CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Contests

My New Friend from France, Polette Eyewear

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

Eyewear have always been a staple in my wardrobe. I’ve always had a large variety of costume glasses of different shapes and sizes. I’d much rather have a bunch of affordable styles instead of one or two fancy ones.  I like variety but I’ve also been known to lose and break them (unfortunately!).

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

Late last year I was contacted by Polette eyewear in France and offered a spot on their blogger team. In exchange for sharing my fav glasses from the site, I get to pick a couple pairs EACH MONTH.  Perks of the job guys, squeeee! I can’t wait to stock up and share new shades every couple weeks.

My First Polette Eyewear Order: 

  • Devil – rose coloured lenses
  • Léosummer – yellow/green fashion lenses
  • Gracie Mile B – blue/black lenses

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

Polette has a pretty neat story. Founded by Pierre Wizman, a young entrepreneur at 16, he launched the website in 2011 with his biz partner and just like that, they were in business. Their goal was to be the only intermediary between the consumer and manufacturer to cut down on price without skimping on quality.  When you visit polette.com you’ll see there’s a wide selection of styles starting at $6.99.

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

One of the cool things about placing your order is first you pick the frame, then lenses (anti-scratch, reflective), then lens tint (ex. red/black), and finally tint level (red ones above are 85%). I didn’t really understand this at first but I know for next time now!

Polette Eyewear, Casie Stewart, blogger

I’ll be posting my new glasses monthly as they arrive. Would you like a pair too? It’s been ages since I did a contest so enter below and we’ll send you your choice of glasses including prescription if you need them (mine are not prescription). Contest doesn’t include Vintage or L’Atelier collections.

BONNE CHANCE!
<3 CASIE

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LIFE

Indecent Disclosure: ROACH BAIT

SELFMADE
When I started blogging 10 years ago I had no idea it would turn into a thing. I knew about 3 bloggers in the WORLD and I merely started ‘THIS IS MY LIFE’ as a way to keep memories.

In 2009 I was given my first products for review. I was contacted by Matchstick Marketing and tested out a Zune (that old MP3 thinger) and also a vibrating mascara from Maybelline. I popped into the washroom at my office to record this video of me testing the mascara. I told the world I was sent a product for review and they gave me some to share with friends.(See original 2009 post here.)

I was digging through an old hard drive when I found a note I’d made about ‘roach bait’, no not an insect killer, the marketing ‘bait & switch’ used in undisclosed celebrity endorsements.  I’ve not heard about it since but it distinctly reminds me of what’s happened with blogging.
Roach Bait n. A marketing message delivered by an actor posing as a regular person with the intention of having that message passed along to many other people.
2001 (earliest)
Then, there’s the ‘roach bait’ technique. Under this scenario, the paid huckster doesn’t necessarily buy a drink for others. He’s often found sitting in a prime spot at a bar or club, very visibly drinking Brand X. He talks up the brand big-time in the hope the good word will spread.
—Theresa Howard, “Freebies take on brash new form,” USA Today, May 15, 2001

Sound familiar?

Bloggers and people with some achieved sphere of influence are constantly called upon by brands and agencies to eat, drink,  wear, and visit places with hopes the’ll share that experience online.

The thing is, as a reader, observer, we never really know if the person is being paid or really believes in the product? Don’t just do it for the money! A blog that’s just out there to  make money is loses the root of what a blog is, sharing, a web log.

Disclosure:

You could not pay me to write about something I don’t like. No kids, no animals is a rule I’ve lived by. There’s the odd photo of Sean’s daughter but I don’t review kids or animal stuff. I would like to get a dog one day so maybe this will change.

Bad product or experience? I email the agency/brand. I don’t have time to write scathing or negative reviews, plus I DON’T WANT TO. I turn down WAY more things than I ever write about. I tell you when I’m given something, ie. Saje Wellness post earlier today, but I buy lots of things too.

It’s a pleasure to work with great clients and be able to make a living from blogging but’s also hard work. Writing a post takes time to research, photography, writing, editing, publishing, posting, promoting. These are what brands pay for – THE WORK.

Photo from 2009 by Kelly Kruschel

 

Be yourself, that’s why people like you. It’s important to build a good reputation and trust with your readers, fans, followers, friends. One bad move can ruin your reputation and throw all your hard work out the window. As a seasoned blogger, I feel it’s important to create, write about non-product or sponsored things. Give people a glimpse into what really makes you, YOU, not matter how crazy you might be.

If you’re ever looking for some info on writing your own disclosure policy, check out this post from the IBF (International Fashion Bloggers). They’ve got a TON of great resources!

That’s all for today. I’m off to a lunch date w/ one of my girls and then an art party w/ my love tonight. Weekend starts NOW!

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY!

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Events

Relaxation Station: Saje Wellness & Essential Oils

Saje Wellness

This week I went to a nice little event at the new Saje Wellness store on Queen Street.  During TIFF I went to the NKPR IT Lounge and was introduced to the brand.

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When I told my friend I was using oils she called me a hippie but this is NOT that old school hippie stuff! There are heaps of benefits to using essential oils, read about 9 benefits here from Balance Me Beautiful.

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Saje Wellness uses all natural oils and has heaps of different wellness products and accessories. My first experience was this little pocket pharmacy. It’s awesome to keep in your purse or carry-on when travelling. My fav product is the Peppermint Halo that’s amazing for headaches. It’s cooling and calming and now one of my ‘essential’ items.

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I was pretty impressed to see how big the store was and how many products they have.

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They hooked up us bloggers & media peeps with our choice of nebulizer. It helps reduce dust and other common allergens while creating a pleasing atmosphere of aromatherapy. I picked the Aromagem in black because I thought it was sexiest!

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One thing I learned last night was that the recommended 10-15 drops was too much for me. It really fills the air and I found 5 drops to be enough.

Saje has 22 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Winnipeg and Ontario and you can check out their products at saje.ca.

I’m SO ready for the weekend. It’s my sisters birthday on Sunday and we’re staying at the Royal York Hotel. I can’t wait, it’s going to be super relaxing! Might just bring my nebulizer to fill the air with aromatherapy.

Happy FRIDAY!

 

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LIFE

Target Canada: For good times and bad times, I’ll be on your side forever mooooore!

Winter in the city, summer in Muskoka

Before I get to todays regulary scheduled news blog post I would like to take a minute to remember some of the great times I’ve had with Target Canada over the years. I have a few posts posts mentioning the brand and had the opportunity to work with them on a few things since they arrived in Canada. I’ve visited a store nearly once a week since one opened close to my house about a year ago. Did nearly all my holiday shopping there too!

Who remembers that AMAZING Target Lounge at World Mastercard Fashion Week a few years back???

Toronto has NEVER seen such luxury. And we probably won’t again tbh. It was marvellous. Food, open bar, two floors, charging stations, tables to work at, open every night before, after, and during the shows. I’ve never had such a great time at WMCFW. Oh behalf of media & bloggers, everywhere, thank you Target for showing us how to really go ALL OUT.

Let’s not forget the recent Toms for Target collab. They sent out Together Sweaters to bloggers and media around North America to promote the collection. So cute. Keeping mine forever.

This blanket from the Toms for Target collection makes a great poncho. Can’t wait to open the cottage again.

Got my Instax Camera from Target this summer.

Decorated our roof patio with Target things this past summer including items from the Oh Joy for Target collab. Target partnered with popular bloggers/Pinners to create a whole collection. Thanks for recognizing us internet people!

And finally, I’m REALLY hoping that Lilly Pulitzer for Target still comes to Canada in April so I can snatch up as many things as possible. The whole collection is beautiful and bright. 

Thanks for all the good memories Target Canada. I’ll miss you! My ukulele gently weeps.

<3 CASIE

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LIFE

Like Whoa, Whoa Wednesday!

Elton John

Whoa, whoa, whoaaa! It’s already Wednesday and I feel like I’ve lived a week since Monday. There’s lots going on and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed today but I can handle it. It’s that nervous excited feeling that keeps me going.

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Sean got a new needle for his turntable so threw this record on last night and sang out loud while cleaning the house. I’m working to get our spare room turned into a nice little office now that I’m working from home. I hope the neighbours didn’t mind that I put it on repeat, a few times. Bennie and the Jets is one of my ALL TIME fav songs.

I had a really great lunch meeting yesterday and am finally putting some production wheels in motion for two projects I can’t talk about. I’m pretty stoked that our film Behind the Red Carpet is now on CBC’s website too. (See here!).

Went to Local in Liberty Village and had 1 fish, 1 chicken taco. THEY WERE DELICIOUS.

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Sunday is my sisters birthday and I booked us a room at the Royal York Hotel. I have never stayed there and it’s one of those places I’ve always thought of as very ‘Toronto’. Tomorrow is my slowest day of the week and I’m looking forward to working on some blog stuff, playing ukulele, and treating myself to a new mani.

It’s a weird and wonderful world I live it in but I wouldn’t change it for anything! Hope there’s sunshine where you are and if not, ALWAYS BRING YOUR OWN SUNSHINE!

<3 CASIE

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