TD Savvy Saver Quiz – Are Your Finances on Track?

Whether you’re a recent grad or mid-career, each stage of your life calls for some money management. Something I know I can always use help with! It’s Financial Planning Week here in Canada (November 16-20) and  TD has launched an Savvy Saver Quiz, to help you understand your personal finances. By answering a few quick questions, TD will help you determine your financial stage and what considerations you should be making at this point in your life. After going to college (Marketing @ Conestoga) and university in Australia (10 years, where did the time go!) I had a sizeable debt to tackle and I wasn’t really sure how I was going to manage it. I consulted a financial planner and put a plan in place. My hard work paid off and my debt was replayed by the time I was 30. Words can’t explain the joy I felt opening a letter stating it was done. Going to school overseas was a pricy but I wouldn’t change that experience. Living at Bondi Beach was a DREAM! Not sure where to start? Take the TD Savvy Saver quiz to help figure out your current situation and where you need to be. By answering a few multiple choice questions, you can determine what stage you’re at financially, considerations you should be making, and find tips and advice to help you along the way. I’m in the stage where I’m getting all my financials sorted but buying a new house and family are on my radar. ☺️ If you’re keen to learn more about making your financial future positive, check out tdcanadatrust.com or my previous posts with TD on Planning for Life’s Unexpected Moments and Money Tips for Millennials. XO * post sponsored by TD, opinions and story my own obvs. Thanks for supporting me and following along ?

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This is My Life | Fiesta, Fiesta! We Partied w/ Pringles Tortillas

I love chips, there’s no denying it. Probably too much. Pringles (knowing my chip love) reached out to let me know they had a new chip in down, Pringles Tortillas. Next, they sent me an entire CASE of the new chips and since I really want to shouldn’t eat them all myself, we had a little fiesta at the office. I set up the boardroom with a nice Mexican tablecloth, a feast, and called in the crew. The new Tortillas come in Original, Cheese, and Ranch. My fav are the cheese. Original are great with salsa or guac. Everyone is snacking on chips again today. THANKS PRINGLES! Matt was really into my idea of having a fiesta. After eating all this I was feeling like Macho Nacho. Macho Nacho’s skills are muy bueno in and out of the ring! #VivaTortillas pic.twitter.com/B9n4OGqgNb — Pringles Canada (@PringlesCA) October 5, 2015   Some of my blog friends She Does the City & Addicted Magazine ALSO had #VivaTortillas parties ?? This is a very exciting Wednesday dinner. #VivaTortillas @pringlesus @reforma35 @Andres_Tequila A photo posted by shedoesthecity (@shedoesthecity) on Oct 7, 2015 at 3:15pm PDT A photo posted by Mark Munroe (@themaleaddict) on Oct 3, 2015 at 7:56pm PDT   Next week I’ll be sharing a contest w/ Pringles Tortillas where you can win a prize pack of your own to share with friends (or eat yourself! ? ). Find Pringles on Twitter at @PringlesCA and visit pringles.com for product info and a contest where you can win an ultimate adventure ✈️ to Australia, New Zealand, China, Peru, Tahiti, and more. ??? CASIE Post sponsored by Pringles Tortillas but eating the chips was all done by us and they were delicious! ? Thanks for supporting me and the brand partners I work with. ??

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Events | The Lowdown on the The Flat White At Second Cup

Last week I was invited to hang out at Second Cup on King and learn about how to make the perfect Flat White. The flat white is a fav in Australia and New Zealand, something I’m very familiar with!  When I lived in Australia, each morning I’d ride my bike over to the Le Paris Go cafe in Bondi Beach and get a flat white to start my day. I’m so glad it’s made it’s way to Canada! Nicole from She Does the City, me, Wendy from Hip Urban Girl, Nicole from Dainty Girl The girls and I sat down at the coffee bar with Second Cup’s in-house coffee expert and curator Pat Russell, Senior Product Developer. Pat has been with Second Cup since 1996, so he REALLY knows his stuff. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Sep 8, 2015 at 6:55am PDT The flat white is known for its smooth texture which highlights the true taste of the espresso, without any bitterness or excess of milk. It features a double shot of Second Cup’s rich Espresso Forte, velvety steamed milk, and a thin layer of micro-foam. I prefer a flat white over a latte because it has less milk.  (I had a lactose allergy growing up so I try to do have too much milk these days.) If you’re not a milk drinker, you can request your flat white be made with almond or soy milk for a bit of added sweetness and nutty flavour.  Another thing to note is the Flat White is only available in one size – an 8oz/250 ml cup – this is to preserve the proper ratio of espresso to milk. How a Flat White is Different than Other Coffee Drinks I invite you to switch up your coffee routine and try a Second Cup Flat White…

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Vintage Ink Wine + Contest + Tattoo Tales

Ever wondered about someone’s tattoos but never asked? To be honest, I don’t really like explaining them to people I don’t know. It’s personal, I’m usually asked in a crowded place, and it takes a while because I have heaps. Some have number significance, dates, travel, family, and there’s a couple I got for fun. Pizza anyone? I’ve partnered with Vintage Ink Wines to share my tattoo stories and introduce a contest for a new wine label design based on tattoos submitted by people like us. The tatted! Tattoo Tales: Stories Behind My Tattoos I got my first tattoo in Australia, the southern cross constellation between my shoulderblades. It was about 4pm and we were driving from from Bronte to Bondi beach with no plans so, my friend Cameron and I decided randomly to get tattooed. We both didn’t have any until that day! My next tattoo was 2 lines on my right hand ring finger, one blue one orange. The idea is derived from a personality test called True Colours. It used to be used in workplaces to break people into groups and pair them together based on personality for group cohesiveness. It was prevalent in my studies and I learned that in order to be my most successful self, a 50/50 mix between my true colours was ideal.  Orange – outgoing, vibrant, strong vs. Blue, analytical, organized, list maker. I still find this tattoo a helpful reminder.  Note, tattoos on the hands fade faster than any others. I’ve had it redone about 3 times in 10 years. I got this owl about 2 years ago. It’s on my right arm, like most of mine because I drew them all on with marker first. I’m left handed. I found this design in a Google search and customized it to change the watch face…

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Off to the Races! Woodbine Oaks at Woodbine Racetrack

This weekend I went to Woodbine Racetrack for Woodbine Oaks, the first leg in Canada’s Triple Tiara of Racing, the prep race for The Queen’s Plate. I’ve been to the Queen’s Plate a few times and this summer I’m excited to partner with Woodbine Racetrack for the ENTIRE race season. I’ll be attending major races from from now till November. Better get some new hats! Since I’ll be at the races a fair bit, I decided to get a lesson in exactly HOW to bet and the fine details about horse racing. Some people pick based on names and numbers, which is ok (and what I had done previously). In my session learned about the odds, how they change, and Win-Place-Show. Picking a horse to win with 20-1 odds can really work in your favor! Grandad would be proud. Wish me luck! #OfftotheRaces pic.twitter.com/k2b5djXFpR — CASIE STEWART (@casiestewart) June 14, 2015 Both my mum’s dad and dad’s dad were really into horse racing, so it’s natural I like it too. When I lived in Australia, going to the horse racing was a HUGE thing. One of my fondest memories was going for a surf at Bronte in Sydney’s north beaches then rushing home to get ready for race day. Threw a friends dress on with my ocean tossed beach hair, grabbed a hat, and I was off to the races.  We had such a fun day. Paris Hilton was there too. This weekend I bet on a couple races and even won a few $$ back. It’s so exciting when the race starts and you see your horse leading the pack. Everyone is standing up and yelling, it’s exhilarating! The next big event is the Queen’s Plate on July 5th. It’s HUGE and one of the most stylish events of the summer. Last year, Sean and I raced home from…

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Good Coffee, Paris Dreams, Always a Good Idea

Well hello there! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNANG. Yesterday was super nice out. It was hot by 8am! I’ve been leaving the house bright and early lately visiting my new fav coffee shop, Cafe Neon. They’ve got a killer BLT and the coffee is fair trade and delicious. The latte art is lovely too. In fact, it has inspired me to invest in some new coffee making equipment for back home. To be honest, I have wanted a new coffee grinder for some time now. Which reminds me, one of my friends has sent me some coffee grinder recommendations from thefullmooncafe.com so I must take a look to see if I can find one that catches my eye. Do you like to make your own coffee at home? Let me know your coffee making tips! Anyway, in between working from the home office I visited the garden centre across the bridge and picked up a few new herbs for my garden. I’ve actually got real things growing this year. ??? Last year was a doozy and nothing lasted longer than 2 weeks. By the time we have a larger garden area, I’ll be a pro! Received a nice gift from Dove in NYC, a canvas with a collage of words I’ve used in tweets. Very thoughtful and personalize, it came with a handwritten note. THANK YOU. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on May 26, 2015 at 6:22pm PDT Yesterday I was lucky to find a copy of VICE magazine at Rock Lobster (Queen West). Haven’t picked one up in ages. I’ve collected heaps over the years, a bunch from Australia when I lived there. When I first moved to Toronto in 2005, one of my fav things to do on the…

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Friday! Beaches, Bondi, and It’s Not Cassie! 

Went to Starbucks with my sister this morning and as usual I said my name for the order. I don’t know if I’ve EVER had my name spelled right by a barista there. Today is clearly a special one! Stayed at Jenie’s house and went for a stroll on the boardwalk in the morning.  It’s SO beautiful down there. I alsolutely love it. Vow to spend more time there this summer. As a West end girl it always feels so far away but one trip on the streetcar and it’s like you’re in a different city.  Today reminded me of living at Bondi Beach in Australia. I loved it there so much. Left and piece of my heart and will definitely be back someday. Hope to take Sean to NZ and Australia for a tour!  Came across this old throwback to 2004 when I lived there. Long brown hair! I was so tanned and thin back then. Ahhh, the beach life!     Heading home to see my parents and go to a friends baby shower this weekend. She’s having twins!  Really looking forward to seeing all my old friends from back home. It’s been AGES!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful outside today! 

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Converse | Every Pair of Chucks is Unique

Yesterday  Converse announced the global launch of “Made by you”,  a campaign celebrating fans of the brand (like ME!) who have been expressing themselves and their creativity in Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers for nearly 100 years. I’ll have more to share about this cool campaign and how I’m part of it. See my oldest pair vs. my newest pair of Chucks after the video. Six Word Story: “We’ve been around the world together.” These are my oldest pair, got them at Uni in Australia and have worn them in heaps of countries since. My friend worked at the shoe store in Bondi Beach and we wore Chucks everyday. I drew all over them, I drew all over everything back then. They say ‘Cas&Shazz’ on one side (my first fashion brand), creativity, courage, vav hey vav (Kabbalah reference here), and my friend wrote SLAYER. So many memories. I have about 20 pairs now.  A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Mar 2, 2015 at 3:18pm PST Converse Chuck Taylor: Did you know… The Chuck Taylor All Star is the most legendary and iconic sneaker of all time.  Over 1 Billion Pairs sold Worn by creative minds throughout the decades, the Chuck Taylor All Star was adopted by the music, fashion and art world as a badge of self-expression The Iconic sneaker has been used as a blank canvas by some of the most innovative fashion designers such as Maison Martin Margiela, Commes Des Garcon, Missoni and John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star is more than a sneaker, it’s an idea.  A powerful message that is a blank canvas waiting to be filled. These are my LATEST Chucks, the limited edition Andy Warhol. I was hoping for the red Tomato Soup ones but there weren’t…

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Travel Tuesday: Let’s Go to Thailand

Pack your virtual bags, we’re going to Thailand on the blog today! What better time than now to share travel stories of places warmer than Canada?! During winter we all think about planning a getaway to somewhere sunny and warm. I’ve got posts ready to publish each Tuesday for the next few weeks taking you on adventures to popular travel destinations like Thailand, Australia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and more. So, if you’re sitting at your desk or hibernating inside you house, I invite you to come on a virtual vacation with me. I arrived in Bangkok and spent a few days there before heading to Chiang Mai. In Bangkok I visited the floating markets, ate on Khao San Road, and cruised around the streets picking up souvenirs. In Chiang Mai we rode bikes, visited some temples, night markets, saw a lady boy show, and experienced torrential rainfall. I also went to the Shangri-La here and it is FABULOUS. My most favourite places were Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Koh Samui is said to be the best place to go for relaxation after bustling days in the busy city centres of Thailand. It truly is a beautiful place. If you’re interested in visiting Koh Samui, you can learn more on this site about Bangkok Koh Samui. I also loved getting massages. For only a few USD/CAD you can get an hour massage. It was common for me to get more than one a day, so spoiled. Look at this pampering! For a few extra bucks across the street you could get the full expereince with Absolute Angels Bangkok, if only I was single! We took a 2 hour ferry across the ocean and although beautiful it was REALLY rough. People were throwing up off the back of the boat and seating…

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#TasteLife | New Label Design for Yellowtail Canada

This summer I worked with Yellow Tail Wines from Australia to crowd source an image through a contest that would inspire a new label for 2015. Yellowtail Canada asked Instagrammers to share their best #TasteLife moments all summer to win weekly prizes, with the grand prize of the ultimate Taste Life Adventure. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:52pm PDT The winning Taste Life image (above) features two women set against the backdrop of BC artst Douglas Coupland’s Bubble  Gum Head piece. The limited edition labels will be featured on two [yellow tail] varietals, Pinot Grigio and Shiraz. You’ll be able to pick up a bottle with the new limited edition label this spring. Now, we just gotta get through winter! To see posts tagged [yellow tail] click the image below! Here’s to an awesome day, <3 CASIE

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Let it Bloom: September

It’s been such a wonderful weekend. I woke up at the crack of dawn feeling excited about life and the week to come. Took some time to sit on the dock and think about good intentions for the month. September is always one of my favourites. For my New Zealand (Kiwi) family and friends in Australia it’s the start of spring and always inspiring to see their posts about things in bloom and seasons changing.  I like to keep that in mind when I think about September, there’s heaps of energy in the air with back to work and back to school. Remember, things are always in bloom! <3 CASIE   Words Illustration via Jasmine Dowling  

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Off to the Races! Queen’s Plate 2014 #QP14

From the cottage to the red carpet! Yesterday Sean and I went to the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Raceway as soon as we got back from the cottage. We both rushed around to find an outfit and Queen West vintage shops saved the day for me once again. Picked up this purple hat from the Public Butter and dress from another little shop near Queen/Lansdowne (Parkdale). We bet on the last 4 races and unfortunately didn’t win. I’m not a fan of horses, for some reason they really creep me out but I do love horse racing. When I lived in Australia it was such a huge event to attend the races. Everyone there was dressed to the nines! I remember going surfing and rushing back to the house, throwing on a dress, makeup, and a huge hat before gracing the red carpet. Post by Woodbine Racetrack. Big thanks to the Sharon from the Backseat Stylers blog and Flare Canada for having us as their guests. Hoping to go back to the racetrack to place some bets before the next Queen’s Plate rolls around. It’s so fun! Song of the day… <3 CASIE

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It’s your life. Make the most of it. #TasteLife

One of the things I love most about summer is heading up to the cottage, taking in all the fresh air, and boating on the lake. It’s an amazing way to really soak up life’s greatness. Over the next few weeks I’ll he sharing some of my fav ways to #TasteLife in partnership w/ [yellow tail] wines from Australia. I’ll be encouraging you to share the great things life has to offer on Instagram by tagging @YellowTailCanadawith the hashtag #TasteLife. Each week over the summer, [yellow tail] will post a new inspiration on Instagram and you’ll be able to win a weekly prize by participating. One winner will be selected to win an ultimate grand prize adventure worth $10,000.  Their winning photo will influence the label design on two [yellow tail] bottles next summer (2015). Here’s my first Taste Life photo, underwater blogging! I was using a DryCase product to project my iPhone while I was in the pool during a film shoot. To me, the ‘taste life’ mentality means making the most of each day, embracing those around you., taking in the simple pleasures, being spontaneous, and having a positive attitude. I look forward to seeing how you taste life this summer! Stay tuned for the weekly challenges and in the mean time, get out there and do something awesome! <3 CASIE

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Millennials: Getting the right mix of financial advice

I never thought I’d be in an article about having good finances, let alone millennials and good financial advice.. It seemed impossible back when I graduated from collegge and uni, faced with debt from school, and every major credit card. I moved back from Australia and was BROKE. I had mounting debt and wasn’t making nearly enough money. I was on this show called Maxed Out (now on the Oprah Network!) where I confronted my debt with a financial advisor and through that experience, got a better paying job. If you don’t think you’ll get a spot on a show so you’re able to tackle your financial issues head-on, instead just get in touch with a service like Traverse City wealth management firm so you’re able to fix your finances. The host thought me making a living by being ‘Casie Stewart’ was a total joke and nearly impossible since I didn’t come from money. She compared me to Paris Hilton and I officially launched my casiestewart.com website at the end of the show. I had been writing THIS IS MY LIFE at blogspot but finally went to my own url. This week, an article that I consulted on recently came out with a study from TD bank. It quotes me and was published on PR Newswire, Yahoo Finance and some other places. This is my real story and my actual serious advice is if you are having money worries, no matter how broke you are, it is helpful to see someone who can get you on the right track. I’m 31 and debt free now! When looking into loans and finance advisers, you’ll need to do your research and learn to understand the alternative lenders and options you have. I have also learned a lot about managing money and utility…

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