Venice Film Festival

Venice Film Festival

At the start of September, Sean and I flew to Italy for the Venice Film Festival. His immersive documentary, Spots of Light was accepted into the Venice Film Festival competition! It was also my first time in Italy!

We arrived in style with an Official Festival car picking us up from the airport and taking us to the airport boat dock. I’d been dreaming of taking a fancy water taxi and arriving just like Lady Gaga’s iconic arrival in 2018. It was close to that, aside from the paparazzi and me dangling my feet off the side of the boat lol. We arrived at the Excelsior Hotel (where all the celebrities are dropped off!) and were whisked away to another festival driver for hotel delivery. I was loving every moment!

FESTIVAL PHOTOS

Smythe | FW23 + Pre-Spring 2024

Smythe FW 2023

I recently went to preview the SMYTHE FW23 / PS24 collections at the Ace Hotel. The collections are GORGEOUS, I loved the colors, shapes, and fabrics.

Smythe makes the most beautiful blazers and suits, love this fit!

This was my absolute favorite item I saw that day! A 2-piece suit with sparkle details down the pants and blazer, LOVE IT. 😍

TAP TO SEE THE GOLD DRESS!

The Perfect Glamping Getaway

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature, glamping in Ontario is the perfect solution! Combining the comforts of modern amenities with the tranquility of the outdoors, glamping offers a unique and luxurious experience. To ensure that your glamping trip is a success, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

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Yorkville Murals: Jules Monson

Over the past 2 months, I’ve been working with Weaver & Loom through Funday to bring this exciting project to life for Yorkville Murals featuring rugs designed by Jules Monson. 👩🏻‍🎨🐍🐍🐍 This was especially exciting because Jules is a friend, our first guest on the Cast of Creators podcast, and I have a few of her pieces on the walls in my room.

Using the Weaver & Loom platform, Jules created a series of rugs for her ‘Sssnakes’ installation at the Manulife Centre. This installation includes 18 unique snake-themed rugs, available in three different color schemes and various sizes.

This collaboration has shown the incredible opportunity for artists like Jules to transform their art, both new and existing, into exquisite, high-quality floor coverings.

We worked closely with Jules throughout the entire process, from design and initiation to production and shipping, completing this remarkable project in just two short months. Weaver & Loom’s digital platform streamlines the traditional rug-making process by removing layers of middlemen, making project delivery more efficient and cost-effective than this industry has ever seen.

If you’re in Toronto, check out Yorkville Murals this weekend to experience Jules Monson’s large-scale installation inside the Manulife Centre, near Over The Rainbow.

🌟 If you’re an artist/interior designer and want to explore the platform or dream of creating your own beautiful bespoke rug, shoot me a DM.🌟

Photos by @jgazze

A Sweet Escape

Last week I was at Stoney Lake and it was a sweet escape from the city. Our time was filled with cooking, family-style dinners, peaceful afternoons in the sun, naps, and lots of sunsets. I took Sean wakeboarding with the sea-doo, spent a good amount of time floating, and finished an entire book (highly recommend!). My friend Jen brought her dog, Gary, and I made some new friends from NYC. It was a bit bittersweet as our friend who owns the cottage aka ‘Scottage’ is selling the property.

As much as it was great to be away, it’s always nice to be home. I’ll miss these beautiful sunsets tho!

Be My Light, Be My Yellow

This summer has been so busy, can hardly believe we’re almost half way through August. WHERE DID THE TIME GO? These bright yellow photos were from the KIND Summer Fair last month.

This week I’m taking some time to recharge at Stoney Lake with Sean and some friends. I’ve been swimming, tanning, sea-dooing, cooking, laughing, running, reading, and doing yoga. It’s amazing how a few days at the lake will refresh your perspective, help you sleep, and brighten your mood. Sean and I did this almost every weekend for years.

Yesterday I did a self-tape for a commercial from the cottage. I can’t tell you what it’s for but if you are reading this please put out some good vibes that I book it!

Can you spot two differences in these photos??

We’ll be back in the city on the weekend then it’s the homestretch of summer before we go to Italy in September (more on that later!!!). 😁

In other news, this is one of my fav songs right now. Good lyrics.

Latest Obsession: Octobuddy!

This thing from Amazon is my latest obsession, Octobuddy! It’s amazing for taking selfies when you don’t have a photog around (which is almost always lol). All the photos in this post were taken with my new lil’ guy!

The name has over 38M views on TikTok while the brand account only has 662 followers. Influencers everywhere have been posting about Octobuddy and I had to get one. It’s a little silicone sticker with multiple suction cups that attaches to the back of your phone and sticks to shiny surfaces (mirror, window, etc).

It’s great for hands-free selfies/videos and is around $20 CAD on Amazon.

ORDER ONE AND JOIN THE CLUB.

Grounding Yourself!

When was the last time you kicked off your shoes and felt the soft, cool grass beneath your feet? Taking a moment to connect with the earth and embrace the simple pleasure of lying in the grass can do wonders for our well-being.

It might sound a bit woo-woo, but trust me, there’s science behind it. Studies suggest that grounding can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and even boost our immune system. It’s like hitting a nature reset button for your busy life.

When I was home visiting Mum I took a few minutes to lay in the grass each day, look at the sky, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths.

If you’re feeling stressed, try grounding yourself in nature. It doesn’t have to be complicated, find a (clean!) patch of grass, take off your shoes, and let the earth do its magic. Tune in to the sounds of birds chirping, the rustling of leaves, and let a feeling of calm wash over you. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it. 🙏

Stay grounded my friends. Have a great week!

HOME SWEET HOMEY

Went home recently to spend a few days at Mum’s with the fam. My uncle Jimmy (Mum’s twin brother) passed away in New Zealand and I wanted to be there for her. I didn’t realize how much I missed spending time together. My sister was there for a couple of days too!

We went for nice walks in the neighborhood by the river, checked out the local thrift shops, and drive around remembering the places we used to hang out. I had three days off work and stayed a few extra days to work remotely. Grateful to have a job where I can work anywhere.

Before heading home, Bonga and I went for wings at our old stompin’ grounds, Moose Winooski’s. It’s changed a lot since we used to go there on Thursday nights back in high school. The wings there are just as huge as I remember tho, so good.

This is the first summer in 15+ years that Mum & Steve have been home and not sailing on the boat. Already planning a trip back soon. 🤗

Soul In the City at Casa Loma

Recently I went to Soul In The City at Casa Loma AND IT WAS INCREDIBLE. I hadn’t heard of this event before Natalie invited me and I am SO glad I skipped yoga to go. The music & performances were amazing, we sang, we danced, and it was all over around 10 pm.

Sean Jones was so good!

If you are looking for a FUN weekday night out with friends or a great date, GET A TICKET. I want to go again before summer ends!

Summer evenings at the castle gardens are so magical, there are heaps of great photo ops. It’s like being in a fairytale! We had a table near the front of the stage and ordered some light snacks including ceviche, hummus, and dips.

EVENT DETAILS: SOUL IN THE CITY

  • Tuesday evenings: June 20th – August 29th, 2023
  • Cost: $44.50 per person, Parking $15
  • Doors @ 5pm, show @ 7.30pm
  • Seating is first come, first served (not guaranteed!)
  • Rain or shine event.
  • Ticket doesn’t include Casa Loma tour!

Tuesday evenings in the summer months, Casa Loma plays to Juno Award-winning artist Sean Jones, accompanied by a seven–piece band The Righteous Echo, and special guests, in the spectacular Glass Pavilion.

Guest can enjoy stunning views of the city, majestic castle, and the beautiful estate gardens while enjoying this energetic live show under the stars. Guests also have an abundance of al fresco food and drink options while onsite.

More info on Casa Loma Website

There were so many people dancing and having fun. The night ended with a Beyonce cover and ‘This is How We Do It’ by Montel Jordan. I was having the time of my life!

A special shoutout to Sean who after a decade of being together, is truly an incredible Instagram Husband! 💘

Trying New Things: I Have An Acting Agent!

I recently signed with The George Agency, one of Toronto’s top talent reps! It’s been 5+ years since I had an acting agent. She’s back baby! I’ve done a few commercials and movies in the last ten years and did my first commercial at 15. I’m really excited to be represented by my friend Summer (from my college era) at this agency, who recently switched from actor to agent.

Over the past 2 weeks, I’ve had a couple of auditions but haven’t booked anything yet. I hope I get something soon! This image is from a self-tape for a commercial that called for pets. I asked my bff & professional actor Cory Lee to come over with her pup Quincy Bonez to help me out. It feels great to be doing this again!

Stepping a bit out of my comfort zone with this but I like it. Here’s to trying new things & new opportunities!

Don’t Worry Be Happy

The other night Sean and I went out for dinner to Dotty’s around the corner from our place. The menu was looking extra cute and so was the patio. I wore one of my all-time fav jackets designed by Valfre, an artist & illustrator from Mexico. My first post about her was way back in 2011! I remember being so excited for this jacket to arrive, love that it says ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’. Not sure if the skeleton & dragon are dancing or fighting. ☺️

I’d recommend Dotty’s for cocktails, fries, and the house-made pimento cheese + Ritz crackers. Patio is cute! We had the burger, Caesar salad, and chicken sandwich, unfortunately, neither of us really enjoyed the mains. Dessert was amazing though. This lemon square tasted just like the ones a family friend made when I was a kid. I’ll go back just to have it again! Overall Dotty’s has a nice vibe & design.

Collision Conf 2023

Next week, Toronto’s biggest tech conference is back! Collision Conf is like the ‘Olympics of Tech’ and brings together people and companies redefining the tech industry.

Nelson and I were there each day last year and it was so much fun (see blog post here!). We even filmed a couple of Cast of Creators episodes in the glass podcast booth. Including one with Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace!

Trending Topics to Watch

I chatted with the Collision Conf team this week to see what sessions and topics are trending:

  • online experiences
  • influencer marketing
  • ChatGPT and AI (of course!)

There are some big-name speakers (see here) and I’m looking forward to hearing from Geoffery Hinton, the founder of artificial intelligence. Early registration is open this weekend at the Union Station UP Express platform and then onsite at Beanfiend Centre from Monday to Thursday. I’m planning to get my badge this weekend to avoid the chaos.

I’ll be at the opening party on Monday night and then at the conference each day. I look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new people. My experience last year was so great I left feeling excited, inspired, and with a few new friends!

If you’ll be there LMK, download Hvr to leave a comment on my blog!

Big Bang Baby

She was ready for a change! Went back to Hair by Beni in Yorkville and got a little trim. I have had bangs so many times in my life and I was happy when he said ‘let’s cut your fringe’. I have seriously never loved my hair more. The mirrors and lighting in this salon are next level.

Also, the title of this post is a song by Stone Temple Pilots. The chokehold this song and Scott Weiland had on me as a teenager! I loved his dance moves, the green pants, everything.

The cutest thing about me showing up at Saon Jie on this fine Saturday morning was that Beni and I were wearing the same bright yellow! It was so adorable, love him! We met up later that night at Do West aka Dundas West Fest and had the best time.

Trying New Things: Vettä Nordic Spa

The other weekend we drove up to the cottage to visit the parents’. It’s been ages since we’d been up North. On the way home we stopped at Veta Nordic Spa for a little R&R.

We also stopped by Currie’s Music in Gravenhurst, my fav vintage shop in the area. They have a fab curated selection of vintage finds in the back of the music shop. This yellow number had my name on it but was much too big.

Almost got this cute prom dress! It’s always fun to try things on even if you dobn’t end up buying them.

Our experience at Vetta Spa was very nice. 100% would visit again. It’s very quiet. You can’t use your phone. There is a bar and 2 restaurants. The cold plunge pool was about 7 degrees which was warm for a seasoned dipper like me but still, it was nice.

All you need to show up wth is yourself and bathing suit. You get a robe wen you register in and can rent slides. If you have sandals I would recommend bringing them. Look forward to going back, probably in the winter!

Sweet Summertime Sets

In the winter I was really all about wearing jumpsuits. So much that my friend Raymi asked if I was a janitor bc I wore them so often. LOL! See Raymi’s blog here. In warm temps, one of my absolute fav things to wear is summertime sets. They’re the best! I have so many different ones and I can’t wait to wear them all.

Posted this cute one in my Stories yesterday and it’s been ages since I got so many DMs about an outfit. If you want to match me you can buy it here.

In other news, have been going to the gym and mixing up workouts with more yoga. Still running a few times a week. It’s almost getting too hot to run later than 8 am now! I love it. Today I walked High Park for an hour at 7 am.

Got a delivery from my friends at Smartwater yesterday, roof top fridge is stocked! I feel this alkaline water is the best water and I will drink all of it in no time. TY Smartwater Canada!

Do you use Slack for work? I thought this was quite cute. I love how Slack has a lil’ sense of humor.

Remember you’ll never be younger than you are right now so make the most of it! Have a great day! Wear sunscreen.

Planting A Herb Garden w/ ChatGPT

Today was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and I decided to get my hands dirty and plant a herb garden. I’ve been super excited to breathe some life into this raised bed container we had previously used to grow cannabis. She’s got a green thumb!

I saw something on the internet recently that said you should plant certain things together and wanted to make sure I did it right. Sooooo, we called upon our trusty friend ChatGPT to see which herbs should be planted together. 🤓

We put in the exact size of the container and the different herbs, then asked which should be planted together for optimal growing. In less than the time it would take to Google, I knew exactly what to do: oregano and basil beside each other, chives and cilantro together, and peppers to separate the dill. It even had instructions as to which herbs preferred more sun.

It was such a therapeutic experience getting my hands into the soil. The fragrance of these herbs as I planted them was divine. I look forward to more rooftop BBQs and adding fresh herbs to our meals.

Cheers to new adventures in gardening and tastier meals!

Trying New Things: Toronto Marathon!

Last weekend I ran 5k in the Toronto Marathon! It was my first race and the first time in about 2 years that I’d run that far! About a month ago, my BFF Sarah mentioned she was doing the half marathon and I decided to sign up for the 5k.

Before the race I was by myself and sure sure where or when to line up in the corrals. I saw this tiny blonde woman with big glasses ask “is this where we line up?”, I replied, “I don’t know I was wondering!

Next, she popped right through the metal barrier and started walking to where everyone was lining up. In her words “if we’re not supposed to be here, they’ll let us know“. Her energy and attitude really helped to lift my spirits before the race. Thank you, Kelly, I hope to meet you again!

I kept a steady pace for the entire race and when I came to the finish line, I was ready to keep going! Next time I’ll do a 10K and then in spring 2023 I’ll sign up for the half marathon.

The vibes were so high that I stuck around to watch Sarah cross the finish line for the half marathon. It was such an exciting moment to watch her run past!

In a surprising twist, I came in the TOP 20 for my category! I’m feeling more motivated than ever to keep training!

You truly never know what you can accomplish until you try! Here’s to more adventures & new things!

Another Trip Around the Sun

Today is my birthday! I woke up and went for a run in the sun. I feel better than I have in a long time. I’m happy, healthy, and excited to see what the next year will bring. Growing older is such a gift and I intend to continue celebrating each day!

Tonight I’ll be attending my fav class at the gym, eating a healthy dinner, and going to bed early.

Cheers to another trip around the sun, HBD to me!

Tomorrow’s Sugar

What a difference a day makes. 

Your heart breaks, your body aches, 

you need rest. 

It’s a test, a level to pass. 

The feelings you’re having won’t last. 

Get some sun, read a book, 

find a mirror, take a look. 

Like hummingbirds at the feeder, 

tomorrow’s sugar will be sweeter.

I don’t know if it’s all this rain or a phase but I’ve been feeling down. I’m ready for spring and sunshine, long walks, bike rides, and park hangs. Maybe it’s the universe reminding me my birthday is days away? Every year, no matter how much I try to deny it, I get this feeling leading up to May 8th. I look back, I look forward, I look around, and feel each moment with my head and my heart.

Trying New Things: Decorating w/ Cry Baby Cakes

Image via Toronto Life

Had an absolutely lovely afternoon last week! On April 20th I was invited to a cake decorating class w/ Firebird Delivery and Cry Baby Cakes. I discovered Brooke Cowitz, chef & owner of Cry Baby Cakes, a few months through my friend Charley and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Her cakes are incredible, each one is a work of art. Look at these!!!

Firebird Delivery brought together a stellar group of women to learn from the best and decorate with Brook at her Cry Baby Cakes studio. The space is so cute, it’s full of light and filled with carefully curated new & vintage. And lots of plants!

Cry Baby Cakes Workshop

Brooke took us through a workshop and Firebird delivery provided us with everything else we needed to celebrate 420 together. It was perfect. 😎

I really wasn’t sure how to decorate mine so I scrolled crybaby.cakes Instagram for inspo and decided on a flowery design with pink & yellow buttercream. It got more elaborate as I went on, I added pink gumballs, a ribbon of vintage-inspired icing, edible flowers, and glitter. Voila!

There were about 10 of us there and each cake turned out so unique. Highly recommend following Cry Bay Cakes and keeping an eye out for her next workshop! If you’re looking to get anything cannabis delivered to you fast AF, check out firebirddelivery.com. 👍

I cut into my cake when I got home and it was delicious. Gave a few slices to friends so I didn’t eat the whole thing!

CN Tower Climb: 1,776 Steps in 21.5 Mins!

This weekend I did the CN Tower climb for the World Wildlife Foundation! I made it to the top of the tower in 21.5 minutes. It was hard but I was really determined to beat my last time of 23 minutes.

Some of the fastest times I saw were around the 14-15 minute mark, the fastest of the whole climb was 11 minutes. I don’t know how that is humanly possible! They must have run the whole way, 2 steps at a time!

I probably could have done it a little faster if I wasn’t out late the night before but oh well! 🍻 Happy with my results and tbh idk if I’ll ever do it again. Twice is enough for me!

Overall, proud of myself for doing it. Thought I would be sore the next day but I was totally fine. Running has clearly paid off! My next big fitness activity is the Toronto Marathon on Mother’s Day in May (I’m doing the 5k!). 😁

In other news, check this out! I had a shoot a couple of months back for my gym, The Body Engineers, and I’m on the poster for the new challenge that starts this week. If you’re interested, sign up here.

In the last challenge, I came in 2nd place out of the whole gym and was the only woman in the top 3. 🎉

She’s a fitness girly now!

The Artist Project Toronto: Feel It For Yourself

Went to opening night of The Artist Project Toronto last night, one of my fav events of the year. I can’t believe how many friends, artists, and people I knew, it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces.

Wore a cute outfit, a see through dress with daisies, and my fav hat from Lack of Colour Australia. I’ve been living in my new platform Vans lately. Have always been a Converse girl but, these little shoes go with everything and they’re so cute.

The Artist Project is on all weekend and 100% worth checking out. It’s happening at Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place from April 14-16, and there here are 250+ independent artists. So many nice things to look at. Grab your friends, go on a date, take the whole fam, it’s great.

“Explore thousands of artworks, large scale installations, enjoy curator led art tours and take home that special work that truly resonates with you.”

The Artist Project

Here are a few of my faves from opening night. There was so much to see, this is just a small sliver of all the things to look at. Get a ticket and go. This post isn’t sponsored, I just truly love supporting independent artists and fun events! I came home and blogged it right away so you could know about it!

Feel it for yourself. Discover original works of art.

A couple of nice pix of us by Ryan Emberley.

Being Yourself is Exhilarating

On Saturday, April 1 at 10 am, Sean and I hopped in the car, drove to Budapest Park, and went in the lake with 20+ people. SO FUN! The cold dip was hosted by my friend Meghan Yuri Young x Soho House Toronto x Othership. The water was cold (obviously) but the sun was shining and the sand felt warm on my feet. We started with breathwork led by an Othership Guide, did 2 min in the lake, then had coffee and hung out at the beach.

On the way there, I got a notification from the Co-Star app that said ‘Being yourself is exhilarating”, what perfect timing! I’ve been leaning into trying new things and honestly, it’s so much fun.

When we got home I walked over to Lucky Tiger Vintage at Lansdowne for their first-ever bin sale. I waited about 45 mins but it was totally worth it. Everything was $5-20 and I came home with a huge bag of goodies. 🤗

10/10, a fabulous day!

Spreading Joy w/ Evan Biddell & The Playsuit

If you’ve missed me talking about the Biddell Playsuit the last few years, you’re sleeping! There’s a good chance you’ve seen it on TikTok, in a fashion show, all over Instagram, or on the news. Since creating and selling the playsuit during the pandemic, Biddell has now sold OVER ONE MILLION dollars in Playsuits alone. This outfit is legendary and if you don’t have one yet, visit his shop and add CASIE20 to your order for a little present.

SUMMER PLAYSUIT FASHION SHOW

I’ve known Evan for a decade (at least) and last week, he was a guest on our podcast, Cast of Creators. IT WAS AWESOME. He is so honest about his career, time on tv shows, ups & downs of running a business, starting a TikTok. It’s a great interview and so much fun. Tap the play button below or listen on the website.

Last week I was a model in Biddell’s ‘WALKOFF’ at Lavelle on King Street. It was so fun. When I got there he said Iooked like Pamela Anderson and someone else said I looked like Nicole Richie. In the words of Paris Hilton, I was SLIVING. (I’m listening to her book right now.) I loved the whole night and especially everyone who slayyyyyed in the walkoff.

Biddell has a show at Fashion Art Toronto next month and it’s going to be epic. Who says epic anymore? Ha, whatever. I’m ready for fashion shows & fun events light up the city again! Bring on spring and strutting down the sidewalk. 😁

Spring is Nature’s Party!

Went for a run this morning for the first time in 2 weeks. I was going out pretty consistently in the first two months of the year then kinda fell off my game in March. Good thing is, you don’t need to wait for a certain day to start again, there’s no time like today. Thankfully it was less cold than recent temps and the sun was out. Spring is nature’s party!

So happy we made it through winter and it will be Taurus season soon. I’m starting a new challenge with my gym in April and am ready to give it my best. I was in a challenge for the first 6 weeks of the year and came in 2nd place, and was the only woman in the top 3. 😁

Have been going to more yoga classes lately and overall feel pretty good. Looking forward to warmer termps, gardening, and flowers in bloom. 💐

Fresh Hair for Spring

It’s spring! Finally! Soon enough flowers will start blooming and it won’t be as cold. Hard to believe we’re almost into Q2 of 2023. The start of this year has been interesting, sometimes I feel like it’s all going as planned, and then the next minute I just don’t know!

In other news, I hadn’t had my hair done in ages and decided it was time. A friend recommended. Beni at Blunt Hair Co. so I booked an appt and went. I am so happy with how my hair looks now, obsessed. Book him here, he’s incredible.

I am also so in love with my new freckles done by my friend Misty Fox! She’s an incredible makeup & SPF artist who is now doing semi-permanent makeup freckles. If this is something you’re interested in, send her a DM on Instagram @mistyfox and tell her I sent you.

If you’re looking for a new cut, color, or style, go see Beni! Follow him on IG at @hair.by.beni.