#ArmyofSass: Be Classy, Be Confident, BE YOURSELF!

Last night I spent a few hours in the dance studio with my crew from the Army of Sass. It feel so good to 1) be doing something fitness related and 2) be around an amazing group of fine ladies.

You might remember two years ago I was in the Army of Sass group and we did two shows at the Mod Club. It was so much fun. I absolutely LOVE being on stage. The AOS was founded by Carla Catherwood and she’s an amazing inspiraiton and GREAT teacher. If you’re interested in joining the AOS check them out on Facebook here.

I took a couple videos of our rehearsal but I’m not ready to share them yet. I’ll have lots to tell you about the Army of Sass and our upcoming shows over the next few weeks. We perform in March and the show is called 50 Shades of Grey! It’s gonna be SO HOT!

YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT IN THIS WORLD, GO OUT AND GET IT!

With love,

<3 CASIE

Blog Life: Sometimes I don’t feel like it. #11

I know today is Bell Let’s Talk day and I’m not sure how to talk about the depression and anxiety that I face or if I even want to. Being on the Internet in itself gives me anxiety. Some days I just don’t feel like it at all, written about it a few times.  Sometimes I want to hide and pretend I don’t even have a blog. (Or Twitter, tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, Selfish, Rdio, Google+, Vine, or phone.) I like keeping to myself on on those days, not sharing stories.  Being alone.

My dad battled depression growing up and it was really hard for our family. He moved back to New Zealand to be with his family when my parents split up and it was tough for us. It sill is sometimes.

* Thanks Andrew Mitchell for drawing this photo of me. I love it.  

I want you to know that I too have days when I’m down and I’ve been through some very dark times and almost not made it through. It’s not always sunny where I am but I do try to bring my own sunshine to the internet each and every single time I make an appearance. My blog is a place you can count on to have bright colours and a fun photo. It’s helpful for me to look back and remember the good times too. This is a place to make you feel happy when a cloud tries to rain on your parade. I’ve worked through a bunch of sad days wondering what to do with my life and I made it through. Don’t ever give up. I wanted to quit blogging a few times over the last 10 years and I am damn well glad I didn’t. I want you to know, I am actually happy most of the time and I really do smile a LOT. Really. If you’ve ever met me IRL you know it’s true.

People always wonder where I get all my energy and I don’t know what to tell you? I find inspiration in everything around me. When the sun shines through the clouds. A couple green lights in a row.  When a song comes on the radio and I know all the words. An actual phone call from someone you like and miss. Turning on the TV to find the movie you were JUST thinking about is on. Old photos. A pair of tights with no holes in them. Clean sheets. Accidentally spilling glitter on the floor and not even getting mad. There’s joy in the little things, I’ve gotten good at finding it.

Thinking of you and sending warm positive thoughts with each keystroke. You’re not alone, we’re here together.

<3 CASIE

Counting Down to a Pinterest Worthy Workspace

Counting Down to a Pinterest Worthy Workspace

OK, don’t mind all the crap behind me because I’m going to clean it up right now after seeing how much of a mess it is! I’ve been talking about ‘getting the home office in order’ or months and really have been so focussed on doing work I’ve neglected the space. I would just die if someone came in with a TV camera from Hoarders right now. Don’t even go there. It gives me anxiety to think about cleaning and all the crap I’ve collected, then I drown myself in the Internet and pretend it’s not there. (Update: I’ve spent another 45 minutes writing this post and not cleaning. Cue anxiety even more.)

So, I was all like AHHH I have a client Skype call. They’ve never met me before! I better get dressed! I should shower! These jogging pants, time to do laundry. AHHH! So, I put on a nice shirt, makeup, lipstick, brushed my hair, fur vest, smile. AND GUESS WHAT… it was audio only. So, selfies. (BTW did you read my 10 Tips for Better Selfies? I’m a pro!)

Note my sewing machine, new, just sitting there. I’ve promised myself for two years that I’ll use it. This year, I will. I’m actually pretty good at sewing. I’ve just not made time to sit down and make anything. (*Note to self, GET OFF THE INTERNET!)

Ok, time for me to clean this mess behind me! I’ve got two hours an hour and a half of good daylight for cleaning. In due time I shall have a beautiful, Pinterest worthy workspace.

 <3 With love,

CASIE

Behind the Scenes: Le Chateau’s Latest Lookbook #SpreadLeLove

Behind the Scenes: Le Chateau's Latest Lookbook #SpreadLeLove

Yesterday was SOOOOOO fun. Lozzie and I posed for the camera in studio dressed in outfits we picked out from Le Chateau. They brought together a whole bunch of bloggers from Toronto to Spread Le Love in a Valentines Day shoot.

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Here’s a little sneak peek! I’ll for sure be sharing the shots once they’re out in the world!

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 Thanks Caroline Levin for the GREAT makeup. When I met up with Sean later he said I looked like a doll. Once we got home he said ‘are you gonna take that stuff off now?’. It’s cute that he prefers my natural face. Gah, I’m so cheezy and in love!  Just wait till you see the shots from the shoot I had with him last week. They’re A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

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Finished the night with a huge bowl of Pho and came home to watch The Fall.

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If you haven’t watched it on Netflix yet, I highlt recommend it. It’s a sexy murder mystery with 2 seasons starring that hot babe from the 50 Shades movie coming out next month. MEOW!

I’ve got a conference call shortly that is VIDEO and I’m not even dressed or showered. Working from home is great when nobody can see you! Gahhhh. Ok, always rushing. Back in studio for Army of Sass tonight. Woo hoo!

Hope you’re having a great day!

<3 CASIE

I’m Gonna Master Ukulele One of These Days!

I'm Gonna Master Ukulele One of These Days!

Had another ukulele class last night and I feel like I’m starting to get it. I knew learning a new instrument was going to be a challenge but it’s really like learning a new language. Fortunately, I can read music and the chords already. Also, a simple strum on the ukulele sounds quite nice.

I’m finally getting the G7 chord and my fingers are moving in time to make strumming sound like an actual song. I’ve really got to make a point to practice more though. Even if I pick up my uke for a few minutes a day I’ll have it by summer. If I sent 10% of the time I spend on computer playing I’d be a pro!

I’ve been documenting my progress on Selfish app with a story called Learning Ukulele. The photo below will take you to the app so you can check it out. I’m digging this app so far. Have a few stories about travels, my nails, blog stuff, etc.

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Thanks to The Gladstone Hotel and Toronto Institute for the Enjoyment of Music (TIFEM) for great classes. I’m hoping they have a few more at Gladstone to help me along my ukulele learning journey. TIFEM has a whole bunch of classes including a free class on Sunday afternoons.

I'm Gonna Master Ukulele One of These Days! @GladstoneHotel @TIFEM

I'm Gonna Master Ukulele One of These Days! @GladstoneHotel @Tifem

 

Had my nails done yesterday and I’m convinced they help my play better! Have any ukulele apps I should know about? Songs for beginners? I’ll take all the help I can get!

I'm Gonna Master Ukulele One of These Days! #nailgame

Can’t wait till I can play a little ditty for you! Have an awesome day.

<3 CASIE

You Should Probably Clean Up Your Computer

You Should Probably Clean Up Your Computer

It’s 2015, you cleaned up your diet, you cleaned your house, you cleaned up your whole act, but seriously, when was the last time you cleaned your computer? January is Clean Up Your Computer Month and I know the month is ALMOST over but I’m sharing this as a reminder to you and to ME that our computers are neglected.

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This calendar was sent to me from SingleHop, a technology company focused on cloud computing. This 3-week “Clean Computer Calendar” is designed to help you prioritize, organize and safely store files. During the third week you are encouraged to check out different options to safely store your files, such as private clouds and external hard drives.

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I’ve really gotta give my little Macbook Air baby a digital bath. Thanks SingleHop for sharing!  If you guys have any cleaning tips or apps, LMK.

<3 CASIE