Sunday Gardening

Sunday Gardening

Picked up a few things from Target on Sunday. Was not feelin’ so hot and thought a trip there and buying things might make me feel better. It did! I discovered a partnership between Pinterest and Blogger/Top Pinner Joy Cho and Target so naturally, I had to support.

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I also got a new camera.

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Garden is now in bloom and I’m feelin’ pretty good about it. I absolutely love spending time in my garden. I only wish it was bigger! My best friend has got a huge backyard because she lives on a farm. The last time we spoke she told me that she had just purchased a steel building to use as an annex. One of my first questions was “How much does a metal building cost?”, but when I found out, I was impressed with how affordable a building made from steel can be. Anyway, I cannot wait to pay her a visit soon to discuss her plans for her steel annex!

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Had some of our peeps over for a little visit in the evening and camera was a hit. Wanted one for ages so pretty stoked!

Feeling better today. Hope your week is off to a great start!

? CASIE

Give a Suit. Change a Life. Moores Canadian #SuitDrive

Give a Suit. Change a Life. Moores Canadian #SuitDrive

I’ve had a love for fashion my entire life. Unfortunately, I’ve never had a closet quite big enough to fit everything! Borderline clothes hoarder.  Twice a year I rummage through my stuff and pack things up to donate to a clothing drive or second hand shop. Last summer I put a bunch of old hot rod shirts and special items in storage, then handed over a few bags of clothes to find a new home.

It’s important to get rid of clothes that don’t make you feel your best. No sense in holding on to things that don’t fit, they clog up room (and make it increasingly hard to find an outfit in a hurry). Messy room, messy head. It’s amazing how well you sleep with a clean room and after doing something nice to help others.

From now until July 31st Moores is holding their 5th annual Canadian Suit Drive. For the entire month, they’re collecting donations of  men’s and women’s suits, shirts, jackets, pants, ties, belts and shoes. Items will be given to more than 60 local recipient organizations across Canada who provide job readiness programs for those on the hunt for employment.

I love this program because it helps people seeking work dress for success. Looking good and feeling good for an interview gives you a boost of confidence. A good outfit and positive attitude go a long way.

This is the PERFECT time to go through your stuff and donate your gently used/never worn items. Drop your stuff at off at a Moores before the end of the month and sale 50% on your next purchase (details).

For more info or to find a location near you visit their website. RT this tweet to share with your friends!

<3 CASIE

#TBT: Fashion Throwback! Vintage + Value Village

I didn’t grow up with lots of money but one things Mum always made sure of was that we were well dressed. I reckon my love for fashion and finding a good bargain or vintage find comes from Mum. We used to hit up Value Village and Winners clearance on weekends and see what we could find. Over the years my sister and I found some real gems!  Jenie still has a pair of heeled 18-hold Doc Martens, I’ve gathered a few pairs of great cowboy boots, and a couple leather jackets.

This week, Value Village has invited me to takeover their Instagram and share some recent goodies I picked up. Follow @valuevillage_thrift on Instagram so see what I found! If you’ve found any real beauties over the years, I’dlove to know! Leave a comment on Instagram or below.

Have an awesome day!

<3 CASIE

 

 

 

Paris Haute Couture AW 14/15 – Chanel, Armani, Dior

Paris Haute Couture AW 14/15 – Chanel, Armani, Dior

Fashion lovers, here’s a peek at runway shows this week from Paris Haute Couture.  Featured here are Chanel, Armani, and Dior. I know you don’t wanna think about FW 14/15 yet but it’s really not that far away. All videos and content from Rightster fashion portal. Enjoy!

CHANEL- HAUTE COUTURE AUTUMN/ WINTER 2014/15 COLLECTION

Within the walls of the Grand Palais, Karl Lagerfeld pays tribute to Le Corbusier with concrete embroideries and lace imprisoned inside silicone for ceremonial overcoats and dresses…

GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ- HAUTE COUTURE AUTUMN/ WINTER 2014/15 COLLECTION

A black and red collection at Giorgio Armani Privé. Giorgio Armani has his own customs in Paris. He showcases his Haute Couture at the Palais de Tokyo, a collection that is opened with a range of small pea jackets and shorts in patterned fabrics with a quilted effect

CHRISTIAN DIOR -HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION AUTUMN/ WINTER 2014/15

Raf Simons is inspired by the past in order to create the future in his latest haute couture autumn/winter 2014/15 collection for Christian Dior.In the gardens of the Musée Rodin, a wall of orchids make up the floral setting for the autumn-winter 2014/15 Christian Dior haute couture collection. The long haired models, with gold or silver eyeliner to subtly accentuate their eyes, arrive in groups into the circular space through several doors.

Any favs? Things you love, don’t love? LMK in the comments!

<3 CASIE

My Massage at Urban Nirvana Thai in Yorkville

My Massage at Urban Nirvana Thai in Yorkville

When I was in Thailand last year I got so many massages. Like 20 in 15 days, so many.  I tried a variety of different kinds and prefer a Swedish massage.  After being whipped around during a Thai massage by a little old Thai lady, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get one again.

But I did…

I was contacted by Urban Nirvana Thai Massage in Yorkville to come try out a Holistic Thai massage. I wasn’t about to say no to the offer and decided to give Thai massage another chance.

Dudes, it was amazing. My massage was with Vania and she walked on my back, my feet, and stretched out my shoulders, and hips. I felt so great after.

I was welcomed with water and taken into this room where they drew the drapes for my private massage. There was a little basket with a towel and clean set of Thai fisherman pants and a top. Getting a massage can be awkward when you’re not sure what to wear or what NOT to wear so this made me feel very comfortable.

I arrived after a long day and when I finally stopped moving and rested on the matt and listened to the calming music by myself, I started to relax. I have a hard time with relaxing sometimes!

The team at Urban Nirvana have given me a 20% discount to share with you.

You can use it for Holistic Thai Massage (service I had) or group yoga classes in the studio. The location is 895 Yonge Street, just north of the old Masonic Temple where MTV used to be. You can use it to book online or over the phone. 

Discount code: CasieS20

I’m hoping to try out the Swedish massage and some yoga soon.

Have a wonderful day my friends. Pack a ‘brolly!
Namaste <3

CASIE

Off to the Races! Queen’s Plate 2014 #QP14

Off to the Races! Queen’s Plate 2014 #QP14

Queen's Plate 2014 #QP14 w/ @backseatstylers at #Woodbine

From the cottage to the red carpet!

Yesterday Sean and I went to the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Raceway as soon as we got back from the cottage. We both rushed around to find an outfit and Queen West vintage shops saved the day for me once again. Picked up this purple hat from the Public Butter and dress from another little shop near Queen/Lansdowne (Parkdale).

We bet on the last 4 races and unfortunately didn’t win. I’m not a fan of horses, for some reason they really creep me out but I do love horse racing. When I lived in Australia it was such a huge event to attend the races. Everyone there was dressed to the nines! I remember going surfing and rushing back to the house, throwing on a dress, makeup, and a huge hat before gracing the red carpet.

Big thanks to the Sharon from the Backseat Stylers blog and Flare Canada for having us as their guests. Hoping to go back to the racetrack to place some bets before the next Queen’s Plate rolls around. It’s so fun!

Song of the day…

<3 CASIE

Party at Casa Loma w/ @MetroNewsCanada

Party at Casa Loma w/ @MetroNewsCanada

Went to a fancy shindig at Toronto’s famous castle, Casa Loma on Thursday.

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Kevin asked me to recreate the purse stealer. Did a good job I reckon!

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This is me wishing the castle was MINE. ALL MINE.20140704-121935-44375320.jpg

Dresses made from Metro News.

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Thanks for the new LazyPants! Metro special edition. I’ve got a couple pairs and LOVE THEM. See past posts here. 

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Hope weekend is treating you well!

<3 CASIE

Cottage is the Life for Me

Cottage is the Life for Me

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It was a short week but to me it’s seemed like ages.  Sean was shooting The Tea Party this week and tonight we are going to see them in Barrie. Heading back from the cottage to go to the Queen’s Plate on Sunday. Looking forward to some R&R in the wilderness. And sleep.

<3 CASIE

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500 Days of Selfies

Stumbled upon this the other day. Mayjahhhhhh throwback Thursday! This is a collection of 700+ photos uploaded to Dailybooth from 2009-212.

I was an avid user of the ‘booth. It was a selfie style social network with a really strong community of users who posted a photo a day. Most of my photos were selfies from travels around the world (LA, SF, NY, London, Mexico, Costa Rica, and more) and events with friends, visitors to my house. These are fond memories for me and maybe a few for you too!

 

 RIP Dailybooth!

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Events | No Good Woman Left Behind

Events | No Good Woman Left Behind

Last week I told you an awesome story about how Telus went out of their way to do something awesome for one of their longest standing customers, Ramona. See that story here. This week, they are sponsoring a story on my blog for me to highlight someone in my community. I’ll be donating the money earned from this post to the story I’m about to share.

I’ve picked a friend who has contributed to the Toronto tech & social community for years, graced the stage with her burlesque skills, and recently displayed the utmost strength as she was recently diagnosed with Cancer.

I’d like you to meet Carolyn Van.

Carolyn is a 28 year old young woman, born & raised downtown Toronto.  She loves spending time in dance studios, tweeting & talking about technology and sharingher love for design. She’s an educator, entrepreneur, innovator and all around amazing human.

In mid-March 2014, Carolyn was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. I can only imagine what it would be like for a woman who is so busy working, teaching, speaking, and making the world a better place, to have Cancer disrupt her mojo. I’m impressed with Carolyn’s ability to remain positive and share her story. She’s been documenting her ups and downs on her blog “Cancer Chose The Wrong Woman to F%$! With“.

I’ve known Carolyn for a few years and two years ago we were part of the Army of Sass with the fine ladies below (and my sister!). Run by Carla Catherwood, the Army of Sass is a burlesque troupe empowering women to put on their high heels, share their high hopes, and bust a move on stage. We had so much fun!

We performed in December 2012 at the Mod Club for 2 nights to a totally sold venue each night. It was a an amazing bonding experience for us all. The experience of performing on stage for a packed house is so energizing!

I’ve joined some of Carolyn’s closest friends from the Toronto dance and technology communities,  to put together a fundraiser for her on July 30, 2014. The “No Good Woman Left Behind” fundraiser at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club will be in Carolyn’s honour and to drive awareness of Lymphoma Cancer. Event ticket and auction proceeds will go towards helping to subside her medical and personal costs during treatment and healing.

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You’ll be able bid on some fantastic gift packages from Toronto Symphony OrchestraArts & Crafts ProductionsHigh Heels High Hopes and see performances  To donate, get tickets, or find out more information visit nogoodwomanleftbehind.com.

 I would like to thank Telus for sponsoring me to highlight a strong person I admire in my community. Carolyn has been reading my blog and been a friend for years. I’ll be donating the money earned to No Good Woman Left Behind and I hope to see you at the event on July 3o, 2014.

With love,

<3 CASIE

TELUS truly cares about the communities where we live, work and play. Putting customers first is our top priority and guides everyttelusvideohing we do, from our Give Where We Live philosophy to our Customers First days.  See how TELUS gave loyal customer, Ramona, a big surprise to thank her for being such a great customer for almost 20 years. Watch it here.