We had such a relaxing day today! I spend about 3hr sitting outside with dad reading my book. The weather was perfect. Hard to believe it’s the end of September!
Took Sean out for a couple rips on the wakeboard. We’re planning to take the boat and dock out tomorrow.
Made a nice bbq for dinner and called it a night after Sean did an epic fireworks show.
In the morning dad and I went for a huge 7.5km walk in the woods and it was so great.
Drove up to the cottage last night and got in just before the sun went down. Woke up and went for a nice run in the woods today. The trees have all started changing and it was so beautiful. It feels good to be back running again!
Dad & his wife arrived just after lunch. I made black bean brownies and sweet potato soup before they got in. We went into town for a little tour and to pick up some supplies. I’m so glad to have them here! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
Another day, another costume! Today I wore one of my fav recent purchases (from an Instagram ad!), love this dress. The scrunchie in my hand is one I made. This weekend at the cottage I’m planning to whip up a few more for friends made from recycled materials.
Really looking forward to our weekend in the woods and spending some quality time with my dad.
Mask is from my friend Considerate Goods, use code CASIE15% for a discount!
Have been calling my outfits costumes lately and made an IG highlight with my favs. [See here!] If I’m wearing a mask and glasses, it just feels more like a costume than an outfit.
I’ve been considering getting spookier and more into costume dressing for the month of October. Why not right? Halloween and everything look different so we gotta have fun where we can.
This weakened we’re heading up to the cottage and my dad is coming to visit with his wife. I’m so excited to see him! It’s been over 6 months, since my road trip to South Western Ontario in February.
Can’t wait!
Did a 30 min guided run today with the Nike Running Club app. Pretty sure my legs will be sore! I love this app so much, the guided runs connect with Apple Music and the playlist today was so good. I’m not going to make my 70Km Monthly challenge but I’m happy to be back into my groove of at least doing 1km/day. There’s always next month!
Spent most of the day working at home on a couple different projects. It feels SO GOOD to be back working. I loved the creative-COVID break but I also really enjoy being part of a team and contributing to something bigger than me.
Went for a bike ride to meet Michelle after work and it was so nice out. Stopped at a bar on Dundas west and grabbed one of these cutie-cute little strawberry vodka sodas from Ace Hill. Love supporting local!
Went for a run today for the first time in a couple of weeks and smashed my record for fastest mile yet. Once I started running, I just wanted to keep going. I love getting out first thing in the morning before the day really starts to clear my head and get some fresh air. There’s a couple of huge sunflowers near our place and I love saying hi to them. ?
Yesterday I made this super cute, spicy, Mediterranean-inspired salad. It’s the best one I’ve made yet! I used using heart-shaped, rainbow pasta I found randomly at Winners, mixed with couscous, peppers, tomato, spinach, tomato, EVOO, and PC Harissa spice. I wanted a low-carb pasta salad and would 100% make this one again.
Some friends had me over for soup and challah after work, it was so nice. Got home around 8pm and went to bed early.
Here’s hoping tomorrow is a good day!
I can’t remember the last time we were home for the weekend as a family. I got groceries in the morning and did some food prep in the afternoon. It kinda felt like things were normal. Emily is back at school and making her own lunches this year. ?
Last night we had one of Sean’s oldest friends and his GF over for dinner with her daughter. Em is old enough to take on babysitting duties and we had so many laughs while the kids played upstairs.
Today we’ve been watching Ratched on Netflix and it’s so good. I love the styling, Sharon Stone’s looks are so good.
I don’t have much planned this week aside from work but I hope it’s nice out.
Please stay safe and WEAR YOUR MASK.
Met up with some of my fav media ladies in the west end for a little park hang. It was so nice out! Natalie arranged to have catering from Marben, we had a couple of their new boxes filled with all kinds of picnic snacks.
It was so great to see everyone (distanced, obvs) and chat over wine in the sun. I’m not ready for summer to be over. Luckily, it looks like next week will have some hot days!
Yesterday I went to the fall 2020 preview for Hilary MacMillan in the east end. It was my first time at the studio but definitely not my first interaction with the brand. I’ve been a fan of her looks for years after attending her shows at Toronto Fashion Week. Hilary is also part of the gang I’ve been going to New Orleans with for the last couple of years, love her!
Last year I ordered one of her varsity jackets that says ‘Bad Girls Club’ on the back with my name embroidered over the heart. MacMillan’s ‘EQUAL PAY’ varsity jackets in black and grey are donating 100% of the proceeds in perpetuity to ‘Black Women in Motion’ here in Canada to continue the fight for racial equity.
I was really excited for the preview to see humans I’ve not seen in ages and of course to see the new items. It was my first media event since being back in the city and each person had an individual appointment, they checked temperatures at entry, and masks were required.
Hilary MacMillan Fall 2020 is a mix of rich colours and elevated textures all inspired by the 70’s. I took the opportunity to try on a bunch of items and am 100% obsessed with the rich cognac, vegan leather, and long coats.
The Hilary MacMillan Capsules include the (biodegradable, 100% cupro, vegetable-dyed) SUSTAINABLE BLOUSE collection and the (custom embroidery) VARSITY JACKET collection, both of which will continue to be a part of the brand’s DNA moving forward.
I picked one item to take home and it is this INCREDIBLE faux fur floor-length jacket. It’s so warm, soft, and luxe. THANK YOU HILARY & TEAM!
I had the best day! After work, I went to the Hilary MacMillian Fall 2020 preview, more on that tomorrow. Earlier this week I posted a giveaway on IG for $100 to spend at the Hippie Market vintage popup, in exchange, I got some money to spend and shared it with Michelle. I met up with my winner and we all had a great time!
The guys with us here run King Kobra Vintage and the one in the grey w/ bolo tie tattooed me once. ?
I’m pretty sure that was the last one for the year but if there’s another one I will let you know. I saw a few people I hadn’t seen in ages and got a couple of incredible items. I scored a pair of suede Stuart Wiseman, over the knee boots, for $80 and they retail for almost $700!
Thank you Kealan from 69 Vintage for the invite, follow @hippiemarketlife for updates.
We had SUCH A GREAT TIME.
Today was a good day! I Spent the afternoon in the office then came home and spent the night hanging out at home. It was beautiful out today. Love these fall temps where you can layer but don’t need a warm jacket.
I ordered a couple of jumpsuits from Zara Kids and I’m so happy they both fit perfectly. Loves it!
Today was a great day! Had so much fun at home for mum’s birthday. Jenie and I drove to the house in the afternoon and hung out with her and Steve, ate snacks, got takeout, and had cake. My sister’s childhood bff also came over and it was like we never missed a beat. Laughed so hard, it was brilliant!
I love mum so much! She’s smart, funny, stylish, and the biggest inspiration in my life. She’s always there with wise words when I need them and I am so grateful for her love. HI MUM LOVE YOU, THANK YOU. ?
One of our fav things to do is go to Winners and look for treasures. I found this amazing merino wool sweater from Zara and my sister got one to match. It was a steal! Jenie found the yellow sweater she was wearing and got it for mum. Now we all match!
I dressed up for the day in my fav bodysuit, Pretty Denim (designed by my friend Tahnee), and loafers from Everlane. My mask was handmade in Toronto by my other friend Considerate Goods. I almost forgot how much I love wearing a full outfit, really sets the tone for your day!
For the past 10 years of my life, early September has always been about TIFF. From working at Much/MTV, to the early blogger hay days (ayooooo!), media events, screenings, so much fun. I was also in a documentary about the festival that’s now on Amazon in the US/UK. TIFF has been a huge part of my life and something I always look forward to.
Yes, this year is different but watching from home is pretty great too. No shoes, comfy clothes, and you can eat/drink/do whatever you want!
We watched Concrete Cowboy starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things. It was good, the story, the music, real people. I loved the cinematography and Shazammed a few songs. Found out today that TIFF is offering a free digital screening of this film to 500 essential workers in TO. ??
Thank you Nespresso for the digital tickets, goodies, and snacks. Nespresso is a long-standing supporter of film/arts and Official Coffee Sponsor of the Toronto International Film Festival®. If you’re in Ontario, they have a contest rn where 30 people will win a machine, pods, AND A FREE PASS to Bell Digital Cinema. I wish I had a pass! If you win, please enjoy. Pre-COVID, I’d typically ask you to invite me over when you win!
? This VIP PORTRAIT STUDIO was so exclusive, I was the only one invited! ????
P.S. How great is this dress? It was in my donate pile but I decided to bleach it at the start of Covid and now I love it so much!
I’ve loved sewing my whole life. I also have a new sewing machine that I’ve hardly used for about 8 years. I want to sew, but never had the time or made the time to do it. As a kid, I spent heaps of time sewing with mum. I even started my first business in grade 3 sewing gym bags for classmates.
Early into quarantine, I took the time to make things for the pure enjoyment of making them. I did heaps of tie-dye, turmeric dye, made friendship bracelets, and practised line drawing on iPad. The art of creating gives me so much joy. It inspires creativity in other areas of my life. I loved sharing the things I made on social media and mailing some to friends. I was reminded you don’t have to monetize every hobby, it’s incredibly freeing to create for the sake of creating.
This weekend, I started sewing again. I took a few items of clothing that were ripped or on their way to donations and made a few scrunchies. The big pink ones are a soft rayon fabric and flop when you doa top know. they used to be part of Joe Fresh shirt from years ago that had a mark on it. It was so fun to make them and patch together my old clothes to make new patterns. I spent most the day sewing, listening to music, watching Netflix, and letting my creative juices flow.
After posting my creations, I had a few people saying they want to buy or ask where to order. I’m not there yet, I might never be! For now, the Quarantine 2.0 version of me is Casie Sew-Art.
I’m back at my machine baby, who knows what I’ll create next!
Go outside, beneath the trees, listen for wind dancing in the leaves. Look at the sky, breathe in the air. Throw your hands up, like you just don’t care. ✌️
Hoodie: Superette Shop – Sherbet
Glasses RayBan
Studio: Mother Nature
I worked most the morning then met up with Michelle near the office. We had lunch on the Queen Mother back alley patio then took a look around Black Market vintage. It was so sunny, we were both wearing layers and cute outfits.
It felt so good to hang out together, laugh down the street, stopping to take photos, and making memories. It’s amazing how a carefree afternoon with your bff can lift your spirits! Love you Miche!
Gonna miss these summer temps when they go but we still have time to make the most of each day before that happens. If there’s no sunshine one day, you have to be the sunshine!
Different taking the subway these days but I like being back in the city. There are fewer people and the seats are marked for distancing.
Felt so good to put on regular clothes and spend a few hours working outside the house. I miss being in that type of environment. Sean picked me up on the way home from 1188 and I made fresh pasta from Pusateri’s.
In other news, I started watching Away on Netflix starring Hilary Swank, good show. Hooked!
Took the boat out of the water this morning after taking Sean for his last rip on the lake. I don’t think we’ll be putting it back in this year. We’re on our way back to the GTA after sending the long weekend up north with Emily. Sean has buyer for his classic 1982 Stingray Corvette so we’ve got it on a trailer and and we’re dropping it off in Oakville.
Our next stop is Emily’s mum’s place to drop her off, she starts a new school next week. The kids have to wear masks all day and they’ve got a bunch of social distancing procedures in place. We know it’s good for her to be back in school but it’s also stressful knowing we are potentially putting her and ourselves at risk.
I’ve had a lot of anxiety over the past few days. It’s hard not to have anxiety with everything going on. Watching the news is intense and just sitting alone with your own thoughts can be overwhelming. I’m behind on my blog diary (again) but I also haven’t had my computer since September 3rd. I finally dropped my MacBook Pro off at the shop after months of using it with a broken keyboard. Found out today it’s going to cost $$$ and I think it’s time to get a new laptop. I’ve been using my old MacBook Air and it’s so s-l-o-w. Tbh I’m glad it’s a short week and it will be the weekend again before we know it.
Sean and I are planning to come back to the cottage together on Friday. I love summer but fall weekends in Muskoka are so charming. Relaxing and romantic. The leaves have only just started to change and over the next six-8 weeks they will transform to a rainbow of colours.
I think that’s what I need to remember today, things change, we change, but like the leaves, there’s beauty in the growth and the stages we go through.
Remember the leaves. xo
On days I don’t document in real-time, I often go back and try to remember what happened that day. If there are no new photos, I hardly remember what happened, I have to really think about it. If you are reading this diary in daily order, I am writing this to you from the future on Day 183, September 13th, 2020. It’s Sunday, we’re getting ready to go back to the city from the cottage.
I recommend watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix, it’s good, you’ll find it interesting.
The year is 2020. We wear masks inside public spaces and outside in crowds. This is my first time visiting a client office after six months of lockdown. Haven’t worn a hat in a while either! Mask fashion is on the rise and today I’m wearing Toronto based designer Considerate Goods with a mask chain from an old purse.
Met up w/ Talia & had a snack on Yorkville patio. Hardly anyone eats inside these days. I still eat Avocado toast & drink kombucha.
Sean and Emily picked me up and we went straight to the cottage for Labour Day Long Weekend. Here’s hoping we have good weather this weekend!
Spent most of the day at my computer. It was really hot today. Whenever I opened the patio door, I was instantly hit with a wave of heat. I’m not ready for summer to be over. I love fall fashion but cooler temps gets my mind thinking about winter. It’s already such a hard time with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that a pandemic sends my mind swirling with ways to try and cope. If a second wave comes, (and it looks like it might), should we go back to the cottage, or can I run away to Costa Rica?
Hard to believe this is Day 170 of my daily pandemic blog diary, where did the time go?
I’ve always loved September, the last decade has meant returning to events post-summer relaxation, TIFF, Fashion Week, seeing all my friends at once. I feel sad for the times we won’t have but grateful for the memories, all mostly documented here or on Instagram. I’ve got tickets to one TIFF screening so far and we’ll see how many more tickets I can snag for my at-home TIFF experience.
Over the past month, I’ve been a bit slack with working out and keeping track of the days. This month I’m sticking to my goals. A fresh stary of sorts and there’s a full moon tonight. I didn’t run today but I did 100 situps and 10 pushups before bed. A small feat but one I’m trying to make a routine. I put some water and my crystals out last night, made 6 wishes at the moon and stared at it or a bit. Does the moon see me?
I’ll do whatever I can do bring good vibes right now!
This past weekend I met up with Anela who reached out to me over IG. We met pre-pandemic at a bar in my neighbourhood, late one night. She said she’d remembered my outfit and had been following m on IG since! ? Over the past few months, she started sewing masks and has a background in fashion & design. Her new company Considerate Goods is based right here in the Junction and she makes super stylish masks.
We sat down (outside & distanced) for a coffee chat and she gave me a few of her new designs. These masks are so CUTE, breathable, and fit well.
In an effort to be more sustainable and have less waste, she’s been making scrunchies to use up as many scraps as possible. I love this idea! My new scrunchie matches 3 of my masks, perfect for upping my mask game.
The Considerate Good website just launched and you can check out all the designs at considerategoods.com. If you’re making a purchase, use code CASIE15% for a discount!
I absolutely love supporting local & new friends. Thank you Anela and congrats on your new venture!
There’s only one rule, TAKE A LOT. Lol. Went for a nice bike ride yesterday and saw Andrew in the park then ran into a couple of other friends. I biked over to visit April and went for a little walk. She wanted a photo here so we both took a bunch. There are about 45 in my camera roll haha. So fun! See them in a video here.
Holding on to the last beautiful days of summer! I’m still in the city this week before heading up to the cottage for the long weekend.
April ILYSM. Thanks for a fun hang!
Last summer I went on a press trip to Spain where we did something like 13 wineries in 4 days. It was awesome! Our adventure took us all over the Do Rueda region where they specialize in white wine and 1,000-year-old indigenous grapes (Verdejo). A wine tour here is a good idea if you plan on visiting Spain!
Since you’re most likely not heading to there anytime soon, take a virtual trip to Spain’s Do Rueda with an online wine class and wine & snacks inspired by the region. I received a box to try, everything paired perfectly with the wine. See my video here!
Learn about wine this week in Do Rueda‘s online wine class with Master Sommelier, Bruce Wallner (Sept. 22), and mark October 5th in your iCal for Wine Night Instagram Live with wine expert, Angela Aiello (@superwinegirl).
Finally had a park hang w/ some of my BFFs this week. It was so nice to be back on my old stomping grounds! Forst real park hang of the summer. The park is a bit different these days with people in masks, lots of tents, fewer people crowding, socially distant circles. There was a yoga class taking place, so we moved out of our spot when they arrived, it was a bit of a weird vibe. I loved that they had Tibetan singing bowls but it was right in an area where people were having picnic dinners and there were tents set up. Might have been better suited for a less crowded area!
We’re drinking bangarang a new malt seltzer made in London, ON during the pandemic. I’m one of their new partners and was happy yo have the gang try it.
Wow, this month has really flown by! I’ve been working a new gig for the last couple of weeks and have been really slacking on blog updates. I’m still here but I’ve been finding it harder to update and have also not really felt like sharing too much.
This weekend we came back to the cottage to get it ready for Sean’s sister and her fam to have a week here. On Saturday we had a nice distanced hang with our cottage bubble, floating in the lake and enjoying the sun.
It’s crazy that August is almost over. March and April felt like they were never-ending and somehow, we’re near the end of summer.
This time of year I’m usually gearing up for a busy September with TIFF and Fashion Week. Not sure what the next few weeks are gonna look like. I did, however, book a hair appointment for this week and I am so excited. Not planning to change the cut or colour too much, I’ve really grown to love this darker, covid shag.
Heading back to the city for a bit and will be back to the cottage for the long weekend. Here’s to a great week!
It was nice waking up in my own bed and get ready in my room this morning. The water at the house is different than the cottage and it makes it my hair so soft. I’m really growing to love my shaggy Covid hair, it’s the longest hair I’ve had in over a decade! In the past, I would probably be freaking out at how long my roots are but with all the things that have changed, and how I’ve changed, I’m cool with it.
Tonight I’m meeting a friend for dinner and can’t wait. Looking forward to bike riding in the sun!
