweet me @casiestewart!

Smile with your eyes and have a great day! 🙂

<3 CASIE

A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 22, 2015 at 10:15am PST

* Disclosure: Although I sometimes receive compensation from companies to test and blog about stuff, I always give my honest opinion and the views and opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I’m really into these new contacts and how they change my look. Ok, selfie time!

Up Your Selfie Game Part 1: 10 Tips for Better Selfies

It’s 2015 and the selfie isn’t going away. So, in the interest that you’re remembered in the most awesome and beautiful way, it’s time to up your selfie game! I’m not writing history with this post but I thought it’s about time I pull something like this together. I’m practically a ‘Selfie Expert’ after 10 years of self-photography.

Have a tip or trick I haven’t added to the list? Share w/ me on Twitter @casiestewart. Next week I’ll share Up Your Selfie Game Part 2: Apps & Accessories.

Here’s a collection of tips to take better photos of yourself:

Find your best angle. Know your good side. For most people the best angle is just above eyeline.
Check your lighting. A good light source is your friend. Natural light is great. In a dark space, look for light to shine on your face so the photo isn’t dull. If you have a front facing flash I advise against using it as it will give you a forehead glare and redeye.
Watch for shadows. If the sun is shining your way make sure you don’t get the shape of your phone on your face. Also watch for the shadow of your camera in your hand blocking the light. Rectangle on your face isn’t a good look.
Be yourself. If duckface isn’t you, don’t try to be like KimK or someone from MySpace in 2004 (that was me). Show your smile, focus on those great lips or beautiful eyes.
Do a background check. Make sure things aren’t in the way. Ex. bathroom selfie w/ toilet paper or toilet is not cute.
Freshen up. Touch up your lipstick, make sure your eye makeup isn’t messy.
Look into the camera or away, not at yourself. Remember where the camera is, that little black circle!
Strike a pose or a couple. Make your photo cute, do something! Or take a few photos and make a collage with different faces. Show some personality, baby!
Full body selfies? Have a clutter free space. Laundry and/or dirty dishes look sloppy, clean up first. S-shape is your friend. Lean a shoulder forward or turn sideways a bit for a more svelte look.
Relax. Take a deep breath, chill. You don’t wanna over think it!

A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Dec 11, 2014 at 8:07am PST

That’s all for now. Remember practise makes perfect. I’ve taken THOUSANDS over the years. Tweet your selfies to me at @casiestewart. 🙂

Have an awesome day!

<3 CASIE

Interview for Ways We Work: Can You Guess My Fav Non-tech Thing?

Thanks to Ways We Work for this interview. I also list my fav apps and mention my struggle with email. Click the image below or HERE to reach the full interview.

I talk about my typical work day and my fav place to work. Do you know where this is?

If you feel like sharing it make sure to tag @WaysWeWork and @CasieStewart in your tweet!

Have an awesome day!

<3 CASIE

Check Out The Collection! ANDY WARHOL X Converse Spring 2015

~~Two~~ Three of my all TIME favs, Converse, Andy Warhol, Tomato Soup. Did you know I have tomato soup ALL the time. It’s always been a fav, especially with some buttered toast. I JUST got these images today and have my fingers crossed I can snag a pair. Scroll down to see the whole collection and read the press release.

What ones are your fav? These Tomato Soup hi-tops have my name all over them!

The Converse All Star Andy Warhol Collection will hit retail shelves on Feb 7th and is available at Get Outside, Gravity Pope, Groovy, Little Burgundy, Zelen Shoes, Baggins and Galaxie Bleu. They’ll retail for $75-110 CAD.

PRESS RELEASE

Marrying Warhol’s distinct vision with the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, the partnership between two pop culture icons celebrates creative self-expression and pays homage to the visionary artist. The new collection features bold Warhol imagery across an array of expressive Converse footwear for men and women.

Hailed as the preeminent artist of the 20th century, Warhol was an iconic visionary whose legacy continues to inspire rebels and artists everywhere. He creatively merged pop culture, film, music, screen printing and performance, opening the door for millions of artists and performers. Since 1987, Warhol’s vision and creativity lives on through The Andy Warhol Foundation, who fosters innovative artistic expression by supporting work that is challenging and experimental in nature. To help further the non-profit’s mission for the advancement of the visual arts, a portion of the proceeds from the Converse All Star Andy Warhol collection will support The Andy Warhol Foundation.

“With this collection, we aim to celebrate and foster the innovative artistic expression that’s intrinsic to both Converse and Andy Warhol,” said Damion Silver, Converse All Star Design Director. “Andy Warhol famously created art inspired by American pop culture icons, and was a pioneer in utilizing the Chuck Taylor All Star as a blank canvas for his work. From this shared creative history grew our collaboration with Warhol.”

Artventure: #CUTMR2015 at Gladstone Hotel till Jan. 25th

You’ve got a couple dayS left to check out Come Up to My Room at The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto’s trendy Queen West (my fav hood tbh0. I popped by on Friday to check out the exhibit before it opened to the public. I’m not going to go into toooooo much detail but here’s a few of my fav things.

Come Up to my Room runs until January 25th and is open Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm (open late for programs), Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. 3rd and 4th floor installations are open for viewing from January 10th to March 29th, 2015, daily from 12pm to 5pm. Visit the Gradstone’s website HERE for more info.

Love to know your favs so tweet me @CASIESTEWART! Hope you enjoy the artventure too!

<3 CASIE

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My New Friend from France, Polette Eyewear

Eyewear have always been a staple in my wardrobe. I’ve always had a large variety of costume glasses of different shapes and sizes. I’d much rather have a bunch of affordable styles instead of one or two fancy ones. I like variety but I’ve also been known to lose and break them (unfortunately!).

Late last year I was contacted by Polette eyewear in France and offered a spot on their blogger team. In exchange for sharing my fav glasses from the site, I get to pick a couple pairs EACH MONTH. Perks of the job guys, squeeee! I can’t wait to stock up and share new shades every couple weeks.

My First Polette Eyewear Order:

Devil – rose coloured lenses
Léosummer – yellow/green fashion lenses
Gracie Mile B – blue/black lenses

Polette has a pretty neat story. Founded by Pierre Wizman, a young entrepreneur at 16, he launched the website in 2011 with his biz partner and just like that, they were in business. Their goal was to be the only intermediary between the consumer and manufacturer to cut down on price without skimping on quality. When you visit polette.com you’ll see there’s a wide selection of styles starting at $6.99.

One of the cool things about placing your order is first you pick the frame, then lenses (anti-scratch, reflective), then lens tint (ex. red/black), and finally tint level (red ones above are 85%). I didn’t really understand this at first but I know for next time now!

I’ll be posting my new glasses monthly as they arrive. Would you like a pair too? It’s been ages since I did a contest so enter below and we’ll send you your choice of glasses including prescription if you need them (mine are not prescription). Contest doesn’t include Vintage or L’Atelier collections.

BONNE CHANCE!
<3 CASIE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Indecent Disclosure: ROACH BAIT

When I started blogging 10 years ago I had no idea it would turn into a thing. I knew about 3 bloggers in the WORLD and I merely started ‘THIS IS MY LIFE’ as a way to keep memories.

In 2009 I was given my first products for review. I was contacted by Matchstick Marketing and tested out a Zune (that old MP3 thinger) and also a vibrating mascara from Maybelline. I popped into the washroom at my office to record this video of me testing the mascara. I told the world I was sent a product for review and they gave me some to share with friends.(See original 2009 post here.)

I was digging through an old hard drive when I found a note I’d made about ‘roach bait’, no not an insect killer, the marketing ‘bait & switch’ used in undisclosed celebrity endorsements. I’ve not heard about it since but it distinctly reminds me of what’s happened with blogging.

Roach Bait n. A marketing message delivered by an actor posing as a regular person with the intention of having that message passed along to many other people.

2001 (earliest)

Then, there’s the ‘roach bait’ technique. Under this scenario, the paid huckster doesn’t necessarily buy a drink for others. He’s often found sitting in a prime spot at a bar or club, very visibly drinking Brand X. He talks up the brand big-time in the hope the good word will spread.

—Theresa Howard, “Freebies take on brash new form,” USA Today, May 15, 2001

Sound familiar?

Bloggers and people with some achieved sphere of influence are constantly called upon by brands and agencies to eat, drink, wear, and visit places with hopes the’ll share that experience online.

The thing is, as a reader, observer, we never really know if the person is being paid or really believes in the product? Don’t just do it for the money! A blog that’s just out there to make money is loses the root of what a blog is, sharing, a web log.

Disclosure:

You could not pay me to write about something I don’t like. No kids, no animals is a rule I’ve lived by. There’s the odd photo of Sean’s daughter but I don’t review kids or animal stuff. I would like to get a dog one day so maybe this will change.

Bad product or experience? I email the agency/brand. I don’t have time to write scathing or negative reviews, plus I DON’T WANT TO. I turn down WAY more things than I ever write about. I tell you when I’m given something, ie. Saje Wellness post earlier today, but I buy lots of things too.

It’s a pleasure to work with great clients and be able to make a living from blogging but’s also hard work. Writing a post takes time to research, photography, writing, editing, publishing, posting, promoting. These are what brands pay for – THE WORK.

Be yourself, that’s why people like you. It’s important to build a good reputation and trust with your readers, fans, followers, friends. One bad move can ruin your reputation and throw all your hard work out the window. As a seasoned blogger, I feel it’s important to create, write about non-product or sponsored things. Give people a glimpse into what really makes you, YOU, not matter how crazy you might be.

If you’re ever looking for some info on writing your own disclosure policy, check out this post from the IBF (International Fashion Bloggers). They’ve got a TON of great resources!

That’s all for today. I’m off to a lunch date w/ one of my girls and then an art party w/ my love tonight. Weekend starts NOW!

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY!

Relaxation Station: Saje Wellness & Essential Oils

This week I went to a nice little event at the new Saje Wellness store on Queen Street. During TIFF I went to the NKPR IT Lounge and was introduced to the brand.

When I told my friend I was using oils she called me a hippie but this is NOT that old school hippie stuff! There are heaps of benefits to using essential oils, read about 9 benefits here from Balance Me Beautiful.

Saje Wellness uses all natural oils and has heaps of different wellness products and accessories. My first experience was this little pocket pharmacy. It’s awesome to keep in your purse or carry-on when travelling. My fav product is the Peppermint Halo that’s amazing for headaches. It’s cooling and calming and now one of my ‘essential’ items.

I was pretty impressed to see how big the store was and how many products they have.

They hooked up us bloggers & media peeps with our choice of nebulizer. It helps reduce dust and other common allergens while creating a pleasing atmosphere of aromatherapy. I picked the Aromagem in black because I thought it was sexiest!

One thing I learned last night was that the recommended 10-15 drops was too much for me. It really fills the air and I found 5 drops to be enough.

Saje has 22 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Winnipeg and Ontario and you can check out their products at saje.ca.

I’m SO ready for the weekend. It’s my sisters birthday on Sunday and we’re staying at the Royal York Hotel. I can’t wait, it’s going to be super relaxing! Might just bring my nebulizer to fill the air with aromatherapy.

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