My Fav Tech Gifts from the 2016 Telus Holiday Guide

Christmas is just over a week away and there’s a good chance you still have few people on your nice list (including yourself!). ?? Telus has a ton of amazing gifts you can buy online or from one of their interactive stores across Canada. You’ve gotta check out the Eaton Centre store in Toronto if you haven’t yet, theres heaps of things for your home, travel, audio, AND toys, aside from phone stuff. Last year I got a Nest thermostat, amazing JBL speaker, great USB cables, and a MIP robot for the child. Here’s a few of MY FAVS from the 2016 Telus Gift Guide. These are all things I’ve gifted or been given in the last year – Fitbit, Instax camera, BB8, and the PureGear Metallic Cable. BB8 Sphero Robot – $189.99 Last weekend I surprised Embot with a tiny little BB8 Droit. She loves Star Wars and robots. BB8 comes with a stand for charging and connects to Force Band through the app on your phone via Bluetooth. Once connected, you use THE FORCE to push, pull, and control BB-8 like Em is doing here. She’s been having so much fun using to guide him around the house. He can easily go over carpet, rug, tile and wood floors too. Instax Mini 8 Camera – $99 This camera is great. A total hit at holiday parties and with the parents. I took photos of everyone at mums one Christmas and this year I’ve packaged up some stuff to send back to New Zealand filled with Instax prints from the last few months. You can order one of these online or pick up at a Telus store. They’ve got the Instax Mini 8 cam available in Rose Gold, Blue, Black, and white. See this post for an #InstaxHolidays giveaway + Twitter party details for tonight!  Fitbit 2 Charge  –…

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Bachelorette Canada Best Tweets via Twitter Moments

Well, well well, did you watch Bachelorette Canada last night?! I watched most of it by myself and then Sean came home. He always says ‘urghhh, not this show‘ but then he watched it with me and his commentary was some of the very best. Last night there was another helicopter date, the guys did ‘manly’ things like carry logs and chop wood, they gave Jasmine massages, and went in the hot tub. It was pretty steamy! Was funny watching them struggle doing outdoorsy jobs, Sean does that stuff at the cottage all the time!  As you know my FAV part about the show is tweeting along with the hashtag and posting comments as the drama unfolds. It’s so funny. I love how fast the internet reaxting to things with memes, GIFs, and jokes. Years ago when I worked at Much/MTV I thought I had the best job watching TV and tweeting all day at my desk. Now through my partnership with Two Oceans Canada, my job is to sit on my own couch, drink wine, and tweet the show. Lesson to be learned: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS GUYS!  Yesterday I went to the Twitter Canada head office and one of the things I learned is everyone can now create Moments on Twitter. Until recently, this feature was reserved for Twitter and major news outlets. So, I created a Twitter Moment of my fav tweets from show last night. Best Tweets from #bacheloretteCA! ? For next week’s ep I’ll be in Arizona so I wont get to watch live but I’ll tune on online for the recap. Check out the Watch Kit for downloads and recipes to whip up a perfect cocktail to go along wth the show, or whenever really! For info on Two Oceans Wine Canada visit twooceanswines.com. Until next time, keep fit & have fun! ?????   *…

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Guilty Pleasures! ? Bachelorette Canada & Wine! ?

Tuesday this week was the premiere of Bachelorette Canada and I watched and tweeted along with the rest of the country (it was trending!). Yes, I know these ‘looking for love‘ shows are a bit silly but I GOD DAMNIT just love them for the commentary and chatting away on Twitter. I started show tweeting when I worked at MUCH & MTV 6 years ago, it really takes the TV watching experience to the next level. If you could have a glass of wine with any of the bachelors, who would it be? #BacheloretteCA #TogetherWithTwoOceans pic.twitter.com/dnmALJtMC2 — TwoOceansWineCA (@twooceanswineCA) September 14, 2016 In case you didn’t notice during the commercial breaks, Two Oceans Wine is one of the sponsors and they graciously sent me a couple bottles & goodies to enhance my viewing experience. I’ve partnered with them to share my thoughts on Twitter and the blog throughout the season. The things is, wine goes really well with show tweeting. It’s like hanging out at a party, making new friends, laughing, all the while sitting on your couch with a blanket and snacks. I would say I probably posted 20+ tweets during the 1.5 hour premiere!  #BacheloretteCA Premiere Fav Moments This is Canada’s first season of The Bachelorette, where Janine Poplak (from Vancouver) met 20 dudes, and gave out 15 roses. Some of my fav moments from the premiere below. Bachelor Kevin P. played a little tune on his ukulele and I quite enjoyed it. Side note, I have a uke and my goal is to learn to play by Christmas. Whoa Kevin + ukulele that was cute #bacheloretteca #TwoOceansWineCA — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) September 14, 2016 Her dress was gorgeous. Look at that long train! ???? Kevin W gave her a high five when he got out of the limo, haha. This was a cute moment when…

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Christmas in July is Fun

I love the holidays and yes I know they are months away BUT that doesn’t mean we can’t think about decorating or throw fake snow in a 360 camera rig. ???? I went to holiday events for Hudson Bay, Sears, and Canadian Tire recently and they were all quite lovely. The Sears preview at Story’s Building smelled like Christmas when you walked in and had live music from Kat’s band Lady be Good. They had a holiday house setup with different rooms filled with all the housewares from Debby Travis, new clothes in the Jessica line, and a kids room filled with toys and clothes. I took at seat at the art station for kids and left a pretty pink holiday drawing. There was a lot of nice stuff especially the housewares, its been a loooong time since I checked out a Sears and this was a nice nostalgia Time to party! @casiestewart is in the #searsfalliday house making holiday #art, scouting out cool #fashions and #homefurnishings, and bringing good cheer! #cocktails #toronto A photo posted by Deborah Weinstein (@deborahweinstein) on Jul 19, 2016 at 2:58pm PDT Having holiday fun at the @Searsholiday house! Made a lil'card in the kids room ?? #SearsFalliday pic.twitter.com/M2EnC0xYLn — CASiE STEWART (@casiestewart) July 19, 2016 The HBC preview was at Arcadian Court and little less interactive but there was heaps of stuff I’ve added to my wishlist. HBC has some great stuff coming for the holidays and late September they’ll have toys in store. There’s a whole collection of new items added to the traditions HBC stripes including puffer jackets and jammies. I was really feeling the Wrap Me paper you can have customized at HBC on Queen Street with your own images. As soon as I walked into Canadian Tire’s Christmas in July I could smell…

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Had Dinner w/ Montes Wine and Now I Wanna Go to Chile

Wine Wednesday? Perfect time for this story! A couple weeks ago I attended a media dinner with one of the winemakers from Montes Wine. After hosting a tasting and doing a giveaway of the wine earlier this year, it was really neat to hear personal stories about the family business. (I’d tasted a *few* glasses and read so much before the dinner!) I joined a few bloggers for dinner in a private room at Red’s in the Financial District. We sipped wines from their vast selection while the winemaker told stories about his father and the partners getting started in 1987. A few things stood out about the history of Montes and how they came to be the pioneer producer of premium quality Chilean wine. One thing I loved is that he was really into skydiving and his father was a pilot. They would fly around the area looking for good soil, the son would jump out of the plane, check the soil, and they’d go from there. Some of their wines are now produced in soil they found together. He also said they used to have men and women sort the grapes but the men would always get distracted by sports, start talking, and stop working. The women who sort the grapes (by hand) are able to chat and work at the same time with no disruptions. Ha! The four founders grew Montes from nothing to now being sold in more than 100 countries. They helped put Chile wine on the map. I would loooooove to visit Chile. The winery looks beautiful and I want to see all the things they’ve done to be sustainable. They use grazing animals (llama and sheep), have responsible waste management, a biodiversity program, and heaps more. ??? I’m secretly hoping they invite me to visit!  Theres a few different types of Montes Wine avail at the LCBO. BTW…

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Muskoka For The Win, Amazing Cottage Weekend ✔️

It’s like a mini vacation with every visit, like hitting the reset button. ?????? Today Sean and I had the best day, ice cream and a car show, then Grand Electric Muskoka for tacos and ceviche. ??? TBH I like the Grand Electric Muskoka vibe WAY better than the Queen West location, not as loud and the staff are higher on the chill scale.?

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Telus + Mother’s Day: What’s The Best Mother’s Day Present Ever?

This post was original written last year and we did a giveaway. In honour of Mother’s Day this year I wanted to share it again because I love the video so much! Mother’s Day is always a super special day for both my mum and I because I was born on Mother’s Day! What a great gift! haha. No, in all seriousness, I’m mum’s first born and there was some complications during my birth where she nearly died. Thank heavens we both made it, she’s the biggest inspiration in my life and I am so thankful for her. ILU MUM. ?

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Anamaya Resort – Welcome to the Jungle, Pura Vida!

Good morning from Anamaya Retreats in Costa Rica! Yesterday was our first full day here and it was magnificent. I’m really making an effort to take a digital detox on this trip but documenting is something I love. I’m running on wifi and often not able to connect with the online world. I’ve been taking photos, making notes, voice recordings, I wanna remember all my thoughts and feeling on this journey. It’s absolutely beautiful, photos don’t do it justice! Feels good to be back on the yoga mat too, I’ve been a bit slack this winter and this trip is like hitting the reset button. Our menu this week is all gluten free and local, Anamaya has a farm that we’re visiting Wednesday to see where a lot of our food comes from. We are staying in a treehouse that is 50ft up with a yoga/hammock deck, and a loft bedroom. It’s the most beautiful treehouse I’ve ever been into, it’s fully equipped a king size bed, drinkable running water, and AC. It’s giving us some good inspiration to build one at the cottage.

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Speaking | United Nations IWD 2016 & Planet 50-50

This past weekend I was joined by mum and my sister for an event with the United Nations Association of Canada where I spoke on a panel for IWD 2016. Although International Women’s Day was on March 8th, we celebrated the economic, political, cultural, and social achievements of women in an afternoon at the Fairmont Royal York. Visiting the Royal York was always so iconic growing up and to be speaking there as a grown up felt pretty neat. Having my family there made it even more special. The first question I answered from the stage was about inspiration and I proudly shared things mum taught me and a quote from her. [symple_testimonial by=”” fade_in=”false”]Just because you don’t have money, doesn’t mean you can’t compete, you just have to be more creative. – Judith Stewart, my mum[/symple_testimonial]

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Speaking | International Women’s Day Panel at United Nations Toronto

Excited to announce I’m speaking at the annual United Nations Association in Canada event for International Women’s Day. I’ve invited my mum, my favourite teacher from grade 8, and my sister will be there too. I’d love to see some more familiar faces! Bring your mum, your bff, your BF, or come solo and hang out with us. The event is at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 12- 4:30 pm.  My panel is about Women and Entrepreneurialism. The discussion will be led by other female entrepreneurs including Jacquila Rose, Melissa Macher, Morgan Toombs, and singer/songwriter Domanique Grant (who will also be performing). About The Event: Step Up for Parity: The Global Pledge towards planet 50-50 The United Nations Association of Canada, Toronto region invites you to the annual International Women’s Day event. The event will feature a series of panel discussions that will focus on the significant contributions that women have made in the economic, political, cultural and social sectors. The first panel will highlight non-profit organizations with key note speakers from North York Women’s Shelter, Plan Canada and White Ribbon, who will explain what they are doing to promote women’s rights.  The second panel will have a discussion on female leaders in the workforce, and the third panel will cover women and entrepreneurialism with a discussion led by entrepreneurs such as, Jacquila Rose, Melissa Macher and Casie Stewart.

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This Is My Life | Photoshoot w/ Motorola = #Motoshoot!

Last night I popped over to the East end for a shoot with Motorola inside the studios at 388 Carlaw. A bunch of bloggers & Toronto influencers were welcomed to try on the new Moto 360 watch and get shot by none other than legendary fashion & celebrity photogrpaher Mike Ruiz.  Who is a totally hot babe btw! Nothing quite like bright lights and a famous photog to spice up an otherwise rainy day. The night was hosted by She Does the City and the set was super fun with vibrant colours and shiny balloons. It got reallllll cute tonight! ???? Was neat to be shot by legendary photographer @mikeruizone. Thanks @motorolacanada & @shedoesthecity for the fun + goodies! #motoshoot #moto360 #fbloggers A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Oct 28, 2015 at 6:14pm PDT Mr. Ruiz was shooting us with the new Moto X Play phone. It has a 21MP rear camera and 5MP front facing camera. It also has a water resistant coating (useful is you’re a bit klutzy!). I can’t wait to see all the snaps he took.   We all came home with the Motorola 360 Watch and the Moto X Play phone. I picked Rose Gold to match my new iPhone 6s. It’s really pretty! The Android Wear app is in the Apple Store now and connects your Apple device to the watch. Thanks Motorola Canada + She Does the city for a fun night w/ Mike Ruiz. I love when things get real cute!

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TIFF | Premiere of ‘The Meddler’ & Festival Music House  

Yesterday I went to the premiere of The Meddler starring Susan Sarandon, JK Simmons, and Rose Bryne. It was so good, laughed, cried. Great movie to take your mum to when it comes out in theatres in a few weeks.         Later I the day I saw Brave Shores, Allie X, and Dear Rouge at Festival Music House. Allie X was amazing. I’m in love now.     Finished the night off at a new spot called CANDYLAND for the world premiere party of GUILTY. I was really excited to check it out because 1) it’s not open to the public yet 2) they have circus style performers (apparently) and cirque-type acts. It was ok. Kinda disappointed tbh. Will give them another chance though!  In other news, I’m pooped. After tonight’s event I’m ready to hibernate for winter. ? ? CASIE

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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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Yellow Pages Next Home x MD Media Shoot 

Yesterday I  on set for a full day shooting 2 commercials that you’ll be able to see very soon. I’m working with MD Media again on a couple ads that will be YouTube pre-rolls so if you see my face in the first 3 seconds, don’t skip!    I absolutely love being on location, having my makeup done etc. Worked with a great MUA named Julie, she also had a sweet, slightly French accent. Thanks girl! My first look was very casual and natural.      The second was when things got really fun.  Took off most the makeup, you can see I got a bit of a tan this weekend.    Then we applied Triumph & Distaster volcanic ash face mask scrub.  This stuff smells amazing and it’s from New Zealand!! I was sent it a few weeks back but hadn’t tried it. You can now find it in Canada.       We were shooting at this great place in Rosedale that backed onto a forest. The birds were chirping away all day, loved it.    Looking forward to laughing and probably being a bit embarrassed when these come out. I’m always a little nervous/excited for new on camera projects! 🎥❤️ CASIE   

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