My New Zealand – The Haka

This video is of the New Zealand All Blacks doing the Haka, a traditional Maori War dance. My Dad used to do the Haka at rugby games when I was a little girl. He played some pretty hard core rugby in new Zealand before coming to Canada. The haka as composed by Te Rauparaha begins with a chant: Kikiki kakaka kauana! Kei waniwania taku tara Kei tarawahia, kei te rua i te kerokero! He pounga rahui te uira ka rarapa; Ketekete kau ana to peru kairiri Mau au e koro e – Hi! Ha! Ka wehi au ka matakana, Ko wai te tangata kia rere ure? Tirohanga ngā rua rerarera Ngā rua kuri kakanui i raro! Aha ha! Then follows the main body of the haka: Ka mate, ka mate! ka ora! ka ora! Ka mate! ka mate! ka ora! ka ora! Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā Ā, upane! ka upane! Ā, upane, ka upane, whiti te ra! ’Tis death! ‘tis death! (or: I may die) ’Tis life! ‘tis life! (or: I may live) ’Tis death! ‘tis death! ’Tis life! ‘tis life! This the hairy man that stands here… …who brought the sun and caused it to shine A step upward, another step upward! A step upward, another… the Sun shines! Click here for more info on the Haka!

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Dance, New Jewels, Women’s Mecca, SUN LOVE!

Went for a nice walk at sunset yesterday before dance and am so happy the weather is finally nice. I always feel a warm spot in my heart walking down Palmerston, my family is from Palmerston North, New Zealand. Can’t help but think of them and the beautiful NZ countryside. I don’t usually read my horrorscope (:P!) but this week it seems the Toronto Metro has me in mind. It’s coming up to my birthday month and I’m feeling great about the next year.   Last night at dance was so much fun! I absolutely love being in Army of Sass. We get in a good workout, learn a new combo, and practice our routine for the show in June. My stomach muscles were hurting from laughing so hard, it’s really great to be surrounded by so many wonderful ladies.     A video posted by Carla Catherwood (@carla_catherwood) on Apr 16, 2015 at 6:47am PDT Spent yesterday afternoon working out of the Women’s Mecca office in Liberty Village. It’s absolutely beautiful and the skylight fills the office with sunshine. Was happy to stumble on one of my fav books kicking around the office. I read over this one every couple months for motivation and creative stimulation.      Visiting my sister in the Beaches and recording an audition video for something fun. Put out good vibes for meeeee! We used to live at Broadview/Danforth and take the subway over this bridge all the time. Brings back fond memories!   Shoutout to my friends at Thomas Sabo Canada for sending this beautiful gift, I haven’t worn and anklet since I was a kid and love it. So nice to have NO SOCKS weather again. Are you following me on Snapchat BTW? Add me: casiestewart! In other news, get outside and soak up some…

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Blunnies Come in Shoes Now: These are my new pair!

The other week I recieved an email about the new Blundstone shoes. I’ve wanted a pair of boots for ages, so I replied right away and set up a time to visit the store. Blundstone boots come from Tasmania, Australia (I’ve been there) and all the shoe styles (like traditional boots) are unisex. Tried on both traditional boot in round & square toes, and the new shoe style. I went with the new shoe. They’re cute. Shoes retail for $149/pair and are available in Blundstone retailers across Canada and blundstone.ca. I got mine at the store on Queen West. Of course 😉 They come in three different colours. I picked chocolate suede. Ian Heaps of Blundstone Footwear said ““The new shoe style is perfect for those who want the Blundstone quality and comfort in a lighter format. “The shoes are great for around the office, but also transition well into the evening. They provide lasting comfort with Blundstone’s signature “slip on/slip off” convenience. They are everything you would find in a Blundstone boot, in a smaller, lighter package.” I love the way they get worked in over time. This pair belong to Casey from the Blundstone store on Queen (same name = awesome) and hers are about a year old (left) and the other ones are brand new. I’m pretty sure my uncle has a pair of these, they always remind me of New Zealand. Guess who else wears Blundstones? The Sheepdogs. Founded in 1870, Blundstone is Australia’s leading manufacturer of quality footwear and IS STILL a family-owned company. I reckon they’ll fit right into my wild lifestyle. I love the orange bike outside the shop, my shoes looked good with it. I saw this contest on the website and am sharing it with you. I don’t work for them…

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Daily Twitter News for 2011-12-25

Waking up Mum's to the smell of coffee is magical. # I can hear Santa wrapping presents. # Social Media comics https://t.co/qidHKBRE # Thoughts: Is It Time To Abolish The Twitter Retweet Button? http://t.co/kSEq4FWQ via @zite # Five essential SaaS solutions no small business should be without http://t.co/mWA92BRi #seriously # DIY Color Oxford http://t.co/xIAtsU8E #fashion #shoes #goodidea # Yayo – who names a song that? And who wants to party http://t.co/s6ReiFt8 # Top 10 things to do in 2012 http://t.co/1rdXCMIP via @lonelyplanet #travel #adventure # Love bringing Mum clothes cause she does fashion show for me. It's the reverse from when I was a kid and always did that. So cute. # Together on this Christmas Eve 🙂 ILU JB! http://t.co/HbWW205N # Wow, miss this old car. It was at my house for YEARS (in the garage if you remember!). Huge Mickey Thomoson tires! http://t.co/kDBKeuwL # I posted a new photo to Facebook http://t.co/fwbNbCJ9 # Gosh, I love this time of year.: Been rushing like crazy the last few days. Have heaps to… http://t.co/sOrolJ7X # Snow! http://t.co/higFR8Fg # Copies! (@ Staples) http://t.co/GXU9S1wf # Shopping w/ Mum. She's so cute! (@ Winners) [pic]: http://t.co/joxW3a1r # I posted a new photo to Facebook http://t.co/SPINPOSm # Fire sale on trees $2!! Garland $.50! (@ Zehrs Markets w/ 2 others) [pic]: http://t.co/ySc6zebA # Galen influenced me. http://t.co/AkC9qyOt # Told Mum I will push the cart (so I can tweet!) # Thinking of you! http://t.co/aeQ10iY5 # Merry Christmas from Van Wilder 😉 http://t.co/i74ItE8l # We made them sort the Happy Meal toys so Mum could have the palm tree one and I could get the nerdy one. [pic]: http://t.co/kCpLDPhU # Video: Mum and I playing w/ toys at Maccas haha http://t.co/dfUHWylP # Weekend Tune: “Snow” from White Christmas: Happy merry everything everyone! Tis the season…

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New York Cab Lemon Sunflower Scrambled Egg, mellow.

To be completely honest, I wanted one of these mugs. Keri has one. Process Yellow C is fresh, bright and beautiful. It’s the colour of sunshine. I love when people call me sunshine. Any of you guys have a Pantone mug? Send me a pic! I will make something. The mug came with the epicly awesome HP Envy print/scan/copy machine today. I can’t wait to make stuff. Yay to making stuff! Ok, here’s the yesterday recap. It was a great day from the moment I woke up. Yesterday on Twitter This Happened: I am in looooove with everything! (@ Bicyclette Boutique) http://4sq.com/g3V8Kt # You maaaaaaake me feel shiny & new… # Mix: @nellabellabrand bags, @metowestyle beaded heart, @rubyboutique fur http://twitpic.com/4hmyzd # Daily reminder to take a sec & vote for my boy @shawnhawaii http://bit.ly/hX6DKX #ultimateblogger # had a kinda fun request from my agent @fairlieagency this morning. i love fun jobs! # just had lasagna. i love lasagna. what you having for lunch? # Photo: kinda like me. http://tumblr.com/xmj20mo592 # Where do you want to live? — on the internet. http://4ms.me/g7oJ0m # How are you? — Awesome. http://4ms.me/h0Gdep # If you had the opportunity to live one year of your life over again, which year would you choo… — 2004 in Australia http://4ms.me/gC8bJn # I was wondering if you’d like to grab a coffee, Thursday aft, you, me ? Riot Zone.? — who are you would help? http://4ms.me/fVuKOw # What do you think the world will be like in 50 years? — less fighting, less water, less trees. http://4ms.me/ijf5WF # Photo: i need these coins STAT. http://tumblr.com/xmj20mn3xx # 15% OFF Latex Clothing http://post.ly/1rLso # Photo: i would get this for nerd boyfriend: Circuit Board Tie http://tumblr.com/xmj20mj0ga # How to Put Together an Effective Startup Press Kit via @erinbury – erinbury:…

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eye spy with my new litte eye

Good Morning Saturday!! It’s lovely out. I got a new camera yesterday, Cannon PowerShot SD1300 I 12.1 mpx + 2 year warranty. If you have been reading this blog for more than six months, you will know exactly why I need a warranty. If you are newer than that, search camera here and you will understand. Let me show you around a little, welcome to my house… My girls – Gwen, Love, Angel, Music, Baby. Smellin good. Mum’s fav passage by Billie Jean King “there are no shortcuts to achieving your dreams” thanks Mum. Love you. Gold angel for good luck and love. They are everywhere around my house and Mum’s house. Thanks Julie, rest in peace, I love you. Tiffany’s silver bracelet from a boy, white gold diamond ring from a different boy (both who now have kids and might be married? Oh memories.) The septum piercing I took out last month, vintage earings. The gold thing is from an award my Dad won for a hot rod he built in the 80’s. Love you too Dad! Me and frog magnet. A penis magnet. Morgan & I at George Strombo‘s party, Carly, Brock & I at the Diet Coke party all during TIFF last month. I love photo booths. I’m sure that does not surprise you. Sabrina is whiping up a quiche for brekky. She really is quite a darling. Makes a wicked quiche! Imma eat you SOON! This does not need explaining, I’ve shouted from the rooftops already. My girl Barbie, one of many around the house. She is special because she has a video camera in her chect (kinda jealous) and an LCD screen in her back (not jealous) for recording videos. Thanks Mattel! Her and I need to spend more time together. Perhaps we will take…

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today in the news

being nice will get you places. # create it, design it, now let me see you work it. # Bullshit = Twifficiency. There I said it. # I need some photo’s taken of me STAT. Anyone? # dang. My Twifficiency score is 53%. does that mean i’m really efficient or a big tweeting-time waster! http://bit.ly/alHTPL # My Twifficiency score is 53%. Whats yours? http://twifficiency.com/ # now tell us a dirty joke. — your mom. that’s a dirty joke. http://4ms.me/bbZbPt # what is your favorite type of dessert? — Pavlova. http://4ms.me/cbKfPm # Did you vote for mama kiddies? http://bit.ly/9V8x8S # I want your horrorI want your design # found it. # can’t find passport. need #hakastrength @kristenannehill. # Looks like I’m going to New Zealand in September. #

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yesterday in the news exciting things happened that i can not yet share with you but when i do you will be happy like me

if you’re happy and you know it # i need to write a short bio. wanna help? # omg love you Mum! Skype is the best. They are on a boat and I am clearly excited. http://post.ly/sBIj # On skype with Mum from her boat somewhere Taddoussac River outside Quebec. So neat. They saw Beluga whales today. Mum said it’s is like NZ. # proudly not watching #bachelorpad # drum circle babe. calling. # Check out our #SXSWi panel feat @unmarketing @thatericalper @Kathy_Valentine & me! Yahooots http://bit.ly/dxhCzL # okok there are a bunchof brunettes # Most the bloggers I know are blonde. Who are the brunettes? # Where do you get your sunglasses? They’re cool. — Kensington Market & vintage shops all over the place. http://4ms.me/94Vomg # how soon could you travel on a moment’s notice? — Soon as I get a ticket via email. http://4ms.me/9K5kqm # what is your favorite store to shop at lately? — Apt. 909 Vintage or CTS. http://4ms.me/aPwf0f # Photo: these guys are gonna get older and i’m looking forward to meeting them later. http://tumblr.com/xmjfyeb8z # RE: @rlangdon The music was really good too.Rock the dance floor baby! http://disq.us/kjgwx # I think foosball is a combination of soccer and shish kabobs. #MitchHedberg # I haven’t slept for ten days, because that would be too long. #MitchHedberg # A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer. Mitch Hedberg #

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you bring a whole new meaning to the word #loser

And that meaning is awesome. I’ve mentioned it before and the message is always the same, #loserkaraoke is a damn good time. This is me & Kristen singing ‘How Bizarre’, Team New Zealand in full force. I was rappin’ in full accent. Pretty good summer song if you ask me. I love walking into Tequila Sunrise and being greeted by friends and familiar faces having fun. The party was inside & outside last night as the place was packed and it was really hot out. Speaking of, look at this stud in mama’s cape… I was a weeee bit tipsy after the King St. Crawl earlier and after a few beerski’s was more than happy when Michael offered to drive me home. Ha! It’s so neat that each week all kinds of twitter peeps show up to have a good time. If something comes up on a Thursday night, I seriously consider if I should miss #loserkaraoke or not. I was never really a big ‘karaoke’ person but y’know what, I really love it now. I don’t care if it makes me a loser, because I’ve got a whole group of people who are are most awesome losers ever. We will sing our hearts out week after week and if you come too, you will love it. Karaoke is GREAT! You might also love that I wore a Wonder Woman outfit last night. Just for fun. Alas, back in the office today, Ms.  Casie Kent. BTW, I love this ad. Online, on line. I wanna be online like that, online at the beach under a sun umbrella with my laptop, working., drinking a cold beer.  Ahhh, a girl can dream can’t she! Happy Friday everyone.

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Perez loves New Zeland Blonde Girls

HE SAID:If you’re blonde and from New Zealand, then we are LOVING you this week! A few days ago, we introduced you to to the brazilliance of Ladyhawke. Today, we’d like you to meet Gin. This blonde from new Zealand remind us of a few of our favorite artists – like Skybox, Joel Plaskett Emergency and Macy Gray. Her voice is quirky and intoxicating voice – her tunes fun and charming. Listen to the delightful Under My Skin below! And then CLICK HERE to check out more songs from Gin.

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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. 🤗

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Beach Date

I took myself on a beach date yesterday and it was lovely! It’s been years since I went to the beaches, and I don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner! Found a nice little spot on the beach and started a great new book by one of my fav authors, Lisa Jewel. Felt like I needed a little escape, found out yesterday that my grandma in New Zealand passed away. She was my last living grandparent. It’s always hard when someone passes but this hits right in the heart and really makes me miss my family in New Zealand. I walked around the neighbourhood and was reminded how cute The Beaches are. I used to live in the East End years ago. Stopped into the store my sister works at, Charming Parrot. They have so many nice things in there! Resort wear, cute tops, beautiful silk dresses, and accessories. Say hi if you see her! I’m planning to get back to the beach more this summer. I want to visit the island too!

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Ok, I Like It, Picasso

The weather has been kinda nice and that makes me happy. Can finally wear cute outfits & transitional coats. Totally forgot about this stunning pearl duster jacket I got in New Zealand a few years ago. Had a pretty good week. Spent Thursday/Friday at the Hvr office and Nelson and I are really getting things together for the podcast. I can’t wait to start recording! Shoutout to Flow Water for sending over a case in honour of earth month. Flow has saved 150+ million plastic bottles from entering the environment and they’re focused on replacing plastic bottles with mostly renewable-resource-based, recyclable cartons. NICE WORK. GREAT WATER. Saw this on my commute to the office, ok I like it, Picasso.

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Bars Are Open Again: Hemingways!

Went for dinner with Erin & Natalie at Hemingway’s. Was nice to be out! I had fish & chips and it was kinda greasy (obvs) but I wanted something that reminded me of New Zealand. Wore a cute outfit and wasn’t out late. Sean picked me up at 8:30 and I got takeaway tacos. My last visit there was summer 2021 when bars opened after lockdown, Natalie and I had a ball of a time lol. If you’ve been reading my blog a long while you’ll know I used to work at Hemingway’s 10+ years ago. I love that place and all the New Zealand nostalgia. Always a good time!

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