CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Travel MUSKOKA

So Long Muskoka, Until Next Year!

So Long Muskoka, Until Next Year!

We closed the cottage yesterday. As soon as we got north of the city there was snow. I’ve seen snow every winter of my life but I still feel a burst of energy and excitement for the first snowfall of the year. As we got progressively north the snow continued and we drove through our first snow squall (almost blizzard!).

Since the cottage isn’t winterized, closing up involves putting huge wood panels on the windows, draining the lines,  dryer sheets everywhere (to keep critters away), emptying the fridges (we have condiment overload now), cleaning, and final lock up. There is a lot of lifting, garbage, flashlights, and tools. I always take a minute to be grateful for the work, the views, and doing it together. Sean and I have been opening and closing it for about 5 years now.

I got to thinking about how our lives will change before we make it back up in the Spring. It’ll likely be late March or April, and a lot can happen in 4 months. I’ll be away for about 4 weeks over the holidays and I really hope we can take a family vacation in February. Emily will be 10 my blog will be 13. Maybe we’ll start a renovation or have a new couch and TV? I’m hoping for more speaking at the start of the year and am working on that with my agency. I like thinking about the time passing because it’s easier to set goals when you have a timeframe to work with. I’m upping my fitness routine and hopefully, by then I’ll feel better in a bikini. I’ve never really been on to set New Years Resolutions, why wait will the new year when you can make a change now?

Come NYE, you’ll wish you started today!

Woke up super groggy but dragged myself to the gym and although it wasn’t a long workout, going is the first step to making a habit (AGAIN). So, tomorrow I’ll try. I have yoga tonight but I want to get more cardio into the mix. I always hated the idea of going to the gym but I actually feel better every time I go (surprise!) so I try to think about that feeling instead of the anxiety I get before going. After my workout, I took myself for a much-needed mani to kick off a big week with nice nails.

For the last few years, I’ve been following through on the ONE New Years resolution I ever set. I made a promise to myself to always have my nails looking nice. It’s a small thing but I swear it makes a huge difference. If I have my hair and nails done, I can do anything.  It makes me feel like I have my shit together, whether I do or not.

This week is a really busy one. Tomorrow I’m at Influence TO a huge entrepreneurship & influencer conference.  Side note, the worlds #1 and my all time fav YouTuber,  Casey Neistat RT my tweet about it nbd. I am speaking at 2 events on Wednesday and Saturday I leave for a week vacation in NOLA.

 

see the tweet here!

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LIFE SELF CARE

In case you need a reminder…

Last night I was not feeling great. I wasn’t sick-sick but it had been a really busy day. My head was full of anxiety, my mind was racing, and I was feeling stressed TF out. I realised it’s easily been two weeks since my last yoga class and I can 100% feel a difference in my mental health when I stop going. So, I scheduled my smart lights to turn on at 7am and set my alarm. I planned to get a coffee but then realized I forgot my wallet in the car. Urgh! I didn’t let that stop me. I was the first one at class just as Sandy was putting on a pot of coffee. It all worked out. It felt so good to stretch and work up a sweat. I came home, took my vitamins, and had a new perspective on the day.

I work hard at being positive and sunshiney all the time. It’s not always easy but the more you give and share, the easier I find it is to be genuinely happy.

If you are having a hard time, or you feel like quitting, remember why you started. 

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LIFE National Philanthropy Day

Getting Involved and Giving Back: War Child Canada + National Philanthropy Day

war child what if women gala casiestewart

Last week I attended the What If Women Gala in support of War Child Canada. Since I was young volunteering has been something very important to me. In the last year, I’ve donated my time with Telus, served a few meals at Evangel Hall Mission, Movember Canada, Brands For Canada, and partnered with War Child Canada.

Aside from the gala being super fun, it was inspiring to hear stories of survival and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women in attendance. I went with Deane from Veritas as an Ambassador for War Child. I rented this beautiful dress from Studio Fitzroy, my go-to place for great dresses.

I was jazzed to meet Margaret Atwood and Sarah McLaughlin. I loved that M. Atwood and her husband were both wearing Coogi Sweaters. When I complimented her on it she seemed surprised and pleased I recognized the Australian classic. I used to have one and it’s my most regretted piece of clothing I gave away. I think about that bright beautiful thing all the time and wonder where it might be. 

Photo Credit: Christopher Wahl

Over dinner, Chantal Kreviazuk performed with Sarah Mclaughlin and Ruth B. It was great. I love Ruth B.’s ‘Lost Boy’ and hearing her sing it live was amazing.  Dinner was also good. Deane and I had so many laughs together and I met some great people.

Photo Credit: Christopher Wahl

It’s truly amazing what we can do when we work together. Today on National Philanthropy Day, think about how you can give back to your community or online to an organization that matters to you. To support War Child Canada visit the website here.

If you need help getting involved and giving back, ask me! Happy to help!

 

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LIFE SANTA'S VILLAGE

HO-HO-HO! Need a Holiday Jumper? I Got You!

HO-HO-HO! Need a Holiday Jumper? I Got You!

I’ve been growing my collection of holiday sweaters for years. In honour of the holidays approaching and the ease of Amazon Prime, I’ve selected a few great holiday sweaters that you can order just in time to rock that holiday party. 

Called on Sean to model some of the sweaters I ordered. Photos were taken using portrait mode on the new iPhone 8 Plus and my new millennial pink seamless background.

Ho-Ho-Holiday Sweater Fun

All three of Sean’s sweaters are from Amazon, the Cash Business Wreath, Braaaaap, and Go Jesus. I also ordered the Stripper Silhouette which is on its way lol. If you’re looking for something a little more feminine, I’ve included a few crazy print holiday dresses you’ll be sure to dazzle a crowd in. ?? Oh man, I can’t wait to bust all these out.

[amazon_link asins=’B017W6N2DG,B01JOY84NM,B01JOY984Q,B0149YVTKM,B011MLDLB0,B0761S7JTY,B00QVM7ZJA,B0752H8RL4,B01JOY5KQG’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’casiestewartc-20′ marketplace=’CA’ link_id=’91a8a9c0-c6a6-11e7-b035-d11afef75969′]

I love digging out my hidden stash of holiday sweaters that’s been tucked away. One of my all time favs that you can’t buy was a gift from Target Canada years ago (RIP Target Canada). It’s called the ‘Together Sweater” and fits two people. Sean and I only wore it once to a party and did not last in it all night. It’s wool and super hot but totally fun.

I love this stuff so much. Bring on the holiday cheer!

 

This post contains affiliate links!

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LIFE JARRITOS MEXICAN COLA

A Super Good Time Celebrating Mexico w/ Jarritos!

It was the day after Halloween, I’d been working from home, did some work, and took a nap. When I woke up I was in a hungry daze. Checked my calendar and I was so glad so glad to see this dinner because I love Mexican food and Marian invited me + I was really hoping we’d get to sit together.  On the Eve of Dia de los Muertos and I hung out with a bunch of bloggers and  Jarritos Canada eating Mexican food. The night was full of laughs and a delicious menu all washed down with Jarritos. My favourite flavours are grapefruit and mango for the record.

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

Shoutout to their photog Josh for the photos.↓ In this one,  I’d already posted something on my IG story and someone said “do that again” so I’m laughing here because I’m watching my own IG story haha. 

The menu was prepared by La Carnita. We started with 3 dips and chips including amazing guacamole, corn salsa, and spicy bean dip. Next, we had spicy Scorpion wings and Mexican Street Corn. I really wanted to eat the corn but it was a bit too messy for my liking so I passed and moved right onto the tacos.

I really love dinners like this that bring together a bunch of people from different backgrounds. I don’t usually get invited to that many ‘foodie’ specific things so always fun to make new friends.

We finished off the meal with Paleta, one of their signature items, similar to a popsicle that cleans the palette. I am getting hungry as I write this. 

Thank you Jarritos Canada + Branding & Buzzing for the invite. So great to hang out and catch up over my favourite food! Sean is a fan of Jarritos and I was lucky to bring some home too. ?

 

I was compensated for this post but there's a good chance I would have gone for the food + fun times. ?

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