connecting to the energy

This looks like the best kinda office to me. On Skype with Mum at San Juan airport about to board to JFK! xo CASIE

View Post

A Comic (but not really funny!)

Started this comic at Tambor regional airport yesterday en route to San Juan, it get’s pretty exciting and and one point I was nervous for my life. It’s done using the ‘Comics’ app on iPad. I’ll get to the REALLY exciting part today as I’ll be in airports from about 9am till midnight when I return to Canada. I’m hoping for a smooth day of travel and no delays.Wish me luck! I’ve had the most wonderful time the last week and am looking forward to more travel soon. The last few days I’ve really thought through a couple things about life (omg I’m so deep) and I feel good. With love from Costa Rica,

View Post

we found love… and by we, I mean me and the sea

View Post

There’s Magic in the Air, Pura Vida!

Went on a gorgeous sailing trip this week with the owners of Anamaya Resort and friends. We drove to the ferry spot and sailed to Tortuga Island one of the most popular & beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. My stay here has been incredibly magical. I have photos and stories but the experience is the most treasured part of it all. Huge thank you to Joseph, Kelsey and Jeff for having me. Anamaya Resort is a slice of heaven. If you are looking for a beautiful vacation, come here. You will feel the magic of Montezuma, taste warm breezes of the ocean and see views that will stay forever in your memory. With love from Costa Rica,

View Post

Welcome to the Jungle

Woke up to this beauty beach view and went for brekky yesterday. It rained sheets the night before and it was late so instead of heading back up the hill in the rain I got a room at Hotel Les in Montezuma. Walked the beach during an insane lightening storm and there was something romantic about the incredible dark sprinkled with flashes of light. The squirrels here are pretty cute and this guy had a caramel stripe down his back. Went for this crazy drive with a friend through the jungle. I can’t wait to come back here. I want to travel around and see more of the country. Flying from Tambor to San José this afternoon before my flight home tomorrow.. I totally feel relaxed, calm, connected to my thoughts and things. I’m thinking about my next destination and know I’ll be flying again soon. It’s amazing what a week in a jungle forrest will do to you 🙂  

View Post

Life Was Made for Living So Try Your Best

Couple days behind on documenting my trip, it’s just so lovely outside, who wants to be on the computer?! Yesterday I went sailing to Tortuga Island and have HEAPS of photos. The day before I went to visit Tracy’s hostel and hung out with her & Barratt. This is her view! Breathtaking. Barratt and I had lunch at this little café and they gave us cutlery in plastic. Never seen that before. I had a sandwich but it was nothing special. While I was sitting there the owner of the place I stayed the night before walked by and asked to talk to me. My first thought,”sh!t, I’m in trouble for being loud, drinking and smoking” but that was not the case at all! He gave me back 5000$ colones ($10) because he felt bad that it was under construction and I had paid a full $20. Score! After lunch I waited at the bar (Choco’s) for the other Anamaya people to finish up surfing. I’m a bit silly though and forgot our driver parked somewhere else and I totally missed the ride back up the hill of death (mega steep). Liquid dinner again. Good thing though cause I met this lovely blonde girl from England named Jules. Her and I hit it off right away, she’s crazy like me! HI JULES! <3 One of a kind, & hand painted designer cigarettes. Ok, hand painted by me with Sharpie but cool. Borderline Artistic! Jules and I played pool with some local boys and we all brought our own drinks to the bar. Crazy! Meet the Israeli boys babes  Evyatar & Amir. Quite lovely! Since there’s only one bar in town you get to know everyone pretty quick, especially when you’re tres friendly and Casie Stewart. No seriously though, I’ve met heaps…

View Post

Worst Day Surfing is Better Than the Best Day Working

I’m getting pretty tanned and not even really trying.  Yes I have sunblock Mum! There’s only ONE bar, this is it. Heyyyy Chico’s! Chilled here for a little smoke. Surf school & turtle conservatory. En route to pick up our boards, saw some monkeys. Check out this papa! Ok, so I didn’t carry my own board, Big Blue my new bestie did. He’s a surf instructor/local legend. I was like ooh can I get a shot of me like Britney in Slave?… “Well, you’ll only do it once”. Thanks Blue, these bad boys are mega poison. Ahh. I love Costa Rica.   I think everyone loves Costa Rica, never heard anyone say a bad thing about this place. It’s pure bliss! Apres surf I got a cheap hotel and went to Chico’s, chilled on the beach and had a house party. It’s all about balance! Although, coming BACK to Anamaya after bring at the little dive I stayed as made me appreciate it even more. I think Costa Rica and I love each other.

View Post

Travel | Aerial Silks Workshop at Anamaya Resort in Costa Rica

Yesterday before surfing I did a class in aerial silks lead by Joseph, one of the Anamaya owners. It was awesome! It’s pretty hard and you have to be strong but I loved it. Thanks to my Dad for being a gymnastics coach when I was growing up. It’s all helping now! I’m not quite as graceful yet but we’re getting there 🙂 Can’t wait to give this some practise.

View Post

Night Rain, Day Beauty

It’s rained each night I’ve ben here but the days have been lovely. The pool looked so pretty yesterday as the rain dropped in. We were floating in misty clouds. It was magical. Then it cleared up nice! Yeooowwww! This is the door to my lovely cabin I share with Dana from Vancouver. So cute & cozy. No need for AC the breeze flows through all the windows perfectly. Chilling in there right now. I’m quite impressed with my stay at Anamaya Resort. It’s super chill & beautiful, there’s been a zillion times I’ve closed my eyes and thought “this is real, I’m really here“. I’m packing heaps into each day yet feel relaxed. (The wifi is pretty good which I’m sure helps in MY personal relaxation.) The days are so much longer here than home, get up early go outside stay outside all day. I miss beach life. I’ve eaten all organic food since Sunday too. I have no idea what the kitchen is cooking for lunch today but it smells DELICIOUS! Just saw the ladies bring something to the kitchen. I’m starving, BYE 😛

View Post

you missed this yesterday

Morning! Raining sheets here today but beauty still. Drank 20+ beers last night with my new besties Lizzy & Jen D. # Good morning from Costa Rica cuties! #puravida http://t.co/SjPpwZjr # Surfing, surfing, yoga, surfing, yoga, surfing, beer, bong, surfing, yoga, surfing, yoga. # omg the cat just caught a hummingbird. killed it 🙁 # cat is eating it now! you animal! # Thinking about moving to New York. # New BFF is a producer at Bloomberg and think I might stay with her then find a place n NYC. # whoa my Google calendar is en espanol! # Women in Biz Network Interview: I was recently interviewed about my job and… http://t.co/3OsEWIov #thisismylife # replying to work emails "please follow up next week I'm surfing in Costa Rica" is something I can get used to. # Hummingbird! #puravida http://t.co/10qivG7b # Photo: Pipe made out of coconut tree leaf http://t.co/jIuHYQXs # Morning yoga @anamayaresort. #puravida http://t.co/k0WDoDrh # got dinged in the head by my board yesterday. #surfing # doing aerial silks this morning. what are you doing? # You choices are half chance. So are everybody else. # Created "Casie Yoga" last night – gratitude yoga meditation where you be grateful. # New friend from BC at @anamayarestort –> @skichix! we went surfing together yesterday 🙂 (tweeted me from outside where I can see her haha) # There’s relaxed, then there’s REALaxed.: Doing a class in aerial silks this… http://t.co/HhhjSusR #thisismylife # There's relaxed then there's REALaxd. Pura Vida! http://t.co/1sPrfv7t http://t.co/ehGxvGkT # WHOA, DOING AERIAL SILKS IS HARD BUT AWESOME!!!!! # Girl you know it's true. http://t.co/1PuKqGz2 # Spanish searching, no translation necessary http://t.co/bClDtqp1 # I rode a wave for you and left my <3 in the ocean. Surfing in Playa Grande again today :)… http://t.co/Y1wfkEkA # Surf Baby http://t.co/JAkId2vt…

View Post

Surf Baby

 

View Post

There’s relaxed, then there’s REALaxed.

Doing a class in aerial silks this morning. Skipped yoga to catch up on emails & life stuff. I’m feeling mega relaxed. REALaxed. Was raining heaps this morning but it’s starting to clear up now. Going for a surf in the afternoon and I reckon the sun will be shining by then. Saw the cat catch, kill, eat a hummingbird today. CRAZY. Made two besties last night Lizzy from NYC & Jed D. from New Haven, Connecticut. Lizzy told me I should move to New York and I’m seriously considering it. I’ve been looking for a change and that would be really cool. Baz said  “live in New York once but leave before it make you hard & live in LA once but leave before it makes you soft”. I wanna give each one a try. I watch this as a reminder once in a while. if you’ve never seen it, it will brighten your day. One of my fav parts is “Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.” Remmeber, you are younger today than you will ever be again. Do something special, remind yourself that YOU ARE ALIVE. Life is made for living 🙂

View Post

Women in Biz Network Interview

I was recently interviewed by about my job and career during a She’s Connected event downtown Toronto. I chatted Women in Biz Network for about five minutes about social media, relationships, branding and business. Check it out.

View Post

ésta es mi vida

Morning hello from my hammock to you. #puravida Nov 14, 2011 | Source: Keek.com

View Post

A Whole New World

iCasie! It’s like a whole new world now that I’m all Apple, iPhone, IPad & Macbook. I dreamed about this day. No really, I did. Doesn’t everyone? Couple friends gifted their apps to try. Thanks Andrew for StyleStudio fashion design app and Lauren for PhotoForge photo editing. If you want to gift me your app email me at casiestewart.com. My how time flies. This time last year I had just returned from my first trip to San Francisco to meet the team at Virgin America. I gave away my first flight on Virgin as the Toronto Provocateur. Rochelle won & went to SF too. After the giveaway Calvin took the gang and I out for lunch after at his YS Boston Pizza. I don’t think I’ve been back up that way SINCE.  MAKE THE MOST OF EACH DAY PEEEEPALLLLL! Read a great article yesterday on the Harvard Biz Review about Why Inspiration Matters. Inspiration is very important to me, if you’re here, you probably already know that. I’m feeling really inspired knowing that I’ll be in the ocean and hot weather next week. Got an email from someone yesterday who was in a class I spoke to at Centennial last year. As it turns out, she does PR for a really cool German luggage company and I’ll have a new RIMOWA suitcase tomorrow. I went to purchase one earlier this week and my card didn’t work for some reason, crazy how things work out, eh?! Tonight’s I’m attending the SS 2012 Swarovski preview at Jamie Kennedy in the Gardener Museum. I think it’s a 50/60’s theme dinner! Lauren and I did a sing along to this on the weekend. It will brighten your day 😛

View Post

I Want it Wednesday – Stolen Girlfriends Club

My fav NZ designers are jerks and send me a reminder that that sold out items from SS 2012 can now be pre-ordered. URGH YOU GUYS, I want everything!  Damn you, STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB. NZ fashion is ahead all kinds from Canada. I’ve been following NZ style my entire life (Thanks Mum & cousins!) and season after season, the things that hit their runways end up here 1-2 years later. Before the internet it used to be like 3-4 years. In 2004 I came back from Australia in skinny jeans, and a fedora with a mullet. Friends here thought I was crazy then years later, BAM, skinny jeans & fedoras on every hipster in Bellwoods. North America is so behind. No wonder kids at school always thought I had weird fashion sense. Hey kids, “I’m not weird”, you being the same as everyone else is “weird”. SGC just did a collabo with JC for the Stolen Girlfriends ‘Emma’ boot (above) featured in SS 2012. Kinda like the Lita but cowgirl-ishy. I have a new pair of JC’s from Solestruck in the mail for when I get back from my trip. Yay. Ditched all my old crapped out shoes at the end of summer, restocking has begun. Late night online shopping has officially become my guilty pleasure.    

View Post

Looking forward to culture & lifestyle.

It’s been so beautiful out the last couple days.My week has been pretty chilled out which makes me reallllly happy. Everyone needs  a break once in a while. I wasn’t outside for long yesterday but I did have a charming stroll in the sunshine mixed with a few short Bixi rides (thanks Telus). Was almost ‘unplugged’ all say Sunday while we watched a marathon of movies eating Chinese takeout. Perfect day if you ask me. So good to disconnect once in a while. I’ll be less connected next week but not offline. Decidedly detoxing right now (sugar, carbs, drinking lots of water) so I’m cleansed & ready for nine full days of surf, sun, sand and yoga starting this weekend. I booked a room in a 1920’s mansion turned hotel for my first night before I get to Anamaya Resort. Yeowwww. This is going to be me:  My mouth is watering just thinking about fresh fish, bowls of fruit, salty skin and the smell of the ocean. The more I read about CR, I think I might fall in love. Pure love. Pura vida! * Actual Hipster Mermaid wig via Lauren O’Nizzle!  

View Post

Anyone from Twitter YOU would like to meet?

Blogged before bed last night because I had to get up early and go to the office. Ok, I didn’t HAVE to go to an office but I decided to get my booty to Edelman’s Toronto office to meet David Armano their Global EVP from Chicago. I’ve been following @armano on Twitter for YEARS. Sometimes I get people saying they’ve followed me for ages and they’re excited when WE meet, this is one of those people for ME. the power of a post: social media with love I wrote a blog post about him on January 6, 2009 when I WITNESSED him raise money to help a friend who had fallen into an unfortunate situation. It was heart touching to watch as the donation meter on his blog post “Please help Daniella’s Family” went up and up. As I followed along, they raised $12K in 24HR! He’s a rad guy and today we get to meet in person. Today is going to be awesome 🙂 Make the most of it, you’re younger today than you will be again! James Dean reading poetry, 1955

View Post

reach out and touch the sky

It is so lovely & sunny in our house right now, doors open, watching traffic and planes feels like anything is possible. It started out rainy & foggy then got really pretty today. Can’t decide what to wear to the ballet tonight. It’s Elton John music & tribute so I feel sequins are to be expected. Something dazzling.     Massive. I am going to walk right there. Say hello to my little friend…

View Post

I <4 Moustache season.

It’s great for raising awareness about men’s cancers but Movember also raises awareness of two other things, 1) The sexiness of a man who takes care of his health and 2) The sexiness of well groomed facial hair. I don’t think I would ever date a man who didn’t (couldn’t) grow a nice mo/beard. I love it. To start your own donation page register here and to donate to a team go here. I’m planning to donate to a few mates this year. In spirit of moustache season, check out this awesome Playboy interview with one of the most lovely Modern Gentlemen I know, one of the founders of Movember, Adam Garone. He’s Australian too.   This might creep you out but if you donate he’ll do something special for you. Requests are a-ok too.

View Post

You’re the closest Asteroid to my heart.

I’ve been waiting for today forever (no not because it’ll be 2028 before and asteroid of this size comes close to earth) because  today I’m getting an iPhone. I think it will make my life better like Andy & James Dean have. Maybe that’s silly but ny netbook has been sleeping for months.  WSJ: Asteroid to Pass Close to Earth Tuesday Astronomers are tracking an asteroid about the size of an aircraft carrier that on Tuesday will pass by Earth, within the moon’s orbit, in the closest approach of such an object in a generation. The 1,300-foot-wide asteroid, known as 2005 YU55, poses no hazard, experts at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said. I’m also excited about the Elton John ballet “Love Lies Bleeding” tonight. It’s a rock ballet featuring 14 Elton John songs performed by the Alberta Ballet. Lauren and I are going with Sam & Ross. I’m pretty sure it’s the world premiere!

View Post

Mark’s Reintroduces Online Shopping

Over the past year I’ve become close with the Mark’s brand but I’ve been familiar with it my entire life. I remember going to the store in my home town  with Mum as kid. I’m pretty sure it’s still there. It’s awesome to see how this Canadian retailer has transformed from what I knew as only work clothes to all kinds of things I now mix into my fashioney wardrobe. Mark’s new e-commerce site launched on November 2. I’ve recently joined the online shopping craze and love it. There’s something about getting clothes in the mail that makes me oh so happy. This is exciting for them since their previous transactional e-commerce site was removed in April in order to create a better user experience, particularly in ensuring absolute accuracy in pricing, style numbers, etc. Mark’s has taken its previous site with an updated design and improved checkout experience. They also added a ratings and review section to get feedback. “This site is a testament to the great products we sell and a direct reflection of the quality and innovation that Mark’s has come to represent,” said Kristine Arcand, Online Business Manager for Mark’s. “Customers will find an easy online shopping experience with products that are delivered right to your door, free of delivery and handling charges within 10 business days… how smart is that?”  Tres smart. Last year for holiday I posted a bunch of my favourite things and one of them is the Denver Hayes super soft cardigan. I’ve lived in it for the last year. The Mark’s FW 2011 Lookbook features a few different version of my treasured favourite. Mum, you are probably gonna get one for Christmas, so, act surprised ok. In  celebration of the launch of their new e-commerce site, Mark’s is offering free shipping until the end of the year. How great is that?…

View Post

Take all your problems and rip ’em apart.

When you find an old song you for got then you remember it. So good. Love this one by the White Stripes, Little Acorns. I paused the Y&R so I could listen. Was googling for a girl in a wing suit because the wind suit kinda looks like the CN Tower Edge walk suit and today Mastercard hooked me up with the experience to make it happen in the Spring. I’ve been tweeting I wanna do the Edgewalk since it was invented, last tweet was Oct. 4. The vault was full of vouchers and there was a grand prize of a $10,000 card with a trip to NY or London. I would love to go to New York or London or anywhere. Countdown gif, hehe. Base jumping is terrifying & fascinating. I have  bungy  and skydive in line before I try that one.  I found this one crazy/awesome girl, Géraldine Fasnacht, who does mind-blowing wing suit flying. This video get’s intense at  :40 and then my heart drops. After watching this I got lost in a wingsuit girl TIMEWARP of the the internet. I’ll need to get someone to shoot from by balcony when I do the walk on he Tower.  I can get pretty close with the new lens Olympus sent over.  Omg next week I am going surfing. This week is very chill compared to the last few months. I planned it that way. I want to feel relaxed when I leave for vacation. In one week I will be here. It does’t seem real yet but I’m trying to imagine. 🙂 * Little acorns, one at a time.  Storing up nuts for the winter. 

View Post

i think i’m ready to move on with someone new #mobile

Construction season. Looking forward to winter, as much as I don’t like being cold, I love staying inside where it’s warm and working on things. A blog makeover is coming. If you have any suggestions in design or functionality, LMK. (Mum, that’s “met me know”) This weekend I started testing out a new phone, HTC Status. I’ve had one HTC before but I’ve been hooked on Motorola Androids for the last year at least. This new HTC unit has a front facing camera (yay) but no flash (boo). It has a full keyboard and looks like a Blackberry but the touch screen is a bit small. The DEFY I had previous was sturdy and had a good camera but sometimes it would be slow & freeze when typing. Of all the Androids I’ve tried, the Motorola Milestone was my fav. We were such good friends. Things that are most imoprtant to me in a phone are good camera, flash, easy to type, Google sync contacts, email accounts, favourite apps (WordPress, Twitter etc). Nice to have are front facing camera, video editing and dual core processor. I could never go back to blackberry. Cue this song, nice mix. When she was great, I thought she was great. I was cutting up some broccoli for snack just now and sliced a sharp knife into my right hand middle finger by accident. It’s not that bad but there’s a bit of blood and I’m short one resource when typing. I’ve been thinking heaps about iPhone lately. I can’t stop thinking about it to be honest. I think I’m ready to move on with someone new and that someone is an iPhone. I’m having a hard time holdingback my feelings.  It’s so natural. ♥ 

View Post

the loft has some what of an alice in wonderland feeling

 Lauren & I started out at the Loft 404 on Saturday for My City Lives  “One Night in Toronto“. Love that space. Thanks Genna! Have you been there? It’s an “urban oasis”. Reminds me a bit of my Auntie Robyn’s old place somewhere near Ponsonby Road in Auckland, New Zealand. Loved the photo booth in the old elevator. See part pix on My City Lives FB. Hadn’t taken my camera out to a party for a week so I brang her along for the night. Did a brief sting at Wrongbar. Then back again! This shot  is for you Dad. Car inside as a table kinda decoration wall mount. Amira you are RAD  🙂 I played a little tune on the piano and we left to climb through King Street and catch a cab West. We made the walk fabulous before finishing up the night. Emma you looked fabulous. King West on Saturday night is so douchey and crazy. Cop everywhere. No taxis. I usually avoid but this time was unavoidable. No shoes, no shame. Been there, it sucks. Ross is back. We missed him. Lauren blogged some photos on her bloggy here.

View Post

a slice of paradise in your own backyard

Had a lovely afternoon in the sun today. Picked up a new paid of Doc’s at the Dr. Martens Store (I’m the Mayor!). I gad a gift certificate from the team to get a any pair I saw at the Fall preview back in July. I got black polished laredo Serena’s, last size 6 they had. Lucky me!  Stopped by Quicksilver and got a pair of board shorts & a matching top for my surf trip to Costa Rica next week. So excited to surf. Visited the lovely  ladies at Get Outside  for a new pair of plain black Havaianas (trashed my old ones at the end of summer). Got may nails done on my way home. I love the hand massage you get. I wonder if I could just go in for hand massage? Is that weird? I’d say it was because I spend all day on the computer. Read my book in the balcony sun for a bit and am about to clean my room. Lauren is coming by before the My City Lives “That Night in Toronto” party and I’d like if my room didn’t look like hoarders. Hope you’re having an awesome day. Get some sun on your face! This is where we’re going tonight! Cheers to the Biz Media for making & My City Loves for sharing 🙂

View Post

Storytime: James Flames & The Python

My friend James who runs @RebelBingo tells a story about him being a conservation hero in Zimbabue. I watched it just now and reckon you might enjoy it on this lovely Friday afternoon. Well done James.

View Post