fashionable by choice

Last night I went to the Escada fashion show at the Spoke Club. It was fun. The clothes were nice. Nothing stood out to make me REALLY excited. The models were skinny as usual. It was really nice to be at the Spoke again after such a long winter. It made me excited for summer! I saw familiar faces including Tony Charr, Julian & Derek.

We had a really nice time. Our bartender was making these lovely cocktails with fresh crushed raspberries. It was delicious.

Escada Toronto Fashion Week 2009 from Casie Stewart on Vimeo. I made a mistake on this video and the audio is longer than necessary. Forgive, for I am only a human!

green is my favorite colour

St. Patrick’s Day was a fun time. It’s pretty hard to screw up a night filled with everyone feeling ‘green’ and filling themselves with beer. I had green stuff all over me. The Brazen Head pub was packed so we filled up a 20 person table at a different location and started the fun.
In the spirit of ‘green’ I’d like to point out a few things. My office building is green and has an Inorganic market for electronic waste. This is a growing problem in our world and I am proud that they are on it.

This beautiful mural is my favorite shade of green. I walk past it everyday.

Someone keeps spray painting this on garbage cans and buildings around. I am a fan of creative street art and creative graffiti. This is neither. I know infowars and what it is about but seriously, this is totally unnecessary. #FAIL.

this is raphael saddiq

he came close to me
from the stage
his voice was warm
as it graced my ears

enlightened by his
performance
i share it with you


Raphael Saddiq & Me from me on vimeo.

where in the world is carmen sandiego?

If not for the weather, it is definitely spring judging by the amount of going out I’ve been doing over the past week!

This morning I located the Elusive Carmen on Twitter and has a pretty cool site with agents and stuff. I like it. I am now following @vile, Carmen has tips on interesting things.
I feel like I have so much to share! On Monday night I had drinks with the lovely Aga followed by the Raphael Saddiq show at the Phoenix with Bonga and some friends.

I ran into Rahim otherwise knows as @funkstop.
Then I saw this cute girl.

It was a great show. As usual, I showed up fashionable & late when it was already in progress. Such is life!

arts & culture writer = me

I wrote an article a few months back about a fascinating artist named Michael Golland. Afterwards, I found out that it was going to be the feature cover story! I was quite excited given I’m yet to have ‘write a cover story’ checked off my list. An excerpt is below. You can read the whole article here. He wants people to be captivated, to find and immerse themselves in their flow of consciousness. Michael’s art is about finding the Zen within and connecting to its powerful energy. His paintings are unique and recognizable. Fluid lines dance across the canvas creating trajectory spaces filled with monochromatic colors. He aims to draw connections between the objects, the lines, the space, the spirit within and the essence of life itself. Michael was born in Yorkshire, England during the Second World War.” [get all the juice]

all the things i said i said i would do before the sun came out and wanted me to enjoy it

Today, I am reminded of a poem I wrote in Australia. It was 7am, I was walking with my feet in the ocean on Bondi Beach. It was my favorite time of day. Peace, bliss, energy, sunlight ; it was freedom. This untitled poem is my most favorite one I’ve written, I think. There are so many! I’m in the process of picking my favorites so I can have a new book out later this year. Enjoy!

As the waves crashed on the shore,
the wind washed them away.
And as I walked along the sand,
I felt I could not stray.
For I was walking towards the sun,
and it was a brand new day.
Casie Stewart 2004

yeah, a real green dress. that’s cool

We’ve been having quite lovely weather the last few days. The air feels like spring and resonates positivity through vibrant sunlight. I walked to and from work yesterday and thus far, am repeating again today. It makes my mind clear and body feel great. I can definitely feel the multiple hours of walking paying off already!
In spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I will be celebrating at Brazen Head Irish Pub in Liberty Village after work. They were setting up yesterday on my way to the office.

I snapped this guy while getting lunch.


you make music to my ears

Last week I had the pleasure of attending an event bridging the League of Kickass Under 30 and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The League is ‘a social network for young leaders and influencers that are the future of their industry’ & in partnership with the League of Kickass Business People. The League (#LOKU30) had the privileged of having Music Director, Peter Oundjian and VP of Marketing & Business Development Mike Forrester speak to prior us to the performance . They both were great to listen to and spoke about the TSO, the value of the symphony in Toronto and the importance of the arts.

The performanceI saw is part of the New Creations Festival and featured acclaimed violinist and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist Hilary Hahn, Cellist Shauna Rolston and a beautiful work for the string orchestra by Tōru Takemitsu.

There was even an afterparty post show where I mingled with musicians over cocktails. It was a truly uplifting experience. I’m really looking forward to returning. If you didn’t know the symphony was this cool, you do now. I am excited to inform you that TSO on June 20 & 21st you can see The Music of ABBA! #OMG. I wondering if it would be frowned upon to dance in the aisles? All I need is a ticket because I doubt I could stay in my chair since they are playing everything from Dancing Queen to Take a Chace on Me. Totally awesome!

spring has sprung out!

I went for three walks today. Yes, three. Hello spring, beach body and bike riding!

Walk 1. Brekky with some friends at the Old York Bar & Grill. I was in good company and we laughed our heads off at continuous random hilarity.
Walk 2. Went for a beautiful stroll in the Toronto Music Garden. “The garden was built in Inspired by the pictorial element in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello with each dance movement within the suite corresponding to a different section in the garden.” [Learn more] I’m working on a video of my Toronto Symphony experience. Will publish later today! Took some cool photos by the water & in the garden.
Walk 3. My roommate and I walked down by South Beach & Marina 2. There is still ice on the water and it looked pretty neat. I did not know there was so many little places to walk around.

steamrolled by drunkards at steam whistle

Last night I strolled over to Steam Whistle to meet some friends. I arrived late, extremely late considering they opened at 5pm to start the party and most people were already totally wasted. It was a good time! I always have fun out, unless I lose something like my phone, ipod, camera, or dignity really.
I was pleasantly surprised to run into Tweeps Andrew Lane & Kurt Gooden. It’s rad to meet the Tweeps offline. Makes me feel nerdy and cute. I like it.
These drunky drunky dudes below did a lovely pose for moi. Ben in the middle said he blogs too which is also rad.
I was pretty happy to find a loonie as you can see. That’s like a hundred days good luck. Day #1 – right on. So far so good! Good things come to good people. Dear Kharma, Please make hundreds stick to my shoes next time.
Met the band Tiny Danza. They’re big a jazz hip hop fusion band and a big deal in Korea. They are also on Twitter.
This pic is for you Ben.

canadian family you say, ma?

I just had a long chat with Mum who just returned from New Zealand. I miss it. I want to go back there so bad. She told me a story about the very tip of the North Island called Cape Reinga. It is so very beautiful. She said that New Zelander’s (The Kiwi’s!) are very creative and they place much of attention & value on the arts and artsy things. That makes me feel awesome.

having a new camera makes my life better

Here is some more good stuff from my day. Felling the spring vibes makes so happy. Popping around the city, feeling pretty. Skip in my step walking with pep. Ipod & street sounds , the sun brightly shining, loving the weather and photo designing.

3/14 1:59 & #spadinawatch

I saw on the news this morning that there was a smash up between a police car and street car last night at King & Spadina. Minor injuries to two our officers. I was news reporting last night when I started #spadinawatch. Today was a really beautiful day. I had coffee with a friend and went a walk for about two hours. around the St. Lawrence Market, Bay Street, Queen Street, Spadina. I had coffee with a friend who was off to Opera rehearsal for the COC. Pretty cool! Today is PI Day – 3/14. I stopped by Black Market on Queen, everything in the store is $10 right now. Got a couple goodies! I ran into a few peeps walking around which is always awesome. I’m enjoying all the tweets from my friends at the SXSW Interactive conference in Austin, TX. Wish I was there too!

i was at naughty by nature last night and today is friday the thirteenth again

Last night I went to a fashion show for Brazen Hussy and Naughty by Nature at Circa. I did a major fail and left my camera battery plugged in and brought camera, sans battery. I must say, I do not like to be referred to as ‘brazen’ or ‘hussy’. There were a few choice items I liked in the collection. The BEST part of the show was the violin player who played BRITNEY spears. OMG. I was loving it so hard. More than the clothes.
I met lots of cool ass peeps hanging out in the glass cube. Last month on Friday the 13th I got a tattoo. Remember? I was thinking it would be cool to get another tattoo today, like a little Friday the 13th thingy. This is not likely going to happen unless someone invites me like in the next few hours as I do not have an appointment anywhere. Today is really pretty outside and I wore pink Hello Kitty glasses.

i had so much fun with you. #girlsnight

Last night I met up with some of my totally awesome Twitter friends for #girlsnight. We were at Rivoli on Queen Street. It was super fun as you will now see.
Have you heard of Ahoka? “Akoha was founded by @AustinHill and Alex Eberts After attending the TED Conference. It’s pretty cool. It’s an online/offline game and all about doing good stuff. I dig it and am totally playing!!
We had some really good laughs and chats. I let out that I rarely ever wear pants and we all have a crush on Renee. Her & Erin have great hair. Looking forward to hanging out again, and again.

i love you barbie ♥

Today is Barbie’s 50th Birthday. I love Barbie. I still have all mine from when I was little including two corvettes, hair salon, house, TONS of clothes, accessories, shoes and much more. My favorite Barbie is Peaches & Cream. This is Hawaiian Beach Barbie wearing the Peaches & Cream Dress from 1984. She looks so great. Who’d know she was 50! I’m keeping all my Barbie clothes so I can have them made for me one day. I have heaps of gorgeous vintage dresses! Lucky for me there is now a whole line of Barbie clothing coming out. The Barbie blog has all the details and is written by Barbie. This week Jeopardy is featuring a category on Barbie TONIGHT for her birthday! Barbie is also on Twitter. Yahooo!

the worlds largest untapped resource

Yesterday was International Women’s Day. “It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.” I had a soak in the hot tub and thought about women who have inspired me to be strong & confident. Women that have helped me define myself by what I have learned from them and their experiences. I am truly blessed to have had some wonderful women around me since a very young age.
The most inspiring, strong, unique women of them all is my Mum. She is visiting my awesome family in New Zealand. Lots of love to the family ♥. I think of New Zealand as an untapped resource too, the Maoris hanging out at Rotorua geothermal, the long drive out to Grandad’s Batch.

windy weather cast on a rainy day

Saturday was windy and wet. After the gym & swim, I went to the AGO. The best way to spend a cloudy day. It’s so bright inside the AGO; filled with light, love, sound and beauty.

I felt very artistic, as I always do when I visit the AGO. Don’t you remember this guy, and this guy? I am really enjoying my new camera. I made a video, watched it, almost peed my pants laughing and saved it. This movie is entitled windy weather cast #005. The music is Mi Confesion by Gotan Project.

a pleasure to look at

Last week I went to the opening night of VH2 – An exhibit of contemporary paintings by Venus Lukic and K. Hinto. I was excited to see the newest paintings by my dear friend K. Hinto. I am a big fan of Hinto’s work. I have two of his pieces at home and I fall for a new one every time I visit his studio. The show is on for the rest of March at Bisogno Espresso Bar (map). Most of the pieces displayed at have yet to be seen by eyes outside his studio. The photo below is one of my fav’s but it could be yours if you get it first.

stairs, stairs, stares. laissez-faire.

I take the stairs down most of the time at my office. I take the elevator up. I’m thinking of doing the stair climb up the CN Tower. I reckon I could make a good time. I love the tower. I watch it daily. I went to the gym today and then for a swim. It was refreshing and inspiring. They gym has given me anxiety for the last few years and I rarely ever go. This morning I got over it. It felt fantastic. I’m dying to go again.

the stairs from me on vimeo.

I also got a new Moleskine.

i like the first part but not the second

This is the part I like – super rad shoes. Having unique shoes shows how cool you are. Having Monopoly kicks shows that you are ballin’!! I fell in love with the shoes when I saw them. I hope they make kid size cause I want my own pair. This is the part I do not like – subway loud talkers. I totally get annoyed when people are talking REALLY loud on the subway. Urgh. 1. Do you think anyone cares? or 2. Do you realize you are on public transit & not in a car and 3. Meh. These girls were on my streetcar the other day and they were just going off about all kinds of annoying stuff.


meh from casie on vims.

what the cool kids are doing these days

Partying! Imagine a sexy downtown loft filled with hot, young, internet innovators and cool kids. Dancing to downtown beats and raising glasses to each other…sounds good doesn’t it.
Last night I had the pleasure of attending #GenyTO Meetup #2 at the Centre for Social Innovation. It was awesome. The bar was bubbling over with booze and there was even a movie premiere for Toronto’s 175 birthday (video below). This time the crowd was even larger as we joined forces with the SXSW & CanLIT groups. The #Genyto meetup/tweetup brings together some of the most creative and ambitious young people from the Toronto startup, marketing, PR and tech communities.For all the photos check my Flickr photo stream ♥

art & music: the sounds of friendship

Today it is damn ass cold again. I’m wearing the warmest unit on my head, found it in Mum’s basement. It’s a Turtle Fur headband from the 80’s! Love it. I used to wear it skiing when I was a kid. This evening I will be attending two events that are artistic and appealing. Planning on going with my sister and probably going to make a dance moves vid also. If you’d like to join us, message me on Twitter (@casiestewart).
Stop #1

My friend K.Hinto, a fabulous Toronto artist has a show opening.

What: VH2 – An exhibit of contemporary paintings by Venus Lukic and K. Hinto
When: Show opens Tuesday March 3rd, 6-9pm, continuing all month during Cafe hours
Where: Bisogno Espresso Bar, 61 Sherbourne St. (just North of King St.) Stop #2

My friend Zoe Bentley, a fabulous Toronto singer/musician has a show at the Cameron House. I wrote about her before here. Tonight’s details are on FB.

a very cold march day march

Today is freezing. The weather’s not fit for walking outside. The wind is chilling on my skin. The sun is bright. My feelings are warm but my face is not. Spring is on it’s way, just not today!! I made a little video this morning as I was experiencing arctic winds & the true North strong and free.

video: cold march day on Vimeo.

Lots of work to get done. I also have some stories to share from the weekend but will get to that later this eve.


neighbourhood watch girl

The sun shining that took place this weekend in the city of Toronto was fantastic. I was filled with fantasies of summer and frolicking in warmth of the sun. I am lucky to be able to see this beautiful sunset from my favorite spot, Balconia (aka. my balcony).
There are now a whole bunch of peeps living in the building next to me. I can see clearly into most of their units as they are very close and live in glass boxes. You can see also…My weekend over all was pretty relaxing. I watched ‘The Rocker‘ and caught a scene with my sister and Teddy Geiger. I also watched The House Bunny and liked it. All cheese but funny.

Electron Ionization: new album for you

Electron Ionization will be performing in my mind and across the universe for the rest of eternity. Stay tuned into the Electron Ionization to be infused with energetic sounds. Our first album, entitled “Anyone but the Queen and illiterate sport fishermen.” can only be found on this blog. All material is original and unique.
1 – Go to “wikipedia.” Hit “random… Read More… Read More”

or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2 – Go to “Random quotations”
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last few words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
3 – Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4 – Use photoshop or similar to put it all together.
5 – Post it to FB with this text in the “caption” and TAG the friends you want to join in.

walking in the rain with a heart on

Last night Mr.Playmobil was in my room. He was looking good in his fancy work shirt and orange pants. He’s got style. He was hanging out on the top floor at Bookshelf Bistro in the Receipt’s Bar. Nice to see him again. He was alone but I know his friends hang out near there.
Today it’s raining. The billboard for the new condo shows a bright scene. It doesn’t rain when you live there. They are building a bubble I think. I hoped the rain would stop as I passed it but it did not and it rained on my face. Then I walked through more puddles.


walking in the rain from Casie Stewart on Vimeo.